My buildings have attributes

Just then, Mr. Li said, "Since you two have decided to get married, we naturally need to go and propose to Xiaoqi's family. What kind of parents don't show up for their child's wedding?" Mr. Li's words were exactly what Chen Xiaoqi's family wanted, so Chen Xiaoqi said, "Okay, Uncle. I'll contact my family and see when is convenient." After Chen Xiaoqi spoke, Li Ran said, "Let's go home and rest for a while." Li Ran thought that his parents had come from out of town and must be tired from their journey, so he suggested this.

After eating for a while, Li Ran and the others prepared to go back. Just then, Chen Xiaoqi said, "Then you guys go ahead first. Uncle and Aunt, I'll go home first and won't be going with you." After saying that, Chen Xiaoqi prepared to leave. After Li's parents told Chen Xiaoqi to be careful on the road, they went back with Li Ran.

Just then, Li Ran took his parents home, and Chen Xiaoqi went to Chen Ling's house to tell his parents about Li Ran's family visiting. Not long after, Chen Xiaoqi returned home.

Chapter 217 The Two Families Meet

Just as Chen Xiaoqi returned home, she saw her parents watching TV. She then said, "Dad, Mom."

"Hey, Xiaoqi, when did you get back? I didn't hear a sound." Chen's mother asked curiously. Just then, Chen Xiaoqi started talking: "Mom and Dad, Li Ran's family came to visit. When are you planning to meet them?"

Upon hearing Chen Xiaoqi's words, Chen's father calmly said, "Don't rush, let's wait for Li Ran's family to arrive." Chen's mother nodded and echoed, "Yes, let's wait and see!" Seeing this, Chen Xiaoqi didn't say anything more, but nodded and said, "Okay."

"Why don't you call Chen Ling and see when he'll be back?" Mr. Chen said to Chen Xiaoqi. "Huh? Tonight? What do you need him for? You didn't guess Li Ran's family would be coming today, did you?" Chen Xiaoqi asked her father curiously.

Just then, Mr. Li nodded and said, "Yes, they should be here tonight." Chen Xiaoqi didn't quite understand why her father was so certain, but she trusted his judgment. So she took out her phone and called Chen Ling. Chen Xiaoqi told Chen Ling that something important had happened at home and asked him to come home early. Upon hearing this, Chen Ling naturally understood what was going on and simply said, "Okay."

Mr. Chen was right. Around 2 PM, Li Ran called Chen Xiaoqi, saying that Mr. and Mrs. Li wanted to visit the Chen family. Mr. and Mrs. Chen were both present when Chen Xiaoqi answered the phone. After hanging up, Chen Xiaoqi looked at her parents and said, "You heard everything, right? Shall we go over tonight?"

Li Ran said on the phone that the restaurant reservation was already made, and they would head over there first. Mr. and Mrs. Chen didn't react much, and simply said, "Okay, we'll go together when your brother gets back."

The afternoon passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was already six o'clock. Chen Ling returned with Li Lili.

As soon as Li Lili entered the house, she called out, "Auntie, we're back!" Seeing the overjoyed Li Lili, Chen's mother couldn't help but sigh, "I wish you could marry into our family someday." Li Lili felt a little embarrassed by Chen's mother's words. However, in Li Lili's heart, after so much time together, especially during her hospitalization and the period immediately following her discharge, she was deeply grateful for Chen's mother's care and had long considered her her own mother.

"Auntie, I'm your daughter too," Li Lili said sweetly to Chen's mother. Chen's mother was naturally delighted to hear Li Lili's words. Just then, Chen Ling asked, "What's wrong? Did Li Ran's family come over?" Chen Ling already had a feeling about what was going on, so he brought Li Lili home right after get off work to see how the Li family would react.

"Yes, they're here. We've been waiting for the two of you. Okay, let's get ready to go," Mrs. Chen said, looking at the people around her.

At this moment, Li Lili slowly said, "Auntie, I think I won't go. It's not really appropriate for me to go." As soon as Li Lili finished speaking, Chen's father interrupted her, saying, "You are also a member of the Chen family. Who dares to say it's inappropriate? It's perfectly appropriate."

Mr. Chen spoke protectively of his son, and Li Lili was deeply moved by his actions.

"Sister-in-law, you should go too. That way you can keep me company. I'm a little nervous," Chen Xiaoqi said to Li Lili. Chen Xiaoqi was indeed a little nervous, after all, this was her first time meeting Li Ran's family.

"Why are you nervous? You weren't nervous when you were acting or receiving awards, so this is nothing. Besides, we're all here, it's okay," Li Lili comforted Chen Xiaoqi.

"Okay, it's nothing." Chen Xiaoqi said after listening to Li Lili's words and taking a deep breath to calm herself down.

"Alright, let's go." At this moment, Chen's mother spoke again.

So the Chen family headed towards the location sent by Li Ran. Along the way, they didn't talk about Chen Xiaoqi and Li Ran's marriage, only chatting about trivial matters. But Chen Xiaoqi's mind wasn't on these topics; it was drifting towards what was about to happen.

Whether it was because of the short distance or Chen Ling's fast driving, they arrived in no time, where Li Ran was already waiting outside.

As soon as Li Ran saw Chen Ling's car, she quickly walked over. Chen Xiaoqi had just gotten out of the car and walked to Li Ran's side. After Chen's parents got out of the car, they looked at Chen Xiaoqi and Li Ran but didn't say anything. Just then, Li Ran said, "Hello, Uncle and Aunt, let's go inside first. My parents are already inside."

As Li Ran spoke, she gestured for them to proceed. At that moment, Mr. and Mrs. Chen walked over first, and then Chen Ling said, "You lead the way." So Li Ran led Chen Xiaoqi forward, and then Chen Ling also took Li Lili's hand and followed.

Upon arriving at the private room, Mr. and Mrs. Li quickly stood up to greet them. Mrs. Li said, "In-laws, you've arrived." Mrs. Chen nodded without saying anything. Mr. Li gestured for them to sit down. After they were seated, Li Ran asked the waiter to serve the dishes. Mr. Li gave Li Ran a look, and Li Ran realized it was time to pour drinks for his father-in-law, so he poured drinks for both Mr. Chen and Mr. Li.

The next thing to happen was naturally to talk about the children. Mr. Li spoke first, "My dear in-law, I'm so sorry for the late visit. I'll punish myself with three drinks first." After saying that, Mr. Li picked up the wine glass next to him and started drinking.

Just then, seeing this, Mr. Chen picked up his glass, said nothing, and started drinking. Mr. Chen didn't usually drink much, but he couldn't lose face when meeting his future in-laws for the first time.

Then Mr. Li began, "I'd like to propose marriage on behalf of my son, Li Ran, so that Xiao Qi can marry into our family." Mr. Li glanced at Li Ran, then said to Mr. Li...

Chapter 218 Discussing the Marriage

Seeing this, Mr. Chen was preoccupied with how to elevate Chen Xiaoqi's status after marriage. So he remained silent, wanting to gauge the Li family's sincerity.

At this moment, Mr. Li said again, "You can rest assured that Xiaoqi has married into our Li family. We are a scholarly family, and Li Ran is a good boy with a kind heart. Xiaoqi knows this. He has always been concerned about charity. A child with a kind heart will not be bad. You can rest assured." Mr. Li's words were not to praise Li Ran, but Li Ran was indeed such a person.

Then we heard Mrs. Chen's voice: "Our Xiaoqi is still young, and we all want to keep her here for a few more years. But now that things have come to this, we're all family, so as long as Li Ran treats Xiaoqi well, we won't have any objections." Mrs. Chen was expressing her wish as a mother, hoping that her daughter could find someone who truly loves and cherishes her.

After hearing Mrs. Chen's words, Mr. Chen was speechless, even though he knew she was right. He thought to himself that these words must have come from the Li family. Fortunately, Li Ran didn't disappoint him. At this moment, Li Ran said to the Chen family firmly, "Uncle and Aunt, please marry Xiaoqi to me. I promise I will only love her for the rest of my life. I will treat her well and never let her suffer any grievances."

When Mr. and Mrs. Chen saw Li Ran speaking these words, their eyes were full of sincerity. So Mr. Chen said to Li Ran, "It was Chen Ling who told me that you were someone Xiaoqi could entrust her life to. We haven't had much contact, and I don't know you very well. But since Xiaoqi has chosen you, and you have promised not to let her suffer any grievances in the future, we won't say anything more. But if you ever make Xiaoqi suffer any grievances in the future, I will take her away immediately."

When Mr. Chen said these words, his expression was very serious. It is said that daughters are their fathers' lovers in their past lives, and Mr. Chen could not bear to see Chen Xiaoqi suffer even the slightest grievance. Just then, Chen Ling spoke up, saying to Li Ran, "Li Ran, even if we are brothers, you cannot bully my sister, or I will not forgive you."

Chen Ling's words expressed his love for his sister. Like his father, he couldn't bear to see Chen Xiaoqi suffer any injustice, and naturally, the Chen family felt the same way. At that moment, Li Ran said to Chen Ling with certainty, "Brother, don't worry, I won't mistreat Xiaoqi."

Hearing Li Ran's words, Chen Ling naturally believed him. At this moment, Li Ran's joy was evident on his face. He had finally succeeded in persuading the Chen family to marry Chen Xiaoqi. Li Ran looked at Chen Xiaoqi beside him, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Don't worry, in-laws, our family will treat Xiaoqi like our own daughter." At this moment, Li's mother also expressed her opinion. She liked Chen Xiaoqi so much, how could she bear to let Li Ran bully her?

"With your words of comfort, we can rest assured," Mrs. Chen quickly replied upon seeing this.

They had been chatting for so long without eating, when Li Ran said, "Let's eat first, the food's getting cold. Let's eat first and talk later." Hearing Li Ran's words, they naturally started eating.

Before long, they started talking again. It was Li's mother who spoke first: "Father-in-laws, do you have any requirements for the marriage?" Chen's mother, thinking that there were still many things to do before the wedding, asked.

"There are no specific requirements. You can arrange everything as you see fit. Let the young people discuss the wedding details," Chen's mother said, glancing at Chen Xiaoqi. Since it's their wedding, let's go with the style they like.

"I have a few dates here, take a look and see which one is suitable," Li's mother said again.

"Okay, this one will do. The 21st of next month." Mrs. Chen took the date from Mrs. Li, looked at it, and said. Then she handed the date to Mr. Chen and asked for his opinion. After looking at it, Mr. Chen also felt that the 21st was more suitable, so he nodded and said, "Okay."

After the date was set, they had a lot to do. Getting married is a big deal. They hadn't taken wedding photos yet, nor had they obtained their marriage certificate. More importantly, Chen Xiaoqi was preparing to hold a press conference to announce that she would be retiring from the entertainment industry for a period of time, as she couldn't act anymore due to her pregnancy.

Seeing that the date had been chosen, the Li family members said to Li Ran, "You still have a month, so you must prepare well. Be careful." Upon hearing this, Li Ran nodded in agreement.

"Mom and Dad, Uncle and Aunt, I'm planning to temporarily retire from the entertainment industry to focus on my wedding and then take care of my pregnancy. I'll make a comeback after the baby is born." Chen Xiaoqi said this after seeing that the wedding arrangements were almost finalized. Li Ran was quite surprised to hear Chen Xiaoqi's words; he hadn't expected her to give up her acting career for him.

However, Chen's parents were just as surprised. They thought that Chen Xiaoqi should just announce her marriage, so why was she thinking of backing out? For a moment, Chen's parents didn't know what to say.

Seeing this, Li Lili, who hadn't spoken until now, asked Chen Xiaoqi, "Xiaoqi, do you know what it means for you to withdraw now? Have you really thought it through?" The question Li Lili asked was exactly what Chen's parents wanted to know.

"Yes, sister-in-law, I've thought it all through." As Chen Xiaoqi said this, she looked at Li Lili, then turned her gaze to her parents. She wanted to reassure them. She had considered this decision for a long time.

"Then think it through, and make sure you don't regret it later." Seeing Chen Xiaoqi's resolute expression, Li Lili stopped trying to persuade her. She thought to herself that she should have considered Chen Xiaoqi's current thoughts when she first mentioned wanting to get married. She must have thought about these things long ago, and since she had given it so much thought, she decided not to say anything more.

Chen's parents were filled with resentment and felt sorry for Chen Xiaoqi. But since Chen Xiaoqi had made up her mind, they naturally chose to support her, as they didn't want to see her in a difficult position.

Chapter 219 The Dust Settles Down

Chen Ling sighed inwardly at Chen Xiaoqi's naiveté. His silly sister had given up so much for love; he hoped Li Ran wouldn't disappoint them. After chatting a bit more about the wedding, they prepared to leave.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the Chen and Li families said their goodbyes and parted ways. They each went home. On the way home, Chen's father began talking to Chen Xiaoqi. "Have you thought this through? If you've really made a decision, we support you, but we don't want you to regret it."

At this moment, Chen Xiaoqi remained determined to withdraw, so her father naturally said nothing more. Chen Ling muttered to himself, "My silly little sister." Actually, Li Lili could understand Chen Xiaoqi's actions; she simply loved and cared for Li Ran too much, and naturally wanted to do many things for him.

Li Lili glanced at Chen Xiaoqi and smiled at her. Chen Xiaoqi immediately understood Li Lili's thoughts. Women understand women. She thought that if this were in Li Lili's shoes, she would naturally be willing and would have the same idea as her.

At this moment, Chen Xiaoqi suddenly realized when she had started to like Li Ran so much. In the beginning, she hadn't invested such deep feelings. Fortunately, Li Ran's feelings for her hadn't changed; he remained devoted to her as always, which made her feel much more at peace. Li Lili exchanged a few more words with Chen Xiaoqi, and then stopped talking.

Inside the car, the air was quiet. After only a short while, Chen Xiaoqi called out to Li Lili again, "Sister-in-law, come with me to try on wedding dresses." Upon hearing Chen Xiaoqi's suggestion, Chen's mother quickly said, "That's a good idea! Xiaoxue, you should try them on too, see if there are any you like." Chen's mother really wanted Li Lili to marry into the family as soon as possible.

Li Lili readily agreed to Chen Xiaoqi's proposal. However, she then said to Chen's mother, "Auntie, don't rush things. Let's get Xiaoqi married off in a grand and respectable way first, then we'll talk about the rest." Chen's mother nodded without saying anything more. She knew, of course, that Li Lili's memory hadn't fully returned, and marriage couldn't be accomplished in the short term.

Thinking it over, he decided to focus his attention on Chen Xiaoqi first. Then he heard Chen's mother say, "Chen Ling, give Xiaoxue a few more days off so she can help Xiaoqi prepare." Chen Ling quickly agreed, "Okay." Of course, he would lend her someone if Chen Xiaoqi wanted to!

Then Chen Ling said, "Whenever you want to go, just tell Ningxue." As he said this, Chen Ling glanced at Li Lili.

Li Lili chimed in, "Yes, yes, let me know when you're going, and I'll go with you." Just then, Chen Xiaoqi said, "The atmosphere here is so much better. It was too quiet and oppressive just now; I couldn't stand it." After saying this, Chen Xiaoqi chuckled to herself.

Mr. Chen said sternly, "You should think about your press conference." Upon hearing his words, Chen Xiaoqi immediately became obedient; the press conference was indeed a tricky matter.

She didn't know how she should conduct the press conference. Chen Xiaoqi felt a headache coming on just thinking about it. After a moment of silence, Chen Xiaoqi arrived at Chen Ling's building, got out of the car, and went straight home. As soon as they got home, Chen Xiaoqi pulled Li Lili back to her room and asked her about the style of the wedding.

Then Chen Ling, his parents, and his father chatted about the Li family in the living room. Chen's father spoke first, saying, "The Li family's attitude was quite good today." "Yes, they seem to be quite well-mannered and reasonable, which makes things much better. It puts my mind at ease," Chen's mother added.

At this moment, Chen Ling said again, "I hope the Li family won't let us down." The Li family members on the other side were also discussing Li Ran's marriage in the living room. "Since the Chen family is willing to marry Xiao Qi into our family, we naturally can't treat them unfairly. Besides, Xiao Qi is giving up her career," said Li's mother, deeply moved after hearing Chen Xiao Qi's words about retiring from the entertainment industry.

She genuinely liked Chen Xiaoqi even more. So she sincerely said to Li Ran, "Yes, you mustn't do anything to embarrass us." Li's father also greatly admired Chen Xiaoqi as his daughter-in-law. "Don't worry, Mom and Dad," Li Ran said firmly to them. Then, Li Ran added, "Mom and Dad, when you have time, please make a guest list. There are too many relatives and friends of your generation; I don't know them all."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Chen nodded and said, "Okay, don't worry about that. Just discuss the wedding arrangements with Xiaoqi and see what style she likes." Mr. Li was also a kind-hearted person, so he was considering Xiaoqi's feelings as well. They then discussed some other things…

Later that evening, Chen Xiaoqi called Li Ran and said, "Li Ran, when am I holding a press conference?" Upon hearing this, Li Ran suddenly realized that he hadn't asked Chen Xiaoqi why she had decided to leave the entertainment industry, and then said, "You, when did you decide to leave the entertainment industry? Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

“Whether I tell you or not, it’s the same. I can’t film while I’m pregnant. I don’t want to hide my marriage either. If my marriage is exposed and I’m pregnant, I won’t be able to take on any roles. I might as well withdraw from the project in advance.”

After Chen Xiaoqi finished speaking, she heard Li Ran's voice: "I don't mean to blame you. I just feel sorry for you. Xiaoqi, don't worry, I will definitely not let you regret your decision today." Li Ran's attitude was very firm when he said this. Chen Xiaoqi could imagine Li Ran's confident expression even through the phone.

Then Chen Xiaoqi asked, "So when exactly should I start?" "The sooner the better. Once you've resolved things in the entertainment industry, you'll have peace of mind and can fully focus on the wedding," Li Ran said, sharing his thoughts.

Chapter 220 Reluctant Parting

However, Chen Xiaoqi agreed with Chen Ling's words and decided to go to the company tomorrow to discuss the matter directly, and then arrange a press conference for tomorrow night.

Chen Xiaoqi made this plan. The next day arrived quickly. Early in the morning, Li Ran called Chen Xiaoqi, asking who wanted to pick her up and go to the company with her. However, Chen Xiaoqi refused, saying that she could go herself and that Li Ran didn't need to go; it would be too much trouble. She told Li Ran to focus on his own things and not to worry about her.

It was at this moment that Chen Xiaoqi suddenly realized the company might not agree. Thinking about her own colleagues, they were all quite good. Thinking of this, Chen Xiaoqi began to feel sentimental. Just then, Li Ran asked Chen Xiaoqi what was wrong, why she had suddenly stopped talking.

Chen Xiaoqi appeared secretly distressed, then pretended to be strong and said she was fine. Everyone knew how passionate Chen Xiaoqi was about her career. Just then, Chen Xiaoqi said she had to go to the company and hung up the phone. After saying that, she started packing her things, preparing to leave for the company.

There were still many things for Chen Xiaoqi to handle. As soon as Chen Xiaoqi arrived at the company, her agent rushed over and said, "Sister Xiaoqi, where have you been these past few days? We couldn't find you anywhere!" Chen Xiaoqi patted her on the shoulder and said it was nothing, then walked towards the general manager's office.

"Awei." Chen Xiaoqi called out first. "So you finally decided to come back? Look at the mess the company is in! Why did you suddenly disappear these past few days? This isn't like you at all." The manager looked at Chen Xiaoqi and spoke hurriedly.

"I've been at my brother's house, Wei. I have something to tell you." Chen Xiaoqi looked at the manager seriously. Seeing Chen Xiaoqi's attitude, the manager was a little taken aback; he had never seen Chen Xiaoqi so serious before.

The manager's tone softened considerably as he asked, "What happened?" "Awei, could you hold a press conference for us today?" Chen Xiaoqi said calmly, but her reluctance was palpable. "What are you planning to do?" The manager was puzzled by Chen Xiaoqi's request.

Chen Xiaoqi began, "I've decided to retire from the entertainment industry." Her words had barely faded when her manager yelled, "Chen Xiaoqi, what are you thinking? What did you say? Retire from the entertainment industry? Did I hear you wrong, or are you crazy? How could you think of retiring? This is your prime time! What are you up to now?" Hearing Chen Xiaoqi's words, the manager flew into a rage and roared at her.

Before Chen Xiaoqi could even speak, the manager continued, "Xiaoqi, tell me properly, what happened? You love acting so much, why would you think of leaving the entertainment industry?" This time, the manager's tone was much gentler than before.

At this moment, Chen Xiaoqi said to him, "I'm pregnant, and I'm getting married." The manager immediately flew into a rage, angrily saying to Chen Xiaoqi, "I knew it! I knew it was because of this! Are you stupid? How old are you? You're already getting married? You don't care about your future? What are you going to do? Be a housewife? Do you think Li Ran would still treat you like this when you don't have all this glamour now? Who are you now? You're the big star Chen Xiaoqi, but who will you be in the future? A housewife Chen Xiaoqi? By then, you'll be a housewife worn down by life. Do you think you can still make Li Ran devoted to you like this?"

Hearing the manager's words, Chen Xiaoqi felt somewhat worried, but since she was pregnant and could feel the baby's presence in her womb, she said to the manager, "I don't want to think about what you're saying. I believe Li Ran truly loves me, no matter who I am." Chen Xiaoqi's tone was firm, leaving the manager speechless.

Then the manager began to persuade Chen Xiaoqi again: "Xiaoqi, putting aside the company's interests for now, have you thought about the impact this will have on you? If it gets out, it will be very difficult for you to make a comeback, and it will be even harder to get good roles. A woman's body won't be like this after giving birth." The manager was earnestly advising Chen Xiaoqi because he felt that Chen Xiaoqi was an excellent actress with a kind heart, which was rare.

"Hmm, I've thought it all through. Oh well, let's not talk about that anymore. You should help me plan the press conference." Chen Xiaoqi looked at her stomach, touched it, and then turned to the manager to speak. "Since you've made up your mind, I can only wish you well. As someone who's been there, I've given you my advice. The rest is up to you to choose."

As the manager spoke, a hint of sadness lingered in his eyes; he was truly reluctant to see Chen Xiaoqi leave. At that moment, Chen Xiaoqi's eyes also welled with tears; she felt the same way. Leaving the place she loved was something she desperately didn't want to do. But she also deeply loved Li Ran and the child in her womb.

Chen Xiaoqi looked at the manager and said, "Awei, thank you for your continued tolerance. I know I often upset you and cause you a lot of trouble. Thank you." As Chen Xiaoqi spoke, her eyes were full of reluctance. The manager seemed quite uncomfortable with Chen Xiaoqi's words.

So the manager began, "Alright, alright, enough with the sentimentality. As the eldest brother, I naturally support you. Don't worry, I'll handle the rest." The manager was referring to the company's board members. They certainly didn't want Chen Xiaoqi to leave so suddenly. Hearing this, Chen Xiaoqi felt even more uncomfortable. She simply nodded, unsure what to say. She sighed deeply, her heart filled with a multitude of conflicting emotions.

The manager walked over to Chen Xiaoqi, patted her on the shoulder, and said, "You're still young. You don't understand anything about life yet. You'll be fine in a few years. Good luck. I hope you'll be happy in the future, and that your decision to leave here with such reluctance won't be in vain." The manager's voice wasn't loud, but Chen Xiaoqi felt it was deafening.

Chapter 221 Press Conference

The manager chatted with Chen Xiaoqi for a while longer, then said to her, "Alright, you chose this path, so you can't regret it. Go talk to them first, I'll help you prepare for the press conference. Do you want it to be today?" After chatting with Chen Xiaoqi for a while, the manager got ready to get down to business.