Initially, Chen Liyuan's parents were worried when they heard she was dating, but they were quite pleased to learn it was Lin Qi.
By the time Chen Mantun brought the couple home, eight dishes had already been prepared.
"This is wine for my uncle, and this is for my aunt. I also bought a hat for Auntie when I bought one for Liyuan. This is a rex rabbit hat, very warm for winter," Lin Qi said, taking out the items one by one. "These are famous pastries from the neighboring province, and this..."
As the saying goes, generous gifts are never unwelcome, and he had considered everyone.
Although they had known each other before, his considerate attitude made Wu Chunmei and Chen Mantun nod in approval.
Everyone enjoyed the meal immensely. Chen Mantun even had a few drinks with the two sons-in-law.
"Little Qi is too thin. Eat more. This is your home now, don't be shy," Wu Chunmei said, glancing at Chen Liyuan, who was eating attentively. She couldn't help but remind her, "Liyuan, don't just eat yourself. Give some meat to Little Qi. It's his first time visiting, take care of him."
Chen Liyuan looked up and saw that although Lin Qi was smiling, his body was stiff. Knowing he wasn't as relaxed as he appeared, she picked up a piece of pork rib and put it in his bowl, smiling. "Comrade Xiao Qi, my mom said this is your home now, so you don't need to be nervous."
"I'm not nervous," he said, feeling touched.
Because of his family's background, he had lost his mother, and he had always been surrounded by mockery and insults. He and his father lived like rats in the street, and at a young age, he had learned to read people's expressions. He had almost never experienced the warmth of a home.
The Chen family was different. It was a lively, bustling family. Initially, he had imagined countless ways they might make things difficult for him and had even asked Gu Xingdong for help. However, upon arriving, he realized all his worries were unnecessary. There was a table full of food, and everyone seemed to care about him.
Thinking that he would soon be integrated into this warm, loving family, Lin Qi was filled with mixed emotions.
That night, when Chen Lishu returned to the room after washing up, she saw Gu Xingdong lying by the kang. The two youngest were already asleep. She quietly asked, "Asleep?"
"They're probably tired from playing with Rui Rui and Lijuan. They fell asleep after just a few pats," Gu Xingdong said, patting the spot next to him.
Chen Lishu took off her shoes and lay down beside him.
"Look how happy my parents were today. My dad doesn't usually drink much, but he had a drink this time. It's clear he's very satisfied with Lin Qi as his prospective son-in-law."
Gu Xingdong looked up. "He drank two cups with me the first time I visited."
Chen Lishu chuckled. "Every time I hold Little Bai for a bit too long, Little Cheng cries his eyes out. Now I know why?"
Gu Xingdong turned his head. "What do you mean?"
Chen Lishu teased, "This petty attitude, isn't it just like someone I know?"
Gu Xingdong's expression faltered, and he then cleared his throat. "I'm just stating facts."
"Don't explain. Explaining is just covering up, and covering up is admitting the truth. You are just..." *Mmph.*
Before she could finish, she felt a pressure on her lips, and the rest of her words were sealed away...
In a high-end residential area in Kyoto, a woman emerged from the shower wearing a red silk nightgown that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure. The exposed section of her calf seemed to glow against the vibrant red.
The man on the bed's breathing immediately became heavier.
"Zinian, it's already the twenty-eighth. Are you going to leave me alone for the New Year again?" the woman asked, walking seductively to the bedside, a hint of melancholy in her demeanor.
"I don't know how Qingqing is doing now. I haven't seen him in a week."
He Niannian pulled her into his arms and said gently, "You'll come home with me for the New Year this year."
Zhu Shasha suddenly looked up, her bright eyes filled with disbelief. "Can I really? You're not lying to me?"
Being able to spend the New Year at the He family's home meant that the He family had acknowledged her as their daughter-in-law.
He Niannian smiled at her slightly teary eyes, brimming with excitement. "Of course, it's true. When have I ever lied to you? Besides, you are Qingqing's mother, and my parents absolutely adore him. He's already five years old, and it's time he had a complete family."
"Zinian, you're so good to me," Zhu Shasha said, her fair arms wrapping around his shoulders.
He Niannian said ambiguously, "Then how will you repay me?"
Zhu Shasha shyly replied, "Whatever you want."
Soon, they collapsed onto the soft silk sheets behind them.
Although the He family was distinguished, they conducted their affairs with great discretion. Their residence was an ancestral home that once encompassed an entire street nearby. Old Master He, a man of foresight, sensed the changing times before the period of turmoil. He directly handed over all the family's properties to the state, paving the way for his eldest son's career in the military. Simultaneously, he sold all his assets and sent his second and third sons to friends in Hong Kong.
The elderly couple weathered the ten years of turmoil smoothly. Although they rarely participated in decision-making now, none of their three sons dared to disregard their opinions.
Therefore, without their consent, He Niannian could not possibly bring Zhu Shasha home.
Zhu Shasha attached great importance to this New Year's Eve dinner and began preparing early. In addition to her own attire, the most crucial aspect was choosing gifts.
"He gave me a son, and Qingqing is the best gift. The little fellow is so sweet-tongued; the old couple absolutely adores him."
Her elder brother and sister-in-law were in the military and rarely came home. Coupled with the fact that their children were grown, the old couple didn't think highly of Zhu Shasha, but they were very fond of their grandson.
Zhu Shasha's lips curved upward, a hint of triumph flashing in her eyes. It seemed her decision back then had been correct.
"That's different. Tell me, what do your parents like? After all, it's just a small token of appreciation from me as a junior."
He Niannian thought for a moment. "My mother enjoys gardening and calligraphy and painting. I have a piece of Hui ink that I originally planned to give her on her birthday. I'll give it to you tomorrow."
Zhu Shasha kissed him on the cheek. "I knew you were the best."
"As for my father, he enjoys playing chess. Perhaps you could give him a finely crafted chessboard." For a family like his, even the best things might not impress the old couple, so the sentiment was what mattered.
Time flew by, and it was New Year's Eve. Zhu Shasha and He Niannian returned to the He family home early in the morning.
"Mom, Dad." Qingqing was eating at the table. Seeing them enter, he immediately tried to climb down from his chair.
"Qingqing, you haven't finished eating," Mother He reminded him.
"I'm already full and don't want to eat anymore." Qingqing didn't listen, dropped his half-eaten bowl, and ran towards his parents.
Mother He frowned at the sight.