Chapter 22 - A Family?

Once Zhang Min invited her to ask anything,Shi Ai was actually blank.She had been unable to sleep wondering so many things but when push came to shove she realized she knew nothing about families.However she did not want Zhang Min to know this so she asked,"Tell me about your family."It was a fairly generic question leaving the option open to Zhang Min whatever he wanted to tell her.Seeing that she knew even less than them,Zhang Min thought it was a good thing he had his mother's influence more in his life.If he turned out to be totally like his hero (his father) then his EQ would be inversely proportional to his IQ!So Zhang Min decided to explain his family in the best way possible."Alright you know Father of course.My mother is a home maker who is strict and grumpy.Though she has a kind heart,she also has eyes at the back of her head and ears like a bat.She also has a sharp tongue which of you are inflicted with will be bound to hurt but she has a pure heart and once she gets to know you will make you sick with showering of love.I have two elder brothers who are extremely like my father and though they love you they will show as much emotion as a rock.They come home once or twice a month and feel it is their duty to bully me!I don't think they will bully you though because you are a girl obviously.And lastly there is me!I am the best of them all and youngest.Well when you join the family you will be the youngest."

"By the way,do you have a boyfriend?"

Shi Ai shook her head no to this sudden change in topic but after getting the answer,Zhang Min continued,"Well I guess that is a good thing.Because your boyfriend would have to suffer inquisition from all of us.And let me tell you all the elders in our house are very good at putting up an intimidating face.Also,do you have any more questions?"

Shi Ai while was still absorbing this information once again shook her head.But this time Zhang Min assumed that since she had no more questions then she must be ready to join their family and like a steam roller on a roll planned her next move for her,"Alright then.I'll take your address from father and come help you pack everything over the weekend. You can move in then. Do you have a color preference?I'm going to get the room next to mine repainted for you so think which colour do you want?Hmm?"

Zhang Min looked at the dazed expression of Shi Ai and then realized she had yet to say anything.Did that mean that she was rejecting them.He almost panicked.And started to babble,"Shi Shi you do not have to worry about having a boyfriend in the future.We will not be too intimidating!And do you want to know anything else?Are you worried about gossip?Don't worry I will bash anyone who dares to talk s***.Shi shi say something!"

Finally Shi Ai came out of her stupor and said hesitantly,"Your family sounds amazing senior brother.You so not need to worry.I don't have any intention of getting a boyfriend.I want to study hard and make a career for myself.I just do not wish to trouble you all on my behalf.I do not know how to live in a family and am worried about offending anyone.If you do not mind doing something for me,can you please ask Mrs Zhang if she really is Ok with my becoming a part of her family?And in case she has a similar misunderstanding as you please clear that as well.I don't wish to intrude.Please be assured that I do not mind living in a hostel and do not need much money and am self sufficient so your parents also need not feel guilty about not being responsible for me.Can you please do that senior brother?"