"Don't worry, just from the character building that Xiao Qing did, they already like you. Actually, we'll be having a family lunch tomorrow and I think it would be nice if you could come over."
With that being said, Zhou Yuexi who was still feeling mortified of the tales that Zhang Qingyu told her family about her, shot her head up and looked at Zhang Yixing with widely opened eyes, shock written all over her face.
Zhou Yuexi deadpanned to the abrupt invitation. Her mind was going haywire with just the thought of meeting the whole Zhang family. She was used to being with her grandfather only but now she is going to be a part of a big family.
In reality, she already have brief information about the Zhangs since Zhang Qingyu is very talkative. Elder Zhang and Matriarch Zhang have six children, one boy and five girls. Zhang Yixing and Zhang Qingyu are the offsprings of the old Zhang couple's only son, making Zhang Yixing the most legitimate heir to the Zhang family business. The five other daughters each have their own family.
"Isn't it a little too soon to meet your family? I mean, today's our first day seeing each other.", Zhou Yuexi reasoned out as soon as she snapped out of her shock.
"No, not really. Your grandfather wants our wedding as soon as possible for he thinks he won't be able last much longer than a month or two. And it doesn't really matter if we do it now or later because in the end we would still get married."
Zhou Yuexi just stared at Zhang Yixing after he was done speaking. She fell on a daze once again as she contemplated on Zhang Yixing's reasoning. Even though in her heart, she was not prepared for the pace of how fast things were progressing, she knew in her mind that it is a thing she cannot evade since she already agreed to it. She, too, was aware of her grandfather's current health and she knew that they really were in a war against time. So however she think about it, hastening things up was more favorable.
Zhang Yixing smiled lightly at Zhou Yuexi's reaction. He never met a woman who is as carefree as Zhou Yuexi. All the women he met in his 26 years of living were all either demure and elegant or trying hard to be demure and elegant just to impress him and catch his attention. But meeting Zhou Yuexi that night, he could tell how true Zhou Yuexi was, no pretention, no facade. She was just being who she was. And even though she was carefree of her expressions and reactions, she never lost her poise and still exuded elegance with her every move. At just one look one could discern how fine of a woman Zhou Yuexi is.
'She's quite a competent woman. At least this convinces me that I did not make a mistake in agreeing to this marriage.', he thought.
"You could also bring your grandfather over with you if you like. We're going to be a family anyways.", Zhang Yixing offered.
"I don't know if he could, you know his situation is not that good, so I don't think it's still recommendable for him to travel. But I'll be there tomorrow before noon, even without grandfather."
"Okay, since you haven't been to the Zhang Family Villa yet, I'll just send someone over to come and pick you up. If that's fine with you."
"Yes, that works fine with me."
...
Their first meeting ended well. Zhang Yixing drove Zhou Yuexi back to the Zhou Family Villa since she didn't bring her car with her. She came from her office and just asked Chen Liang to drop her off at Azure Hotel then go straight to Zhou Family Villa so he can rest early.
The two kept their mum the whole car ride. The only sound that could be heard was the blow of cold air from the car's air conditioner. But even though none of them said a word, it was not an awkward silence. It was as if they were trying to familiarise themselves with each other's presence in their lives.
When they arrived at the Zhou Family Villa, they were welcomed by Old Man Zhou who was waiting for Zhou Yuexi by the front door of the villa.
"Thank you young man for bringing my Xiao Yue home in whole one piece.", the old man greeted. "Come in and sit down for some tea."
When they got inside the servants already prepared the tea set on the coffee table. Zhou Yuexi started brewing tea while the two men conversed.
The atmosphere was slightly tensed as the two men spoke. Elder Zhou, being a leader to a business empire for so many years, naturally exuded an authoritative aura when speaking to people other than his beloved granddaughter. Zhang Yixing, on the other hand, was not fazed despite the overbearing aura of Elder Zhou. He was rather calm and collected yet with a tinge of arrogance, a trait he developed over the years that he managed their family's business.
Elder Zhang subtly scrutinized Zhang Yixing, carefully inspecting the young man's appearance and aura. "Looks like Old Zhang got blessed with an outstanding grandson. Too bad I don't have one myself, but of course my Xiao Yue is more than enough."
"I'm not that outstanding Sir, after all, I got to where I am not with the help of others and not by myself. Many may considers me as a cut above other's but I still have a lot to learn, Sir.", Zhang Yixing said, not owning the fact that he is in fact an outstanding person which contradicted the arrogant air he exuded.
Zhang is aware of the achievements he accomplished at a young age, something that is uncommon with people with in his age bracket. But sitting in front of someone who single handedly maneuvered a business empire for so many years, and if not for old age and a terminal illness, would still be a successful business man, he knew that he is still miles away. He knew how to humble himself in the presence of someone who deserves his respect.
Elder Zhou laughed, loving how his chosen grandson-in-law boot licked. Being respected is the reward he deserves after all the sacrifices he made in his life, and receiving it from Zhang Yixing made his heart swell in pride. "Your folks surely raised you well."
Zhou Yuexi gracefully poured two cups of tea for her grandfather and Zhang Yixing. After doing so, she excused herself to leave the men some time to converse alone.
"Goodnight grandfather, I'll go upstairs and take a rest. I've had a long day. I'll leave the two of you to talk.", Zhou Yuexi said then she kissed her grandfather's cheeks goodnight. She also bade Zhang Yixing goodbye. "Goodnight to you, too. Mr. Zhang. Please do take care on your way home.", she said, not daring to call him 'dear future husband' in front of her grand father.
"Okay, sweet dreams Yuexi."
Zhang Yixing just nodded as a reply.
As Zhou Yuexi disappeared from their view, a heavier atmosphere surfaced in the living room.
"Yixing, I would like to personally thank you for agreeing to this sudden marriage. My Xiao Yuexi is a pretty charming and capable young lady, you won't regret this decision of yours.", the old man said sincerely while staring straight at Zhang Yixing's eyes.
Zhang Yixing smiled at the elder. "I know, Sir. My meeting tonight with your granddaughter convinced me likewise."
Elder Zhou coughed a couple of times. "I only want to tell you few things. Take care of my dearest Xiao Yuexi well until both your hair turns gray. She can be pretty stubborn sometimes so please be patient with her. And she's also got quite a temper. She especially hates unkept promises. So if you happen to promise her somethings, make sure you'd stick up to it. I tell you young man, that girl sure knows how to hold a grudge." The elder paused and released a series of coughs before closing his eyes repeatedly, suppressing the tears that were threatening to fall.
Old Man Zhou stretched out his hands to hold onto Zhang Yixing's hands, then he continued. "She may seem perfectly fine and composed but she's still human. She has her fears and insecurities. There are times when she cries on her sleep. When that happens, wake her up and comfort her. The memory of her losing her parents at such a young age haunts her. Her carefree disposition is a product of years of psychological therapies. She worked hard to earn the smile she wears so never make her lose that. And lastly, be her source of happiness if not, at least don't be the reason why she cries. My Xiao Yuexi just seems strong on the outside but in reality she's just a vulnerable kid who's forced to face the responsibility of an adult at a young age. These are all I ask of you."
After Elder Zhou finished his piece, he was slightly out of breath. The tears that were welling in his eyes fell as he pleaded the young man in front of him to take care of his precious granddaughter.
Zhang Yixing was moved by the love that the elder showed for her granddaughter. It pushed him to treat Zhou Yuexi better than everybody else around him. He felt that he needs to treat Zhou Yuexi specially, not because her grandfather begged for it, but because she deserves it.
"I'll try my best to do that, Sir.", he answered as he bowed gently as a sign of respect.
"Please, just call me grandfather. 'Sir' kind of makes me feel like your just a subordinate not a family member. Anyways it's getting late, it would be better for you to go home now. I want to rest, myself."
"Okay, Sir... I mean grandfather. Goodnight, grandfather."