Movie: Get Alpha Dog at the start

Chapter 1313 Proposing marriage at home

Just as they were laughing and joking, a clear voice suddenly came from afar: "Teacher Song!" Qin Hao turned around and saw a little girl in a red down jacket walking happily towards them. The little girl was about eight or nine years old, her face was rosy from the cold wind, and her big eyes were particularly bright and lively.

After the young girl approached, Song Yunhui introduced her to Qin Hao: "Brother Hao, this is my student, Liang Sichen."

Before Qin Hao could speak, the young girl interjected, "You're Lei Hao?"

She tilted her head and looked Qin Hao up and down, her eyes full of curiosity and inquiry.

Song Yunhui's face hardened: "Liang Sishen, you can't be rude."

Although his tone was stern, a hint of helpless amusement flashed in his eyes. Clearly, this wasn't the first time such a scene had occurred.

Liang Sichen curled her lip nonchalantly: "A name is just for people to call out to you, otherwise why bother having a name?"

She put her hands in her down jacket pockets and shrugged like a little adult.

Qin Hao chuckled. This little girl had a whole repertoire of tricks up her sleeve; no wonder she had managed to infuriate Song Yunhui back then. He observed the quick-witted girl with interest and noticed that although she was young, her demeanor and speech exuded a maturity beyond her years.

Song Yunping had clearly seen Liang Sichen before, and greeted her gently, "Sichen, long time no see."

Liang Sichen smiled sweetly at her and said, "Hello, Sister Pingping!"

Her obedient demeanor was completely different from her earlier appearance.

Qin Hao decided to tease her: "You're showing favoritism, calling her 'sister' but calling me by my first name?"

Liang Sichen explained seriously, "That's different. Pingping is Teacher Song's older sister, so it's only right that I call her 'sister.' I don't even know you, so why should I call you 'brother'?"

She blinked her big eyes, looking quite self-righteous.

Qin Hao was amused by her logic: "Since your teacher Song calls me 'brother,' it wouldn't be a loss for you to call me 'brother' too, would it?"

Liang Sichen smiled slyly, revealing two adorable dimples: "Calling me 'brother' isn't out of the question, but there has to be some benefit, right?"

Song Yunhui's expression changed slightly, and he kept giving Liang Sichen meaningful glances, afraid that she would say something inappropriate. But the young girl completely ignored him, her eyes fixed intently on Qin Hao, waiting for his response.

Qin Hao stroked his chin, feigning deep thought: "Xiao Hui told me that your family is well-off, so some small gifts probably won't be enough for you."

He paused for a moment, then asked with interest, "Tell me, what do you want?"

Liang Sichen tilted her head and thought for a moment, her pigtails swaying gently with her movement: "I heard from Teacher Song that you've been doing business abroad. Could you tell me about your experiences overseas?"

Qin Hao looked at Song Yunping, seeking her opinion: "Shall we bring her along?"

After seeing Song Yunping nod, he said to Liang Sichen, "What do you want to know? Let's talk about it while we eat. This isn't the place to talk."

Liang Sichen stared at Qin Hao for a long time, then suddenly said in a mature tone, "You really are as smart as Teacher Song said."

Song Yunping was not quite there yet and looked at Qin Hao with a puzzled expression.

Qin Hao explained in a low voice, "Didn't Xiao Hui say that this little girl is usually very unsociable, but she's so talkative around me? It can't be that I'm so wise and charming that everyone loves me, right? She obviously wants something from me."

Song Yunping suddenly realized, then spat out, "Show-off!"

Qin Hao opened the passenger door for her: "I've already been very restrained."

The two did not lower their voices, and Liang Sichen heard everything clearly.

She suddenly interjected, "Actually, you're quite good-looking, better than many celebrities."

After speaking, he nodded seriously, as if confirming his judgment.

Qin Hao chuckled: "You see, the eyes of the masses are discerning."

He winked smugly at Song Yunping, earning a helpless eye roll in return.

They chatted and laughed all the way, and soon arrived at the Jingzhou Hotel. Uniformed greeters stood at the entrance, exuding an air of grandeur. It was Song Yunhui's first time dining at such a high-class place; he hesitated for a moment at the entrance, appearing somewhat uneasy.

"Teacher Song, let's go!" Liang Sichen pushed him from behind, her little face full of excitement, showing no sign of stage fright.

Song Yunping, on the other hand, was already used to it; she had eaten here several times before. However, for her, the only difference was that the food here was slightly better than in the cafeteria, nothing special.

Inside the private room, Qin Hao was ordering food. A waiter stood respectfully to the side, holding an elegant menu. Song Yunhui curiously picked up another menu, and was immediately shocked by the prices—the cheapest vegetarian dish cost half a month's living expenses!

"I want to eat lobster!" Liang Sichen leaned over and pointed to a dish on the menu. She seemed completely unconcerned about the price, her eyes only filled with anticipation for the delicious food.

When Song Yunhui saw the price, he was about to stop him, but Qin Hao had already asked the waiter to write it down: "Okay, another steamed sea bass and a braised lion's head meatball." He skillfully ordered several signature dishes and asked everyone about their taste preferences.

After we ordered, the waiter left, and the private room became quiet for a moment.

While waiting for the food to arrive, Liang Sichen eagerly pestered Qin Hao, "Brother Hao, tell me some stories about foreign countries!"

She rested her chin on her hands, her eyes sparkling.

Qin Hao said seriously, "Telling you is fine, but there should be some benefit in return, right?"

Liang Sichen pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and then said, "Can I call you Brother Hao from now on, just like Teacher Song did?"

Qin Hao laughed: "Just for calling me 'brother,' feel free to come to me anytime if you ever need anything."

He reached out and ruffled the little girl's hair, but she dodged away in disgust.

During the meal, Qin Hao told Liang Sichen a lot about America—the skyscrapers of New York, the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, and the windy charm of Chicago. He described it vividly and interestingly, and even Song Yunhui was captivated.

"How are American schools different from ours?" Liang Sichen asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Qin Hao thought for a moment: "The schools over there place more emphasis on cultivating students' independent thinking abilities. In class, teachers encourage students to ask questions and even challenge the teacher's views. However, their basic education isn't as solid as ours; many junior high school students' math skills might not even be as good as yours."

Liang Sichen nodded thoughtfully and asked a few more questions about the details of life in the United States. Qin Hao patiently answered them one by one, interspersing them with some interesting stories from his own time abroad. All three listened intently.

While Qin Hao was drinking water to quench his thirst, Liang Sichen suddenly fell silent. After hesitating for a moment, she finally voiced the question that had been lingering in her mind: "Brother Hao, my parents are planning to send me to my grandmother's in America. What do you think, should I go or not?"

Her voice lowered, and a hint of unease flashed in her eyes.

The private room fell silent. Song Yunping looked at the young girl in surprise, never expecting her to face such a choice at such a young age. Song Yunhui also frowned; clearly, he was unaware of his student's situation.

Qin Hao put down his water glass and said seriously, "You won't get an answer to this question from me. The key is for you: do you want to stay in your familiar environment and follow the established path, or do you want to see the world outside?"

Liang Sichen fell silent, a thoughtful expression beyond her years appearing on her young face. Half a minute later, she looked up, her eyes shining with determination: "Okay, I think I have my answer."

After saying that, she looked at Qin Hao and said, "Could you give me your phone number in the US? If I get to America, can I call you?"

Her tone carried a hint of vulnerability, revealing the deep-seated anxiety within this seemingly precocious girl.

Qin Hao pulled a gold-embossed business card from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and handed it to her: "My personal phone number is on this. I can't guarantee I'll be available, but if you encounter any difficulties, you can call this number for help."

Liang Sichen took the business card, carefully tucked it into the inside pocket of her down jacket, and patted it to make sure it was secure. A smile returned to her face: "Thank you, Brother Hao! I'll definitely call you!"

The meal lasted nearly two hours. When leaving the restaurant, Liang Sichen reluctantly said goodbye to everyone.

She looked up at Qin Hao and suddenly said, "Brother Hao, I think Sister Pingping is very happy."

Before Qin Hao could react, she skipped away, her red down jacket standing out brightly in the winter sun.

In the afternoon, Qin Hao brought Song Yunping and her brother to the hotel to pick up Yang Xun. Yang Xun looked to be in good spirits and greeted Song Yunhui warmly, "Xiao Hui! Long time no see!"

Song Yunhui replied with a smile, "Young Yang Xun, I heard you're quite busy these days."

Yang Xun scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "It's all thanks to Brother Hao's help."

He helped everyone put their luggage into the trunk, and then consciously sat in the back seat.

Qin Hao started the car and drove home. Song Yunping, sitting in the passenger seat, watched the city scenery rushing past the window and asked softly, "Is Liang Sichen really going to America?"

Qin Hao nodded: "Judging from her expression, she seems to have already made up her mind. What, are you worried about her?"

Song Yunping sighed softly, her tone full of pity: "She's still so young."

Song Yunhui, sitting in the back row, interjected, "Sis, don't underestimate Liang Sichen just because she's young. She's more opinionated than many adults. All our teachers say she'll definitely amount to something."

Yang Xun asked curiously, "Who is this little girl? She seems unusual."

As Qin Hao drove, he explained, "Her maternal grandfather is a wealthy businessman in Hong Kong, her father is a bank president, and many members of her family hold important positions in government agencies."

Yang Xun clicked his tongue in amazement; with such a background, it was no wonder he could go abroad whenever he wanted.

As the car drove out of the city, the scenery on both sides of the road gradually changed to fields and villages. Song Yunping leaned back in her seat and fell asleep without realizing it.

Qin Hao turned down the radio volume, and Song Yunhui and Yang Xun also lowered their voices.

……

The Crown sedan slowly drove onto the dirt road in Shanbei Brigade, its wheels making a slight crunching sound as they rolled over the uneven mud.

Several children herding cattle in the distance were the first to spot the gleaming black sedan. They excitedly shouted, "The car is here!" and ran as fast as they could towards the village.

Before long, the roadside was filled with villagers who had come to watch the spectacle. The children squeezed to the front and all recognized Qin Hao's car.

"That must be the car of the big boss from Xiao Lei's family. It's really impressive."

"Tsk tsk, the world is going to the dogs. These days, people dare to be so blatant about speculation and profiteering."

"What speculation? He's a big shot that even the county leaders are eager to curry favor with. I saw him chatting and laughing with the newly arrived County Chief Xu on New Year's Eve last year."

Yang Xun rolled down the car window, grabbed a handful of fruit candies from a bag in the passenger seat, and shouted to the children, "Don't push, line up, two candies each!"

The children cheered immediately and jostled to get ahead.

While reminding them to be careful, Qin Hao reduced the car speed to first gear and slowly moved forward like a tortoise crawling.

When they reached the fork in the road near the Song family's house, even more villagers had gathered. Qin Hao simply turned off the engine, parked the car, and tossed the keys to Yang Xun: "You can drive back."

Yang Xun took the keys and winked mischievously at Song Yunping: "Sister Ping, congratulations!"

Before Song Yunping could react, he stepped on the gas and sped away, leaving behind a string of cheerful honking sounds.

Song Yunping, her face flushed, stomped her foot: "That Yang Xun, he's getting more and more disrespectful!"

Qin Hao chuckled, picked up the bags from the back seat, and gently nudged Song Yunping with his shoulder: "Let's go, even an ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws eventually."

"You're the ugly one! Besides, this is my house, what am I afraid of?" Song Yunping glared at him coquettishly, but still obediently took a lighter bag, and the two walked side by side towards the Song family's courtyard.

The courtyard gate was just a stone's throw away, but Song Yunping suddenly stopped, her fingers unconsciously tightening their grip on the bag's handle. Qin Hao noticed her nervousness, stopped, put the bag down, and took her slightly trembling hands in his.

"Pingping, look at me." Qin Hao's voice was gentle yet firm: "Will you marry me?"

Song Yunping looked up and met Qin Hao's deep gaze. Sunlight shone on his profile, outlining his resolute features.

“I do,” Song Yunping said softly, her eyes slightly red.

Qin Hao smiled, leaned down and gently kissed her forehead: "Then there's nothing to be afraid of."

Song Yunping took a deep breath and nodded. The two picked up the gifts again, pushed open the courtyard gate, and went inside.

In the courtyard, Song's mother was hanging clothes to dry. Hearing the noise, she turned around and dropped the wooden basin in her hand with a clatter.

"Pingping! Haozi!" Song's mother called out in surprise, rushing to greet him without even picking up the basin. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I could have prepared the meal!"

Hearing the noise, Song's father came out of the main room, still holding his pipe, which he hadn't had time to put down. The wrinkles on his forehead smoothed out: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back! Come inside quickly, it's cold outside!"

The group went inside and sat around the brazier to warm themselves. The crackling charcoal made everyone's faces glow. Song's mother busied herself pouring hot water, while Song's father rummaged through drawers and cupboards looking for tea, but Song Yunping stopped him.

"Dad, don't bother, sit down and rest for a while." Song Yunping took the teapot: "I'll do it."

Qin Hao laid out the gifts he brought on the table one by one: two bottles of Moutai liquor and a carton of Zhonghua cigarettes for Song's father, a wool scarf and skincare products for Song's mother, and the gifts for Song Yunhui were given to him in Jingzhou.

Seeing this, Song's parents quickly waved their hands, saying, "Haozi, you always bring so much stuff back every time you come back. It's too much of a waste!"

"Uncle and Aunt, it's nothing," Qin Hao said with a smile. "I'm away on business and rarely come back."

Song Yunhui had somehow slipped behind his parents and winked slyly at Qin Hao: "Mom and Dad, you'd better accept this gift today, or my sister won't be happy."

"Huh?" Mr. and Mrs. Song looked bewildered and turned to look at their daughter.

Song Yunping's face flushed bright red, reaching up to grab her younger brother's ear: "Song Yunhui! What nonsense are you talking about!"

Song Yunhui nimbly hid behind Qin Hao, grinning as he said, "Sis, what are you shy about? It was bound to happen sooner or later!"

Seeing the even more confused look on Song's parents' faces, Qin Hao quickly cleared his throat and said seriously, "Uncle and Aunt, I've come today to formally propose marriage to you. I want to marry Pingping after she graduates from university, and I hope you will agree."

The room fell silent instantly, save for the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire. Mrs. Song nearly dropped her teacup, and Mr. Song forgot to smoke his pipe. They stared at each other, speechless.

Song Yunping was so ashamed that she wanted to disappear. She stomped her foot, turned around, ran into the inner room, and slammed the door shut.

The sound of the door closing seemed to wake Mr. and Mrs. Song. Mrs. Song's eyes suddenly reddened, and she wiped her eyes with her apron: "Good, good. Our Pingping is blessed."

Mr. Song patted Qin Hao's shoulder heavily, his voice choked with emotion: "Haozi, your uncle has always considered you like a son! I'm at ease entrusting Pingping to you!"

Qin Hao nodded solemnly: "Uncle and Aunt, don't worry, I will definitely take good care of Pingping."

Suddenly remembering something, Song's mother hurriedly stood up: "Oh dear, I was so busy talking! I'll go cook right now! Haozi likes braised pork, right? I'll go get the meat!"

Mr. Song laughed heartily and took out a bottle of his treasured old wine from the cabinet: "We must have a good drink today! Haozi, want to have a drink with your uncle?"

"Okay!" Qin Hao readily agreed.

The door to the inner room opened a crack, and Song Yunping, blushing, peeked out, meeting Qin Hao's smiling gaze. (End of Chapter)