Sima Zining naturally understood the relationship between Lin Mo and Xia Mengdie. However, Lin Mo was no ordinary person and wouldn't be bound by ordinary rules. It's like this: if Huaxia didn't have the monogamous system, many men might not find a wife. Survival of the fittest—those handsome and capable men could have several wives, leaving others single.
"Where are we going?"
Lin Mo asked.
"Of course, we're going to my house. This year, both my parents will be back. You only know my grandpa; I haven't introduced you to the rest of my family." Sima Zining said, focusing on driving.
"Meeting the parents?"
Lin Mo frowned, "But I haven't prepared anything."
"No need to prepare anything. If you bring something, my parents might not like it." Sima Zining laughed, her eyebrows curving like crescent moons.
"Alright then, I hope your parents won't have a bad impression of me." Lin Mo smiled.
Sima Zining glanced at him with a hint of admiration, "You're Huaxia's number one martial arts expert. Why wouldn't my parents like you? They might even say I'm reaching too high. I haven't told them about you; I want it to be a surprise."
"Alright."
Lin Mo replied helplessly.
...
On National Highway 106, two rugged black Hummers were moving steadily, yet inside was incredibly smooth and comfortable.
"What on earth is Zining up to?"
In the back seat, a stout middle-aged man with a square face and thick eyebrows hung up the phone, his brows gradually knitting together.
"Weiguo, what happened? Who was that on the phone?"
Sitting next to him was a beautiful middle-aged woman, simply dressed but carrying a unique aura.
"It was Sima Qing on the phone. He said our daughter might be out on a date with her boyfriend, humph." Sima Weiguo snorted.
The middle-aged woman said, "Our daughter is almost graduating from university and now works for the Sky Group. What's wrong with dating? And she's as beautiful as me, naturally attracting a lot of suitors. But with Zining's eyes, she'll surely pick the best one."
"You're something else; she's just a young girl, not worldly enough to know what kind of guy is suitable." Sima Weiguo said disapprovingly.
"Oh, you're just trying to match her with that kid you fancy, not considering whether Zining would like him." Zhang Lan pouted, displeased with her husband's overbearance.
Hearing his wife's words brought a hint of a smile to Sima Weiguo's face, "That Qi Min is pretty good. Not only is he an elite of the Vermilion Bird Martial Arts Hall, but if he serves the country, surpassing my achievements would be a breeze."
"Love isn't a transaction. Would you force our daughter to like him without real feelings?" Zhang Lan snorted angrily.
Sima Weiguo's face looked a bit embarrassed, "I'm not that mercenary and domineering. I just hope Zining makes the right choice. I'm not against it; I just want her to see more options. Besides, Qi Min is a Heaven's Chosen Son; maybe Zining will like him."
Hearing this, Zhang Lan closed her eyes to rest, not wanting to argue further.
The highway had two black Hummers; in the rearward Hummer sat a middle-aged man and a young man in his early twenties. The young man had long black hair, dressed casually, exuding an icy air. Just one look at him made one feel cold, daring not to look again.
"Xiao Qi, when you meet Zining later, I'll introduce you. Zining is a charming girl among Huaxia's third generation juniors, with a somewhat aloof personality, so be extra understanding." The middle-aged man driving said with a smile.
"I understand, Uncle Sima." Qi Min smiled lightly.
"But with your credentials, Zining would undoubtedly be very satisfied. You're a true disciple of the Vermilion Bird Martial Arts Hall, with a deep martial arts realm. In the future, entering politics, you'll reach heights we never could." Sima Weimin said mildly.
"Uncle Sima, you're overpraising me. My strength is still lacking; I have a long way to go," Qi Min said modestly, genuinely humble, not pretending.
Sima Weimin saw this and admired him for being humble without arrogance.
"But I wonder why the master of the Vermilion Bird Martial Arts Hall wasn't there during my visit; it was such a pity not to meet him." Sima Weimin sighed.
"The master is like a god, rarely appearing even once a year in the martial arts hall; it's very rare," Qi Min said, eyes showing admiration.
Clearly, the master held a revered place in the disciples' hearts.
"That's true, experts like Master Fang might be in seclusion cultivating somewhere. It's not easy to meet him." Sima Weimin nodded.
...
"Sis, you're back." Sima Qing stood at the villa entrance. Seeing Sima Zining get out of the car with a young man about her age, he looked plain and somewhat scholarly.
Sima Qing scrutinized him carefully, feeling a bit disappointed, thinking, "Why is my sister's taste so bad?"
"Sima Qing, let me introduce you to Lin Mo, my classmate." Sima Zining introduced, her face slightly blushing, embarrassed to directly call him her boyfriend. She added, "Lin Mo, this is my third uncle's son, Sima Qing. He's still in college."
Old Mr. Sima had three sons: the eldest, Sima Weimin, and the second, Sima Weiguo, both serving the country. The third son ran a business outside, and Sima Qing was the son of the third, from the Wei Family.
Sima Mang was Sima Weimin's son, and Sima Zining was Sima Weiguo's daughter.
"Guess there'll be a good show later." Sima Qing shot a strange glance at Lin Mo, thinking to himself.
The three walked into the villa's living room, decorated plainly in Huaxia style, with some landscape paintings on the walls, lending a touch of elegance.
"Why hasn't Old Mr. Sima returned?" Lin Mo wondered aloud; it was only a few days until the New Year, surely he would come back?
"My grandpa went to see his old war buddies and took Sima Mang with him; they should be back tonight. By the way, what would you like to drink?" Sima Zining said.
"Some tea will do." Lin Mo replied softly, seated on the sofa.
"I'll get it from my dad's room; he has lots of good tea sent by people." Sima Zining said, quickly running towards the stairs.
As for Sima Qing, sitting nearby pretending to play on his phone, he was very surprised. He knew his sister's temperament; how was she so gentle now? Sima Qing glanced more at Lin Mo, wondering, what was it about this guy that could attract his sister?