Compared to the Zhang familyâs despondence, the Qi family was a scene of joyful harmony.
On the tenth day of the new year, the celebration for Qi Xiaoqi was held with great festivity, with square tables set up both inside and outside, laden with food and drink. Early this morning, Mother Qi and the others had already worshipped the gods and honored the ancestors, and had used a brush dipped in cinnabar to mark a red dot on Qi Xiaoqiâs forehead.
This lively celebration was possible because the Qi family had the means to afford it, and it was also for the first third-generation child, the eldest legitimate grandson, so it was fitting to make it grand. Moreover, it also served as a makeup full-month celebration.
Cheng Su appeared before the relatives holding Qi Xiaoqi, who was dressed like a New Yearâs painting doll. Everyone pinched his fair, chubby cheeks, touched his little hands and feet, and offered their blessings. The more generous ones gave small red envelopes as a full gesture of respect.
The banquet began with glasses being raised and exchanged, and the table was full of delicious dishes like steamed grass carp, braised duck, fried chicken, and celebratory meals symbolizing prosperity and fertility.
Qi Xiaoqi was the star of the day, and the little one seemed to know it, behaving adorably and smiling at everyone, much to their delight. Privately, they remarked on how wealth makes a difference, even in raising such a clean and smart child.
This was not meant as sarcasm, but as the truth.
Cheng Su, having the means, was generous in spending on the child. Qi Xiaoqi never lacked anything, from baby formula to clothingâalways choosing the best and softest. Since Cheng Su herself was fond of cleanliness, she couldnât bear to see the child dirty, making Qi Xiaoqi always clean and tidy, truly becoming the âcity kidâ in peopleâs mouths.
"Today you stole the spotlight; everyone praised you!" Cheng Su kissed her sonâs forehead, smiled, and tapped his cheek before starting to feed him.
On the other side, Qi Taiguo met with Qi Fenglian and the others. Chu Changxing was now his brother-in-law, but upon seeing Qi Taiguo, he was still somewhat reserved, possibly due to Qi Taiguoâs imposing presence. Contrarily, Chu Zheng, full of admiration, easily called him uncle and asked about army life with great familiarity.
Qi Taiguo was quite surprised, finding this nephew somewhat remarkable, and after a few pleasantries, he brought up the issue about Xiao Bao with his elder sister.
"Dad said to let this go, but I canât stomach it. Sis, how do you want to resolve this?" Qi Taiguo said with a dark expression.
Qi Fenglian quickly replied, "Let it be, donât let rubbish like this tarnish your reputation or accuse you of abusing your power. Their family is not doing well now, and from now on, Zhang Jisheng is not allowed to see Xiao Bao at all."
Qi Taiguo frowned, "Donât worry about my reputation; I canât let you all suffer!"
"Really, thereâs no need. Xiao Bao is fine now, lively and healthy," Qi Fenglian said. "I wonât let him see our son, he doesnât deserve it, and this is his karma. I live better than he does, I am more capable, and thatâs my revenge. Truly, listen to your big sister, donât waste your time on these people."
Qi Taiguo, hearing this, could only hold his tongue and asked Chu Changxing if he was treating her well, but looking at her expression and smile, he felt like his question was unnecessary.
"If they ever treat you badly, make you suffer, bully you, just tell me." Qi Taiguo pressed her shoulders and said, "Big sis, remember, youâre not alone, you have family, brothers from your motherâs side, Jianguo and I will always back you up."
Qi Fenglianâs eyes reddened as she nodded continuously, "I know, I know."
She wasnât afraid of anyone because she had brothers and family backing her up, and feared no one.