"Father, why did you agree?" No one was around anymore, and Ms. Liu could not hold her tongue any longer.
She was filled with discontent, even blaming Old Yang for meddling too much.
"Why shouldnât I agree?" Old Yang asked calmly in reply, "Let me ask you, do you marry off your daughter for her future well-being, or for saving face? Moreover, whom exactly is your daughter marrying, a person or a status?"
Finding no selfish motive in herself regarding this, Ms.Liu retorted loudly, "Of course, itâs for Qiuâerâs sake."
Old Yang, showing rare patience, continued, "Good. Since you said itâs for Qiuâer, isnât it a good thing that Chen Sheng is setting up fields and houses in Yangshu Village? If he truly settles down here, Qiuâer will live under your very nose every day. Wouldnât you know whether sheâs doing well or not? If sheâs not, wouldnât our family step in with help? If Chen Sheng treats Qiuâer well, wouldnât that be a cause for celebration?"
He then added, "Since you claim that itâs for Qiuâerâs sake, why cling to the fact that heâs an actor? Can one eat status? Regardless of his status, as long as he treats Qiuâer well and can provide for his wife and children, thatâs what matters."
With Old Yangâs thorough explanation, Ms.Liu was left momentarily speechless. Despite still feeling unconvinced, she couldnât find a way to argue back.
"Enough. Letâs not interfere anymore. Letâs first see if Chen Sheng can fulfill his promises. If he does, then weâll discuss the marriage. If not, his words are empty. Letâs just wait." After giving his piece of mind, Old Yang did not want to stay at the old house any longer.
But before leaving, he sent a stern warning to Ms. Luo, "And you, stay out of other peopleâs business. Less manipulation, lest you bring discord to our Yang family and loss of face in public. You may leave now, all three of you."
Without sparing a glance at the disbelief on Ms. Luoâs face, he left.
Seeing Old Yangâs departure, both Yang Dachuan and Ms.Wang followed suit.
Yang Chuxia was no exception, but she was deep in thought, pondering over Old Yangâs words, and marveled at her grandfatherâs ability to surprise.
Apart from everything else, his insights about acting alone were remarkable, which left her rather awestruck.
Once back at home, Yang Chuxia brought some tea for Old Yang. Mu Shaoling had made the tea. He had said it was beneficial for oneâs health, especially so for elder people.
"Grandpa, have some tea!"
After a sip of the tea, Old Yang smiled warmly. Looking at his familiar smile, Yang Chuxia was reminded of the time when she lived at the old house. Every time she quarreled with Mrs. Hua, his grandfather would don this trademark smile.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Old Yang wrinkled his brows as he finally noticed his granddaughterâs gaze.
"Hehe, Grandpa, I didnât know before, but you really have profound knowledge! Youâre really cool!" Yang Chuxia laughed.
Seeing the laughter on her face, Old Yang, in a rare moment, ruffled her hair saying, "Silly girl, itâs just that Iâve lived longer and seen more."
"Still, itâs because you, Grandpa, are so knowledgeable and experienced."
As they chatted merrily, Yang Dachuan and Ms. Wang watched from the side. The family appeared quite harmonious.
Meanwhile, after their departure, silence weighed heavily on the old house.
Ms. Luo, scolded by Old Yang, was left seething in anger yet dared not say a word in retaliation.