Chapter 1026: Family Banquet

"Fine, go ahead."

Li Xuewu said to Qin Jingru with a smile: "There's no end to tidying up; if we're missing anything, we'll find it ourselves."

"Exactly, hurry up; it'll be dark in a while, and the road isn't easy to travel."

Ding Fengxia was also in favor of the son-in-law saying he would give the house's service staff a day off.

Everyone has been a child; one must understand each other, especially toward those who do service work at home.

"Xuewu said people from the courtyard are coming over tonight; how can they not have a bite to eat?"

She had become familiar with Qin Jingru these past two days and persuaded her directly.

"That works, Aunt, it's been hard on you; we'll be back early tomorrow."

Qin Jingru was an extrovert and got along quite harmoniously with Ding Fengxia, and her words were pleasant to hear.

Ding Fengxia and her son-in-law sent the young couple to the lobby, exhorting: "What's hard on me? It's not easy for you to go back once; don't be in a hurry to rush back."

"Yes, as long as we're back for dinner tomorrow, it'll be fine; you don't have to cook; just eat what's ready."

Li Xuewu saw his mother-in-law signal, nodded, and joked: "You'll be busy enough in the future; take a break for now."

"That works; you don't have to come out anymore."

Qin Jingru waved her hand with a smile and went out with Han Jiankun.

Han Jiankun carried the gifts prepared for his father-in-law, as well as the gifts Li Xuewu gave their couple to take home.

Why were they so dedicated and uncomplaining here? It was all in their daily interactions.

Both of them relied on Li Xuewu's care, eating three meals a day here, and every time they went home, Li Xuewu brought them things.

Just because of this interaction, they had to be attentive and do their best when doing things here.

Some leaders who care about status wouldn't allow the use of official cars to commute home, but Li Xuewu allowed him to drive the car home in winter.

Going to his in-laws' house properly, he even lent him a small car, taking care of his face and also taking care of Qin Jingru's face when she went home.

Sometimes, when people interact, there's no need to say it out loud; one knows best in one's heart how far one should go.

"Who is coming over tonight?"

Ding Fengxia watched the couple leave, asked a question, and was still pondering in her heart.

When the daughter and son-in-law first got married, she still had some concerns about the nanny hired by Li Xuewu's family.

If it were a young woman, she wouldn't be at ease; if it were a young girl, she wouldn't be at ease; if it were an older one, she was afraid the work wouldn't be done well.

But she had never said much about the son-in-law's family affairs, and hadn't even told her daughter.

It wasn't until she returned this time that she learned this little nanny had married the son-in-law's driver, and the driver's family background was quite good, so she was finally at ease.

Not to mention anything else, it was just that the son-in-law was too likable; with so much power and money, who could let go once they saw him?

Earlier, she had thought that there was a scar on the son-in-law's face, so he would definitely be disliked and no woman would like him.

The result was that a man's charm isn't on his face; the danger still existed.

With the daughter's personality, if she were truly fooled by her husband, she wouldn't even have the heart to get angry or throw a tantrum; she would only keep it bottled up inside.

Which parent's heart could bear this? It would ache to death.

Fortunately, whether it was phone calls or letters on weekdays, she could feel the son-in-law's kindness and quality.

His feelings for her daughter were visible and felt, and he was even more attentive to their relationship than her daughter was.

It wasn't that Gu Ning didn't miss them, but Li Xuewu's concern for them exceeded that of his own parents.

Actually, it was a kind of attention, a kind of respect.

No, it wasn't just respecting them, but respecting the feelings between the young couple.

You just have to savor it; if this man didn't take his wife seriously, he wouldn't take his father-in-law seriously.

If he took his wife seriously, his attitude toward his father-in-law would be different.

It might have something to do with the father-in-law's power, but relying on the father-in-law's power to be good to his wife isn't absolute.

So Ding Fengxia didn't need others to evaluate this kind of thing; she could see it herself.

The young couple now had children, the in-laws were caring, and their careers were successful; they themselves had to cherish it.

Ding Fengxia naturally held an attitude of respect and appreciation toward her son-in-law.

Perhaps she would say a few more words to her son, or even give a serious reminder or warning.

But here at Li Xuewu's, she would only talk about her daughter and praise her son-in-law.

This is the most common method and trick of a smart mother-in-law; after all, how many times can a mother-in-law come to her son-in-law's house?

What gratified Ding Fengxia was that Li Xuewu wasn't the kind of muddled person, let alone a show-off who was self-satisfied and boasted.

Although this son-in-law was young, his methods and mind were extraordinary; he knew a lot when he was in the capital, and after going to Jin Ling, there were still people talking about them.

If it were just ordinary praise, that would be fine; it would just be politeness between old comrades-in-arms.

But being able to point out the son-in-law's name in specific matters, and even carrying a bit of appreciation and praise, was truly something one had to be happy about.

Especially Gu Haitao, who only focused on work on weekdays, rarely socialized, and would never take the initiative to greet relationships to take care of his children.

He did say that as long as his son-in-law needed it, he could tell him, and he would handle it.

But Li Xuewu had never used his words or greetings, which made Gu Haitao particularly satisfied.

Compared to his colleagues, watching their children's lack of success, whenever someone mentioned his children's success, this pride was truly intoxicating.

Of course, Gu Haitao was reserved, low-key, and unwilling to show off these things to others.

But Ding Fengxia couldn't help it; as for her own children, whatever was said was good.

Especially not being bullied, especially beating the big ones, it was even more satisfying.

She had heard about what happened a while ago and was so angry she didn't sleep for half the night.

Gu Haitao also had a dark face, didn't have a smile for many days, and didn't even stop her when she said she was returning to the capital.

It was just hearing her son-in-law's greeting attitude as usual on the phone, and waiting and waiting without waiting for her son-in-law's call for help.

Instead, she waited for a call from another relationship in the capital, which was unexpected and satisfying.

Of course, it wasn't from the other party, but perhaps moving a third party to make this call was already admitting defeat.

Especially since the other party clearly knew Li Xuewu was Gu Haitao's son-in-law and still played this hand; now that they had lost face, they still had to come to apologize.

On the other hand, Gu Haitao hadn't even made a move, and the other party had already admitted defeat; didn't that show even more that the Gu family's son-in-law had brilliant methods?

Ding Fengxia saw the phone call to the study; she only saw Gu Haitao listening all the time and not saying much.

He didn't complain, nor did he criticize, just saying that young people need exercise, and he didn't know about this matter, let alone hear his son-in-law mention it.

Hearing this, Ding Fengxia couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, especially happy; she didn't know Old Gu had this kind of sarcastic side.

The other end of the phone naturally praised the Gu family's son-in-law again and again, intending to adjust Li Xuewu to the army and officially hold a position.

It was very clear that this was the other party's compensation, or apology.

But Gu Haitao refused, his attitude very firm; his words were that he wouldn't take care of his children, let alone actively interfere in his children's careers and growth.

Ding Fengxia wanted to give her lover a thumbs up when she heard this; it was really tough.

And Gu Haitao was always that peaceful and steady, grand and calm, just calling the attendant to make two more dishes and drinking half a bottle of wine in the evening.

The remaining half bottle was brought to her son-in-law by Ding Fengxia this time she returned to the capital.

The father-in-law and son-in-law's connection, besides mutual concern on the phone and talking about daily life, had nothing else.

Even when writing letters, there was no content about work or politics; it was all based on a kind of tacit understanding.

Ding Fengxia was angry; she originally intended to find them and talk about it when she returned to the capital this time.

But now there was no need; the one who lost face wasn't the son-in-law, nor was it the Gu family; her returning to the capital was already watching the other party's excitement.

The capital's situation was changing, and who knew how many people were kicking them while they were down; she didn't need to make a move, otherwise, it would really show the son-in-law had no methods and the Gu family had no cultivation.

Receiving the half bottle of wine brought by her mother-in-law from her father-in-law, Li Xuewu actually fully understood the meaning behind it.

First, it was a celebration, congratulating him on having successors, being mature and steady, and riding the wind and waves.

Secondly, it was a reminder: leave a line when doing things; in politics, the most taboo is to kill them all, which easily causes a counter-effect and hurts one's own kind.

Finally, it was comfort: no matter how good the wine is, half a bottle is enough; being greedy will ruin things.

Li Xuewu also respected his father-in-law's opinion; that half bottle of wine was placed in the living room cabinet by him, which counted as a kind of warning.

When he came back from work yesterday, his mother-in-law had said two sentences to him in private.

It wasn't that she wanted to wrong her son-in-law, not let him pursue the victory, nor was it that her son-in-law had to bow his head, but he couldn't see who was above him.

Unlike Gu Haitao's implicitness, Ding Fengxia's attention and concern for her son-in-law were more direct.

She clearly told Li Xuewu that even if he knew who that person was, it wouldn't have any effect or benefit for him, for his work, or for the friends he cooperated with.

Even if it was a fish dying and the net breaking, the one who wouldn't win in the end would be Li Xuewu, let alone others.

This matter was fundamentally an unequal sacrifice and being sacrificed.

It was just that the object originally sacrificed made a counter-attack, catching the other party off guard.

If it really dragged on, the longer the time, the greater the degree of attention Li Xuewu would receive.

Don't look at the flowery praise from those who called Gu Haitao now; Ding Fengxia laughed, but she knew this wasn't a good thing.

What Li Xuewu needed now wasn't fame, nor was it attention; he needed time and space to exercise and cultivate himself.

Steady and solid, step by step.

Those who are in a hurry to jump up, jumping around, might look glorious now, but in the end, they will still stumble.

Because their feet aren't standing firm, how can there be progress?

Li Xuewu expressed his agreement with his mother-in-law's words and also clearly recognized his current needs.

He didn't fear the person behind this incident, but he had to think about his future and his relationships.

If he had reported to his father-in-law when the incident first happened, he might have suffered a loss and let it pass.

Now he hadn't suffered a loss; on the contrary, he had already occupied the upper hand, so naturally, he should stop while he was ahead.

This kind of thing didn't need to be said clearly; having Gu Haitao help him handle the aftermath proved his ability and status, background and relationships even more.

Just this one thing—among the capital's aristocratic children, who wouldn't have eyes and dare to provoke him? This is the fruit of victory.

His mother-in-law frankly stated the conditions given by the other party; before she could finish, Li Xuewu shook his head and refused.

If he really wanted to be in the army, he wouldn't need the other party's arrangement; he had plenty of conditions for progress himself.

Now he just didn't want to progress, so he spread his energy so widely, just waiting for the day he needed it, gathering it together, and no obstruction could stop him.

His mother-in-law also nodded in approval, saying he had the same temper and same thinking as his father-in-law; they were indeed a good match as father-in-law and son-in-law.

Li Xuewu didn't dare to be presumptuously lucky about this; in some fields, he might have more ideas or insights.

But in front of his father-in-law, who had been through the wars, he could always recognize himself; it was correct to hold an attitude of learning and maintain enough respect and concern.

Of course, he was also deeply moved by his mother-in-law's shielding and concern, and he got along even more harmoniously and naturally with his in-laws.

Entering the lobby, while changing his slippers, he replied: "Everyone in the family is coming, and there are a few childhood friends, one of whom is from Steel City."

Today is Saturday, and he doesn't have to go to work tomorrow; he has time to handle family affairs.

Since Old Biaozi was back from Steel City, they were going to gather anyway, so he just arranged it for today.

The Great Grandmother had already visited, but the old lady at home was waiting anxiously; it was also Li Shun and Li Xuecai returning, so the family had to compromise to reunite.

If they really went to the Sihe Academy, Gu Ning couldn't move, and the child was even less convenient.

Only with Zhao Yafang, who had finished her confinement, holding the child and coming over, could the family reunite conveniently.

"There are too many reasons for a reunion today."

Li Xuewu walked into the living room with a smile and explained to his mother-in-law: "They all want to see the child; my dad and the third one are back, and the old lady is coming too, saying she wants to see you, so..."

"How good, the whole family."

Ding Fengxia tidied her hair and prepared to go to the kitchen, saying with emotion: "No matter how much ability you have, the whole family gathering together is the truth."

"Mom, don't be busy, you don't need to."

Li Xuewu said to her with a smile: "It's already arranged; there's a master chef cooking today; I can't even get my hands in."

"Is that so? I was saying I should hurry up and prepare the meal; I don't know how many people are coming."

Ding Fengxia asked definitely: "Is it really prepared?"

"It really is; a childhood friend of mine, a master chef in the factory canteen."

Li Xuewu nodded and explained: "At my house, counting them, there are nearly thirty people; Qin Jingru has already prepared the materials; don't you be busy."

He pointed upstairs and said: "You go rest first; if many people come tonight, you won't be able to rest."

"Not tired; the in-laws left in the afternoon; I didn't even get to do much."

Ding Fengxia walked to the sofa and sat down, saying to her son-in-law: "The in-laws are quite good; it's rare for us to have the chance to sit together and chat."

"My mom also asked you to stay for a few more days."

Li Xuewu walked to the fireplace and added firewood, saying with a smile: "She told me that if you're here, she won't have to be too busy to handle it."

"Forget it; she doesn't let me be busy when I'm here; she rushes to do all the work."

Ding Fengxia said with a smile: "I'm waiting for your dad to come to the capital for a meeting; we'll stay for a few more days and then go back together; it's not easy to leave things there, and I still have to go to work."

"Xiao An and Chen Xiaoyan might be coming back; maybe in these few days; they are all clamoring to see their nephew."

"That's great."

Li Xuewu stood up and asked: "Is the eldest sister-in-law coming back too?"

"I'm afraid it's enough; the month is big, it's not convenient, it's too much tossing."

Ding Fengxia explained: "She said before the New Year that she would go over to see, but she never had time; I'm thinking of going to see her next month after returning from your place."

"Hmm, it's also inconvenient for work."

Li Xuewu sat opposite his mother-in-law and said: "It was fine when we were in the capital before, and it was convenient to take care of things; now that we are far apart, it's hard on you."

"It's mainly your dad; he has to pay attention to his health."

He cared: "The older you get, the more you need to pay attention; you can't wait until you're old to think about maintenance."

"It's better now; you always call; he doesn't find you annoying; he doesn't listen to me."

Ding Fengxia said with a smile: "He insists on drinking the medicinal wine you mailed; he says it's your sentiment, and he even counts the days to call."

"It's all what I should do."

Li Xuewu picked up the fruit knife, picked an apple, and peeled it, while saying: "Gu Ning actually misses you too; she doesn't say it, but every time she calls, she sits by my side and listens."

"Her? She's angry at me."

Ding Fengxia smiled with gratification, but complained: "She never takes the initiative to call me; I have to call her, and she doesn't reply to letters."

She pretended to be fierce and said: "When I came, I said that if it weren't for the sake of my grandson, I would have pinched her."

"Hehehe, she did it on purpose."

Li Xuewu teased: "Sometimes when I forget, she even reminds me to call you."

After cutting the apple into small pieces, he handed a piece to his mother-in-law, and the rest were separated and placed on a small plate.

"She has a sensitive mind, but isn't good at expressing herself; some words can't be said, but her heart is missing you."

"Sigh~ she's my own daughter; how could I not know what kind of personality she has~"

Ding Fengxia sighed and said: "Saying is saying, laughing is laughing; how could I still be angry at her? I was already confused by anger~"

"People all talk about

"She is sensitive in her thoughts, but not good at expressing them; some things she cannot bring herself to say, but her heart is missing you all."

"Sigh~ she's my own daughter, how could I not know what kind of personality she has~"

Ding Fengxia sighed and said: "Talk is talk, laughter is laughter; I could still get angry at her, but I've long since been confused by her antics~"

"People always talk about fate; I didn't believe it before, but until I saw you two young people living so harmoniously and beautifully, I finally believed it."

She smiled and said: "Fate is determined by heaven; seeing her so introverted and unsociable, I was so anxious my hair was almost turning white."

"But what use is my anxiety? She won't open up to me; once I bring it up, she just locks herself in her room and won't come out, sigh~"

After sighing, she looked at her son-in-law opposite her again and said with emotion: "It wasn't until she met you that her day-by-day changes let me know she chose the right person."

Li Xuewu nodded and said: "Actually, we have quite a lot of topics to talk about; sometimes when she doesn't want to speak, she will listen to me."

"No wonder people say it's fate."

Ding Fengxia shook her head slightly and said: "Looking at her current state, I didn't even dare to imagine it when I came; it's because you two get along well that she has the confidence to face life."

"You are right, we will continue to work hard."

Li Xuewu smiled and nodded, saying: "I will strive to let Gu Ning grow up happy and joyful, just like Li Ning."

"You, oh you~"

Ding Fengxia smiled and said: "If you spoil her like a child, she will never grow up, with that stubborn temper of hers."

"It's quite good, we haven't even gotten angry at each other yet."

Li Xuewu finished tidying up the cutlery and introduced: "If there is something she doesn't like or doesn't want to do, she will tell me, and it's the same for me."

"It's about mutual understanding; sometimes when I'm busy with work and go on business trips for several days, she misses me too."

"I've heard about it, it's quite hard work."

Ding Fengxia nodded and said: "You are more mature and steady than her, and you understand human relationships better; help her more, care for her more, and live a good life, then your father and I will be at ease."

"Please be at ease."

Li Xuewu heard the sound of a car outside, smiled, stood up, and signaled: "They have arrived, I'll go and pick them up."

"Mom! Mom!"

At the courtyard entrance, Li Shu, covered from head to toe in a coat, called out to her mother in a muffled voice, looking very anxious.

Li Xue, who was holding her, complained: "Don't you worry about being sold, she really can't be lost!"

"That's for sure!"

Li Xuewu smiled as he took his daughter and looked behind her, asking: "Where are the others?"

"They're behind; I took advantage of Li Shu's luck and got a ride."

Li Xue turned back to pick up Zhao Yafang; the sister-in-law was also holding a child.

"Oh my~ finally got out of the house~"

Zhao Yafang smiled and said to Li Xuewu: "I've been stifled; how long has it been since I breathed fresh air?"

"Hurry inside, don't catch a cold."

Ding Fengxia, who had followed out behind them, took Li Shu and greeted Zhao Yafang.

Li Xuewu introduced his mother-in-law to his sister-in-law, and the two greeted each other, quite at ease.

There are really few introverts in the Li family; if you had to say who talks the least, it might be Li Shun.

The old lady got off the car and directly called out to her in-law, which made Ding Fengxia greet her repeatedly.

The driver was Shen Guodong, who said a word to Li Xuewu about going back to pick up people and didn't get out of the car.

Li Xuewu helped the old lady down and then closed the car door, urging the group, who were still exchanging pleasantries, to walk into the house.

Although it was already the end of February, it was still a bit cold at this time of night.

It wasn't just Li Shu who was wrapped in a cotton-padded jacket; the adults also had to dress warmly, otherwise, catching a cold in this day and age was a big problem.

"Auntie, it must have been half a year since we last met, right?"

Ding Fengxia entered the house holding Li Shu, chatting and laughing with the old lady, and also praised the grown-up Li Xue.

Li Shu was freed from her cotton-padded jacket, just like Sun Wukong escaping from under Mount Wuzhi.

First, she timidly called out "Grandma," and then she struggled to run toward the bedroom by the door.

"Where are you going? Mom isn't in there."

Li Xuewu smiled and grabbed her, finally picking her up and pointing upstairs, saying: "Mom and your little brother are upstairs."

"Up!"

Li Shu was truly clever; after hearing what he said, her little hand pointed upstairs, meaning: You clearly knew Mom was upstairs, yet you're still wasting my time here.

Hurry up! Go upstairs!

Li Xuewu didn't dare to go upstairs right after coming back from outside, fearing he would bring in the cold air.

Even the old lady, who was anxious to see her great-grandson, followed Ding Fengxia to the living room.

"Give him to me, you go and rest for a while."

Li Xue took Li Tang from her sister-in-law's hands and signaled for her sister-in-law, Zhao Yafang, to go sit with the old lady for a while.

"I'm not tired, I've been lazy staying at home."

Zhao Yafang felt the room was warm, so she took off her coat, wearing only a thin sweater with a vest over it.

"It's better to have a big house; it feels bright in the heart."

"Gu Ning and I both told you to give birth at their unit and come straight home for your postpartum recovery, but you and Mom insisted on not doing it."

Li Xuewu laughed and said: "Wait until my eldest brother comes; I'll ask him if he's willing to swap with me. You take this house, and we'll go back to live in the big courtyard."

"Hahaha, that won't do~"

Zhao Yafang sat beside the old lady and teased with a smile: "No matter how valuable or good your house is, it's not as good as our home."

Saying this, she wrapped her arm around the old lady's and said: "We have two old ladies at home helping to look after the children; if I come to you, I'd have to hire someone, I can't afford that consumption."

"Do you see that? My sister-in-law is the smartest in our family!"

Li Xue held Li Tang and teased Li Xuewu: "She won't swap houses with you because she's afraid you're eyeing Mom and Dad's property."

"That's right! Haha~"

Zhao Yafang first responded seriously, then burst into laughter.

The old lady looked at her children joking and helplessly smiled at Ding Fengxia: "This family is so lively."

"How wonderful."

Ding Fengxia saw the sense of relaxation and humor in the Li family's interactions and was truly envious.

Even when living in the capital, her eldest daughter-in-law and daughter lived together, but they had never joked like this, nor did they have this kind of joy.

"This is the eldest daughter-in-law, that is Li Xue, the fourth child, the youngest daughter."

The old lady smiled and introduced them to Ding Fengxia, appearing very close to her in-law.

Ding Fengxia nodded and said: "I've seen them; I saw them when Xuewu got married."

She looked at Li Xue, who had grown into a graceful young woman, and Zhao Yafang, praising them: "How wonderful, the children have all grown up, and you've even held your great-grandson; four generations under one roof."

"Yes, yes."

The old lady smiled and nodded: "That one is the oldest, this is the second, and the third one in the family is almost there too."

"Grandma, please stop talking."

Li Xue smiled and sat opposite them, saying: "My third brother hasn't finished his studies yet; if he had a child, Dad would surely beat him."

"Hahaha~"

The mother and children laughed as they talked; women always have something to say when they get together.

Ding Fengxia asked Li Xuewu, who was coaxing Li Shu, if the third daughter-in-law was the girl from the Ji family; she had heard a mention of it last time.

"Yes, I am friends with her brother."

Li Xuewu introduced: "Last time I went to Yangcheng, I met her mother; she is a very good person."

"We haven't met, but we've heard of them."

Ding Fengxia said: "Your father knows Ji Ruixuan; he used to work in economic affairs in the border region and had several dealings with your father."

"I really didn't know that."

Li Xuewu teased Li Shu, who was now wanting to go upstairs, and replied: "I had a long talk with her father; he should also know that I am engaged to Gu Ning, but he didn't mention this."

"He is such a cautious person, and Fu Caining is also a person with a strong sense of career."

Ding Fengxia evaluated: "The couple were work models at that time; I still remember seeing commendation information published in the newspaper."

"That can be seen."

Li Xuewu smiled and mentioned to his mother-in-law: "Since I met Ji Wang Weidong and Ji Yuxiu, the brother and sister have been independent at home, with their parents away all year round."

"Now Ji Wang Weidong has gone to Hong Kong, and Yuxiu and her sister-in-law remain in the capital, usually living nearby at home."

"My second brother helped tidy up the house, and rebuilt three rooms."

Li Xue was afraid she would misunderstand and explained that although Ji Yuxiu lived at home, she had her own house.

Li Xuewu glanced at his sister and didn't care; even if this wasn't explained, his mother-in-law wouldn't let her imagination run wild.

Not to mention the Li family, even the Ji family wouldn't allow their daughter to do anything out of line; being able to stay with the Li family just proves this trust.

Of course, it's trust in the Li family's upbringing and trust in Li Xuecai's integrity; if it were another son of the Li family, it wouldn't be certain.

Don't guess, it's Li Xuewu they are talking about.

Putting a daughter beside him is like putting a piece of meat beside a wolf.

You say he shouldn't eat it? He might not eat it, but it's true that he shouldn't eat it slowly.

After sitting and chatting in the first-floor living room for a while, the chill on their bodies dissipated, and the group went up to the second floor.

Li Shu finally got her wish; as soon as she reached the second floor, she struggled to get down and ran toward the inner room with her little legs working hard.

Because Gu Ning was in postpartum recovery, the room was especially warm; the fireplace downstairs connected directly to the second-floor heating, and as long as the valve was opened, the room could reach thirty degrees.

Of course, postpartum recovery doesn't necessarily require the temperature to reach thirty degrees; according to the thermometer, Gu Ning controlled it herself to between twenty-six and twenty-seven degrees.

This was actually quite hot in winter; at least when Zhao Yafang went upstairs, she opened her vest because she felt hot.

"Asleep?"

The group entered the master bedroom and saw Gu Ning listening to the radio, so they all greeted her with smiles.

Little Li Ning was still sleeping soundly; like Li Tang, newborns are always sleepy.

Only when hungry or uncomfortable would they whimper to remind the adults to look after them.

The baby carriage Li Shu used when she was little finally came in handy; it was just right for lying in now.

"She's been sleeping the whole time, she doesn't wake up even when we talk."

Gu Ning smiled and greeted everyone to look at the child, and then looked at Li Tang in Li Xue's arms.

This little guy had slowly opened up; there was a chubby roll of fat on each side of his cheeks, which couldn't even be called baby fat anymore—it was all meat.

Li Xue was also mischievous; she placed Li Tang, who was wearing little clothes, into the baby carriage, and the two little brothers lay side by side, looking like a pair of twins.

The old lady cherished them so much, guarding them on the side, unable to see enough of them no matter how long she looked.

Li Shu first ran to her mother's side to be clingy for a while, and now seeing the adults surrounding the baby carriage laughing and talking, she squeezed over to watch too.

She just liked to watch the excitement; the more people there were, the happier she was, especially now.

Ding Fengxia held her up to look, which made Li Shu widen her eyes and stare hard; after a long while, she said: "Meat!"

"Hahaha~"

Hearing her surprise, everyone laughed; not only was Li Tang chubby, but Li Ning, who had been born only a few days ago, was gradually becoming chubby too.

Newborn babies are just like this; their changes are particularly fast, different every day.

Li Xuewu stood on the side and said a few words to Gu Ning before going downstairs; it was dark, and everyone was about to come over.

Since it was Saturday and there were things to do at home, he had returned an hour early.

It was to leave time for Han Jiankun, and also to leave time for himself to prepare.

Knowing there would be many people today, there was no fuss about brewing tea; he poured some tea leaves into the thermos first and then poured boiling water directly.

This kind of hearty drinking wasn't common in the city, but it was common in the countryside in later generations, especially for manual labor.

Back then, there were no soft drinks; during busy farming seasons, they would just pour a thermos of hot tea like this and drink it from a tea bowl in the fields, always keeping the stomach warm.

Of course, when there are many people, if the teapot isn't enough, you can use this trick, though it's a bit wasteful of tea leaves.

Before dark, the close relatives from the Sihe Academy courtyard arrived one after another.

Two vehicles: one was a command vehicle, and the other was a canvas soft-top Willys.

The women naturally could sit in the command vehicle, and the men went to squeeze into the Willys.

The rest rode bicycles; anyway, they all came over in a flurry.

"Quick, help them, we are also a key focus group."

Lao Biaozi jumped off the Willys exaggeratedly, ran to the front of the command vehicle, first hugged Wen San's son, Zhang Xinmin, and then helped Mai Qinglan out of the car.

Hearing the joke in his mouth, everyone getting off the car at the entrance laughed out loud.

Mai Qinglan was pregnant and patted Lao Biaozi a bit embarrassedly, telling him not to make a scene anymore.

But Lao Biaozi was shouting, telling Chen Xiaoyan, who came in the car, to hurry and help.

"How much more help do you need? You're almost carrying her on your back."

Chen Xiaoyan chided: "Don't let me see you have anything, you're always showing off right in front of our eyes."

"Exactly!"

Shen Guodong raised his eyebrows at Chen Xiaoyan and said: "What's so great about that? Let's have one next year too!"

"Oh my~"

Chen Xiaoyan's face turned red from his teasing; she pushed him, took Mai Qinglan's hand, and went into the courtyard.

Li Xuewu held the car door and instructed Shen Guodong, who was about to get out: "Go one more time and pick up Teacher Han and the child."

"Did you call them?"

Shen Guodong scratched his head and said: "I should still say something; I get a bit nervous when I see the teacher."

"Get lost."

Li Xuewu scolded with a smile: "My eldest brother and sister-in-law are also teachers, why don't I see you getting nervous?"

"Who said that!"

Shen Guodong smiled bitterly: "Have you ever seen me joke with the eldest brother? Not to mention the sister-in-law; I have to stand straight whenever I see her."

"Stop talking nonsense, the call has been made."

Li Xuewu smiled and urged: "Be polite when you speak; when there's a chance later, I'll send you all to university to get some proper training."

"University? Brother, stop joking."

Shen Guodong started the car and grinned: "I won't be able to go to university in this lifetime, but it's possible to get a university student."

As he spoke, he signaled to Lao Biaozi, who had entered the courtyard, and said: "Even a bastard looking like that can pick up a university student; I'll go look around later too."

"Hmm, I think you're looking for trouble."

Li Xuewu nodded and said: "I've noted your words; remember to bring some safflower oil when you come back. I'm afraid Chen Xiaoyan's hand will be too heavy, and the safflower oil at home won't be enough for you."

"I was just joking."

Shen Guodong stepped on the gas and said: "Brother, don't take it seriously!"

Before he even finished speaking, the car had already driven away; Li Xuewu stood at the entrance looking at the taillights, finding it funny.

Is swan meat in this world so easy to eat?

Lao Biaozi, this toad, has fallen into her hands; who knows how much trouble he'll have to endure in the future.

Now that she's serving him and giving birth to his child, Lao Biaozi can't rely on his own parents; who is going to support Mai Qinglan's parents?

"Something's not right today!"

As soon as Li Xuewu entered the house, he saw Seeing Sha Zhu standing in the living room complaining to him: "I'm here as a guest, not to cook."

"It doesn't matter, I didn't intend for you to do it."

Li Xuewu rolled up his sleeves and said: "I'll cook today and show you all a trick."

"You?!"

Seeing Sha Zhu widened his eyes and said: "Stop joking with me; in the nearly two years since you came back, I haven't seen you in the kitchen once!"

"That's because you haven't seen it!"

Li Xuewu shook his head and said: "This is called a true master not showing his face; if he shows his face, he's not a true master!"

Saying this, he made a gesture to go to the kitchen, walking and saying: "I'll first see which one is salt and which one is vinegar."

"Hurry up!"

Seeing him say this, the dozen or so men in the living room all spoke up to Seeing Sha Zhu, just urging him not to let Li Xuewu show his trick.

"So you all only care about eating and don't care about my tiredness, right!"

Seeing Sha Zhu rolled up his sleeves and said: "What are you afraid of? He has to eat what he makes himself; it won't poison anyone!"

"Pah~ pah~ pah~ it's the New Year!"

Chen Xiaoyan spat a few times and complained to him: "If you don't do it, we'd rather go hungry today, but you'll have to walk back yourself!"

"Hey!"

Seeing Sha Zhu widened his eyes, called Li Xuewu out of the dining room, and said: "We've agreed, I'll do the cooking today; the women are one thing, but the men have to help me!"

"No problem!"

Li Xuecai joked and started a commotion: "Brother Zhu, I'll burn the fire for you; I know how to do that."

"Good, one by one."

Taking the floral apron handed over by Li Xuewu, Seeing Sha Zhu put it on while laughing and assigning tasks: "The university student will burn the fire, and the teacher will pick the vegetables!"

After finishing with eldest brother Xuewen, he looked at Li Xuewu and said: "Then the Deputy Section Chief can only help clean the fish."

"Good, this meal is good."

Lao Biaozi cheered: "This meal is truly rare; we must eat well."

"You won't escape!"

Seeing Sha Zhu caught Lao Biaozi, who was talking, and said: "Qin Jingru said there's still a chicken in the kitchen that hasn't been cleaned; it's up to you!"

"Uncle Li and Grandpa, you don't need to."

He joked around, and now he pointed at Li Shun and Grandpa, who were watching the fun, and said: "You don't need to stand up and help."

"Who wants to stand up!"

Grandpa joked: "These big young men, letting Grandpa help?"

"Actually, it's not impossible."

Seeing Sha Zhu shook his head and said with a smile: "How about you come and help me tie my apron? I'm the head chef today!"

"Come, I'll help you tie it."

Lao Biaozi grinned and said wickedly: "I've tied rope loops for livestock before."

"Get lost~ get lost~ get lost~"

Seeing Sha Zhu pushed Lao Biaozi away with a smile and said: "You're about to be a father too, can't you learn something good!"

After finishing, he pointed at Li Xuewu and said: "Learn from your Brother Wu; look at how he acts as a father."

"Hmm~ I should learn?"

Lao Biaozi laughed: "I'm like this now because I learned from him; you still think I'm not bad enough!"

"Hahaha~"

Chen Xiaoyan, Ji Yuxiu, and the others sat on the side watching the men joking and laughing, and they followed suit.

Feeling that they weren't cold anymore, they all went upstairs under Liu Yin's greeting.

It was fine for the women to go upstairs to see Gu Ning and the children, but it wouldn't do for the men; they could only talk and laugh on the first floor.

They said they would help this one or that one, but once they entered the kitchen, Seeing Sha Zhu didn't really need their help with anything.

However, tasks like cleaning fish and small chickens were delegated to them.

The living room couldn't hold so many people, so the young people all went to the dining room.

Those who weren't working sat on the sofa by the window teasing each other, while those who were working sat at the dining table busy.

There was no other way; Li Xuecai was the youngest, so he did the most work.

Of course, if you really talk about seniority, there was an even younger one, Zhang Xinmin.

Fei Shanying was still in postpartum recovery; hearing that Li Xuewu was hosting these brothers today, she sent her son to take Wen San'er's place.

Why raise a son? Isn't it just to show his face on such occasions and indicate that there is a successor?

Lao Biaozi squatted on the ground, hugged him, pointed at Li Xuewu, and asked: "What did your mother tell you to say when you came out?"

Zhang Xinmin looked at Li Xuewu and giggled: "Congratulations, Second Brother, on the birth of your precious son."