Lian Manman wasn’t present, so she couldn’t know exactly how Shen Liu proposed to Lian Shouxin. But there’s one thing she could be sure of. This time, it won’t be like last time. This time, Shen Liu is determined to succeed. Even if his attitude is humble, no one would misunderstand his intentions.

Lian Shouxin didn’t agree right away but discussed it with Lady Zhang first, who then came to ask for her opinion.

Lian Manman believed if she said she was unwilling, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang would genuinely refuse Shen Liu. Even though the couple knew such a refusal would offend Shen Liu.

Fundamentally, Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang have strong backbones. In the past, they were blinded by misguided filial piety and so-called familial ties, and their hands and feet were bound.

"Manman, there’s no outsider here. Tell your mother what’s on your mind... We can’t let Sixth Master wait around indefinitely. We should give him an answer quickly, whether we agree or not," Lady Zhang asked Lian Manman again.

"Mother, what are your thoughts and father’s?" Lian Manman thought for a moment and asked.

"Your father and I," Lady Zhang paused, "since Sixth Master came to propose today, let me tell you everything... Manman, do you remember the year before last when your father came home looking completely different? That time, it was Sixth Master who spoke to your father, hinting that he had an interest in you."

"To ask what your father and I think, there’s nothing to criticize about Sixth Master as a person. I noticed that you and Sixth Master get along well. Sixth Master has been great to our family, to you siblings. I can see that his feelings for you are likely genuine... It’s just that his family’s social status is much higher than ours. That’s why your father and I were unsettled back then."

"But Sixth Master also said that social status doesn’t count for much; if your brothers work hard, everything will fall into place... He said he’d make sure you wouldn’t suffer any grievance when you marry."

Clearly, Shen Liu had said many persuasive things when proposing to Lian Shouxin, and these words had effectively moved both Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang.

Judging from Lady Zhang’s words, it was evident that both husband and wife were very satisfied with Shen Liu and were happy with this marriage proposal.

The attitude of Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang was entirely within Lian Manman’s expectations.

"Mother, what did my brother say?" Lian Manman thought for a moment and asked again.

"Your brother, well, he has no objections either. Sixth Master’s character and conduct are impeccable. You’re aware of your brother’s attitude toward him! Besides, in this matter, what matters most is your opinion. If you ask your brother’s thoughts, he’ll follow your lead," Lady Zhang said.

Shen Liu’s proposal today truly came to fruition, Lian Manman thought.

"Manman, do you agree or not? Let me know, so I can tell your father," Lady Zhang asked Lian Manman again.

"Hmm..." Lian Manman’s cheeks turned slightly red. Once she had laughed at Lian Zhizhi, but when it came her turn, it seemed just the same. "Mother, I’ll follow your and father’s decision."

"How...," Lady Zhang immediately said, but she stopped halfway, realizing. "Alright, alright, I understand."

Lady Zhang smiled, and the tension she felt upon entering the room vanished completely.

"So, Manman, do you have anything else to say?" Lady Zhang asked with a smile.

"No, I don’t," Lian Manman replied happily.

Regarding the engagements, marriage, and all arrangements, Lian Manman didn’t feel the need to make any demands. She felt confident that things would be arranged properly, both by her family and by Shen Liu’s side, without causing her any grievance.

"Alright, I’ll go tell them," Lady Zhang said with a smile, getting up. Suddenly, she thought of something and turned back to discuss it with Lian Manman, "Manman, I want to ask you about something. I want your brother to get married first, and then we’ll arrange your matters. Is that okay?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Mother, do whatever you say. I have no opinion," Lian Manman said.

"Okay, good." Lady Zhang left with a big smile, feeling immensely satisfied. Getting such an excellent son-in-law effortlessly and having such an understanding, lovely daughter without any faults—how could she not be happy as a mother?

Lian Shouxin took a little longer, and when she returned, she was all smiles.

"It’s all settled," Lady Zhang happily told Lian Manman, "Your engagement to Sixth Master has been verbally agreed upon between both families. The official engagement ceremony, once your brother’s matters are settled, Sixth Master will invite a matchmaker to formalize it. Your brother will marry first, and then according to his timeline, we’ll choose a date for you and Sixth Master."

"Sixth Master is truly without fault. When we discussed arranging your brother’s matters first, he agreed without hesitation," Lady Zhang said with satisfaction. "Had he insisted on rushing your entry into the family, we wouldn’t have had anything to say."

Lian Manman listened with a smile. Lady Zhang didn’t usually say much, but she became talkative when particularly happy.

"Your matter is settled, and once your brother’s arrangements are made, for you two and then Xiao Qi, that will take a few more years. Our family’s major matters will all be settled," Lady Zhang said with joy and anticipation in her eyes and tone.

Come the Chinese hour, a banquet commenced in the front, but Lian Manman and Lady Zhang didn’t join. Instead, they set a small table on the kang, picking a few of their favorite delicate dishes to enjoy with polished rice.

After noon, the front banquet concluded joyously.

Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi returned cheerfully.

...

Request pink slips. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)