Chapter 98: Who Takes My Place and Who

The kitchen's cooking steam gradually faded, replaced by the fragrant aroma of dishes filling the house.

The nimble Li Huijuan and Jiang Jiaojiao swiftly carried the colorful, aromatic dishes to the table.

Pig and cabbage dumplings symbolizing a harmonious reunion.

Red‑braised pork, meaning prosperity and vigor.

Steamed fish, signifying abundance year after year.

Refreshing, tasty garlic greens.

And the warm, fragrant chicken soup…

The modest square table was piled high, making everyone's mouth water.

"Come, come, dinner's ready! Everyone sit, everyone sit!" Li Huijuan untied her apron, smiling as she called everyone.

Jiang Jianguo carefully pushed Jiang Nainai's wheelchair and placed her at the head of the table.

The family gathered noisily around the table, each face radiating genuine smiles.

Especially Jiang Nainai, whose eyes never stopped smiling as she watched her children and grandchildren fill the room in harmonious joy.

Jiang Jianguo, as head of the household, was the first to raise his wine cup, cleared his throat, his face bearing a gentle yet solemn expression.

"Mom, today is your first birthday after leaving the hospital, and also a wonderful day for our family."

"Seeing your health improve day by day and your spirit so strong, we are happier than anything."

"With this first toast, we all wish you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as the Southern Mountains! May you stay healthy and safe thereafter."

"Wishing Grandma blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea, longevity as the Southern Mountains!"

Everyone spoke in unison, raising their glasses, and even Su Ruan lifted the juice before her, her smile gentle.

The crisp clink of glasses rang out, instantly lifting the atmosphere to a climax.

"Good, good, all good!"

Jiang Nainai's eyes glistened slightly; she nodded excitedly, lifted her small cup, took a gentle sip, her face glowing with happy redness.

After the blessings came the gift‑giving segment.

Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan exchanged smiles and produced the gifts they had prepared.

They had prepared a compact, portable Semiconductor Radio.

"Mom," Li Huijuan placed the radio in Grandma's hand and explained, "When you're at home, you can sit in your wheelchair and go out to bask in the sun, or when you're alone inside, you can listen to operas, news, and pass the time."

"We've preset the channels for you; it's easy to operate."

Jiang Nainai curiously fiddled with the new gadget, a surprised smile on her face: "Oh, this is good! This is good! It's much lighter than that big box! Thank you, my son, thank you, Huijuan!"

Next, Jiang Jiaojiao, smiling brightly, produced a beautifully packaged large box: "Grandma, this is from me! Please open it quickly!"

With everyone's help, Jiang Nainai unwrapped the package to reveal a pair of soft, comfortable Sheepskin Warm Shoes and a set of thick, warm Wool Knee and Waist Protectors.

"Grandma, the weather is turning chilly; you must keep your legs warm! These shoes are light and warm for walking, and the knee‑and‑waist protectors, wear them while watching TV or going out, they'll definitely keep you from getting cold!"

Jiang Jiaojiao introduced briskly.

"Ah, it's my granddaughter who thought of everything!" Jiang Nainai stroked the soft warm sheepskin and wool, feeling even warmer inside, "These shoes look so comfortable; Jiaojiao really put thought into this!"

After everyone had given their gifts, their gazes simultaneously fell on Jiang Ran and RuanRuan.

The young couple had been acting mysteriously for the past few days, and no one knew what they had prepared.

Jiang Ran and RuanRuan exchanged a smile and stood up.

"Grandma, RuanRuan and I have also prepared a gift for you; we hope you'll like it," Jiang Ran said.

As he spoke, Su Ruan turned back to the room and first presented the long, red‑cloth‑covered object.

Jiang Ran took it, inhaled deeply, and, under Grandma's and everyone's curious gaze, gently lifted the red cloth.

In an instant, a uniquely shaped, exquisitely crafted staff glowing with warm wooden luster appeared before everyone!

The Lingzhi‑shaped staff head was round and plump, its lines smooth and elegant, with a Blue Jade Small Buckle set below as the finishing touch.

The deep‑red Rosewood shaft bore delicate grain, its recessed Hui Character Pattern ancient and majestic.

The brown soft leather winding the grip was very refined, and the black non‑slip pad at the base ensured safety.

The whole staff resembled a fine piece of art while also reflecting practical consideration.

"This…" Jiang Nainai stared, eyes wide, and instinctively reached out her hand.

Jiang Ran gently handed the staff to Grandma.

In the hand it was unexpectedly light, the wood warm, the Lingzhi staff head a perfect size, its curve fitting the palm, the wrapped leather offering just the right friction—extremely comfortable.

"Grandma," Su Ruan explained softly, "this staff was specially designed for you by Jiang Ran and me."

"The material is Rosewood—light yet sturdy. The head is Lingzhi, symbolizing health and longevity. The shaft is engraved with the Hui Character Pattern, wishing continual blessings around you."

"We imagined that in the courtyard or on any flat area near the house, you could lean on it and stroll slowly, exercising your joints, which is more comfortable than sitting constantly."

"All the woodworking was learned bit by bit by Jiang Ran, who sanded it many times."

Jiang Nainai listened to her granddaughter‑in‑law's explanation, caressed the smooth shaft and the auspicious Lingzhi head, then glanced at the tiny lingering scars on her grandson's hand, and her eyes instantly reddened.

It wasn't the staff's elegance that moved her, but the weighty, handcrafted sentiment behind it!

"Good… good child…"

Grandma's voice choked, clutching the staff tightly, so moved she could barely speak further.

She tried, using the staff's support, to lift a little off the wheelchair; it felt steady and easy, and her face instantly showed an even brighter smile.

"Mom, look at this craftsmanship, this thoughtfulness!"

Li Huijuan couldn't help praising, she hadn't expected her son and daughter‑in‑law to create such a thoughtful gift.

"Not finished yet, Grandma." Jiang Ran laughed, giving Su Ruan a knowing glance.

Understanding, Su Ruan returned to the room and this time presented an even larger bundle.

She walked to Grandma's side and, with Jiang Jiaojiao's help, slowly unfolded it.

It is that jujube‑red dark‑patterned Chinese thin cotton jacket set!

In natural light, the jujube‑red cotton satin glows with a soft sheen, and its dark pattern appears faintly, enhancing the texture.

The Stand Collar with offset lapel design is dignified and grand, and the small, exquisite "Shou" Frog Button is especially eye‑catching.

When Su Ruan gently unfolded the sleeve, revealing the elegant Orchid Grass Embroidery on the inside, even Jiang Jianguo, who has seen many fine things, gave a slight nod of approval.

"Grandma, this is RuanRuan's own handiwork," Jiang Ran said with unabashed pride, "It's getting chilly, so here's a warm coat for you."

"This Frog Button is the character 'Shou', the cuffs are embroidered with Orchid Grass, and the pants also have a Frog Button for easy on and off; we chose the softest and warmest material for you."

Jiang Nainai trembled as she stroked the soft, warm fabric, gazed at the delicate Frog Button and elegant embroidery, and then looked at the pair of grandchildren whose eyes sparkled with expectation; at last she could not hold back, and tears streamed down.

"Good… that's wonderful… this clothing… this staff… Grandma… Grandma loves it so much…"

She sobbed, overwhelmed with joy, moved, and grateful for the children's priceless filial devotion.

Li Huijuan and Jiang Jiaojiao also wiped their eyes, moved.

Jiang Jianguo, seeing his mother so emotional and happy, and seeing his son and daughter‑in‑law's effort far beyond expectations, felt a flood of emotions.

Since Jiang Ran married Su Ruan and brought her home, the family has become better and better.

"Grandma, don't cry; today you are the birthday star, you must be joyful!"

Jiang Ran hurried forward, clumsily using his sleeve to wipe Grandma's tears, trying to cheer her up.

"If you don't like it, RuanRuan and I will get you another!"

"Nonsense! Who said you don't like it!"

Jiang Nainai broke into laughter, clutching the new clothes and staff tightly, as if holding the most precious treasure in the world.

"This is the best birthday gift Grandma has ever received in her life! Whoever tries to take my place will be in a hurry!"

?? Gift perfectly delivered! Yay! I want to turn this book into a short drama, I wonder if there's a chance—ahhh! I think Jiang Ran and Su Ruan would look especially great on screen, woohoo!