After Chen Shuo and his companions got out of the car, Su Yuanying came forward to greet them.
At this moment, he had less of his usual authority and more of a smile: "In-laws, meeting in person is better than knowing by reputation. This is your first visit to our home, and though our Su family home is modest, please bear with us."
Su Yuanying stepped forward to shake hands, fully displaying his role as the host.
Su Yuanying's use of "in-laws" shocked Chen Shuo and the others - things weren't even settled yet, and he was already using such terms?
Chen Shuo and Su Xiyan exchanged glances, while Su Xiyan felt somewhat embarrassed and couldn't look directly at Chen Shuo.
She couldn't understand how her usually serious and meticulous father could address them this way right upon meeting.
What she didn't understand was that Su Yuanying acted this way because he had already accepted Chen Shuo.
In his eyes, only Chen Shuo could be his son-in-law. Naturally, Chen Shuo's parents would be his in-laws.
If it weren't for Su Xiyan specifically reminding him to keep things low-key, he would have announced it to all of Su City today.
He would have loved to celebrate the union of the Su and Chen families with the entire Su City.
Despite the difference in social status, Chen's father maintained his dignity while returning the handshake with a smile: "You're too kind, Master Su. To receive such a welcome from you is somewhat..."
"Hey! My dear in-law, you're being too formal. I'm already calling you in-law, yet you're still being so polite, addressing me as Master Su. That won't do."
Su Yuanying interrupted before Chen's father could finish.
Su Yuanying was a man of the world, weathered by life's storms, and always straightforward in his actions.
This was his style and his character.
Once he made up his mind about something, he never went back on it.
Having accepted Chen Shuo as family, he naturally treated Chen Shuo's family as his own.
Enlightened by Su Yuanying's words, Chen's father realized his formality was inappropriate and quickly corrected himself: "Yes, yes, I was being too rigid. My apologies, in-law, I was wrong just now."
"Haha, it's fine, we're all family now. I just speak directly because I like Chen Shuo. Family shouldn't keep secrets from each other. Let's go inside and have a few drinks, celebrate properly."
"Good, as Master Su... no, as my in-law says..."
"There you go again with 'Master Su'! You'll have to be punished - three drinks for you later!"
Su Yuanying and Chen's father got along like old friends who hadn't seen each other in years, quickly becoming close after just a few exchanges.
They walked inside with their arms around each other's shoulders, completely forgetting about everyone else behind them.
Watching their retreating figures, Su Xiyan and Chen Shuo couldn't help but exchange awkward glances.
"My father isn't usually like this," Su Xiyan wrinkled her nose, explaining embarrassedly.
"Should I mention that my father isn't usually like this either?" Chen Shuo awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
But regardless, at least the beginning was smooth. Both parties got along well, which was crucial.
Su Yuanying didn't show any negative attitude because of Chen Shuo's ordinary family background, and Chen's father didn't show any timidity because of the Su family's wealth.
This was the best state of affairs and the best possible outcome.
Under Su Yuanying's guidance, the group arrived at the Su family's banquet hall.
The Su family rarely hosted dinners at home unless it was for something particularly important; otherwise, they usually chose to dine out.
Although the Su family's banquet hall couldn't compare to the luxury of high-end hotels, its overall decoration was still quite upscale.
The table was already full of various dishes, many of which were delicacies that Chen's father and the others couldn't even name.
The precious ingredients demonstrated how seriously the Su family took this occasion.
At the table, as Su Yuanying had said, Chen's father unhesitatingly drank three cups of wine.
After the three cups, Su Yuanying clapped his hands in approval: "In-law, your drinking capacity is truly impressive. What we discussed earlier, let's settle it right now. Let's just enjoy our drinks now - we won't leave until we're drunk!"
"Good, as you say, in-law. Rest assured, when your daughter marries into our family, she won't suffer any hardship or grievance."
Chen's father's response was equally forthright, patting his chest in promise while raising his glass for another toast with Su Yuanying.
Seeing how well the two got along, Chen Shuo and the others didn't know how to react.
Originally, Su Xiyan and Chen Shuo should have been the main characters, as they were the ones whose relationship needed to be confirmed.
But now, it had become a private exchange between the two in-laws.
"Mom, what do you think about this?"
Chen Shuo awkwardly looked at Xu Mei, feeling as if they were somewhat superfluous.
It seemed the matter could have been settled without them even being there.
"What's there to think about? Everything looks fine to me. Since they've settled it, you better treat Xiyan well, understand? If I hear one complaint from Xiyan, don't blame me for being harsh."
Xu Mei said while raising her hand threateningly at Chen Shuo.
Chen Shuo was at a loss for words - was he the type who wouldn't treat his girlfriend well?
She would be his life partner, after all, and Chen Shuo would seriously protect her no matter what.
Just like now, he would want to eliminate anyone who posed a threat to Su Xiyan.
"Did you hear that? Better behave yourself in front of me, or I might just tell on you!"
Su Xiyan showed a proud expression, though deep down, she felt more sympathy for Chen Shuo.
Her presence had turned Chen Shuo into the least favored child.
"Fine, go ahead and gloat. I won't go back to my own home anymore; I'll just stay at the Su family."
Chen Shuo wasn't upset; although his status at home had become humble, at least Su Yuanying treated him well at the Su family home.
"Heh, that won't be up to you then."
"We'll see about that."
Chen Shuo and Su Xiyan started bantering, and what should have been a formal meeting turned into a light and pleasant atmosphere.
Everyone had food to eat, drinks to enjoy, things to talk about, and jokes to share.
But amidst the joking and merriment, Chen Shuo hadn't forgotten the main purpose.
After several rounds of drinks and multiple courses,
The matter was settled, and Chen's father was already quite drunk, with Su Yuanying not far behind.
After sending Chen's father to rest, Su Yuanying also planned to retire.
However, halfway down the corridor, Su Yuanying suddenly stopped and looked back at the empty hallway.
"Why are you hiding? Come out!"
As Su Yuanying's words fell, Su Xiyan and Chen Shuo emerged awkwardly from behind their cover.
"See? I told you it wouldn't work."
"It was clearly you who didn't hide your presence well, that's why we were discovered."