Chapter 36: An Unpleasant Encounter

"Yiming often mentions Xiao Xiao in front of us; my wife and I have heard it so much our ears are practically calloused. We've been looking forward to this day for a long time. Xiao Xiao is a good child, and as elders, we're both quite pleased. Work keeps us busy, but we should get together more often in the future. Let this first glass be a toast to our gathering today." Old Zhao spoke with sincerity and warmth; the impression Zhao Yiming's family left on Xiao Yao was quite positive.

Xiao Banxia lifted her glass and said, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, for your hospitality. Whenever there's time, we should definitely meet more often."

The three men used small glasses, drinking white liquor, and all drained their first glass with gusto. The two ladies drank red wine and each took a sip.

After the first drink, Old Zhao, the head of the family, took control of the conversation. He was skilled at this, speaking sincerely and warmly to both Xiao Banxia and Xiao Yao. The initial awkwardness of their first meeting never returned.

After a few more polite rounds, Xiao Banxia raised her glass and first toasted Old Zhao, who cheerfully accepted. The next toast was naturally for Zhao Yiming's mother.

Standing up with her glass, Xiao Banxia said, "Aunt He, this glass is for you. All mothers have it tough; seeing you is like seeing my own mother. Yiming's achievements today, and my acquaintance with him, are thanks to you."

With that, Xiao Banxia took a large sip of her drink.

Mrs. He felt Xiao Banxia's words were sincere enough and, at least, not laced with hidden barbs. Still, she maintained her future mother-in-law's demeanor and didn't immediately accept the toast. Instead, she said, "Banxia, I'm straightforward by nature; I say what's on my mind, and sometimes my words may not be pleasant to hear. I hope you'll bear with me."

"Please, say whatever you wish." Though Xiao Banxia kept a smile on her lips, impatience was already simmering inside.

What kind of society was this, after all? First meeting, and the future mother-in-law was already playing such a grand role. Did she truly think Banxia was made of clay?

She and Zhao Yiming weren't even officially together yet, and this sharp-featured, harsh woman was already trying to assert dominance. If Banxia let herself be subdued today, what would the future hold?

"Sis, it's not like we're living in an old feudal society where mothers-in-law abuse daughters-in-law. Besides, you and Zhao Yiming aren't even formally together yet. If you stand so lofty now, aren't you just giving Mrs. He extra pressure? Sit down and listen to her wisdom. Mrs. He is of a certain age; if she insists on saying unpleasant things at your first meeting, it must be the summary of half a lifetime of experience. You should learn from her."

Hearing her brother's words, Xiao Banxia sat down as prompted.

Xiao Yao turned to Mrs. He, "I heard you work at the neighborhood committee, handling family disputes, marital quarrels, and mother-in-law/daughter-in-law spats daily—trivial matters. I'm genuinely interested in hearing your advice. Please, go ahead; I'll see if it makes sense."

Mrs. He's imposing manner was immediately deflated by Xiao Yao's words. Already displeased, she now felt as if her lungs might burst, especially under Xiao Yao's undisguised look of disdain.

Xiao Yao's remarks left Old Zhao and his son awkward; to smooth things over, Old Zhao quickly interjected, "Banxia, Xiao Yao, Yiming's mother is just suffering from a bit of occupational habit—her tone can be brusque. I apologize on her behalf; please don't take offense."

Mrs. He was even more upset, slamming her chopsticks down on the table with a loud crack. "Apologize? What for? Is it necessary? As an elder, am I not even allowed to speak? I hadn't even started, and I was already rebuked. With a daughter-in-law this fierce, I wouldn't dare accept!"

Though Xiao Banxia truly liked Zhao Yiming, being told by her prospective mother-in-law that she wouldn't dare want her was too much. No matter how fond she was of Yiming, she couldn't let herself suffer such humiliation. She replied decisively, "I've never heard of such a commanding and demanding mother-in-law. This is our first meeting; my toast was purely polite, not a ritual tea for the mother-in-law. Isn't it a bit early for you to be taking up that role?"

"Early? I don't think so at all. You're pursuing Yiming, so you ought to be prepared to be a good daughter-in-law!"

Mrs. He spoke assertively, full of self-righteousness. "First meeting, we must set the rules. I'm always upfront; I never hide things. Saying it now gives you time to prepare. Yiming has a good temperament, character, looks, and job. From childhood, he's always been surrounded by pretty girls. As his mother, I must choose the one most suitable for him."

Xiao Banxia was furious. She'd never regretted pursuing Zhao Yiming, but now she realized that, no matter what, a woman should maintain some reserve.

She had always believed that if you liked someone, you should boldly express it and actively pursue your love—what could be wrong with that?

It's certainly acceptable for a man, but for a woman, a little restraint is necessary. Otherwise, as she found herself now, she would face the condescension and contempt of a future mother-in-law, unable to fight back.

Naturally, she was also resentful toward Zhao Yiming. If he hadn't disclosed such private matters to his parents, how else would she have come to be so scorned and humiliated by this harsh future mother-in-law?

"So what kind of candidate are you looking for?" Xiao Banxia's smile had vanished, her tone now calm.

"Looks don't matter; as long as Yiming likes her, that's enough. Family wealth isn't important either—we have two apartments, Yiming's marital home is already prepared, no need to fret over buying property. What matters is whether the future daughter-in-law is practical, whether she can balance the family, take care of Yiming, and not drag him down." Mrs. He spoke plainly and confidently.

"Your requirements aren't high, Mrs. He, but you're standing way too tall. What gives you such arrogance, such a lofty attitude? At a first meeting, before any relationship is confirmed, you speak with no restraint, posturing higher than an empress. Is it those two apartments that give you such confidence? Or is it because Zhao Yiming, a pretty boy, has a chaotic love life and too many girlfriends, so you get to pick and choose at will?" Xiao Yao stared directly at Mrs. He, his look of disdain making her furious.