Chapter 144 — The Meeting Of The Families

On a rare free weekend, Pei Yueran, who wasn't used to having nothing to do, was restlessly surfing the internet.

Li Chuanmo had gone on a business trip the day before, so Li Yuchen was currently in her house. The two boys were holed up in Han Yichen's room, each doing their thing.

She paused when she came across a news outlet reporting a storm in City A. For the past few years, her mother usually complained of joint aches after a heavy storm. Slightly worried, she put a call through to her.

"Ran'er, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine Mum. I heard there was a storm last night. How are you?"

"Yes there was. I'm fine. My joints hurt a bit, but it's not as bad as usual, don't worry."

Pei Yueran was not assured. "Or should I get someone to stay with you? I don't feel good that you're on your own."

Director Zhou laughed, "Ran'er, have you forgotten what your mom does? I run an orphanage. What do you think I lack the least? It's people of course."

Pei Yueran was not convinced, "I know Mom, but you need someone to actually live with you, not just nearby. Should I look into it for you?"

Director Zhou surrendered, "Alright, but don't worry, I know what to do. I already have somebody in mind."

"That's good. I'll ask you about it later."

Director Zhou chuckled even as her heart warmed. "I've heard you Ran'er. You're really Mom's padded jacket. By the way, how are my grandsons?"

"They're fine. They're playing in the room."

"Both of them are with you? How about Son-in-law?"

Pei Yueran said in a voice filled with amusement, "What son-in-law? We're not married yet."

"What are you saying? Isn't the wedding in a few months? It's not bad to call him that in advance." Director Zhou said, full of smiles as she stretched her legs out on a footstool.

Pei Yueran laughed. Her mother wasn't even trying to hide her eagerness.

Speaking of the wedding date, it was chosen during the meeting of the families held a few days ago.

Zhang Heying and Director Zhou — Zhou Qiaohui hit it off immediately they met. Within minutes, they had become friends who agreed on everything, echoing each other's words.

Knowing that they were similar in the sense that they both adopted their children made them feel closer to each other.

When Director Zhou thanked the Li couple for accepting Han Yichen, Zhang Heying courteously bowed and thanked her for accepting Li Yuchen too as a maternal grandson.

The meeting went indescribably well. It was arranged in a traditional meeting hall that usually hosted these sort of meetings. The ambience was sophisticated yet lively. It was obvious that the Li couple had put in effort to choose a suitable venue.

After lunch, it was time to pick the wedding date. The mothers were the ones doing most of the talking. Director Zhou was the first to suggest a date that was in less than four weeks.

Since picking an auspicious date was a serious matter, she had spent a lot of effort in getting the closest one.

Surprisingly, only Pei Yueran disagreed. Even Li Chuanmo, who had already spoken with her and picked a date, felt that four weeks was not bad. It was earlier than their own agreed date.

Pei Yueran had to talk for many minutes and even pinch Li Chuanmo to support her before the date was changed.

Four weeks were hardly enough to prepare anything in her opinion.

When the couple discussed on their own earlier, Pei Yueran's original preferred date was in May next year. She wanted a romantic date that would not clash with any of their birthdays. Also, they would have finished most of their huge projects by then.

But Li Chuanmo just gave her one long, smouldering look before saying, "I can't wait that long."

Looking at the person that had suddenly morphed into a starving wolf, Pei Yueran shuddered and blushed.

In the end, they compromised and settled on the twenty first of December. It was considered a good day for all kinds of celebrations.

So when Li Chuanmo announced it, no one had objections.

Next, Zhang Heying spoke. "The children are already engaged according to Western traditions, but we must still do what we need to do. We will send the betrothal gifts in a few weeks."

Director Zhou nodded. Although not much, she had also prepared some dowry for her daughter.

The families agreed to hold the wedding in City M. Director Zhou was the one who pushed for it because she didn't want anything in City A to remind Pei Yueran of her first marriage.

There were no contrary opinions. The only person Pei Yueran was looking to invite from City A was Su Qianhua, and she was sure she would not mind coming over to City M.

Next was a long discussion about wedding planners, good venues, caterers, guest lists, wedding outfits, photoshoots, formal announcements and such.

The two mothers were so excited that they immediately started exchanging information about which caterer was best at catering for crowds and which style of wedding gown was currently in vogue.

Li Qianye was totally out of his league here, so he excused himself and went to the restroom, leaving the couple at the hands of their mothers.

By the end of the meeting, both mothers were satisfied with the fruitful discussion, while the couple felt drained, physically and mentally.

Planning for a wedding was really tiring.

In the car on their way back, Pei Yueran even asked jokingly, "Should we just skip all these cumbersome things and elope?"

Li Chuanmo played along, "I'm ready whenever you are. Should we run now?"

Pei Yueran laughed.

Hitting him lightly on the shoulder, she held his arm and leaned on him. "I'm so happy Chuan. This is really happening. It's not just a dream anymore."

Li Chuanmo kissed her forehead tenderly. "So am I."

*****BACK TO THE PRESENT.

"Anyway, he's not around, he traveled."

"I see. Greet him for me when he gets back."

"I will Mom."

"Alright Ran'er, I'll be going now. Let me check my soup on the stove."

"Okay, be careful Mom. If you feel any discomfort, go to the hospital immediately."

"I will, I will. Stop nagging." Director Zhou said with humor.

"Then don't make me worry. I love you Mom."

"I love you too my baby girl." Director Zhou replied, feeling warm.

This was her own precious daughter. It didn't matter how it came to be, what mattered was the heart.