Officialdom: The beautiful leader took me to the top

Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, Tang Shi unexpectedly changed the subject and said, "But..."

Hearing this, everyone, including Li Dong, was worried that something unexpected might happen.

Even Song Ci's heart was in his throat.

Tang Shi said again: "However, uncle, you should also know that our family situation is rather special."

"I can't make the decision on Xiao Ci's marriage alone."

"Well, after returning to the provincial capital this time, I will convey the Li family's attitude to my father in detail."

"Once everything is settled, I will formally invite the Li family on behalf of my father to visit the provincial capital."

"As for the wedding and betrothal gifts, those are things for later."

"Anyway, I'll first facilitate a meeting between our parents."

"As for the rest, we'll discuss it in detail when we meet."

"My father is very open-minded and not the kind of old-fashioned patriarch."

"I believe that after you two meet, you will definitely get along very happily."

"Uncle, what do you think of my arrangement?"

Father Li paused as he held the teacup.

Although Tang Shi did not nod, he knew in his heart that Tang Shi's words were not an excuse, but were truly for the sake of Li Dong and Song Ci.

After all, the Song family situation is special. Her parents are divorced, and she and Song Ci are half-brothers.

As the eldest daughter, Tang Shi cannot make the final decision even if she comes here on behalf of her family.

It is reasonable and prudent to report to my father first before issuing a formal invitation.

Thinking of this, Father Li looked up at Tang Shi. Instead of showing any dissatisfaction, he smiled approvingly, "Okay, no problem!"

"Xiao Tang, you are very thoughtful. This arrangement is reasonable."

"When discussing marriage between our two families, we should proceed step by step. There is no need to rush."

"Li Dong and Xiao Song were too anxious and didn't report it to their parents in time, which is why they got into so much trouble."

"Otherwise, we as parents wouldn't have to clean up the mess."

"Just as you said, you should go back to the provincial capital first to talk to your father and convey the Li family's intentions, and then facilitate a meeting between us. There's nothing wrong with this order."

Mother Li also nodded, holding a freshly peeled orange in her hand, and handed a slice to Tang Shi, "Xiao Tang, you think more carefully than us."

"After all, this is the first time we meet our in-laws. With you serving as a bridge between us, both sides feel at ease."

"Don't worry, once you have discussed it, we old couple can go to the provincial capital at any time and there will be no delay."

Tang Shi smiled and asked, "By the way, Uncle, did you mention there was a second thing?"

When mentioning this second incident, Mr. Li suddenly became a little nervous.

After a moment's silence, he tentatively spoke, "The second matter concerns Nian Nian..."

Before Father Li could finish, Tang Shi took the initiative to speak, "Uncle, you want to talk about Nian Nian's surname, right?"

Now it was Mr. Li's turn to be surprised. He didn't expect that Tang Shi had guessed it.

Nian Nian's surname issue has always been a thorn in Li's father's heart.

She is clearly the granddaughter of the Li family, but now she takes her mother's surname. He always feels that this is a bit awkward.

Nian Nian grew up with her mother, and Xiao Song was abroad at the time. It was not easy for her to raise a child alone, so it was okay to let the child take her own surname.

But now Xiao Song has returned to China with her child and has reconciled with her son, so this matter cannot be taken lightly.

Especially among relatives and neighbors, the issue of Nian Nian's surname has always been on their mind.

Mr. Li doesn't care much about face or gossip.

But what about a child?

Children are so young that they can’t tell right from wrong. If teachers or classmates ask them about it in the future, how should they answer?

Since the wedding is on the agenda and Xiao Song has also recognized her identity as the daughter-in-law of the Li family.

Then the child should have the surname Li and be named Li Nian!

Seeing Tang Shi bring it up, Father Li sighed and his eyes drifted towards the inner room.

Nian Nian and Tong Tong were tired from playing and were leaning on the sofa reading a picture book. Their little faces were so rosy that they made people feel doting at first sight.

Father Li retracted his gaze, his tone carrying a hint of the earnestness of an elder, "Xiao Tang, to be honest, this has been on my mind for quite some time."

"Nian Nian, your aunt and I like this child very much."

"But there are always some gossips outside, saying that Nian Nian's surname is not Li, and she is not from our Li family. They also say that Xiaodong is a son-in-law who married into the family..."

"That's easy to say, but I don't care about these empty promises, and neither does Li Dong."

"But Nian Nian is still young. When she goes to school, if her classmates ask her about it, how will she answer?"

"Will the child feel bad? Will he feel that he is different from other children?"

Hearing this, Song Ci didn't know how to respond for a moment.

She could agree to Li Dong's anything else.

Including accepting Li Dong's pursuit, or even marrying Li Dong, she can make her own decision, after all, it is her own business.

She doesn't need to ask anyone for advice on her own life-long affairs.

Even though her father opposed her marrying Li Dong, she insisted!

But Nian Nian... although she calls her mother, she is still the eldest sister's biological daughter.

Now Nian Nian is asked to call Li Dong dad and take Li Dong's surname. She has no way to make the decision on behalf of her elder sister.

Unexpectedly, Tang Shi's stance on this matter was more resolute than ever before. "Uncle, I understand your concerns."

"Actually, I came here today to talk about this."

"I didn't expect that we would think of the same thing."

This time it was Father Li's turn to be stunned. "Xiao Tang, you mean..."

Tang Shi explained, "Although the wedding hasn't taken place yet, Xiaodong and Xiaoci have already obtained their marriage certificate. They are a legal couple protected by law."

"Nian Nian is Li Dong's daughter and the granddaughter of your Li family."

"In that case, Nian Nian should take the Li family surname. Even if uncle doesn't mention it today, I will take the initiative to bring it up!"

Hearing what his elder sister said, Song Ci couldn't help but feel a little more distressed in his eyes, and he also understood his elder sister a little bit.

It is obvious that the eldest sister has completely let go of her worries and the past.

Moreover, the eldest sister truly recognizes Li Dong.

Otherwise, the eldest sister would not be so decisive, and would not directly entrust Nian Nian to the care of others.

Although he felt a little sorry for his elder sister, Song Ci did not stop her.

Because only by doing this can we best protect Nian Nian.

For Nian Nian, her life is complete only when she has a complete family and a father and mother who love her.

As for the biological father’s family background and origin?

Is it important?