Xia Ye's Room.
Mother and daughter sat on the bed as Xu He personally changed Xia Ye's dressing.
She learned how to change bandages from the doctor, proceeding gently and with great care.
Xia Ye, who used to roam the seas and frequently got injured, had never been so meticulously self-cared for.
Her room had been kept intact by Xu He, who even ordered the servants to clean it regularly.
All the furnishings remained exactly the same, including the princess bed with its plump pink bedding that she was lying on.
Although it was a child's room, it was actually quite large, but Xu He still felt it wasn't enough. In the morning, she had called Mrs. Wu to clear out a larger room, wanting to arrange it herself.
For the next couple of days, her darling would have to make do with her old room until Xu He finished the arrangements, then she could move over.
Xia Ye sensed from Xu He's words that it seemed to be a big project.
She didn't say anything, her gaze shifting to the position of Xu He's arm. Through the silk sleeve, she could vaguely make out a bruise.
Xu He's acupuncture was always quick, ruthless and accurate, with immediate effects, but indeed it caused pain for a few days.
If there was a chance, she could make some medicine for Xu He to apply.
**
Before bedtime, the family gathered in the living room.
Xu He warmed up two cups of milk, one for her elder daughter and one for her younger daughter.
Xia Xing was left out.
He leaned on the sofa, horizontally holding his phone, and started a game on his alt account, "Mom, playing favorites, huh?"
Xu He shot him a glance, "How old are you now? Hurry up and find a proper girlfriend to do that for you."
Xia Xing laughed helplessly; his mother had this knack, no matter the topic, she could always bring it back to marriage pressure.
If it was just pressuring him at his age, that would have been fine, but Little Tiangao was so young when they arranged her betrothal—what were they thinking?
"Mom, when will the Jiang family arrive?"
Xu He flipped through a spring fashion magazine, taking photos of anything she liked with her phone, "Tomorrow morning."
After speaking, she turned to Xia Ye, "This marriage was arranged by your grandparents when you were very young, but don't feel pressured; get to know each other when you meet tomorrow."
Xia Ye, who was studying a lush potted plant beside the sofa, nodded nonchalantly.
Xia Xing picked a hero at random; no sooner had he entered the game than a girl started screaming crazily, "Ahhhh—am I really matched with God Xia? God Xia, I'm your fan! I can recite all your alt accounts!"
Xia Xing was unperturbed; he thanked her in the comments and then turned off the voice chat, "I think you guys made this marriage arrangement too hastily. How old is that young master from the Jiang family? He's not even mature yet."
"What do you think the Jiang family is? Their genetics are there, and that can't be wrong!" Xia Yuzheng came out of the study and tossed a pile of photos in front of Xia Yourong, "I've inquired about it. That Yunzhou constantly ranks in the top ten in his exams; isn't he better than you playing those useless games every day?"
Xia Xing glanced at the thickness of the pile of photos; given they were all autographed, it must have taken at least an hour.
Although his father brought them, it must have been his older sister who asked for them.
"Anyway, I'll be there tomorrow too. I want to see if that kid is worthy of my sister."
Xia Yourong, with a mask on her face, holding a cup of milk in both hands, was watching TV but listening to their conversation.
Her smile carried a meaningful depth.
**
The next day.
Xia Yourong got up early, wearing a pretty lady-like dress and even spritzed on some perfume.
"Dad, did Mom say what time they'd arrive?"
Xia Yuzheng spread out the newspaper, took a sip of tea, and laughed, "You're more concerned about your sister's matters," he glanced at his watch, "They should be arriving soon."
Xia Yourong straightened her skirt in front of the mirror, "As my sister's fiancé, of course I have to keep an eye out. By the way, Dad, I heard Uncle Yunzhou will be coming too?"
Xia Yuzheng set down his teacup, his tone steady, "It should be his second uncle."
Xia Yourong thought so too. Among Brother Yunzhou's three uncles, the second one was relatively more available.
The third uncle had many social engagements, so he likely wouldn't come.
As for the youngest uncle, Jiang Xuan... that was out of the question.
At the same time.
Down the tree-lined driveway outside the Xia family's villa, a grand luxury car drew near, its wheels grinding against the pavement.
Entering the courtyard, the car slowed smoothly to a stop. The driver got out and quickly ran to the back door, bent over to open the door, shielding the roof with his hand, and respectfully said, "President Jiang, we have arrived at the Xia family's residence."