Chapter 279: Coincidence

Yu Li propped her head up with her left hand, lying on her side as she watched Li Xuewu.

Her right hand patted him rhythmically, as if she were coaxing a child to sleep.

Li Xuewu looked at Yu Li helplessly and said, "I'm afraid that if I fall asleep, you'll leave."

Yu Li blushed and gave him a firm pat; it was the first time she had ever heard Li Xuewu say sweet nothings to her.

And they were so cheesy, too.

"I won't leave. I'll stay until five o'clock before I go."

Li Xuewu looked at Yu Li, speechless. How was that any different from what he had said?

Perhaps because he was tired today, Li Xuewu closed his eyes, and before long, the sound of snoring began.

Yu Li looked at the sleeping Li Xuewu, and only then did she see the face a young man should have.

His face was slightly flushed, and his breath carried a faint scent of alcohol.

She looked again at the large hand resting on her chest; indeed, men remain boys until the day they die.

When he woke up in the morning, Li Xuewu felt refreshed. Just as he was about to wash his face, he saw Li Xue lift the door curtain and walk in.

"Morning, Second Brother."

Li Xuewu looked at the wall clock, suspecting it was broken, so he walked into the inner room to check the one there.

Seeing that the time in the inner room matched the one in the living room, he walked out the door and said to his sister, "It's only seven o'clock. Why are you here so early?"

"I was afraid you'd leave!"

"Hahahaha."

Li Xuewu held his razor and laughed heartily at his sister's little expression.

"Do you think so little of your brother? Today, you can buy whatever you want."

"That's what you said, okay?"

Li Xue looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "Will you buy me whatever I want?"

Li Xuewu laughed and said, "Don't push your luck. It's generous enough that I agreed to take you along, hahaha."

Seeing that her second brother was teasing her again, Li Xue chased after him in a fit of pique.

"Alright, alright, let me finish shaving. Otherwise, don't blame me if we're late and can't go."

Li Xue had no choice but to sit on the sofa and watch her second brother shave, wash his face, and get dressed.

Once Li Xuewu walked to the door, changed into his leather shoes, and put on his leather jacket,

Li Xue happily urged him to hurry out.

While eating in the outer room, Li Xue sat on the kang in the inner room, watching Li Xuewu, as if afraid he might suddenly run off on some errand.

Yu Li knew why Li Xue was watching him like that and smiled, telling Li Xue to eat.

But the child had already eaten early at home to save time.

After breakfast, Li Xuewu had originally wanted to linger in the room for a while, but seeing his sister's expectant look, he had no choice but to grab a bucket and go add water to the car.

When they left, Yu Li was afraid Li Xue would be cold, so she found a military overcoat and draped it over her legs.

Li Xue gripped the handle of the jeep, watching excitedly as the car slowly drove out of the hutong and onto the street.

"Second Brother, where are we going?"

"We're already on North Donghuangchenggen Street. Where do you think we're going?"

Li Xuewu was truly impressed by his sister's energy. Are women always this excited about shopping?

"Second Brother, um..."

Li Xuewu saw Li Xue looking at him hesitantly and knew she had something to say.

"Speak up. What's there to be shy about with your brother? Is there something you want?"

"No."

Li Xue denied it, then asked hesitantly, "What is your relationship with Yan Jiecheng's wife?"

"..."

Hearing his sister's question, Li Xuewu almost drove the car onto the dirt pile by the side of the road.

There were no green belts planted there yet, just piles of dirt.

Fortunately, Li Xuewu had good focus, a steady grip on the steering wheel, and drove well, so he didn't make a fool of himself.

"You unlucky child, what kind of relationship would I have with her? By neighborhood standards, you just call her sister-in-law."

"No."

Li Xue stared straight at Li Xuewu and said, "That's not what I mean. I mean *that* kind."

Li Xuewu turned his head to look at his sister. Seeing her earnest expression, he couldn't help but ask, "Why do you ask?"

Seeing that her second brother understood the intent behind her question, Li Xue stopped emphasizing what kind of relationship she meant.

"It's just a feeling."

"Hehehehe."

Li Xuewu chuckled softly and then asked, "What kind of feeling?"

Li Xue tugged at the military overcoat on her legs and said, "Yu Li is being excessively nice to me."

"Are you silly? Aren't you satisfied when others are nice to you?"

"Oh, it's not that I'm not satisfied, it's just... it's just..."

Li Xue hesitated for a moment, then said, "She wasn't like this before. Today she even found me an overcoat and was fussing over me. I just feel it's not quite right."

Li Xuewu asked with a smile, "So you suspect me?"

Li Xue looked at Li Xuewu's expression, but couldn't tell what her second brother really meant.

"It could only be you. She has no relationship with me, and I saw her helping you wash your clothes."

Li Xuewu asked nonchalantly, "When did you see that?"

"That day you asked me to go to your room to read."

Li Xue explained, "She didn't even knock before coming in."

"And she seemed very familiar with everything—washing clothes, tidying the room, adding coal, cleaning up the ash..."

Seeing Li Xuewu smile without answering, Li Xue emphasized, "She did this without knowing I was there. It was very natural. When she noticed me, it seemed... that kind of look."

Li Xuewu looked at Li Xue with a smile and said, "My sister has grown up; she even knows about relationships between men and women now."

"I've known for a long time."

Li Xue blushed as she looked at Li Xuewu, waiting for his explanation.

But Li Xuewu was focused on driving and didn't continue speaking.

It wasn't until they reached the entrance of the Wangfujing Department Store and parked the car in the lot that

Li Xuewu turned to Li Xue and said, "The relationship between men and women is very complex. It cannot be summarized in a few simple sentences. You have to use your eyes to see and your heart to feel."

"The person who makes your heart flutter isn't necessarily your soulmate. Sometimes, the one you dislike might be your lifelong partner."

Seeing her second brother say such cryptic things, Li Xue looked at him in confusion and asked, "Second Brother, are you talking about your relationship with Yu Li?"

"No."

Li Xuewu looked at his sister and said, "I'm talking about you."

"Me? I'm not even dating anyone yet."

Li Xue blushed as she looked at Li Xuewu, saying with some embarrassment, "How did your problem turn into mine?"

"Because I don't have a problem."

Li Xuewu laughed, jumped out of the jeep, and asked the curious Li Xue, "Did you know that the recycling station in the West Courtyard is managed by Grandfather?"

"I know. Isn't that yours?"

"Then whose salary is Yu Li taking? Do you understand now?"

Li Xue asked in confusion, "Is it because you give her money that she helps you tidy the room, wash clothes, and cares about me?"

"No, it's more than that."

Li Xuewu walked over, helped his sister jump out of the car, and stuffed the military overcoat into the trunk.

"Interpersonal relationships aren't just about monetary interests; there's also the affection that grows from spending time together and exchanging hearts."

Li Xue linked her arm with Li Xuewu's as they walked into the store, saying, "Oh, is it like 'Distance tests a horse's strength, time reveals a person's heart'?"

"Not entirely comprehensive."

Li Xuewu looked at his sister, who was like a curious baby, and said with a smile, "The phrase you used is the most cynical dissection of the human heart; it seems too subjective."

"Then what do you say, Second Brother?"

"I prefer to describe human relationships as: 'The romantic scenes are too gentle, love and hate are endless, the fireworks of the human world are all romantic, but it's just a bowl of millet porridge.'"

"Giggle~!"

Li Xue covered her mouth and laughed, "Second Brother, you're so funny. Who describes it like that?"

"Hehehehe."

Li Xuewu chuckled softly and didn't explain further.

He helped Li Xue push open the store's main doors and led her into the Beijing Department Store she had been thinking about for so long.

Because of his previous experience, Li Xuewu wouldn't be joking around with the sales clerks this time.

"Tell me, shall we look at the dolls first, or something else?"

"Um..."

Li Xue was already dazzled; everything she saw felt novel.

Especially when she saw the costumes at the ethnic minority counter, her eyes lit up.

That counter generally served ethnic minorities, including hats, clothes, shoes, and the accessories worn on the body.

It was considered a window for showcasing ethnic minority culture.

Seeing his sister's expression, Li Xuewu smiled and said, "If I bought you a set of these clothes, could you wear them out? It would be a waste of money, and when we get home, Mom would complain."

"Besides, ethnic minority brothers and sisters don't wear these every day either. Just like how you wear new clothes for the New Year, these are considered formal wear."

"I know, Second Brother. It's just that they look very beautiful."

Li Xue nodded sensibly, but her eyes remained fixed on that side.

Li Xuewu led Li Xue over, letting her get a good, close look at the clothes.

Seeing the two of them approach, the sales clerk, who was currently serving a few young people, smiled and turned to ask, "Are you here to buy clothes?"

Li Xue, seeing such a polite sales clerk for the first time, felt a bit shy.

Li Xuewu smiled, nodded, and thanked the clerk, "Thank you. It's my sister; she hasn't seen ethnic minority costumes before. I brought her to take a look and learn a bit about this knowledge."

The clerk saw that Li Xuewu was polite, articulate, and dressed well, and knew he was an educated person.

"Most of the people who come here to buy or look at clothes are ethnic minority workers stationed in Beijing, or students from the Central University for Nationalities. This is the first time I've seen Han students."

Actually, this had to do with the current environment. Because there were no intuitive media like television, people had very little understanding of ethnic minorities, and even less knowledge of traditional costumes.

Although this counter was on the first floor, how many people could afford to come to the department store?

At this time, the consciousness regarding purchasing goods was still stuck on the mantra of the supply and marketing cooperative clerks:

"Buy it quickly if you want to. If not, stay to the side. Don't block the space here."

It meant that only those who wanted to buy things could come in; those who weren't buying shouldn't come inside and take up space.

That was why Li Xue was a bit afraid when the clerk came over so politely; she was afraid the clerk would have a bad tone and chase her away.

That would be too embarrassing.

Li Xue was also a young woman now and knew about saving face.

"Hehehe."

Li Xuewu brought Li Xue, who was gripping his arm, forward a bit and said with a smile, "No matter which ethnic group we belong to, and no matter which corner of the motherland we live in, the fifty-six ethnic groups are always one family."

"Comrade, are you from the Ethnic Affairs Commission?"

Seeing Li Xuewu educating his sister, the few young people who had been looking at hats at the counter walked over and asked.

Li Xuewu first nodded and greeted them, then explained, "No, I'm just an ordinary worker."

A young woman smiled and said, "We are students from the Central University for Nationalities. It's rare to see someone educating a child like you do."

As she spoke, this tall young woman also shook hands with Li Xue.

Li Xuewu looked at the slightly nervous Li Xue and smiled, "Patriotism and love for the people aren't just written in essays; they should be practiced in action. Unity among compatriots and mutual respect for traditional cultures are also expressions of patriotism and love for the people."

Li Xue smiled at the female student who was shaking her hand, "Sister, you look really beautiful."

She must have been a Uyghur girl. She was very happy to be teased by Li Xue's words and untied a colorful string from her hand, tying it onto Li Xue's wrist.

This colorful string was actually woven from many fine threads, and there were various patterns on it.

At the bottom of the string's tie were two small beads.

"I... I can't accept this."

Li Xue liked the string on her hand very much, but she looked up at Li Xuewu and immediately declined the female student's offer.

"It's a gift for you. I wove it myself."

The female student smiled and explained to Li Xue, then looked at Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu nodded at Li Xue, "You should thank your sister."

Seeing that Li Xuewu agreed to accept it, Li Xue beamed and thanked the "Hani Kezi" before her, "Thank you, Sister."

"You're welcome."

After the pleasantries, the few young people went off to browse other counters.

Li Xuewu looked at Li Xue, who was fiddling with the hand string, and said, "Courtesy demands reciprocity. Since you received a gift, shouldn't you return one?"

Li Xue looked at herself and said in distress, "But I don't have anything to give."

Li Xuewu pointed to the flower hat that the female student had looked at for a long time before finally putting it down, "I saw her looking at it for a long time just now, but she finally put it down. I'll buy it for you to give to her, but you have to pay me back slowly."

Li Xue looked up at her second brother, not knowing why he was so generous when giving her things, but insisted she pay him back here.

She looked at the string on her hand; it was indeed a style she liked, and since she had already accepted it, it would be bad to return it.

Li Xue nodded and said, "Okay, but I don't have any money now. I'll have to wait until later."

Li Xuewu nodded with a smile, "As long as you intend to pay me back, it doesn't matter how long it takes."

The sales clerk had heard the conversation between the siblings and looked at Li Xuewu with great admiration, then took the flower hat and placed it on the counter before them.

"This is a Zai'er flower hat from traditional Uyghur costumes, also known as a gold and silver thread embroidered flower hat. It is the kind of flower hat that girls and women love the most."

The clerk introduced, "The flowers embroidered on it are mostly three-dimensional, shining brilliantly in the sunlight, giving people a sense of luxury and dignity."

Li Xue, seeing that the clerk mentioned the words "gold and silver," asked hesitantly, "May I ask how much this costs?"

The clerk smiled at the girl before her and said, "It's seven yuan and sixty cents."

"Ah!"

Li Xue looked at her second brother behind her and said hesitantly, "Second Brother, that's the price of ten jin of pork."

"Hahahaha."

The clerk was also amused by Li Xue's words and nodded, "It really is the price of ten jin of pork. Are you still buying it?"

Li Xue looked at the "Hani Kezi" in the distance, then at Li Xuewu, and said, "Second Brother, I might have to wait a very, very long time to pay you back."

"Hehehe."

Li Xuewu nodded with a smile, "I'll wait no matter how long."

Only then did Li Xue say to the clerk, "Then please wrap it up for me."

The clerk saw Li Xuewu standing behind her nodding, so she smiled and nodded at Li Xue. While wrapping the flower hat in a paper box, she smiled and said, "You have a good brother."

Li Xuewu paid the money and coupons, and Li Xue carried the wrapped flower hat and hurried toward the students who were looking at fabrics.

Seeing the surprised expression on the "Hani Kezi," Li Xuewu smiled and nodded at the female student who was looking at him.

Li Xue gave the hat, shook hands with the "Hani Kezi" again, and then walked back with a smile.

Li Xuewu picked up Li Xue, waved at the group of students in the distance, and then led Li Xue to the second floor.

Looking at the corners of his sister's mouth curling up, Li Xuewu smiled, "Giving roses to others leaves a lingering fragrance. The happiness you feel now is the gentle 'romantic scenes' I was talking about."

Li Xue looked at her second brother, thought for a moment, and said, "I think I understand."

"Take your time; you'll understand eventually."

As they talked, the two walked to the counter where Li Xue wanted to buy dolls.

Coming here dazzled Li Xue. Starting from the first counter, she could be said to stop at every step, carefully examining every toy before moving on.

Li Xuewu followed behind his sister, neither urging nor persuading her.

A girl's heart always has its own pink room that needs the scenery passing before her eyes to embellish it.

It wasn't until they reached the counter where they had bought ethnic dolls before that Li Xue finally stopped.

Looking at the dolls inside the counter, Li Xue wanted every single one.

But she knew that wasn't realistic, so she kept calculating in her heart which one she wanted.

"There are fifty-six types of dolls in total, two of each, which means one hundred and twelve."

Li Xue didn't know why her second brother was introducing them to her and turned to look at Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Since you did well on your exams this time, Second Brother will buy you two types, which is four dolls. In the future, every time you make progress or achieve results, you can ask me for more. How about we buy them based on your grades?"

This stamp-collecting method of choosing was very much to Li Xue's liking, and her fear of choosing was finally cured.

"Second Brother, why are you so good to me?"

"Hehehe."

Li Xuewu looked at his sister with a smile and said, "Even if you butter me up, I'm only buying two types."

"Second Brother~"

"Hehehe."

Li Xuewu was shaken back and forth by his sister, but he just looked at Li Xue with a smile.

Li Xue finally had no choice but to pick four dolls.

Li Xuewu paid the money and coupons and brought Li Xue to the shoe counter.

This side mainly had leather shoes and more fashionable sneakers.

Don't doubt whether there were sneakers at this time; there was everything, but most were produced in Shanghai.

Li Xue had worn cotton shoes since she was little and had never worn leather shoes, let alone sneakers.

Li Xuewu led Li Xue to squeeze toward the edge of the counter. He was tall and strong, and there were few who could out-squeeze him.

Protecting his sister as they reached the counter, he pointed to the leather shoes inside and asked, "See which pair looks good."

Li Xue said shyly, "Second Brother, my shoes are still wearable. You don't need to buy me such nice ones."

"Hehehe."

Li Xuewu looked at the blushing Li Xue and said, "I meant for you to pick a pair for Mom. You know Mom's shoe size, right?"

"Oh, oh."

Li Xue's expression paused for a moment, then she said "oh" twice with some disappointment.

"Mom's shoe size is the same as mine, size 38."

After saying that, she began to pick out the leather shoes in the counter.

There were quite a few styles here. Finally, she chose a pair of soft-soled leather shoes, and Li Xue asked for her mother Liu Yin's shoe size.

Li Xuewu chose a pair of black cowhide leather shoes for Li Shun—not cotton ones, so he could wear them in spring and autumn.

The two carried the shoe boxes and toy boxes out of the crowd and both took a deep breath.

The toy counter was fine, but there were still many people at the clothing and shoe counters.

"Let's go. Is there anything else you want to buy?"

"Um, thank you, Second Brother."

"Hehe."

Li Xuewu bumped Li Xue with his shoulder, and the two looked at each other and smiled before going downstairs.

After leaving the store and getting into the car, Li Xuewu put the shoe boxes and toy boxes into the back cabin.

Suddenly, he said to Li Xue, "You sit here and wait for me for a while. I'm going to the restroom."

"Then come back quickly, Second Brother."

"Got it."

As he said this, Li Xuewu had already turned and walked back.

Going back to the second floor and squeezing into the crowd around the shoe counter again, Li Xuewu chose two pairs of leather shoes.

One pair was for Sister Qin, and one pair was for Sister-in-law Yu Li.

Don't ask why he knew their shoe sizes; the answer is that they are all good neighbors.

He also chose the small black cowhide shoes that Li Xue had been staring at.

Carrying the three pairs of shoes, he went to the restroom. When he came out, only one pair remained in his hand.

After leaving the store, he walked to the jeep with his hands behind his back and saw Li Xue observing the pedestrians on the street.

"Ta-da!"

Li Xuewu stood outside the passenger side of the jeep and shook the shoe box he had taken from behind his back.

"What's this?"

"Hehehehe."

Li Xuewu placed the shoe box in Li Xue's arms and said, "Open it and see."

Li Xue had actually guessed what her second brother had given her, but she didn't dare to be sure without opening it.

Afraid of being disappointed, she nervously untied the string and opened the shoe box.

"Ah!"

Li Xue looked at the shoe box in her arms in surprise and couldn't help but twist her body and pounce on Li Xuewu.

"Second Brother~ You're just teasing me!"

"Hehehehe."

Li Xuewu hugged his sister, laughed twice, and put Li Xue back in the passenger seat.

"Oh my, you're a big girl now; I can't carry you anymore."

"Second Brother~"

Li Xue wiped her tears and gave Li Xuewu a punch.

"Hehehe."

Li Xuewu picked up the shoe box that had fallen to the ground and put it in the back cabin.

"I knew your little thoughts since you kept staring at it."

"We spent a lot of money today."

"Mm-hmm."

Li Xuewu promised, "The day after tomorrow is the Little New Year. This is the day I have the most free time before the New Year. If I don't buy the New Year goods now, I really won't have time later."

As the two were talking, Li Xuewu saw his sister's eyes look behind him.

"Brother, someone is walking toward us."

Hearing Li Xue's soft reminder, Li Xuewu turned around and looked back, only to see Aunt Ding and the others.

"Aunt Ding?!"

Seeing Aunt Ding and her group walking over, Li Xuewu greeted them in surprise and then stepped forward to meet them.

Li Xue saw that the people coming were acquaintances of her second brother, so she jumped out of the car and stood by the door.

But looking at the aura and complexion of the newcomers, Li Xue was still a bit afraid, pinching the corner of her clothes and acting as obedient as a little daughter-in-law.

"We saw the car was familiar when we passed by just now, but the license plate didn't match. I was wondering, where would there be another car with the same wear and tear? It really is you."

Li Xuewu greeted Mu Hongyan and Gu Ning, who were following Aunt Ding.

"Dr. Mu, Dr. Gu."

He also nodded and greeted the few aunts of similar age who had come with Aunt Ding.

After the greetings, he replied, "The license plate given by Counselor Gu wasn't suitable for me to use, hehe, so I asked a colleague to get a new one. I was just thinking about returning that one to Counselor Gu when I had time."

Ding Bianji frowned and asked in confusion, "Is someone giving you trouble?"

"No."

Li Xuewu quickly waved his hand. Seeing that Ding Bianji had misunderstood, he quickly explained, "Last time when I took Dr. Gu home, the guards at the compound you live in didn't stop the car and even saluted. I asked around and found out that the license plate was under Counselor Gu's name."

"If Counselor Gu gave it to you, just use it. If he could give you the car with the license plate, it means he meant for you to use it."

Ding Bianji heard Li Xuewu's explanation, and although she was inwardly satisfied and couldn't help but smile, she still told Li Xuewu to use that license plate.

"Hehe, thank you, Aunt, but it's not appropriate."

Li Xuewu explained with a smile, "This car isn't for military use anymore, and I'm no longer in the military. No matter how you look at it, it's not appropriate to keep military plates."

"Hehehe."

Hearing Li Xuewu's words, Ding Bianji glanced at the few women beside her who were making "tsk-tsk" sounds, and then chided Li Xuewu, "You child, you worry too much."

"Sister Ding, is this the son-in-law Counselor Gu chose?"

"Is it, Sister Ding? We've heard about it."

These women didn't know where they got the news, only that Counselor Gu's daughter had a partner, and it seemed Counselor Gu had chosen him himself.

Now, seeing Ding Bianji's expression and hearing the conversation about the car, it had to be this tall young man before them.

But this young man stands at attention, sure, but why is there a scar on his face?

Ding Bianji saw that Li Xuewu was a bit embarrassed and didn't rush to answer the questions of those around her, but instead asked Li Xuewu, "What are you doing here?"

"Oh."

Seeing Ding Bianji looking behind him, Li Xuewu remembered that his sister was still behind him.

"Come."

Li Xuewu turned around and called out to Li Xue, who was standing by the car feeling a bit timid.

Li Xue saw her second brother calling her, so she gathered her courage and walked to Li Xuewu's side.

No wonder Ding Bianji had been heading this way from far away; this sixteen-year-old Li Xue was already over 1.6 meters tall.

Although she didn't look tall standing next to Li Xuewu, she was already a young woman among the people of today.

Coupled with the fact that Li Shun and his wife and the old lady doted on her, Li Xue, who had been "richly raised" since childhood, had grown up to be graceful and elegant.

No wonder the Third Aunt next door was always thinking about her.

The old lady was from the Northeast and still valued old traditions, believing that girls in the family should be more precious than boys.

Of course, this concept changed in the next ten or twenty years.

Li Xue walked to Li Xuewu's side and stood still. Ding Bianji took one look and felt that the two were even more "well-matched."

Li Xuewu pulled his sister and introduced her to Ding Bianji, "This is my sister, Li Xue. Because she got first place in the grade for her final exams, I brought her to the department store today."

Li Xuewu was a very low-key person and rarely boasted about his own achievements to others, but he couldn't help but talk about his sister's grades.

After introducing his sister, he introduced Ding Bianji to Li Xue, "This is Aunt Ding, this is Sister-in-law, this is Sister, this is Aunt..."

Li Xue's upbringing was taught by the old lady. Just looking at the way the old lady conducted herself, one knew that Li Xue was a girl who could be presented well.

It was just that she usually went to school and didn't have much contact with society, so she seemed a bit aloof.

"Aunt Ding, Sister-in-law, Sister, Aunt, hello."

Ding Bianji got the introduction from Li Xuewu and realized she had misunderstood. No wonder they looked "well-matched."

After more than ten years of growing up together as siblings, of course there would be that sense of closeness.

Actually, it was just that Ding Bianji had caught them at the right time. If it had been when Li Xuewu first returned, she definitely wouldn't have misunderstood their relationship.

Now that Li Xue was protected, doted on, and cared for by her brother, how could she not want to be close to him?

"Hey."

Ding Bianji responded and then carefully examined Li Xue's appearance.

"Your brother's teacher came to our house and said your brother used to be a handsome young man. I didn't believe it, but seeing your sister's appearance, I believe it now."

As she spoke, Ding Bianji asked Li Xuewu, "What grade is your sister in?"

Li Xuewu remembered telling Ding Bianji, but he still answered with a smile, "High school second year. She'll be taking the college entrance exam next year."

"That's truly amazing."

Ding Bianji got the topic and smiled as she introduced her to the people around her, "Li Xuewu's brother and sister-in-law are teachers at Huaqing, his younger brother is a student at Beijing Medical University, his father is a doctor at the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and now his sister's grades are so good. She's definitely going to be another college student."

The women who hadn't known Li Xuewu's background now knew about his family conditions.

My goodness, this was going to be a wealthy family in the future.

The people who had previously been suspicious of the scarred face probably guessed the reason why Counselor Gu chose this son-in-law.

Coupled with Li Xuewu's explanation about the license plate just now, and his character and courage to dare to beat up the Wei family, they all knew that Counselor Gu's son-in-law was both low-key and introverted, and also a ruthless character.

Just look at this face: half a face like a Vajra glaring, half a face like a Bodhisattva's heart. Who wouldn't be intimidated?

Regardless of these people's tsk-tsking, Ding Bianji smiled and said to Li Xuewu, "We were just getting haircuts with Aunt Zheng and the others. A new barber from Shanghai just arrived, and we saw you as soon as we came out."

After explaining, she asked Li Xuewu, "Do you have anything to do this morning?"

Li Xuewu thought Aunt Ding had something to ask of him, so he replied, "No, I'm just accompanying my sister shopping. I was thinking the Little New Year is coming soon, so I wanted to get the New Year goods ready."

Ding Bianji waved her hand and said, "It's not too late to get the New Year goods in the afternoon. Come to my house for a meal first. It's rare for your Uncle Gu to be home today, and he'll be busy starting tomorrow."

Li Xuewu said embarrassedly, "Aunt, it's rare for Uncle Gu to be home to rest. I shouldn't go and disturb him. It's so embarrassing."

"What's there to be embarrassed about? He hasn't seen you yet. If he saw you, he'd make you go too."

As she spoke, she turned around without further ado and said to the other women, "Alright, I have to go first today. Old Gu is home."

These women all knew that Ding Bianji was going to entertain her future son-in-law, so they all said goodbye with a smile.

Gu Ning blushed when her mother greeted Li Xuewu, and now she felt even more awkward.

But what she didn't expect was that after her mother greeted the aunts, she pulled Li Xuewu's sister and said, "Your name is Li Xue, right? Come, sit in the same car as Auntie."

Ding Bianji said this while holding Li Xue's hand, and then said to Gu Ning, "You go and sit in the same car as Xuewu and go back."

"Mom~"

Gu Ning awkwardly pulled her mother's hand and said, "Isn't there still space in the car?"

"What space?"

Ding Bianji shook off Gu Ning's hand and said, "It's too crowded; you can't fit. Go sit in that car."

After chasing her daughter away, Ding Bianji pulled Li Xue and got into the car driven by the driver.

Li Xue was also at a loss. How did such an aunt appear, and one who could ride in a small car?

Watching her brother and that sister being left behind, Li Xue sat in the car nervously, looking at the two people before her.

Ding Bianji also looked back after getting into the car, wanting to see if those two "unambitious" ones were following.

Mu Hongyan, who was sitting in the passenger seat, smiled and said, "Mom, are you really leaving Xiao Ning behind? How sad she must be."

"Sad about what?"

Ding Bianji turned around and sat steadily, "If I don't leave them behind, should I wait for them to date on their own? That would take until the next century, and wouldn't she become an old maid?"

"If she's sad then, it'll be me. I won't learn from Aunt Zhou and keep my daughter in my hand, hmph hmph."

Mu Hongyan teased, "You really are ruthless."

"I'm ruthless now, but you won't say that after they're married."

Ding Bianji looked back again and said, "Every mother has to go through this hurdle. You're afraid they won't find someone good, and you're afraid they'll leave you once they do."

Also touching on the pain of women, Ding Bianji said with some sadness, "Xiao Ning is enough to worry me. Your father is a stubborn old man. How many of those four principles are actually suitable?"

"Now that we've finally met someone your father is satisfied with, Xiao Ning agrees with, and I'm satisfied with, if we miss this village, there really won't be this shop."

Mu Hongyan naturally knew her mother-in-law's thoughts. At first, she wasn't satisfied with Li Xuewu's appearance.

But her father-in-law, who had veto power over the sister-in-law's marriage, had taken a fancy to this one. Coincidentally, Li Xuewu had that history with the sister-in-law.

Now her mother-in-law was also loving the house and its crow. After having contact with Li Xuewu a few times, besides still having some knots about his appearance, she was quite satisfied.

With Li Xuewu's conditions, he was qualified to match her sister-in-law.

"Li Xuewu is not bad, but this appearance really gave Aunt Zheng and the others a fright."

"It's good to give them a fright, so they can see what a man is."

Ding Bianji said disdainfully, "Look at the children they raised. Which one of them dares to beat up the Wei family's children without relying on their family, and even wants to execute them after beating them?"

What Ding Bianji was most satisfied with about Li Xuewu was his domineering spirit, especially the performance Gu Ning told her about when Li Xuewu protected her.

Why do women look for men?

On her husband's side, she might be thinking about the future work and life of her daughter and son-in-law.

But in the eyes of women like Ding Bianji, only those who can stand up and protect their women without fear of power can be called men, can be called soulmates.

What made Ding Bianji look at Li Xuewu even more highly today was his politeness and low-key nature.

Nowadays, which of the second-generation kids who have a bit of ability isn't proud of getting a jeep or a motorcycle? Even if they aren't in the military, they all get military plates.

This Li Xuewu even had her husband rushing to give him one, and he didn't want it.

That shows that Li Xuewu's goals are definitely not something that can be satisfied by just that one license plate.

Where can you find a man who is so motivated, knows how to advance and retreat, is young and promising, and has the courage to protect his woman?

So Ding Bianji pulled Li Xue's hand, who was sitting nervously on the side, and said, "Looking at this girl's appearance, and then looking at Li Xuewu's profile, you know Li Xuewu's appearance can't be wrong."

As she spoke, Ding Bianji smiled and said, "It's okay. Li Xuewu's face isn't good-looking, but the foundation is there. When my grandson is born, he'll be a handsome young man."

"Hahahaha."

In the car, Ding Bianji pulled Li Xue and asked about Li Xuewu's family affairs, cracking jokes from time to time, completely ignoring her daughter who was left behind and standing awkwardly in front of Li Xuewu.

Li Xuewu looked at Gu Ning, who was blushing, and greeted her with a smile, "I heard from Auntie that you were scared last time? Is it because I hit someone?"

"No."

Gu Ning, wearing a military cotton hat, a navy blue woolen coat, and black short leather boots, looked up at Li Xuewu.

"I wasn't scared. Maybe my mom said that on purpose."

Mentioning her mother, Gu Ning said with some annoyance, "My mom just loves to joke, always..."

Looking at Gu Ning, who was a bit embarrassed, Li Xuewu smiled, jumped into the car, and started the engine.

"Let's go. My sister is still in Auntie's hands, and I have to use you as a hostage to exchange for my sister."

This sentence from Li Xuewu relieved the awkward Gu Ning.

She had already ridden in Li Xuewu's car once, so she didn't feel awkward when she grabbed the handle and got into the passenger seat again.

Li Xuewu took the military overcoat from the back cabin, opened it, and wrapped it around Gu Ning.

"This was brought by my sister. You should wrap it around you too. It's cold, and your knees will ache from the cold."

After saying this, Li Xuewu drove the car off the curb and followed the jeep in front out.

When they entered the compound, Li Xuewu saw the jeep in front waiting for him. Seeing him follow, the driver even greeted the guard at the door.

Li Xuewu slowed down and drove forward. Seeing that the guard didn't stop him, he followed the jeep in.

When they arrived at the Gu family's house, Li Xuewu saw that Ding Bianji had already pulled Li Xue into the house, and only the guard was greeting him in the foyer.

Li Xuewu recognized this person; he was one of the ones who went to the Li family to execute a mission last time.

Li Xuewu took the initiative to shake hands with the guard and said, "Hello, Comrade Qi."

Qi Xin was stunned for a moment, not expecting Li Xuewu to remember him, then smiled and said, "Hello, Section Chief Li."

Ding Bianji saw that Li Xuewu's car had entered the compound, but hadn't seen anyone come in for a long time.

She walked to the foyer and greeted, "Why are you standing outside? Hurry in and warm up."

She opened the door to let Li Xuewu and Gu Ning in, complaining, "Your Uncle Gu is the same. Why didn't he capture one with a roof? It's the middle of winter; it's so freezing."

This sentence moved Gu Ning to tears. My own mother, you finally remembered that I was freezing!

But who knew that her own mother let Li Xuewu into the house, helped him hang up his clothes, and took him into the room.

She completely ignored her own daughter who was still standing in the foyer.