After lunch with the Si family, Pei Xi didn’t immediately leave.
Si Grandma wanted her to stay the night and return tomorrow.
It was the weekend, and Si Ruohan didn’t have work. Since they had come all this way, why rush back? Staying one more night made sense.
Seeing Pei Xi look to him for approval, Si Ruohan nodded:
“Sure, I guessed Grandma would want you to stay, so I brought your clothes too—they’re in the car, just go get them later.”
Pei Xi was pleasantly surprised by his thoughtfulness. She didn’t want to disappoint the elders.
Knowing she agreed, Si Grandma didn’t try to talk further for now. It was her lunchtime nap, and both grandparents usually rested after meals. No rush—they could talk before dinner.
Pei Xi, feeling tired, followed Si Ruohan back to his room at the estate.
His room was on the third floor with a nice view. The servants had already changed the bedding. He told her to change into soft pajamas and rest.
Having barely slept the night before, Pei Xi fell asleep almost immediately.
Si Ruohan watched her sleep but wasn’t tired. Thinking about his parents, he knew they probably had many questions, so he went downstairs.
His parents hadn’t rested either, adjusting from jet lag. Seeing him, Si Mother called:
“Hey son, come sit and talk.”
She patted the sofa beside her. He glanced at both parents, sighed slightly, and sat down.
“Ask whatever you want. I won’t hide anything I can tell you.”
Si Mother smiled wryly:
“Don’t be so serious. Your father and I like Xiao Xi; we have no objections. Relax.”
Si Father nodded:
“After this morning, we think Xiao Xi is a good, simple girl. We’re satisfied. But tell us—now that you’ve brought her home, when are you planning to get married?”
Si Mother chimed in:
“Yes, you’re almost 30 and much older than Xiao Xi. Things look good now, but what if she feels you’re too old later?”
Si Ruohan frowned at that:
“Do I look old? Mom, don’t insult me. People still come running into my arms.”
Si Mother rolled her eyes:
“That’s enough—still won’t admit it. If you don’t act soon, your wife will run away. Let’s talk marriage tonight. Ask Xiao Xi her thoughts.”
Seeing his mom eager and dad nodding, Si Ruohan waved them off:
“No need—might as well tell you. We’ve already registered our marriage; we just haven’t made it public yet.”
Better to tell them now than wait.
His parents were shocked, looking at each other:
“Really?”
“Really. The marriage certificate is legit, issued by the Civil Affairs Bureau.”
Si Mother clapped his shoulder:
“Well done, son! Why keep such a big thing from us?”
Si Father frowned:
“Yes, such a major event—how could you hide it? If we didn’t ask, when would you have told us?”
They continued scolding him, worried that Pei Xi had no family support and that he might not have provided enough.
Si Ruohan rolled his eyes:
“Do you think I’m shameless? I’ve already given her a car and a house. I even wanted to give her some shares, but she refused.”
Si Mother relaxed:
“Good, I thought you gave her nothing. Now Grandpa and Grandma will be happy too.”
Si Ruohan reminded:
“Mom, only our family needs to know. Don’t spread it around—Xiao Xi doesn’t want it public yet. Don’t upset her, or you’ll lose your daughter-in-law.”
Si Mother gasped:
“Can’t tell anyone? Aren’t you planning a wedding? Marriage is a big deal—she must have her dream dress!”
Si Father agreed:
“Yes, a wedding is essential. You can’t just skip it.”
Si Ruohan raised his hand to stop them:
“Relax. We’re not skipping it, just delaying it.”
His parents pressed:
“When will it be?”
“Next year. Not enough time this year,” he replied.
Si Mother frowned:
“How could there not be time? If you want, I could arrange it next week!”
Si Ruohan looked at the ceiling, silent.
“Let’s change the topic—how was your trip?”
Si Mother ignored him, probing further:
“Are you hiding something? Facing difficulties? Tell us, so we can help!”
Si Father nodded:
“Yes, with so many family members, we can help!”
Seeing they were determined to know everything, Si Ruohan nodded heavily:
“Fine, you’ll have to know eventually, so I’ll tell you now. Don’t get too excited—prepare yourselves.”
His parents nodded, waiting.
Si Ruohan lowered his voice, glancing at the stairs:
“Xiao Xi is pregnant. You’re going to be grandparents. The baby is already over two months along.”
This news hit like a bomb. Si Mother and Father both stood, staring at him.
“Really? Xiao Xi has a baby?”
“I’m going to be a grandfather?”
Si Mother spun around, pounding her hands.
“This is so sudden! Why didn’t you tell us sooner? If we had known, I could have helped take care of Xiao Xi. How’s she doing?”
Si Father also scolded him:
“You two made such a big decision on your own—should’ve told us sooner!”
The thought of a grandchild had come unexpectedly, yet they were thrilled. Whether boy or girl, they eagerly anticipated the baby.
Si Ruohan reassured them:
“It’s fine to know now; her belly isn’t showing. I proposed the marriage myself. Xiao Xi didn’t force it, so please don’t judge her.”
Si Mother waved her hand:
“Nonsense! This is wonderful. Xiao Xi is officially family now. If anyone criticizes her, I’ll defend her.”
Si Father nodded:
“Yes, we owe her responsibility. Giving her a home is right.”
Then he whispered to Si Mother:
“Since it’s like this, maybe the meeting gift is too little?”
Si Mother eagerly agreed:
“Yes, let’s check and see what else to give!”
Before, they had only prepared gifts as for a girlfriend—expensive, but modest. Now, she was a daughter-in-law carrying their grandchild—the gifts needed to reflect that.
With his parents heading to plan the proper gifts, Si Ruohan was left alone and returned to his room to rest.