When Pei Xi woke up, she thought meeting the in-laws yesterday had been terrifying enough. But now, Si Ruohan told her that his family might all be coming home today.
There was no avoiding it—once they heard he was bringing his girlfriend, his family got even more excited than he did. Except for those who truly couldn’t make it, everyone wanted to be there.
Pei Xi nervously chewed on her breakfast, unsure whether to swallow or spit it out.
“You’re not serious… your whole family? Are they all that free?”
Si Ruohan shrugged:
“Can’t help it, it’s the weekend. Everyone should have a rest. When they heard I was bringing you home, they all wanted to meet you. But don’t worry, I’m here—I’ll protect you. I won’t leave your side for a step.”
Pei Xi asked cautiously: “Is your family easy to get along with?”
He nodded confidently: “Of course! My family is great.”
“That’s because it’s your family! Don’t think I’ll just sit quietly if someone bothers me. I won’t take it lying down.”
Si Ruohan raised both hands in agreement:
“If anyone gives you attitude, just tell them off. If anything happens, I’ll handle it.”
His words reassured Pei Xi. She decided that if any of his family didn’t like her, she wouldn’t go back with him in the future.
After breakfast, she went upstairs to get ready. Standing in her overflowing wardrobe, she felt paralyzed by choice—what should she wear?
No other option—she had to ask Si Ruohan.
“Hubby, help me pick something! I don’t know what to wear.”
Si Ruohan, already prepared with his own outfit, came over. After a quick glance, he chose a dress for her:
“You look good in anything, but comfort matters most. With this weather, wear this dress.”
He handed her a white lace dress with a slightly high collar. The color suited her perfectly—it made her look like a fairy.
He had been careful the previous night, leaving no visible marks, so Pei Xi didn’t have to cover up today.
Having woken up late, she only got moving because of the trip to his home.
She put on light makeup, grabbed her bag, and followed him.
On the way, she worried aloud about her shoes:
“A dress should go with heels, not sneakers! You almost made me wear sneakers—it’s inappropriate. Don’t worry, my thick heels keep me steady, I won’t fall.”
Si Ruohan glanced at her as he started the car:
“Once we arrive, just sit as long as you can. No need to stand.”
He was genuinely worried—even thick heels could be tricky.
Pei Xi obediently nodded: “Okay, I’ll stay seated if no one calls me.”
Si Ruohan was pleased: obedience was good.
“There’s still some time to the estate. Rest now. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”
Full from breakfast, he encouraged her to sleep a little.
As the car ventured further, houses became sparse, the road quieter. Si Ruohan soon woke Pei Xi.
Looking around at the greenery and few houses, she asked:
“Your grandparents live here? Where exactly are we?”
“This is an estate,” he explained. “Bought years ago. It’s remote, but the land is large.”
The air was fresh, perfect for the elderly. There were ponds and farmland—his grandfather loved gardening and fishing.
The car soon stopped before a white, three-story villa.
Pei Xi realized there wasn’t just one villa—three sat side by side. They had only stopped in front of one.
“All these houses… are they yours?”
Si Ruohan, holding gifts in one hand and Pei Xi’s hand in the other, explained:
“The one in front is my dad’s, next to it is my second uncle’s, and further is my eldest uncle’s. Grandparents live there—we’re going there now.”
At the doorstep, Pei Xi felt nervous, holding onto him, hesitant to move forward. The Si family’s wealth and status intimidated her.
“Take the courage you had when you came to see me while pregnant. Everything else is manageable,” he encouraged.
She recalled that boldness and drew a deep breath, following him.
Inside the eldest uncle’s villa, it was lively. Except for the eldest uncle, his wife, and Ruohan’s eldest cousin, everyone had returned.
Si Grandpa was playing chess with his two sons, Si Grandma sat on the sofa listening to her granddaughters chatting. Si Ruohan’s mother whispered to her second sister-in-law.
Ruohan’s eldest brother’s wife helped their children with homework, while Ruohan’s younger cousin, Si Ruoqi, played games nearby.
Si Mother sighed with relief:
“I finally feel at ease. I thought my son would be lonely forever, but here I am, becoming a mother-in-law!”
Second aunt laughed: “Exactly! Look at him back then—everyone thought he’d been badly hurt. Luckily, he’s come through. But when people arrive, don’t be too picky!”
Si Mother nodded, satisfied: “Don’t worry, I’m happy—won’t be a harsh mother-in-law.”
Si Grandma glanced at the time, urging little Si Ruoqi:
“Go see if your fourth brother has arrived yet!”
The youngest, just starting high school, went out immediately. Soon he returned:
“He’s here, Grandma! Fourth brother is here!”
Si Grandma stood excitedly, peeking toward the door.
Si Ruohan and Pei Xi, guided by the housekeeper, entered. Si Ruoqi was at the door—Pei Xi asked curiously:
“What are you standing there for?”
Si Ruoqi, glancing at Pei Xi, exclaimed:
“Fourth brother, Grandma told me to welcome you and fourth sister-in-law! Hello, I’m Si Ruoqi, youngest in the family. You can call me ‘Aqi.’”
His familiarity eased Pei Xi’s tension.
“Hello, Aqi, I’m Pei Xi.”
Si Grandma joined them:
“Xiao Xi, finally here! Last time I asked you to come with Ah Han, but you didn’t make it.”
Pei Xi politely replied:
“Hello, Grandma. I’m here now. You look just as radiant as ever.”
Si Grandma beamed: “You’re so charming with words! Come, let Ah Han introduce the family.”
Si Ruohan quickly introduced everyone—mother, second aunt, and his two sisters. Pei Xi greeted them all. Standing together, she and Ruohan looked striking—handsome and beautiful.
After greetings, Pei Xi was led to the living room, leaving Ruohan aside. He touched his nose, worried, but followed her gaze and joined them.
Si Mother held Pei Xi’s hand, clearly pleased—her son had found a beautiful young girl, a real treasure.
Pei Xi met most of the family and felt relieved. Everyone was friendly. She thought she’d have to fight hard today—if anyone embarrassed her, she’d leave.
Soon, the eldest brother’s wife and children came out, Si Grandpa and others finished their chess, and Pei Xi met everyone present.
She realized the Si family wasn’t overwhelmingly large.
Eldest uncle: one son (Si Ruoqian, eldest), one daughter (Si Ruoxuanyun, third in family).
Second uncle: one son (Si Ruoqi, youngest), one daughter (Si Ruoxuan, second in family).
Si Ruohan’s parents: only one son (Ruohan, fourth).
Among Ruohan’s generation, only the eldest brother was married, with a six-year-old son. The two sisters weren’t in a rush to marry. Now, Ruohan was also married.
Naturally, no one gave Pei Xi a hard time—they were eager for Ruohan and Pei Xi to marry soon, proving that even after leaving the Guan family, their fourth son could still find a wife.