Chapter 284: May 18
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About a dozen people were sitting around the room. Everyone was chatting so happily with one another. Every woman was dressed in traditional Chinese cheongsam dresses, and every man was dressed suavely in a modern suit.
When they saw Grandmother Wu come into the room, everyone got up from their seat and stared at her and her entourage behind her.
Grandmother Wu was looking as elegant as ever. Dressed in a dark green dress, she was as poised as an empress.
Following behind her were her relatives that could attend the betrothal ceremony despite the short notice.
Grandmother Wu flashed a huge, warm smile when she saw Li Xiqing and his parents.
"Grandmother, how are you?" Li Xiqing quickly walked over and spoke up first.
Grandmother Wu nodded in return, "En, I'm fine, sit down, sit down, let me introduce you to our family."
Everyone started to sit back on their chairs as they saw the Wu family come into their view one by one.
"This is my sister, and this is her husband."
"This is my first cousin and her daughter."
Grandmother Wu started to introduce the family one by one, and what to call them.
Li Xiqing kept his attention on everyone who came into his sight.
He tried to remember their names and their hierarchy in the family.
But his attention was fully occupied by the stunning woman who walked out last.
----------
By tradition, when Li Xiqing had just arrived back in the country, Mother Li and Father Li had forbidden him and Shao Yan to meet up, and also forbid them to stay together.
"Not until we completed the betrothal day," they said.
So, Shao Yan had to stay back at her apartment with Qi Ling, while Li Xiqing was back on his own.
The couple had not seen each other ever since Shao Yan had left Singapore.
Until today.
Confident in her steps, the woman kept looking more amazing than ever.
She was wearing a blazing red, short sleeves cheongsam dress.
It was an A-line dress. The hem of the dress was high at the front, right above her knees; and going longer at the back, and fell right in the middle of her calves.
The top section was lace bodice with flower embroideries, and the bottom section of the dress was silk with some tulle lining to add some fullness.
Shao Yan had braided her hair and knotted the end into an elegant bun.
The milky skin of her face, neck and arms were so captivating. She looked like a gentle princess.
Captured by her beauty, everyone in the room was holding their breath upon her appearance.
Li Xiqing unconsciously got up on his feet, about to walk over and took her hands.
But Mother Li was faster. She grabbed him by his arm and gently tugged it to remind him.
Shao Yan pursed her red stained lips into a small smile and nodded at Li Xiqing; signalling him to obey his mother.
He could not help but grumble a little in his heart.
Why did it feel like they were some sort of Tang dynasty lovers that were not supposed to touch until their wedding night?
----------
An elderly woman from The Li family stood up and walked to the center of the room.
"My name is Madam An, and I am representing The Li family to propose a marriage to your family; a woman by the name of Wu Shaoyan, daughter of Wu Geping and Xu Kaixin."
The procession of the betrothal was started right away.
Each family started to introduce themselves and quickly stated their intention to marry.
When everyone had finished their introductions, the matchmaker, Madam An, walked back to the center of the crowd and continued.
"Please accept our sincere intentions," Her hands swept to the side, and the young adults in the family started to bring forward several red baskets into their view.
A basket filled with two pairs of red candles in shapes of dragon and phoenix.
A basket filled with red packets filled with brand new crisp money bills.
A basket with a tray of whole fragrant, roasted suckling pig.
A basket full of premium Chinese red wine.
A basket of peanuts, sesame candies, sweets, traditional wedding cakes and wedding pastries.
A basket of twelve round, luscious oranges and twelve apples.
A basket of jewelry for the bride.
A basket of wedding decorations, double happiness stickers, red cloths and banners.
Shao Yan was surprised at the scene in front of her. She was astonished at the expensive baskets lined up neatly on the tables.
During her time with Liwei, there was no such grandeur celebration. His parents came to her house to ask for marriage and the next day, she and Liwei went to register at the Civil Bureau office.
But this... ?
Shao Yan looked up to see how Li Xiqing would react.
But all she saw was his calm, confident face; staring down at her, unmoved.
His hands were folded on his knees and his eyes had never moved away from her even since she appeared in his view.
----------
When the matchmaker went back to her seat, another woman stepped into the center of the room. This time she was the representative from the Wu family.
The slightly plump woman swept her hand to the side as well, and the young adults from the family came into the room and lifted the boxes away.
A few minutes later, they came out again carrying similar baskets into the room and lined them up on the empty tables. Next to the gifts from The Li family.
A basket full of the groom's attire. Watch, cufflinks, belt, a gold ring and red packets full of new, crisp money bills.
A basket full of oranges.
A basket full of wedding sweets and wedding pastries.
A basket full of bed sheets, pillows and blankets.
A basket of two pairs of red wedding slippers, red suitcases, red wash basin, red shoes, red socks.
A basket of tea porcelain and tea leaves set.
A basket of dining sets for the couple such as red bowls, spoons, chopsticks.
A basket of red umbrella, red ruler, red box of sewing kit and a pair of red prosperity lamps.
When everything had been placed, the elderly woman motioned for Mother Li and Father Li to come to the center of the room.
"Mister Li, Madam Li, our Wu family accepted your marriage proposal. You may meet your daughter in law now."
----------
The elderly woman turned around and glanced at Shao Yan. She slowly got up from her chair and walked to the center of the room.
Mother Li also glanced back and signaled Li Xiqing to come forward.
Li Xiqing obediently stepped forward; in his hands, he was carrying a box made of purple velvet material.
When he stood next to his mother, Mother Li opened the box and from the inside, Shao Yan saw it was a four-piece jewelry box.
Mother Li took out a gold necklace from the box. It was in a shape of dragon and phoenix who were dancing together in clouds.
She unclasped the necklace and put it around Shao Yan's delicate neck.
Mother Li then took out a pair of bracelets and put them on each of her wrists.
Shao Yan knew that The Li family would be giving her four pieces of jewelry as part of tradition, so she did not put on any jewelry today.
Mother Li took out a pair of earrings and put them on each of her tiny earlobes.
And finally, she put on a round, gold cloud ring around her fingers, next to the engagement ring that Shao Yan had received from Li Xiqing.
When Mother Li had finished, Grandmother Wu rose up from her seat and walked over.
"Yan Yan," She said while standing next to Mother Li and Father Li, "You are an engaged woman now."
Li Xiqing put his hand around her waist gently. Shao Yan glanced to the side and returned his smile.
"From today onward, The Li's have gained another daughter," Grandmother Wu paused.
"And you have also got another parents to take care of," She finished with a slightly trembling voice.
"You may call them 'Mother' and 'Father' from now on."
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About a dozen people were sitting around the room. Everyone was chatting so happily with one another. Every woman was dressed in traditional Chinese cheongsam dresses, and every man was dressed suavely in a modern suit.
When they saw Grandmother Wu come into the room, everyone got up from their seat and stared at her and her entourage behind her.
Grandmother Wu was looking as elegant as ever. Dressed in a dark green dress, she was as poised as an empress.
Following behind her were her relatives that could attend the betrothal ceremony despite the short notice.
Grandmother Wu flashed a huge, warm smile when she saw Li Xiqing and his parents.
"Grandmother, how are you?" Li Xiqing quickly walked over and spoke up first.
Grandmother Wu nodded in return, "En, I'm fine, sit down, sit down, let me introduce you to our family."
Everyone started to sit back on their chairs as they saw the Wu family come into their view one by one.
"This is my sister, and this is her husband."
"This is my first cousin and her daughter."
Grandmother Wu started to introduce the family one by one, and what to call them.
Li Xiqing kept his attention on everyone who came into his sight.
He tried to remember their names and their hierarchy in the family.
But his attention was fully occupied by the stunning woman who walked out last.
----------
By tradition, when Li Xiqing had just arrived back in the country, Mother Li and Father Li had forbidden him and Shao Yan to meet up, and also forbid them to stay together.
"Not until we completed the betrothal day," they said.
So, Shao Yan had to stay back at her apartment with Qi Ling, while Li Xiqing was back on his own.
The couple had not seen each other ever since Shao Yan had left Singapore.
Until today.
Confident in her steps, the woman kept looking more amazing than ever.
She was wearing a blazing red, short sleeves cheongsam dress.
It was an A-line dress. The hem of the dress was high at the front, right above her knees; and going longer at the back, and fell right in the middle of her calves.
The top section was lace bodice with flower embroideries, and the bottom section of the dress was silk with some tulle lining to add some fullness.
Shao Yan had braided her hair and knotted the end into an elegant bun.
The milky skin of her face, neck and arms were so captivating. She looked like a gentle princess.
Captured by her beauty, everyone in the room was holding their breath upon her appearance.
Li Xiqing unconsciously got up on his feet, about to walk over and took her hands.
But Mother Li was faster. She grabbed him by his arm and gently tugged it to remind him.
Shao Yan pursed her red stained lips into a small smile and nodded at Li Xiqing; signalling him to obey his mother.
He could not help but grumble a little in his heart.
Why did it feel like they were some sort of Tang dynasty lovers that were not supposed to touch until their wedding night?
----------
An elderly woman from The Li family stood up and walked to the center of the room.
"My name is Madam An, and I am representing The Li family to propose a marriage to your family; a woman by the name of Wu Shaoyan, daughter of Wu Geping and Xu Kaixin."
The procession of the betrothal was started right away.
Each family started to introduce themselves and quickly stated their intention to marry.
When everyone had finished their introductions, the matchmaker, Madam An, walked back to the center of the crowd and continued.
"Please accept our sincere intentions," Her hands swept to the side, and the young adults in the family started to bring forward several red baskets into their view.
A basket filled with two pairs of red candles in shapes of dragon and phoenix.
A basket filled with red packets filled with brand new crisp money bills.
A basket with a tray of whole fragrant, roasted suckling pig.
A basket full of premium Chinese red wine.
A basket of peanuts, sesame candies, sweets, traditional wedding cakes and wedding pastries.
A basket of twelve round, luscious oranges and twelve apples.
A basket of jewelry for the bride.
A basket of wedding decorations, double happiness stickers, red cloths and banners.
Shao Yan was surprised at the scene in front of her. She was astonished at the expensive baskets lined up neatly on the tables.
During her time with Liwei, there was no such grandeur celebration. His parents came to her house to ask for marriage and the next day, she and Liwei went to register at the Civil Bureau office.
But this... ?
Shao Yan looked up to see how Li Xiqing would react.
But all she saw was his calm, confident face; staring down at her, unmoved.
His hands were folded on his knees and his eyes had never moved away from her even since she appeared in his view.
----------
When the matchmaker went back to her seat, another woman stepped into the center of the room. This time she was the representative from the Wu family.
The slightly plump woman swept her hand to the side as well, and the young adults from the family came into the room and lifted the boxes away.
A few minutes later, they came out again carrying similar baskets into the room and lined them up on the empty tables. Next to the gifts from The Li family.
A basket full of the groom's attire. Watch, cufflinks, belt, a gold ring and red packets full of new, crisp money bills.
A basket full of oranges.
A basket full of wedding sweets and wedding pastries.
A basket full of bed sheets, pillows and blankets.
A basket of two pairs of red wedding slippers, red suitcases, red wash basin, red shoes, red socks.
A basket of tea porcelain and tea leaves set.
A basket of dining sets for the couple such as red bowls, spoons, chopsticks.
A basket of red umbrella, red ruler, red box of sewing kit and a pair of red prosperity lamps.
When everything had been placed, the elderly woman motioned for Mother Li and Father Li to come to the center of the room.
"Mister Li, Madam Li, our Wu family accepted your marriage proposal. You may meet your daughter in law now."
----------
The elderly woman turned around and glanced at Shao Yan. She slowly got up from her chair and walked to the center of the room.
Mother Li also glanced back and signaled Li Xiqing to come forward.
Li Xiqing obediently stepped forward; in his hands, he was carrying a box made of purple velvet material.
When he stood next to his mother, Mother Li opened the box and from the inside, Shao Yan saw it was a four-piece jewelry box.
Mother Li took out a gold necklace from the box. It was in a shape of dragon and phoenix who were dancing together in clouds.
She unclasped the necklace and put it around Shao Yan's delicate neck.
Mother Li then took out a pair of bracelets and put them on each of her wrists.
Shao Yan knew that The Li family would be giving her four pieces of jewelry as part of tradition, so she did not put on any jewelry today.
Mother Li took out a pair of earrings and put them on each of her tiny earlobes.
And finally, she put on a round, gold cloud ring around her fingers, next to the engagement ring that Shao Yan had received from Li Xiqing.
When Mother Li had finished, Grandmother Wu rose up from her seat and walked over.
"Yan Yan," She said while standing next to Mother Li and Father Li, "You are an engaged woman now."
Li Xiqing put his hand around her waist gently. Shao Yan glanced to the side and returned his smile.
"From today onward, The Li's have gained another daughter," Grandmother Wu paused.
"And you have also got another parents to take care of," She finished with a slightly trembling voice.
"You may call them 'Mother' and 'Father' from now on."
About a dozen people were sitting around the room. Everyone was chatting so happily with one another. Every woman was dressed in traditional Chinese cheongsam dresses, and every man was dressed suavely in a modern suit.When they saw Grandmother Wu come into the room, everyone got up from their seat and stared at her and her entourage behind her.Grandmother Wu was looking as elegant as ever. Dressed in a dark green dress, she was as poised as an empress.Following behind her were her relatives that could attend the betrothal ceremony despite the short notice.Grandmother Wu flashed a huge, warm smile when she saw Li Xiqing and his parents."Grandmother, how are you?" Li Xiqing quickly walked over and spoke up first.Grandmother Wu nodded in return, "En, I'm fine, sit down, sit down, let me introduce you to our family."Everyone started to sit back on their chairs as they saw the Wu family come into their view one by one."This is my sister, and this is her husband.""This is my first cousin and her daughter."Grandmother Wu started to introduce the family one by one, and what to call them.Li Xiqing kept his attention on everyone who came into his sight.He tried to remember their names and their hierarchy in the family.But his attention was fully occupied by the stunning woman who walked out last.----------By tradition, when Li Xiqing had just arrived back in the country, Mother Li and Father Li had forbidden him and Shao Yan to meet up, and also forbid them to stay together."Not until we completed the betrothal day," they said.So, Shao Yan had to stay back at her apartment with Qi Ling, while Li Xiqing was back on his own.The couple had not seen each other ever since Shao Yan had left Singapore.Until today.Confident in her steps, the woman kept looking more amazing than ever.She was wearing a blazing red, short sleeves cheongsam dress.It was an A-line dress. The hem of the dress was high at the front, right above her knees; and going longer at the back, and fell right in the middle of her calves.The top section was lace bodice with flower embroideries, and the bottom section of the dress was silk with some tulle lining to add some fullness.Shao Yan had braided her hair and knotted the end into an elegant bun.The milky skin of her face, neck and arms were so captivating. She looked like a gentle princess.Captured by her beauty, everyone in the room was holding their breath upon her appearance.Li Xiqing unconsciously got up on his feet, about to walk over and took her hands.But Mother Li was faster. She grabbed him by his arm and gently tugged it to remind him.Shao Yan pursed her red stained lips into a small smile and nodded at Li Xiqing; signalling him to obey his mother.He could not help but grumble a little in his heart.Why did it feel like they were some sort of Tang dynasty lovers that were not supposed to touch until their wedding night?----------An elderly woman from The Li family stood up and walked to the center of the room."My name is Madam An, and I am representing The Li family to propose a marriage to your family; a woman by the name of Wu Shaoyan, daughter of Wu Geping and Xu Kaixin."The procession of the betrothal was started right away.Each family started to introduce themselves and quickly stated their intention to marry.When everyone had finished their introductions, the matchmaker, Madam An, walked back to the center of the crowd and continued."Please accept our sincere intentions," Her hands swept to the side, and the young adults in the family started to bring forward several red baskets into their view.A basket filled with two pairs of red candles in shapes of dragon and phoenix.A basket filled with red packets filled with brand new crisp money bills.A basket with a tray of whole fragrant, roasted suckling pig.A basket full of premium Chinese red wine.A basket of peanuts, sesame candies, sweets, traditional wedding cakes and wedding pastries.A basket of twelve round, luscious oranges and twelve apples.A basket of jewelry for the bride.A basket of wedding decorations, double happiness stickers, red cloths and banners.Shao Yan was surprised at the scene in front of her. She was astonished at the expensive baskets lined up neatly on the tables.During her time with Liwei, there was no such grandeur celebration. His parents came to her house to ask for marriage and the next day, she and Liwei went to register at the Civil Bureau office.But this... ?Shao Yan looked up to see how Li Xiqing would react.But all she saw was his calm, confident face; staring down at her, unmoved.His hands were folded on his knees and his eyes had never moved away from her even since she appeared in his view.----------When the matchmaker went back to her seat, another woman stepped into the center of the room. This time she was the representative from the Wu family.The slightly plump woman swept her hand to the side as well, and the young adults from the family came into the room and lifted the boxes away.A few minutes later, they came out again carrying similar baskets into the room and lined them up on the empty tables. Next to the gifts from The Li family.A basket full of the groom's attire. Watch, cufflinks, belt, a gold ring and red packets full of new, crisp money bills.A basket full of oranges.A basket full of wedding sweets and wedding pastries.A basket full of bed sheets, pillows and blankets.A basket of two pairs of red wedding slippers, red suitcases, red wash basin, red shoes, red socks.A basket of tea porcelain and tea leaves set.A basket of dining sets for the couple such as red bowls, spoons, chopsticks.A basket of red umbrella, red ruler, red box of sewing kit and a pair of red prosperity lamps.When everything had been placed, the elderly woman motioned for Mother Li and Father Li to come to the center of the room."Mister Li, Madam Li, our Wu family accepted your marriage proposal. You may meet your daughter in law now."----------The elderly woman turned around and glanced at Shao Yan. She slowly got up from her chair and walked to the center of the room.Mother Li also glanced back and signaled Li Xiqing to come forward.Li Xiqing obediently stepped forward; in his hands, he was carrying a box made of purple velvet material.When he stood next to his mother, Mother Li opened the box and from the inside, Shao Yan saw it was a four-piece jewelry box.Mother Li took out a gold necklace from the box. It was in a shape of dragon and phoenix who were dancing together in clouds.She unclasped the necklace and put it around Shao Yan's delicate neck.Mother Li then took out a pair of bracelets and put them on each of her wrists.Shao Yan knew that The Li family would be giving her four pieces of jewelry as part of tradition, so she did not put on any jewelry today.Mother Li took out a pair of earrings and put them on each of her tiny earlobes.And finally, she put on a round, gold cloud ring around her fingers, next to the engagement ring that Shao Yan had received from Li Xiqing.When Mother Li had finished, Grandmother Wu rose up from her seat and walked over."Yan Yan," She said while standing next to Mother Li and Father Li, "You are an engaged woman now."Li Xiqing put his hand around her waist gently. Shao Yan glanced to the side and returned his smile."From today onward, The Li's have gained another daughter," Grandmother Wu paused."And you have also got another parents to take care of," She finished with a slightly trembling voice."You may call them 'Mother' and 'Father' from now on."
