Jin Liwei waited downstairs, his heart racing with anticipation. As Xie Ming descended, he felt as if he were seeing her for the first time. She was a vision in a burgundy lace dress that hugged her figure modestly yet elegantly. The dress, with its delicate lace overlay and knee-length cut, spoke of a refined taste that Jin Liwei had never associated with his wife before.
Her black hair, once rebelliously styled in different styles and experimental colors, now fell in soft, elegant waves around her shoulders. The transformation was striking - gone was the defiant girl, replaced by a woman of poise and grace. Simple ruby studs adorned her ears, their deep red hue complementing the dress perfectly. A delicate moon-shaped pendant hung from a fine silver chain, drawing attention to her graceful neck.
A matching ring graced her left hand, catching the light as she moved. In her right hand, she carried a branded clutch, its understated elegance a far cry from the flashy accessories she once favored. The overall effect was one of quiet sophistication, a dramatic departure from her former loud and brash style.
Gone was the heavy makeup and garish colors. In their place was a light, natural look that accentuated her innate beauty. Her eyes seemed brighter, her cheekbones more defined, her lips softly tinted. She moved with a poise that seemed to have appeared overnight, her back straight, head held high, exuding an aura of quiet power that reminded Jin Liwei of royalty.
"Beautiful," he murmured, captivated. The word seemed inadequate to describe the transformation before him.
Xie Ming's response, a soft giggle and a demure "Thank you," was so unlike her former self that Jin Liwei found himself staring. Where was the sharp retort, the roll of the eyes he had come to expect?
Suddenly, Xie Ming's eyes widened with concern, breaking the spell. "Let's go," she said, her voice tinged with anxiety. "We'll be late. And we need gifts! Oh, we don't have time, and I haven't thought of anything yet." Her worry, though familiar, now had an edge of consideration he'd never seen before. The old Xie Ming would have scoffed at the idea of bringing gifts, let alone worrying about their appropriateness.
Jin Liwei smiled, marveling at the change. "Don't worry," he assured her, reaching out to take her hand. "I've prepared everything. Just come with me."
To his surprise, Xie Ming shook her head, a small frown creasing her brow. "You should have told me earlier," she said, her voice soft but firm. "Those gifts are from you, not me. It's my duty, and I don't want to appear insincere." Her words, tinged with an unfamiliar sense of responsibility, touched him deeply.
'She really wants to give this relationship a chance,' he thought, his heart swelling with hope. This new Xie Ming, considerate and thoughtful, was a revelation.
___
As they drove to the Jin Mansion, Xie Ming's anxiety was palpable. She sat straight-backed in the passenger seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Jin Liwei, still adjusting to this new version of his wife, reached out to cover her hands with his own. "It'll be fine," he said softly. "They'll love you."
Xie Ming turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "I hope so," she whispered. "I want to make things right this time."
___
Inside the mansion, the family waited, curious about the changes Jin Liwei had hinted at. When the couple entered, all eyes turned to Xie Ming. Her transformation was immediately apparent, from her elegant attire to her graceful bearing. A collective gasp of surprise echoed through the room.
Mother Jin approached, her eyes bright with hope and a hint of wariness. "You came," she said warmly, taking Xie Ming's hands in her own. "We've been waiting." There was a question in her eyes, a wonder at the change in the young woman before her.
What happened next stunned everyone. Xie Ming, who had always been aloof and borderline disrespectful, gave a deep, ninety-degree bow. "Greetings, Mother," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth and respect that had never been there before.
The room fell silent. Even Jin Liwei looked shocked, his eyes wide as he stared at his wife's bowed form. This was not the rebellious young woman they knew, but someone entirely different - someone who carried herself with the dignity of royalty.
Mother Jin, recovering quickly, raised Xie Ming from her bow and embraced her. "No need for such formality, dear," she said, her voice thick with emotion. She held Xie Ming at arm's length, searching her face. "You've changed," she murmured, wonder in her voice.
As Xie Ming was led to greet Grandfather Jin, Jin Liwei found himself momentarily forgotten. His brother, standing beside their father, caught his eye and smirked, clearly amused by Jin Liwei's apparent invisibility in the wake of Xie Ming's dramatic entrance.
Grandfather Jin laughed heartily at Xie Ming's respectful greeting, his eyes twinkling with delight. "My girl, you've changed so much!" he exclaimed, patting her hand affectionately. "Grandfather loves you dearly. Come, greet your father."
As Grandfather Jin stepped aside, revealing Father Jin's face, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Xie Ming froze, the color draining from her face. Her eyes widened in shock, her composure cracking for the first time since she'd entered the room.
The family tensed, bewildered by her reaction. Even the usually stoic Father Jin looked taken aback, his brow furrowing in confusion. Mother Jin shot him a pointed look, silently urging him to soften his demeanor. 'She might be intimidated,' her eyes seemed to say.
Father Jin cleared his throat, attempting to adopt a gentler expression. "Xie Ming," he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft. But before he could continue, Xie Ming's next action caught everyone off guard, leaving the room in stunned silence once more.