Rick had already thought about this issue. Jax only cared about the house's value and never considered where to buy it, while Lacey never thought about such things since her brother always took care of it for her.

At this moment, Jax's father suddenly brought it up, leaving everyone somewhat stunned, wondering what he was implying!

Rick assumed he was concerned about their post-marriage life and honestly shared, "I've already found a place. It's within this community, no more than a five-minute walk, making it convenient for me to take care of them. Let's go take a look later."

Jax's father raised an eyebrow and, with a turn of his eye, asked, "Doesn't that make Jax a live-in son-in-law?"

At these words, the room fell silent. The term 'live-in son-in-law' wasn't flattering, especially since the concept was unpopular online, depicting a belittled role in the wife's family.

Rick didn't respond, his piercing gaze shifting towards Jax.

Meeting Rick's stare, Jax felt an unexpected flutter in his heart. He understood his father's words - a mix of concern for face-saving and a desire to keep his son close, a common sentiment.

He bravely explained, "Big brother, don't take offence at my dad's blunt words. If people in our village learned I became a live-in son-in-law, they would ridicule our entire family. My dad is sensitive to gossip."

Jax's words, speaking for his father, pleased the older man greatly.

Having experienced hardship, Rick understood the sting of being looked down upon. Hearing Jax's explanation, he felt more at ease, "Alright, Uncle Jia, any other requests?"

Jax's father, relieved at Rick's concession, shared a custom, "In our tradition, a successful son buys a house in the city. They usually start their married life in this new home, a matter of family pride. Of course, Jax and his partner don't necessarily have to move back there. Big cities offer more opportunities; what do you think?"

Jax's father paused, looking expectantly at Rick, his neck's veins bulging from the alcohol, throbbing with his quickened heartbeat.

"No problem, I'll buy the house!" Rick quickly grasped the intent and unhesitatingly took on the responsibility.

"Rick, you're straightforward and capable, truly a man of action," praised Jax's father, delighted.

"And we shouldn't come empty-handed. We'll prepare a gift of money. According to our customs, the groom's family gives ten thousand. Don't find it too little, Rick; it's just how it is." Seeing the house matter settled, Jax's father quickly pulled a stack of cash from his seldom-used briefcase and pushed it towards Rick.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

Rick willingly accepted it and handed it to Lacey, "Take this; it's from your uncle; consider it your allowance for the month!"

Jax's father's mouth twitched, not expecting this amount to be merely a month's allowance in Rick's eyes.

"Uncle Jia, any other requirements?" Rick asked.

"No more," he replied, still recovering from his shock.

"Alright then, Uncle, Auntie, I've booked rooms for you at a five-star hotel. Let's go there so you can rest. Today is the start of winter, and we'll have dumplings at home in the evening." Rick saw his Mercedes-Benz van waiting at the gate and shared his plans with Jax's parents.

"Oh, you've even arranged a hotel stay," Jax's father inwardly admired Rick's thoroughness.

Rick instructed Lacey and Jax to rest at home while he accompanied Jax's parents to the hotel. Before leaving the community, he showed his in-laws the villa he had booked.

The villa, though half the size of Rick's mansion, was still over 300 square meters, offering great value and space for a couple. Most importantly, it was fully furnished and ready for immediate move-in.

Jax's parents were satisfied and envious, wishing for such a villa themselves.

After a comfortable nap and enjoying the hotel shower, Jax's parents dressed neatly and watched TV on the sofa, waiting for Rick's driver to take them to dinner.

"Oh no! I forgot something," Jax's father suddenly exclaimed.

"What is it, old Jia?" asked Jax's mother, puzzled.

"I forgot to ask about arranging the banquet," he frowned.

"I thought it was something serious. We'll be back soon, and we can ask during dinner," Jax's mother scolded him for making a fuss over nothing.

"This is important; we need to think it through," he reminded her seriously.

Ding-dong, someone knocked on the door. Jax's father opened it to find Rick's driver, Xiao Zhong.

"Uncle, Auntie, did you rest well? I've come to pick you up," said Xiao Zhong, smartly dressed and standing at the door, tall and handsome, not far behind Jax in looks.

"We rested well; thank you for arranging everything!" Jax's father shook hands with Xiao Zhong.

"My pleasure," he smiled slightly.

They got into the car, heading for Rick's house.

The gates and doors of the villa were open. Xiao Zhong led Jax's parents inside, announcing their arrival, and then waited in the courtyard for Rick's instructions.

Rick, kneading dough and wearing an apron, said, "Did you rest well, in-laws? I'm making dough; come on in! Xiao Zhong, pick them up tomorrow afternoon at two."

"Understood, Mr. Luo," Xiao Zhong nodded and then drove off.

"Rick, you're a responsible brother, even better than our parents. I'll help you make dumplings," Jax's mother sincerely admired Rick for his sense of responsibility and capability and his successful career. She thought anyone marrying him would be fortunate.

This sentiment was shared by Carol, who also makes dumplings at home. Though the start of winter wasn't a holiday, being with family and having dumplings felt just as good, if not better, than any fancy celebration.

"Carol, you're off work tomorrow; why not visit Lacey? I heard from Rick's driver, Xiao Zhong, that she's getting married next month. Go see how things are so I can prepare," Carol's grandmother suggested while pinching dumplings.

"Okay," Carol replied, carrying a tray of dumplings to the stove.

Rick, you let Xiao Zhong deliver groceries and meat, but don't dare to come yourself. Can't you visit and spend some time with me?

Biting her lip, she shoved all the dumplings into the pot.