Wen Kai was going to meet his girlfriend’s parents.
This was a major event for the entire Wen family.
Originally, Wen Kai had only told his mother, Zhu Meiqun, wanting his parents to know the progress of his relationship with Gan Tao. However, Zhu Meiqun became excessively nervous.
Worried that she and her husband lacked experience with wealthy families and feared Wen Kai might commit a social faux pas at the Gan home, Zhu Meiqun sought advice from the person she trusted most in the family, Chen Ru.
“You are the most knowledgeable person in our whole family.”
Zhu Meiqun was not merely flattering Chen Ru. She genuinely believed it.
Logically, since Wen Dongrong had been working in Jinling and constantly accompanying leaders, his perspective and experience had broadened considerably. He could certainly guide Wen Kai on how to handle the first meeting with his girlfriend’s parents. Yet, after much thought, Zhu Meiqun decided against consulting Wen Dongrong.
She acknowledged her husband’s abilities.
However, Zhu Meiqun was not accustomed to Wen Dongrong’s overly formal manner of speaking. Ahem, in any case, it was unsuitable for teaching Wen Kai. Zhu Meiqun’s choice stemmed from limited insight supplemented by intuition.
Honest people do not tell lies. Flattered by her sister-in-law’s praise, Chen Ru wholeheartedly offered advice for Wen Kai.
“On the first visit to their home, he must not be overly shy, nor too frivolous. Above all, he should not grow arrogant simply because Gan Tao likes him so much, assuming he has her firmly in hand and that her elders will have to accept him as their future son-in-law, no matter what.”
“That would never do.”
Zhu Meiqun hurriedly protested. “He is not that sort of person. If he dared, I would break his legs.”
Chen Ru laughed. “That will not be necessary. I trust Wen Kai has the proper sense of proportion.”
In the Wen family, Wen Ying’s branch had risen completely, while Wen Kai’s household remained quite ordinary.
If Wen Kai wished, Chen Ru could help package him a little, making the young man’s appearance more impressive. However, Chen Ru felt it unnecessary.
Wen Kai was what he was. Gan Tao knew it. Leng Jun knew it. Gan Tao’s parents did not yet know.
Apart from ordinary family circumstances, the lad was outstanding in every way. He was tall and handsome. More importantly, his character was sound.
“Let him be himself, natural and poised. I believe discerning elders will not dislike him. To put it bluntly, if Gan Tao’s elders harbour prejudice against Wen Kai, Sister-in-law, you should instead advise Wen Kai.”
Meeting a girlfriend’s parents is the same as meeting a boyfriend’s. Such encounters are not one-sided. Couples deep in infatuation may fail to see their partner clearly. After meeting the parents, the rose-tinted filter of love often fades somewhat.
When buying a pig, inspect the sty. If Gan Tao’s elders proved unreasonable, Wen Kai would at least be prepared.
“Really no need for special effort?”
Zhu Meiqun murmured. “If the Gan family looks down on Wen Kai…”
“Then it depends on how Gan Tao chooses. If the girl is clear-headed, Wen Kai’s future will not be too difficult. If she is not… better a short pain than a long one.”
Chen Ru spoke calmly. Zhu Meiqun’s heart gradually settled.
Everyone could see what sort of person Wen Kai was. Family circumstances could not change overnight, but the boy himself was sensible and hardworking.
This son was Zhu Meiqun’s pride. She had no desire to belittle him.
“Then I will tell Wen Kai.”
“Proper etiquette must not be neglected. Sister-in-law, do not worry. I will help Wen Kai prepare some meeting gifts.”
“Good. Thank you for the trouble. Whatever it costs, tell me afterwards.”
“It is all things we already have at home. Why talk of money?”
Chen Ru was no ordinary bank client manager. Upon learning she had resigned to develop in Shanghai, many major clients, including Qin Xianming, had sent her numerous gifts in gratitude for her timely warning before the stock market crash.
Chen Ru had declined most of them, accepting only token items from each household. Leaving them unused at home would be wasteful. Better to sort through and find useful things for Wen Kai.
When Wen Kai heard, he was stunned and called specially. “Second Aunt, I have already prepared things myself.”
Chen Ru chuckled into the phone. “You prepare yours. We will prepare ours. They will not clash.”
As the saying goes, more gifts do no harm.
Telling Wen Kai to present himself confidently did not mean letting him become overbold.
Wen Kai could not refuse Chen Ru’s kindness. He used lack of time as an excuse. “I am going to the Gan family this Saturday. Will there be enough time?”
“Plenty. Do not worry about that. I will definitely get the things to you before Saturday.”
Chen Ru had planned to post the gifts to Beijing. When Wen Ying heard about it, she offered to act as courier. “I am going to Beijing for an event. I can take them to Brother Kai.”
“What a coincidence.”
Chen Ru sounded suspicious. “Is Xie Qian going with you?”
Wen Ying shook her head. “Xie Qian is not going. I am going alone. A few days ago we set up a literature fund, remember? The programme director from Central Television in Beijing contacted Sister Yuan wanting to interview me. I have to go this weekend.”
An interview with Central Television?
“Is it really Central Television?”
“Yes, Central Television.”
Since becoming famous, Wen Ying had given all sorts of interviews, appeared on variety shows, and been invited to talk programmes on satellite channels. At first, Chen Ru and Wen Dongrong had been thrilled. After many times, the couple grew accustomed. Now, however, Chen Ru felt a long-absent surge of excitement. Wen Ying was to be interviewed by Central Television?
Good heavens.
In the hearts of ordinary Chinese people, Central Television held a unique status, representing authority and credibility.
Being specifically requested for an interview by Central Television was, in a sense, an honour to one’s ancestors.
Chen Ru took several deep breaths to calm herself. “Xie Qian is not accompanying you. Sister Yuan will go, at least?”
“Sister Yuan is my agent. Of course she will.”
Wen Ying saw nothing special about a Central Television interview. She would handle it the same way as any other.
Chen Ru was helpless with Wen Ying. “You Wen family members all have such big hearts.”
“You mean my dad, surely? I call this the demeanour of a great general. I learned it from the Chen side.”
Wen Ying flattered Chen Ru. Though Chen Ru tried to suppress it, the corners of her mouth curved into a gentle arc.
The two with the surname Wen had bold hearts. The pressure suddenly shifted to the one surnamed Xie.
Xie Qian had no idea why Wen Kai was in such a rush.
You have only been together three months and already rushing to meet the parents?
At this rate, if you were not still underage for marriage, would you two be getting the certificate soon?
Wen Kai had been summoned by his girlfriend’s parents. Xie Qian had yet to receive any summons. On Friday, driving Wen Ying to the airport, he could not help seeking her opinion. “Should I perhaps prepare some gifts and formally visit Uncle and Auntie?”
“You have been stimulated by Brother Kai? You and Brother Kai are different. The Gan family do not know Brother Kai. My parents have known you for ages.”
Wen Ying’s heart was vast as a barrel. Asking her was pointless.
Knowing someone casually and formally calling to pay respects were hardly the same.
Ah, never mind. The hamster’s brain capacity was limited. Managing studies and writing already filled it. Xie Qian decided to worry about progress himself.
Yuan Fenghui watched the young couple whispering and smiled to herself. Wen Ying still thought her secrecy was flawless. Without her and Xie Qian working together to block it, photos of Wen Ying and Xie Qian dating would long ago have been exposed by the media.
Yuan Fenghui said nothing, too lazy to claim credit. Xie Qian said nothing, simply accustomed to handling things for Wen Ying behind the scenes.
Being the woman behind a male celebrity was hard. Being the man behind a female celebrity was equally hard. Fortunately, Xie Qian was exceptionally capable. If Wen Ying were with someone else, things would not be nearly so smooth.
With such an excellent boyfriend, a few troublesome love rivals were no great matter.
President Ran saw Wen Ying as a “whetstone” for his daughter Ran Keqing. Coincidentally, Yuan Fenghui thought the same.
Wen Ying had achieved fame young. Having a few powerful “enemies” like Ran Keqing was actually good. It would keep her alert, always striving, never tempted to lie flat while still young.
On the plane, Yuan Fenghui deliberately looked grave. “This Central Television interview is very important. Let us keep a low profile in Beijing. Before it airs, do not reveal anything on your blog. Prevent that Ran young lady from causing trouble.”
Wen Ying was surprised. “I know Huanyu is powerful, but I did not expect this powerful.”
It was Central Television, after all.
Yuan Fenghui was vague. “Even the strongest fortress may have cracks. What if Miss Ran finds one? Better safe than sorry.”
Wen Ying found Yuan Fenghui’s words reasonable. The thought that she might be sabotaged by a love rival filled her with fighting spirit from the depths of her heart.
