Old Mrs. Ling smiled so broadly that her mouth couldn't close. She directly took off a white jade bracelet with excellent luster from her hand.
"This is what I prepared early this morning. I was afraid of losing it, so I wore it. I've been waiting for you. This is a welcome gift for you."
"This is too valuable..." Xia Wantang dared not accept it, but at this moment, she was not allowed to refuse.
"You are my granddaughter-in-law, and this is only right."
She was indeed Ling Yuchen's legal wife now.
If she didn't accept it, how would she explain?
Besides, one should not refuse a gift from an elder.
The bracelet was snow-white and translucent, without a trace of impurity. When worn on her fair wrist, it made her skin appear even more delicate.
Seeing that she accepted it, Old Mrs. Ling was very satisfied and looked at Xia Wantang with immense joy.
From the moment she entered the house, she liked this child. She looked like a well-behaved girl.
Others had already been impatient, but they all held back and remained silent.
Beside them, Old Master Ling impatiently took out the large red envelope he had prepared and, passing it over Old Mrs. Ling, placed it in Xia Wantang's hand.
"Granddaughter-in-law, I am Yuchen's grandfather."
The large red envelope was bulging and still warm, estimated to be at least ten thousand.
Xia Wantang looked up, flattered and amazed, at the elder sitting next to Ling Yuchen's grandmother.
Ling Yuchen's features resembled his, and although he was old, his brows still held a sharpness.
She was slightly reserved, nodded obediently, and said, "Hello, Grandpa."
"Good, good, hahaha..."
Old Master Ling laughed heartily, his joy evident.
Xia Wantang's uneasy heart gradually calmed down. She felt valued, kindly treated, and warmly welcomed.
Ling Yuchen's grandparents were both very endearing.
Next, a large wooden box was placed in her arms, accompanied by a pleasant, gentle female voice.
"Hello, darling, I am your mother."
It was a large, carved wooden box, like the kind seen on television for storing jewelry in ancient times. It felt heavy in her hands.
The person speaking was sitting on the left sofa. She was a woman who exuded gentleness from head to toe. Her features were soft, and her face was delicate.
She appeared to be less than thirty years old, and she was Ling Yuchen's mother.
Xia Wantang didn't know how to address her for a moment and looked at her nervously.
Her eyes met a pair of gentle eyes filled with smiles.
At this moment, a pair of strong hands rested on her shoulders, offering comfort.
Ling Yuchen's voice sounded from above her head.
"She's just returned and hasn't adjusted yet."
"It's alright, it's alright."
Even though Xia Wantang hadn't called her mother yet, Zhu Yunfei didn't seem to mind at all.
The next second.
"Thank you... Mom." Xia Wantang gracefully accepted all the welcome gifts and respectfully addressed the elder.
Zhu Yunfei's face lit up with joy, and she quickly responded, "Good, good, I have a daughter now."
Xia Wantang felt happy. It turned out all her worries were unfounded.
Aunt Ou was right; his family was very kind.
Zhu Yunfei introduced, "This is Yuchen's father."
Ling Junye was sitting next to her, and she leaned back slightly.
Xia Wantang met his gaze and said, "Hello, Dad."
Ling Yuchen bore a strong resemblance to him, but Ling Junye possessed more composure and restraint than his son.
Ling Junye said gently, "En, hello."
Much more likable than that brat Ling Yuchen. Good.
Ling Yuchen had been standing behind Xia Wantang. Seeing the items in her arms, he wanted to help her put them away.
Just then, Han Xiao happened to walk in. He directly instructed, "Han Xiao, help the madam put all the gifts in her room."
Xia Wantang handed the jewelry box and the red envelope to Han Xiao.
Han Xiao took them, greeted everyone, and left immediately.
He delivered the items to Ling Yuchen's room.
Ling Yuchen sat down beside Xia Wantang, accompanying her as she dealt with the elders' care and questions.
His thoughtfulness made Xia Wantang feel much more at ease.
The elders of the Ling family conversed with sophistication and propriety, making her feel very comfortable.
Xia Wantang's heart finally settled down.
Looking at Ling Yuchen, she no longer had any reservations.
Her gaze was soft, love flooding her like a tide, almost overflowing.
Ling Yuchen appeared calm on the surface.
But in reality.
He was restraining himself, enduring.
He seemed to understand her previous concerns.
After sitting with the elders for a while.
Old Mrs. Ling said, "Yuchen, take Wantang around to get familiar with the environment."
"Okay, Grandma."
Ling Yuchen's brows were filled with tenderness as he agreed and then took Xia Wantang's hand.
Walking along the corridor, they looked out at the rock gardens, flowing water, and blooming flowers in the courtyard.
Sunlight dappled every corner, a gentle breeze rustled, green leaves swayed, colorful flowers danced with the wind, and the faint scent of osmanthus lingered in the air.
They strolled hand in hand, very leisurely. Ling Yuchen looked down at her, his eyes filled with tender, lingering affection.
Xia Wantang seemed to sense it and turned towards his intense gaze.
She no longer shied away from his ardor but responded, "Yuchen, thank you."
Thank you for pulling me out of the mire, thank you for everything you've given me.
Ling Yuchen looked at her red lips, his eyes darkening.
He directly lowered his head and kissed her.
Xia Wantang closed her eyes, reaching up to circle his slender waist, responding shyly.
However, after a moment, she panicked and pushed Ling Yuchen away.
Because she heard footsteps approaching.
She pursed her red lips, lowering her head, afraid of being seen in her flustered state.
Ling Yuchen licked his lips, still wanting more, and his cold gaze turned towards the direction of the sound.
A middle-aged man emerged from around the corner of the corridor, holding pruning shears. He was clearly a gardener.
Seeing them, he nodded and said, "Greetings, young master and young madam."
Xia Wantang dared not face anyone.
Ling Yuchen nodded slightly, then took her hand and walked past the gardener, rounding the corner.
He stopped, pressing Xia Wantang against the wall, and continued the unfinished kiss.
Xia Wantang's heart fluttered in panic.
Beside her ear, the gardener's footsteps faded away.
She was still uneasy, fearing someone else might appear.
Fortunately, Ling Yuchen soon released her, leaned close to her ear, and whispered huskily, "Wife, can we not sleep separately tonight?"
The word "wife" was like a burning ember, making Xia Wantang's face flush, her heart pound, and her mouth feel dry.
She remained silent. Ling Yuchen didn't release her either; his tall figure enveloped her.
The man's clear aura enveloped her.
Ling Yuchen playfully threatened, "If you don't agree, I'll keep kissing you."
Xia Wantang had never seen Ling Yuchen like this before.
This contrast made Xia Wantang involuntarily look up at him.
His handsome face was so close that she could even clearly see the eyelashes of his narrow eyes.
He looked completely serious, his eyes filled with restrained affection and possessiveness.
And yet, he said such brazen words with a straight face.
Ling Yuchen smiled and leaned in again.
Xia Wantang's heart raced, and she playfully said, "Okay, I promise."
With that, she pushed him away and hurried off.
Really, so embarrassing.
They were already meeting his parents; could they still sleep separately?
Ling Yuchen stood there, stunned, his eyes filled with ecstatic joy.
She had agreed.