The dinner was at 6:30 pm. They decided to meet earlier since her mother didn't want to keep the elders out too late. They agreed on eating at a famous and very reputable Chinese restaurant that specialized in Szechuan dishes.
Biming awoke from her nap around 4 pm. She got up to get ready since the travel to the restaurant would take her about 40 minutes. After brushing her teeth and washing her face again, she prepped her skin for some light makeup. Followed by doing her hair, she added a texturizer to add volume and natural waves to her hair and pinned half her hair up with pearl encrusted pins. She wore small pearl earrings and a simple gold chained necklace adorned with pearls from Tiffany's.
Since the night air was brisk, she opted for an off the shoulder lilac colored sweater. She paired the sweater with a black tulle skirt that reached her calves. The skirt had an elastic band which helped accentuate her slim waist. Biming chose this outfit to hide her private areas from Changmin's perverted gaze. She also chose to wear some black chunky heels.
She drove herself and arrived at the restaurant at 6:25 pm. She called her mom to see if they had arrived yet. "Honey, we're already inside and just sat down. Come in whenever you get here. We're in the third VIP room."
"Mom, I just parked. I'll see you inside."
Biming grabbed her phone and shoved it inside her purse before getting out of the car. The attendant recognized her and bowed a deep bow to her before showing her to the third VIP room.
Upon entering the room, all eyes were on her. It seemed that everyone had already made it into the room before her. She saw that her parents were seated at the large round table next to her grandparents and that the Xues also sat in the same formation with the one empty seat next to Changmin. 'Dang it! Was I the last one to arrive? I thought I arrived early enough.'
Her mother stood up to greet her, "Biming, you've arrived just on time. The Xues are already seated, come and take your seat too." Mother Xia directed her to the only empty seat left, which was next to Xue Changmin. She hung her purse on the chair and also took her coat off and hung it around her chair as well.
After sitting down, the elders continued their chatting while she glanced at Xue Changmin and then his father, Xue Haochen. Changmin was nearly the replica of his father, with younger looks and softer features. His charisma also was unmatched by his father.
"Wei Shu, you've done such a great job raising your daughter. She's so elegant and has great taste." Changmin's grandma, Wang Lingfei was over the moon with this dinner. She could only rest after her grandson found a partner in life.
"Madam Xue, your praises are more valued than gold itself. Biming's always been clear minded and head strong since she was young. I think I just got blessed with such a lovely daughter." Biming's mother was extremely happy with how much grandmother Xue adored her daughter.
Grandmother Xue wasn't done with her praises yet, "Biming, the gifts you sent are just spectacular. Thank you so much, child. You really have great taste." She directed at Biming.
"Of course, Madam Xue. How could I not after receiving your gifts for my birthday." Biming bowed her head and then smiled sweetly at the elders.
Xue Haochen studied Xia Biming closely, "Nice to meet you Xia Biming. I am Xue Changmin's father, Xue Haochen. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your birthday celebration. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and also sending me a gift." Haochen didn't see many young people as thoughtful as Xia Biming anymore.
Father Xia finally spoke up, "Our daughter has always been like that. She leaves no stone unturned and always thanks those with good intentions towards her."
The elders continued chatting happily while the servers entered the room with the dishes that were ordered. It smelled heavenly and stirred Biming's quaking stomach. Only Changmin heard her stomach's low growls and couldn't help but smile at how cute this girl was.
Nearing the end of the dinner, grandfather Xue finally spoke up and addressed the reason behind the dinner. He spoke directly to all the Xia family members, "As you all know, my grandson has just turned 27 and my wife is getting antsy that he is still single. She doesn't want to see her grandson grow old by himself. And most importantly, the company needs an heir." He cleared his throat before continuing.
"I'm also aware the Biming has just turned 24 and is also single. You're both still young, but when us elders were your age, we already birthed our first child."
Xue Chun Lei's bluntness caused both Xue Changmin and Xia Biming to choke on their foods. All eyes were averted towards the two.
"Grandpa! How could you bring up such a sensitive topic over dinner?" Xue Changmin managed to say after catching his breath.
"What's wrong with what your grandfather said? I also think the same way." Now it was Grandfather Xia who voiced his opinion.
"Grandpa, what do you mean?" Xia Biming asked her grandfather.
Xia Chao couldn't believe the obliviousness of his granddaughter, "Biming, I mean exactly what I said. I know you're not old but you're not getting any younger either. Besides, you finally got rid of that useless Yu Tianhao. You need a real man to support you! I don't see anything wrong with Xue Changmin being your partner in life!" He only wanted the best for his granddaughter.
"Honey, don't get mad at the elders. They're just looking out for your happiness and your future. Not just for Xia textiles, but for Jade Atelier and Xue Investments as well. You and Changmin make such a great couple, and if a marriage were to happen just imagine the endless possibilities!" Xia Li Feng tried to persuade Xia Biming. He knew his daughter was level-headed and wouldn't make rash decisions.
"I'm really sorry. I know I'm not getting any younger, but I cannot follow through with this idea. I just want to focus on Jade Atelier. As you all know, I'm working on expanding my work into Europe before I plan on conquering Asia. I just don't think I have time for a relationship or marriage right now. I know you only want the best, but I'm sure Xue Changmin would agree with me." She looked to Changmin for back up.
He stared back at her and could sense the helplessness in her eyes. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. What to do? Before he could say something, his grandmother spoke up, "Biming darling, its okay if you want to wait. I'll make sure that Changmin courts you properly and focuses only on you." She was not willing to let Biming slip through the cracks!