Mrs Hale, I Surrender
Chapter 371 - 370 Create a new style when meeting parents, turn from guest to host

Chapter 371: 370 Create a new style when meeting parents, turn from guest to host

Inside the Apartment

Hearing the door close, Mrs. Lopez, who was wearing an apron, walked out of the kitchen, "My Sussie’s back home, Mom made you your favorite beef steamed with rice powder."

"This child of mine, really, how could you inconvenience yourself by staying at your Senior Brother’s house for so long, bothering his family like that?"

"What are you standing at the door for? Change your shoes and come in, wash your hands and get ready for dinner."

"Mom..." Sussie bit her lip, "When did you and Dad get here?"

She didn’t dare look her father in the eye.

Feeling an icy chill all over, a moment of shock sent her soul flying to who knows where.

"We arrived at noon, tidied up the apartment a bit for you, and bought some things. We even planned to pick you up and thank your Senior Brother in person, but with all that happened, it got too late, so we decided to just cook dinner and wait for you to return."

"Your dad and I also brought some local specialties. One of these days, we’ll accompany you to thank your Senior Brother’s family."

Mrs. Lopez prattled on for a while but noticed her daughter didn’t respond, so she furrowed her brow, "Sussie, what are you daydreaming about?"

Busy cooking, her hands smeared with grease, she couldn’t touch her daughter and only looked her up and down.

Her gaze swept over...

Her brow furrowed further.

"Sussie, you came back like this? Without even bringing a bag? You’ve been staying at someone else’s house for so many days, you must have some clothes to change into, right?"

"I..."

Sussie only felt the air thick and stifling, as if she couldn’t catch her breath.

What should she do?

Finn was still outside.

This was bad.

They had just confirmed their relationship, and she was not at all ready to bring him home to meet her parents.

Besides, meeting the parents under these circumstances was also inappropriate.

"What’s wrong? You look pale," Mrs. Lopez, completely unaware of what had happened, looked puzzled, "Are you sick?"

"She’s overly shocked," Mr. Lopez snorted coldly.

"What?" Mrs. Lopez looked even more baffled.

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and let him in. It’s cold in the hallway without any heating. What if you let him freeze out there?" Mr. Lopez said directly, "Invite him in for a cup of tea."

Upon hearing this, Sussie smiled, "Dad, it is indeed quite cold outside."

Their matter with Finn had been buzzing all over the internet; her parents must have known about it, but they never brought it up during phone calls.

From her father’s tone, it seemed he wasn’t opposed to Finn.

But just as she turned around, she heard her father’s faint voice from behind,

"Yeah, it’s so cold. If he falls sick, someone will worry, and I’ll get blamed afterwards. Then I’ll be the sinner."

...

Sussie took a deep breath.

Since when had her father adopted this wry tone?

Had he been possessed by Senior Brother?

She quickly opened the door, and Finn had already moved all her stuff to the doorstep. He was standing with arms crossed, looking quite at ease while waiting for her, and he asked with a smile, "Your parents are here?"

"How did you know?"

"Easy guess."

Sussie was still very cautious; not many people could enter her apartment and get such a reaction from her.

"You haven’t seen Uncle and Auntie for a long time. You talk first; I’ll go back."

"My dad saw you."

...

"Come in for a cup of tea."

Finn was actually keen to meet her parents, but since he hadn’t prepared anything, he was afraid of being rude.

However, given the situation, he could only steel himself and go forward.

They had just confirmed their relationship, and he hadn’t had a minute to feel triumphant.

Meanwhile, inside the apartment, the Lopezs were whispering to each other, "Was there someone else outside just now? Is it the one who publicly declared his liking for our Sussie?"

Mr. Lopez: "I didn’t get a good look, but I think so."

"What to do? I don’t know what he likes to eat. I prepared all this food that Sussie loves."

"This kid wants to whisk our daughter away? Why bother pleasing him?"

"Isn’t it his first time visiting our home?"

"How do you know it’s his first time?"

"I..."

Mrs. Lopez frowned, "This is Sussie’s first time bringing a boyfriend home, I don’t know what to do. What should I say later? It’s quite awkward since we’re not familiar."

"I have no experience in this matter either."

"You met my parents when you visited my home before. Just follow that example."

"I was so nervous at the time, it’s been twenty or thirty years, I can’t remember any of it."

...

By the time Sussie Lopez brought someone into the house, the Lopezs had already assumed their positions with a serious demeanor.

"Hello, Uncle and Auntie, nice to meet you for the first time. My name is Finn Hale, and I’m Sussie’s boyfriend."

Finn Hale, due to his higher status, always dressed neatly and meticulously. Even on a regular day, he was tidy and sharp, and with his dignified and clear aura, he didn’t have Old Sir Hale’s intimidating cold face. He was humble and polite.

Mrs. Lopez quite liked his face alone.

"I didn’t realize you were coming to Capital City, so I didn’t prepare any gifts. I hope you don’t mind that I came empty-handed."

"Please take a seat," Mr. Lopez coughed.

He reminded his wife beside him:

Don’t go acting like a fangirl!

Stay calm, be rational.

This kid is just better-looking.

Wasn’t there a saying in those TV dramas my wife often watches?

Who wasn’t stunning in their youth?

I wasn’t bad-looking when I was young.

Now I’m just old.

After Finn Hale took his seat politely, Mr. Lopez began, "You said you are Sussie’s boyfriend?"

"Yes."

"How long have you two been together?"

"About... a few minutes."

Mr. Lopez had been ready to give the boy a hard time, but this comment left him baffled, and he glanced at his daughter, pursing his lips and signaling with his eyes:

What’s going on?

What do you mean by a few minutes?

"Dad, we just made our relationship official right before I opened the door."

The Lopezs: (O_o)??

Finn Hale maintained his smile throughout.

Now, the Lopezs were the ones who were unsettled, feeling like their daughter had tricked them.

Mrs. Lopez managed a laugh, "Shall we eat first?"

"Yes, let’s eat," Mr. Lopez chuckled dryly.

"I’ll just wash my hands first," Finn Hale glanced at Sussie Lopez, "Where is the bathroom?"

The Lopezs exchanged glances:

Is this his first visit?

Mr. Lopez had thought that, given this young man’s good family background and talents, and his openness about pursuing his daughter, his actions were bold. He was also worried about his daughter being mistreated in the future. He composed himself, intending to give him a bit of a warning...

But how do you give a warning to a relationship that’s been going on for just a few minutes?

It was their first meeting, and it was the Lopezs who ended up feeling awkward.

Mr. Lopez was even regretting why he had offered to have him come in for tea.

This led to a meal time atmosphere that was eerily polite. The composition and background of the Hale Family could always be roughly searched online, and the Lopezs were somewhat aware, but in trying to make conversation, they repeated some questions.

The two really didn’t know what to ask, fearing it would be inappropriate to delve too deep into a relationship that had just started.

But it was Finn Hale who started the conversation.

"Is this Uncle and Auntie’s first visit to Capital City?"

Mrs. Lopez: "We’ve been here three or five times; we visited Sussie several times while she was studying here."

"What did you do for fun?"

"Every visit was in such a rush, and once we finally had a chance to stay a few extra days, it was them dad who messed up the schedule. We went to climb the Great Wall on the first day, and our feet were done for. We spent the rest of the days resting in the hotel."

Once Mrs. Lopez brought up his shortcomings, Mr. Lopez’s face changed slightly, and he coughed twice, only saying, "I didn’t expect it to be so tiring."

"It’s because you didn’t plan well."

"I looked at a lot of travel guides, you know."

"How long will you be staying in Capital City this time?" Finn Hale asked.

"Just three to five days."

"I can help you plan your schedule so you can really enjoy a few days. If there’s anywhere in particular you want to go, just let me know."

"..."

Throughout the meal, he seemed to be in control, leaving Sussie Lopez dumbfounded...

Was this,

inverting the roles of host and guest?

Mr. Hale, you’re truly impressive.