Chapter 277

Chapter 277: First Meeting with Parents (5000 words)

Mei Fang promised Xia Yuan that he would acknowledge their current romantic relationship in front of Teacher Yu and Uncle Xia, and they would spend a night at her new home.

This decision might seem sudden, but since it was Xia Yuan’s wish, Mei Fang was determined to fulfill it.

To be honest, even though we’re in a relationship, apart from being more daring during intimate moments, do I really feel like we’re in a relationship?

Mei Fang wasn’t quite sure what it felt like to be in a relationship. Having been childhood friends since young, he didn’t know if hugging and kissing Xia Yuan when they were alone counted as feeling like a couple.

Thinking about it, I’ve really watched our Yuan grow up…

Today was the day to meet Xia Yuan’s parents before the New Year. Mei Fang got up early and rode his bike to Xia Yuan’s house. The place where Xia Yuan lived had changed from a single-family home to a high-end residential area, which made entry and exit quite cumbersome. Mei Fang could only wait for Xia Yuan to come down and meet him.

He waited outside the residential area until Xia Yuan appeared. Today, Xia Yuan was dressed beautifully in a skirt. She skipped over to Mei Fang, pulled him close, and gave him a kiss on the lips, then patted his shoulder:

“Ah Fang looks especially handsome today, my mom and dad will definitely be very happy.”

“Let’s not talk about this… Let’s go pick out some gifts first, should I sit in front or in back?”

“I’ll sit in front and block your view, so I’ll sit in the back.”

Xia Yuan stepped onto the bike and hugged Mei Fang tightly. Even through his coat, Mei Fang could feel her warmth, causing him to feel somewhat flustered. He was about to say something, but Xia Yuan tightened her hug.

“Today Ah Fang is all mine.”

Mei Fang turned around and smiled at Xia Yuan: “Didn’t you insist on having Lin You Xi accompany us last time?”

“That was my birthday, the situation was different.”

“I still remember you crying and saying that You Xi must be there too—”

“Ah, Ah Fang, you’re so annoying!”

Xia Yuan punched Mei Fang’s back, “If you keep revealing my past, I won’t help you with that this week!”

She immediately felt she might have lost out and pinched Mei Fang’s waist while muttering, “Don’t think too much! I won’t let You Xi help you either.”

“Oh… just kidding, don’t get so worked up.”

Mei Fang looked at Xia Yuan and asked, “Did you eat at home? Why don’t we grab an early breakfast together?”

“Aren’t you hungry yet?”

Xia Yuan hugged Mei Fang and mumbled, “I ate breakfast at home, my mom steamed some buns. Why don’t we go to my place and eat some?”

“We’re here specifically to visit Uncle Xia and Auntie Yu. It wouldn’t be appropriate to go now.” Mei Fang thought for a moment, “I can buy some small steamed buns on the way.”

“Xiao Xue told me there’s a delicious ramen shop near Su Guo Department Store called something like ‘Brother Tang.’ Why don’t we go there for beef ramen?”

“Eat ramen now? Won’t it be awkward if I can’t eat at your place later?”

“We can share one bowl,” Xia Yuan licked her lips, “Actually, I just want to try it.”

“Alright, why didn’t you say so earlier.”

Mei Fang rode his electric scooter with Xia Yuan, and soon his phone rang in his pocket. Xia Yuan reached into his pocket and took out the phone, “It’s You Xi calling, shall I answer it for you?”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

Xia Yuan answered the call, “You Xi, it’s Yuan Yuan.”

“You two have already left?”

“Mm-hmm, we’re planning to eat beef ramen. Do you want to join us?”

“Which one?”

“It’s the new one next to Su Guo. Should I ask Ah Fang to pick you up on the way?”

“Forget it, it’s out of the way, and you probably don’t really want to pick me up.”

“What? How could you say that! If you want to eat, I’ll take you.”

“Forget it, give the phone to Ah Fang.”

Xia Yuan obediently put the phone to Mei Fang’s ear and talked to Lin You Xi.

“Hmm… Yes.”

Xia Yuan nodded at Mei Fang.

“Hmm…”

“Got it.”

“That bug can be handled by Qin Shaoyang.”

“What? Really? I think he did a pretty good job, why fire him?”

“If you can’t stand it anymore… Then I’ll discuss it with Sister Yueyue. Anything else?”

“Mm-hmm, yes, I understand how to handle it. I know how to deal with Teacher Yu and Uncle Xia.”

“Don’t you trust me?”

From Mei Fang’s response, Xia Yuan judged that he alternated between discussing work with Lin You Xi and chatting about personal matters with her, diligently fulfilling his role as a supportive partner.

But their conversation seemed endless, and Xia Yuan’s arm was getting tired.

“Ah Fang, how long do we have to chat?”

Hearing Xia Yuan’s coquettish voice, Mei Fang bid farewell to Lin You Xi, “Alright… We’re almost at the ramen shop, let’s stop chatting.”

“Hmm? Mm-hmm…”

Mei Fang blew a kiss into the phone.

“…”

“It’s fine now, Yuan Yuan.”

Xia Yuan put away the phone and stuffed it back into Mei Fang’s pocket, making a humming sound.

“I didn’t know… You kiss after talking on the phone with You Xi?”

“Well… Sometimes.”

Mei Fang parked the scooter by the roadside. When he got off, Xia Yuan was still sitting on the bike, looking somewhat jealous.

How cute.

Mei Fang didn’t mind Xia Yuan’s little tantrum; instead, he approached her and carried her down from the bike.

When Xia Yuan was carried down by Mei Fang, she was caught off guard and still a bit flustered. After pinching Mei Fang’s cheek, he also leaned in and kissed her.

“I’m just giving a virtual kiss to You Xi, but I’m really kissing you. Isn’t that fair enough?”

“What! That’s unfair! You’re always taking advantage of me.”

Xia Yuan pinched Mei Fang’s cheek again and leaned in for a kiss.

“I tasted the flavor of buns, are you eating vegetable buns today?”

“What! How can you say that! You’re making me feel sick!”

Xia Yuan and Mei Fang playfully entered the ramen shop and ordered a bowl of beef ramen. Xia Yuan took a small portion and shared it with Mei Fang. After finishing, they commented on the broth and noodle texture before wiping their mouths and getting down to business.

Before visiting Xia Yuan’s parents, Mei Fang needed to prepare the gifts for the visit.

Xia Yuan’s father, Xia Xun, after selling Bai Mei Renjia, invested in several businesses based on his unique business acumen, earning substantial profits over the years. According to Mei Fang’s estimation, Xia Yuan’s father likely had assets worth millions.

However, neither Mei Fang nor Xia Yuan knew exactly how much money he had now.

Facing such a wealthy father-in-law, Mei Fang struggled with whether to bring expensive gifts.

Lin You Xi believed that since Mei Fang planned to inform Xia Xun about his significant achievements, bringing overly modest gifts that suited a student’s lifestyle would not be appropriate. After some deliberation, Mei Fang decided to bring some luxury items.

With Xia Yuan’s assistance, Mei Fang quickly prepared a gift for Teacher Yu—a new perfume from her favorite brand, packaged elegantly.

However, when it came to Xia Xun, Xia Yuan was at a loss.

“My dad likes cars, but bringing a car as a gift seems odd, it’s more like a dowry.”

“What about leather bags, belts, or watches? Does your dad like those?”

“They seem okay, but…”

Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “Dad has been feeling unwell lately, maybe some health supplements would be appropriate.”

“You’re silly! Health supplements?”

Mei Fang patted Xia Yuan’s head, “Giving health supplements implies that Dad is old, which isn’t acceptable. Dad doesn’t like me much anyway.”

“Dad doesn’t dislike you, he’s doing well.”

Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “Maybe I should call Dad and ask what he wants—”

“Don’t do anything foolish! Let me think…”

Mei Fang thought for a moment and asked Xia Yuan beside him, “Does your dad usually carry a pen with him?”

“Yes… He often signs documents and carries a fountain pen,” Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “Are you planning to give him a fountain pen? But luxury brand pens like Lamy can only be bought in Jiangcheng.”

“It’s fine, Dad recently received a Lamy pen set as a gift, I can give it to Uncle Xia.”

“That’s for Uncle Mei, it wouldn’t be right to give it to Dad.”

“Dad rarely uses it, it’s just a purchase from him. He’ll be happy to give it.”

After deciding, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan rushed home to retrieve the pen set from Mei Lijun. Initially, Mei Lijun was reluctant, reminding Mei Fang to return the favor later to avoid it seeming like receiving gifts.

However, after Mei Fang gave him some cash, he happily helped Mei Fang wrap the pen set and brought it along.

After preparing everything, it was time for the official visit.

Mei Fang rode his electric scooter back to Xia Yuan’s new home, passing through strict security checkpoints. Xia Yuan didn’t rush to take Mei Fang upstairs but led him around the neighborhood.

“How does this place look? The new environment is nice, right?”

“It’s nice… but I still prefer the feeling of your old villa.”

“Now we live in a villa.”

Xia Yuan held Mei Fang’s hand and cuddled, “We might consider buying a house in Jiangcheng next year, the current place feels too cramped.”

“We haven’t decided where to go for college yet, buying a house in Jiangcheng now seems wasteful. Renting would be better.”

“Let’s buy one in Jiangcheng. Dad was planning to buy a house there too. He’s eyeing several places. I can recommend them to us. Once school starts, we can go see them. You Xi will be 18 by then and can buy a house herself.”

“Mm-hmm… If Dad recommends, it might be worth considering…”

Xia Yuan led Mei Fang to the entrance of her building, passed through facial recognition, and went up in the elevator.

Mei Fang followed Xia Yuan to her new home and gently knocked on the door.

“Mom, I brought Ah Fang back!”

The door opened slightly, and it was Teacher Yu who greeted them.

“Teacher Yu, hello.”

Mei Fang nodded at his primary school teacher. Teacher Yu happily led Mei Fang inside.

“Come in, come in… Ah Fang hasn’t eaten at my house in a year. I specially made your favorite dishes today—”

“Teacher Yu, this is a gift for you…”

“Oh, you came, why bring a gift…”

Teacher Yu took the gift box from Mei Fang’s hands and examined it carefully, “This… This gift is so valuable. Is this a Versace perfume? How did you know I liked this?”

Mei Fang scratched his head sheepishly, “It wasn’t my choice, Yuan Yuan told me—”

“Ah Fang… Don’t say it so directly!”

“Ah Fang… I appreciate the sentiment, but you’re still a student. I can’t accept such an expensive gift.”

Teacher Yu assumed a stern tone, reminding Mei Fang, “This is all hard-earned money from your parents’ work. Even if you save every penny to give me, I won’t be happy—”

“Mom, don’t rush to refuse. This gift is earned by Ah Fang, not using family money.”

“Earned? Then—”

Just then, Xia Xun walked out from inside the house. Seeing this, Mei Fang hurriedly greeted him.

“Uncle Xia, hello.”

“Mei Fang, you’re here.”

Xia Xun’s attitude toward Mei Fang was neither cold nor warm. As he spoke, he walked to the living room and prepared to make tea, “Come, sit in the living room. Dinner will be ready soon. What are you standing there for?”

“Like this… Husband, Ah Fang brought a gift.”

Xia Xun thought Mei Fang was starting to show some manners, “If he brought a gift, just accept it. Isn’t that good?”

“Uncle Xia, I brought a gift for you too.”

Mei Fang stepped forward and handed Xia Xun the pen set from his father.

Xia Xun was surprised when he saw the pen brand, “You came, why bring such a valuable thing? Did you tell your parents?”

“Ah Fang said he earned it himself.”

Hearing this, Xia Xun was initially stunned but then understood the source of Mei Fang’s funds, “Is it money earned from making music together? Although it’s your own earnings, there’s no need to spend it on us. It’s all hard-earned money by Mei Fang.”

“Oh… Parents, why are you being so tactless?”

Xia Yuan felt that her parents always emphasized how hard they worked to earn money, which made Mei Fang feel embarrassed. She immediately stood up for Mei Fang, “This isn’t just a regular gift, do you understand?”

“Not just a regular… gift?”

Seeing this, Mei Fang stood up, held Xia Yuan’s hand, and bowed respectfully to Teacher Yu and Xia Xun, “Uncle Xia, Teacher Yu, I hope you can accept these gifts. After all, this is the first meeting with the parents.”

“Haha, Ah Fang, what joke are you playing… What do you mean by the first meeting with the parents? You’ve seen us so many times—”

Teacher Yu noticed Mei Fang’s serious expression and the way he held Xia Yuan’s hand, understanding the meaning behind his words, “Meeting the parents means… you and Yuan Yuan—are you and Yuan Yuan together?”

“Yes, Teacher Yu.”

As Mei Fang nodded, Xia Yuan nudged him, “Now, why call her teacher? Call her mom…”

“What mom?”

Xia Xun frowned, “I disagree. You’re just dating, not engaged. It’s too early to call her mom now.”

“Now… hmm…”

Teacher Yu nervously fiddled with her fingers, “You’re still in school. Are you thinking about getting engaged now?”

“No way! Ah Ling, what are you thinking?”

“Not… Aunt, Teacher, I didn’t react in time. Sorry…”

“Mom, we’re just dating, not getting married. Why are you more nervous than me?”

Xia Yuan was quite surprised by her mother’s reaction. Teacher Yu couldn’t hide her smile and patted Mei Fang’s head, “Although I don’t support early love, your relationship with Yuan Yuan is special. I won’t say anything, but I hope you two can continue.”

“Mm-hmm, I will, Teacher. I’ll make Yuan Yuan happy.”

Mei Fang earnestly nodded at Teacher Yu.

What’s going on… Just dating, why does it feel like I’m marrying off my daughter?

Xia Xun appeared calm on the surface but was secretly agitated, a sense of sorrow overwhelming him, making his emotions very complex.

When Xia Yuan and Mei Fang looked at Xia Xun, this millionaire boss seemed unable to face them and instinctively turned his head away.

“Dad? Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“Hmm… What should I say…”

Xia Xun pondered for a moment, “Your mom has said everything. I have nothing to add.”

He patted Mei Fang’s shoulder, “I won’t say things like ‘I entrust my daughter to you,’ because I’ll judge by your actions.”

“Mm, I understand, Dad.”

“Hmm?”

“Ah, no, Uncle Xia.”

Mei Fang scratched his head uncomfortably.

Xia Xun sat on the sofa and solemnly stated his views to Mei Fang:

“Since we were young, we’ve treated Yuan Yuan as a precious gem. You know this. Now, she’s a famous singer, facing many difficulties and temptations. To properly protect our Yuan Yuan, you need to have certain capabilities yourself. Of course, since you’re still young, I won’t demand too much from you. But once you start working and stay with our Yuan Yuan, I hope you can find a respectable job. Only then will we not let Yuan Yuan suffer…”

“Dad, Ah Fang has already started working!”

Xia Yuan finally felt free to openly hold her lover’s arm in front of her parents, naturally praising him: “He’s now the station manager of C Station, the CEO of Lin Xi’s company, worth nearly a billion. You didn’t know, did you?”

“When did it become nearly a billion! You’re flattering me… At most a few hundred million.”

Mei Fang gently stroked Xia Yuan’s head and looked back at Teacher Yu and Xia Xun, whose expressions were incredulous.

Already… started working?

Or even a big boss?

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Recommended: “Snow Country’s Plum Quartet,” a new work by the renowned author Hai Da from “Tokyo Tutor.” His works have a traditional Japanese light-hearted and melancholic feel. Fans, don’t miss it! Please support the first subscription!

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Speaking of which, my previous book was actually inspired by “Tokyo Tutor,” but I couldn’t write in that style and flopped (_(:з」∠)_).