The Shen family was stunned.
They stared in disbelief at their pit bull, Kara, who was calmly walking alongside Ethan Jiang, wagging her tail and acting all cute. This was the same dog that was known as a tyrant in the neighborhood, feared by all other dogs. Kara had always been fiercely territorial, never allowing anyone to touch her. But today, she was happily following Ethan Jiang, allowing him to lead her on a walk.
"There's an old saying," Victor Shen finally spoke up, recovering from the shock. "Like mother, like son!"
Tina Shen's heart skipped a beat.
Chloe Liu was watching Ethan Jiang with bright, excited eyes.
Ethan Jiang, who usually had a cold and composed expression, was now blushing slightly, looking utterly confused. "Why is this family suddenly acting so weird?"
The parents went to prepare dinner, leaving the younger ones alone.
"What happened just now?" Ethan Jiang asked, still holding Kara's leash, looking at Tina Shen with confusion.
"Nothing," Tina Shen quickly shook her head and changed the subject. "Did my parents scare you?"
"No," Ethan Jiang smiled gently, "I actually really like them."
It was true. In Shen's home, he felt a warmth that reminded him of his father when he was still alive... it felt like home.
"That's good." Tina Shen nodded, but as she caught sight of her parents peeking at them from the kitchen, she helplessly reached out to link her arm with Ethan Jiang's.
Ethan Jiang, though also slightly embarrassed, naturally moved closer to Tina Shen. However, neither of them realized how perfectly in sync they were—no words, no gestures, just a quiet understanding.
"Is work really that important to you?" Tina Shen asked, glancing up at him.
"Money can be made anytime, there's always more to earn," Ethan Jiang replied with a carefree smile, playfully teasing Kara, "She's so cute."
Cute? Tina Shen had to suppress a chuckle, remembering the times Kara had pinned much bigger dogs to the ground. Clearly, Ethan Jiang had a very different idea of "cute."
As they sat down for lunch, the conversation turned more serious.
"So, Ethan, what do your parents do?" Chloe Liu couldn't hold back the question any longer.
"My father passed away," Ethan Jiang responded graciously, smiling, "My mother stays at home and doesn't work."
"Oh." Chloe Liu nodded, exchanging a glance with her husband.
"Mom, Ethan's mom is from the same place as you," Tina Shen casually mentioned.
"What?" Chloe Liu looked surprised. "What do you mean? You never know, you might actually know her!"
"Her name is Linda Zhou," Ethan Jiang said.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. Both Chloe Liu and Victor Shen froze, their faces filled with disbelief.
"Your mother..." Chloe Liu finally regained composure and asked, her voice full of excitement, "Was she eighteen when she conceived you, and nineteen when she gave birth? Was your father a military man who transitioned to civilian life and was six years older than her?"
"Ah?" Ethan Jiang was taken aback. "Yes, that's right."
Tina Shen was also stunned. The coincidences were too strange—was it possible these two families had known each other?
"You're Linda Zhou's son!" Chloe Liu exclaimed, her eyes brimming with tears. "I grew up with her! We've known each other for more than twenty years, but she left so suddenly when she had you… She didn't even leave me a way to contact her!"
Ethan Jiang: "..."
Tina Shen's expression was a mix of confusion and disbelief.
How could this happen? Could it be real?
Soon, Chloe Liu asked for Ethan Jiang's phone number and called Linda Zhou. After just a few words, Chloe Liu was crying and shouting with joy, making plans to meet up as soon as possible.
Tina Shen and Ethan Jiang exchanged glances.
They both realized something wasn't right. This could lead to a huge mess.
Sure enough, half an hour later, Linda Zhou arrived at the Shen home. The two women immediately embraced each other, crying like old friends reunited after decades.
Even Victor Shen was moved, his eyes filled with tears.
But for Tina Shen and Ethan Jiang, it felt like the world was spinning.
Then the moment came. Once the two mothers learned that their children were in a relationship, they couldn't contain their excitement.
"Why don't we just let them get married?" one suggested.
"Yeah, let's do it!" the other eagerly agreed.
"Tomorrow?"
"Sure!"
Tina Shen nearly froze in shock.
Ethan Jiang was equally stunned. They were both completely dumbfounded.
How could they make such a decision without asking for their opinions?
While the parents continued chatting, the two young ones retreated to Tina Shen's bedroom.
"Come up with a plan!" Ethan Jiang urged, losing his usual calm demeanor.
"A plan?" Tina Shen rolled her eyes. "You know my mom used to practice martial arts. If I dare say no, she'll knock me out!"
"Well, funny enough," Ethan Jiang paled slightly, "My mom also practiced martial arts. You don't think they... learned together, do you?"
Tina Shen sighed. "Brother, stop changing the subject. The problem is that they want us to get married!"
"Oh," Ethan Jiang regained his composure and thought for a moment. "Do you care about the identity part?"
"Huh?" Tina Shen was taken aback, but then she became calmer. "Well, I guess it's not that important."
In fact, having that "identity" could mean no more pressure from their parents about marriage, and it would give them more freedom. They could even move out and have more personal space.
It was a win-win situation.
Their eyes brightened.
They shared a bold idea.
"Then let's... get married," Ethan Jiang said with a hearty laugh.
And so, two love novices reached a forced consensus!
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。