When A Snail Falls In Love

Chapter 50

By the time the three men were seated, Xu Xu, had already wore clothes that covered her more, responding to the hint in Ji Bai's expression. However, this did nothing to shield them from Xu Jun's critical eyes. He glanced at her, then looked over at Ji Bai wearing his clothes, and remained silent.

Xu Xu had calmed down by now, and made formal introductions to her father: "Dad, this is my boyfriend, Ji Bai."

Ji Bai immediately held out his hand: "Uncle, how do you do?"

All three young people looked at Father Xu.

Mr Xu smiled gently, as if he had not noticed the messy bed in the room in front of him. He nodded at Ji Bai: "Hello. You're Xu Xu's colleague from the police force?"

The originally awkward atmosphere immediately mellowed – Ji Bai, with a calm expression, spoke comfortably and frankly. Xu Xu was able to put aside the millstone that had been weighing her down, and went off to make tea. Xu Jun observed his little sister's cheerful expression . . . and kept his silence.

When Xu Xu returned with the hot tea, she heard her father kindly ask Ji Bai: "Oh, you're from Beijing. What line of work are your parents in?"

This was not because Mr Xu intended to interrogate Ji Bai harshly**. He had a traditional scholar's quest for knowledge*** , but he was also a warm-hearted father****. Thus, he wanted to get to know his daughter's boyfriend, and naturally asked these questions.

**刨根问底 – to get to the bottom of things***传统的学者 = traditional scholar, I'm assuming the implication is that he wants to find out things?****(温儒 – warm scholar?; 慈父 – kind father – I've sort of conflated the two phrases)

Xu Xu and Xu Jun both looked at Ji Bai.

Ji Bai replied: "My parents have both retired. My father used to run his own company, and my mother worked in the Central Management Office. I have two older brothers; my eldest brother holds a post in the Ministry of Finance, while my second brother manages the family company."

Mr Xu was slightly startled. He nodded, and did not probe further.

Xu Xu had never asked about his family background before. She really liked his attitude when he replied – it was in a manner neither haughty nor humble, and without any attempt at concealment.

At this point, Xu Jun stood up: "Xu Xu, I'm going to get some things which I've left here." Xu Xu walked with him into the bedroom, whereupon Xu Jun closed the door.

Both siblings were naturally aware that this was just an excuse. Once in the room, Xu Xu sat at the edge of the bed. Being familiar with her father's character, she knew he would not put Ji Bai in a tight spot, but she was still a little curious as to what they would talk about, and her heart was also warm"

However, Xu Jun was not in such a good mood. He first walked to the table, and took up the bouquet to smell the roses. Then, he raised the glass half-full of red wine, swirled it around, then turned and looked at Xu Xu: "There should be at least an entire apartment of roses, and the world's most exquisite wine. That would be considered fitting for my little sister. This haphazard, shoddy preparation and you still let him take your relationship to the next level?**"

**(登堂入室 – pass through the hall into the inner chamber – reach a higher level in one's studies or become more proficient in one's profession)

Xu Xu had not been the slightest bit bashful when she previously talked about 'making love' with her brother, but now that it had actually happened, she felt a trace of embarrassment. With a slightly hot face, she replied: "None of your business."

Xu Jun: "I'm worried that you will be taken advantage of."

Xu Xu: "I'm willing**."

(心甘情愿 – be most willing to; be perfectly happy to)

Xu Jun paused. He knew Xu Xu was just speaking her mind, and, if they continued the conversation, the situation would become very awkward. It would be best to drop the subject. Although he, as her brother, still felt a strong sense that she might 'be at a disadvantage', when he thought about it, his little sister was naturally independent and intelligent. If Ji Bai really wronged her, he was only worried that she would kick Ji Bai fiercely to the curb. She would probably not suffer great loss. Thus, he felt slightly more at ease.

Then, the siblings looked at the tightly shut door. Xu Xu asked: "What do you think they are talking about?"

Xu Jun replied: "I don't know. However, Dad has a sense of propriety. He only has good intentions towards both of you, no bad intentions at all."

Xu Xu nodded.

This was how the Xu family members got along. Although both children had extremely distinctive personalities, from a young age, their upbringing under their father had been very strict. Therefore, since their father had pretended nothing was amiss when he pushed open the front door and came upon the awkward situation, Xu Jun did not dare to interfere, and quietly sat to one side. In addition, while Xu Jun had given some thought about his potential brother-in-law, now that he was actually in front of Ji Bai, he was unsure how severely he should act as Xu Xu's brother**, and was also worried his little sister would feel bad. Thus, in their family, the one who spoke most freely was actually the most benign of them – their father, next being Xu Xu, and finally, Xu Jun.

(下马威 – severity shown by an official on assuming office; the severity of a newly appointed official)

Of course, Ji Bai was also aware of this. After conversing pleasantly with Mr Xu for a while, without beating around the bush and with a great deal of respect, he said: "Uncle, our encounter today was unexpected, and definitely cannot be considered proper. Another day, I will accompany Xu Xu to pay you a visit. If you consent, I would also like to bring Xu Xu home to Beijing with me to visit my family."