Then Mei-Lin squealed."I KNEW it!I told you!My luck sense said this would happen and—"
"Mei-Lin," her father said mildly, but he was smiling.He looked at Wren and Jin."Congratulations.This is wonderful news."
"Thank you, sir."
"None of that 'sir' business.You're courting my son!Call me Wei."He stood and shook both their hands warmly."I'm very pleased.You're a good match."
Zhao Lin set down her embroidery carefully.Everyone waited."Well," she said finally."I suppose this was inevitable."
"Mother," Jin's voice held a warning.
"I didn't say it was bad."She looked at Wren with that assessing expression."You're ambitious.Powerful and unconventional.Not at all what I would have chosen."
Wren's stomach sank.
"But," Zhao Lin continued, "you're also hardworking, intelligent, and you make my son happy.Which is more than I can say for certain other candidates I had in mind."She paused."And your silk is exceptional.I've worn that nightgown twice now.Very comfortable."
It was possibly the most grudging acceptance in history, but it was acceptance.
"Thank you, Mrs.Zhao."
"You may call me Lin."She picked up her embroidery again."Though 'Mother' will be appropriate eventually, I suppose."
Mei-Lin was practically vibrating."Can we tell people now?Can we go to the market tomorrow?Oh, everyone's going to lose their minds!"
"We'll go to the market," Jin confirmed."Let people see us together officially."
Dinner was celebratory.Wei brought out good wine.Mei-Lin peppered them with questions about how long they had known, who made the first move, when was the wedding (too soon, Mei-Lin!).Even Lin seemed pleased in her careful, controlled way.
After dinner, as they prepared to leave, Lin pulled Wren aside."A word," she said quietly.
They stepped into the hallway.Lin looked at her directly.
"My son is a good man.Honest, strong, dedicated to his duty.But he's also been alone for a long time.Guarded."Her expression softened slightly."You make him smile.Really smile.I haven't seen that in years."
"I care about him very much."
"I can see that."Lin hesitated, then continued."I wasn't kind to you at first.I thought you were too risky, too different, too...much.I was wrong."
The admission clearly cost her.
"You've proven yourself.Multiple times.And more importantly, you make my son happy."Lin's expression became fierce."So I'm saying this now...you have my approval.And if anyone tries to interfere with that, they'll answer to me."It was almost a threat.But directed at Wren's enemies, not at Wren.
"Thank you," Wren said sincerely."That means a lot."
"Good.Now go home.Jin's been hovering by the door for five minutes trying not to interrupt us."
