The farce caused by Shi Xingwu ended with Xia Qingtian leading the boisterous revelry. Everyone enjoyed the meal, with Yue Chengfeng being the most radiant.
The master of the Yue family, who was supposed to return before dinner, only appeared in the Yue residence after everyone had finished their meal and retired to their rooms.
A servant immediately went to inform Xia Qingtian that the family head had returned.
Xia Qingyu, who had intended to discuss the matters at the dinner table with Xia Qingtian, swallowed her words and said, "Then you go first, sister."
"Mhm, I'll be back later," Xia Qingtian said, patting Xia Qingyu's head before leaving the room.
When Xia Qingtian went to the Yue family head's study, she found not only the family head but also Yue Chengzhong and Yue Chengfeng present.
"Grandfather, Second Uncle, Little Uncle," Xia Qingtian greeted them, then closed the study door behind her and said with a smile, "Everyone's here."
"Mhm," the Yue family head responded. "Your second uncle mentioned that you brought your stepsister from the Xia family?"
"Qingyu, yes," Xia Qingtian replied. "One of the purposes of this trip to Kyoto is to accompany her for her exams. Qingyu's academic performance is excellent; she has consistently been first in Z City High School No. 1. She performed well this time, and I expect she'll achieve good results."
Xia Qingtian was quite proud when speaking of Xia Qingyu.
"Qingtian, this Xia Qingyu is not old, and she seems intelligent and well-mannered," the Yue family head said, not as direct as Yue Chengzhong, who had wanted to deal with Xia Qingyu from the start, but still tactfully stating, "However, people's hearts are hidden. You should pay more attention."
"Grandfather, don't worry. Although Qingyu and I don't have blood ties, our relationship is no less than that of biological sisters in other families," Xia Qingtian said, her mind drifting to Da Ya and Er Ya.
They were, by all accounts, twin sisters, looking very much alike, and born into a prominent family like the Tangs.
Yet, Er Ya probably didn't even know she had a sister, and couldn't easily reveal her surname.
Da Ya, having gone through who knows what, suffered memory loss and ended up in Li Xiaoxiao's care.
Compared to them, she and Xia Qingyu now seemed much closer.
Xia Qingyu, that little proud girl, with her tough exterior but soft heart, was very much to her liking.
She wanted to make up for the regrets of her past life and dote on Xia Qingyu until she was the happiest sister in the world.
"And, Qingyu, she..." Xia Qingtian couldn't stop praising Xia Qingyu. Even after a concise summary, she had spoken for a full forty minutes, omitting considerably fewer colloquial phrases compared to her usual brainwashing sessions with Er Ya.
Upon hearing this, the Yue family head exchanged glances with his two sons.
"What is it?" Xia Qingtian, noticing the slight interaction between the three, asked belatedly, "Did I talk too much?"
"No, it's just..." the Yue family head chuckled. "Seeing you so happy now, Grandfather is very pleased."
"Yes, Qingtian, just be happy and cheerful," Yue Chengzhong also said with a laugh. "If you don't have enough money, just tell your second uncle. Don't hesitate to ask for anything you want; just be happy and cheerful."
"That's right," Yue Chengfeng added, nodding.
Xia Qingtian looked at the three of them and gave a genuine smile. "I am truly happy right now."
The misunderstandings she had about the Yue family in her past life and her apprehension towards Yu Zixuan in this life were all completely resolved now.
As long as her grandfather and uncles were happy, she no longer cared.
The past had vanished like smoke; from now on, she would only have more sweet and happy memories with the Yue family.
After chatting for a while longer, Xia Qingtian returned to her room contentedly, continuing her conversation with Xia Qingyu.
Meanwhile, back in the study, the Yue family head sighed heavily and asked, "What do you think?"
"Unless that Xia Qingyu is too good at pretending, perhaps we were overthinking it. She truly is good to Qingtian," Yue Chengzhong said. He had observed closely during dinner: Xia Qingyu would pick food for Xia Qingtian, remove fish bones, serve her soup, and subtly remind Xia Qingtian when she was picky or only ate spicy food, tidying her cutlery without attracting attention.
She was meticulous and thoughtful; frankly, his wife had never done so much for him.
"Setting aside Xia Qingyu for now, at least Qingtian is enjoying her current life. She's very happy living with the Xia family, and that reassures us," Yue Chengfeng said, taking a deep breath.
Hearing Yue Chengfeng's words, the Yue family head and Yue Chengzhong nodded simultaneously. This was what they most wanted to see.
"It's just..." Yue Chengfeng paused. "Qingtian praises Xia Qingyu a lot. All the compliments I've given Zixuan over the years combined don't amount to how much Qingtian praises her stepsister."
"Then you need to learn from Qingtian," Yue Chengzhong teased. "How can you let your niece outdo you?"
"Chengfeng, your marriage with Zixuan should be settled soon," the Yue family head said, handing a tri-folded red paper to Yue Chengfeng. "I've had someone calculate three auspicious dates. Take this for Zixuan to look at. Although most young people don't believe in this, it's good to have as a reference."
This was also why he had returned later that day.
"Alright, thank you, Father," Yue Chengfeng said, taking it with a smile. After a few more words, he returned to his room with the red paper.
As soon as he entered, Yue Chengfeng saw Yu Zixuan organizing his walk-in closet. He walked up, wrapped his arms around Yu Zixuan's slender waist, and gently kissed her earlobe. "Don't work so hard."
"I'm not working hard at all," Yu Zixuan said, feeling a tickle and pulling away from Yue Chengfeng's lips. She continued organizing with a smile. "Did you buy too many ties of this color? Where's the one I bought for you in Paris last time? That one matches your clothes better."
"They're all in there," Yue Chengfeng stepped back, leaning against the edge of the cabinet behind him, watching Yu Zixuan with a smile.
"Found it," Yu Zixuan said, finding it after flipping through. After re-folding and organizing it, she continued, "Your tie today is quite well-matched, and that tie clip is also very nice. Eh? You've misplaced your tie clip again... How did it end up here? I've told you many times, tie clips should be kept in their designated place so they're easier to find."
Yue Chengfeng didn't reply, only smiling blissfully, his eyes gazing tenderly at Yu Zixuan. He began to imagine how sweet and happy their married life would be.
"Why are you always smiling foolishly?" Yu Zixuan looked back at Yue Chengfeng, asking in confusion.
"Here," Yue Chengfeng handed the red paper in his hand to Yu Zixuan. "Father had someone calculate some auspicious dates. Choose a day that appeals to you and start being Mrs. Yue."
"The dates are already chosen?" Yu Zixuan was also a little surprised. She glanced at the dates; the furthest was next March, and the nearest was next month.
"Yes," Yue Chengfeng stepped forward and embraced Yu Zixuan, his lips brushing against her ear. He murmured in a low voice, "Zixuan, I can't wait to marry you."
Yu Zixuan lowered her head slightly, a blush appearing on her cheeks.
Feeling Yue Chengfeng's hand slide towards the zipper at the back of her skirt, Yu Zixuan closed her eyes and met Yue Chengfeng's lips.