Chapter 100: Meeting the Parents

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains into the bedroom. Xiang Fei had already been standing in front of the walk-in closet for half an hour, choosing his outfit. His fingers drifted across a row of high-end custom suits, his brow slightly furrowed.

"This Tom Ford in dark blue is too formal... this Brioni in light grey isn't dignified enough..." he muttered to himself, loosening the Hermès tie he had already knotted.

Zhou Huimin walked in carrying coffee, saw her boyfriend's rare nervous look, and couldn't help but laugh softly: "What's gotten into our great director Xiang today? I never saw you this torn up even at the Palme d'Or ceremony."

Xiang Fei turned to take the coffee, his fingertips a little cold: "That's different. The awards ceremony is at most a question of winning or not. Today I have to meet my future in-laws." He took a sip of coffee, "Are you sure I don't need to dress more grandly? I can have my assistant contact a tailor in Italy..."

"Stop!" Zhou Huimin set down her cup and cupped his face in both hands. "Listen, my parents are just an ordinary middle-class family. If you dress too extravagantly, it'll make them uncomfortable." She took down the dark blue suit, "This one. It's formal without being too flashy."

Xiang Fei held her hand: "Your parents really don't mind my family background?"

Zhou Huimin straightened his tie for him, her movements gentle: "They've watched all your films ages ago, even the director's cut of Titanic. My mom even said that anyone who can film such delicate emotional scenes must have a very tender heart."

Xiang Fei's tense expression finally softened. He bent down and kissed her forehead: "Thank you."

Xiang Fei parked the Rolls-Royce Phantom steadily in the hillside villa district where the Zhou family lived, glanced at the Patek Philippe on his wrist: "Fifteen minutes earlier than the agreed time. Just right."

Zhou Huimin smiled as she checked the gifts he had prepared: "'82 Lafite, Burmese natural jadeite bangle, and my dad's favorite Cuban cigars... so thoughtful."

"It's the least I could do." Xiang Fei took a deep breath and stepped out of the car with the gifts.

Just as he reached the door, it swung open eagerly. Zhou Fu stood at the entrance himself, a warm smile on his face: "Director Xiang! I've long admired your reputation!"

Xiang Fei hurried forward to shake his hand: "Hello, Uncle. Just call me A-Fei."

Zhou Mu also came out to greet him, her gaze taking him in with maternal warmth: "Even more handsome than in the movies. Please, come in."

In the living room, the servants had already prepared tea and refreshments. Xiang Fei noticed quite a few photos of Zhou Huimin's performances and family portraits hanging on the wall—warm and tasteful.

"I heard you enjoy pu'er tea, so I specially brought some old-growth tea from Lao Ban Zhang." Xiang Fei presented the exquisite tea box with both hands.

Zhou Fu's eyes lit up: "That's the finest among teas! A-Min, go get my set of Yixing clay teapots."

Zhou Mu took the jadeite bangle and exclaimed in pleasant surprise: "Such fine translucency. You've spent too much."

"It's the least I could do." Xiang Fei smiled, "A-Min said you like jadeite. I saw this at a Christie's auction and thought it suited your temperament."

After three rounds of tea, the atmosphere grew even more harmonious. Zhou Fu eagerly produced a treasured photo album: "A-Fei, look—this is A-Min's first stage performance. She was only six then."

"Dad!" Zhou Huimin tried to stop him shyly, but was held back by Xiang Fei.

"Let me see," Xiang Fei flipped through the album with great interest, pointed at a photo of a little girl with two braids and laughed: "So A-Min was this cute even as a child. We can put this in our wedding's childhood video."

Zhou Mu set down her teacup in pleasant surprise: "You're already planning the wedding?"

Xiang Fei and Zhou Huimin exchanged a smile: "Yes, Auntie. Actually, I proposed to A-Min yesterday." He gently held Zhou Huimin's hand, "We're planning to hold the wedding next spring."

Zhou Fu nodded with satisfaction: "Good, good. Spring is wonderful—the season when everything comes back to life."

"We want a simple wedding," Zhou Huimin added, "inviting only our closest family and friends."

"A-Fei," Zhou Mu suddenly said with a serious expression, "A-Min is our only daughter. We've held her in the palm of our hand since she was little..."

Xiang Fei immediately understood, sat up straight: "Auntie, I assure you, I will make A-Min happy. The villa in Repulse Bay has already been renovated. It's close to here, so A-Min can come back to visit you and Uncle anytime."

Zhou Fu patted his shoulder: "We're not trying to interfere in your lives. It's just, as parents..."

"I completely understand." Xiang Fei said sincerely, "Actually, I've already arranged it. After marriage, I'll set aside one week every month specifically to accompany A-Min back to stay."

Zhou Huimin looked at him in surprise: "When did you plan all this?"

"Last night, after you fell asleep." Xiang Fei winked, "I also contacted that Michelin restaurant you love most. From now on, they'll deliver meals home every week."

Zhou Mu's eyes reddened slightly: "This child... so thoughtful."

At dinner, the Zhou family had specially invited the head chef of the Peninsula Hotel to prepare at home. The table was laden with exquisite dishes, a blend of Chinese and Western cuisine.

"This black truffle lobster is A-Fei's favorite." Zhou Huimin carefully served Xiang Fei.

Xiang Fei quickly said: "I can manage myself. Uncle, Auntie, please help yourselves too."

Zhou Fu raised his glass: "Come, a toast to our future great-director son-in-law!"

Xiang Fei quickly stood up: "It should be me toasting you both, for raising such an outstanding daughter as A-Min." He paused, "And for being willing to entrust her to me."

Zhou Huimin gently held his hand under the table.

"A-Fei," Zhou Mu placed a piece of abalone in his bowl, "when are you two planning to have children?"

"Mom!" Zhou Huimin nearly choked on her soup.

Xiang Fei, however, answered frankly: "We've discussed it. We'll wait until after A-Min finishes her wedding and her concert tour. After all, pregnancy isn't suited for high-intensity work."

Zhou Fu nodded approvingly: "Very thoughtful."

After the dinner ended, Xiang Fei politely declined the invitation to stay overnight.

Zhou Mu held his hand, reluctant to part: "Come home for meals often from now on. Auntie will make soup for you."

In the car on the way back, Zhou Huimin leaned on Xiang Fei's shoulder: "See? I told you my parents would like you."

Xiang Fei kissed her hair: "Because they have the world's greatest daughter." He gently stroked her long hair.

In the night, the Rolls-Royce glided steadily toward the dazzlingly lit Victoria Harbour. In the back seat, the two held hands, their fingers interlaced, their shadows merging on the car window, as if foreshadowing the happy life they were about to begin.