bookrebus Chapter 30 Wedding Turmoil and Sisterly Affection
Chapter 30 Wedding Turmoil and Sisterly Affection
In a cozy Chinese restaurant, Li Yuan and Liu's family sat around a large round table. The tea on the table emitted wisps of steam, but the atmosphere was slightly heavy, as they were about to have an important conversation about the bride price and raising their daughter.
Li Yuan's father coughed lightly, breaking the silence first: "Mr. Liu, since we're sitting here today, we need to be frank about some things. Regarding the bride price, we're not asking for an exorbitant amount, but it's a tradition, and it's also a guarantee for Li Yuan and the two children's future life. What are your thoughts?"
Mr. Liu sat up slightly, his expression serious: "Uncle, don't worry, I will definitely give a bride price. My feelings for Li Yuan are sincere, and I know this is a responsibility. I'd like to hear your expectations first, and then we can discuss a suitable amount."
Li Yuan's mother continued, "We've inquired about the going rate for the bride price, and we've also considered the actual situation of both our families. We hope to get 100,000 yuan. This money isn't for us, the old couple; it's mainly to provide for Li Yuan so that she can have someone to rely on if anything happens in the future."
After a moment of contemplation, Mr. Liu nodded and said, "I think 100,000 yuan is reasonable. However, I also have an idea. After I give this dowry, I hope we can clarify the purpose and management of the money, since it is for the long-term planning of the family."
At this moment, Li Yuan's younger brother interjected, "Brother Liu, oh no, future brother-in-law, this bride price is to give my sister peace of mind. It hasn't been easy for her to raise Shi Qing alone all these years. Speaking of raising children, what are your plans for my niece Shi Qing?"
Mr. Liu looked at Li Yuan with tenderness and determination in his eyes: "I will definitely treat Shi Qing as my own daughter, just like Yi Xin. In terms of life, I will take care of her food, clothing, housing, transportation, and school expenses, and do my best to provide her with the best conditions. I will also care about her psychological growth and will not let her feel any difference."
Li Yuan looked at Mr. Liu gratefully: "I believe you will treat Shi Qing well, but it's better to discuss some things in advance. For example, our educational philosophy for the child. I have always focused on cultivating Shi Qing's interests and independence, and I hope you can support me in this regard."
Mr. Liu quickly replied, "Of course, I also think that children should have their own personality and strengths. Yixin is currently studying academic subjects, and if Shiqing is interested, she can study with her, or choose other subjects that she likes."
Mr. Liu's mother also spoke up: "I'd like to say a few words about the two children. I will love them both as my own granddaughters and will not show favoritism. I can also help take care of them in their daily lives, such as picking them up from school and cooking for them."
Li Yuan responded with a smile, "Auntie, it's so great to have your help. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to take care of two children in the future. However, I also hope that we can respect the children's ideas in some family decisions, especially when it comes to their own affairs."
Mr. Liu agreed: "That's the right thing to do. Just like last time when we were discussing going on a trip, I first asked Yixin and Shiqing where they wanted to go, and finally decided on the destination based on their opinions. We will do the same in the future."
Li Yuan's father added, "Another important point is the child's health. If the child gets sick, how to share the costs and how to arrange the time for care are all things that need to be planned."
After careful consideration, Mr. Liu replied, "For minor illnesses, I think whoever is more convenient should take care of the child, and the expenses can be covered by the family's shared budget. If it's a serious illness, then we will definitely do everything we can, whether it's money or energy, with the child's health being our top priority."
As the conversation deepened, both sides gradually clarified important issues such as the bride price and raising children, and the initially tense atmosphere became more relaxed. Everyone began to discuss their future family life, imagining the wonderful scene of the two children growing up together, and laughter gradually filled the entire Chinese restaurant.
On a sunny day, the wedding venue, surrounded by flowers, resembled a dreamlike fairytale world. Li Yuan, in a pure white wedding dress, held a vibrant bouquet, her face beaming with happiness. Beside her, Mr. Liu, dressed in a sharp suit, looked handsome and dashing. Friends and family sat together, their laughter filling the air. Li Yuan's parents smiled broadly, her younger brother ran around excitedly, and Mr. Liu's mother beamed with joy, her eyes filled with blessings for the newlyweds.
In this peaceful and joyful atmosphere, a discordant note suddenly broke in. Li Yuan's ex-husband, Wang Qiang, appeared with his former mother-in-law and his current wife, Xiao Liu, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a commotion.
Li Shiqing and Liu Yixin stood to the side, curiously observing their surroundings. Upon seeing Wang Qiang, Li Shiqing frowned and whispered to Liu Yixin, "This is my ex-father. I don't like him at all. He was really mean to me and my mom. I grew up at my mom's house and never really saw him before. I only saw him when my mom took me to his wedding. Humph, he's a bad uncle."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yixin took Li Shiqing's hand with heartache and said, "Qingqing, don't be unhappy. From now on, with me and your dad here, we won't let anyone bully you again."
Wang Qiang ignored them and walked towards Li Yuan and Liu's father with a provocative expression. He looked at Liu's father, then at Li Yuan, and said sarcastically, "Oh, this wedding is quite a spectacle. Li Yuan, you're really something, finding another man so quickly."
Li Yuan's expression changed slightly, but she still suppressed her anger and said, "Wang Qiang, today is my wedding, please don't cause trouble here."
Wang Qiang's mother chimed in, "Hmph, we can't even come to take a look? This isn't proper wedding etiquette. How can they not invite us?"
Mr. Liu stepped forward and said politely but firmly, "Mr. Wang, Auntie, today is my and Li Yuan's big day, and we just want to share this joy with our relatives and friends. If you are here to offer your blessings, you are welcome; but if you are here to cause trouble, please leave."
Wang Qiang sneered, "Who do you think you are? This is between Li Yuan and me, and also my daughter's business. What right do you have to interfere?"
At this moment, Li Shiqing ran over, stood in front of Li Yuan, and said loudly, "You are not a good father, I don't want you to interfere. I have a new father now, and he treats me very well."
When Wang Qiang saw Li Shiqing, his expression softened slightly: "Qingqing, Dad loves you. Dad has come to take you away."
Li Shiqing clung tightly to Li Yuan's skirt: "I'm not leaving. I want to stay with Mom and my new dad."
Xiao Liu tugged at Wang Qiang's sleeve from behind: "Honey, let's forget about it, let's go."
Wang Qiang shoved Xiao Liu's hand away, saying, "What do you know? This is my family matter."
Liu Yixin also came over and took Li Shiqing's other hand: "Qingqing is my good sister, we will never be separated, don't even think about taking her away."
Relatives and friends gathered around, all expressing their dissatisfaction with Wang Qiang's behavior.
Li Yuan's younger brother said angrily, "Brother-in-law, oh no, Wang Qiang, you've already divorced my sister, what are you doing here causing trouble? This will only make everyone look down on you."
When Wang Qiang's mother saw that no one was on their side, she started crying and making a scene again: "Oh dear, what kind of world is this? My son's own flesh and blood is about to be taken away by someone."
Li Yuan sighed helplessly, "Auntie, please stop making a scene. It was your son who treated us badly that led to our divorce. Now I have a new life, and I hope you can respect my choice."
Mr. Liu looked at Wang Qiang and said seriously, "Mr. Wang, I know you are Li Shiqing's biological father, but your past actions have hurt them, mother and daughter. Now I will take good care of them and give them a happy home. If you truly love your daughter, you should bless us instead of creating trouble here."
Wang Qiang was speechless after Liu's father's words, but he still stood there unwillingly.
At this moment, the wedding emcee walked over and cleverly said, "Today is a joyous day, and everyone hopes to see the newlyweds happy and fulfilled. Let's not let any unpleasant things spoil this beautiful atmosphere. Now, let's give the newlyweds a round of applause as they continue their wedding ceremony."
Amidst applause and cheers, Li Yuan and Liu's father returned to the center of the stage. Li Shiqing and Liu Yixin stood below the stage, hand in hand, with happy smiles on their faces.
The wedding ceremony continued, and Li Yuan and Liu's father exchanged rings and made a lifelong promise in front of everyone. Despite the little incident involving Wang Qiang and his family, love and happiness ultimately filled the entire wedding venue.
After the ceremony, everyone began to enjoy the food and the festivities. Li Yuan and Liu's father went from table to table toasting their relatives and friends, thanking them for coming. Meanwhile, Li Shiqing and Liu Yixin happily ate various delicious cakes at the dessert area.
Wang Qiang, his mother, and his current wife, Xiao Liu, slunk away from the wedding venue under the watchful eyes of everyone. This incident became a unique part of the wedding story, making everyone cherish the happiness and harmony they had just experienced.