Chapter 47: Agreement

Mr. Liu said, "Qianqian, whether Father drinks the well water, whether my body is healthy, and whether I can live a long life are all minor issues. What I most want to see is you living a stable and happy life."

Liu Qian said, "Father, if I can live a stable life and also take care of you, ensuring your health, why shouldn't I do that? Moreover, marriage is a gamble. A person's true nature might be visible at first glance, or it might never be seen. You can only infer their goodness or badness from their surface. If you bet right, happiness will be yours. Those so-called matches of equal status are just people's interpretations of successful marriages from the past. How many unhappy lives are the result of such matches? The beauty of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai lies in the legend. Perhaps in real life, it might not be as affectionate as Father and Mother. Although Zhang Xiaolong may not have Liang Shanbo's charm and elegance, he is steady and kind. I only saw the surface of those scholars before, and it was hard to delve deeper. But with Xiaolong, I can see his essence at a glance and am willing to continue our relationship."

Mr. Liu was stunned and said, "Qianqian, I don't know if teaching you to read and write from a young age was right. You've read so many books that I have no words to refute you."

Liu Qian smiled and said, "Father, this is just a bit of insight. Compared to your vast knowledge, I am far behind."

Mr. Liu laughed and said no more. But Liu Qian continued, "Actually, there is one more thing about the Zhang family that attracts me: their harmony and the elders' tolerance. Marriage is not just about two people; it's also about integrating with the family. During my time at the Zhangs, I have been cared for by the two elders, even by Xiaolong's grandmother. I feel they are very reasonable and always consider others first. Only such a family can bring happiness to the younger generation and allow them to live well. I think I can be as free and happy at the Zhangs as I am in Bayili Gou. Sometimes, I even feel more comfortable there."

Hearing this, Mr. Liu laughed again and scolded, "You little girl, you haven't even left yet, and you're already bad-mouthing Bayili Gou. No wonder they say girls favor outsiders."

Liu Qian said coyly, "Father, that's not what I meant. I just mean that I can get things at the Zhangs that I can't get in Bayili Gou, maybe because there's no Mother here."

Mr. Liu looked sad and said, "Yes, Qianqian, it's been hard for you. You've grown up without a mother's love. Your second aunt is a rough person who rarely cares for Yueyue, let alone you. This is also my mistake."

Liu Qian comforted Mr. Liu, "Father, don't be sad. I'm already grown up. Maybe someone will care for me in the future. You say my second aunt is rough, but isn't Xiaolong's mother also rough? Yet she is very meticulous and gentle. People are so different. Of course, I'm not saying my second aunt is bad. She manages the second uncle's family, and their life is much better than ours. Maybe I just get along well with Xiaolong's mother. Now, I feel like she's a mother to me."

Mr. Liu nodded and said, "You've always been strong-willed. It's rare for someone to make you so convinced. It seems this is one of your reasons for choosing Zhang Xiaolong."

Liu Qian blushed and nodded.

Mr. Liu sighed and said, "Zhang Xiaolong meeting you and saving you is a matter of timing. The Zhangs digging the well and finding the fairy water is a matter of location. The Zhangs getting along with you is a matter of harmony. You've covered all these points. What else can I say?"

Liu Qian said happily, "So, Father, are you agreeing?"

Mr. Liu smiled and said, "You've been at the Zhangs for over a month. Those who know you say you are righteous and are repaying a favor. Those who don't know you might say otherwise. It's good that you have such an outcome. It's a win-win, a beautiful story. And with your personality, if I didn't agree, would you imitate Cui Yingying?"

Liu Qian smiled and said, "Father isn't like the stubborn old lady in the Cui family."

Mr. Liu said, "Don't be cheeky. When I saw you come back, I knew you were well-prepared to persuade me. Otherwise, you would have hidden at the Zhangs and not come to see me."

Liu Qian said, "How could I, Father? I came back on my own."

The father and daughter chatted for a while. Mr. Liu said, "It's getting late. Go arrange the dinner. Ask your second aunt and Yueyue to help. We'll have a family reunion today. Oh, and go tell Xiaolong too. He must be anxious."

Liu Qian said happily, "Father, why don't you come with me? You can chat with him and get to know him better."

Then, Liu Qian helped her father out of the study.

It was already dark outside, and oil lamps were prepared under the eaves. Mr. Liu the Butcher and two others were still talking, and another person was sitting with his back to them, who was Liu Qian's elder brother, Liu Kai. Zhang Xiaolong had already looked at the study door countless times, not hearing what Mr. Liu the Butcher and the others were saying, only worrying about his relationship with Liu Qian. When Liu Qian and Mr. Liu came out, he was the first to see them and stood up without thinking. Liu Qian saw Zhang Xiaolong stand up, smiled sweetly at him, and nodded slightly. Zhang Xiaolong knew the good news and was overjoyed. At this moment, Liu Kai also noticed the commotion behind him, turned around, and saw his long-lost sister. He was naturally happy and rushed over. When he got close, he looked at her carefully and asked, "Qianqian, you haven't been seen for so long. How come you seem so different? Not only are you whiter, but your eyes are clearer, and your demeanor is more graceful. This isn't just about taking care of someone's injuries."

Liu Qian looked at Mr. Liu happily, who nodded in understanding. Liu Qian said, "Not really, Brother. It's just been a long time. In a few days, you'll see that I'm the same as before."

Liu Kai said, "That makes sense. People change in three days. Maybe that's the reason."

Liu Qian changed the subject and said, "Brother, what about dinner tonight?"

Liu Kai jumped up and said, "I was so busy talking to Second Uncle and Zhang Xiaohu that I forgot about this. I'll go to Second Aunt's house and let her know."

Liu Qian stopped him and said, "Father wants us to eat at our place, as a family reunion. I'll go to the village entrance to buy some things. You go to Second Aunt's house and see what they're making. Bring it over and ask them to help."

Liu Kai agreed and hurried off.

Liu Qian was about to go shopping, and Zhang Xiaolong naturally wanted to go with her, but Mr. Liu stopped him and said, "Xiaolong, don't go yet. Come with me to the study."

As a result, Zhang Xiaohu went with Liu Qian to the village entrance, leaving Mr. Liu the Butcher to drink alone. He watched the busy people and enjoyed his drink, feeling that life was colorful.

Zhang Xiaolong followed Mr. Liu into the study, somewhat nervous. Liu Qian's eyes had already told him the good news, but this future father-in-law seemed to want to give him a warning and some advice. Although he was mentally prepared, he still felt a little anxious.

Mr. Liu entered the study, asked Zhang Xiaolong to sit, but did not sit himself. He paced back and forth a few times and then said, "Xiaolong, you probably know my attitude."

Zhang Xiaolong said carefully, "Yes."

Mr. Liu continued, "I won't say much. I called you here to give you some advice."

Zhang Xiaolong said respectfully, "Please speak, I will remember it well."

Mr. Liu seemed satisfied with Zhang Xiaolong's attitude and smiled, saying, "Qianqian grew up in Bayili Gou. Although we are not rich, she has never suffered much. She knows little about farm work, which is different from your family's environment. In the future, you will have to bear more of the burden in this area."

Zhang Xiaolong replied, "Don't worry about that. Our family has little land, and the plot where Xiaohua works is on a hillside. There isn't much farm work. I can't promise that Qianqian won't have to work in the fields, but I will do the heaviest work, and Qianqian can just help with the lighter tasks."

Mr. Liu said, "You're being honest, not saying nonsense about not letting Qianqian work. Actually, Qianqian isn't a child who can't endure hardship; she just hasn't been asked to work in the fields before. In the future, as you live together, take good care of her. I don't expect you to give her a luxurious life, just a happy and sweet one. Also, you haven't read many books, and you lack experience and knowledge compared to Qianqian. This is a disadvantage that will affect your life. I don't expect you to become a scholar or a high-ranking official, but I hope you can learn to read and write, read more good books, and have common topics to talk about with Qianqian, so you can communicate well. Additionally, being brave and righteous is good, but you won't be alone anymore. You will be responsible for the safety of your family. When you encounter injustice, think carefully about whether it's within your ability to handle it. Otherwise, any regret will be a sorrow for the whole family."

Mr. Liu then talked a lot more, and Zhang Xiaolong could only nod in agreement. Although he didn't agree with some points, he knew that this future father-in-law was just looking out for him and couldn't argue. As one spoke and the other listened, the sky gradually darkened, and it became too dark to see. Mr. Liu was about to light a lamp when someone knocked on the study door.