Si Hua had harbored feelings for him for so many years?

He Ju had his suspicions, but he didn’t know when exactly Si Hua had fallen for him.

He Ju smiled at his grandmother, “Grandma, when did you find out about this?”

His grandmother, beaming with joy, looked He Ju over and praised Si Hua’s good taste. As a grandmother, she loved seeing a strong, tall young man who could protect her granddaughter.

After showering He Ju with compliments, she said, “It was just a few years ago, we…”

Before she could continue, Bai Yan interrupted, “Grandma, perhaps we should head upstairs first. Everyone is waiting. We can reminisce later, okay?”

At that moment, Si Hua’s grandfather also spoke up, “Yes, dear, the in-laws are waiting. Let’s go upstairs.”

He Ju glanced at Bai Yan and dropped the previous topic, “Grandpa, Grandma, let me take you upstairs.”

“Alright, alright,” agreed the grandmother.

Walking ahead with Bai Yan, He Ju whispered, “Why didn’t you let Grandma continue?”

Bai Yan replied, “It’s better for my sister to tell you herself.”

Bai Yan felt that this was a significant matter for Si Hua. Since she hadn’t spoken about their first meeting, she must have her reasons. Although Bai Yan valued He Ju as a brother, his sister always came first.

Seeing his brother-in-law say this, He Ju didn’t press further.

Despite having pondered countless times, He Ju still couldn’t recall when he first met Si Hua or when she began liking him.

Now, there was no more time for contemplation.

He Ju led Si Hua’s grandparents to the private room, where everyone stood up and greeted them warmly. Little Yu Xin ran over with a sweet greeting, “Grandpa, Grandma, hello!”

Her adorable demeanor charmed everyone, and the room burst into laughter.

He Ju gestured for everyone to sit, and Si Hua came in with the waitstaff, followed by steaming dishes.

He Ju took Si Hua’s hand and sat down, and the photographer he had hired was ready. No one objected to He Ju’s arrangements.

It was a day worth celebrating, and it was natural for the young couple to want to capture the memories.

As the dishes were served one by one, He Ju and Si Hua whispered to each other before getting up to distribute gift boxes to everyone. Once they finished, the meal was ready, and everyone was delighted.

Si Mei commented, “We old folks don’t lack anything, but you two are about to start a new home. You’ll need to plan your finances carefully.”

He Ju nodded earnestly, “Mom, don’t worry. I know. I may not earn much now, but I will work hard.”

Bai Yan, breaking his usual silence, said, “As a young man, it’s right to strive, but health comes first. Our precious daughter is now with you, and you must take good care of her for a lifetime.”

He Ju raised his glass with a smile, “I will, Dad. I’ll keep your words in mind.”

After speaking, He Ju’s gaze met Si Hua’s, both filled with love. Bai Yan felt embarrassed, and Little Yu Xin giggled beside them, thrilled that Si Hua would soon be her sister-in-law.

Si Mei and Tian Zhen exchanged glances, both seeing the excitement in each other’s eyes.

Bai Yan and He Yu nodded at each other, satisfied.

Si Hua’s grandmother was a master at flower arranging and tea, while He Ju’s grandmother grew tea at home. Though not much, it was a hobby, so they hit it off immediately.

Meanwhile, He Ju’s grandmother was feeding Little Yu Xin with a smile, even though the girl could eat on her own. She was happy to accept the elder’s kindness.

Everyone enjoyed the meal, and Bai Yan found himself unexpectedly getting along well with He Yu. One was Si Hua’s teacher, the other her father, and they had endless stories to share about Si Hua’s childhood.

Seeing this, Si Mei was reassured and turned to look at Si Hua and He Ju.

She saw He Ju attentively caring for Si Hua, their laughter and smiles never fading.

Isn’t every parent’s wish to see their child happy?

Seeing Si Hua’s years of solitude finally rewarded with her beloved’s reciprocation, her mother was moved to tears.

The photographer captured everyone’s expressions, and even they envied He Ju’s harmonious family.

A man’s lifelong struggle is for the peace of his family and the simple days with his loved one.

As the saying goes: A wise wife makes a prosperous home, better than a thousand acres of fertile land.

He Ju’s three-generational happiness was something many could not achieve.

Most importantly, they looked genuinely happy, and everyone sincerely blessed the couple.

And the bride, attentive to her husband’s feelings, seemed a good wife indeed.

After the meal, everyone took out red envelopes and handed them to He Ju and Si Hua.

Even Little Yu Xin stuffed her pocket money into a red envelope, handing it to Si Hua with a sweet, “Thank you for taking my brother.”

Her words brought a moment of silence, followed by laughter.

Little Yu Xin scratched the back of her head, her round face puzzled, and asked Tian Zhen, “Mom, did I say something wrong?”

Tian Zhen’s eyes crinkled with a smile, nodding, “No, no, you’re right. We’re lucky to have such a good daughter-in-law, and you’re lucky to have such a good sister-in-law. It’s all because she’s kind and has a good heart.”

Si Hua’s face flushed, and He Ju, with his arm around her waist, was at a loss for words, “Yes, yes, I’m grateful my wife agreed to marry me.”

Si Hua glanced at He Ju, “Why are you being so slick?”

He Ju beamed, “It’s not slickness, it’s my heartfelt truth.”

Si Hua looked at He Ju, her face as red as a ripe apple.

Bai Yan couldn’t stand it anymore, “What are you doing? The elders are still here. I can hardly bear to watch your gooey eyes, it’s giving me goosebumps…”

He Ju and Si Hua came back to their senses, both a bit embarrassed, but the elders grew fonder as they watched.

Bai Yan sighed in jest, “Ah, daughters grow up and leave home.”

Si Hua, shyly hiding behind He Ju, made him beam with joy, and everyone looked on with meaningful smiles.

Finally, He Ju suggested, “I’ll take you back to the old house first.”

Bai Yan waved his hand, “No need, we have a driver. You just take care of your parents.”

Bai Yan stepped forward, “I drove here, so I’ll take Grandpa, Grandma, and the grandparents back home with my sister and brother-in-law.”

Si Mei, remembering Si Hua and He Ju’s bachelor pad couldn’t accommodate everyone, suggested, “Why don’t you all come back to the old house with us?”

He Yu declined, “Mother-in-law, we have a place here too. It’s small, but it’s enough. We won’t trouble you by going to the old house, but thank you for the offer.”

Unable to persuade them to stay, Si Mei gave up, “Alright, then I’ll come over tomorrow for a chat.”

Everyone laughed and nodded, quickly going their separate ways.

Bai Yan drove off with He Ju’s grandparents, charming them with his sweet talk all the way.

He Ju, meanwhile, took Si Hua alone, as He Yu also drove and the grandparents preferred to give the couple some space.

Even Little Yu Xin didn’t cling to Si Hua, cheekily remarking, “Brother and sister-in-law’s lifelong matter is important.”

Si Hua and He Ju were at a loss for words, but they followed in their car, returning to what was once He Ju’s home.

This place was most comfortable for He Yu’s family.

Back home, Si Hua helped Tian Zhen with the groceries, Bai Yan pitched in, and He Yu pulled He Ju aside.

“What’s up, Dad?”

He Yu said, “Although you and Si Hua are officially married, you can’t skimp on what’s due to her. Our family may not be as wealthy as the Bai family, but the dowry must be given.”

He Yu handed He Ju a bank card, “There’s half a million in here, your mother and I scraped it together. If it’s not enough, we’ll find a way.”

He Ju, holding the card, suddenly felt his eyes moisten.

He Yu continued, “Si Hua is a good girl. You must cherish her, work hard, and give her a future.”

He Ju realized why his parents had taken half a month to visit after his call; they must have been gathering money.

He Yu and Tian Zhen were both dedicated teachers, often supporting poor students. How could their modest salaries save up so much?

Fifty thousand was no small sum…

He Ju couldn’t imagine his parents humbling themselves to borrow money from friends and relatives.

He Ju was silent for a long time, but He Yu patted his shoulder, “It may not be much for the Bai family, but we give what we have. Take good care of her, and understand and tolerate each other to make the marriage last.”

Wiping away tears, He Ju smiled and pushed the card back into his father’s hand, “Dad, I have money. You keep this for yourself. I’ll send some over in a few days.”

He Yu was puzzled, “Where did you get the money?”

He Ju couldn’t mention the auction, so he showed his father his internationally recognized designs.

He Yu was shocked. He knew He Ju made money from design sketches, but…

He hadn’t expected such an achievement.

Though surprised, He Yu quickly accepted and advised, “Even with money, don’t aim too high. Take care of Si Hua and your family.”

He Ju nodded, “I understand, Dad. Don’t worry.”

He Yu then nodded but still handed over the money, “This isn’t for you, it’s for Si Hua, a token from your mother and me.”

This time, He Ju didn’t refuse. He would return the money in installments later.

“Thanks, Dad.”

—

After bidding everyone farewell, He Ju and Si Hua left.

Bai Yan also departed on his own.

By the time He Ju and Si Hua got home, it was nearly eleven at night.

He Ju handed Si Hua the bank card as soon as they arrived, explaining it was his parents’ gesture.

Si Hua happily accepted, then pondered, “So this half a million is mine?”

He Ju stroked her head with a smile, “Yes, you decide what to do with it. I won’t object.”

Si Hua blinked, “You said it.”

He Ju nodded, “Yes, I did.”

So Si Hua excitedly browsed for houses, “Then I’ll add a bit more and buy a courtyard house for my parents in the small county where they teach. That way, they can bring the grandparents to live together, and it’ll be much more convenient for us to visit.”

He Ju, removing his shoes at the door, was stunned by her words…

“You…”

Si Hua cut him off, “No objections, remember? You said it’s up to me.”

Focused on the real estate listings, Si Hua was suddenly embraced by He Ju, who was at a loss for words. All he could sincerely say was, “Thank you, wife.”

Si Hua put down her tablet and hugged He Ju back, chuckling, “I know your parents’ intentions. It must be all their savings. They’re sincere with me, and I’ll reciprocate. He Ju, you don’t need to thank me. I’m your wife, to weather life’s storms with you. Whatever happens, I’ll always love and stand by you.”

He Ju’s heart was bittersweet.

He remembered a line from a book: A good partner can halve life’s hardships.

Si Hua held He Ju, unsure what to say, but knowing his struggles over the years. While others played, He Ju worked tirelessly, all for another woman…

Jealousy aside, her concern for He Ju was far greater.

He Ju kissed Si Hua’s cheek, sparing the sweet nothings, but said, “With your words, I won’t let you and our children suffer.”

“Wife, I’ll live well with you.”

Having Si Hua as his wife was He Ju’s fortune.

Little did he know, Si Hua felt blessed to marry He Ju and become his wife.

Si Hua patted He Ju’s back, whispering, “Okay, husband, I love you.”

He Ju laughed, holding Si Hua tighter, “I love you too.”

Marriage isn’t about tallying or taking, but mutual dependence and emotional independence, understanding, and loving each other.

From now on, they would work together to build their home.

After hugging for a while, He Ju was no longer content with just an embrace. He lifted Si Hua, “It’s late today. Let’s look at houses tomorrow and attend to more pressing matters first.”

Si Hua struggled, trying to escape, “Not the cheongsam… it’s Suzhou embroidery!”