“This is Aunt Zeng, she has taken care of me since I was little.”

Madam Zeng had been working as a housekeeper at Zhou Cheng’s home for many years. When Zhou Cheng was just a month old, Guan Hui’e returned to work, leaving him mostly in Madam Zeng’s care. She wasn’t just a simple housekeeper. Xia Xiaolan also greeted her politely: “Hello, Aunt Zeng.”

Her voice startled Madam Zeng, who took a moment before remembering to invite Xia Xiaolan in.

Xia Xiaolan carried the lighter gifts in her left hand, while Zhou Cheng held the watermelon and other items. Both of them froze when they entered the Zhou residence.

The layout of Zhou Cheng’s house featured a double-height living room on the first floor. Though the decoration wasn’t luxurious and the furniture showed its age, the overall atmosphere was impressive. However, even the most spacious living room would feel cramped with more than ten people – Xia Xiaolan felt nervous. Wasn’t this supposed to be just a casual meal with Zhou Cheng’s parents? With so many people here, it seemed like every Zhou family member had shown up!

Xia Xiaolan recognized Zhou Yi, who stood next to an elderly lady with graying hair.

Zhou Cheng also experienced a brief moment of surprise but quickly recovered: “Since everyone’s here today, it’s perfect timing for you all to meet my girlfriend Xiaolan. Xiaolan, these are my grandparents.”

Though Grandfather Zhou had been retired for several years, he still carried a naturally imposing presence. No one in the Zhou family dared to cause trouble with him, and even Zhou Yi felt her little schemes would be seen through by the old man.

Most people’s legs would tremble under Grandfather Zhou’s gaze; even his granddaughter didn’t dare to meet his eyes directly.

Xia Xiaolan knew this elderly man had once held a high position. Given her humble beginnings in this life – even in her previous life when she had worked her way up to become President Xia – she never had the opportunity to speak with Zhou Cheng’s grandfather… But now the situation was different. She wasn’t here to ask for any favors from Grandfather Zhou; she was Zhou Cheng’s girlfriend, brought home to meet the family. Having no ulterior motives, Xia Xiaolan could naturally remain composed.

“Hello, Grandfather Zhou, hello, Grandmother.”

When Grandfather Zhou’s gaze met Xia Xiaolan’s, her eyes showed warmth, respect, and confidence, but notably lacked subservience.

She didn’t avoid Grandfather Zhou’s gaze!

Grandfather Zhou responded with a light “mm.” This girl was very beautiful, perhaps excessively so at first glance, with an inherent allure. However, her eyes showed righteousness, though with a hint of defiance – not the type to quietly stay at home as a traditional wife and mother.

Grandmother Zhou was much more welcoming. Why do young girls nowadays dress so plainly? In her time, they wore blue and black simply because there were no other colors available. Xia Xiaolan wore a red dress that complemented her tall figure and fair skin. Her cheeks carried a natural flush, and her hair was healthy and glossy. Though slim, she wasn’t sickly.

What did a grandmother look for in a potential granddaughter-in-law? Just health and appearance.

Grandmother Zhou didn’t care much about family background. Her eldest grandson’s happiness was what mattered most.

“Welcome, welcome, make yourself at home.”

Grandmother Zhou’s first impression of Xia Xiaolan was quite positive. Only insecure families would worry about a daughter-in-law being too beautiful. If the Zhou family couldn’t handle someone as stunning as Xia Xiaolan, who could?

Xia Xiaolan noticed Grandmother Zhou’s fondness and gave the elderly lady an extra smile, which delighted her. Despite earlier intentions to maintain formality, how could she remain distant now? With Grandmother Zhou displaying such an attitude, other family members would find it difficult to give Xia Xiaolan a hard time.

Zhou Cheng made introductions in turn: present in the living room were his aunt (his uncle’s wife), his cousin Zhou Yi, his two aunts, and several cousins from both sides. Among the male elders, besides Grandfather Zhou, only Zhou Cheng’s youngest aunt’s husband was present. His uncle and second aunt’s husband were nowhere to be seen.

His parents were also absent.

While others scrutinized her, Xia Xiaolan was waiting to meet the main figures.

Just then, a tall, slim woman descended the stairs. “Zhou Cheng, you’re back. I just called your father; he might be a little late getting home.”

Like mother, like son – with Zhou Cheng’s looks, Guan Hui’e couldn’t be plain either.

However, Guan Hui’e had a rather dignified appearance, appearing somewhat stern when not smiling – a complete contrast to Xia Xiaolan’s type.

“Mom, I was looking for you. I’ve brought Xiaolan home.”

Guan Hui’e’s gaze fell on Xia Xiaolan. How to put it? Xia Xiaolan was both what she had imagined and somehow different.

The red dress matched her expectation of someone bold and striking. The difference lay in her bearing – Xia Xiaolan stood there without cowering or glancing around nervously, unlike what one might expect from an unsophisticated country girl!

“Hello, Auntie. I’m Xiaolan.”

Xia Xiaolan didn’t rush to flatter her, which actually left Guan Hui’e somewhat dazed. Part of her felt this was exactly the kind of girl her son should choose, while another part doubted that a rural family could produce such a refined young woman. Had Zhou Cheng spent considerable money to polish her up since they started dating?

“Yes, hello. Welcome to our home. Please join Grandmother in the living room for a chat; dinner will be ready soon.”

Though Guan Hui’e seemed slightly distracted, her expression wasn’t unfriendly, which relieved Zhou Cheng. He wasn’t afraid of his family’s opposition – it wouldn’t matter; he would still be with Xiaolan. He feared they might humiliate Xiaolan, causing his wife-to-be to leave him in anger!

Zhou Cheng hadn’t expected so many people today; he glanced at Xia Xiaolan apologetically, asking for her understanding.

Xia Xiaolan thought to herself that she’d settle accounts with him later – now wasn’t the time to lose face.

Back in the living room, Grandmother Zhou pulled her to sit nearby.

Zhou Yi had to move aside as Grandmother Zhou now focused entirely on her potential granddaughter-in-law: “Come sit by Grandmother. I’ve long heard from Xiaoyi about Zhou Cheng’s girlfriend and wanted to meet you. Finally, I get to see you!”

With Grandmother Zhou being so warm, Xia Xiaolan was happy to follow the elderly lady’s lead. The old lady wasn’t senile – what harm was there in answering questions about her hometown, age, and such?

Just nineteen is a suitable age match for Zhou Cheng.

Being from a rural background wasn’t an issue – in Grandfather Zhou’s generation, the Zhou family had also been peasants.

The long-distance aspect concerned Grandmother Zhou though: “Zhou Cheng’s profession is special, so please be understanding and accommodating in the future. Have you considered working in Beijing? It would put you closer to Zhou Cheng, and Grandmother could see you more often.”

Grandmother Zhou spoke tactfully, mindful of Xia Xiaolan’s dignity, which touched her deeply. Zhou Cheng’s grandmother was truly kind.

Zhou Yi commented sourly, “Grandmother, you’re playing favorites. I don’t see you showing such concern about my work! Xiaolan’s so young, why not let her enjoy a couple more carefree years?”

What kind of work could Xia Xiaolan find? Zhou Yi noticed that nothing on her was cheap – the red dress was a high-end department store item, the leather peep-toe sandals were premium quality, and she carried a small shoulder bag. The entire outfit must have cost several hundred yuan at least. Zhou Cheng had even taken her for Japanese food last time. Being with Zhou Cheng dramatically improved this country girl’s living standards.

Xia Xiaolan didn’t want to embarrass anyone, but Zhou Yi’s constant chatter was irritating.

“I-“

“Grandmother, actually Xiaolan will be coming to Beijing for university in September. She was originally going to study in Shanghai, but she changed to Beijing for my sake. She’s already being very accommodating!”