As their passion deepened, everything felt natural, but Wen Yan ultimately didn't get his way.
A sudden phone ring shattered the moment, yet it did little to dampen the couple's ardor.
But the persistent ringing continued.
Qiao Xinyue regained her senses, pushing Wen Yan with weak hands, her voice soft and delicate.
"You answer the phone."
"Damn..." Wen Yan couldn't help but curse.
He still reached for his phone first, and upon seeing it was his mother calling, his brows furrowed.
After answering, Wen's mother's roar came from the other end.
"Why aren't you answering the phone? You brat, I'm warning you, Xinyue is young, don't do anything reckless. She's just a girl who doesn't know better, but you should!"
Wen Yan was so berated that he couldn't get a word in. He touched his nose, feeling inexplicably guilty. After his mother finished scolding, he finally spoke.
"Mom, you're thinking too much! There were too many people in the living room, I was afraid Xinyue would be uncomfortable, so I brought her back to my room."
"You better be telling the truth, son," Wen's mother snorted dismissively. "Bring Xinyue down for dinner later."
A mother knows her son best. She simply chose not to call him out on it.
After the call ended, Qiao Xinyue covered her face. "It's over. How does your mom know? How will I face her later?"
"It's okay, they've been through this."
Wen Yan shook his head with a wry smile and continued, "They have old-fashioned ideas, but they're not malicious. She often taught my elder brother and me not to bully girls."
Qiao Xinyue suddenly felt a warmth in her heart.
Across the world, everyone taught girls to protect themselves, but no one taught boys not to hurt girls.
If something happened, people would only blame the girl for being too forward.
The world was born from the skirts of women, yet it didn't allow their skirts to flutter in the wind.
She couldn't help but sigh, "Your mother is really kind."
Wen Yan looked at her with a smile, and asked, "Don't you think I'm bad?"
Qiao Xinyue fell silent again, only lowering her head and appearing lost in thought.
There was nothing inherently good or bad about a mutually consensual act. Wen Yan hadn't deceived her feelings.
He had made their relationship public, giving her a sense of security. No matter how busy he was, he would chat with her, giving her all the rights of a girlfriend. He brought her home, showing her how much he valued her.
These were enough. His kindness had accumulated in her heart, bit by bit.
Seeing her silence, Wen Yan frowned slightly, wondering if he had been too impulsive and frightened Qiao Xinyue.
Just as he was pondering what to do, Qiao Xinyue suddenly said, "You're very good, and being with you... I was willing."
She lowered her head shyly, her eyes filled with affection, her face gradually turning crimson.
Upon hearing this, Wen Yan's furrowed brows immediately relaxed. His eyes were filled with warmth, tender and captivating.
"You're such a tease!!"
Wen Yan let out a breath, restraining his rising desire, and headed towards the bathroom.
Although it was her first time in a relationship, Qiao Xinyue understood what Wen Yan meant. Listening to the sound of water from the bathroom, she bashfully covered her ears.
After spending a full half hour, the two of them finally went downstairs.
Wen's mother was waiting for them. Seeing them descend, she hurried forward, glaring at Wen Yan and scolding, "Why did you take so long to bring Xinyue down? Hurry up and eat."
She then looked at Qiao Xinyue, wanting to say something but remaining silent.
Because of the phone call just now, Qiao Xinyue felt awkward no matter what.
Especially when she saw Wen's mother's hesitant expression, she wished she could dig a hole and bury herself.
A group of relatives sat around the large round table, laden with delicious dishes. The meal was filled with laughter and lively conversation.
However, their attention was now focused on Qiao Xinyue, with teasing remarks and compliments.
"Well, Wen Yan, you're quite something, hiding a gem like this."
"Exactly! You've been here all afternoon and only now are you bringing your girlfriend to see us."
Qiao Xinyue maintained a smile, quietly sipping her juice.
"Dear elders, you jest," Wen Yan replied with a polite smile, but his gaze towards Qiao Xinyue was noticeably much gentler.
He solicitously asked Qiao Xinyue in a low voice what she liked to eat, then helped her with food, constantly looking after her.
"Tsk tsk, look at these young lovers, they're so affectionate."
"Oh, everyone goes through this. It's just the beginning!"
"That's right, come, have some more dishes."
Wen's father then raised his wine glass and stood up, gesturing to everyone, "Let's all have a drink together. I wish everyone good health and prosperity."
"Uncle, I should be the one to toast you," Li Bowen was the first to stand, nodding to Wen's father before draining his glass.
Wen's father's face immediately beamed with a smile, clearly pleased with Li Bowen.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, everyone ate and drank to their heart's content.
Qiao Xinyue was rather reserved, only daring to pick up food in front of her. Fortunately, Wen Xuanyuan and Wen Yan looked after her.
After the meal, some relatives went for a stroll in the courtyard to aid digestion, while others went to the tea room for a chat.
Wen's mother asked Qiao Xinyue and Li Bowen to come to the living room. Wen Xuanyuan, Wen Yan, and Wen Han were also present.
She took Qiao Xinyue's hand and asked with a smile, "Xinyue, do your parents know about you and Yan Yan?"
Qiao Xinyue shook her head honestly, "No, I haven't told them yet."
Wen's mother had a clearer picture now. She said gently, "You're still young, you can't let Wen Yan bully you, understand? You seem like a well-behaved child, I really like you." As she spoke, she placed a red envelope into Qiao Xinyue's hand.
Qiao Xinyue dared not accept it and quickly refused, "Auntie, I can't take this..."
"Silly child, keep it," Wen's mother said with a kind smile, gently instructing, "Remember to tell your mother, okay?"
Qiao Xinyue looked at Wen Yan with a troubled expression, and he nodded at her.
Only then did she reluctantly accept it, but still felt it wasn't quite right, feeling strange about receiving a red envelope on her first visit.
Seeing that she had accepted it, Wen's mother was satisfied. She then looked at Li Bowen and took another red envelope from her pocket.
"Bowen, this is for you."
Li Bowen nodded slightly and accepted it directly.
"Thank you, Auntie."
Seeing Li Bowen accept it so readily, Qiao Xinyue felt a bit more at ease, vaguely understanding the meaning of the red envelope.
"Alright, you young people have fun," Wen's mother said, then got up and left the living room.
Qiao Xinyue held the red envelope in her hand. It was thick and bulging.
Wen Yan put his arm around her shoulder and smiled, "This red envelope represents approval and importance. When you visit your girlfriend's or boyfriend's parents for the first time, giving this red envelope means the parents have agreed to the marriage."
"So that's how it is," Wen Xuanyuan said with sudden realization. "Last time I went to Li Bowen's house, his mother also gave me a big red envelope."
Hearing their words, Qiao Xinyue's face lit up with a smile, and all her unease disappeared.
So this was the meaning. She carefully put the red envelope into her pocket as if it were a treasure.