"..." Shu Lang.
So this was where they were waiting for him? He suddenly felt like the food wasnât all that appetizing anymore.
It was hard to say when this started, but his familyâs old man had taken a keen interest in playing matchmaker. Ever since Shu Lang returned home, heâd been bringing it up every now and then.
Jiaojiao, on the other hand, covered her mouth and stifled a laugh. Actually, twenty-five wasnât too old, but given the current times, it was a little on the older side.
Shu Lang looked at the stubborn old man across the table, feeling like if he didnât agree, the old man might not even properly enjoy his meal. Considering it was New Yearâs Eve dinner, and with Ruan Jianguo, the Ruanlin Family, and three nephews present, Shu Lang could only let out a silent sigh.
He picked up his chopsticks again and said helplessly, "Fine, Iâll go, alright? Will you drop it now?"
"If you just agreed earlier, we wouldnât have dragged it out." Old Man Shu still thought he wasnât being decisive enough. The moment his mood shifted, he picked up a big chicken drumstick and placed it in Jiaojiaoâs bowl, cheerfully saying, "Here, Jiaojiao, eat the drumstick."
The delighted look on his face completely erased the traces of melancholy from earlier.
After serving Jiaojiao, he grabbed a piece of braised pork for himself. His appetite was unmistakably excellent now.
Shu Lang watched, feeling his heart pinch again. He advised, "The doctor said you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. You shouldnât eat such greasy things. Eat more vegetables instead."
Upon hearing that, Old Man Shu nearly slammed his chopsticks down again. At their age, they already lived for meat; vegetables tasted bland and joyless. All they wanted was to savor some meat.
But with age came ailments, especially the "three highs." Indulging in rich food was practically forbidden.
He set down his chopsticks with a sense of grievance and muttered, "Ah, getting old... Even eating a piece of meat seems to bother someone. Ah..." That final sigh dragged on forever, dripping with infinite sorrow.
"..." Shu Lang.
Since when did he not know this old man had such a flair for drama?
Jiaojiao was laughing so hard at the side she was practically breathless. She knew, though, that Old Man Shu was making a fuss because he was lonely, like a little child craving attention.
Most of the time, they werenât around. Shu Wen and Shu Lang were away from home for years at a time. Even with a big estate, lots of servants, and Uncle Liangâs family to keep him company, it just wasnât the same.
Jiaojiao lowered her eyes in thought. Maybe it would be best if she could convince her parents to bring Grandpa back with them when they headed home. That way, having them around would ease his loneliness.
What Jiaojiao didnât know was that at the same time she was considering it, Shu Jiao was also pondering the very same thing.
After finishing the lively New Yearâs Eve dinner, the family gathered around the TV to watch the holiday gala. Meanwhile, Shu Lang, Ruan Hao, Ruan Jie, and Xiu Xi snuck out for a bit. They were being all mysterious about it and specifically forbade Jiaojiao from tagging along.
Jiaojiao was annoyed, huffing as she nestled into Ruanlin Familyâs arms and began peeling sunflower seeds. She didnât eat the seeds immediately, though, instead placing them onto a small dish and making plans to share them later.
As she peeled, her anger simmered. She decided that later, sheâd make sure everyone got a shareâexcept those four. Serves them right for not bringing her along!
Xiu Xi and the others were gone for a whole hour before returning. By then, Jiaojiao had peeled a small mountain of sunflower seeds. Her thumbs ached terribly, and Ruanlin Family glanced at them with heartache, saying, "If you want to eat, let your brother peel them for you later. Is it worth tiring yourself out? Look at your poor little hands..."
Just as those words were spoken, a sound came from the front door.
The four who had gone out were finally back.