Itâs rare for Old Master Cheng to visit, so Cheng Su wanted to take him around, but the old man said that both her in-laws and natal family are here, and the children are young, so she shouldnât leave for too long. As for him, with Cheng Yaozu and Ying Xiaoya around, thereâs no lack of company.
Thus, it was Cheng Yaozu and the two little ones accompanying Old Master Cheng on his tour, while Cheng Su busied herself with what needed doing.
For the Mid-Autumn Festival, several families gathered for a meal. There were too many people to fit into Cheng Suâs small home, but since they owned a restaurant, Cheng Su decided to book the restaurant for a grand Mid-Autumn dinner.
Mother Qi mentioned that Qi Fenglian and the auntâs family were all women and children, so since they were eating at the restaurant anyway, why not invite them too.
Cheng Su wasnât stingy, so of course, she agreed to add a few pairs of chopsticks.
In a large private room, they took up two tables. It was the first time so many people were celebrating together, so liveliness was inevitable. The little friend, Qi Xiaoqi, in Cheng Suâs arms, looked around wide-eyed, as if fascinated by the world, and his adorable expressions endeared everyone, eventually ending up in Old Master Chengâs arms.
Mother Qi watched with a mix of heartache and envy, not to mention a sense of loneliness, but there was nothing she could do since her grandson didnât want her; it was simply out of her hands.
"Didnât you go to the temple to pray?" Her aunt whispered in her ear.
Mother Qi replied, "I did pray. But I donât know whatâs going on, Xiao Qi still doesnât let me hold him."
"Could it be that your daughter-in-law badmouths you in front of the child, causing him to hold a grudge and not want you to hold him?" The aunt said with a smirk.
Upon hearing this, Mother Qiâs face darkened. She said, "How can you say that, big sister? Xiao Qi is so young, just a month old, what can he know? Holding a grudge is even more far-fetched."
Although she felt uncomfortable inside, she disliked anyone speaking even a word against her grandson, even if it was her own sister.
The aunt pursed her lips, wanting to say something, but Liu Wenjing, beside her, gently tugged at her sleeve.
"What are you doing?" The aunt raised her voice, displeased as she looked at her daughter-in-law, drawing everyoneâs attention to them, turning the eldersâ faces red and a bit at a loss.
The air suddenly became quiet, as an awkward atmosphere lingered in the room.
"Giggle."
The babyâs laughter broke the awkwardness, drawing everyoneâs gaze. They saw little Xiao Qi laughing in Old Master Chengâs arms.
"This little guy sure loves to laugh." Cheng Yaozu chuckled and said, "His future luck is definitely going to be strong."
"Of course, heâs my son!" Qi Taiguo said with pride.
"Listen to you bragging. Xiao Ya, we should have a pretty daughter later to make him envious." Cheng Yaozu said, hugging Ying Xiaoyaâs shoulder.
Blushing, Ying Xiaoya lightly punched his shoulder, amusing everyone.
Deng Weiqiu watched from the side, full of envy, truly realizing that comparison with others can be disheartening, as some people have such good luck in marriage.
Not to mention others, just look at Cheng Su, marrying the oldest cousin when her family wasnât great, but the oldest cousin proved himself, and she was capable too. Whatâs bad about it now? Seeing their loving interactions, you can tell their relationship is good.
But for herself, there was no prospect at all.
The atmosphere livened up again, and as the host, Cheng Su talked the most, celebrating her sister-in-lawâs successful university entrance, and the big family chatted and laughed, leaving the auntâs brief unpleasantness behind.
As for the aunt? Who cares about her? She just buried her head in her food, grumbling silently to herself. But her discomfort was her own doing, and she couldnât blame anyone else!