Chapter 285: Whispers of Family and Future

Lin Zheng Ran said politely, “No need for thanks; it’s just a junior’s way of showing respect to an elder. Aunt He, don’t let it bother you.”

Aunt He hadn’t seen Lin Zheng Ran often over the years, but from their conversations and occasional meetings, she could tell the kid was getting more impressive every year.

He was far beyond what any ordinary peer could match.

Who knew how far he’d go? It was beyond what someone like her could imagine.

She sighed and said, “Well, that’s true, but I can’t just thank you with words for such a big favor. When you come over next, I’ll whip up a great meal. And if you ever need anything from me, just say the word.”

“You’re too kind, Aunt He. Speaking of visits, I mentioned to Heqing that I might head south for a trip soon, so I could end up dropping by your place.”

“Not at all, not at all! I’d love to have you over!”

Grandma added, “I’d welcome you too, Ran Ran. I haven’t met you yet.”

After a few more words, Aunt He ended the call with a deep sigh and a smile on her lips.

Grandma whispered nearby, “Is the call over?”

Aunt He nodded. “It’s done.”

Grandma clucked her tongue enthusiastically, “Heqing’s boyfriend is quite the catch! Finding a young man like that is rare these days. Next time she brings him, we need to treat him right.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. We won’t skimp on gratitude for such a big favor.”

Heqing watched her mom show so much respect for Lin Zheng Ran and suddenly felt a bit sharper despite her usual clumsiness.

A thought clicked into place.

She asked quietly, “Mom?”

Aunt He turned. “Hmm? What is it, Heqing?”

Heqing’s face flushed red as she grinned mischievously, “Mom, can I talk to you about something? I mean, I’m probably going to marry Lin Zheng Ran someday, right?”

Aunt He paused, then smiled and nodded. Her daughter’s life was different from her own; from every angle, Lin Zheng Ran was a perfect match—a reliable guy who treated Heqing wonderfully and could be trusted for life.

“Yes, and? Why do you look so odd about it?”

Heqing chuckled and fidgeted with her fingers, twisting them together.

“Well, when I graduate from university and he comes to propose, could you and Grandma not give him a hard time? Could you just agree to whatever he asks?”

Grandma asked, puzzled, “Why would we give him trouble?”

Aunt He knew her daughter was timid and didn’t think much of it: “Why would I make things difficult for Ran Ran? I’ve known him for years; his background and character are solid. That’s why I let you go north to find him back then. Are you worried about the bride price or something?”

Heqing sweated a little and kept smiling.

She thought the bride price was trivial anyway; she didn’t plan to demand it. Her real concern was Lin Zheng Ran’s other girlfriends. Since her mom respected him so much today, she had to lock this in.

Aunt He went on, “Don’t worry, Heqing. You two are childhood sweethearts, and I bet Ran Ran has looked after you and Wen Wen up north all these years. If you marry him, we won’t ask for any bride price. We’ll give you a good dowry instead.”

“Oh, that’s great,” Heqing waved it off,

“But that’s not what I mean! I just want you to promise that when he proposes, you and Grandma won’t get mad at him or argue. Agree to whatever he wants, as long as I do first, because he’d only say it if I agreed!”

Aunt He blinked, confused. “What are you going on about, Heqing?”

Grandma shook her head. “I don’t get it either.”

“Oh, come on, I explained it clearly! It’s just…”

Aunt He and Grandma exchanged glances and laughed.

Aunt He said seriously, “Alright, I promise. When Ran Ran comes to propose, if it’s something I can do and you want, I’ll agree to whatever he asks. No bride price, no hassle. Happy now?”

Heqing beamed. “Yes, perfect!”

She held up a finger. “But words aren’t enough. I’ll write an agreement, and you both need to stamp it with your thumbprints. That way, no backing out!”

Quick as a flash, Heqing grabbed a nice sheet of A4 paper and scribbled on it.

“Today, my mom, Grandma, and I agree: When Lin Zheng Ran comes to propose, Mom and Grandma won’t dislike him, won’t get angry, won’t make it hard. Whatever he asks, as long as I agree, they have to too. And no bride price.”

After finishing, she dabbed red ink on her thumb and pressed it on the paper.

She signed her name and handed it over. “Here, Mom and Grandma, do the same!”

The elders, used to Heqing’s childlike ways, just went along, stamping their thumbs and signing.

Once done, Heqing held up the agreement triumphantly.

She thought, Now it’s set! When Lin Zheng Ran proposes and mentions marrying several girls, Mom and Grandma will have to agree whether they like it or not!

“Mom, I’m heading to my room!”

She dashed off, snapped a photo, and stashed it in a fancy box in a hidden spot.

Later, at dinner, Aunt He swallowed the black medicine pill Lin Zheng Ran had given her.

Just as Heqing and Grandma said, it slid down smoothly.

Soon after, a warm sensation spread through her body, like something flowing inside.

By morning, when Aunt He woke up,

she sat on the bed, rubbing her now-comfortable neck with a sense of wonder.

She grabbed some tissue and hurried to the restroom, shutting the door to check herself.

It was really healed!

Aunt He marveled, “This pill is amazing! Way better than going to the hospital.”

Heqing sent the agreement photo to Lin Zheng Ran.

“Lin Zheng Ran, look at this gem—it’s our proposal agreement! Now, no matter how many girls you want to marry, Mom and Grandma will say yes!” She added a happy emoji.

Lin Zheng Ran never expected Heqing to get her mom and Grandma to write something like that.

“Well, that’s just like that silly girl,” he thought.