Chapter 441: Chapter 441: Waiting to Hold Great-Grandchildren
As soon as Xiao Si finished speaking, someone started shouting, “Marry him! Marry him!”
Then everyone joined in chanting together.
Lan Yan was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.
A mix of panic, nervousness, and confusion filled her, as she hadn’t prepared herself at all.
But she knew that she was touched, there was a warm feeling lingering in her heart.
Seeing Lan Yan hesitant to speak, he was actually quite scared himself.
“Lan Yan, would you be willing to give me this chance?”
Lan Yan stared at him intently, and didn’t miss the nervous expression on his face.
She thought she was the only one nervous, but seeing him nervous, she relaxed a little.
She took a deep breath in her heart, looked at him, and said, “Xiao Si, you’re right—I haven’t thought it through, nor am I mentally prepared.”
This remark from Lan Yan had everyone holding their breath for a moment.
After all, the implication of this sentence wasn’t particularly positive.
Lan Yan paused for a few seconds after speaking.
“But…” she shifted her tone, saying, “I never thought of separating from you. Previously, if we were incompatible, we’d part ways, but now I seem to enjoy being with you and have gotten used to the life with you around.”
With smiles in her eyes, she looked into his, “So, I’m willing to give you this chance.”
After Lan Yan finished speaking, Xiao Si hadn’t reacted yet.
Beside them, Wan Muqi shouted, “Xiao, are you dumb? Hurry and take out the ring, when are you planning to wait till?”
Due to nervousness, Xiao Si forgot this crucial step for a moment.
He fumbled to take out a ring box from his pocket.
“What a silly boy!” Mrs. Xiao commented.
Xiao Si carefully took the ring out from the box.
Lan Yan cooperated well with him, extending her left hand to him voluntarily.
He then slipped the specially made ring onto her middle finger.
Instantly, cheers and applause echoed through the backyard.
“Wow!”
Someone stirred up the crowd again, shouting, “Kiss! Kiss!”
Xiao Si stood up, gazing at the woman in front of him.
Lan Yan promptly raised her hand to cover his mouth, “No, there are too many people.”
He was thick-skinned, it didn’t matter, but she wasn’t as bold.
Of course, Xiao Si knew she was shy.
He took her hand down, then turned to look at everyone and said, “We’ll definitely kiss, but not in front of you, since you haven’t paid for it.”
Gu Beiyan spoke first, “How much do you say it would take to watch?”
Xiao Si replied with two words, “Priceless!”
“…”
Wan Muqi said, “Alright, alright, you all stop forcing Xiao. This Xiao clearly obeys the wife, one word from the sister-in-law shocks him. Xiao finally got his proposal accepted, don’t let the sister-in-law get scared away by you all, he might just go out of his way to fight you. After all, we’re just here as the backdrop tonight, now that the task is done, let the young couple go home for some private time.”
Xiao Si glared at him, “You finally said something sensible.”
Wan Muqi clicked his tongue, “I won’t argue with you today, but…”
He looked at Lan Yan and continued, “Sister-in-law, you better manage this guy’s mouth, it’s really asking for trouble.”
Lan Yan replied, “Okay.”
At this moment, Mrs. Xiao stepped forward, holding Lan Yan’s hand, and said, “Yanyan, although I’ve long considered you part of our family, I still want to thank you for willing to become my daughter-in-law today. In this family, you don’t need to act according to anyone’s face, just be yourself. Aunt Yun just hopes you’ll be happy and joyful in the future.”
Listening to Mrs. Xiao’s words, Lan Yan felt touched, her eyes slightly warm, unsure of what to say.
“Thank you, Aunt Yun.”
Mrs. Xiao always gave her the warmest love, besides gratitude, there seemed little else she could say.
Mrs. Xiao patted her hand and smiled lovingly, “Silly child, there’s no need to be so polite with me. In the future, if this guy bullies you, you can toss him away anytime, no need to wrong yourself.”
Hearing this, Xiao Si was displeased, “Ms. Liang, what are you saying? Your son just successfully proposed, and you’re saying such things; it’s so inauspicious. Also, I don’t even have enough time to spoil my little Yanyan, how could I bully her? You’re overly worried.”
With that, he pulled the person back into his embrace.
Mrs. Xiao glared at him, said nothing more, but issued a warning: “You better stick by your words, or don’t say you’re my son.”
Xiao Si: “You can rest assured a hundred times.”
Meanwhile, in the living room of the Xiao Mansion, the screen broadcasted the scene happening on the mountain.
Old Madam smiled contentedly, “Great, young love finally gets together. These two kids are indeed well-matched, Yanyan is quite suitable for Xiao Si.”
The eldest daughter-in-law of the Xiao Family echoed, “Mom is right, these two are perfect in every way, a perfect match made in heaven. Now, Mom, you should be reassured, Xiao Si is soon to start his own family, no need to worry daily about him marrying. Just wait to hold a great-grandchild.”
Old Madam Xiao had indeed been worried about Xiao Si’s marriage, as he wasn’t getting any younger, making the elders fret.
This New Year was indeed the most special, unforgettable year for Lan Yan.
Because she felt the warmth brought by family.
Though these people weren’t related by blood, she truly felt the affection and care from them.
She thought she’d spend her life alone.
But it seemed fate wasn’t so cruel, at least letting her meet many good friends, encounter the Xiao family, and meet the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
Her early life was unfortunate and bitter, but her later life seemed to break into a honey pot filled with love, very sweet.
Around nine o’clock, they dispersed and returned to their homes for family reunion dinners.
As the midnight chimes rang, a whole new year was about to begin.
Outside, the housekeeper was leading people to set off fireworks.
Lan Yan stood on the balcony on the second floor, looking up at the dazzling fireworks sparking in the sky.
The brilliant sparks only last for a moment before extinguishing, but they leave behind beautiful memories for people.
Xiao Si embraced her from behind.
He asked in her ear, “What are you thinking?”
“Thinking how lucky I am to have met you.”
She truly hadn’t expected to have such ties with Xiao Si one day.
The man’s chin gently rubbed against her neck, his deep voice resonating, “The lucky one is me; perhaps in a past life, I saved Earth, and the heavens gifted you to me. Later, let me take care of you, love you, and never let anyone bully you—including myself, but you can bully me anytime.”
Lan Yan turned to look at him, “Did you brush your lips with honey tonight?”
“You’ll know if you try.”
After saying this, his fingertips pinched her chin lightly, lifting it to press a kiss onto her lips.
He lightly bit her lips.
Then effortlessly pried open her teeth, his warm, moist tongue boldly weaving through her sweetness.
Lan Yan matched him, turning her neck, lifting her head.
Releasing her, he asked, “How is it, sweet?”
Lan Yan answered honestly, “Not sweet, actually a bit bitter. Did you drink red wine just now?”
Xiao Si: “…”
“Your straightforward personality, did you learn from your family’s boss?”
“Maybe.”
After all, she spent too many years beside Su He, almost inseparable during these years.
So in some habits, she and Su He were quite alike.
“You better not learn from your boss.”
“Hmm? What did you say?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. What I mean is, don’t try too hard to imitate. You are you, your older brother is your older brother, you are unique in this world.”
Lan Yan reached out and pinched his cheek, saying, “Never speak ill of my older brother in front of me.”
Xiao Si: “…”
He suddenly asked a very childish question, “In your heart, who is more important, me or Su He.”
Lan Yan: “Your question is a bit like asking, if your mom and I fell into the water at the same time, who would you save.”
“So, you are both equally important to me; I can’t rank you, but your existence has different meanings.”
Xiao Si didn’t insist on getting an answer; he just asked it on a whim.
Of course, he knew that Su He was her guiding light.
Lan Yan continued, “Besides, without the older brother, I wouldn’t have met you. Who knows, maybe the person standing here today wouldn’t be me, but someone else.”
Xiao Si said with great determination, “No way, without you, there wouldn’t be anyone else.”
Before meeting her, he never thought about marriage.
——
In the past few days, Lan Yan has been staying at the Xiao Mansion.
She always accompanied the Old Madam, who also introduced her to many relatives and friends of the Xiao Family.
Gradually, she integrated into this big family and grew increasingly fond of its atmosphere.
On the afternoon of the fourth day of the new year, after having lunch with the Old Madam, Lan Yan took a walk in the garden before the Old Madam went back to nap.
At the same time, she received a call from Wei Yuning.
Wei Yuning had been chatting with her on WeChat every day; she replied to her whenever she had time.
As soon as she answered the phone, Wei Yuning’s lively and playful voice sounded, “Lan, do you have time today?”
Lan Yan said, “What’s up?”
Wei Yuning said, “I want to go shopping with you and vent about some things I’ve encountered these past few days.”
Lan Yan candidly said, “You’re not going to complain about your uncle, are you?”
Wei Yuning reacted dramatically, “How did you know, Lan?”
“…”
Lan Yan sighed, “Just a guess.”
“Lan, can I go out to play with you?”
Here, Wei Yuning indeed didn’t know anyone.
She had been feeling trapped these past few days, unable to go anywhere.
And Lan Yan was the only person she knew and liked a lot.
Besides, today her parents and her uncle were not at home; they all went out, doing something big, she didn’t know what exactly.
Anyway, she wasn’t interested in knowing, so she didn’t ask.
“Sorry, not today, I’ve got plans,” Lan Yan said.
She indeed had plans because Wei Ting had contacted her two hours ago, asking to meet up.
And it seemed that Wei Yuning wasn’t aware of this.
When Wei Ting called her, the Old Madam was present, and the Old Madam knew about her identity.
Initially, she didn’t want to meet Wei Ting, but the Old Madam urged her not to leave regrets, suggesting a meeting isn’t a big deal, no matter the outcome.
So, after thinking it over, she decided to meet.
Let’s see what he wanted to say this time.
“Huh?” Wei Yuning asked, “Who are you meeting? Is it convenient to bring me along?”
Lan Yan’s voice was indifferent, “Probably not very convenient.”
Moreover, she wasn’t sure if Wei Yuning would remain so enthusiastic once she knew her identity.
Wei Yuning was a bit disappointed but didn’t insist, “Alright then, can I arrange to meet you tomorrow? Can I book you in advance? Also, Lan, please don’t let your boyfriend know about me asking you out; I’m worried he won’t let you hang out with me.”
Lan Yan was really amused by her words.
She casually found an excuse, “I’ll see how things go and let you know later.”
She wasn’t sure what the outcome of her meeting with the Wei Family would be.
Moreover, if Wei Ting had already confirmed her identity, Wei Yuning would find out sooner or later.
Unaware of everything, Wei Yuning didn’t think much about it, “Okay, then, Lan, remember to send me a WeChat message.”
Lan Yan: “Mhm.”
After hanging up the phone, Lan Yan headed towards the garage.
Coincidentally, Xiao Si had just come in from outside.
“Where are you headed?”
He wasn’t aware that the Wei Family had contacted her.
“To meet the Wei Family.”
Xiao Si frowned slightly, “I’ll go with you.”
Lan Yan didn’t refuse him, “Okay.”
Having someone with her was certainly better than going alone.
An hour later, the two arrived at the meeting location.
After getting out of the car, Xiao Si held her hand and asked, “Nervous?”
Lan Yan shook her head, “Not nervous.”
“I thought you’d say, you wouldn’t be nervous with me around.”
Lan Yan smiled helplessly, indulgently following his lead, “You’re right, with you here, I’m really not nervous.”
Then, the two entered the teahouse.
A waiter led them to a private room.
The waiter knocked on the door, then opened it, “Please, both of you.”
As soon as they stepped inside, Wei Ting appeared.
He clearly stood up to greet her.
Upon seeing Lan Yan, a kind and amiable smile appeared on his face, “Xiao Yan, you’ve come.”
Lan Yan looked at him and nodded.
Wei Ting glanced at Xiao Si and greeted him as well, “Mr. Xiao, you’re here too.”
Xiao Si nodded too.
Wei Ting invited them, “Come, have a seat.”
Then, Lan Yan noticed two others already seated inside, one was Wei Junyao, and the other should be Mrs. Wei, Gao Han.
Although she hadn’t met Gao Han before, she had seen her information.
When Gao Han saw her, she simply smiled and nodded without saying anything.
As for Wei Junyao, being naturally aloof, it was difficult to discern anything from him.
Moreover, he didn’t seem surprised at all; it appeared Wei Junyao had known her identity since he first met her.
Once everyone was seated.
Lan Yan looked at Wei Ting and proactively asked, “I wonder what Mr. Wei wants to see me about this time?”
At this moment, Gao Han spoke first, “Miss Lan, do you really not know why we’re meeting you?”
Hearing this, Lan Yan looked at her and responded neither humbly nor arrogantly, “Mrs. Wei, what do you mean? Or is there something you hope I know?”
Wei Ting stopped Gao Han from speaking, “Don’t speak yet.”
Gao Han responded with an “oh.”
Wei Ting looked at Lan Yan gently and said, “Yanyan, I’m sorry, I said before I wouldn’t force you to do a paternity test, but I still did it secretly. You are my biological daughter.”