Chapter 243 - 242: Marriage Proposal
When Old Mrs. Gu arrived at the Ding Family’s place with Yiyi, they found many guests already there, including Yu Qiulan.
"Qiulan, how come you’re here?"
Old Mrs. Gu looked at her eldest daughter-in-law with a puzzled expression.
Yu Qiulan chuckled and said, "I was invited by Yunfang’s mother, and besides, our two families have always been close, so it’s only natural for me to come to Mrs. Ding’s birthday celebration."
However, towards the end of her sentence, Yu Qiulan slightly furrowed her brow as she looked at Yiyi standing next to Old Mrs. Gu, and asked, "Mom, why did you two come together?"
Old Mrs. Gu could naturally sense the disapproval in her daughter-in-law’s eyes, and she snorted, saying, "Of course, I brought Yiyi along to introduce her to people. Taking advantage of this birthday event, I want to introduce her to others, so she won’t be unfamiliar with them in the future."
Upon hearing this, Yu Qiulan’s face looked even more displeased.
If her mother-in-law truly introduced Mo Yiyi to everyone today, they would all assume that Mo Yiyi was destined to be their Gu Family’s granddaughter-in-law.
"Mom, after all, today is Mrs. Ding’s birthday celebration. We shouldn’t steal the spotlight, so if you really want to introduce someone, let’s find another occasion."
Old Mrs. Gu shot her eldest daughter-in-law a glance and said, "Why isn’t today a good occasion? With so many people around, we can introduce her to more people. Enough, there’s no need for more words from you. Just go and have a chat with your dear friend Ding Yating." With that, she directly led Yiyi toward the two elderly ladies in front.
Yu Qiulan could only purse her lips tightly in frustration but, in the end, she couldn’t say anything back to her mother-in-law and went off to find Ding Yating.
Ding Yating greeted Yu Qiulan warmly as she came over, "Qiulan, you’re finally here. But I’m a bit busy today, so I couldn’t attend to you. Feel free to make yourself comfortable."
"Don’t worry, Yating, I understand you’re busy today, and I won’t disturb you. By the way, where’s Yunfang? I haven’t seen her."
"Yunfang is with her grandmother, meeting the guests, so she isn’t with me. Qiulan, has your family’s matriarch arrived?"
At this, Yu Qiulan’s expression immediately turned somber, "She’s here, and she even brought Tingyu’s girlfriend along. How could she be okay with bringing that little girl Mo Yiyi to such an important occasion? I really don’t know what my mother-in-law is thinking."
Upon hearing this, Ding Yating’s face also showed a hint of displeasure. Her daughter had liked Gu Tingyu since childhood, and even though she thought it was unnecessary to force emotions, she still felt a bit unjust for her daughter.
Now, hearing that Gu Tingyu’s girlfriend was also here, she wanted to see for herself what kind of girl could win Gu Tingyu’s heart.
But recalling her mother’s decision from a while ago, she couldn’t help but worry a bit. She didn’t understand why her mother would support Yunfang.
"Qiulan, why don’t you come with me? I really want to meet Tingyu’s girlfriend."
At this, Yu Qiulan gave her friend a glance and said, "What’s there to see? I’ll point her out to you when we see her later."
Observing Yu Qiulan’s attitude, Ding Yating sensed something.
"Qiulan, are you not satisfied with Tingyu’s choice?"
"Yating, you know I’ve liked Yunfang since childhood, and Yunfang has always been devoted to Tingyu. Naturally, I wish for the two to be together. But our Tingyu is disappointing, choosing such a match. Just thinking about it infuriates me; how could I possibly be satisfied?"
Hearing that, Ding Yating couldn’t help but sigh, "It’s a pity your family’s Tingyu doesn’t like our Yunfang. Otherwise, our two families could truly have formed a perfect match."
Realizing her friend shared the same sentiments, Yu Qiulan felt even more stifled, knowing both families thought well of it, yet their son wasn’t up to par.
"Qiulan, let’s hurry to the front and take a look."
Noticing her friend’s sour expression, Ding Yating decided not to say more.
Yu Qiulan reluctantly nodded with a half-hearted smile.
On the other side, Old Mrs. Gu introduced Yiyi to the two elderly women there, and they had a few casual chats, with the atmosphere feeling very amiable.
Shu Yunfang, arriving with her grandmother, took in the scene and clenched her teeth in anger, "Grandma, look over there, Grandma Gu even brought Mo Yiyi here. Is she here to celebrate your birthday or to showcase Mo Yiyi?"
Seeing her granddaughter so unsettled, Chen Meilian coldly snorted and said, "Mind your manners. Don’t let unrelated people make you lose your temper and become a laughing stock."
Hearing this, Shu Yunfang quickly adjusted her demeanor, returning to a composed and dignified smile.
Observing her granddaughter like this, Chen Meilian nodded approvingly and then led Shu Yunfang forward, "Old Mrs. Gu, it’s been a long time since I last saw you. Thank you for attending this old woman’s birthday celebration today."
Old Mrs. Gu, having been chatting with the familiar Mrs. Zhang, quickly responded with a smile, "Here comes the birthday star herself! It’s rare to have the chance to celebrate your prime-age birthday, so we naturally must come and celebrate. And thanks to your invitation, we get to gather with so many old friends."
"Yes, indeed. Today’s birthday celebration is bustling, giving everyone a chance to catch up."
Listening to the surrounding chatter, Chen Meilian smiled gracefully, "I’m glad you all enjoy it. Let’s head over to the main hall now."
No one voiced any objections, and they all proceeded to the main hall together.
Once everyone was seated, Chen Meilian smiled at Old Mrs. Gu and said, "It’s been a long time since we last met. Our last meeting was about a year ago. Time truly flies."
Old Mrs. Gu, hearing this, responded with a beaming smile, "Indeed, time flies."
"By the way, it’s been a while since you last saw Yunfang, hasn’t it? This child has become more sensible than before. I remember when she was little, she always loved to follow your Tingyu around," Chen Meilian said, giving Shu Yunfang a glance.
Shu Yunfang quickly stood up and said, "Grandma Gu, when there’s a chance, I’ll visit you. It’s been a long time since we chatted."
Seeing Shu Yunfang, the other elderly women showered her with praises, knowing that Chen Meilian only had Ding Yating as a daughter, and Ding Yating had only Shu Yunfang. It was evident how cherished Shu Yunfang was, making those with eligible grandsons or relatives secretly thoughtful.
At this moment, Chen Meilian spoke up again, "Old Mrs. Gu, I see that your Tingyu is of a considerable age now, and our Yunfang, in terms of both looks and character, is very commendable. How about we strengthen our relationship through marriage?"