Chapter 60: Meeting the Xu Family
Xu Huazhang didn’t call him “baby” this time. Instead, he used Mu Lantu’s full name—a sign of his serious attitude.
Mu Lantu responded with a quiet “Mm,” still nervous.
To help him relax, Xu Huazhang began telling a story. “One of my superiors, when he first found out about us, actually called my parents to complain. He hoped they could change my mind, make me marry a woman, pass on good genes, and serve the country.”
Mu Lantu frowned slightly, feeling uncomfortable. “That kind of thinking is a little…”—it carried a whiff of moral coercion.
“He didn’t know that I came out to my family back in middle school. They understood and didn’t have any other expectations for me—just wanted me to be happy. His attempt to complain didn’t work; instead, my parents and brother ganged up on him. If it weren’t for the fact that he’s also serving the country, I wouldn’t still be working under him.” Xu Huazhang held Mu Lantu’s hand tightly. “Baby, I’ve thought it through. I’ll work another ten years, then resign. I’ll get a more relaxed, freer job so I can spend more time with you.”
“You’ve thought that far ahead?” Mu Lantu’s nervousness melted away under the security Xu Huazhang gave him, his voice softening.
“You’re the one I’ve chosen as my partner. Of course you’re in my life plan.” Xu Huazhang gently brushed his thumb along Mu Lantu’s brow ridge and planted a firm but tender kiss on his forehead.
Mu Lantu’s wildly beating heart calmed down.
Xu Huazhang was his source of confidence.
The car smoothly pulled into a vast estate. Through the window, Mu Lantu saw someone hurrying out of the villa. Upon spotting the car, they smiled broadly and then rushed back inside.
Hand in hand, Mu Lantu and Xu Huazhang entered the living room. With a glance, Mu Lantu quickly took in everyone present.
Seeing the two walk in hand-in-hand, everyone smiled warmly. Both men were handsome, dressed in identical indigo casual suits, and even walked with the same posture and demeanor. It was as if their presence lit up the whole room.
Gu Caiwei had a phrase flash through her mind: What a perfect couple!
And it fit perfectly here.
The Xu family had seen Mu Lantu in photos before, but a picture could never capture a person’s true charm. In person, his looks and presence were far more striking. It was no wonder he had captured the heart of Xu Huazhang, who had never paid anyone else any mind before.
Xu Huazhang began introducing his family to Mu Lantu one by one.
Mu Lantu greeted them politely but confidently: “Uncle, Auntie, sorry to intrude. Big Brother, Sister-in-law, Sister, Brother-in-law—it’s a pleasure.”
He didn’t forget the younger generation either.
“Pingfei, Anfei, Xiaoxiao—hello.”
The Xu family all nodded approvingly.
“Good, good, very good.”
Zhang Manting, age 67, was an elegant elderly lady with silver hair. She warmly took Mu Lantu’s hand. “Such a good child—come, sit with us.”
Xu Huazhang smiled. “Mom, Lantu prepared gifts for everyone.”
Zhang Manting chided him fondly, “This child, too polite!”
Zhou Ye and the others quickly placed the gift boxes on the coffee table and quietly left.
Mu Lantu handed out the gifts one by one.
He hadn’t overextended himself—he gave practical and tasteful items like tea, cigars, liquor, perfume, cosmetics, and electronics. Though conventional, they were not cheap, and each gift suited the recipient. It showed his sincere thoughtfulness.
The Xu family, knowing his financial background, weren’t bothered by the value. They accepted the gifts happily.
In return, Xu Jingwen, Zhang Manting, Xu Huafeng, Gu Caiwei, Xu Huacai, and Xiao Dongfeng gave him welcome gifts.
Xu Jingwen gave him an original foreign book on architecture. Zhang Manting gave a jade Guanyin pendant of imperial green. Gu Caiwei gave a bank card. Xu Huacai gave a property deed for a store. Xiao Dongfeng gave a brand-new car key. And Xu Huafeng gave the most extravagant gift—1% of Xu Technology Group’s shares!
Every gift had been carefully considered—but they were all extremely valuable.
Mu Lantu quickly declined, saying they were too much.
Xu Huazhang simply smiled and accepted everything on his behalf.
“Baby, no matter what they give you, just accept it. Later, when they have daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandsons’ wives, or granddaughters’ husbands come to visit, we’ll return the favor.”
The three younger family members all gave him the “Uncle, that’s so cringe” look.
The adults had complex expressions, half smiling as they looked at Xu Huazhang.
Mu Lantu blushed bright red and glared at Xu Huazhang fiercely.
Xu Huazhang wasn’t fazed. “They just don’t get it. You’re my most precious baby.”
Zhang Manting, seeing Mu Lantu—a composed and attractive young man—being so thoroughly embarrassed by her silly son that he looked like he wanted to flee, felt a bit sorry for him. She smacked Xu Huazhang on the arm and pulled Mu Lantu to sit beside her.
“Don’t pay attention to that nonsense-talker. Come, sit with us and chat.”
When Xu Huazhang tried to follow, Xu Huafeng immediately took the empty seat next to Zhang Manting.
Xu Huazhang glared and moved a little stool over, sitting awkwardly on the edge of the sofa while handing his boyfriend tea and snacks, with his long legs nowhere to go.
Zhang Manting and Xu Jingwen initially chatted casually with Mu Lantu, worried he might feel awkward. But they were surprised that he could speak fluently on everything from calligraphy and antiques to physics, tea, and chess. Their fondness for him grew stronger and more genuine.
“You know how to play chess? Come, keep this old man company for a couple of games,” Xu Jingwen said. Tall and sharp-eyed, he looked more like a military officer than a scholar. In his free time, he loved nothing more than a good chess match.
A servant quickly brought a chessboard.
Zhang Manting, Xu Huafeng, and Xiao Dongfeng gathered to watch.
Meanwhile, Gu Caiwei and Xu Huacai pulled the three younger ones aside to surround Xu Huazhang.
“Uncle, do you seriously call… Little Uncle ‘baby’?” Xu Pingfei asked first, exaggeratedly rubbing imaginary goosebumps. “That’s more cringe than high school couples.”
Xu Huazhang flicked him on the forehead. “What do you know, kid? And stop calling him Little Uncle—call him Uncle. Xiaoxiao, you too. Call him Uncle. He’s my chosen partner, and you need to respect him as you respect me. Got it? Even if you can’t mean it, you’d better fake it. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being harsh with you.”
The kids, though young, were old enough to understand. They looked at their mothers, who all nodded solemnly, and obediently said, “Got it.”
“I’m going to check on him.”
Worried about leaving Mu Lantu alone, Xu Huazhang went to the tea room.
Mu Lantu was doing fine. The Xu family was well-mannered and didn’t put him on the spot. Plus, he had the knowledge and presence to hold his own, so things went smoothly.
They played three games before dinner. The old man won two, and Mu Lantu won one.
Xu Jingwen suspected he’d been let win—he had no proof, just a hunch.
He liked Mu Lantu even more—not because of the “thrown” game, but because Mu Lantu was willing to please his elders.
“You’re really thoughtful. That rascal Huazhang can’t sit still long enough to play one game with me.”
“You should time yourself and see how slow your moves are,” Xu Huazhang teased.
The old man blew his beard in mock anger. “What’s wrong with being slow? Chess isn’t about speed—it’s about appreciating the infinite changes in every move!”
Everyone struggled not to laugh.
“Uncle, I quite agree. I first learned chess to develop patience,” Mu Lantu said, then turned to Xu Huazhang. “I didn’t know you played.”
Xu Huazhang froze. “I haven’t played in a long time. I like too many things—chess just lost its appeal. But if you ever want to play, I’ll gladly join you.”
Everyone else tried not to cringe.
Just then, the butler called them to dinner.
The group moved to the dining room.
The meal was lavish: hot and cold dishes, meat and vegetables, everything covered.
Afraid Mu Lantu might feel awkward, Xu Huazhang was extra attentive—pouring soup, serving food…
Seeing that Mu Lantu had quite the appetite, no one batted an eye. Xu Huazhang was known for eating a lot—it ran in the family.
During dinner, Zhang Manting asked when Xu Huazhang planned to visit Mu Lantu’s parents and when the two families might formally meet.
Though both were men, the fact they were meeting each other’s parents meant it was a serious relationship. And serious relationships should follow proper steps.
Mu Lantu personally didn’t think the parents needed to meet. To him, the relationship was just between him and Xu Huazhang. As long as they were happy, family approval wasn’t crucial. The Mu family lived in Anfeng, far from the Xu family in the capital, and they wouldn’t have many interactions. But since the Xu family showed him such respect, he responded:
“Huazhang can visit my parents anytime. But as for the families meeting… it may take a bit longer. My parents are from a small town. They’ve never encountered a situation like ours and might struggle to accept it. But I’ll talk to them soon. Last time Huazhang visited, they really liked him.”
Zhang Manting nodded understandingly. “We’ll follow your lead. Just let us know in advance when the time comes.”
After dinner at the Xu residence, Mu Lantu and Xu Huazhang finally left.
The elders didn’t insist they stay, knowing young people had their own lives. They just reminded them to visit often.
On the drive home, Mu Lantu said, “Well, I passed the ‘meet the family’ test, but you… might be in a bit of trouble.”
Xu Huazhang wasn’t worried at all. “That’s what you’re for.”
Mu Lantu’s phone lit up.
It was a call from Mu Hongtu.
The two brothers rarely spoke more than once or twice a day—this call was unexpected.
“Brother.”
“Your sister-in-law wants to divorce me. Come home now!”
The commanding tone made Mu Lantu frown. His voice turned even colder.
“That’s between you two. Why should I come back?”
