Chapter 156 - Old Xiu's
The day before her flight to City S, she was suddenly summoned to the old Xiu’s family home. With all the stuff going on ever since she was discharged from the hospital and right after she got married, she completely forgot that she hasn’t formally introduced her husband and son to a lot of her relatives.
So she took this opportunity and brought the two of them back with her in the old Xiu’s to introduce them.
Quite different from the atmosphere in her maternal home, the old Xiu’s live in a luxury subdivision in the main city. The majority of the people living around the subdivision were either superstars, politicians, businessmen, and wealthy families. Luxurious mansions and wide lots with lines of cars parked could be seen even from afar. Even the plants decorating the entire subdivisions were carefully groomed by professional gardeners.
Overall, just one look from the entrance of the subdivision, they will know that it’s a place where no ordinary person can enter.
It’s very different from the old Yu’s home where they live in a secluded area a few kilometers away from the military barracks. Her relatives in her mother’s side were all living in different areas of the country due to their assignments.
And it’s also very different from her parents’ mansion where they stay somehow out of the famous areas in the city. With both politicians and military in the family, they couldn’t stay low profile yet not that high profile either.
Thinking back on her relatives in her father’s side of the family, a lot of them are living within the subdivision so most probably, Lu Chen and Lu Qiang could even meet her aunts and uncles plus some of her cousins.
"Aren’t you bringing too much stuff?" Xiu Mei commented on the numerous paper bag of luxury brands that the helper is putting at the trunk of the car.
"Last time I met your other grandparents, I was caught unprepared so I couldn’t bring them any gifts at all. So this time, I have to make sure to make a good impression on your grandparents’ on your father’s side." Lu Chen reasoned out as he hung his hand on her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.
Xiu Mei subconsciously leaned her head on his chest as if they’ve been doing it for so long.
"But isn’t it too much?"
She was quite worried that her grandparents may think that Lu Chen is a very materialistic person if he shows up with all the luxury gifts. Then she thought how much he must have spent on that even though he does not spend that much on a normal basis.
Lately, this habit of his was changing. Remembering his impulse purchase of the ring with a big stone, no one would ever believe that he was once a miser ah.
"Don’t worry. The one I’m going to give to the elders is high-quality tonics specially made for them."
"...Oh."
"Mom! I’m ready!" Lu Qiang screamed from behind them. Xiu Mei turned to look at the door and saw Lu Qiang’s attire. He didn’t look too formal but his attire for today is surely well thought of when Lu Chen was choosing his clothes.
Glancing at Lu Chen’s appearance and hers, she realized just now that they actually look like they’re wearing similar clothes. All three of them were wearing the same shade of solid color and even the pattern of the checkered lining is the same. So this is the reason why Lu Chen asked her beforehand what she’s gonna wear today?
As soon as Lu Qiang stopped before her, she slightly bent down and smoothened the adorable vest that he was wearing.
"Then let’s go."
The moment they arrived at the old Xiu mansion, Lu Qiang and Lu Chen almost couldn’t hide the awe in their faces. Thank god for the stiff expressions.
The mansion looked so luxurious outside so when they came in, they were completely blown away by the difference in style as soon as they got inside. It was almost as if they were in a traditional Chinese home.
They were taken aback by the towering shelf that they first saw as soon as they entered the door. Instead of marbled floors, it was made of high-quality wood. The smell of tea and paper permeated in the air.
Behind the towering shelves is the amazing interior of all furniture made of wood. The traditional paintings and scrolls hanging on the walls and the grandeur of the vases being displayed in different areas of the house showed the true wealth of the owner.
Anyone who would see this interior would surely think that the owner of the mansion is a wealthy scholar person.
The old Xiu’s steward guided them to the open garden where the two elders are currently having their tea.
"Xiu Mei greets grandfather and grandmother." Xiu Mei greeted with confidence and grace in the presence of the two elders.
Following suit, Lu Chen and Lu Qiang did the same.
"Lu Chen greets Elder Xiu and Madame Xiu."
"Lu Qiang greets Grandfather Xiu and Grandmother Xiu."
Back in the car, Xiu Mei already explained to them that the two Xiu family elders place great importance on manners and etiquette at home. Grandmother Xiu was once a professor at a top university while Grandfather Xiu hailed from a family of politicians and was trained with manners at such a young age.
Both of them are very well respected around their circle for being intelligent and good etiquette. Though they may look strict at first, they are actually a very warm person and don’t really scold them that much either when they make mistakes while in public.
Grandfather Xiu smiled warmly at the two a.d.u.l.ts while holding a cup of tea on his hand.
"Both of you, take a seat. Little one, can you sit with Grandfather?" Then he patted on the available cushion beside him.
Lu Qiang nodded and sat beside the elder while the two a.d.u.l.ts sat on the opposite side.
Grandmother Xiu raised the teapot planning to pour tea for the two of them while Grandfather Xiu ordered for a cup of juice to be brought for the child.
"Grandmother, let me do it." Xiu Mei attempted to snatch the teapot from her but she was quickly stopped by her grandmother.
"It’s fine. This is our first meeting with your husband and child ever since you got married so I’d like to do this for them right now." Grandmother Xiu responded as she continued pouring the tea on the two cups.
Xiu Mei grew ashamed when her Grandmother was implying that she didn’t introduce them after they got married. Even though she wasn’t scolding her, she was still ashamed of failing to introduce them to her family properly.
In her head, she was already planning to schedule her meeting with her relatives from the Yu family that are only a few hours away from where they are.
After being served with tea, Xiu Mei started introducing the two of them to the elders. After Lu Chen gave his presents, which pleased the elders so much and talking with Lu Qiang for a short while, the two elders didn’t prolong the topic anymore and went direct with the reason why she was summoned back here today.
"The Old Man Yu contacted me a week ago about the results of your appointment with Doctor Lee." Grandfather Xiu stated. His tone sounded very heavy as he continued, "And I immediately ordered someone to look for Xiu Su Yi abroad."
"Xiu Su Yi?"
"That’s my cousin’s name based on the sketch that your other grandfather gave me."
So it really was his grandfather’s cousin?
"I also heard from your second brother that you also mobilized your contacts to find him."
Xiu Mei nodded. "Yes, it would be easier for me to find him if he was really hiding somewhere abroad."
Grandfather Xiu fell silent for a while. He stared at his cup for a few seconds before speaking again.
"There’s no need for that anymore."
Xiu Mei’s forehead creased as she looked confused.
"Did you find him, Grandfather?"
Grandmother Xiu shook her head as she answered her question. "It was the Old Man Yu who found that person instead."
"Really? Where is he? Still in the United States?" Xiu Mei was thrilled to hear the news. Finding that person means that there is now a great possibility of resolving her kidnapping years ago. If that person is really involved with it, then maybe they could even find the person who masterminded her kidnapping too!
The two elders glanced at each other.
"The thing is when Xiu Su Yi migrated to America, we didn’t keep track of his activities abroad. But what we did is we ordered some people to immediately inform us once they receive some alert if Xiu Su Yi ever steps into Chine again."
Grandfather Xiu looked straight in her eyes as he continued.
"A few days ago, your Old Man Yu confirmed that Xiu Su Yi is already here in within the country."