300— Meeting The Gao Family Members (2)

Pei Yueran hesitated before stating softly, "Whoever you decide on would be okay. I don't know them after all." Anyway, the invitations had all gone out a long time ago. Could they possibly withdraw what they had already sent out?

Qiao Mingran was mortified. She just wanted to create opportunities to spend time with her daughter, but she had forgotten that she knew next to nothing about the families in the Capital.

Moreover, judging from her look, Qiao Mingran felt that she already knew it was just an excuse to spend some time alone with her, but she still refused.

Her tears rushed forth, but she desperately suppressed them. She would embarrass her daughter if she suddenly started crying out of the blue.

"Mother, why don't we leave them to freshen up while you go and supervise lunch? You can send someone for them when everything is ready." Gao Tinghua stepped in to ease the stiff atmosphere.

Nodding, Qiao Mingran acquiesced and left with Gao Tinghua, but not without giving Pei Yueran another hug.

It was as if she wanted to assure herself that her daughter was here in flesh and blood.

Just before they left, Pei Yueran said on a whim, "If you're not too busy, we could stroll in the garden together after dinner, you could show me around."

Qiao Mingran's expression came back to life, eyes glowing golden brown. It was so vivid that she seemed to light up the room. She nodded very enthusiastically, "Sounds perfect!"

Pei Yueran sighed inwardly.

Qiao Mingran left contentedly. All hope was not lost. Her daughter also wanted to build their relationship. They were a little stiff with each other, but no matter, they still had the entire weekend to grow closer.

When Li Chuanmo finally shut the door, Pei Yueran sunk down on bended knees, feeling exhausted. It was the kind that came straight from the brain due to mental fatigue.

She wondered how she was going to last the entire weekend if the first hour was already this draining.

Then without warning, Li Chuanmo bent and gathered her in his arms, "Don't sit on the floor like that, you would catch a cold."

Just like that, her attention was diverted as she retorted without heat, "I wasn't sitting on the floor, I was only bending. Besides, the rug is so thick. Where would a cold come from?"

"Smart mouth. You always have all the answers, don't you?" He said with a teasing smile.

"Sweet mouth. You always have flattery on your tongue, not so?" She teased him right back.

"Should we find out what else is on my tongue?" He asked, full of charm.

Pei Yueran rolled her eyes at him and he chose that moment to drop her on the bed and raise himself above her before softly flicking her forehead, "Naughty."

She rubbed the attacked spot even though it didn't hurt, "Ouch. Do you really want me to go for lunch with a red forehead? Mean!"

Li Chuanmo leaned in slightly and blew warm air on it, making her shiver, "Sorry Honey. Let me make it better."

It was his saying "Sorry" that made her get her guard up. On occasions like this, sorry wasn't a plea, it was the prelude to seduction ah.

She hurriedly held up her hands, "I'm feeling much better now, thank you, it really doesn't hurt anymore. We need to get dressed now for lunch."

Li Chuanmo looked at her silently, but ultimately decided to let her go. At least, he didn't look so tired and lifeless anymore.

After dropping a chaste kiss on her forehead, he rolled over and she got up, going into the closet to get their outfits for the evening.

Earlier, Tong Zhian had brought their bags in here. She supposed that the worker Qiao Mingran offered to send up earlier was to help them unpack, but she refused because she really didn't need the help.

It was the one chore she liked to do even at home, arranging her own wardrobe and picking out clothes for the both of them. It also helped when she had things on her mind, since she could sort them out as she worked.

The closet was big, and she could see dresses and accessories along one whole section of the huge space. Judging from the sheer amount, someone had obviously gone through the trouble of closing down several stores for her sake.

She let out another sigh.

She focused on just selecting their clothes for lunch from the bags. She planned to unpack after lunch.

While she picked out the clothes, Li Chuanmo walked closer and gave her a back hug, "You don't have to do anything you don't want to do."

Pei Yueran shook out the teal-hued shirt she had picked for him which matched with the teal colored one-piece she planned to wear.

She then turned and returned his hug, "I know, but I just feel bad, somehow. They're putting in so much effort, and strangely, I want them to be happy.

"Besides, I figured that since I decided to come here, then I have to give our relationship a shot. If nothing comes out of it, at least each party tried to make things work."

Li Chuanmo nodded in understanding, "Fine. I'm just saying you should not stress too much about anything. It will all fall into place."

She nodded.

He dropped a kiss on her lips before saying, "Let's get dressed."

Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang and Li Chuanmo went to answer it. It was a worker who had come to inform him that lunch was served.

He responded and went to get Pei Yueran.

By the time both of them descended to the grand dining hall on the first floor, the remaining members of the family were seated and waiting for them.

"Yue'er, you both have arrived. Quickly come and seat." Qiao Mingran invited happily, motioning to the seats beside her, to the right of Gao Zhipeng, who sat at the head of the table.

To his left sat Gao Tinghua, followed by a young lady. Pei Yueran gave her a quick glance before moving her gaze elsewhere. She didn't know her, but it wasn't difficult to guess her identity.

The young lady was also assessing her. Gao Tingxiu discreetly stared at the lady that had sent their family into a tizzy in the last six months since her mother dropped the bombshell.

She wasn't petite like her or her mother, but the man she was standing with made her look smaller. Gao Tingxiu took a moment to admire her long legs. They were at a length that would guarantee her a place in the modelling industry, not to mention her figure. It was exquisite.

Her face was also very pretty, not as delicate as their mother's, yet more striking. It was a bolder kind of beautiful. And it wasn't just the face, her carriage, more importantly, was also top-notch.

That was one trait she was especially happy for. If this elder sister took after their mother and was a typical crybaby, life would have instantly become harder.

One person that cried like a water tap was enough in the family. If there was someone else that had the tendency to let tears run at the slightest issue, she would really want to cry too!

Gao Tingxiu's final assessment was that this elder sister wasn't half bad at all.