Chapter 178 158: Gathering Under One Roof

The siblings Liang Linan and Liang Lixin seemed to be more familiar with Zhen Chun since their families interacted quite a bit. Despite Zhen Chun's rebelliousness, her studies weren't neglected, and she's currently a freshman at Chinese University.The three of them chatted about university life, occasionally throwing in some English phrases. Xu Chunliang was evidently not part of their circle, and he didn't intend to fit in either. They were all there to visit Grandpa Xu, and after the holiday, they'd return to their own lives, rarely meeting even once a year, so just a bit of superficial engagement would suffice.

Xu Chunliang took the initiative to help out in the kitchen, but Zheng Peian told him it wasn't necessary; earlier, he'd already turned away others who wanted to help.

At that moment, Mei Ru Xue called, asking if Xu Chunliang was at home. She was on holiday back in Dongzhou and happened to pass by Huichun Hall, bringing him something at someone else's request.

Xu Chunliang quickly went out, seeing a NIO ES6 parked at the entrance. Mei Ru Xue got out of the car and waved at him.

Xu Chunliang smiled, "Doesn't Town Mayor Mei have to work?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "Do you think I can't even take a break during the holidays? President Wang knew I was back in Dongzhou, so he asked me to bring you something." She opened the trunk, which was packed with three parcels, one for Xu Chunliang, one for Gao Xinhua, and another for Zhao Feiyang.

Xu Chunliang said, "He's really something. Last time when I was coming back, he didn't let me bring it and insisted on troubling Town Mayor Mei." But secretly, he was thrilled, thinking Wang Jinwu was intentionally creating opportunities for him.

Mei Ru Xue said, "I don't quite understand it either. Hurry up and move them!"

At this point, Liang Linan and his sister came out to help, and Liang Linan was immediately struck by Mei Ru Xue's remarkable beauty.

Xu Chunliang had them help carry the parcels inside and invited Mei Ru Xue to come into the house. Mei Ru Xue said, "No thanks, I've just arrived from Weishan Island and want to go back and rest."

Xu Changshan also came out upon hearing the commotion. Recognizing Mei Ru Xue as the girl from a recent video, the old man assumed she was his grandson's girlfriend. He was incredibly enthusiastic and insisted on inviting Mei Ru Xue inside.

Mei Ru Xue greeted him as Grandpa Xu and couldn't refuse the old man's kindness, so she agreed to come in for a cup of tea.

Mei Ru Xue didn't expect Huichun Hall to be so lively today. Seeing all of Xu Chunliang's relatives, despite her time in officialdom, she couldn't help feeling awkward.

Xu Changshan introduced her as Xu Chunliang's friend. Although he didn't say she was the girlfriend, the old man certainly thought so, as did Xu Chunliang's other relatives.

Xu Chunliang didn't introduce Mei Ru Xue's identity, only mentioning her name.

Mei Ru Xue maintained her composure, greeted everyone, and said to Xu Chunliang, "I won't interrupt your family gathering. I'm heading back now."

Xu Changshan said, "Don't leave; we're about to have a meal, and you'll need to eat anyway. Stay and eat before you go."

"No, I won't!"

Xu Chunliang said, "Listen to Grandpa. Stay for a meal before leaving. I'll go steam the crabs first."

Mei Ru Xue said, "I'll go with you!" She preferred accompanying Xu Chunliang over facing so many gazes alone since these were all his family members, which was too awkward.

Upon seeing the handbag Mei Ru Xue set aside, Zhen Chun's eyes lit up. It was a Hermes Milk White Birkin 25, a bag she particularly liked but currently couldn't afford.

Women have an innate sensitivity to bags. Liang Lixin also noticed Mei Ru Xue's handbag and knew its price could easily buy a mid-range car.

After Mei Ru Xue left, Zhen Chun curiously said, "Do they make fakes that good in the mainland now?"

Xu Jiawen gave her a stern look, as his daughter spoke carelessly again.

Liang Lixin walked closer for a glance, "It seems like the real thing." She didn't touch it, as it would be impolite to handle someone else's belongings casually.

Zhen Chun didn't believe it and reached over to pick up Mei Ru Xue's handbag.

Just then, Mei Ru Xue returned to get her phone and saw it. Zhen Chun felt a bit embarrassed and laughed, "Sister, I really like your bag."

Mei Ru Xue smiled gently, "It was a gift from family."

Zhen Chun put the handbag down, and Xu Jiawen said, "This child really lacks manners."

Mei Ru Xue laughed, "It's fine. I also like handbags." She took out her phone and handed the bag to Zhen Chun, "Go ahead and take another look."

Zhen Chun loved the color combination, the brushed gold clasp, and the horseshoe imprint. The feel was soft, definitely genuine.

Liang Lixin said, "Is this the Hermes Milk White Birkin 25?"

Mei Ru Xue nodded.

Zhen Chun asked, "Do you also have Hermes boutiques in the mainland?"

Mei Ru Xue replied, "There are many now, almost all first and second-tier cities have them. Zhen Chun, don't underestimate the purchasing power of the mainland."

Liang Lixin said, "This model is hard to buy, right?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "Not very difficult. If you need one, I can help connect you. My sister-in-law knows someone in charge of the Shen City boutique, even for other popular styles."

Xu Jia'an and Xu Jiawen exchanged glances. From the conversation between the three girls, they already realized that this Mei Ru Xue was not simple. Even without Xu Chunliang introducing her identity, just one handbag had Liang Lixin and Zhen Chun so envious, and it's not like they were inexperienced girls.

Although Liang Lixin liked the handbag, she couldn't bring herself to spend over two hundred thousand on it.

Zhen Chun said, "It's a bit cheaper over in Xiangjiang."

Xu Jiawen said, "You're still in school, don't think about these things. A backpack suits you best."

Everyone laughed, and Liang Linan chimed in, "Miss Mei, where do you work?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "I work at the grassroots level in a township."

Liang Linan couldn't believe it. From Mei Ru Xue's demeanor, she was definitely a lady of stature. He took out a business card and handed it to her. Mei Ru Xue accepted it without even looking, putting it directly into her bag. Intuitively, she felt Liang Linan's behavior was impolite. After all, she was a friend of Xu Chunliang, and Liang Linan's intentions were too obvious.

Mei Ru Xue hoped Liang Linan would understand her disregard for the card and take the hint, but Liang Linan was oblivious, suggesting, "Why don't we add each other on WeChat? We're all young people; we can keep in touch often."

Xu Jia'an felt a bit embarrassed. Everyone loves beauty, but his son's approach was quite disrespectful. No matter how excellent Mei Ru Xue was, she was still Xu Chunliang's friend.

Mei Ru Xue said, "I'm usually busy with work, so if you want to reach me, you can go through Xu Chunliang." She turned and walked toward the backyard, not giving Liang Linan any face.

Zhen Chun chimed in, "Don't be so ungraceful."

Xu Jiawen glared at her daughter, while Liang Linan's face turned crimson with embarrassment. Liang Lixin also didn't sympathize with her brother; his attempt to add Mei Ru Xue on WeChat was indeed embarrassing.

Xu Chunliang was squatting in the yard cleaning crabs, unaware of what had just happened.

Mei Ru Xue remarked, "The courtyard is beautifully arranged."

Xu Chunliang said, "My grandpa enjoys tinkering with it when he's free."

Mei Ru Xue said, "I wouldn't have come if I'd known. This is quite awkward."

Xu Chunliang replied, "As long as you're not embarrassed, it's others who will be." He placed the cleaned crabs into the steamer, ready to take them to the kitchen. His aunt, Xu Jia'an, came over and took them, suggesting he chat with Mei Ru Xue.

Xu Chunliang took Mei Ru Xue on a tour of the second floor. Upon seeing so many bookshelves, Mei Ru Xue exclaimed, "Your family is impressive, a house rich in literary tradition, a TCM lineage."

Xu Chunliang said, "It's just okay."

On the desk by the window lay the Four Treasures of the Study, along with a medical classic Xu Chunliang hadn't finished copying. Mei Ru Xue picked it up and asked, "Did you write this?"

Xu Chunliang smiled, "The original is by Li Shizhen."

Mei Ru Xue said, "I meant the calligraphy."

"I'm open to leadership's critique."

Mei Ru Xue praised, "It's very well done. But seeing is believing; write a few more for me."

Xu Chunliang said, "Since you brought so many gifts for me, I'll just give you a piece of calligraphy." He found a three-foot xuan paper and wrote a poem titled "Pure Peace".

"As spring comes, memories weigh on my mind. The fallen plum blossoms are scattered like snow, brushing against me and covering me again."

Mei Ru Xue saw his elegant and free calligraphy, and her eyes shone. His seemingly nonchalant exterior was just a facade; the longer she interacted with him, the more she discovered his hidden depths. Just from his calligraphy alone, his skill was no lower than the reclusive master He Shouren.

Mei Ru Xue carefully stored away the piece Xu Chunliang gave her and softly said, "I've got some good news for you. The Dongzhou City Government has shown concern over the agreement Changxing signed back then. County leaders are taking it seriously. Based on current information, the property transfer won't have any issues."

"Thank you!"

Mei Ru Xue said, "No need to thank me. It was most likely your Dean Zhao who exerted pressure through the city. His father used to be an old leader of the military district."

Though Xu Chunliang knew Zhao Feiyang came from a military family, he wasn't aware of his father's specific position and hadn't thought to find out.

Mei Ru Xue gazed curiously at the rubbings on the wall. Not being a history major, she recognized a few words and sought Xu Chunliang's input, "Is this oracle bone script?"

Xu Chunliang nodded and shared the story of how his grandpa discovered oracle bone script on dragon bones years ago.

Mei Ru Xue felt a sense of regret upon hearing how that batch of dragon bones had ultimately been destroyed.

At this moment, Liang Lixin called them to eat.

It had been a long time since the Xu Family had been so lively. Xu Changshan was very happy, giving each young person a red envelope. Mai Ru Xue received one too.

Mei Ru Xue didn't feel it was appropriate. Xu Chunliang suggested she accept it, adding that if she didn't want it, she could secretly give it back to him later, sparing the need to refuse in front of Grandpa. She could even consider it a way to earn a bit more. Mei Ru Xue gave him a subtle, disapproving look.

Due to the earlier awkward encounter, Liang Linan had toned down considerably, though he still stole glances at Mei Ru Xue during dinner. He hadn't expected to meet such an outstanding girl in the third-tier city of Dongzhou. Even in the international metropolis of Shen City, he hadn't encountered a woman as exceptional. From his observations, it seemed Xu Chunliang and Mei Ru Xue weren't romantically involved.

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