166. Amusement Park, Offering Tea

As the two arrived at the amusement park, Gao Shen was greeted by a series of shrill screams piercing the air, making his scalp tingle for reasons unknown.

Raising his gaze to the massive contraptions in the sky, he saw unfamiliar apparatuses spinning and tumbling rapidly—and there were actually people riding them?

Gao Shen’s eyes deepened, leaving him utterly speechless in his heart.

Looking at the bizarrely shaped giant structures rotating in every conceivable direction, Gao Shen felt as though he had stepped into a bizarre and fantastical world.

Jing Qingxin did not give Gao Shen any time to study or marvel. Pulling him by the hand, she dragged him through every single amusement facility she found fun and thrilling!

Although Gao Shen felt somewhat uncomfortable at first, he gradually settled into the enjoyment of it all. Throughout the entire process, the two of them had a wonderfully joyful time.

Because their time was limited, they both kept a close eye on the clock. Having reserved a few hours for a family gathering, they made sure to head to the dinner venue on time, even though they hadn't completely exhausted their fun at the amusement park.

The dinner was set at "Beauty's Abode," a private club under Jing Mother’s name. One of its small buildings was dedicated exclusively to health-conscious custom dining, offering a multitude of delicious medicinal dishes and tonics boasting exceptionally high nutritional value, making them perfect for nourishing the body.

When Jing Qingxin led Gao Shen into their exclusive private dining room, Jing Father, Jing Mother, and Jing Qingmu were already waiting inside.

"Dad, Mom~" Jing Qingxin and Gao Shen greeted them simultaneously.

Jing Qingxin introduced Gao Shen, saying, "A-Shen, this is my fraternal twin brother, Jing Qingmu. We're twins!"

"Hello, Big Brother! I am Gao Shen." Without the slightest hesitation, Gao Shen offered a polite and direct address.

Though it felt a bit awkward to call a man younger than himself "Big Brother," who was he to complain when the man was his brother-in-law and his wife's own flesh-and-blood sibling? Naturally, he had to treat him with the utmost respect!

Before Jing Qingxin and Gao Shen entered the room, Jing Father and Jing Mother had already briefed Jing Qingmu on their recent situation. However, the moment Gao Shen stepped through the door, Jing Qingmu kept his gaze fixed intently on him. He wanted to see for himself what kind of man could make his sister give her heart so completely, even to the extent of leaving her homeland far behind.

Hearing the address, Jing Qingmu furrowed his brows slightly, feeling a touch of awkwardness. But since his younger sister was already married to the man, as an older brother, he would respect her choice. He immediately replied, "Mm, hello. You can just call me Qingmu."

"Alright, Qingmu!" Gao Shen was not one to stand on ceremony and accepted the instruction smoothly.

Jing Qingmu's first impression of Gao Shen was actually quite favorable! With striking facial features, a cold and proud demeanor, a tall and formidable build, and the unyielding backbone of a soldier, Gao Shen instantly earned even more of his good graces. He had heard that Gao Shen's family originally belonged to a scholarly background, meaning his cultural literacy was not low either—making him a very suitable match for his sister!

He had initially worried that his sister might have chosen some rough and unpolished brute, especially considering that during that era, the nation's educational and cultural standards had hit an all-time historical low. His sister had a unique vision and knew how to choose, though this was ultimately thanks to the destined bond between them.

After the five of them exchanged pleasantries and took their seats, the private dining attendants began serving a table full of dishes. Jing Qingxin sat beside Jing Mother, as the three men intended to share a hearty drink together.

Knowing that drinking was unavoidable tonight, Gao Shen readily accompanied his father-in-law and brother-in-law in their toasts. The wine on the table tasted identical to the "Peach Blossom Brew" his wife had once produced!

Throughout the dinner, everyone enjoyed a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Both Jing Father and Jing Qingmu cherished Jing Qingxin deeply. Now that the daughter/sister they had protected with such meticulous care had been carried off by another family, it was inevitable that they felt a little displeased in their hearts, prompting them to intentionally try and get Gao Shen drunk.

Gao Shen was not a thick-headed or simple-minded man. On the contrary, his insight was exceptionally sharp and his mind agile. How could he fail to notice the little tricks played by the two Jing men? Yet, he willingly accepted them!

He had always known that his wife’s family shared an exceptionally close bond, with everyone looking after and doting on her immensely.

Now that they were willing to accommodate and support Qingxin in living her life with him, he was already profoundly grateful. He completely understood their minor grievances; if the roles were reversed, he certainly wouldn't bear to let his own daughter abandon a comfortable life to suffer alongside a soldier!

Therefore, Gao Shen smiled and silently accepted their attempts to toast him into intoxication.

Naturally, Jing Father and Jing Qingmu wouldn't actually get Gao Shen drunk. Both men maintained a sense of proportion; they were merely indulging in a bit of petty sullenness, which couldn't possibly overshadow Qingxin's happiness. Furthermore, both knew they would have to travel through time and space to return later, and being dead drunk would complicate things immensely.

After the meal was cleared away, the five of them sat in the lounge area of the private room. It was already eight o'clock in the evening, leaving them just two hours before departure.

Jing Father and Jing Mother inevitably had parting advice and instructions to give, and both Jing Qingxin and Gao Shen listened quietly and acknowledged every word.

Afterward, carrying teacups from the coffee table nearby, Jing Qingxin and Gao Shen knelt side by side on both knees, respectfully presenting filial tea to Jing Father and Jing Mother—what was traditionally known in wedding customs as the "tea of address change."