Chapter 461 Discussing Marriage Matters
Zi Yi Sheng was lying on his wife's lap, chatting idly, when his chubby son woke up again. The little guy was almost three months old now and was truly fed to be very fat, finishing all his "stored food" at every meal.
Ye Sheng Ge felt that in less than a month, the little fatty would need formula every day. Once he was weaned at six months, she would be officially liberated.
After more than two months of training, the little fatty's father could now tell why he was crying almost instantly.
In any case, Zi Yi Sheng, who doted on his wife, rarely let her handle things, which resulted in Ye Sheng Ge still not daring to bathe the child alone, always feeling like he might slip from her arms.
The little fatty now also recognized people. Although his father put in a lot of effort, it couldn't stop his mother, who provided nourishment daily. He might stay with his father for a few minutes while he was cleaned up, but after that, he needed to be held by his mother.
It was more than half a month later when Luo Ba arrived in Chun Cheng. As soon as he got off the train, he saw his daughter standing with a tall and handsome man. Luo Ba deeply felt that his daughter had married up and was truly blessed.
"Dad, here, here."
Luo Xue Li jumped and waved, afraid her father wouldn't see her. Bai Chu Fan gently pushed the bouncing girl toward a less crowded area and quickly stepped forward to take the luggage from his future father-in-law's hands.
"Uncle Luo, you've been through trouble. I'll take the luggage."
"You are Bai Chu Fan?"
Bai Chu Fan took the two large bags and nodded with a smile.
"Yes, Uncle Luo, let's get out of the station first. It's too crowded here to talk comfortably."
Luo Ba saw his daughter looking at him expectantly not far away and quickly rushed over.
"My dear daughter!"
"Dad, sob, sob, I miss you so much."
Luo Xue Li genuinely missed her father, as he was the only one in the entire family who truly cared for her.
Luo Ba's eyes also reddened. He touched his daughter's hair and smiled, saying,
"Your face hasn't lost any weight at all. It seems you're living quite well."
"Of course. I eat at Chu Fan's house every day, and Chu Fan even arranged easy work for me with the village chief. My life is going very well."
Luo Ba was completely reassured. Just looking at his daughter's state, he knew she was doing well.
After leaving the station, Bai Chu Fan directly led them to the side of a sedan car. Seeing this, Luo Ba was truly convinced that his daughter had found a powerful patron, and he couldn't help but feel proud. Those relatives had mocked him, saying his factory director's daughter was marrying into the countryside.
Hmph! He believed that one day the Bai family would return to Ming Cheng, and he would make those who mocked his daughter regret it.
Luo Ba sat in the car with his chest puffed out. Seeing his daughter follow Bai Chu Fan behind like a silly girl, he helplessly shook his head. She was also a silly girl completely dominated by her man. He could only pray that his future son-in-law would dote on his daughter more.
After putting away the luggage, Bai Chu Fan shooed the silly girl following him into the car. With her own father here, why was she still following him? Wasn't she afraid her father would be jealous?
Bai Chu Fan got into the car and skillfully started it. He had deliberately brought out the car reserved for county use today, not to show off, but to ensure that his future father-in-law and future wife wouldn't suffer on the road, as it was still more than a four-hour drive to Bai Rong Village.
"The environment here is indeed different from the north. It's already starting to get warm."
Luo Ba, wearing only a single shirt, didn't feel cold. In Ming Cheng, they were still wearing cotton-padded clothes.
"Hehe, isn't it nice here? And there are many fruits, unlike back home where it's hard to buy even a little fruit. When you go home, Dad, take some back for the family to eat."
Luo Ba smiled and nodded, but his heart felt a pang of sadness. He had previously thought that if his daughter married well and had the ability later, she could help her brothers out a bit, as even what leaked from the cracks of their fingers would be enough to help them significantly.
But he never expected that when he simply asked if his two sons wanted to come and see Xue Li, his eldest son said he had to work and taking leave would mean a deduction in salary, and he only gave twenty yuan as a betrothal gift. The youngest was still a child, but he had also been spoiled by his mother, saying there was no good food in the countryside and he didn't want to suffer.
Luo Ba's heart grew cold. Neither of his sons had even inquired if their sister (or elder sister) was doing well in the countryside, whether the person she found treated her well, let alone come to support their daughter.
Luo Ba knew it was his failure, not teaching his wife well, that resulted in her spoiling their two sons into being selfish. However, Luo Ba had also come to terms with it; everyone had their own fate. Who could have predicted that his daughter would find such a good family on her own?
Since his sons had gone astray, he wouldn't let them be an annoyance. They would live their own lives from now on. His daughter had no obligation to help them; they had to pave their own way.
"Don't think about them. Just live well yourself."
Luo Xue Li's smile flickered slightly before she grinned carefree again.
"But I want Dad to eat more. I'll mail some dried fruits to your unit later, and you can eat them slowly in your office."
"Hahahaha, good, you're still my good daughter."
Bai Chu Fan hooked his lips. It seemed his future wife was also a bit of a pushover, but once she married into his family, no one would dare to bully her.
By the time they reached Bai Rong Village, it was already evening. The Bai family had most of the dishes prepared. As soon as the people arrived, they only needed to pour the dishes that needed stir-frying into the pots, so they wouldn't miss a hot meal.
Ye Ma also came to her maiden home today. After all, her elder nephew's future father-in-law was coming, and she also wanted to see what kind of person he was.
Ye Sheng Ge originally wanted to join the fun too, but her husband stopped her, saying it would be too many people if she went. She could visit later. Since her husband wouldn't let her go, she didn't insist.
Looking at the environment of Bai Rong Village, Luo Ba saw vast stretches of rice fields. Thinking that his daughter had to work every day, he felt a bit of distress.
"Uncle Luo, from this house onwards, they are all our own people, so Xue Li won't be bullied in the village."
Luo Ba glanced over and saw a total of four large courtyards. The two slightly smaller ones were probably for families with fewer people.
"I heard Xue Li say that your family members all live together. It's good to have each other for support, and they won't be bullied by the villagers."
Bai Chu Fan looked at his future father-in-law and smiled. It seemed he knew a little something.
"Yes, there are dozens of people in total. No one is willing to cause trouble. Besides, the villagers are also very good. Life is relatively peaceful."
"That's good. Safety is most important right now."
Hearing the car, the Bai elder uncle and his brothers came out to greet them. Their attitudes were very warm, which surprised Luo Ba. He had thought that wealthy families might have some airs, but these people had none at all, giving him ample respect.
"Xue Li's father, it's truly too much for you to travel such a long distance. We should have been the ones to visit."
As the current head of the family, Bai elder uncle, whose son was getting married, was the most enthusiastic host.
"It's all for the children. Who comes is the same?"
"Hahahaha, quickly, come inside. I'll introduce you. Our family is large, so you might not recognize everyone at first."
"It's good to have a large family. It signifies prosperity."
"You're right. Once Xue Li joins the family, there will be one more."
Luo Xue Li smiled and walked into the kitchen. She didn't need to worry about her father; a person who had been a deputy factory director for many years was skilled at dealing with people.
"Xue Li, don't busy yourself. Go and sit with your father so he doesn't feel uncomfortable."
"No need, he's very comfortable."
Bai elder uncle's wife liked this daughter-in-law's straightforwardness. She had no hidden agendas, always had a smile on her face, and also had her own boundaries and temper.
"Then you don't need to do any work. The kitchen is already crowded. Go and sit with your grandmother so she doesn't get bored."
"Okay, I'll go chat with Grandma. By the way, isn't Sheng Ge coming today? I see they've made a lot of delicious food."
Actually, Luo Xue Li wanted Sheng Ge to come and keep her company. Being the only girl in the house, she was afraid no one would talk to her at the dinner table later.
"If you want Sheng Ge to come, go and call her yourself. They probably haven't eaten yet."
"Then I'll go now, before they start eating."
Ye Ma also liked her future niece-in-law's lively demeanor. Her family lacked girls, and her own daughter had no playmates. Before, there was Chen Tang Tang, but after getting married and having children, she had less time.
Ye Sheng Ge was holding her son and wandering around the courtyard. Her husband, who had just started a fire to prepare dinner, saw a little cannonball waddle in after feeding.
"Sheng Ge, let's go to Grandma's house for dinner. There's a lot of delicious food!"
Ye Sheng Ge smiled and pointed to the kitchen.
"Your father has already started cooking. We won't go today. You guys still have marriage matters to discuss. I'll visit Uncle tomorrow."
"Oh, what's there to visit? My father just likes lively occasions. If you go, you can also have Yong You's father drink with him. I see several bottles of wine have already been brought out."
Ye Sheng Ge turned and glanced at her husband. It seemed it was the first time someone had dared to ask him to entertain guests.
Zi Yi Sheng walked out at this moment, washing the ash from his hands.
"Let's go, let's go eat the ready meal."
Ye Sheng Ge felt that this person was being strange. He had been holding her back from joining the fun just now, and now he had suddenly changed his mind.
Well, the man of the house made the decisions. What could she do? She was the one who didn't do any of the work.
"Let me hold little Yong You. I haven't held him for several days."
Ye Sheng Ge never shielded her children. She felt it was good for children to interact with more people, which could make them sturdy and enhance their immunity. Children kept locked up indoors were not good.
Ye Sheng Ge gently handed her sleeping son to Luo Xue Li. After all, she had held him many times before, so there were no safety concerns.
Zi Yi Sheng soon came out with the "mom bag," carrying two bottles of Maotai in his other hand.
The atmosphere in the main hall of the Bai family was very good. Luo Ba could chat with anyone, and everyone was in high spirits and felt at ease.
But the moment Zi Yi Sheng entered the room, Luo Ba first froze, then rubbed his eyes, and then, upon hearing Zi Yi Sheng's name, his whole body stiffened.
Especially when Zi Yi Sheng extended his hand to him, Luo Ba didn't even know how he had shaken hands.
Luo Xue Li, watching from the side, was confused. She looked Zi Yi Sheng up and down. He seemed fine; he was still the same person.
Everyone noticed Luo Ba's sudden stiffness but didn't explain much. Zi Yi Sheng rarely appeared in public before, but he liked to stay in each city for a period. They understood that Luo Ba might have attended meetings organized by Zi Yi Sheng.
And indeed, Luo Ba had met Director Zi at a meeting before, but at that time, he was at the very end, without even a chance to show his face.
However, no one exposed it, and the atmosphere soon returned to normal. Only Luo Xue Li was still confused, but she didn't dwell on it, holding little Yong You tightly.
Luo Ba's emotions went from excitement to apprehension. How could he have known that the Bai family and Director Zi were relatives? However, seeing that his daughter was getting along very well with Director Zi's wife, he felt slightly at ease. He decided he must have a serious talk with his daughter tonight.
Soon, the dishes were served. They ate first, then drank. Finally, while everyone was still sober, Bai elder uncle spoke.
"Xue Li's father, you've gotten to know our family quite well today. The two children are also in love. I think we shouldn't delay any longer and should arrange their marriage as soon as possible.
We didn't have an engagement ceremony before, and no betrothal gifts were exchanged. If you have no objections, let's discuss the betrothal gifts and dowry together."
Luo Ba glanced at his daughter, who was smiling foolishly. He sighed inwardly. Fortunately, she had met a good family. Otherwise, with his daughter's simple nature, she would have been deceived countless times.
"I have no objections, as long as they are happy."
"Hahahaha, good. Since Xue Li's father has no objections, we'll settle it tonight."
Bai elder uncle glanced at his wife. It was better for the woman to discuss the dowry.
Bai elder uncle's wife received the signal and immediately said with a smile,
"Xue Li's father, listen to me first. If there's anything unsuitable, we can discuss it further."
"Okay, no matter how much dowry you give, I will give it all to my daughter as her dowry, without keeping a single cent."
Bai elder uncle's wife was also very happy to hear Xue Li's father's words. It wasn't that the future in-laws didn't keep the money, but that the future daughter-in-law had a good father. From the moment he got off the car today, Luo Ba hadn't mentioned Xue Li's mother. She knew Xue Li's mother might have some situation, but since she didn't mention it, she wouldn't ask.
"Okay, this is what we're thinking. Since there was no engagement, we'll directly give two thousand yuan to Xue Li as compensation. For the dowry, our family will offer ten thousand and one, symbolizing 'one in ten thousand'."
Although this amount was not much for the Bai family, they also had to conform to the current situation. In the future, they would give even more to the children.
Luo Ba was already surprised. Ten thousand and one was a considerable sum at any time. In Ming Cheng, two hundred yuan was considered a high dowry.
"Isn't it too much?"
"Not at all. Even with this, I still feel Xue Li is being wronged."
Luo Ba understood the Bai family's intentions. Well, his daughter's wedding would earn him more money than he had saved in his lifetime.
"Then it's fine, I have no objections."
Bai elder uncle's wife knew it was settled and quickly seized the opportunity.
"I'd like to ask Xue Li's father how long he can stay here. Shall we arrange the wedding in the next few days so you can see your daughter married?"
"So soon! I was thinking of coming again after they get married..."
But before Luo Ba could finish, his daughter kicked him under the table. Luo Ba's lips twitched. This daughter was raised in vain.
"Actually, the wedding items for the two of them have been prepared for a while. Since everyone is willing, there's no need to drag it out further. The sooner they get married, the sooner they can start their own life."
Luo Ba thought about it. She would get married sooner or later, and there was indeed no need to delay.
"I could stay here for three days originally. If they are planning to get married directly, then I'll request a few more days off. It would be good to get everything done at once."