Chapter 312: The Wedding Won

"So this is Lu San'er's mother‑in‑law, right?"

"Definitely. Look at that she's wearing a sheepskin coat and little leather shoes—no ordinary person could pull that off."

"Oh my, she looks so young, that's really fancy."

"One could say the old Lu family has landed a fine in‑law; with such an in‑law, they can just look forward to a happy life…"

While the surrounding chatter continued, Yu Wanrong crossed her arms and ignored it, merely ordering the driver to unload the gifts from the car.

At that moment, Wu Guiwen stepped out of the courtyard, booming at the onlookers: "Alright, alright, go do what you're supposed to, stop crowding here like you're watching a monkey."

Wu Guiwen's remark was off‑hand; when he heard the crowd's uproarious laughter, he realized he'd misspoken.

Before he could explain, Yu Wanrong's expression darkened and she glared at him.

Wu Guiwen's face flushed with embarrassment; how could he have called someone a monkey? He hurriedly forced a smile and said, "Sorry, Comrade, I just spoke too quickly…"

Yu Wanrong, too lazy to argue, asked, "Are you from this courtyard? Why haven't we seen anyone from the Lu family come out?"

"I'm I'm, I'm the one in charge here. Beitang is inside getting ready, and I'm here on his behalf to welcome you."

Yu Wanrong nodded, took the driver, and Wu Guiwen led them all the way into the courtyard.

"Whoa!" Yu Wanrong shouted suddenly.

It was Wang Dama, who had just sprinted out of the Daozuo House, and she accidentally bumped into her.

"Yo, who's this?"

Wu Guiwen hurried forward, grabbing Wang Dama: "This is Beitang's in‑law. Why are you so flustered? Didn't we say the courtyard was being cleared? Why are you still here?"

Wang Dama explained, "I was just about to leave."

"Alright, alright, go out quickly." Wu Guiwen tried to apologize to Yu Wanrong again, but she merely shook her head helplessly and crossed the Chuihua Gate into the inner courtyard.

If it weren't for her daughter's matter today, she would never have come to a place like Da Za Yuan—chaotic everywhere and full of people.

Swallowing her inner disgust, Yu Wanrong entered the inner courtyard, and Wu Guiwen shouted toward one of the Main Halls: "Beitang, are you ready? Your in‑law has arrived, hurry out and welcome the guests."

"Here, here." Chen Xianglan rushed out of the house, and at a glance she could tell who was Qing Yan's family.

Yu Wanrong's attire was so conspicuous that it was clear she wasn't an ordinary civilian.

"Girl, I'm brewing tea right now, come on in." Chen Xianglan stepped forward, eager to reach out and pull Yu Wanrong inside.

Yu Wanrong, clearly unable to tolerate such enthusiasm, hurriedly instructed the driver to deliver the gifts first, using the chance to evade Chen Xianglan's outstretched hand.

Chen Xianglan didn't mind and called out to the arriving Lu Beitang: "Old Lu, come grab the things quickly."

Lu Beitang was dressed today in a proper Zhongshan suit, even wearing leather shoes; the last time he dressed like this was when he accompanied Lu Cheng to tour a university, showing his seriousness toward the Lin Family.

Chen Xianglan ushered Yu Wanrong inside: "Girl, you're just here, why bring so many gifts? We're family, no need to be so formal."

Yu Wanrong entered the house, gave it a quick glance; although there were no particularly valuable furnishings, it was spotless and felt comfortable to look at.

"All these were bought by my Yan Yan, who said you've treated her well, so my visit today is specifically to thank you."

"You're being polite, girl. We're one family, not two. Qing Yan is kind‑hearted and likable; everyone here in the courtyard especially likes her."

Lin Qingyan has never had a falling‑out with anyone here; whenever Lu Cheng gets hot‑tempered and snaps at someone, she'll go over and apologize on his behalf.

Everyone in the courtyard praised Lu Cheng for marrying a good daughter‑in‑law, so when the Lin Family came today, many people were eager to help.

A daughter who gets along well here and has a good reputation should make mother Yu Wanrong happy, but she pulled a sour face instead.

"Indeed, after raising my daughter for over twenty years, she's now so distant, always speaking to others instead of me."

Chen Xianglan didn't grasp the meaning at all, but cheerfully invited, "Girl, have a seat, sit on this chair, have some tea—just brewed."

She glanced around; only that chair suited her, the others being either small stools or long benches, so Yu Wanrong sat properly on that high‑back chair.

At that moment, Lu Beitang glanced outward and asked, "Mother‑in‑law, why haven't we seen Qing Yan's father come?"

The term "Mother‑in‑law" made Yu Wanrong frown: "Old Lin is busy with work; I'll stand in for him."

"That's fine, whoever comes is the same; we understand if Qing Yan's dad is busy."

Chen Xianglan, unconcerned, remarked, "It's fine that Lin Zhenfeng isn't coming; otherwise, with an official sitting here, Old Lu and I would feel uneasy."

Only Lu Beitang seemed a bit bothered; today they were discussing the child's marriage, and even if Lin Zhenfeng is busy, he should set aside his work first.

But for the sake of the child, Lu Beitang didn't show it.

Yu Wanrong surveyed the room: "Why haven't we seen your Lu Cheng?"

Chen Xianglan, sitting nearby, said, "He's gone to Shencheng; he's in charge of some Snow Removal Machine Project and is quite pressed."

"You don't know, our little brat has been working hard lately, saying he'll become a police chief next year; the department even recommended him for university, and once he graduates, he'll surely become a Section Chief."

Chen Xianglan laughed happily as she spoke, but Yu Wanrong showed no reaction to these bragging points.

Chen Xianglan then stopped laughing and got to business: "But you needn't worry; we originally planned to have Xu Erye act as the intermediary. Whatever conditions you have, just state them—we certainly won't wrong Qing Yan."

Xu Erye, Yu Wanrong knows; he's an old acquaintance of Qing Yan's grandfather.

"Then can you decide on Lu Cheng's behalf?"

Chen Xianglan was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, "Of course we can. I'm his mother; if he doesn't listen to me, who will? Besides, arranging a wedding is something kids don't understand; it's all the adults' business."

Yu Wanrong nodded: "Alright, I won't beat around the bush. I'm here today for two reasons: first, to thank you for looking after Qing Yan; second, this wedding doesn't need to be held."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xianglan and Lu Beitang exchanged glances.

"No need to hold it? Why, girl?"

Before Yu Wanrong could speak, Lu Beitang said, "That won't do, in‑law. Even though the two kids have registered, the wedding is still important; otherwise they might later regret it."

Chen Xianglan also responded, "Right, the wedding must be held. I know you and Qing Yan's dad are both very busy, always putting work first, but marriage is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime thing. If we skip it, it would be too unfair to Qing Yan; if it's to be held, it must be held."