Free Web NovelChapter 469: Chapter 440 He Plagiarized_2
Uncle Zhou’s nose tingled, and he patted Auntie Zhou’s hand firmly.
"I know, it’s because I have you. On such a joyous day, let’s not talk about this, okay?" fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
Auntie Zhou wiped her eyes and quickly adjusted her expression.
"Look at me, getting old and sentimental. Alright, you go sit with our dad for a while. Although we come from a modest background and can’t match the saying that ’families should be well-matched,’ the fact that the old man himself is coming shows his utmost regard for us. Besides, Xiao Ning is so promising, from academia to work, he is top-notch in every aspect, so we have confidence."
"Mmm, I’ll go keep the old man company. I can tell he’s a bit nervous too."
Outside the door, Zhou Ning turned his head and saw Auntie Zhou’s action, and He Shancun nudged him.
"You know, Doctor Shi called me a few days ago, asking me to tell you to find time to talk. It’s been almost a year since you went to see him, and the treatment isn’t over yet. Don’t keep using work as an excuse all the time, he’s not charging you any money."
Zhou Ning nodded.
"Alright, I’ll call him before I go. I’ve just finished up with the busy period these past days."
He Shancun glanced at him dubiously.
"Not that busy? I heard from Doctor Chen that he asked Liu Yufei out to dinner. He mentioned that although your department is in the midst of a crackdown, it hasn’t been busy recently, perhaps because you were too busy before."
Zhou Ning caught the gist of the issue and raised an eyebrow at He Shancun.
"Wait, has Doctor Chen succeeded?"
He Shancun rolled his eyes.
"What a way of putting it, saying ’succeeded’ as if they did something shady in secret. Neither has made it clear yet, it’s just that Doctor Chen asked Liu Yufei to dinner, and she didn’t refuse.
But I promised Doctor Chen to help him look into someone, a guy named Fang Mu, who seems to be transferring to your bureau. He seems to view this Fang Mu as some sort of rival, though I don’t know what the relationship is between this person and Liu Yufei."
Zhou Ning recalled briefly; the name did seem familiar. After a moment of thought, he realized:
"I remember now, during the Tongshan hiker case investigation, Liu Yufei took a trip to Hesheng City, the capital of Huining Province. There, she encountered a criminal detective named Fang Mu, a bona fide academy graduate. His treatment in Hesheng City was average, though.
Liu Yufei thought he was capable and organized in his work, and also quite smart, so she mentioned it to Director Xu and had him transferred over, arranging a better position and solving his housing issues. We can’t have his parents come to live with him and not have a place to stay, can we?
That’s probably the whole story. None of the concerns Doctor Chen is harboring are an issue. However, I’ve seen a photo of this Fang Mu; he is indeed tall and handsome. This is a good thing, actually. I’ll give Doctor Chen a heads up to take the initiative; he shouldn’t think about slowly nurturing the relationship. When it’s time to make a move, he should make a move."
He Shancun nodded but shot Zhou Ning another look.
"I’ll remind him. When talking about others, you always make it sound so easy. Why don’t you ’make a move’ when it comes to Mr. Xia? If it weren’t for the ultimatum from Mr. Xia, I’d say you’d keep dragging your feet."
Zhou Ning felt a bit embarrassed.
"Our situation is different, but I did indeed overthink it."
He Shancun didn’t dwell on the topic and took out his phone, rapidly typing and sending a message; without looking, one would know that this was a reminder for Doctor Chen.
At that moment, they heard the ding of the elevator. The two quickly looked over, and a female attendant was leading Xia Momo and her parents up. Mr. Xia was even carrying a red gift bag. He Shancun lost his former confrontational mood with Zhou Ning, anxiously clearing his throat.
"Mr. Xia, Mrs. Xia, welcome! Please come in!"
Xia Shouchang waved his hand with a smile.
"Just call me Uncle, that’s fine. You must be Xiao Ning’s brother-in-law, right? I’ve heard Momo speak of you, a competent emergency physician. A respectable occupation, and I am glad to know you,"
He Shancun felt even more embarrassed, quickly stepped aside to give way at the door, and hurriedly led the three of them inside. Zhou Ning exchanged glances with Xia Momo, who boldly took his arm and they walked toward the room together.
The elder had heard the commotion as well. The second uncle, who had spent many years working in logistics, shook hands with the Xia couple quite composedly. A few simple exchanges, and everyone took their seats in high spirits. free𝑤ebnovel.com
Mrs. Xia gave everyone a small gift, not anything extravagantly expensive but rather delicate bookmarks and waterless stainless steel pens from a collaboration between Qin University and an international prestigious school.
After several moments of small talk, He Shancun showcased his gift of gab, quickly melting any unfamiliarity among the crowd, and the conversation turned jovial as the drinks flowed. The elder spoke up first.
"The kids have known each other for a while, and their feelings are very genuine. It’s just that Xiao Ning hasn’t shown his best before, which worried us. Today, we invited your family to discuss their marriage, concerning the wedding date, the bride price, the wedding house, the decoration style, and so forth.
If you have any opinions, feel free to voice them. There’s no need for polite platitudes. I’m going to be generous for once, or as the youngsters say, I’m playing the role of the dismantling generation."
Xia Shouchang chuckled, clearly genuinely happy. The entire Zhou Family had come, and they took his daughter and Zhou Ning’s marriage so seriously. Despite some previous dissatisfaction, the man his daughter had chosen was indeed praiseworthy, giving him a lot of face to talk about.
"Elder, we won’t beat around the bush with you. Both our families are not short on houses. From Qidong to the city center, we have three properties. As for Zhou Ning, I think he probably has even more. They can choose themselves; whichever suite they want to live in is fine. As for the decor, I think something simple will do. After all, a major renovation involves environmental considerations.
No need for a bride price. As for the wedding date, the attitude of her mother and me is to resolve it within the year. May Day, Children’s Day, or even November would work, but the best would be after Zhou Ning’s doctoral graduation in June, Qin University will also have some arrangements for him."
Zhou Ning was somewhat surprised; Qin University was only a collaborator, so how did it involve arrangements?
The elder was curious, too, but he restrained himself from asking and nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright, then we’ll pick October 5th, as previously researched by his second aunt in the almanac. As for the wedding house, let’s set it as the one Xiao Ning currently lives in, choosing the most environmentally-friendly decorating materials. At least change the color and style, as what you have is too plain. Zhou Ning will handle the bride price himself. But Momo, Grandpa is giving you a card to get the car you like,"
Saying this, the elder stood up, went over to Xia Momo, and handed her a card with the password written on the back.
"The account is opened in your name, the password is six sixes, there’s not much—just two hundred thousand. If it’s not enough, Xiao Ning will top it up. As the saying goes, elders’ blessings should not be rejected, so don’t turn down Grandpa’s goodwill."
Xia Momo didn’t know what to say for a moment. Just as Xia Shouchang was about to speak, Zhou Ning stood up, placed an envelope in Xia Momo’s hand.
"Speaking of which, I’m a bit ashamed that I haven’t proposed. I didn’t prepare flowers or a ring, but I have prepared something else. This morning, I was questioned by my second aunt, and I feel that I indeed need to show my sincerity; those romantic gestures, I find, aren’t substantial enough.
Inside here is all I own—three property deeds, a salary card, a heating expense reimbursement card, a Qin University payment card, and another card for manuscript fees. All of these, and myself, will be yours from now on. This is the greatest sincerity I can offer you. I’m formally proposing to you before your parents and my family. Momo, will you marry me?"
Xia Momo cried, utterly moved at that moment.
Seeing this scene, Xia Momo’s parents were also deeply touched. The second uncle nudged his wife forcefully, showing a knowing smile, while the elder’s lips quivered slightly.
Only He Shancun wore a discontented expression, frowning deeply and even grinding his teeth. Zhou Xiaoyu kicked him and glared, asking:
"What’s with that face?"
He Shancun glanced at the couple, then, lowering his voice, whispered into his wife’s ear:
"He’s plagiarizing. That’s what I said when I proposed."
