I rely on unlimited life extension

Grandma Ma was displeased upon hearing this and raised her voice, saying, "Why shouldn't you like him? My son is such a good man, you couldn't find one even with a lantern!"

You're honest, kind, and family-oriented—what's wrong with you? Son, your young age isn't a problem. Women age faster after childbirth. Find someone younger who can stay with you and make you happy; that's the most important thing.

At this point, Grandma seemed to remember something, and her tone softened again: "As for Mary and Agate, don't worry, Mom is here."

"Oh, right, you should call that girl right away and tell her to come home for dinner. I'll take a good look at her for you."

Mark quickly dialed Wang Xiaomi's number, and soon he called both Ma Li and Wang Xiaomi back.

When the family returned to Grandma Ma Li's house, Wang Xiaomi was a little reserved when she first entered.

However, with Mark's encouraging gaze and her own carefree personality, she relaxed in no time.

Before the meal was even finished, she was already calling her "Auntie" repeatedly in a clear, loud voice, full of affection.

Grandma Ma Li observed Wang Xiaomi discreetly at the dinner table and discovered that the girl's personality was completely different from Tian Ye's.

Wang Xiaomi seems innocent and straightforward, lacking the bad habits and eccentricities often found in many young people today. Moreover, she genuinely likes and cares about Mark.

The old lady gradually developed a liking for her and slowly accepted her.

After dinner, Grandma Ma called Wang Xiaomi into the house and took out a green jade bracelet from an exquisite box.

She took Wang Xiaomi's hand, gently put the bracelet on her wrist, and said with a smile that it was left to Mark by his grandmother and was now being given to her.

Wang Xiaomi was both surprised and delighted, tears welling up in her eyes. She never expected that Grandma Ma Li would give her something so precious.

Mark watched from the side, somewhat surprised as well. He had no idea when his mother had acquired such a precious collection.

When it was time to go home, Mark drove Wang Xiaomi back.

On the way, Wang Xiaomi proudly showed Ma Li the bracelet on her wrist. Ma Li immediately objected and pestered Mark to buy her one too, saying she wanted to keep it as a family heirloom. Mark couldn't resist her, so he had to agree.

When the car arrived at Wang Xiaomi's house, Wang Xiaomi got out of the car, hugged Mark tightly at the door, and then skipped upstairs with a sweet smile on her face.

However, they didn't realize that someone nearby had witnessed this scene.

The next morning, sunlight streamed gently through the cracks in the window onto the dining table, where Mark and Mary were leisurely enjoying breakfast.

Just then, the phone rang abruptly, breaking the silence.

Mark glanced at the caller ID; it was Wang Xiaomi. He answered the phone casually, and immediately Wang Xiaomi's dejected voice came through.

"Second Uncle, something bad has happened! When we came back last night, Aunt Liu downstairs saw us. This morning, she told my mom about it. And then... my mom said..." Wang Xiaomi's voice was a little hesitant.

Mark, however, seemed to have expected this. A smile appeared on his lips as he teased, "I know, is it because my mother-in-law wants to meet me?"

"Mmm," Wang Xiaomi replied.

After a moment's thought, Max asked, "So, do you think it would be better for me to go at noon or in the evening?"

"Um...noon, I guess..." Wang Xiaomi replied.

"Okay, then I'll prepare properly and visit your mother at noon. What do you think?" Mark's tone was filled with anticipation.

"Hehe, I think it'll work." Wang Xiaomi's voice also sounded a bit relaxed.

Mark put down the phone, turned to look at Mary, and a hint of nervous excitement flashed in his eyes, as if he was about to face an important challenge.

He took a deep breath and began to think about what he needed to prepare for meeting his mother-in-law at noon and how to make a good impression on her.

As soon as Mark hung up the phone, Mary, like a well-trained secret agent, quickly moved her ear away from where she had been eavesdropping next to Mark's phone.

While chewing her food, she said in a deliberately profound tone, "Sigh, I think your good days are coming to an end! You finally managed to get Grandma on your side yesterday, and today you have to deal with your mother-in-law."

"Forget it, you should figure out how to get through this. I'll go to school by myself and won't bother you anymore."

After saying that, Ma Li grabbed half an egg from the table and stuffed it into her mouth, her cheeks puffing out like a little squirrel.

She quickly slung her schoolbag over her shoulder and rushed out to school, leaving only a trail of footsteps fading into the distance.

Mark sat alone at the dining table, his brow furrowed, lost in thought.

After a while, he got up and went back to his bedroom. He turned on his computer, his fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard, his eyes fixed on the screen, carefully reviewing some information.

Then, he went to the wardrobe, rummaged through it, and took out a few carefully selected items. With everything ready, he took a deep breath, and with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, stepped out of the house.

It was only 10 a.m. when Wang Xiaomi's phone rang urgently.

She picked up her phone and saw "Second Uncle" on the screen, so she quickly answered the call.

Then, she hurriedly ran downstairs and saw Mark standing there in casual clothes. His face was much smoother and more delicate, obviously he had just had a facial, and he looked radiant.

Wang Xiaomi took Mark upstairs. As soon as they entered the room, Wang Xiaomi's mother saw Mark and her expression changed drastically. She swayed violently as if she had suffered a huge impact and was about to faint.

Upon seeing this, Wang Xiaomi exclaimed in surprise and rushed over immediately. She helped her mother move step by step towards the sofa with great difficulty, and finally managed to get her mother to sit down on the sofa.

Mark was also quite frightened, his heart clenched, and he felt a pang of anxiety, fearing that Wang Xiaomi's mother might have some serious problems due to the shock.

He quickly stepped forward and, together with Wang Xiaomi, carefully helped Wang Xiaomi's mother to sit comfortably on the sofa.

It took Wang Xiaomi's mother quite a while to finally come to her senses and regain some composure.

She looked at Mark with complicated emotions, then at her daughter, her face full of heartache. She sighed heavily, her tone full of reproach: "Wang Xiaomi, are you trying to drive me crazy? Look at the kind of person you've chosen! He's so old, how could you..."

Upon hearing this, Mark inwardly scoffed, "Damn it, that jerk of a boss! He swore I looked 20 years younger, what a rip-off! How can I believe this beauty treatment now?"

However, his face immediately lit up with a smile, and he said respectfully and gently, "Hello, Auntie, I'm Mark. Actually, like Xiaomi, I grew up with my mother, and we have many similarities in our upbringing."

These words seemed to have a magical power, and the indifference and dissatisfaction in Wang Xiaomi's mother's eyes immediately lessened.

She looked Mark over again, her tone softening slightly: "So you're from a single-parent family too. Hmm, you seem like a very honest person."

Mark said with a sincere expression and earnest eyes, "Auntie, my mother taught me from a young age that one must be honest and kind."

She told me that such people might suffer some losses in life, but even so, we must still persevere, because only in this way can our hearts remain at peace, free from the torment of guilt and unease.

Hearing Mark's simple words, Wang Xiaomi's mother's initially tough demeanor softened, and her expression became slightly gentler.

Seeing this, Mark continued, "Auntie, I also brought a small token of my appreciation this time."

As he spoke, he turned around and took out several items from the plastic bag behind him.

Seeing this, Wang Xiaomi's mother subconsciously said, "You're here already, why bring anything? It's too much trouble."

But when her gaze fell upon those things, she couldn't help but pause slightly, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.

These things don't look like the gifts I usually bring on visits.

Mark solemnly took out a large certificate from the plastic bag. He looked at Wang Xiaomi's mother and said sincerely, "Auntie, I need to explain to you first that I'm showing you these things not to show off, but simply to prove to you that I genuinely love Xiaomi and that I have the ability to make her happy."

Mark gently patted the certificate and said, "Auntie, look, this is a doctoral certificate from an Ivy League university in the United States that I obtained through self-study after I got married."

You might be surprised to learn that I'm currently a physical education teacher at a private school. The reason I chose to teach there is because I genuinely love children, and I cherish every moment spent with my students; that feeling gives me immense satisfaction.

Mark paused for a moment, then continued, "Back then, the University of Singapore invited me to be a visiting professor, an opportunity that many people dream of."

But I refused because I am a family person, and family is the most important thing to me.

Moreover, I simply couldn't bear to leave my mother who had raised me for over 20 years, so I resolutely gave up that opportunity. I've never mentioned this to anyone, not even Xiaomi.

As Mark spoke, he subtly observed the expressions of Wang Xiaomi and her mother, who were both filled with astonishment.

Seeing the mother and daughter's reactions, Mark chuckled to himself: "Hmph, I won't tell you that this doctoral certificate is a fake one that I paid 2 yuan to have rushed out."

Mark leaned forward slightly and continued in a calm and confident tone, "Auntie, I'm 40 years old this year. I own four properties in Beijing, as well as some other investments. All these assets combined are worth approximately over 100 million."

However, Auntie, please don't misunderstand me. I just want to show you that I have enough financial means to ensure that Xiaomi lives a carefree, happy, and prosperous life.

By the way, I went to Xiaomi's pet store today. I think it's a place with great potential, so I've invested in and become involved in its operation. From now on, Xiaomi is the boss's wife!

These words were like two bombshells, leaving Wang Xiaomi's mother stunned for a long time, her eyes filled with shock.

Mark looked at her, his face still bearing a gentle smile, and said, "Auntie, I've heard Xiaomi mention that there's a beauty salon called Oulai in the nearby department store. You often go there for beauty treatments."

I made a special trip there, and now I've acquired 4% of the shares in this beauty salon. From now on, if you want to get a beauty treatment, just go ahead; I'll cover all the costs, you won't have to spend a single penny.

As he spoke, Mark took out a gold VIP card from his pocket. The design on it was exquisite and ornate, clearly indicating its high value. He presented it to Wang Xiaomi's mother with both hands, and she instinctively accepted it.

Wang Xiaomi's mother was stunned again. Before she could recover, Mark continued, "Auntie, there's a supermarket in that department store. I don't know if you have a habit of shopping there, but I took the liberty of getting you a supermarket discount card."

"If you ever shop there in the future, you can enjoy a 30% discount on anything you buy." After saying that, Mark took out a silver supermarket card and handed it to Wang Xiaomi's mother.

Holding the two cards in her hands, Wang Xiaomi's mother seemed frozen in place, her mouth agape, unable to close for a long time. Her gaze darted back and forth between Mark and Wang Xiaomi, as if she wanted to say something, but something seemed to be stuck in her throat, and she couldn't utter a single word.

Mark looked at her with sincerity and continued in an even more earnest tone, "Auntie, I'm showing you these things not to flaunt my wealth, but simply to let you know that my love for Xiaomi far surpasses these material possessions."

I won't lie to you, I'm divorced and have two children, but Auntie, please believe me, my feelings for Xiaomi are genuine. I will do everything in my power to ensure Xiaomi suffers no hardship in life.

He paused briefly, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes, and then continued, "Oh, by the way, Auntie, I also have a gift that I prepared for Xiaomi a long time ago. I'll take this opportunity to give it to her today."

As he spoke, Mark slowly took out a delicate and beautiful car key from his pocket, which gleamed with a captivating luster under the light.

"Auntie, I know Xiaomi likes small, compact cars, so I secretly bought one for her. The price of the car is secondary; what's worth mentioning is that this car has a white Beijing license plate (京A).

With this license plate, commuting to and from work will be much more convenient for Xiaomi. Even if there are traffic restrictions, there's no need to worry, as this is a special license plate and is not subject to those policies.

As Mark spoke, he handed the car keys to Xiaomi, his eyes full of affection.

Mark seemed to remember something and looked at Wang Xiaomi's mother again, saying, "Also, Auntie, I don't know if you've ever thought about moving, so I wanted to ask what you think."

If you're willing to live with us after we get married, I'm planning to buy a larger villa. Then, our whole family can live together happily and joyfully. What do you think?

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiaomi's mother was so shocked that she jumped up from the sofa, her face full of disbelief. She shouted, "Alright, stop talking!"

Wang Xiaomi hurriedly turned her head to look at her mother, Ms. Wang Lanfang, thinking that she was about to kick her out.