Chapter 207: Meet

Xiao Yu held Chen Mo's hand as they stood at the entrance of the hotel. Both were dressed in matching couple outfits, with masks covering their faces—blending into the crowd unnoticed.

Soon, a car pulled up in front of the hotel. When the doors opened, Xiao Yu immediately stepped forward to greet the three people who stepped out.

It was her parents and younger sister.

Chen Mo had called them the day before. Originally, he and Xiao Yu had gone to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get their marriage certificate, but their parents had decided they should all meet formally before proceeding. So Chen Mo arranged for the Black Hawk to pick them up and bring them to the hotel.

"Uncle, Auntie," Chen Mo greeted politely.

"Soon to be brother-in-law," Xiao Man teased with a grin.

Chen Mo smiled, choosing not to respond.

"Let's head in," said He Zhenghua, glancing around discreetly. "Given Xiao Mo's identity, it's better to keep a low profile."

Ever since word got out that Xiao Yu was dating Chen Mo, relatives who rarely visited had started showing up at their door one after another. And while He Zhenghua was glad his daughter had found such a good partner, he couldn't shake the unease in his heart. The gap between their families was too wide—he feared Xiao Yu might suffer grievances in the future.

After checking in, Chen Mo led everyone to the reserved private room in the hotel.

Inside, Chen Shanhe was already waiting. Alongside him were Zhang Yang, Shao Zhen, and, of course, Zhang Xinxin.

"Old He, long time no see!" Zhang Yang stood up and greeted him warmly. "We must have a good drink today."

"Absolutely." A smile finally broke through He Zhenghua's reserved expression.

"Dad, Uncle Zhang, come sit," Xiao Yu said.

"Looks like Xiao Yu's already settling into the role of hostess," Zhang Yang teased.

Xiao Yu blushed, and the others chuckled, lightening the mood.

He Zhenghua and Wang Lan took their seats. Chen Mo and Xiao Yu sat next to each other. With ten people from the three families, the large round table didn't feel crowded at all.

"Xiao Mo and Xiao Yu are registering their marriage tomorrow," said Chen Shanhe, opening the conversation. "Have you two been informed?"

"Yes," He Zhenghua replied. "They've already told us."

"Xiao Yu is such a thoughtful, intelligent girl—she's truly a blessing. I liked her from the first time I saw her. Our whole family supports them. We'd intended to come visit personally and formally propose, but Zhang Yang told us you were already coming, so we booked a place here," said Chen Mo's mother, smiling warmly.

"I won't lie," Wang Lan admitted. "Ever since we learned Xiao Yu was dating Chen Mo, it's been a bit chaotic in our home. We didn't want unnecessary gossip, so we kept things quiet."

It was clear this was an important moment. The parents were now formally meeting and discussing the future, while Chen Mo and Xiao Yu quietly sat and listened.

Xiao Man and Zhang Xinxin had both lowered their heads, staring at the expensive table setting. The luxury of the hotel was not lost on them.

"These things don't matter," Zhang Yang said, trying to ease any tension. "Today is about the kids."

Chen Mo's mother nodded. Zhang Yang had already explained Xiao Yu's family background, so she understood Wang Lan's concerns. "Let me officially say this on behalf of our family—we'll treat Xiao Yu like our own daughter."

Hearing this, He Zhenghua and Wang Lan finally relaxed. Their expressions softened considerably.

"Xiao Mo and Xiao Yu met in college, and Xiao Mo is talented and responsible," Wang Lan added with a nod. "We're happy with their relationship."

"Wonderful."

Now that everyone was on the same page, the atmosphere turned much more relaxed. Zhang Yang and Shao Zhen looked delighted—after all, one family was a long-time friend, and the other, a dear niece. And the couple themselves were both outstanding.

"A bride price of 13,000 yuan, as per local custom—for good luck," Wang Lan stated, taking the initiative.

She feared the Chen family might insist on something too lavish. She knew Chen Mo didn't lack money, and even if they'd asked for a million, he might've agreed. But they were marrying off a daughter, not selling her. That principle was clear in her mind.

"That's perfectly fine," Chen Mo's mother agreed without hesitation, her smile bright. "We can settle the rest of the details when we plan the wedding. From now on, we're family."

"Xiao Mo, did you hear that? Time to address them properly," Zhang Yang teased with a laugh.

Chen Mo stood up, raising his glass. "Dad, Mom, I'll take good care of Xiao Yu. I promise she'll never be mistreated."

"Good. We're entrusting her to you," said He Zhenghua, his eyes misty. Despite his worries, he knew his daughter had found a good home.

"Dad, Mom, I'll also take care of you like Chen Mo does with his parents," Xiao Yu added softly, also raising her glass toward Chen Mo's parents.

Chen Shanhe beamed. He looked ten years younger from joy alone. "If he dares to bully you, just come tell me. I'll take care of him!"

Everyone at the table laughed.

"Come on, everyone. Let's toast. From now on, we're all family," said Chen Shanhe, lifting his glass toward He Zhenghua.

"Cheers!" He Zhenghua smiled and raised his glass.

"Sister, you're not just a 'prospective' brother-in-law now—you're the real deal," Xiao Man said with a grin to Chen Mo.

"Sis-in-law, when are you two having a baby?" Zhang Xinxin asked with a giggle, setting down a chicken drumstick. "I want to be an aunt!"

"I want to be a little aunt too!" Xiao Man chimed in.

The room erupted in laughter. Xiao Yu turned beet red.

"We'll let nature take its course. Kids come when they come," Chen Mo said, helping Xiao Yu out with a smile.

The dinner went smoothly. Everyone was in good spirits as they left.

On the ride home, Chen Mo approached Zhang Yang about something.

"Uncle Zhang, it's time for you to retire from fishing. Let's open some supermarkets or hotels instead. You lead, I'll invest. My dad has nothing to do at home anyway—it'll be good for him to stay active."

Zhang Yang thought for a moment and nodded. "Let me talk to your dad. If he's okay with it, I'm in."

"Alright. Just let me know how much you'll need when the time comes," Chen Mo said.

Back at home, Xiao Yu handed her parents a property deed.

"This is the house in Huacheng. You can live here from now on—it'll save you from moving around constantly."

"You bought this?" He Zhenghua frowned. "We can't accept it. People will say we only agreed to this marriage because of Chen Mo's money."

"Dad, do you still see Chen Mo as an outsider?" Xiao Yu said, unsurprised by his reaction. She knew her father's temperament well.

"It's not about that," He Zhenghua replied firmly. "We just can't accept something so valuable."

Wang Lan and Xiao Man stayed quiet—major family matters were always left to him.

"You won't be living with us. Chen Mo and I are in Binhai. The house will just sit empty. It's better if you're nearby—it'll be easier for us to visit. Otherwise, we'll always be traveling back and forth, and Chen Mo's schedule is always packed."

"We still can't take it," He Zhenghua insisted. "If you two ever argue, we'll lose our footing. We appreciate the thought, but we've saved enough over the years. We can manage a down payment ourselves."

"Dad, it wasn't Chen Mo—it was me," Xiao Yu admitted. "He wanted to buy one, but I said no. This was paid for with my own salary."

"Chen Mo doesn't need to spend a cent. I'm not marrying him for money. I'm giving this to you with my own earnings. Don't you want to be close to your daughter?"

"…Alright," He Zhenghua finally relented. "From now on, you and Xiao Man handle things for your mother and me."