Chapter 108: A Bustling Threshold

"What? You say Liu Qian wants to stay at our house for a couple of days? Why?"

Looking at her son standing before her, Zhang Caixia's face was filled with astonishment. Liu Qian was indeed a lovable girl, and in her heart, she had already unofficially designated her as her future daughter-in-law.

But what era was this? The nineties! A young, unmarried woman coming to stay at their home for no reason? If word got out, it would surely ruin her reputation!

"That’s right, son, you can't be messing around like this!" Wu Wanli followed up, rejecting Wu Ya’s request. Even if their own family didn't fear being gossiped about, they had to consider Liu Qian’s position.

Fortunately, Wu Ya had anticipated this situation, which was why he had entered the house first. Otherwise, it would have surely created an awkward scene.

"Mom, Dad, I won't hide it from you—Liu Qian had a falling out with her parents!"

A falling out. Helpless, Wu Ya had no choice but to tell the truth. It was difficult to find an excuse at a time like this. Even twenty years later, in the time before he was reborn, society was not open enough for a young woman to move into her boyfriend's home so openly.

"She fought with her parents? Why?"
"Yes, Ya'er, why?"

The elderly couple's surprise only deepened. Before Wu Ya could answer, Zhang Caixia firmly refused again. "Ya'er, that makes it even worse! If Liu Qian’s parents find out their daughter ran away in a fit of anger and we didn't persuade her to go home but kept her instead, they’ll come knocking to hold us accountable! After all, no family wants their daughter to be the subject of gossip!"

Given Liu Qian’s sensible, gentle, and virtuous nature, for her to fight with her parents to the point of running away meant the situation was serious. By keeping her instead of encouraging her to return and resolve the issue, they would be adding fuel to the fire. It was neither morally right nor socially acceptable.

"Mom, Dad, I won't tell you the reason for their argument, but I can guarantee you that Liu Qian’s parents will not come here to blame us! Because..."

Wu Ya lowered his voice, acting as if he were afraid of being overheard by Liu Qian outside.

"Are you saying that Liu Qian coming to stay with us has her parents' permission?" Zhang Caixia’s eyes widened, looking at Wu Ya in utter disbelief, her excitement bubbling over.

"Shh! Old woman, can't you keep your voice down? If Liu Qian hears you, she’ll think I’m conspiring with her parents behind her back! If she gets angry and leaves again, wouldn't that ruin their relationship?" Wu Wanli glared at the door and scolded Zhang Caixia.

He, too, was incredibly excited. Liu Qian ran away, yet her parents had secretly contacted Wu Ya, trusting him to take care of her. This wasn't just about safety; it was a sign of absolute trust—they didn't treat Wu Ya as an outsider. At the most critical moment, they saw him as the best person to look after their daughter. This was a great sign; it meant they had already accepted his status in their hearts. Otherwise, what parents would risk their daughter's reputation to let a boy look after her?

"Hehe, are you two at ease now?" Seeing his parents' expressions, Wu Ya knew his words had worked. Although he didn't know what kind of answer Huang Silu had actually received from Liu Qian's parents, he was certain Huang Silu wouldn't lie to him. If he said they agreed, they agreed—even if the original plan was for her to stay at Huang Silu’s house instead of his. But to Wu Ya, that made no difference. The information given to Liu Qian's parents was that she was at Huang Silu’s, so he could safely guarantee they wouldn't come looking for her at his home. In their minds, they were probably happy for her to stay away for a while.

"Hehe, good! Good! We’re at ease, absolutely at ease!" Zhang Caixia was beaming. Ever since she met Liu Qian, she had prayed her son would find such a wife. Now, this heaven-sent opportunity had arrived.

"Ya'er, why are you still standing there like a statue? Go and bring Liu Qian in!" Wu Wanli urged, his eyes full of reproach. "You don't know how to cherish a girl! It's autumn now; the night air is cold!"

"Alright, I'm going." Wu Ya walked out with a satisfied smile.

"What did your uncle and aunt say? Do they agree to let me stay?" Liu Qian asked nervously the moment she saw him. This wasn't easy; after all, it wasn't Wu Ya’s own house, and the older generation’s concerns were complex. She felt the request was abrupt and wouldn't have done it if she wasn't desperate. Going home now meant showing weakness, surrendering to her parents' will, and agreeing to break up with Wu Ya. She didn't want that.

"Well..." Wu Ya’s expression dimmed, looking visibly apologetic.

"Forget it. I understand how your parents feel. Don't blame them, Wu Ya. Just find me a hotel, and I'll stay there for a few days," Liu Qian said, her voice heavy with disappointment and misery. In the nineties, in their small town, "hotels" were usually seedy, filthy, and disreputable places. She hadn't wanted to suggest it, but now she had no choice.

"Oh? You’d rather stay in those cheap motels than go home? If you really can't, just say a few nice words to your parents. You’re family, after all. Once the conflict is resolved, it won't be a big deal," Wu Ya said, watching her with a meaningful look.

"What did you say?" Liu Qian didn't notice the change in his expression; her face turned cold. She had left home to fight for him, yet here he was, telling her to compromise at her most helpless moment. If she were going to compromise, why would she be standing here in the cold wind? She looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes.

This sight moved Wu Ya to sudden self-reproach. "Liu Qian, I'm sorry. My parents agreed; I was just teasing you." He stepped forward, hurriedly wiping her tears.

Just then, a voice drifted over. "Oh my, isn't this Wu Ya? What's the matter, making your girlfriend cry?"

*Damn it! Why did I run into her?* Wu Ya didn't need to look to know it was their neighbor, Mrs. Shen, known as the "Town Crier." If she found out anything, the whole world would know.

"It's Mrs. Shen. This is my classmate, not my girlfriend," Wu Ya lied, forcing a smile despite his internal irritation. He had only himself to blame for teasing Liu Qian instead of taking her inside immediately.

"Oh? Your classmate? My, my, she's a real beauty! Look at that face..." Mrs. Shen scrutinized Liu Qian carefully before turning away, muttering, "Yes, yes, just a classmate." Her tone carried a mocking certainty.

Wu Ya’s heart sank. *It's over.*

"Hehe, Zhang Caixia, ever since your tailor shop took off, I’ve been annoyed by your attitude! You used to be so humble, and now you’re so arrogant. Well, let's see how you face people now that your son has brought a girl home in the middle of the night! I’m going to tell Old Mrs. Zhang right now and see how she handles you!" Mrs. Shen walked away, her face blooming with malicious glee.

"You!" Liu Qian, unaware of the gossip mill, was still fuming at Wu Ya for teasing her when she was so sad. She was about to settle the score, but Wu Ya had no time for that. Mrs. Shen was gone, but there were plenty of others in the neighborhood.

"Let's go, my parents are waiting inside." He grabbed Liu Qian’s hand and hurried toward the house, not daring to linger for another second.

But it was too late. Even without the rest of the neighborhood, Mrs. Shen’s efforts alone were enough to make the Wu household the center of attention, and a whirlwind of gossip was already beginning to sweep through the street.