Chapter 687 - 394: One Wedding for Each Person? (Part 2)

Zhao Qingge also felt that the four o’clock meeting was a bit late, so she nodded and agreed: "Sure, I’ll check if they’re available."

...

Li Xin and Zhao Haiqi, though both university leaders and usually busy with work, didn’t have to work overtime every weekend, and since today was an important meeting, they had specifically cleared their schedules for the entire day.

With the ample time available, Li Qiyuan’s suggestion was approved, thus the meeting between the parents from both families was moved up by more than three hours from the original four o’clock plan.

"Haha, Peifeng was right, my future in-law indeed looks young."

"Really? Hearing you say that makes me feel a few years younger all of a sudden, haha~"

"Professor Li, please have a seat, there are some fruits here."

As the two families met for the first time, they exchanged greetings politely.

Li Xin and Zhao Haiqi, needless to say, were both adept at social interactions, their manners impeccable, and they did not let any difference in social status show in their expressions or say anything condescending. On the contrary, they were warm and natural.

Li Qiyuan was also enlightened and humorous, exuding personal charm with every gesture and word.

Li Peifeng always thought his dad was not only a teacher but also a philosopher, a poet, and maybe even half a stand-up comedian, as he had a bit of humor in his bones, which he had somewhat inherited, so he coordinated with Old Li, lifting the conversational atmosphere even higher.

The conversation flowed from the pregnant Yu Huizhi, to amusing stories from each other’s university and work, then back to family, talking about Li Peifeng and Zhao Qingge’s grandparents and the previous generation.

The conversation was so engaging that Li Qiyuan and Zhao Haiqi were familiarly addressing each other as ’brother’ before they knew it, and half an hour flew by. Li Qiyuan suddenly clapped his forehead, saying he almost forgot something.

He then picked up the backpack he had brought from home, opened it, and took out an art case.

"This is a painting my wife did by hand, and she specifically asked me to give it to you two before coming over."

Li Xin waved her hand with a smile: "Xiaofeng never comes empty-handed, and now Professor Li, you also bring something over, making us..."

"A gentleman keeps benevolence in his heart and courtesy in his heart. Benevolent people love others, and courteous people respect others. Those who love others are always loved by people, those who respect others are always respected by people."

Zhao Haiqi, while reaching out to take the painting scroll, quoted Confucius elegantly: "Reciprocity is the way, next time it will be our turn to return the visit... Let’s see what the painting is about."

"It depicts the scenery of Ningyuan City. We hope the two of you can visit us when you have the time."

Zhao Haiqi repeatedly praised it, and unrolled the 81cm×51cm-sized painting on the coffee table, allowing everyone to view it in full.

It was a piece depicting a sunrise over the coast of Ningyuan City, with the view from Zeshan in Ningyuan overlooking the sea. The lush green forest on the mountain, and the bright red sun just emerging from the sea level, glowing with gold and red, set half the sky ablaze, giving a sense of majestic splendor, ’ten thousand lights dye the sea breeze, waves surge in all seasons.’

The sea, with its natural blue enhanced by the morning sun, formed a brilliant kaleidoscope, dreamy and magical, a shimmering spectacle, the transparent and glittering water, vivid yet fluid and full of texture, not even a camera could capture the painting’s essence.

The hyper-realistic style, fresh and bright, with a free and natural brushwork.

Especially the depiction of the water, not only realistic but also very moving. Yu Huizhi used watercolors to express the light and shadow effects of seawater under different climatic conditions, a technique that was unparalleled. Watercolors are most feared for repeated modifications and multi-layered paint coverage, making portraying water quite challenging.

"Wow~"

The Zhao family trio was clearly amazed, whether it was genuine or out of respect.

"My mom’s painting skills have improved greatly." Li Peifeng commented, and Li Qiyuan gave him a sidelong glance, whispering: "Your paintings helped her a lot."

"Auntie could hold an art exhibition." Zhao Qingge praised, and Zhao Haiqi also nodded in agreement: "Thanks for the trouble, this thoughtfulness is too precious, Brother Qiyuan, you must thank her well for us. Next summer, we’ll definitely visit Ningyuan City."

Li Xin looked at the blank space in the upper right corner of the painting, which bore the title "Sunrise on the Sea" and Yu Huizhi’s elegant and flowing personal autograph, and was satisfied not only with the painting but also with its creator.

It is often said that a painting reflects its creator, as artworks largely represent the author’s character.

A mother-in-law with such talents and romanticism, Qingge will definitely not have a difficult time after marriage, and the two families will surely live in harmony in the future!

"I must thank her personally, Old Li, give me Huizhi’s WeChat, can I talk to her?"

"Sure." Li Qiyuan happily agreed, giving her the number, thinking it should be fine for Li Xin to call her right now.

Thus, Li Xin went into the bedroom to call Yu Huizhi, while Li Qiyuan continued chatting with Zhao Haiqi.

But, no one damn mentioned the main issue, which was the children’s marriage!

Zhao Haiqi wanted Li Qiyuan, as the groom’s parent, to bring it up, which was reasonable; after all, this sort of thing should be initiated by the groom’s side, else it seemed a loss of status. On the other hand, Zhao Haiqi also felt that if he broached the topic, it might seem like their daughter was eager to marry, though indeed, she was quite anxious about it.