Here’s your chappie! Aww Xu Xu is so adorable in her approach towards the typically evil mother in law =P
Chapter 52.2: Have you forgotten our cohabitation agreement? We don't interfere with each other.
When the concert ended, it was already late. Outside the theatre, sparkling lights were reflected in the pool, flowers were giving off a heady scent, and the trees were verdantly green. As there was a crush of people at the exit, Ji Bai did not send Xu Xu home immediately, but took her for a stroll in the green, shaded area.
They had only walked a few paces when his cell phone rang. He glanced at his phone, and smiled slightly as he accepted the call: "Mother."
Ji Bai normally did not have much contact with his family, and Xu Xu had never interacted with them. Now, she quietly stood by his side.
When Mrs Ji heard her son's hearty voice, she laughingly said: "It's almost 11:00pm, and it's also mid-autumn. Are you coming home?"
Ji Bai looked at Xu Xu: "Of course we're coming home. I'll bring Xu Xu home with me."
On the other end, his mother was silent for a beat, then replied: "Let us know when you've booked your tickets. I'll send someone to pick you up at the airport."
"All right." Ji Bai laughed lightly.
When they reached home that night, Xu Xu went to shower while Ji Bai stood by himself on the balcony, chewing on dates as he contemplated the night.
Since his smoking habit had come under his wife's supervision, he had already quit the habit completely. When he occasionally had cravings, Xu Xu always pushed a date into his hands, telling him that, apart from being a good substitute, it was also good for improving one's looks and complexion, nourishing blood and energy and so on . . . Although others around him may have felt it was rather peculiar to see a criminal investigator chewing away on dates, once he said that his wife had instructed him to do so, the others all became envious.
At the moment, Ji Bai was chewing on a date and thinking: This time, bringing Xu Xu back to Beijing, mother is going to present some difficulties.
Previously, when he had raised the eventuality of bringing Xu Xu home with his family, the others had been all right. Only his mother had seemed to painstakingly avoid the issue, completely refusing to say anything on the topic each time.
From the time he had chosen his profession, mother and son had been in conflict, neither side willing to compromise. Since she had been unable to bend his will, she had slowly come to accept reality.
Now, he had once again not complied with her agenda, for him to marry someone well matched in social and economic status. Moreover, he had found a girl who was an outsider (i.e. not from Beijing), and a fellow criminal investigator to boot. His mother would naturally not be happy.
However, it would also not be too difficult to handle.
Ji Bai took out his handphone, and started calling people one by one.
His first call was to his most beloved (paternal) Grandfather.
"Grandfather, I'm returning to Beijing next week. I've got a surprise for you – yes, I'm bringing your granddaughter-in-law to visit you. Send a car to pick us up, she says she'd like to visit you first . . . after we've visited you, we'll visit dad and mum."
The second call was to his eldest brother.
"Big brother, I'm bringing Xu Xu home next week. You should come home for the family dinner."
Finally, he called Shu Hang.
"I'm bringing your sister-in-law home next week . . . uhm, if you want to spread the news, go ahead. Make it clear for everyone, the 3rd Ji son is going to get married. My mum's reaction? Shu Hang, extensive preparation will eventually pay off**, let your mother and her friends persuade my mother . . ."
**(养兵千日用兵一时 literal – maintain an army for a thousand days to use it for an hour)
On the other end, Shu Hang was amused: "Why don't I go crying to my mother to report that you've found a young lady of impeccable family background who is smart and lovable as well, and everyone is full of admiration, envy and hatred? Then I'll swear I want to find someone similar."
Ji Bai laughingly replied: "Success."
On the eve of their trip to Beijing, Xu Xu carried a lot of things with her .
Ji Bai opened them. An exquisite pair of jade drop earrings: “You said that your mother likes jade, this is what I asked my elder brother to buy.”
A good quality silk garment: “I will give this to grandfather. The old man will find it comfortable. This is handmade."
Each one was not very expensive, but clearly she had put a lot of thought into it.
Ji Bai looked at her: “I will make the preparations, you do not have to bother.”
Xu Xu said: “They will know at a glance who purchased the gifts. Plus it's the thought that counts.
After a moment of silence, Ji Bai said, "Wife, my mother does not like me being a police officer. This time, when we go back to Beijing, because of me, she might have a slight misunderstanding towards you. But you don’t need to worry, she cannot affect the overall situation."
Xu Xu was taken aback.
Her mother had passed away too early and she did not have much experience with elder women. But she could make a guess- Ji Bai was mature, but clearly, he did not have the wholehearted support of his mother. As his mother, her character would be more stubborn and they may not get along well.
After all, they were discussing their elders, both stopped talking. After a while, Xu Xu asked: “If you do not mind, may I ask a question?
“What?"
“Who has the most say in your house?”
Jia Bai smiled: “My grandfather, followed by my eldest brother."
Xu Xu nodded, pondered for a while before raising her head, "Did you win their support? We should be able to control the situation then."
Ji Bai pulled her in his arms and laughed.
This little one, as long as she had the intention to achieve something, her mind was better than anyone. For this trip to his home in Beijing, she would perhaps use all her arsenal to remove all obstructions easily.
Translators: Shl,miumiu
TL Checkers: Tranzgeek
Proofreaders: Libramuse