Cyril stood up as well and politely greeted, "Hi. My name is Cyril Parsons, and I am Chelsea's boyfriend."

Dad walked in and casually replied, "I know. Chelsea has already told us."

Mom came in with the vegetables and said, "Cyril, there wasn't much food left at the market today, so we didn't buy anything fancy. Just make do with it, OK?"

As I saw the few vegetable leaves and a piece of pork in the basket, my smile froze.

A few days ago, I had already told them that I would bring Cyril home and even transferred 150 dollars to my mom, asking her to buy some good vegetables.

And now, she was telling us there wasn't much food left at the market? How was that possible?

Dad casually took off his shoes and lay slanted on the sofa, Mom had a fake smile on her face, and Jane's eyes were mocking.

My gut told me that they were behaving like this on purpose.

I clenched my fists and was about to speak, but Cyril smiled, "It's fine. As long as the whole family gathers."

Cyril's expression didn't change. He was as gentle as always.

He took the basket from my mother's hand and went straight to the kitchen.

I quickly caught up with him and whispered, "I'm sorry. I didn't know they..."

"It's fine." Cyril lowered his gaze and washed the vegetables. "No need to be mad."

On the large dining table, there were only four dishes.

It felt like a slap in my face.

Then Cyril poured a glass of the fine wine for Dad, who beamed and took a sip, saying, "I know it's a good wine as soon as I drink it!"

I said, "It is. Cyril specially asked someone to buy it. He bought four bottles!"

Dad glanced at the wine in the corner. "What do you do for a living, Cyril?"

"I'm a clinical doctor working at New York Central Hospital," Cyril answered.

Mom's eyes lit up. "It's such a decent job! What do your parents do?"

"My dad runs a small company, and my mom is the chief physician of another hospital, which is one of the top three."

Mom was somewhat delighted. "Chelsea should have brought you back long ago. She's so insensible..."

I pursed my lips and didn't say anything.

Cyril held my hand and smiled, "Chelsea is great. I want to marry her."

I was stunned.

Jane sarcastically said, "So lovey-dovey."

Dad picked up a piece of food. "OK. That's a good thing. Well, the dowry is gonna be 150,000 dollars."

I stood up at once. "That much? Why?"