"We’ve already had their birth charts read by a master, and they’re a perfect match. As for the betrothal gift, we’ll just follow the current customs. Everyone is into auspicious numbers these days, and I think 8,888 is a good one. Regarding the house, Qi Mingyang told us they want to live on their own after they get married. We’ve all been there, so we understand. As it happens, Qi Mingyang already has a property in his name. It’s not huge, but it’s more than enough for the two of them to start their own little family. We’ll have it nicely redecorated for them, and we’ll also provide all the major appliances."

Grandma Qi took He Ziqing’s hand as she spoke, patting it gently. "We are all very fond of Ziqing as our granddaughter-in-law. As long as the two of them can live a happy life together, we’ll have nothing to worry about."

As the eldest grandson, Qi Mingyang was naturally very important to the Qi family, and they had certain expectations for their granddaughter-in-law.

But Qi Mingyang had a mind of his own, and the Qi Family couldn’t force his hand. After waiting all these years, he had finally found a girl he liked. Though they were a bit hesitant at first when they heard she was from the countryside—mainly worried about a potential clash in values—the Qi Family later took the time to learn more about He Ziqing.

After getting to know He Ziqing, the whole family grew quite fond of the girl. She was beautiful and educated, and she handled herself with grace and poise. Despite her rural background, there was nothing rustic about her. The Qi Family didn’t care much for pedigree anyway. If you go back three generations, whose family didn’t come from the countryside? What’s more, Grandpa and Grandma Qi had lived through the war; they cared about such things even less.

The He family was surprised; they hadn’t said a word, yet the Qi family had already planned everything out for the young couple.

He Lang and Xue Yue exchanged a look, and Xue Yue gave him a slight nod.

He Lang said, "Your plans are very thorough. We have no objections, of course. As for the home appliances for their new place, we’ll take care of that. Consider it part of Ziqing’s dowry."

The Qi Family was slightly taken aback by He Lang’s words. After all, a full set of appliances would cost one or two thousand yuan, which was no small sum. But then they recalled what they’d learned about them; He Lang and his wife were both very capable people. They just hadn’t expected the He family to be so harmonious.

Everyone appreciates a harmonious family. As the saying goes, harmony breeds wealth. A family like that was bound to do well in the future.

He Ziqing was a little taken aback. Her third uncle and aunt had never mentioned this to her before. She turned to look at Xue Yue and saw her aunt was perfectly composed, even offering her a small smile. A prickling sensation immediately welled up in her eyes. She blinked hard and lowered her head. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Grandpa Qi smiled and nodded. "Good."

Next, they began to discuss the time and venue for the engagement party.

The Qi family proposed several dates, all specially chosen for being auspicious. After a brief discussion, the two families settled on a date two weeks from now.

They had to consider He Nan’s schedule, and it was likely he would be able to make the date they had just set.

With the engagement details settled, the conversation that followed was much more relaxed.

The men sat together discussing the current state of the market, while the women turned to the topic of where He Ziqing would work after graduation.

He Ziqing said, "My graduate advisor wants to recommend me for a research project at an institute."

Zhong Meijuan asked, "I heard you also have the option to stay and teach at the university, is that right?" Zhong Meijuan asked because she was a teacher herself, albeit an art teacher. Still, a professorship at Beijing University was a prestigious position. Plus, Qi Mingyang also worked at Beijing University; it would be convenient for them to be at the same school.

Xue Yue said to He Ziqing, "So what are you thinking? This is about your future, so it’s best to choose something you love."

He Ziqing said slowly, "I think I’d still prefer to join the research project."

Xue Yue nodded. "That’s wonderful, too."

Zhong Meijuan didn’t say anything. It wasn’t that she was angry; she was just thinking that if He Ziqing was assigned to a research institute, she would probably be incredibly busy. The young couple were already busy people, and she worried they would have even less time together in the future. ’When will I ever get to hold a grandchild?’

Qi Mingyue chimed in, "A research institute is great! So many people want to get in and can’t. I support you going. That’s so impressive!"

Grandma Qi nodded. "Your aunt is right. The most important thing is that you like it. It’s your career, after all. You have to be happy doing it."

He Ziqing smiled and nodded.

They weren’t asked to help with lunch; it had already been prepared by someone else.

The Qi family was large, so they had a big dining table that could seat everyone.

After the meal, the He family prepared to leave. They had originally planned to take the bus, but Qi Mingyang insisted on driving them, so they returned the same way they had come.

On the way back, He Ziqing glanced at the three children in the back seat, who were all sitting quietly. She turned to Qi Mingyang and said, "We would have been fine taking the bus. You didn’t have to go to the trouble of making another trip."

Qi Mingyang glanced at her with a smile. "It’s no trouble at all. This way, I get to spend a little more time with you."

He Ziqing gave him a playful glare. "One day you’ll get tired of looking at me."

Qi Mingyang laughed. "Then I’d better marry you soon so I can have a proper look every day."

The three children in the back seat listened to them talk, their wide eyes darting back and forth between the two adults.

When He Ziqing happened to notice them, she blushed in embarrassment.

After dropping them off at the He Family’s home, Qi Mingyang didn’t stay long before leaving.

After Xue Yue and the others got back, the family sat down together to talk things over.

Mrs. He said, "It’s great that you can move out after the wedding. Your parents-in-law are very decent people to have agreed to that."

Mr. He said, "Didn’t you hear them? It was that Qi boy’s idea, and the property is already in his name."

He Ziqing nodded. Qi Mingyang had already discussed it with her and only brought it up with his family after getting her opinion.

He Lang said, "Now that the date is set, we need to let my older brother know ahead of time so they can come over early."

Mr. He looked at He Lang. "You can’t be the only one paying for young Ziqing’s dowry. Your mother and I will pitch in as well."

Mrs. He nodded. "That’s right, we’ll contribute too. But Lang, you gave me a start when you said that earlier. Why didn’t you discuss it with us beforehand?"

He Lang laughed. "What was there to discuss? It wasn’t a premeditated decision. It was mainly based on the Qi family’s attitude. They were so generous; we couldn’t lose face, of course."

He Ziqing bit her lip and said to He Lang, "Third Uncle, you really don’t have to—"

Xue Yue cut her off. "Silly girl, it’s very necessary. With a family like the Qis, we can’t let you be put in an awkward position. Don’t you worry, your third uncle can afford it. We’re all family, and we’ve practically watched you grow up. Your uncle adores you from the bottom of his heart, so it’s only right that he provides you with a dowry. The most important thing is that now, we have the means to do so."

He Ziqing’s eyes grew red. "Thank you."