Meeting the In-Laws

Arthur Evans nodded in agreement. This girl Cecilia—just by her capability and poise, she’s a little Lily Evans in the making.

If our family can welcome such a daughter-in-law, that’s truly a blessing!

Arthur Evans beamed and nodded, turning to Mrs. Charlotte Evans: "Of course! And just look at who Leonard’s parents are. Our son’s talent for finding a good wife is just as sharp as his father’s!"

Arthur Evans’s words were a roundabout way of praising Mrs. Charlotte Evans, saying she was every bit as exceptional as Cecilia.

Mrs. Charlotte Evans blushed at his words and murmured, "You old rascal, the kids are all grown and you still have no filter."

Though she said it, Mrs. Charlotte Evans leaned closer to Arthur Evans, who naturally put his arm around her waist. The couple, sweet as ever, stood with their child, their affection undiminished by the passage of years.

Leonard Yuan watched his parents’ loving display, feeling a surge of envy in his heart.

He glanced at Cecilia, who was discussing business with Lily Evans, and felt a warmth inside: Someday, when he marries Cecilia, he’ll be just as devoted as his parents—decades of love, just like them. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Just as Leonard Yuan was lost in thought, he heard laughter from the boat. Dozens of young men and women who had returned from overseas rushed toward Lily Evans, all kneeling at her feet and respectfully calling her Teacher.

Lily Evans smiled at the group of young scholars and said, "You’ve spent years studying abroad, witnessed the advancements and prosperity of foreign industries, and come to understand our own backwardness. Now that you’ve returned, the future of Qin depends on you!"

The students, filled with passion and ambition for their homeland, declared in unison, "We pledge to serve the Kingdom of Qin with unwavering dedication and loyalty!"

"Excellent! You may all rise. You've all had a long journey across the seas, so I've arranged accommodations for you. Go and get some rest first," Lily Evans said with a warm smile.

The students stood up, their cheeks still bearing traces of youthful innocence, brimming with the unique fervor of adolescence.

Cecilia turned to Lily Evans and said respectfully, "Professor, I'll go settle the students in now."

"Alright, go ahead. Thank you for your hard work," Lily replied, giving Cecilia an encouraging pat on the shoulder. Cecilia had always been the leader among the overseas students, and after years of experience, her natural leadership was even more apparent. The students trusted her completely.

Leonard Yuan said to Cecilia, "Once you've settled everyone in, I'll come find you."

As the two spoke in front of everyone, the students started making playful noises—"Ooh!" "Aha!"—wiggling their eyebrows and pulling silly faces.

Cecilia's face flushed red. She shot them a glare and said, "You little rascals! Just wait, I'll deal with you later!"

The students burst into laughter. Cecilia, cheeks still burning, turned to Leonard Yuan and stammered, "W-why do you want to find me?"

Leonard Yuan's face turned even redder. "My mother wants to invite you to dinner at our house..."

"Ah..." Cecilia's ears grew hot. She glanced at Arthur and Charlotte Evans, who were standing together, looking at her with gentle, loving smiles.

No matter how bold and straightforward Cecilia was, she was still a young woman in love. Meeting her future in-laws, she tried to appear calm, but inside she was a bundle of nerves.

Especially when her future mother-in-law extended the invitation to dinner—Cecilia's heart was pounding with anxiety and anticipation.

"Yes, thank you, Aunt Charlotte..." Cecilia's voice was barely above a whisper. Then she spun around, her expression suddenly stern as she barked at the students who were still watching the spectacle, "Alright, that's enough gawking! Follow me, get settled in—now!"