He Xixian knows that nowadays, many families don’t bother with the whole bride price and dowry thing, and some even say that asking for a bride price is like selling their daughter, but in their hometown, it’s different; that’s always been the custom.

Moreover, in their hometown, it’s not about swallowing the in-law’s bride price money, but rather returning it, and sometimes even adding a dowry with it. It’s a matter of face in the wedding, indicating respect for the daughter-in-law.

Now her future mother-in-law is telling her that her boyfriend’s family doesn’t even care about face? Is this the attitude an adult should have?

Ye Qiuqing gently patted his girlfriend’s head, signaling her not to worry.

He Xixian is, of course, not worried about her boyfriend. The villa registered under her name, which her boyfriend gave her, is already more impressive than most bride prices from their hometown. She’s upset with Ye Qiu’s family.

Not taking her seriously is the same as not taking her boyfriend seriously, right? She truly feels hurt. If they don’t care about the big issue of marriage, what about other matters?

"Mom, what do you mean by that?"

"Mom doesn’t mean anything else, just telling you that the family can’t come up with bride price money now. You know your sister is a few years older than you, and your dad and I can’t let her go empty-handed, right? You’re still young, how about waiting for a few more years?" Han Hui said tactfully.

"I understand what you mean, but I won’t wait until Ye Qing gets married to get married myself. If she never gets married, do I have to never get married either? Since you can’t provide the bride price, I’ll pay it myself. I just hope you don’t interfere with my marriage plans."

"Where would you get the money? From your girlfriend? Are you planning to join her family instead?"

Join her family?

He Xixian was stunned by these words. Why does her future mother-in-law think like this? And why does she believe that she has money?

"Mom, where did you hear that my girlfriend has money?"

"Your sister accidentally saw photos of you and your girlfriend on your university’s website. The bag she was carrying looked expensive, and your sister also mentioned seeing her from afar during your preparatory school days, which wasn’t cheap," Han Hui explained briskly.

Ye Qiu sneered, "Accidentally saw our photos online? She’s got quite a bit of time on her hands, and quite a bit of luck, to see it just like that."

This time, He Xixian finally realized just how nosy her future sister-in-law was. It wasn’t enough for her to check the university website; she even took the trouble to gauge the value of her purse.

He Xixian even wondered if her future sister-in-law found out that everything she owned was bought by Ye Qiu, would she be so mad she’d spit blood?

"So you really want to join her family? Useless! Come back here at once. Are you really living off your girlfriend now? You’re a disgrace. I told you a long time ago if things don’t work out, just come back and apologize. Do you really have to be so stubborn?" Ye Peilin erupted on the phone, loud enough that not only Ye Qiu but also He Xixian, who was eavesdropping, felt her eardrums ache.

He Xixian was utterly stunned; what kind of logic is this family operating under? They developed so many theories from just one photo?

If Ye Qiu is useless, then how many useful people are there in this world?

"I’ve told you before, I am not as bad as you imagine, I’m not living off anyone, and certainly not going back to admit mistakes and obey your arrangements. If you’re only calling to say you won’t pay for a bride price at my wedding, I get it. I expected it, and I’ll pay it myself without needing your money," Ye Qiu said calmly.

"You’re just being obstinate. Fine, since you’re so capable, don’t count on us for money for the wedding house or the banquet," Ye Peilin retorted furiously.

"No problem, I’ll earn it myself. Just don’t meddle when the time comes," Ye Qiu stated with a blank expression.

"Fine, fine, fine! We’ll see what kind of life you carve out for yourself. Let’s see if your girlfriend’s parents think highly of you."

"No need to worry about that—they actually quite like me."

Then Ye Peilin hung up the phone, another argument with his family ending in discontentment.

"Are you okay?" He Xixian asked with concern.

"I’m fine." Ye Qiu shook his head and sighed lightly, "I’m used to it." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

He was used to it—what a terrifying word. How many similar experiences had her boyfriend gone through?

"I’ll be here for you from now on." She gently held Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu embraced her too, "How about we have just one child in the future? Whether a boy or a girl, we’ll love them with all our hearts."

"Okay!" He Xixian replied with a choked-up voice.

Before the Spring Festival, Ye Qiu didn’t go straight home; he and He Xixian first visited the He family. The He Family’s Parents had already met him before and liked him the moment they knew their daughter’s boyfriend was the same guy who helped her get into Q University.

Later, seeing him in person, tall, handsome, and polite, they were even more satisfied. Hearing from their daughter that he had bought a villa under her name, seeing the things their daughter wore, they realized she was beyond what they could provide for her.

They didn’t even know how to express their fondness for Ye Qiu. This silly kid had already bought such expensive things and a villa for their daughter; was he not afraid she’d back out of the marriage?

But seeing their daughter grinning foolishly, they knew she couldn’t do without this man either. Seeing her find happiness, they couldn’t help but smile contentedly.

They had always thought their daughter was still young, but suddenly, she was at the age to marry. Although they wanted to keep her for a few more years, they couldn’t bear to let her future husband suffer, so they thought, "Well, let it be. She might find even more happiness in marriage!"

"Mom, Dad, I’m here this time to propose," Ye Qiu said nervously, "Can you give Xianxian to me? Rest assured, I will treat her well for a lifetime."

He Xixian didn’t expect him to bring it up so suddenly, but she blushed instantly. After all, they’ve already got the house; it’s the right age to get married. Marrying a bit earlier than their peers isn’t illegal, is it?

"But Xianxian hasn’t graduated yet..."

"I mean, after Xianxian graduates in June, we can get married. In the meantime, I can prepare everything, take wedding photos, choose dresses, pick out a venue, and select wedding favors. These things take time."

"Since you’ve got it all planned out, why would we disagree?" Xianxian’s mother smiled warmly at Ye Qiu. She found her future son-in-law more and more pleasing, feeling assured about entrusting Xianxian to him.

Ye Qiu looked at them in surprise, quickly got up, bowed, and said excitedly, "Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom."