Chapter 573: Chapter 436: Three Things at the Engagement Meeting (Parts 2 and 3)
"How’s the election going?"
While having lunch, Zhao Heng asked Xu Man Ni.
To be honest, he got the deputy director position directly, without going through a campaign like Xu Man Ni did, so he didn’t know what the election process was like.
"It’s okay, nothing too problematic, just had a small issue that my uncle already sorted out."
Xu Man Ni said casually.
"A small issue?"
Zhao Heng asked.
The uncle Xu Man Ni mentioned was Xu Wenqiang, the director of the operating room, which illustrates the advantages of having connections. As for two relatives working as director and head nurse, it’s completely fine; this is a hospital, and there’s no rule against relatives working together.
"Just some people being envious, but it’s a minor issue."
Xu Man Ni said.
In such a large institution like Eastern Hospital, the operating room is undoubtedly the core department, so it’s natural that many people would be envious and cause small troubles.
Thinking about it, it can be said that among all the nurses in Eastern Hospital, Xu Man Ni stands out; in terms of personal qualities, family background, or her boyfriend, she’s ahead of others.
Now she’s becoming the head nurse, practically leaving no room for others to compete.
"By the way, Hongdou has almost recovered these days, and she’s getting her cultural store ready to open."
After a pause, Xu Man Ni added.
"It’s always good to have something to do; staying idle at home all day isn’t a solution."
Zhao Heng nodded, welcoming Xu Hongdou’s move to get involved in something.
Although lying flat is also good, Xu Hongdou is still so young, she should do something, especially since she’s a high-achieving graduate from the Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Three days later.
Six-thirty in the evening, at a private restaurant, inside a private room.
Around the big round table sat Zhao Heng, his parents, Xu Man Ni, Xu Hongdou, and both sets of parents; it was the first meeting for the two families.
Other relatives from Xu Man Ni’s side weren’t invited this time.
Even though Zhao Heng is experienced, this was his first time in such a setting, so naturally, he felt a bit nervous; after all, it was the first time the parents were meeting, and first impressions are important.
However, seeing his father and father-in-law chatting animatedly, and his mother and mother-in-law laughing and glancing at him and Xu Man Ni, Zhao Heng suddenly felt maybe he was overly nervous.
The scene of both parents getting along so well was unexpected for Zhao Heng.
Watching videos online of parents meeting and having unpleasant disagreements over dowry and other issues made this warm scene feel almost dreamlike for Zhao Heng.
Once the dishes were served, the two fathers started drinking, making the atmosphere even more lively. Seeing his father and father-in-law with their arms around each other’s shoulders, having a warm and hearty conversation, Zhao Heng couldn’t help but feel they were about to become sworn brothers.
Now the father-in-law, evidently drunk, hugged Zhao’s father and said, "Old brother, rest assured, you’ve raised such a good son; we’ll treat him well. He’s like my own son! Even if it’s about Man Ni, you can rest assured, we won’t bully him!"
Hearing this rambling, Xu Man Ni couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless. Her father’s habit of becoming incoherent after drinking seemed impossible to change.
"Old brother, let’s not say anything more; it’s all in the drink!"
Zhao’s father, hearing this, raised his glass to signify a toast, then downed it in one go.
This in-law meeting went much better than he imagined, and feeling so happy, he, who usually doesn’t drink much, let loose a bit today.
"Dad, drink a little less."
Zhao Heng and Xu Man Ni spoke almost in unison.
"It’s fine, today we’re happy, and besides, it’s low-alcohol red wine; drinking a bit more will only make us sleep, no big deal."
Xu’s mother smiled at Zhao Heng and Xu Man Ni.
Hearing this, Xu Man Ni and Zhao Heng exchanged a glance, realizing they couldn’t do much else; with the fathers so joyfully drinking, interrupting the mood seemed wrong.
"Are you sure they won’t drink too much?"
Zhao’s mother expressed concern.
"Mother-in-law, it’s fine, this wine doesn’t hit hard, drinking a little more just makes you sleep."
Xu’s mother responded with a cheerful demeanor.
She was very pleased today. As a mother, who wouldn’t want their daughter to have a good match? Even though today’s young people advocate not dating or marrying, saying they can live well alone, Xu’s mother knew finding a good partner meant a lot in a woman’s life.
And Zhao Heng met all her expectations in terms of looks, temperament, talent, and capability, to the point of being unchallengeable. Initially, Xu’s mother thought of financially supporting them after marriage, but seeing the way things were now, even that aspect seemed covered.
Now, he was simply the perfect son-in-law.
The saying goes, "A son-in-law is half a son," and a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law finds him increasingly pleasing to the eye; Xu’s mother was now in that state.
"Mother-in-law, when Man Ni has a child in the future, let’s take turns to take care of them. Nowadays, nannies aren’t reliable; we’re still mobile enough to manage baby care, don’t you think?"
