Back to 1984: Let's Work Hard Together to Raise The Kids!-Chapter 271: She Said Yes

They can focus on work, as they’re together both during and after working hours. No matter what event they’re attending, Xiao Jinlin always brings Chen Xinyue along. From the initial awkwardness to becoming natural later on, everything seems to fall into place.

Apart from the employees at SY Company, everyone else assumes the two are a couple.

Soon it’s mid-summer, and since the disturbance during the Spring Festival, things have settled down with the Xiao family. Even Mu Qinglian, who often liked to call Xiao Jinlin, has reduced the frequency of her contacts.

Xiao Jinlin enjoys peaceful days at the small courtyard. When not working, he can even grow vegetables and flowers together with Chen Xinyue.

To keep Chen Xinyue entertained, Xiao Jinlin specially bought a snow-white puppy for her.

With the puppy, their interactions became more frequent than usual. The door, agreed to be double-sided since installation, seemingly has never been closed.

On the weekend, Chen Xinyue was playing with the puppy when Xiao Jinlin suddenly appeared, lay on the sofa, and lazily said, "Grandma asked us to have dinner tonight. My idea was to have Old Fang bring Grandpa and Grandma here. What do you think?"

"I have no problem with that!" Chen Xinyue said and naturally asked, "Should it be formal or more relaxed? Do we need to prepare anything?"

Xiao Jinlin curled his lips into a smile, shook his head, "No need to prepare anything; it’s great as it is."

Chen Xinyue didn’t think too much, and around three in the afternoon, Grandma Xiao and Grandpa Xiao arrived at the courtyard, escorted by the driver.

The elderly couple entered the courtyard and surveyed the place without speaking. After a glance around, they slowly said, "This is your newly purchased courtyard house? The renovations are quite decent."

The grandson choosing to live in a courtyard instead of a perfectly good villa was surprising enough for them. They expected him to not stay long, yet he has already lived there for over half a year.

Today is Xiao Jinlin’s birthday. The couple originally wanted to take the opportunity to bring them back to the old mansion for dinner, to ease relations with the elder son’s family. Unexpectedly, their grandson invited them over.

Driven by curiosity, the two still came.

Seeing the open door by the wall, Grandma Xiao was somewhat puzzled, "What’s over there?"

This courtyard house is only one section, offering a clear view through the door. Did the grandson buy two courtyard houses and connect them?

Xiao Jinlin grinned, joyfully leading them over, "Grandma, that’s Xinyue’s house. We live next door."

Grandma Xiao suddenly realized, her face breaking into a smile full of wrinkles, joking with Grandpa Xiao, "Look, you were worried Jinlin couldn’t find a wife. His skills in pursuing a wife are much better than yours!"

Grandpa Xiao’s serious face softened with a few laughs, he gently asked, "Is that house Xinyue’s?"

Xiao Jinlin nodded, "Her parents bought it when she went to college; each of the siblings got a courtyard house. The renovations were completed last year. She moved from the company to make commuting easier, so I bought this courtyard house."

"You kid..." Grandpa Xiao muttered.

The three walked through the small gate, coincidentally seeing Chen Xinyue playing with the puppy. The courtyard was clean and tidy, with one person and one dog running and jumping, looking full of energy.

Old people always like vibrant and lively young girls.

Xiao Jinlin called out, and Chen Xinyue suddenly looked up, greeting the elders with a bright smile, "Hello, Grandpa Xiao and Grandma Xiao."

"Good, good, good. Xinyue, you don’t mind us touring your house, do you?" Grandma Xiao affectionately smiled.

Chen Xinyue quickly shook her head, inviting them into the living room to rest, then went to the kitchen to get the tea-making tools.

"The tea we drink most at my place is oolong tea; I don’t know if Grandpa and Grandma will like it." As she spoke, she elegantly prepared the tea, clearly skilled, showing someone who studied seriously and is an expert.

Grandpa Xiao clicked his tongue in wonder, "You know how to make tea?"

Chen Xinyue honestly nodded, "Both my grandfather and dad love tea. I studied piano and dance at an institution from a young age; my teacher was an expert too. She taught me, and I would always show off in front of my grandfather and dad after learning, and they would compliment me, so I studied even more diligently.

Unknowingly, I’ve learned a bunch of odd things."

Grandma Xiao laughed heartily, "These aren’t odd things. They nurture your body and mind, which is excellent! By the way, Xinyue, when are your mom and dad coming to the capital? If they visit, remember to inform us, so we can have a meal together."

Chen Xinyue was stunned for a moment and instinctively looked at Xiao Jinlin, seeing his expectant face, and then she lowered her eyelids.

Xiao Jinlin visibly disappointed, was about to intervene, when he heard Chen Xinyue obediently say, "Okay! They should come to visit me in October or November."

Grandma Xiao rejoiced, "That’s wonderful!"

More delighted than the old couple is Xiao Jinlin, who, if not for Grandpa and Grandma still being present, would have rushed to Chen Xinyue to ask if she accepted him.

Unable to ask immediately, he seemed like he was on an adrenaline rush, eagerly putting dishes on grandpa and grandma’s plates and Chen Xinyue’s while talking more than usual during dinner.

Anyone perceptive could see his happiness.

Grandma Xiao, seeing her grandson so joyfully expressive, did not want to dampen the mood and took out the early-prepared gift, "Happy birthday to my grandson, wishing you health, peace, and all your wishes come true."

"Grandma..." Xiao Jinlin was deeply touched, respectfully accepting the gift, and solemnly expressed his gratitude.

Grandpa Xiao was straightforward, giving a large red envelope, and that was all. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Receiving their gifts, Xiao Jinlin was filled with joy.

Grandma Xiao was delighted too, standing up and saying, "Alright, it’s getting dark; we should go back. Take Xinyue to visit us when you have time, and join us for a meal."

"Sure!" Xiao Jinlin, along with Chen Xinyue, escorted them out.

Once the car drove away, Xiao Jinlin turned eagerly to look at Chen Xinyue.

Chen Xinyue, feeling her cheeks heat under his gaze, turned away, "What are you looking at!"

"Today’s my birthday." Xiao Jinlin emphasized each word.

Chen Xinyue nodded, "I know! You want a gift, right?"

Xiao Jinlin’s eyes lit up, "Did you prepare something?"

Chen Xinyue shook her head.

Xiao Jinlin looked a bit disappointed.

Seeing him like that, Chen Xinyue couldn’t help but laugh, "Although I didn’t prepare a physical gift, I... accept your confession. Is that sincere enough as a gift?"

Xiao Jinlin was overjoyed and immediately lifted Chen Xinyue up, "You mean it? You agreed to be my girlfriend?"

Chen Xinyue was so startled she kept nodding, "Yes, yes, quickly put me down!"

With people coming and going, being seen would definitely invite gossip.

Xiao Jinlin did not care, wanting everyone to know they were a couple.

Due to his happiness, Chen Xinyue was just carried back home by him.

That evening, Xiao Jinlin proudly phoned Tang Ming, like a peacock displaying its feathers.

Tang Ming was eating when he got the call from his boss, thinking there was an impromptu event, he hastily prepared to leave.

Then he heard Xiao Jinlin say, "From now on, Xinyue is officially my girlfriend and also my future bride!"

Tang Ming paused for a moment, expressionless, and said "Oh," then replied, "Congratulations, Boss! Best wishes. Is there any other instruction? Do you need me to announce this news publicly?"