Lin Mei knew there were marks on her body. She was nursing, and there was no way to hide it. Xiao Yue must have seen them to ask such a question, and concealment wouldn't solve the problem.
"Do you and Dad no longer object?" She needed to clarify this matter first.
"Why are you asking that? Would our objection matter? You're still thinking about him all the time!" Xiao Yue said, "You two already have children, what else can we object to!"
Lin Mei knew they were gradually softening their stance, but they hadn't given explicit approval. Lin Zhengde was stubborn, so she didn't dare to openly discuss future plans with Xing Zheng. "My dad hasn't said anything. I'm afraid of upsetting him."
"Your dad is just proud and doesn't want to be the first to yield," Xiao Yue explained to her. "Now that you have a child, think from our perspective. Our own child suffered so much and kept it a secret. How could we feel alright? You're our only daughter. Although our family isn't wealthy, you're still the apple of our eye. And then..."
"Xing Zheng has his difficulties, but he still hurt you. Your dad and I were angry at the time, so of course, we wanted you to separate. However, his performance these past few months has been good," Xiao Yue revealed to Lin Mei. "A few days ago, your dad said he was quite satisfied with his recent behavior. If you two talk to him properly again, he'll relent."
Xiao Yue spoke at length, and Lin Mei listened attentively, nodding. Just then, the baby finished feeding. Xiao Yue picked up the child and placed him in the crib. She suddenly remembered something. "Right, Xing Zheng and his parents... is their relationship going to remain this strained?"
"Some things can't be smoothed over with just a few apologies," Lin Mei understood Xiao Yue's mindset. Elders often believe that families can overcome any obstacle, but "We are not him, we haven't experienced his pain."
Xiao Yue immediately understood. "Yes, you're right. He hasn't had an easy time these past few years... Forget it, we can't interfere with this matter."
Xiao Yue confessed to Lin Mei that while she and Xing Zheng were in Kyoto, Xing Sha and Xie Qin Jia had visited the child twice. Lin Mei wasn't surprised. She didn't object to them seeing the child, as long as it didn't affect Xing Zheng. Everything was negotiable. She decided to turn a blind eye to this matter.
After the laser surgery, Lin Mei's facial scar healed day by day. By New Year's, the scar had disappeared. Even with a close inspection, no trace could be seen. She stood before the mirror again, looking at her smooth, fair face, feeling an almost surreal sense of disbelief.
As Lin Mei was lost in thought, the bedroom door opened. Xing Zheng walked in. He stopped in front of her, cupped her face in his hands, and looked at her for a long time. "Can we go take wedding photos now?"
The question was too abrupt, and Lin Mei couldn't help but frown. "Did you get my parents' approval?"
"Not yet," he said. "I'm planning to get it done this afternoon."
His calm and confident tone made Lin Mei smile. "You're quite confident."
"Let's go." Xing Zheng took her hand, and they walked out together. Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue were sitting in the living room, chatting.
Seeing Lin Mei and Xing Zheng holding hands as they emerged, they guessed what they were about to discuss. Lin Zhengde's expression turned a bit serious. Xing Zheng and Lin Mei sat down. Lin Mei hadn't forgotten her earlier words; in this situation, she wouldn't state her opinion, but merely act as a witness.
Xing Zheng had pulled her out precisely for this reason. Lin Mei didn't need to say anything; he began speaking to the elders. "Lin Mei's face has healed. She mentioned before that she didn't want to take wedding photos with a scar. The child's household registration hasn't been done yet. I think we should directly register the child's household with ours." The implication was that they wanted to get married.
Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue had anticipated this day. Xiao Yue had no objections and looked at Lin Zhengde for his decision.
"Tell me about your future plans," Lin Zhengde posed the question.
Lin Mei reflexively looked at Xing Zheng. They hadn't discussed any future plans beforehand. Just as she was worrying that Xing Zheng wouldn't know what to say, she heard him speak in an organized manner. "Before the Spring Festival, we'll get the marriage certificate. After the festival, I'll take her and the child back to Nanjiang. Once her maternity leave is over, she'll return to work."
"I will arrange for professional help to look after the child. I will try to minimize my work hours to spend time with the child."
Xing Zheng had never considered making Lin Mei a full-time mother. She was an ambitious person, and her banking job was something she had worked hard to achieve. Her superiors praised her work capabilities. No one had the right to ask her to give it up.
Lin Zhengde also understood this intention and finally showed a satisfied expression. "Alright. Hua Mei, what are your thoughts?"
The question was directed at Lin Mei, which meant he was satisfied with Xing Zheng's proposal. Things were going much smoother than Lin Mei had imagined. After a moment of thought, she said, "My thoughts are pretty much the same."
"Good. Then you can make your own arrangements," Lin Zhengde said to Xing Zheng. "This is your last chance. I see you've been behaving well lately. If you ever cause her to get hurt or suffer because of you again, no matter what you do, I will not agree to your union."
"Yes, Teacher Lin," Xing Zheng nodded, his demeanor extremely humble. Usually, others fawned over him, but it was rare to see him so respectful and obedient to someone.
"Then, you two choose a date and get the certificate!" Xiao Yue said to Xing Zheng. "Stay here for the New Year this year. It will be livelier at home."
Xing Zheng replied, "Mm. Thank you, Mom."
This sudden change in address stunned Xiao Yue. The way he said "Mom" was so natural, as if he had called her that countless times before.
Lin Mei was also very surprised. Lin Zhengde, however, said sternly, "Don't call her that casually. It's not proper."
"Father is right," Xing Zheng said.
"Haven't the dishes for today been bought yet? Let's go buy groceries!" Lin Zhengde ignored Xing Zheng and pulled Xiao Yue along. They left together. Although he hadn't responded verbally, Xing Zheng knew that his father had accepted the address.
Xing Zheng looked at Lin Mei, meeting her surprised eyes, and smiled. "I've handled it. Now it's your turn."
"You changed your address so quickly," Lin Mei seized a rare opportunity to tease him. "How come I never noticed you were so adaptable before?"
"Adaptable, are you sure you didn't notice that before?" When they were alone, he reverted to his usual thick-skinned self, full of suggestive remarks.
Lin Mei became flustered and hit him. "You're so vulgar."
"Mm," he readily admitted, pulling her into his arms and placing her on his lap. "When are we going to get the certificate?"
"We'll see how you perform," Lin Mei told him. "No proposal, and you want to get something for nothing? That's not how it works."
"How do you know I won't propose?" He smiled and kissed her ear. "Don't worry, I'll give you a proposal you'll never forget."