"Years ago, our family also benefited; when I was in trouble, the eldest brother did not stand aside and watch. Instead of gratitude, donât curse with âlittle bratâ all the time. We share the same grandfather, and besides, with the elder brotherâs abilities, the Qin Family might become much more powerful in the future..."
"Shut up!"
"Nonsense!"
Qin Lang and his wife were filled with righteous indignation. How could they allow their son to rain on their parade, especially to boost othersâ morale while dampening their own?
Thus, Qin Yishan was scolded by his parents in unison.
He was not too happy either, but for years, their second branch had complained and blamed excessively. Suddenly, he also didnât know what to do, although he understood deep down that continuing like this was pointless. Even when Qin Yize was not in the position, there was no hope; let alone now that the rightful heir has returned. Hence, he felt his parentsâ actions were futile, merely venting their frustrations privately.
So, he let them speak as much as they wanted, lest keeping quiet affected their health.
He hurriedly stood up, raised his hand before his parents could get angry, and said, "Iâm going to check on my wife; she should be waking up now. Feel free to curse, but keep your voice down..."
Then, he limped upstairs.
Leaving Qin Lang and his aunt-in-law glaring at each other, their fury and resentment forcibly stifled.
After a while, his aunt-in-law said with a sullen face, "Qin Lang, have you noticed our son has changed a bit since coming back from Port City?"
Qin Lang nodded, looking grim, "Indeed."
For whom was he striving, if not for the status of heir of the Qin Family for his only son? He himself knew how important it was.
Yet, after the sonâs disruption, he couldnât vent all his grievances.
But he couldnât swallow the anger, no matter what.
Qin Langâs expression grew increasingly somber.
Meanwhile, Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao lay on the sunlit carpet of the second-floor balcony.
A large cushion lay on the smoke-colored long-pile carpet.
Qin Yize leaned on the cushion, while Gu Qiaoqiao lazily lay on his lap with a plate of snacks by her side. Qin Yize peeled pine nuts for Gu Qiaoqiao.
These pine nuts, grown on the big red pine trees from the North, are large and plump, with a luscious fragrance.
Itâs said that eating more of them could be good for the hair growth of the child in the belly.
Gu Qiaoqiao didnât have many thoughts; she knew her body well, she just enjoyed eating them.
Yet, after she ate a handful, Qin Yize didnât let her eat anymore, "Alright, leave some for tomorrow."
These nuts are oily; eating too much not only sates the appetite but also affects proper meals and loses their charm when eaten excessively.
Gu Qiaoqiao didnât insist but raised her eyes to gaze at Qin Yize, "Youâre purposely staying at home with me, right?"
"Not on purpose, just a coincidence," Qin Yize casually combed his wifeâs hair, his voice soft, "Qiaoqiao, Iâm currently unemployed."
"Yes, youâre now a jobless wanderer, soon to be without meals." Gu Qiaoqiao giggled.
"Indeed, what should I do then?" Qin Yize chuckled, touching his wifeâs nose.
"Iâll support you."
"Wife, youâre so kind." Qin Yizeâs eyes lit up.
"I havenât finished. Do you eat much?" Gu Qiaoqiao gestured, "I canât afford it if you eat a lot."
Qin Yize stifled a laugh and earnestly said, "Wife, one meal with some plain white buns is sufficient for me..."
Gu Qiaoqiao pulled his head down, pinched his cheeks, and laughed, "Youâre quite the actor, plain white buns, who taught you?"
"Learned from a friend in the East City, and also Loo Zhigang..."
Recalling Loo Zhigangâs accent brought a laugh from Gu Qiaoqiao. That comrade, in essence, was very pure-hearted.
"Letâs go for a walk; Iâve eaten quite a bit, perfect to go check out the North Mountain Villa..." Gu Qiaoqiao suggested on a whim.
Qin Yize naturally agreed; appropriate exercise is beneficial for a pregnant woman and the fetus.
He dressed Qiaoqiao in a down jacket, put on a hat and scarf, and did the same for himself. Their scarf colors were similar, standing under the intricate snowy archway, resembling a fairytale couple.
Walking to North Mountain Villa requires no car, just a ten-minute walk. This year, Chinese New Year comes early, with New Yearâs Eve on the 26th of this month. Though thereâs still over half a month left until the New Year, the Qin Familyâs Courtyard is already adorned with red lanterns.
This yearâs New Year is important; the grandfather decided all three branches would gather for reuniting on New Yearâs Eve and New Yearâs Day.
The old residence of the Qin Family will not be visited.
The grandfather is happy, soon to have a great-grandchild, wanting to gather more popularity in this quiet courtyard for the great-grandchild.
Moreover, in a week, the daughter, son-in-law, and their family of four will fly back from Beyond the Ocean, hence the grandfather is fully undertaking the New Yearâs arrangements, busy daily.
No sight of the grandfather in the courtyard, likely out again for shopping with Xiao Yuan.
This too is the grandfatherâs joy, not something Qin Yize would take over. Besides, since Qiaoqiao is newly pregnant, itâs perfect timing for him being unoccupied and carefree, so staying by Gu Qiaoqiaoâs side is the priority.
Walking along, the flavor of the New Year appears quite abundant.
Today, for a rare warm winter day with low temperatures but without the harsh North wind, the sunshine feels especially pleasant.
Qin Yize held Gu Qiaoqiaoâs hand, strolling leisurely down the path.
Soon they arrived at the entrance of North Mountain Villa.
Gu Qiaoqiao paused, staring dazedly at the familiar architecture.
They stood by Xingzi Lake, covered in a thin layer of ice. Gu Qiaoqiao remembered how Xingzi Lake was most beautiful in summer.
This villa covers several thousand square meters.
Itâs a structure blending Eastern and Western features. Under the snowy reflection, the mica stone inlay on the walls shines brilliantly.
The paths leading to the villa and Xingzi Lake are clean-swept.
The surrounding shrubs seem a bit desolate, but Gu Qiaoqiao knows they bloom fully in summer.
As if separated by a century, or just an overnight, the owner here disappeared from the bustling world.
Yet, despite, this person enjoyed decades of opulence.
Here is a beginning and an end.
Whenever thought about, Gu Qiaoqiao felt unresolved, thus she came only once and never again.
This time, however, she stood at North Mountain Villaâs entrance, holding the key to the door.
Qin Yize seemed to understand Gu Qiaoqiaoâs thoughts. He took over the key to open the door, aware of Gu Qiaoqiaoâs mental knot, but there was no need for it now; everything should look forward.