Plunder-Chapter 309: Opposition to Marriage

Cheng Lu successfully proposed, and his heart grew more anxious as he thought about having the wedding and the child’s full-month celebration at the same time.

Since they were to have a banquet, both families’ parents would have to meet.

Cheng Lu’s parents separated when he was very young, and he was raised by his grandparents. In recent years, both grandparents passed away, leaving him an orphan in effect.

Lin Youyou was different; her parents were both middle school teachers, from an intellectual family. She was an only child, raised with great care and attention by her parents.

Now, she was pregnant before marriage and had given birth to the child – this was putting the cart before the horse. She feared her parents wouldn’t be able to accept this.

"Don’t be afraid, you still have me, right? I will definitely persuade my parents to accept me."

Cheng Lu vowed confidently.

"Brother Lu, maybe we shouldn’t have a wedding; just getting our marriage certificate might be better. You don’t know my mother’s temper; if she finds out I had a child without telling her, she would definitely skin me alive."

Lin Youyou truly feared her mother.

Cheng Lu put his arm around her shoulder. "How can we not have a wedding? The wedding is what girls care about the most. I will make sure to give you a proper one."

Lin Youyou understood Cheng Lu’s good intentions, but she was still worried.

"Director Zhou and the Young Madam also didn’t have a wedding, did they?" Lin Youyou pouted.

"That’s different. We can’t compare ourselves to them. Alright then, even if there’s a road of knives or seas of fire ahead, let me take on that. Now you’re my wife, and I’ll protect you."

Cheng Lu was very manly, and Lin Youyou smiled with pursed lips.

She was a well-behaved girl, but the rebellion in her bones was not lacking, and Cheng Lu’s decisiveness really won her heart. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

In the evening, Cheng Lu followed Jin’an back to the company for a trip.

On their way back, he grinned and said, "Director Zhou, what should I bring the first time I meet my mother-in-law?"

Jin’an, who was flipping through work documents, asked, "Whatever is expensive."

"I get that, but I’m asking what would be appropriate?"

Jin’an rolled his eyes at him, "You don’t need to worry about that; I’ve already had someone arrange it for you."

Cheng Lu was overjoyed, "Really?"

Clearly, Cheng Lu could hardly believe it.

Jin’an closed the file and spoke seriously, "In my heart, I’ve always treated you like a true brother. I’ll give instructions for your wedding. The more impressive it can be, the better. As for you, besides enjoying the happiness of being a husband and father, you have to step up at work!"

Hearing this, Cheng Lu was extremely grateful.

"Director Zhou, thank you. Rest assured, I will work hard."

Director Zhou had arranged everything very well. The Maybach’s trunk was stuffed with various valuable gifts. Cheng Lu drove, taking Lin Youyou and Sister Rong, along with the two children, straight to the neighborhood where Lin Youyou’s parents lived.

"Brother Lu, my palms are all sweaty."

Lin Youyou was extremely nervous, her mind in complete disarray.

Her mother, Jia Xianzhen, was famously picky. She could imagine that if Jia Xianzhen met Cheng Lu, she would be scrutinizing him from every angle.

"Don’t be afraid, I am here!"

Cheng Lu steadied the steering wheel with one hand and clenched Lin Youyou’s small hand with the other.

He was also nervous inside, but he didn’t show it.

The Maybach weaved through the alleys and eventually reached the outside of the neighborhood where the Lin Family lived.

The old neighborhood was crowded and worn down.

The car couldn’t drive in, so they had to find somewhere to park.

Sister Rong placed the two children in the baby carriage and pushed the stroller as they followed Lin Youyou and Cheng Lu inside.

The two of them carried several heavy bags in each hand.

Soon, the two reached the bottom of the apartment building.

Lin Youyou turned to Sister Rong, "Sister Rong, could you please wait here downstairs for a moment?"

"Why?" Cheng Lu was puzzled.

But Lin Youyou insisted, "Brother Lu, just listen to my arrangement first, all right?"

She stepped towards the apartments, and Cheng Lu quickly followed.

The Lin Family lived on the fifth floor, and the two climbed up the stairs for a while.

Lin Youyou was delicate and gentle, while Cheng Lu was tall and imposing, looking a perfect match.

In the stairwell, as neighbors frequently passed by, those who recognized Lin Youyou greeted her warmly.

"Youyou brought her boyfriend home!"

Those people, their gazes eagerly fixed on Cheng Lu.

"Hmm."

Lin Youyou smiled awkwardly, neither explaining nor concealing.

Arriving at the front door, Lin Youyou hesitated again.

"Jin’an, I’m still so scared."

Cheng Lu’s heart also thumped wildly; a new son-in-law meeting his mother-in-law for the first time was nerve-wracking for everyone.

"Don’t be afraid, I’ll knock on the door."

As he spoke, he gently set down the items in his hand and then knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

From behind the door, Jia Xianzhen’s impatient voice sounded.

After a while, no one came to open the door.

Cheng Lu raised his hand and knocked again, "Who on earth is it? Continuously knocking, isn’t it annoying?"

Jia Xianzhen complained for a bit, and then, footsteps approached the door.

With a "creak," the door opened, and Jia Xianzhen appeared in front of them, dressed in a satin striped pajama set.

Inside the house, the sound of mahjong tiles being shuffled was incessant.

"Mrs. Jia, it’s your turn, hurry up!"

The mahjong players were urging her to return to the game.

"Why has Youyou come back?"

First, Jia Xianzhen saw Lin Youyou, and then, her gaze naturally fell on Cheng Lu.

Cheng Lu always followed closely beside Zhou Jin’an, handsome and well-dressed, his smile still displaying an honest demeanor.

"You must be Youyou’s boyfriend, right?"

Jia Xianzhen looked surprised, and then, her eyes fell on the bunch of bags Cheng Lu was holding.

"Oh, Youyou, bringing your boyfriend home, why didn’t you give your mom a heads-up? I could have prepared a bit beforehand. Come on, come inside quickly!"

Jia Xianzhen warmly welcomed Cheng Lu and Lin Youyou inside.

In the center of the living room, there was a mahjong table, around which several ladies around Mrs. Jia’s age were engaged in a lively game.

"Mrs. Jia, your daughter and son-in-law are back?"

Someone asked curiously.

Jia Xianzhen bragged, "Yes, my daughter just came back from Singapore, and she has given me a surprise."

"This son-in-law of yours is quite a catch, quite the gentleman!"

"Youyou, you have good taste indeed, this young man is spirited!"

"How long have you been dating? When are you planning to get married?"

...

Jia Xianzhen’s mahjong partners immediately switched to gossip mode, either exclaiming or looking to interview.

Lin Youyou was embarrassed, but Cheng Lu, looking every bit the dutiful son-in-law, answered every question they had.

"Aiya, we won’t play mahjong today. You guys go back first, we can play another day."

Unapologetically, Jia Xianzhen motioned for the mahjong players to leave.

Soon, the room quieted down.

"Mom, you shouldn’t always play mahjong. You should go out for more exercise."

Lin Youyou advised.

But Mrs. Jia’s attention was now entirely on Cheng Lu. She forgot to pour water, yet couldn’t help but grab Cheng Lu’s wrist, signaling him to sit down on the sofa.

A mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, the more she saw, the more satisfied she became.

"Xiao Cheng, what do your parents do? Our Youyou is still young, better for you two to date for a couple of years before considering marriage. However, you can get engaged beforehand. We parents are very open-minded, we won’t stand in your way."

Jia Xianzhen was amiable, leaving a very good impression on Cheng Lu.

"Auntie, no, Mom—"

Cheng Lu immediately corrected himself. Jia Xianzhen, surprised, continuously waved her hands, "There’s no need, there’s no need, you don’t have to switch address before marriage, just call me auntie."

But Cheng Lu insisted.

"Mom, my parents got divorced when I was very young and went their separate ways, and I was raised by my grandparents, who have also passed away, so I guess I could be considered an orphan. But having met Youyou, I’m no longer alone. This time, I’ve come to discuss mine and Youyou’s marriage with you."

Jia Xianzhen’s face muscles twitched.

Cheng Lu had given her a lot of information, and she needed some time to digest it.

"Are your parents really that irresponsible?"

Mrs. Jia couldn’t help but exclaim, and Lin Youyou hurriedly interrupted, "Mom, don’t talk nonsense."

"Xiao Cheng, let’s not rush into marriage. Youyou has just graduated from college and is still young. How about you two get engaged first?"

"Mom, I’ve already accepted his proposal."

Lin Youyou displayed the ring on her ring finger with a very determined attitude.

Mrs. Jia was shocked again. The diamond ring Lin Youyou wore looked simple, but the diamond was obviously quite large.

It was Cheng Lu’s first visit, and he had brought many packages, each one containing something valuable, which delighted her.

"I’m not against you accepting the proposal. What I mean is you could wait a couple of years to get married, there’s no need to rush."

"We are in a hurry."

Cheng Lu reached out to pull on Lin Youyou’s sleeve, wanting to remind her not to rush things.

But Lin Youyou did not want to hide anything or beat around the bush with Jia Xianzhen.

"Mom, we already have children, and now we must get married."

"What?"

Jia Xianzhen was greatly surprised.

Having not seen Lin Youyou for almost a year, she never expected that her daughter had already become a mother.

"Yes, Mom, Youyou and I already have a pair of twin babies."

Cheng Lu quickly said.

But realizing it might be inappropriate, he chose to apologize.

"I’m sorry, Mom. This is all my fault. But rest assured, I won’t let Youyou be slighted in propriety because she had children first. Whether it’s the betrothal gifts or the wedding, I will give Youyou the best."

While Cheng Lu was saying this, Jia Xianzhen remained silent.

Her eyes were red.

"Youyou, tell Mom what exactly is going on?"

Lin Youyou bowed her head, avoiding Mrs. Jia’s gaze.

"Mom, things have come to this, please just agree to our marriage."

She pulled out her phone and dialed Sister Rong’s number.

"Bring the children up."

About five minutes later, Sister Rong came upstairs, carrying a child in each arm.

Seeing the adorable twin boy and girl, Mrs. Jia’s expression was very complex.

"Youyou, such a big thing, why didn’t you discuss it with us?"

Mrs. Jia’s brow was tightly furrowed.

"We came to discuss it with you."

Mrs. Jia suddenly burst into anger, "Is this what you call discussing? This is informing. Youyou, how did Mom teach you since you were little? Where are your manners? How could you forget all of that?"

She began another round of scolding. Lin Youyou seemed to be used to it, hanging her head and saying nothing, letting Mrs. Jia vent her ethics and morals.

Cheng Lu looked at Lin Youyou, seeing the immense pressure on her.

As a man, he couldn’t bear to let the woman he loved endure all this.

"Mom, this is my fault. If you want to blame someone, blame me."

He was ready to be scolded.

But Mrs. Jia’s wrath was only aimed at Lin Youyou.

Cheng Lu remembered Zhou Jin’an’s advice before he left, that any problem that could be solved with money shouldn’t waste time talking.

So, he took out a card he had prepared in advance and handed it to Jia Xianzhen.

"Mom, this is a little something from me, to show my respect. It wasn’t easy for you to raise Youyou, this money isn’t much, but it’s my way of honoring you."

Jia Xianzhen was somewhat surprised but did not refuse the card.

Eating from someone’s hand shortens the tongue, taking from their hand softens the grip; she stopped her incessant lecturing and stood up to begin preparing lunch in the kitchen.

"Xiao Cheng, this is your first visit, and I don’t know what you like to eat, so I just made a few homely dishes, but please don’t disdain them, okay?"

Mrs. Jia said politely.

"Mom, let me help you."

Cheng Lu was trying his best to win the favor of his future mother-in-law.

Zhou Jin’an’s advice to him was to be generous and hardworking.

"Okay, come help me pick the vegetables."

Mrs. Jia said without any pretense.

Cheng Lu followed Mrs. Jia to the kitchen, and they worked well together.

"Little Cheng, what do you do for a living?"

Mrs. Jia began to inquire about Cheng Lu’s background.

"CEO assistant."

Cheng Lu replied truthfully.

"You’re just a CEO assistant?"

A hint of disappointment flickered in Mrs. Jia’s eyes.

Cheng Lu noticed it but acted as if he were completely unaware.

"Yes, that’s right."

"Then how much do you earn a month?"

Mrs. Jia asked further.

"When I was working normally before, it was just over fifty thousand a month."

Cheng Lu downplayed his income a bit.

But what Mrs. Jia heard wasn’t the figure of the monthly salary, but the word "before".

"So you’ve resigned now?"

Cheng Lu’s eyes darkened. He had been to prison, and that fact loomed like a huge shadow over his heart.

He cared about Lin Youyou a lot, so he didn’t want to lie.

"Not resigned, it’s just that I didn’t go to work for eight months in between."

Cheng Lu told the truth.

Mrs. Jia continued to ask, "Why didn’t you go to work?"

"I was in prison."

Cheng Lu dropped this bombshell.

Better to be honest than deceptive.

After all, Mrs. Jia was Lin Youyou’s mother, and if he and she were to marry formally, then Mrs. Jia would become his family, too.

There shouldn’t be deliberate concealment between family members.

However, he still didn’t know Mrs. Jia well enough.

"What? You’ve been to prison?"

Mrs. Jia’s face changed in an instant, her voice rising sharply as she questioned.

Without waiting for Cheng Lu’s reply, she quickly walked over to Lin Youyou and dragged her toward the bedroom.

With the bedroom door closed, Mrs. Jia, trembling, pointed her finger at Lin Youyou’s nose and scolded, "Have you lost your mind? This man has been to prison, how can you choose someone like him?"

Lin Youyou’s repressed rebelliousness of over twenty years all resurfaced in that moment.

"Mom, so what if he’s been to prison? Jin’an went to prison because he was forced into a desperate situation, he didn’t break the law."

"He didn’t break the law and still went to prison? Youyou, listen to me, break up with him right now, he’s not right for you."

Mrs. Jia spoke seriously.

This time, it was Lin Youyou’s turn to be shocked.

"Mom, I won’t break up, I want to marry him."

She said firmly.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Jia immediately became anxious, "Marry? Marry what marriage? Your father and I have exhausted all our efforts raising you, and is it just so you can marry someone who has been to prison? Youyou, don’t be impulsive, marriage is a big deal, let’s take our time."

"If you feel embarrassed to make things clear to him, let me do it, I’ll be the bad person."

Mrs. Jia said, and quickly headed towards the bedroom door.

She decided to be the bad person for Lin Youyou.