This was my first time seeing my father open up and share his true feelings. He’s often very tough and strict, almost impossible to read. He must really be grateful to Mr Winfrey- and I was relieved.
“… that’s why I’ve decided to let her follow her dreams and her heart. When we first met, you said our second meeting would be when you come to ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage. You are a man of your word and that tells a lot about your character, so I’ll help you keep your word- but I have to ask. Is your intention with my daughter still the same as before?” he blurted out suddenly, shocking everyone except my mom.
Mr Winfrey didn’t tell me he had discussed such with my dad, so I was equally shocked.
Ok, now I’m even more nervous. But Mr Winfrey looked at me with those soft blue eyes, calming my nervousness as he replied my father.
“They are still the same, Uncle. Nothing have changed and nothing ever will. So, if your daughter and your family would have me, I wish to ask for Penelope’s hand in marriage.” He cited with a mild smile and a seriousness in his voice.
I couldn’t believe my ears. Honestly, this entire night have felt like one beautiful dream, I never want to wake up from. The man my heart yearns for just asked for my family’s blessing to marry and make me his wife.
He wasn’t forceful like Zhin Feng, he didn’t come with threats and blackmail like Feng either- he’s nothing like Feng.
He’s respectful, considerate and sweet. All thing that made me fall even harder for him.
“Do you love her and promise to make an honest woman out of her?” My mother asked sternly.
“Yes aunty, I promise. Nothing would make me happier than loving your daughter and growing old with her.” Mr Winfrey confessed, making my heart do flips.
“Honey, do you feel the same about him?” My mother then asked me.
I don’t know why exactly I was shy at that moment, but I could only manage a nod.
“Then you both have our blessing.” My dad replied as he held hands with my mom in unity.
I never thought I would see the day my dad accepts a foreigner into the family.
Gleefully, I held Mr Winfrey’s hand unconsciously as I smiled sheepishly.
“Thank you so much uncle and aunty. I’ll do my best to make your daughter happy and make you proud. Thank you so much.” Mr Winfrey stated, equally gleeful.
“Ehm… Pa. Do we have a say in this decision?” Lei asked my dad politely referring to himself and my other 2 brothers.
I legit got scared when my father nodded in affirmation. -Like I said before, my 3 brothers are super protective of me. The only reason they spared Zhin Feng was because my father asked them not to cause trouble with the Zhins.
I have no idea what Lei and the others have planned for Mr Winfrey, but I’ll protect him no matter what.
“Pa, ma… we would like him to sleepover tonight, so we can get to know him better” Dao Ming requested from my parents slyly.
I could feel Mr Winfrey getting nervous, and he had every right to be.
“Eh… I don’t see anything wrong with that. As long as Daniel is ok with that, we don’t have a problem with him sleeping over.” My mom replied.
“But there’s a problem…” I stated hastily. “… Mr Winfrey is very picky about where he spends the night, and can’t sleep in a new environment. Plus he has no sleeping clothes to change into, so let’s just have dinner and call it a night.” I countered in haste.
“Oh, that’s not a problem. We don’t intend to sleep tonight anyway, and about the clothes, I’m sure Dao Ming is a perfect size with him.” Lei stated plainly.
“but…” I started, but was interrupted.
“Relax, princess… we just want to get to know him, that’s all. We don’t bite” Dao Ming affirmed with gritted teeth.
And with a smile, my mom signed off the deal.
“well then it’s settled. Now, why don’t we move over to the dining table? The food is served.”
Unluckly for me, I didn’t win this battle- but I won’t stop. As we sat and ate our meal, my mother asked each of us personal questions which we’re all expected to answer honestly- including Mr Winfrey. Dinning rules, she calls them.
I must say, if a stranger walks in here, they’ll think we’ve know Mr Winfrey for years. He flowed so well with my entire family and I loved that.
My family was happy again and it’s all thanks to this man sitting right next to me. My brothers might want to tear him apart, but he’s an honest man who only has my best interest at heart.
After dinner, my parents said their good night to us and headed upstairs. My brothers then gave me -the look to disappear, and I knew they were about to feast on my man.
“Fine! But before I leave and you do or say anything rash to him, don’t forget he got you a Faber-Castell Ondoro fountain pen…” I pointed out to Lei. “… and he got you an I. N. O. S Men’s watch.” I pointed out to Dao Ming. “… and you? You might have been on your phone all night but I know you loved that custom ethos guitar strap he got you…” I pointed out to Xiao.
“… it might not be much, but he is very considerate of you all and needs your approval too. So, please be nice. Goodnight.” I said with gritted teeth before dashing off to meet Mr Winfrey.
“Hi…” he said to me with a smile.
“Hi…” I replied back nervously. “… if you don’t want this, you don’t have to do it.” I stated sternly.
I could tell he was nervous too.
“No, it’s ok. I also want to get to know them as well. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” He reassured, but I was still worried.
I kissed him on the cheek goodnight, then heading upstairs to my room. As the clock ticked away, I couldn’t sleep and I couldn’t go down there either.
It’s like an initiation or something. They stay up all night and drink, while the visitor tells them about himself- in this case, Mr Winfrey. But why am I so nervous for him?
I stayed up for hours reading a book, while they drank themselves into brohood. Apart from the fact that I was nervous my brothers might take things too far, I was more nervous about how Mr Winfrey would react when I finally tell him what I’ve been meaning to say all day.
So, at about 3:24am, I went downstairs to get a glass of juice. I was no longer hearing noise coming from the living room, so I guessed they had all fallen asleep. I fetching a glass of juice for myself, then opened the door to the back pouch and sat down on the couch outside.
“Why are you still awake?” A family voice asked as the back door slide open.
“Mr Winfrey… what are you doing up? I thought you’ve passed out with my brothers?” I asked surprised.