Chapter 263 - MORE TREASURES (1/2)
When the two ladies arrived at the Zhong family home, Chu Ling led them to the conservatory. She had a smile that seemed to rival the brightness of the flowers. She talked to Hu Lei in a gentle voice while asking about her health and work.
”Where is Hu Fai?” Hu Lei asked as the three of them sat at the fancy table set up under the domed building.
”Your father took him to meet some of his friends who are coming for the banquet from outside the city. Today, it is just us girls.” Chu Ling smiled. ”I have planned for an early lunch, spa treatments in the comfort of our home and the best in clothes and accessories.”
”Thank you for doing this, Mom.” Zhong Mian smiled happily.
Chu Ling and Zhong Mian had discussed at length how they could make Hu Lei feel more like a part of the family. Luckily, they had the anniversary party as their excuse for spending more time with her. Maybe, they could find out more about what she liked.
”Thank you.” Hu Lei smiled.
”It is my pŀėȧsurė.” Chu Ling reached out and held her hand as the food was served.
At that moment, Hu Lei decided that she would attempt to form a better relationship with her in-laws. Even though they had not been welcoming at the beginning, they were trying. It was important not to slap a smiling person.
The three women relaxed and began chatting casually about their lives.
”Mian'er, when will you bring your boyfriend over officially? Your father is very worried.” Chu Ling asked Zhong Mian with a knowing smile.
”There are still some issues to sort out between us before you can start planning a grand wedding, Mom.” She turned to Hu Lei. ”Speaking of weddings, when do you and Feng'er plan on having yours?”
Chu Ling chuckled at the smooth change of topic. However, she was also interested in the answer.
”Ah-Feng and I talked about it. It should be in a couple of months. We haven't settled on a date.” She responded.
”A couple of months? We have not even begun planning! This will be impossible.” Chu Ling became flustered.
Hu Lei's lips twitched. She had told Zhong Feng that she only wanted a wedding after the issue with the ȧssassinations and the people hunting her was sorted. Now that he had found the culprits, it would not take long to get justice.
She had only been estimating when she said a couple of months.
”There is no rush. My grandfather and my aunt said that they want to meet before the wedding.” She said.
Her grandfather had said that he wanted to show Elder Zhong that his granddaughter could not be taken away easily. In simple terms, he wanted to make things difficult for the Zhong family, and especially for his old rival.
However, she also understood that he wanted to protect her. It was difficult to lead a peaceful life in a rich family without having some kind of backup. If one depended on their husband too much, the in-law family might look down on them.
Honestly, Hu Lei had never been worried about lacking support. Even if she had not met with the Huo family, she could live her life. She had money and fighting strength. What else did she need to show she was capable of standing on her own?
”I look forward to meeting with the Huo family. I can get in contact with your aunt, and we can begin making plans.” Chu Ling put her hands together with excitement.
Hu Lei thought of Huo Mei and how she could be a typical nosy aunt when she put down her Dr Huo mantle, and she felt a headache coming on. It would be difficult to have a small peaceful wedding if the two women were in cahoots.
Then, she thought of the rivalry between Elder Zhong and her grandfather. Those two were always insulting each other and looked for opportunities to one-up each other.
Then, she remembered that Kaito had said that their teacher wanted to come to visit her before he had disappeared. If that old man heard about her wedding, he might leave the mountains.