Chapter 104: Simply a Life Winner!

The raucous firecracker blasts at the gate of the Jiang Family Courtyard sounded like a proclamation, instantly spreading the huge news of Su Ruan's pregnancy throughout the entire Alley.

Neighbors on both sides, whether acquainted or not, all said "Congratulations" upon seeing the Jiang Family.

Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan walked down the street, their backs a little straighter than usual, with smiles they could not hide on their faces.

Naturally, this joy also reached the ears of Jiang Ran's group of brothers who had played together since childhood.

A few childhood friends led by Shi Tou came clamoring at the door that afternoon.

They surrounded Jiang Ran, patting his shoulders and back, shouting that they must make this "expectant dad" go all out, treat everyone to drinks, and celebrate properly.

"Brother Jiang Ran, sure! Quietly about to become a dad! This calls for a treat!"

"Exactly! Among our group, you're the fastest to act! This round of drinks is unavoidable!"

"What about the sister‑in‑law? Bring her along so the brothers can share the joy!"

Jiang Ran, unable to resist their ruckus and genuinely pleased, turned back to look at Su Ruan, who was sitting beside his grandmother Jiang Nainai with a smile, and said, "Wife, the brothers are treating—let's go together? Have some fun."

Su Ruan looked at the noisy young men before her, gently shook her head, and softly said to Jiang Ran, "You brothers haven't gathered in a long time, surely you have a lot to say; if I go, I won't be able to relax."

She slightly wrinkled her nose, with a hint of petulance, "Besides, you men drink and brag; I'm bored listening from the side, you go by yourselves."

Jiang Ran thought that was true; after marriage he indeed rarely hung out with those brothers, spending most of his time either revolving around Su Ruan or handling matters at the shop.

"However," Su Ruan's tone shifted, a smile on her face but her eyes showing unmistakable resolve, "you must give me one guarantee!"

"Don't come back drunk! If I smell alcohol on you, you won't even walk straight…"

She paused, her gaze sweeping to the modest sofa in the living room, the meaning obvious.

Jiang Ran immediately straightened his back, struck an exaggerated at‑ease stance, raised his right hand, and solemnly pledged, "Report, wife: I guarantee to complete the task! Leave sober, return sober! Absolutely won't cause trouble for the group!"

His goofy demeanor made Su Ruan and the nearby Jiang Nainai both laugh.

"Alright, go quickly, don't keep the brothers waiting," Su Ruan said with a smile, waving her hand.

Only then did Jiang Ran, amid the brothers' ambiguous cheering, waddled out the door.

Winter had already set in, and the evening breeze carried a distinct chill.

Shi Tou and the others chose a newly opened hot pot restaurant, saying that because it was cold, hot pot would be lively and warm.

Inside, the place was bustling, steam rising, the spicy broth aroma mingling with the rich flavor of beef and mutton, full of a homely, festive atmosphere.

Jiang Ran, surrounded by his brothers, walked into the reserved private room; as the door swung open amid the clamor, he instantly spotted the unusually quiet figure—Lin Wei.

He truly hadn't seen Lin Wei in a long time.

Since his marriage, especially after Lin Wei was rebuked by Su Ruan at the Chongsu gate the last time, she seemed to have vanished from this circle.

Seeing her again now, Jiang Ran found she had changed a lot.

The previously flamboyant, domineering "young lady" aura that demanded everyone revolve around her had considerably subdued, and her attire had become much plainer.

Today she wore a half‑worn plaid jacket, her hair simply tied at the back of her head, with little makeup on her face, appearing somewhat haggard and subdued.

She sat quietly there, cradling a cup of tea, her gaze a bit vacant; until Jiang Ran entered, she seemed startled awake, lifted her head and looked over.

Their eyes met, and Jiang Ran clearly saw Lin Wei's gaze flicker, carrying a hint of a complex, hard‑to‑read emotion.

The atmosphere in the private room grew even more lively with Jiang Ran's arrival, as the brothers hurriedly invited him to sit, pouring wine and passing cigarettes.

While handling the brothers' teasing, Jiang Ran calmly took a seat a little farther from Lin Wei.

After three rounds of drinks and most of the dishes eaten, the atmosphere at its peak, Lin Wei suddenly stood up, holding her own wine glass.

The private room quieted slightly, everyone's gaze focused on her, evidently aware of the past friction between her, Jiang Ran, and Su Ruan.

Lin Wei took a deep breath, walked to Jiang Ran, her fingers slightly whitening from the effort, yet she strained to keep her eyes calm.

She raised her glass, her voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone: "Jiang Ran, this cup is to you."

She paused, seemingly organizing her words, "Before… it was my immaturity, I did many foolish things, said many things I shouldn't have, clashed with you, and… also offended the sister‑in‑law."

When she mentioned the word 'sister‑in‑law,' there was a clear pause, but she ultimately said it smoothly.

"Today, taking this opportunity, I want to apologize to you, and to everyone."

She scanned the people present, finally her gaze settled back on Jiang Ran's face.

"Let the past stay in the past; from now on… we'll still be brothers, okay? I promise I won't mess up again."

Finishing, she tipped her head back, downed the splash of baijiu in her cup, the spicy liquid making her furrow her brows slightly.

The private room fell silent.

Everyone stared at Jiang Ran, waiting for his response.

Shi Tou quietly kicked Jiang Ran under the table, signaling him not to take it too seriously.

Looking at the noticeably changed Lin Wei, and recalling that today was his joyous day, the lingering displeasure from past troubles gradually faded from his heart.

He was never a petty, narrow‑minded person.

Moreover, now that he had Su Ruan, a happy life, and was about to become a father, there was truly no need to cling to past grudges.

He lifted his own wine glass, stood up, a bright smile on his face: "Alright, let's not bring up the past! As long as you can explain, that's fine. I'll drink this cup, and we'll still be brothers!"

He also downed it in one gulp.

"Alright!"

"That's the spirit!"

"Come on, everyone, let's all take a sip together!"

Seeing the two reconcile, the private room's atmosphere heated up again, the brothers cheering and raising their glasses together.

After several rounds of drinks, the hot pot's steaming heat made faces flush, and the room's atmosphere grew even more lively.

The men's conversation, which had ranged far and wide, gradually returned to everyday life.

Seeing Jiang Ran's rosy cheeks, his clearly flourishing life, while they themselves were still hustling over trifles, many brothers' tones were tinged with unhidden envy.

"Brother Jiang Ran, you really have sharp eyes!" a brother named Gangzi, picking up a slice of fatty beef, said vaguely, "Back then, who didn't say you married a…"

He realized his misstep, quickly glanced at Lin Wei, and changed his words.

Married a capable wife! Look at now, the shop is thriving, and I'm about to become a dad—life's a winner!