Chapter 10: Meeting the Family
1191 Words
The next day arrived as scheduled.
Sophia Shen wore a light mint-green dress that barely reached her knees. The soft hue accentuated her fair complexion, making her skin appear as smooth as jade.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said, slightly out of breath.
As she rushed forward, the hem of her dress fluttered, revealing the elegant curve of her legs.
Alexander Qin momentarily froze.
It was the first time he had seen his junior dressed so formally. He had to admit—compared to white, vibrant colors suited her better, making her appear even more lively, just like her personality.
"No worries, I just got here too," Alexander replied, standing up straight.
Today, he was dressed casually in a light-colored outfit, his slightly tousled bangs falling over his forehead, making him look more like a fresh college graduate than a cold and distant businessman.
With his refined aura and striking features, he naturally reached out, taking the large and small bags from Sophia's hands before opening the passenger door for her.
"Let's go."
Sophia hesitated for a moment.
The passenger seat…
After a brief pause, she bent down and got in.
As Alexander started the car and drove away, a man emerged from the bushes nearby, watching them with clenched teeth before cursing under his breath.
—
In the car, Sophia clutched the seatbelt tightly, her nerves evident.
It was her first time meeting her in-laws, and she had no idea what to expect. She couldn’t exactly ask her mother for advice either. The gifts she had prepared were hastily bought from a supermarket near her apartment, and she wasn't even sure if they were appropriate.
"You don't have to be nervous. Grandpa is easy to get along with," Alexander reassured her.
"He’s just happy that I’m finally married—there’s no way he’d make things difficult for you."
Sophia: …
Did he really have to phrase it like that?
Still, his words did help ease her nerves a little.
If Alexander had such a good temperament, then his family should be easy to get along with too… right?
If anyone who knew Alexander personally had heard her thoughts, they would have been utterly shocked. They might have even suggested she get her eyes checked.
Since when was the "King of the Business World" known for having a good temper?
—
It was a weekend, so the roads weren’t too congested, and they soon arrived at their destination.
Alexander got out first, then walked around to open the door for Sophia.
Noticing that she was deliberately keeping her distance, he took a step forward and placed a firm yet gentle hand on her waist.
The unexpected warmth of his touch made Sophia momentarily freeze.
"Let’s go," he said casually.
Her ears turned slightly red as she nodded.
He was right. If they acted too distant in front of his grandfather, it would seem as if something was wrong with their marriage.
Alexander noticed her reaction but said nothing.
To him, this marriage was real, not just a contractual agreement. And his little junior… was actually quite nice.
—
Alexander’s grandfather, William Qin, was an incredibly trendy old man.
Dressed in a loose short-sleeved hoodie and a pair of slightly ripped blue jeans, he completed his look with a pair of sunglasses. Standing beside him was an adorable fluffy Samoyed on a leash, its tail wagging excitedly.
The moment Sophia approached, the dog dashed toward her, circling her feet in a plea for attention.
"You must be Sophia," William greeted her warmly, his smile deepening.
"Grandpa!" Sophia beamed, her voice sweet as honey.
Her affectionate tone instantly melted the old man’s heart.
At first, he had worried that his grandson’s wife might be as cold and reserved as Alexander. But to his surprise, she was the complete opposite—lively, cheerful, and charming.
Looks like this brat finally made a good decision.
"You didn’t have to bring gifts," William chided, shooting a glance at Alexander.
In all these years, his grandson had never once brought him anything when visiting. Yet here was Sophia, meeting him for the first time, already so considerate.
"It’s just a small token. I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I picked something at random," Sophia said with a playful smile, slipping her arm through William’s. "But next time, you have to tell me what you really like so I can get you something better."
William chuckled, clearly pleased.
She was an expert at charming elders—no wonder the neighborhood grandparents adored her.
"Alright, alright! But first, let’s eat."
—
During lunch, Sophia showered William with attention, calling him "Grandpa" so sweetly that he laughed heartily the entire time.
Trailing behind them, Alexander's gaze softened ever so slightly.
The meal wasn’t extravagant—just simple, home-cooked dishes. But the ingredients were fresh, the oil was kept light, and the flavors were crisp and refreshing.
After they finished eating, Sophia and William sat outside, enjoying the cool breeze while Alexander stepped away to take a call.
With the upcoming change in weather, the wind carried a refreshing chill. The rustling leaves of the birch trees created a serene atmosphere.
"Sophia, how was lunch? Did you like it?" William asked.
Sophia patted her stomach, satisfied.
"I loved it! I ate so much I can barely move," she said, flashing him a thumbs-up. "Grandpa, your choices were perfect!"
William burst into laughter.
"I actually asked Alexander beforehand. A few of those dishes were ones he specifically mentioned."
Sophia blinked in surprise.
She had assumed the meal was chosen randomly, but it turned out Alexander had arranged it based on what she liked.
They had only eaten together a couple of times, and she had never explicitly stated her preferences. Yet somehow, he had remembered.
A warmth spread through her chest.
"He’s always been considerate," she murmured.
William raised a brow before a knowing smile crossed his lips.
He knew his grandson well. If Alexander didn’t have feelings for Sophia, he wouldn’t have married her—let alone bring her home to meet him.
—
"You young people must have things you like to do," William suddenly said. "It’s still early, and I don’t want to keep you bored sitting with an old man."
Sophia’s eyes twinkled with amusement.
"Grandpa, I noticed a gaming console in the living room earlier. How about I play a few rounds with you? I’m pretty good at video games."
William's eyes lit up.
"Really? Fantastic! Let’s go!"
—
By the time Alexander returned, he was greeted by a rather unexpected scene.
His grandfather and Sophia were sitting on the couch, completely absorbed in a video game, their competitive spirits in full swing.
"That i***t! How did he miss the shot?!" William cursed passionately.
"Run, you little brat! Hide!"
"Ugh, what a noob! Why are you charging in like that? You’re just feeding the enemy team!"
Alexander: …
He had forgotten to warn his grandfather to tone it down in front of Sophia.
Was this really the refined elder of the Qin family?
And was this really the same demure, well-mannered girl he had married?
- Writer
