Chapter 553

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

As they spoke, the storytelling teacher was seen wearing a long robe, walking slowly and steadily to the center of the stage.

His presence seemed to bring a solemn and dignified atmosphere to the entire hall; the originally clamorous chatter also quieted considerably in an instant.

The three people sitting in the corner naturally noticed this change as well; with a tacit understanding they stopped their conversation, and almost in unison turned their gazes toward the stage, listening intently to the storytelling teacher's narration.

Qianqian and Rizi listened with particular seriousness, as if completely immersed in the story. They forgot everything around them, thoroughly enjoying this rare moment of tranquility and relaxation.

Ai Jiao, on the other hand, was somewhat different; although he was also listening to the book, he would from time to time pick up his teacup, take a light sip of water, and then slowly set it down again.

After setting down the teacup, his gaze appeared to rest on the storytelling teacher, yet his thoughts had long since drifted away, who knows where they had wandered to.

The storytelling teacher's voice was by turns passionate and low; the story he told was gripping, letting the crowd listen as if intoxicated, their blood boiling with excitement.

Just as everyone was listening with great relish, still wanting more, the storytelling teacher suddenly raised his voice and shouted that classic closing line: "If you want to know what happens next, please listen to the next installment!" Accompanied by a sharp *pa* sound, he snapped shut the folding fan in his hand, then turned and exited the stage with a carefree flourish.

Only then did the three snap back to their senses as if waking from a dream. Seeing there were still some melon seeds left unshelled on the table, Qianqian hurriedly urged the other two to quickly finish shelling them.

At this moment Ai Jiao suddenly spoke up with a proposal: "Right, Qianqian, Xi Xi, when I left the house this morning my mother specifically instructed me to call you two to come home together for a meal!"

Xi Xi heard Ai Jiao's words, considered slightly, then replied: "Let's not, that would be too much of a bother."

Qianqian was also just thinking of politely declining, but right then Ai Jiao immediately added: "Elder Sister-in-law also told me this morning, saying she and Xiao Zhouzhou both miss you terribly, so come along, my mother has already prepared the food."

Hearing Ai Jiao's words, Qianqian's heart couldn't help but stir.

She thought for a moment; indeed it had been a while since she'd seen Elder Sister, and Elder Sister might really miss her. After a brief deliberation, Qianqian finally agreed: "Alright then, Xi Xi, let's go together."

Seeing Qianqian agree, Qi Xi naturally couldn't insist further, and casually said: "Then let's go together."

Thus, after the three finished shelling the remaining melon seeds, they boarded the carriage headed for the Shangshu Fu together.

Ai Jiao sat on the carriage shaft, while Qianqian and Qi Xi sat inside the carriage. Wheels rumbling, they sped along and soon arrived at the entrance of the Shangshu Fu.

The servants of the fu saw from afar that their young master had returned with his friends, and immediately stepped forward briskly to welcome them, then hurried off to report to Guo Lanxin in the fu.

At this time, in Yan Xiner's courtyard, the sun was bright, a gentle breeze blew, and Yan Xiner, Guo Lanxin, and An Wangfei were sitting around the stone table in the courtyard, chatting happily. To the side, Xiao Zhouzhou was playing happily not far away.

Just then, a servant walked over with hurried steps, went straight to Guo Lanxin, bowed and reported: "Madam, the Second Young Master has returned, and the Second Young Master's two friends have also returned together."

Hearing this, Guo Lanxin's face immediately showed delight, and she hurriedly said: "Good, good, good, have the three of them come directly here." The servant acknowledged and left.

Before long, the servant led three young people into the courtyard. Walking at the very front, the tall man was indeed Ai Jiao. Following close behind were two young ladies of beautiful appearance, Qianqian and Qi Xi.

The moment Qianqian entered the courtyard, her gaze fell on An Wangfei, a flash of curiosity crossing her eyes, but she quickly suppressed that curiosity, a faint smile hanging at the corner of her mouth.

Ai Jiao appeared especially well-behaved, taking the lead to greet everyone. Seeing this, Qianqian and Qi Xi also followed suit, calling out greetings obediently.

Guo Lanxin welcomed them warmly, taking the two young ladies by the hand, and said with a smile: "Qianqian and Xi Xi haven't come in such a long time; today Aunt specially instructed the kitchen to make the dishes you like."

Hearing this, Qianqian and Qi Xi hurriedly thanked her, and at Guo Lanxin's invitation sat down together by the stone table.

After Qianqian sat down next to An Wangfei, she finally couldn't hold back her inner curiosity and asked: "Mother, why are you here too?"

An Wangfei glanced at her and replied with a smile: "Mother missed your Elder Sister, came over to take a look."

Hearing this, Qianqian didn't harbor the slightest doubt; her gaze immediately turned toward Yan Xiner.

Before her stood a woman clad in a brown robe, sleeves fluttering, as if a fairy had descended to the mortal world.

Her hair was coiled high, like a blooming flower, elegant and dignified. Her lightly powdered face was lovely as a lotus rising from water, brows and eyes like a painting; as her gaze flowed, a gentle light shone forth, like the warm sun of spring, making one feel incomparably warm.

Yan Xiner wore a smile at the corner of her mouth and said softly: "You little monkey, you've finally come home! You're back and didn't even know to come see me." Her voice was like a heavenly melody, clear and pleasing, carrying a trace of affection and playful reproach.

Qianqian scratched her head somewhat embarrassedly, gave a silly laugh, and explained: "I've just been too busy to get around to it! Elder Sister, you've become even more beautiful!" Ever since Yan Xiner became a mother, her whole person exuded a faint maternal radiance, making her feel more steady, yet also more approachable.

Yan Xiner gave her a slightly reproachful look and said: "You, you, after all these years your temperament still hasn't changed a bit. You were mischievous as a child; I thought you'd become steadier when you grew up, but unexpectedly you're still like this."

Guo Lanxin at the side saw this and hurriedly teased: "Maybe after she gets married later she'll become steady!" Finishing, she laughed first herself, her laughter like silver bells, clear and pleasant.

An Wangfei at the side hurriedly took up the conversation, sighing: "Alas, this child's temperament really makes one uneasy. If she were to marry far away, I truly couldn't bear it! Better to marry nearby, to someone we know well, then I can see her often."

Hearing this, Guo Lanxin smiled faintly and said softly: "People we know well, A Ren't there plenty of them? There's no shortage of young masters from noble families."

An Wangfei shook her head helplessly and replied: "Those young masters from noble families, we haven't not let her meet them, it's just that not a single one has caught her eye." Seeing this, Qianqian did not speak up to refute.