Old Lady Yan had already brought Yan Beicheng and Lin Chu out as Old Master Yan rushed Yan Ningbai out the door.
However, Yan Ningbai ran back into his room and brought out a mini fan. “Wait. It’s really hot out here, let me use this when I walk. Eldest Uncle, remember to shade me with the umbrella when we go out.”
Old Master Yan, “…”
He was already so fair and white. If he did not get tanned, he would look like a little white pig.
Yan Ningbai sat at the entrance as he put on his shoes. His fat little fair arms pinched at the shoelaces as he tied them slowly. It looked so exhausting for him to tie them that it gave Old Master Yan the urge to help him.
It took Yan Ningbai a while to finally get ready. He turned on his mini fan and directed it at his neck to cool himself down while he followed Old Master Yan out the door.
Old Master Yan did not head to the supermarket immediately but instead brought Yan Ningbai to Central Lake.
Yan Ningbai lifted his head to give Old Master Yan a disgruntled look. “Eldest Uncle, how could you hurt my young little heart!”
Where was the imported supermarket he had promised?
“It’s much more cooling to walk through here,” Old Master Yan said as he pointed toward the lake where there were many families taking their children out to feed the fishes by the lakeside. They had big, white buns in their hands, and were tearing out pieces to throw into the lake as the bright, red carps surged to the surface, fighting each other to get to the food.
There were also six ducks swimming around on the surface of the lake. Once they spotted children feeding the fish at the lakeside, they immediately swam up to the lakeside and quacked at the children, causing the children to quickly tear off pieces of their buns to throw on the ground for the ducks, which lowered their heads to eat it.
At the same time, a white-bellied yellow wild cat was in its attack stance at the shore of the lake Some of the fish had leaped from the lake while fighting for food and the wild cat was quick to attack as it smacked the fish onto land.
The fish flipped around on the ground before the wild cat bit into it and walked away with its prize.
Old Master Yan said in delight, “Look at this. So full of life and cooling at the same time.
He spotted two of his fishing buddies walking over and Old Master Yan suddenly said loudly to Yan Ningbai, “Ningbai, do you still want to continue playing outside? Let’s go to the supermarket now, shall we? Beicheng and Lin Chu are still waiting at home for us. They’re going to register for their marriage license on Monday, so we need to make a delicious meal for them tonight to celebrate! We can’t make them wait too long.”
Yan Ningbai, “…”
Eldest Uncle was such a bad apple, he did not want to play with Eldest Uncle anymore!
His fishing buddies’ mouth twitched – Old Master Yan’s acting was a little overboard.
“Old Yan, your grandson and granddaughter-in-law are getting married?” Old Shen laughed as he asked. He did not mind Old Master Yan’s antics and played along with him.
Old Master Yan brushed his white beard in delight. “Hohohoho, Yes! They informed us about it today, and we’re now discussing wedding arrangements. Regardless, they’ll get their marriage license first and we’ll make an announcement after that to inform everybody. Hohohohohoho!”
“Congratulations! That’s happy news!” Old Zhao, who was here with Old Shen, chimed in.
“Come visit us at the house when you have free time. I’ll introduce my granddaughter-in-law to you. But for now I’ll take Ningbai to the supermarket,” said Old Master Yan.
His fishing buddies readily agreed. Then, Old Master Yan left laughing happily as he walked away with Ningbai, looking delighted in the process.
He took two steps before loudly saying again, “Ningbai, once Lin Chu has a child, you’ll be a granduncle!”
Yan Ningbai, “…”
Old Master Yan’s beard trembled in delight. “Are you asking me when they’ll have a baby? Once they get their marriage license on Monday, they’ll have a baby not long after!”
Yan Ningbai, “…”
He did not ask any questions. Eldest Uncle, were you treating everybody as though they were stupid?
…
Nan Jingheng did not dare inform his grandmother that Yan Beicheng was about to get married.
He lived here and would always listen to Old Lady Nan complain about the annoying Old Lady Yan who came to disturb her every day. She was always chatting away about her grandson and granddaughter-in-law and talked about them so much that Old Lady Nan’s ears grew blisters. It was truly annoying.
Now, Old Lady Nan finally had two days of blissful silence when Old Lady Yan stopped visiting for a while.
She leaned lazily back on the sofa as she sipped on her tea. It was so boring that she started nagging, “Why hasn’t Old Cao come visiting these two days? She is well, right?
Nan Jingheng was aware that the Old Cao that Old Lady Nan was referring to was actually Old Lady Yan, whose real name was Cao Yueyun.
People had called her by that name when she was younger. But as she got older, most had referred to her as Old Lady Yan. Only a few of her old friends who were still in contact with her still referred to her by this name.
Nan Jingheng gave Old Lady Nan a strange look. He felt that these two old ladies shared a peculiar love-hate relationship.
Whenever they met each other, they wanted to tear each other apart, but when they were apart, they would miss each other.
At that very moment, their doorbell rang and Aunt Huang came over to hurriedly report, “Old Madam, Old Lady Yan from next door is here with Master Yan and Miss Lin.”
She hurried off to invite the guests in after reporting to Old Lady Nan.
Old Lady Nan now felt uneasy.
Nan Jingheng was silently berating himself for talking too much. Why did he even invite Yan Beicheng over earlier? He should know by now what a thick-skinned person he was, and that he would definitely come over to show off!
Not long after, he heard the laughing voice of Old Lady Yan as she said in delight, “Old Yue, I haven’t visited you for quite a while.”
Old Lady Nan, “…”
“You were just here two days ago,” Old Lady Nan’s mouth twitched as she said.
Old Lady Yan was visiting here so often that it felt like she was coming to work or checking into a location. She was here from Monday to Friday and only took a rest for two days on the weekends.
Old Lady Yan covered her mouth. “Oh, is that so? It felt like so long ago. I guess Old bones like me have bad memories. Beicheng was just saying that he hasn’t visited in a while, so, I’ve brought along my granddaughter-in-law as well. Where’s Old Nan?”
Old Lady Nan looked like she did not want to humor Old Lady Yan too much. “He’s at the bird market.”
Old Lady Yan thought this was quite a pity since she wanted to show off to everyone.
Old Lady Yan took a seat without being offered. “There’s no real purpose for this visit… just bringing along my grandson and granddaughter-in-law for a chat.”
Old Lady Nan’s mouth twitched again. “It’s not easy for a family to gather. Why don’t you have a nice reunion at home? It’s quite convenient for you to come anytime anyway. You can come whenever you want to.”
“Well, Jingheng did mention for us to visit whenever we have time. We have time today!” Old Lady Yan said.
Nan Jingheng, “…”
Old Lady Nan, “…”
“Oh right, our Beicheng and Lin Chu are getting married!” Old Lady Yan was not like Old Master Yan, who liked to announce things in a roundabout way.
She was simple and direct. She grabbed Lin Chu’s hand and showed it to Old Lady Nan. “This is a proposal ring! These two children had discussed it and will get their marriage license on Monday!”
Old Lady Nan, “…”
In the end, Old Lady Nan had to tolerate the situation and congratulate the happy couple. She started developing a headache at the thought of Old Lady Yan coming over to annoy her time and again.
“Jingheng is 29 this year, right?” Old Lady Yan asked again.
Nan Jingheng, “…”
He felt that Old Lady Yan was those typical annoying relatives one would meet during Lunar New Year!
Old Lady Yan was even worse, to be honest. It was not just during Lunar New Year, she would remind him on a daily basis!
“Sigh, Jingheng is not young anymore, he will need to make good of his time now,” Old Lady Yan said in delight, even though her expression showed no sign of being anxious for Nan Jingheng.
She turned to Yan Beicheng, “Oh right, have you announced the happy news to Han Zhuoli and the others?”
“Not yet. I was waiting till after we get the marriage license,” Yan Beicheng said.
Old Lady Yan nodded, “Yes, that’s good. You need to buy them a meal after you get your marriage license. We’ll get three tables. Even though we can’t have the wedding immediately, we can still celebrate in advance, can’t we? It’s not nice to get married quietly with no one knowing about it, am I right?”
“You’re absolutely right,” Yan Beicheng nodded obediently.
“Oh, Jingheng, you should come by too!” Old Lady Yan did not forget about Nan Jingheng.
When Old Lady Yan finally had her fill of showing off, she left with Yan Beicheng and Lin Chu.
After dinner, Yan Beicheng wanted to leave early to make a stop at the orphanage. He wanted to personally inform the old principal of the good news.
Old Lady Yan thought that this was a reasonable move and was supportive so she got Aunt Chen to pack some stationery and exercise books, as well as different storybooks they had bought from the bookstore not too long ago, and got both of them to bring it over to the children at the orphanage.
Yan Huaian and Yu Zi had to leave the next morning and did not have the time to send Yan Ningbai to Ding City. So, Yan Ningbai left with them that night.
Thankfully Yan Ningbai was an understanding child, and it was not the first time he was staying with Yan Beicheng.
He had stayed with Yan Beicheng when he was a bachelor. Now that Lin Chu was around, there was even less to worry about.
Yan Huaian removed the child safety chair from his car and fixed it onto the backseat of Yan Beicheng’s car.
Yan Ningbai sat there with the seatbelt buckled up. However, even if he was an understanding child, his eyes still turned red when he said goodbye to his parents.
His fat, little arms pressed against the car window as he said to Yu Zi, “Mum, you… You have to come home soon!”
Yu Zi could not bear to part with him. Her fair and plump son looked like a little lucky doll. Now that his eyes were red and was about to cry, it made Yu Zi start to tear up as well. “Don’t worry. Mummy will finish her work as quick as possible and fight to come back soon.”
“Okay,” Yan Ningbai nodded. He lowered his head, embarrassed to have allowed his mum to see him cry. His plump little hand discreetly rubbed his eyes.
However, Yu Zi had seen his tears.
Thus, Yu Zi poked her head in to give him a kiss as she gently said, “Remember to listen to your big nephew and niece-in-law. Don’t be naughty and finish your homework. You can’t always leave your homework at home.”
“I’ll be a good boy so remember to come home soon,” Yan Ningbai’s voice was soft and very child-like.”
“We will,” Yu Zi nodded.
Yan Huaian and Yu Zi got into their car and Yan Beicheng soon drove off.
Lin Chu was worried that Yan Ningbai was upset, so she sat behind to accompany him.
Yan Ningbai secretly glanced at Lin Chu and moved his little butt around so that his back was facing Lin Chu as he wiped away the falling tears from his eyes.
Luckily for him the interior of the car was dark, so Yan Ningbai thought that Yan Beicheng and Lin Chu did not see his subtle movements.
However, Lin Chu had seen what he was did and heart ached for the little guy.
“Big niece-in-law,” Yan Ningbai sniffled and called out quietly, afraid that Lin Chu could tell that there was something wrong from his voice.
“Yes? What is it?” Lin Chu asked.
“It’s… It’s going to be lonely staying with both of you. Can I… Can I have a friend stay with me?” Yan Ningbai tested the waters with his question.
Yan Beicheng looked at him through the rear-view mirror and said, “We’ll work hard at it.”
“What does that mean?” Yan Ningbai asked dumbfoundedly. All he wanted was a friend, why did it require big nephew to work hard at it?
Yan Beicheng looked at him again through the rear-view mirror and said, “If you want a grandnephew, you’ll have to wait at least a year for your big niece-in-law to get pregnant and give birth. Have some patience.”
Lin Chu, “…”
Why was he telling this to a child?!
Yan Ningbai, “…”
Who said he wanted a grandnephew?!
Yan Ningbai thought that Yan Beicheng was totally undependable, so he pulled on Lin Chu’s sleeve. “Big niece-in-law, I was thinking, can we… can we get Mo Jingxi to stay with me?”
Yan Ningbai’s blushed a little as his two fat, little index finger pointed at each other. He said quietly, “I haven’t seen him for quite a while. I kind of miss him.”
Lin Chu could not help but laugh. She had not expected these children to have such strong ties, so she asked for Yan Beicheng’s opinion about it.
Yan Beicheng had no objections. With Mo Jingxi accompanying Yan Ningbai, he would have no time to stick to Lin Chu. This was a good thing, so Yan Beicheng agreed.
At the orphanage, Yan Beicheng took out the presents from Old Lady Yan and brought them inside.
The children were overjoyed at so many new stationery and storybooks, especially at the ones with pretty covers since they looked interesting.
Old Lady Yan also prepared many coloring books and color pencils for them. Lin Chu took them all out and distributed them to the children to play with.
After the excited children collected the books and pencils, they ran off together and the living room turned quiet.
The old principal smiled as she turned her gaze from the children to Yan Beicheng and Lin Chu, who had both sat down. “Why the sudden night visit?”
Judging by the happy expression on their faces, it did not look like anything bad had happened. Therefore, it must have been the opposite.
“There is something we’d like to announce,” Yan Beicheng’s posture was formal as he held onto Lin Chu’s hand. He suddenly appeared nervous as he stared at the old principal’s benevolent expression. This was a much more daunting experience than informing the two elders at the old mansion since this was like meeting his girlfriend’s parents.
The old principal became curious, it was not often that Yan Beicheng was nervous.
Lin Chu understood how Yan Beicheng felt. It was exactly how she felt when she met the two elders at the old mansion for the first time. She was not as nervous now that she had gotten to know the adorable two elders, but since Yan Beicheng was never nervous in front of the old principal, she had not expected him to act this way at this moment.
Lin Chu gave Yan Beicheng’s hands a squeeze and Yan Beicheng gave her a squeeze back. He took a deep breath and said to the old principal, “Principal, I have decided to get my marriage license with Lin Chu. We’ll go and get it on Monday. We’ve just been to the old mansion and have informed the two elders about this. And now, we’re here to inform you as well.”
The old principal was initially stunned, she was obviously surprised at the news.
She had always known that they would eventually get married but she was still pleasantly surprised by the news. She was so happy that she did not know what to do or say.
She tidied her clothes, and smoothened her pants before asking, “What do you… What do both of you want to have for dinner? Oh wait, I guess you’ve already eaten and wouldn’t want to have anything now. You’re getting married. What… What should I do? Is there anything you need this old bag of bones to help with? When will you be having the wedding after you get your marriage license? Are there any plans?”
Lin Chu could not help laughing as she sat next to the old principal to hug her. “Calm down. Wasn’t our marriage going to happen sooner or later?”
She glanced at Yan Beicheng’s smiling face. He was laughing at her thick-skinned comment.
Lin Chu’s face burned red and she glared at him discreetly.
If not for the old principal being here, she would have asked him if she had said the wrong thing.
The old principal calmed herself down and held Lin Chu’s hands, “The moment you got together with Beicheng, I no longer felt that I needed to worry about you. You’ve finally found your happiness. This is good news. After both you get married, I can totally stop worrying about you!”
Lin Chu suddenly remembered Yan Ningbai’s request and said, “Both Ningbai’s parents are outstation and he’s staying with us this week. He says it’s too lonely being by himself and is wondering if Jingxi can accompany him. Can we bring Jingxi home with us? We’ll send him to school while he’s with us.”
“Sure. I’ll ask Jingxi if he’s willing,” the old principal replied.
In the other room, Yan Ningbai had already made the agreement with Mo Jingxi.
Mo Jingxi was initially hesitant because he was worried Shi Tou and Tian Tian would not be happy, so he was torn about the idea.
However, after this, Yan Ningbai told him that they could stay together in Ding City and play with Chu Xi every day.
Mo Jingxi nodded hesitantly.
Shi Tou, “…”
Tian Tian, “…”
They were nothing compared to Chu Xi!
Mo Jingxi suddenly realized that his reaction was less than ideal, so he quickly said, “I’ll call you two often. I’ll just… I’ll just be gone a week.”
Tian Tian indignantly insisted that she did not care if Mo Jingxi went.
“Say hello to Chu Xi for us!” Tian Tian said as she thought about Chu Xi.
Mo Jingxi nodded as he broke into a smile.
Lin Chu and Yan Beicheng chatted for a while with the old principal. She was an early sleeper, so they did not stay long. Soon after, they went home with Yan Ningbai and Mo Jingxi.
While they were on the way back, Lin Chu sat in the passenger’s seat as the two children sat in the back.
Since Mo Jingxi was with them, Yan Ningbai did not want to sit in the child’s seat alone. So, Yan Beicheng took it off, but requested that both of them buckle up. They were not allowed to unbuckle their seat belts.
“Big niece-in-law, what time does Chu Xi usually go to sleep?” Yan NIngbai sat on the leather seat and asked. His two short little legs could not touch the ground and swung around mid-air.
“We’re usually not around in the daytime and Aunt Zhuang said that it has nothing much to do then but sleep. When there are visitors in the house, it will be a light sleeper such that it will wake up the moment someone makes a noise. You don’t need to worry. When you step into the house, it will surely be waiting to greet you,” Lin Chu smiled as she said.
Yan Ningbai was overjoyed and said to Mo Jingxi, “I brought my little luggage bag here. It’s filled with toys. We can play with them together!”
Mo Jingxi nodded and said, “We’ll have to include Chu Xi.”
Yan Ningbai nodded enthusiastically, “Of course! We’ll get someone to bring my mini car over and we’ll bring Chu Xi out for a ride!”
The mini car was a child-version Tesla that Yan Huaian had specially ordered from the US. It was an original Tesla with intricate details but its battery lasted longer and charged quicker when compared to the real Tesla.
The two children chattered non-stop on the way back before they finally got tired from all the talking and slumped into slumber in the back seat. Both their heads were leaning against each other with their little mouths wide open as they drooled.
When the car was pulled into the garage, Lin Chu woke them up to take the elevator home.
Yan Ningbai pulled along his Minion bag while Yan Beicheng pulled two big luggage bags behind him. One belonged to Yan Ningbai, and the other was Mo Jingxi’s.
It was not Mo Jingxi’s first trip to Ding City, but it was the first time he was staying here. When the door opened, Mo Jingxi felt his heart jump. It was… It was like coming home.
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