C18 They Discussed the Marriage!

"People outside are the same, running out of things to talk about, so they even start gossiping about the deceased," Nannan said indignantly, as if standing up for the deceased.

"Why, Nannan, do you know that girl?" Huangfu Ling asked, trying to probe for more information.

"No, I don't. How would I know anyone in your circle? My parents are just regular working folks. There's no way I'd know people from your world," Nannan replied, her face expressionless. Trying to get more out of her was clearly underestimating her.

"Oh, I just realized we haven't met the in-laws yet. Shouldn't both families meet before the wedding?" Mr. Zheng suddenly remembered, feeling a bit forgetful for overlooking such an important step.

"I'll contact them later and let them know," he said, thinking that meeting the adoptive parents might change their minds. However, Zheng Yizhou and Huangfu Ling must have discovered something; otherwise, they wouldn't have brought it up.

"Alright, let's eat. Yizhou, go call your mom for dinner," Mr. Zheng cheerfully invited everyone. The events of the past were long gone, but someone had dredged them up again. Both he and Zheng's mother were well aware of the details, but they chose to ignore them because of their son's last wishes.

"Mom said she's not eating. She doesn't want to see a certain someone," Yizhou announced as he came downstairs, deliberately making sure Nannan heard him.

"Why are you speaking like that? Nannan, don't take it to heart," Mr. Zheng quickly reassured her. He was set on having Nannan as his granddaughter-in-law, and nothing would change that.

"It's okay," Nannan said, shaking her head. She was used to Yizhou's behavior, sometimes being incredibly kind and other times acting as if they were enemies from a past life.

"Yizhou, that's not right. Look, your sister-in-law doesn't even hold it against you. Here, try this. The food at Mr. Zheng's house is delicious. You're in for a treat from now on."

Huangfu Ling placed a piece of food into Xia Nannan's bowl, and when he turned his head, he met Zheng Yizhou's resentful gaze.

"Thank you," Xia Nannan said, a bit embarrassed as she accepted the food. She wondered how Zheng Yizhou had made such a lively friend, someone so different from his own personality. Could it be that they complemented each other?

"No problem, eat up," Huangfu Ling replied with a warm smile, which made Mr. Zheng feel a bit awkward. After all, this was his granddaughter-in-law, and here was an outsider being so attentive.

"Are you full? If you are, maybe it's time to head home," Zheng Yizhou suddenly stood up, dragging Huangfu Ling outside. This guy must be doing it on purpose.

"What are you doing? I'm not full yet," Huangfu Ling protested, eyeing him. Was he jealous?

"What are you up to? Don't forget, she's my woman. Why are you being so attentive?" Zheng Yizhou glared at him, wondering if he needed a reminder of who was in charge.

"Your woman? Didn't you say you didn't like her? Jealous much?" Huangfu Ling teased, amused that Zheng Yizhou could get jealous. Xia Nannan was indeed not an ordinary girl; the fact that she had managed to win over Zheng Yizhou was proof enough.

"Get lost," Zheng Yizhou snapped, annoyed that everyone seemed to think he liked her, yet he couldn't feel it himself.

"Got it, I'm leaving," Huangfu Ling replied, rolling his eyes as he trotted off. If Zheng Yizhou didn't like her, he might just pursue her himself, since Xia Nannan was truly special.

"Get out of here," Zheng Yizhou muttered irritably, turning back inside. It was even more infuriating that Xia Nannan had accepted the food from him.

The next day, the families arranged to meet, though Zheng's mother claimed she wasn't feeling well and didn't attend.

"You must be Nannan's parents. The more I see of your daughter, the more I like her," Mr. Zheng praised Xia Nannan, clearly very pleased with his future daughter-in-law.

"Our little Nannan has always been well-behaved. She's never given us any trouble, though I sometimes wish she were more rambunctious like other kids," Mrs. Xia said lovingly, glancing at Nannan with a hint of concern in her eyes. She couldn't quite let go of her worries.

"When was Nannan born?" Yizhou asked, looking at Nannan with a bit of skepticism. He wondered if these two were people Nannan had brought in to deceive him since she hadn't been truthful with him before.

"I believe it was May 20, 1995, in the middle of the night. I went through a lot to bring her into this world, but thankfully, Nannan was considerate and didn't cry when she was born," Mrs. Xia replied smoothly. In reality, Nannan was born during the day, but Mrs. Xia preferred to be cautious. After all, the Nannan everyone knew was supposed to be gone.

"Why bring that up? What parent doesn't worry about their child?" Nannan nestled into Mrs. Xia's embrace. Nannan had never gone through any adoption procedures; her records were simply added to the Xia family, so there wouldn't be any issues unless she slipped up. Yizhou wouldn't find any useful information.

"Exactly, what parent doesn't worry? Our Yizhou was quite a handful when he was little, always keeping me on my toes, especially after his father passed away so young," Mr. Zheng said with a tinge of sadness in his eyes.

"My condolences. Let's leave the past behind. As for the wedding, you can make the decisions. Just treat our Nannan well, that's all we ask," Mrs. Xia said, holding Nannan close. So many years had passed, and the little girl had grown into a fine young woman. Why couldn't she let go of the past? Peace of mind was what mattered most.

"Don't worry. As long as I'm alive, I won't let anyone mistreat Nannan," Mr. Zheng promised. The families chatted warmly, while Nannan and Yizhou sat nearby, listening to their plans with little interest.

"You all go ahead; I want to stay with Mom and Dad a little longer." After finally finishing their conversation, Nannan linked arms with her mom, suddenly feeling guilty for all the years they had cared for her.

"Alright, we'll head back then," Mr. Zheng said, understanding that family reunions are perfectly normal.

"Nannan, have you thought it through? Whatever you decide, we support you," her mom reassured her. They had never had children of their own and had long considered Nannan as their own daughter.

"I know, don't worry. I just feel like I've let you down," Nannan suddenly broke down, crying in her mom's arms. They had raised her for so many years, yet she still couldn't let go of her ridiculous quest for revenge.

"There's nothing to feel sorry about. Do what you want to do; we'll always be here for you," her dad added, as the family embraced each other in a heartfelt moment.