Chapter 552

Jiang Ye Ye also hadn't seen her in a long time; he answered, "Si Qian, sit down, have you eaten?"

"Not yet." Cheng Siqing sat down on the sofa, her posture natural.

Jiang Liangjin returned to the living room, saw Cheng Siqing and her daughter, his expression unchanged, "Aunt Cheng."

Cheng Siqing gave a faint nod in reply.

Jiang Ye Ye then said, "A Ji is still in evening self-study; I didn't know you were coming today, so I didn't tell him."

Cheng Siqing adjusted her coat collar and said frankly, "Uncle Jiang, I came this time to take A Ji back with me."

……

Jiang Ye Ye slowly turned his finger around the rim of the teacup, "A Ji is living well here; why suddenly take him away?"

Cheng Siqing said calmly, "My side's conditions are no worse than here; the school has already been contacted, and he can transfer anytime. Besides, Si Qian is also there; I want the two siblings to live together."

"But you can rest assured; I said before that although I'm no longer related to Jiang Huan, I've long regarded you, Uncle Jiang, as someone to respect, and when I have time I'll bring them to see you."

Jiang Ye Ye remained silent for a long time, his tone sinking a bit: "This matter should still depend on A Ji's own wishes."

A Ji and Si Qian originally had no blood relation to him; when he first agreed to adopt the two children of their father Jiang Huan, he already knew that.

Later, he also educated A Ji and Si Qian with that understanding in mind.

Moreover, knowing Jiang Huan's temperament and fearing the children would be led astray by him, Jiang Ye Ye would from time to time take the two children to live at the old residence for a while, always treating them as his own grandchildren.

After that day, Si Qian was taken back by Cheng Siqing.

A Ji didn't go with them due to his own reasons, only occasionally being taken by Cheng Siqing to stay there for a bit.

After all, he had watched them grow up; when he took Si Qian away back then, he stayed silent for several days, and now suddenly wanting to take A Ji as well, to say he isn't reluctant would be false.

Cheng Siqing's attitude was clear: "I'm his mother; for such matters I should decide for him."

"He's not little anymore." Jiang Ye Ye's tone left no room for evasion: "His own affairs should be decided by himself."

Cheng Siqing lowered her eyes, as if pondering what to say next.

Mu Youyu merely felt the atmosphere was oddly heavy.

Jiang Liangjin sat beside her, one hand resting on the back of the sofa behind her.

She turned her head toward him, their gazes met; Jiang Liangjin smiled, his fingertips touching her hair ends, silently soothing her emotions.

Cheng Siqing spoke again: "Dad, over these years I know exactly how you've treated A Ji. So when I first divorced Jiang Huan, I didn't immediately take him with me; I only occasionally brought him to stay at my place for a short while."

"Now A Ji is already in university, and after he finishes this year he'll be going abroad to study…"

She paused slightly, avoiding everyone's gaze, then added lightly, "Living with me would be more conducive to his growth."

Jiang Ye Ye countered her: "You say it's for A Ji's good, but have you considered what he himself thinks is good?"

Cheng Siqing didn't answer directly, just tilted her head slightly: "Si Qian, go wait outside for Mom; there's still a gift for Mu Sister in the car."

"Okay!" Si Qian stood up, went around from beside the sofa, and handed the paper bag to Mu Youyu: "Mu Sister, this is the picture book I saw when I went to the museum last time; I thought you might like it, so I bought it."

Mu Youyu took it, not losing politeness: "Thank you, Si Qian."

Si Qian pressed his lips and smiled a little, then placed the others' gifts properly, said a few nice words, and turned to walk toward the door.

Jiang Ye Ye leaned against the sofa back, his fingers curled.

His gaze fell on Si Qian's gift, then on the family portrait hanging on the opposite wall; after a while he withdrew it and returned to the topic.

"If you take him over there, he won't know anyone there; what are you going to have him do?"

Cheng Siqing had already prepared her wording: "It's not like there's no one he knows over there. Besides, he's old enough that making new friends isn't difficult."

Jiang Su, who had been silent aside, finally began to persuade: "Elder sister-in-law, A Ji has lived here for over ten years; if you suddenly take him away, can he adapt?"

"Furthermore, Dad is old, and there are few younger people around he can talk to; although A Ji isn't biologically related, he's been raised beside him since childhood, so there's certainly feeling."

That last sentence is probably the main point.

Cheng Siqing turned to him, without showing panic: "You also said he's not biologically related, so legally I am his guardian; taking him away is reasonable and proper."

"I'm merely informing you of this; you also know I'm someone who will use any means to achieve my goals."

That remark completely shut down Jiang Su's words.

Shen Ningmu beside him pinched his thigh hard, signaling him to stop speaking; this matter is originally not in their family's favor.

The atmosphere in the living room stiffened for a few seconds.

Jiang Ye Ye sighed, the fatigue in his voice more evident than before: "I'll talk to A Ji about that side; if he's willing to go with you, I won't stop him. If he's unwilling, you shouldn't force him."

"If A Ji lives with her, it will indeed be better, after all Si Qian has changed a lot."

Cheng Siqing: "Good."

This topic ends here.

Shen Ningmu stood up at the right moment, smiling and calling everyone to the restaurant: "The dishes are all on the table; if we don't eat now they'll get cold. Come on, let's eat while we talk."

Mu Youyu was pulled up by Jiang Liangjin, and the two fell to the rear.

She lowered her voice: "English: Jiang Ye Ye isn't too happy."

Jiang Liangjin leaned in: "It's more that we're reluctant; after raising them for so many years, to say they'd just leave—anyone would be reluctant."

Mu Youyu thought for a moment: "And you? Are you willing to let them go?"

Jiang Liangjin's lips curled: "When I'm with you, I won't think of anyone else."

"I'm being serious with you." Mu Youyu reached out and gave his waist a light twist.

Jiang Liangjin laughed and dodged: "Then treasure, come here more often with me to keep Grandpa company, and he'll be happy."

The dishes on the table were plentiful, most of them foods Mu Youyu likes.

Jiang Ye Ye called for everyone to start eating, but he himself had little appetite.

In contrast, Cheng Siqing ate very seriously, occasionally giving her daughter a chopstickful, showing nothing unusual.

Midway through the meal, Jiang Ye Ye suddenly asked: "A Jin, how is the renovation of that estate coming along?"

Jiang Liangjin served his girlfriend a bowl of soup, then said leisurely: "The design plans are already done; the rest is still being selected, and Youbao said she wants to take her time choosing, not in a rush."

Mu Youyu echoed: "That's right, we still have time, we're not in a hurry."

Jiang Ye Ye nodded: "Indeed, no rush, take your time choosing— that place is spacious; if you pick poorly, moving in won't be comfortable."

Shen Ningmu immediately laughed and chimed in: "Exactly, exactly, we're not in a hurry to move in—just take your time with it. A Jin, you must follow A Yu's wishes when you do it, don't make everything just to your own taste! When the time comes, I'll also go take a look and give you some advice."