Chapter 21: Fools in Love, Forging Bonds

The Xiao family was completely taken aback.

They stared in disbelief as their usually fierce bulldog Kara behaved so gently in Mu Qingwu’s arms, wagging its tail and acting affectionately with this stranger whom it met for the first time.

Kara, known for its ferocity in the neighborhood, had always been the undisputed boss among the local dogs, causing others to cower in its presence. Never allowing strangers to touch it, the eight-year-old dog was extremely cautious.

But today, it surprisingly sought out Mu Qingwu’s company and even let her hold it.

What was going on?

“There’s an old saying,” Xiao Shengguo, finally regaining his composure, remarked thoughtfully, “‘One does not simply walk into another’s family unless destined to be part of it.’”

Xiao Yu’s heart raced at the implication.

Liu Yunqing looked at Mu Qingwu, her eyes brimming with surprise.

Mu Qingwu’s cheeks flushed with bashfulness, and she appeared utterly bewildered. Why had this family suddenly started acting so strangely?

The parents excused themselves to prepare dinner, leaving the younger ones some privacy.

“What was that all about?” Mu Qingwu, still holding Kara, asked Xiao Yu, her expression filled with confusion.

“Nothing much,” Xiao Yu replied, brushing off the question. “My parents didn’t scare you, did they?”

“No.” Mu Qingwu paused thoughtfully before smiling, “I actually quite like it.”

She really did. At Xiao’s place, she felt a sense of a warm home that reminded her of the times with her father, an equally tender and comforting home.

“That’s good to hear,” Xiao Yu nodded. Catching a glimpse of his parents sneakily watching from the kitchen, he reached out his hand in a somewhat resigned gesture.

“…”

Mu Qingwu, feeling equally resigned, nestled gently into Xiao Yu’s embrace. Neither of them seemed to realize how naturally their actions flowed. No cues, verbal communication, or even eye contact was necessary.

“Are your clients that important?” Xiao Yu inquired, wrapping his arms around Mu Qingwu’s soft frame.

“Money can always be earned, it’s endless,” Mu Qingwu said, playing with Kara while nestled in Xiao Yu’s arms. “She’s so cute.”

Cute? Xiao Yu’s mouth twitched slightly. ‘You haven’t seen Kara pinning down a dog more than ten times its size,’ he thought. Perhaps her understanding of ‘cute’ was a bit off.

At lunch, the conversation turned serious.

“Qingwu, what do your parents do?” Liu Yunqing finally asked, having patiently held back her curiosity until now.

“My father has passed away,” Mu Qingwu replied with an air of grace and a gentle smile. “My mother stays at home, she doesn’t work.”

“Oh.” Liu Yunqing nodded, exchanging a glance with her husband.

“Mom, Qingwu’s mother comes from the same place as you,” Xiao Yu casually mentioned while eating.

“What?” Liu Yunqing’s eyes widened in surprise. “What’s her name? Maybe I know her.”

“Zhou Xuelan,” Mu Qingwu revealed her mother’s name.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.

Xiao Yu and Mu Qingwu could immediately sense the couple in front of them stiffening, their expressions one of sheer astonishment.

What was going on?

“Your mother…” Liu Yunqing, coming back to her senses, asked eagerly, “Is it true that she was pregnant with you at eighteen and had you at nineteen? Was your father a former soldier, six years older than her?”

“Ah?” Mu Qingwu was equally taken aback. “Yes, that’s right!”

Xiao Yu was stunned too.

Both were sharp enough to realize that the two families’ mothers must have known each other. What a small world.

“You’re Xuelan’s daughter!” Liu Yunqing’s eyes brimmed with tears. “We grew up together, played together since we were little. It’s been over twenty years since we last saw each other. She left in such a hurry when she was just pregnant with you, without even leaving a way to contact her.”

Mu Qingwu, “…”

Xiao Yu wore a bewildered expression.

Could this really be happening, or was it just too much of a coincidence?

Then, Liu Yunqing took Mu Qingwu’s phone number and called Zhou Xuelan. As soon as they started talking, Liu Yunqing burst into tears and laughter, quickly arranging a meeting.

Xiao Yu and Mu Qingwu exchanged glances.

They both could sense something momentous was unfolding.

Sure enough.

About half an hour later, Zhou Xuelan arrived at the Xiao residence.

The two women embraced, their reunion after years apart bringing them to tears. Childhood friends, now reunited as close sisters, their crying shook the room, even bringing Xiao Shengguo to the verge of tears.

However, Xiao Yu and Mu Qingwu felt a chill run down their spines.

The moment the two mothers discovered their children were now a couple, it was a scene of utter jubilation and celebration.

The whole situation felt like a perfect example of the saying ‘fate works in mysterious ways.’

Caught up in overwhelming happiness and excitement, the conversation took a sudden turn.

One proposed, “Should we get the kids married?”

The other readily agreed, “Yes, why not?”

The first continued, “How about tomorrow?”

The response came quickly, “Sounds good to me.”

Xiao Yu felt as if he was about to faint. ‘This can’t be happening.’

Mu Qingwu, usually so composed, looked utterly shocked, struggling to process what was happening.

Both of them were on the verge of panic. How could everything be decided so hastily, without even considering their thoughts?

Seizing a moment while the elders were engrossed in conversation, Xiao Yu and Mu Qingwu retreated to his bedroom.

“We need to come up with something!” Mu Qingwu’s voice was tinged with desperation, a far cry from her usual calm demeanor.

“A solution?” Xiao Yu gave an exasperated eye-roll. “My mom used to train in Sanda. If I dare say ‘no,’ she’d probably beat me to a pulp.”

“What a coincidence,” Mu Qingwu’s face paled slightly. “My mom was also into Sanda. Could it be that… they trained together?”

“…” Xiao Yu sighed, feeling downcast. “Sister, we’re getting sidetracked. Right now, the issue is they want us to get married.”

“Oh.” Mu Qingwu quickly regained her composure, pondering for a moment. “Are you really concerned about the whole ‘marriage’ thing?”

“Uh?” Xiao Yu paused, then relaxed considerably. “Actually, you’re right. Maybe I shouldn’t worry too much about it.”

Besides, with this new status, their parents wouldn’t pressure them anymore. It might actually make things easier, freeing him to move out and enjoy more personal space. It seemed like a win-win solution.

Xiao Yu and Mu Qingwu’s eyes sparkled with a newfound idea.

“So…” Xiao Yu glanced at Mu Qingwu.

“Let’s get married,” Mu Qingwu said with a charming smile.

Two love-struck fools unexpectedly come to a mutual agreement.