Power and Wealth

ing?”

Xia Yanzhen shook her head. “Old Beijing is different from Beijing. Xiao Jing, Xiao Ran, you two are not considered from Old Beijing.”

Xie Jing retorted. “I was born and grew up in Beijing. If I am not from Beijing, where am I from?”

Han Jing laughed. “Your mother is referring to the environment you grew up in. You and Xiao Ran were born in Beijing, but you two did not live in Hutong before. You have lived in an apartment building since you were young, and it is different from someone from an Old Beijing environment. Thats why your accent and habits are different. Yanzhen and I are also not considered from Old Beijing. Only Huilan and Xiao Bing are authentic Old Beijing among our third generation. Huilan grew up in a Hutong, and you can hear it from her accent. Xiao Bing is the same, and his accent is stronger.”

Xie Jing laughed. “Oh, no wonder Brother-in-law is so polite.”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “Theres nothing wrong with being polite. I am not treating you all as outsiders. This is a habit of mine.”

Xie Huilan added. “We are not considered from Old Beijing too. How many Old Beijing people are there other than our grandfather?”

“You are right. Most of the Hutongs are rented to people from other provinces, and the environment is different from the past.”

They chatted while watching TV.

Half an hour later.

Luan Xiaoping returned.

“Oh, in-law.”

“Sorry to keep you all waiting. I did not expect you all to be here so early and went out to buy some things.”

“We have just arrived. Huilan, come and help your mother-in-law to carry her shopping bags.”

“No need. I can do it myself. Please remain seated.”

They chatted for a while. Han Jing and Luan Xiaoping seemed to have arranged something before this meeting. They asked Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing to a room upstairs.

Inside the room.

They sat on the bed, and Han Jing held Xie Huilans hand. She looked at her and Dong Xuebing. “Your wedding is the day after tomorrow, and you two are not supposed to meet according to customs. Thats why I must use this opportunity to talk to you two today. Haha…. Xiao Bing, Huilan, I am happy to see you two getting married. Xiaoping and I didnt sleep well and had been thinking about your wedding. Its not easy for you two to reach this stage, and I want to congratulate you. Compared to others, you two know how to cherish each other more. I hope you two can overcome whatever problems or fights together in the future. Remember, all problems can be solved, and all couples will fight.”

Dong Xuebing replied immediately. “We understand, Auntie.”

Han Jing nodded and patted Dong Xuebings hand. She placed Xie Huilans hand into his. “Treat Huilan well. She is my only daughter.”

Dong Xuebing replied. “Dont worry, Auntie.”

Han Jing smiled. “Why are you still calling me Auntie?”

Dong Xuebing blushed. “Mum.”

Han Jing smiled and held their hands tightly. Her eyes turned red, and she looked like she was going to cry.

Xie Huilan patted her mothers hand. “Mum, can you dont cry? We feel scared. Haha….”

“These are happy tears.” Han Jing smiled and turned to Luan Xiaoping. “In-law, you should say something too.”

“Alright.” Luan Xiaoping held Xie Huilans hand. “Huilan, its Xiao Bings fortune to get married to you. This kid had suffered since young. Since his father passed away, his life has been difficult, which is my fault. I always feel sorry and owe him something.”

Dong Xuebing interrupted. “Mum, what are you saying? I am the one who owed you. Which parent will owe their children, and whats there to be sorry?”

“Let me finish.” Luan Xiaoping moved towards Xie Huilan and held her hand tightly. “Huilan, your mother had given your hand to my son, and I am handing my son to you. Xiao Bing… is always rash and never considers the consequences. But I know he has a kind heart. You are older and more mature than him. Please take care of him in the future, and try to give in to him. If anything happens, try to forgive him.”

Xie Huilan replied. “Rest assured.”

“I am assured as you are with him.” Luan Xiaoping looked at her son. “You too. You must treat Huilan well! I will not let you off if I find out you bullied her.”

“I know.” Dong Xuebing replied. Who dares to bully her? I should be thankful if she doesnt bully me.

“Huilan, you know my number.” Luan Xiaoping continues. “Call me if this brat does anything wrong. I will teach him a lesson.”

They felt like family after this long talk.