Shadow of Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 312 Decision
On the last morning of 2007, sunlight quietly filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled, warm light spots on the living room floor.

Liu Xiaoli placed the plate of cut fruit on the coffee table, her gaze lingering on the two people embracing on the sofa, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.

"Next month is Chinese New Year, Xiao Bei, let's go back to Jiangcheng together for the New Year this time. Qianqian's grandma has been talking about her for a long time."

Liu Xiaoli casually stuck a toothpick into the fruit cutter, but her eyes were fixed on the movement on the sofa.

An Xiaoqian nestled in Hu Xiaobei's arms like a lazy cat, her eyes lighting up instantly upon hearing this.

"Yes, let's go back together for the New Year! I haven't had my grandma's New Year dumplings in so long!"

An Xiaoqian sat up straight excitedly, her hair deliberately brushing against Hu Xiaobei's chin, causing him to gently turn his head away.

Hu Xiaobei unconsciously stroked An Xiaoqian's loose hair with his fingers, as if he was thinking about something.

Now that An Xiaoqian has reached the legal marriage age, even if the two announce their relationship, they will no longer be accused of abducting a young girl, nor will it affect An Xiaoqian's reputation.

Having made up his mind, he sat up straight, straightened his posture, looked at Liu Xiaoli with his deep eyes, and smiled with a proper curve.

“Auntie, since we’re going back home for the New Year, I’ll make a formal visit to the elders this time and let them meet me.”

Liu Xiaoli paused in her movements and looked up at the determined-looking young man in front of her.

Hu Xiaobei stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his eyes filled with sincerity and expectation.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, as if he were waiting for Liu Xiaoli's reply.

"Have you thought it through?" Liu Xiaoli raised an eyebrow, glanced at her daughter who hadn't yet reacted, and said, "Visiting someone's home to recognize them is no small matter. You'll inevitably be questioned by your family."

There are quite a few neighbors around, and while exchanging greetings shouldn't lead to any gossip, given your fame, the entertainment news will definitely write some unsubstantiated stories..."

Hu Xiaobei straightened her back again and nodded seriously: "Yes, Auntie, don't worry, I've already thought it through. Qianqian is also of legal marriage age."

Now that we've announced our relationship, we don't need to worry about it having a negative impact on her.

"There's nothing wrong with us being together openly and honestly." As he spoke, he grasped An Xiaoqian's slender hand, their fingers intertwined.

An Xiaoqian realized what was happening, her cheeks gradually flushed, and her beautiful eyes were filled with surprise and emotion.

She leaned gently on Hu Xiaobei's shoulder, her voice unconsciously softening: "Mom, Xiaobei is right. We should be together openly and honestly."

Looking at their tightly clasped hands, Liu Xiaoli felt quite gratified, but couldn't help teasing them: "Oh? When did you two get together? Why didn't you tell me when you confirmed your relationship?"

It seems I'm really getting old; I didn't even know when my own daughter was kidnapped...

Hu Xiaobei opened his mouth, about to say something, when he heard An Xiaoqian coaxingly, subtly changing the subject: "Mommy~ Aren't we always together? How could I have been kidnapped? I've always been right under your nose~"

Liu Xiaoli chuckled softly, letting out two breaths through her nose, but her eyes shone with a gentle light.

Based on their relationship, they are closer than family.

Although everyone knew the truth, this was the first time they had discussed their relationship openly.

"Alright, since you've both thought it through, it's settled then. But let me make this clear from the start: you two need to be careful in the future, and don't let anything unexpected happen..."

As she said this, she stared intently at An Xiaoqian's lower abdomen, as if hinting at something.

"No, Auntie! Qianqian and I are innocent, we haven't done anything..." Hu Xiaobei quickly explained.

At the same time, with a firm and fervent look in his eyes, he assured her, "Auntie, don't worry. Once I see Grandma, I'll ask her in person how to make dumplings, so that Qianqian can taste the flavors of home every year. Also, I promise I'll take good care of Qianqian and won't do anything inappropriate. We'll deal with those things after we get married..."

Seeing this, Liu Xiaoli felt that she might have gone too far with her words, and she was also worried that he might really do what he said, and then her daughter would complain about her as her mother.
So she quickly interjected, "Auntie believes in you, Xiao Bei. You two can resolve your own issues. Auntie isn't so old-fashioned. I just hope you two can be happy together."

This wasn't the first time An Xiaoqian had been reminded of this kind of thing by her mother, so she wasn't too embarrassed.

Seeing Hu Xiaobei's nervous expression, she couldn't help but chuckle. She then reached out and gently poked his cheek, smiling without saying a word.

Seeing this, Liu Xiaoli smiled and shook her head, then stood up: "Alright, you guys discuss and make preparations. I need to call your grandmother and uncles to give them a heads-up."

As she spoke, she turned and walked towards the bedroom, unable to hide the smile on her lips.

The moment the door closed, An Xiaoqian suddenly turned around, wrapped her arms around Hu Xiaobei's neck, and her eyes sparkled: "Xiaobei, we can be together openly now, and we don't have to worry about being found out anymore~"

Hu Xiaobei lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead, his voice tender yet firm: "Silly girl, aren't we always being perfectly upright at home?"

Hmm... but you're right.

From now on, we can be open and honest with each other in public. I'll always be by your side.

At this moment, the festive atmosphere outside the window is becoming increasingly strong, the sun is shining brightly, and the future looks promising.

...........................

At midnight, the moonlight gently spilled onto the earth like water.

Hu Xiaobei secretly flew to An Xiaoqian's room window and brought her back to his villa.

An Xiaoqian looked puzzled and asked softly, "Xiao Bei, what brings you here? Is there something else?"

She had been looking forward to Hu Xiaobei taking her for a walk in the clouds or to the beach to wade in the waves, and that the two of them would spend a romantic New Year's Eve together.

But when her destination turned out to be Hu Xiaobei's own villa next door, she couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

Just then, she suddenly remembered what her mother had said during the day, and a blush crept onto her cheeks.

Did they get tacit approval, so...?

Thinking about those possible scenarios, she felt both uneasy and secretly hopeful.

Hu Xiaobei slowly turned to the side, his gaze fixed on An Xiaoqian's pretty face.

After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke: "Sisi, there are some things I want to be honest with you about."

Actually, you should have noticed something unusual about me a long time ago, but you just haven't said anything.

Today, I've decided to tell you a secret, and a little surprise.

An Xiaoqian was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, though with a touch of disappointment, and nodded gently: "Hmm... I know, but I trust you, so I haven't asked."

I'm happy that you're willing to share your secrets with me now.

But if telling me this secret will have a negative impact on you, then I'd rather pretend I know nothing, like before.

Looking at the unwavering trust in An Xiaoqian's eyes, Hu Xiaobei felt a warm feeling rise in his heart, and a mix of gratitude and guilt surged within him.

(End of this chapter)