Chapter 1310: Two Families Meet

Granny was gone.

The world seemed to collapse in on itself. She had never known the love of a father or the sweet affections of a mother growing up. Granny had raised her singlehandedly. She was the lone pillar of support holding up the sky for the past eighteen years of her life. She had never imagined the day would come when Granny would pass on.

That day had arrived.

The world spun out of focus and darkness claimed her.

Beibei! Gong Yi rushed forward and swept her into his arms.

Granny was buried. Kneeling in front of her grandmothers grave, Bai Beibei swallowed her tears. Braided in her hair were small white lilies. She had lost a lot of weight since the death of her grandmother.

Sun Xiaoxiao placed a bouquet of flowers in front of the tombstone. She looked at the frozen smile on her mothers face and asked, Beibei, did Granny mention anything about me before she departed?

Bai Beibei shook her head. No We wanted to call you but Granny said not to. She said to let you rest

A bitter smile crept onto Sun Xiaoxiaos face. Even on her deathbed, her mother refused to see her.

Her mother died as soon as she returned. In her heart of hearts, she knew that she was the reason for her mothers premature death. She had, in all likelihood, angered her to death.

Mother, why did Granny pass on just like that? Granny was in the pink of health. She was so happy. Granny said she said she would always be by my side I dont understand The tears she had been withholding burst forth in a raging torrent. It hurt so, so much.

She really could not understand. How could her beloved grandmother pass so suddenly?

Sun Xiaoxiaos eyes flashed with panic, and she hastened to explain, Beibei, Granny died from old age. The doctor who performed her last surgery even said that she did not have much time left. Granny did her best She tried her hardest to keep her promise to you

Thats right, Beibei. Dont cry. Your grandmother would not want to see you like this either. Gong Yi took a step forward and placed his large hand on her frail shoulders for support.

Bai Beibei nodded hesitantly. Mm.

Gong Yi helped her up.

Beibei, Young Master Gong, let Granny rest in peace. We should go back, Sun Xiaoxiao said.

The three of them returned to the capital together. With the old womans departure from the mortal coil, their return journey was one of heavy sorrow.

One day, Sun Xiaoxiao invited Gong Yi to the villa for a meal.

Gong Yi accepted her invitation and dined with them at the table.

Young Master Gong, I have invited you today because I have a few things I would like to discuss with you.

Auntie, what is it? Gong Yi asked politely.

Its like this. Youve been dating Beibei for quite some time now. Isnt it about time our two families met and acquainted ourselves with each other?

Bai Beibeis hand froze in midair, her chopsticks clattering on the table. With whiplash-inducing speeds she looked at her mother in askance, Mother, what are you talking about? We havent been dating long. Why would we need to meet his parents so soon?

As she spoke, she stole a glance at the man beside her.

Gong Yi just so happened to be looking at her when their eyes met. Panic, shyness, unease and a faint hint of anticipation lingered in her gaze.

Gong Yi smirked knowingly. Yes.

Yes

He said yes

Reality slammed back into her like a freight train, causing her heart to skip a beat. Did he actually agree?

Sun Xiaoxiao smiled. She wasnt surprised at all. Alright, the two of you should decide on the time and place. Ill make sure Beibei keeps to the appointment, thats all.

Okay.

After dinner, Bai Beibei walked Gong Yi out. The two of them stood by the car and talked.

You shouldnt agree so perfunctory a manner. My mother will take your words seriously. Bai Beibei chided with an anxious lilt in her voice.

You thought I was being perfunctory? Gong Yi returned with a raised brow.

What else could he have been?

What do you think the term meeting the parents means? It means several things all of which fall along the lines of establishing a relationship, getting engaged or married!

In Bai Beibeis eyes, meeting the parents was the grandest ceremony leading up to marriage. It was sacred.

Gong Yi studied her small, exquisite face and asked, Arent you forgetting something?

What?

The night your grandmother left for the next world, we

That doesnt count. Bai Beibei interrupted him, her small hands tugging at the hem of her dress as she spoke agitatedly, I know you only said those things to reassure her. Dont worry, I wouldnt dream of taking them seriously. I wont make you take responsibility for something you said offhand

Beibei.Gong Yi sighed, wrapping her soft little hands in his larger ones. What kind of person do you think I am? Ive always been serious.

Serious?

Gong Yi stared into her brilliant eyes and said in slow, measured words, My love for you has always been serious. Ive pined after you seriously. Ive dated you seriously. I was serious even when I took you from your grandmothers hands. Every day weve been together, every word Ive said and everything Ive done has been nothing but serious. You may not intend to hold me responsible for anything Ive said but I, on the other hand, have every intention of holding you responsible for me.

His words flowed into her heart like a clear spring. Bai Beibei was both surprised and happy. She was not sure whether she could believe her own ears. What you have said Are you speaking truthfully?

My words are worth their weight in gold.Gong Yi retorted petulantly.

Blessed. She was blessed beyond words. Out of millions of people around the world, she was truly blessed to have met such a wonderful person as Gong Yi.

But Will your father agree? I dont think he wants to see my mother

Bai Beibei really didnt have any confidence. Old Man Gongs words were still fresh in her mind. Old Man Gong was not overly fond of her, yet her mother wanted to meet Gong Yis parents. Wouldnt that make his father more displeased?

A lesser woman would have retreated in the face of such adversity. She, however, was not one of them.

She would brave hell or high water if it meant a chance at being together with Gong Yi.

Dont worry, Ive said it a long time ago. Our family is quite progressive. My father wont interfere too much in our marriage. Leave it all to me. Gong Yi rubbed her head earnestly.

Okay. Bai Beibei nodded in assent.

Ill take my leave first.

Okay. Bai Beibei stood where she was and watched him leave.

Two days later, the date for the meeting was set.

Imperial Luxury Hotel.

In a private room, Gong Yis father and mother were sitting on the sofa. Gong Yis father didnt look well. Gong Yi, I still feel that you should reconsider

Father, I hope that you will think before you speak. Dont tell me youd rather I remain a bachelor. I seem to recall someone urging me to get married and produce a child for our family. Gong Yis reply was sharp and pointedly curt.

You one sentence was enough to silence Old Man Gong. He felt that his life was really tough. This son of his would be the death of him!

Enough. I dont understand why youre objecting. Its fine as long as my son likes her. Our Gong family doesnt have any requirements for our daughter-in-law. Remember Xiaotao? She was a divorcee and had suffered several miscarriages yet you did not object to our sons pinning for her. This Beibei, on the other hand, is young and innocent. Although her background isnt fantastic, its not nearly enough for you to object so strongly. Is there something about her background we do not already know? If so, please enlighten us. Madam Gong chided.

Hmph! Old Man Gong snorted coldly, I was also against Xiaotaos matter make no mistake about that but the Ye family and our own have been friends for generations. I watched Xiaotao grow up, and this rascal of ours insisted, so I compromised. Im not complaining about Bai Beibeis background. Our Gong family has never been picky when it comes to choosing a daughter-in-law, but Old Man Gong paused, unsure how he ought to continue.

Father, my decisions have always been mine and mine alone. I only ever informed you out of politeness and not for your approval so keep your voice down if youve nothing pleasant to say. Dont blow this meeting.