Qin Xue observed Miao Qingqing silently, noticing that apart from her emotional state, there was no other expression or movement. She slightly lowered her guard but continued to monitor her from time to time.
“Mrs. Qin, may I hold the other child?” Miao Qingqing asked, looking at the child in Qin Xue’s arms.
“Um…” Nangong Shulan hesitated, glancing at Miao Qingqing and then at her daughter without saying anything.
“I’m so sorry, I was being too abrupt.” Miao Qingqing had been too excited earlier, but now, she realized she had overstepped their boundaries after seeing the expressions on the family members’ faces.
“It is inappropriate, give Yu Chen to Xiao Yu, and I’ll let you hold Yu Ze,” Qin Xue said calmly.
“Daughter-in-law, you…” Miao Qingqing hurriedly covered her mouth; she blurted out the words in her excitement.
“Daughter-in-law?” Qin Xue noticed Miao Qingqing’s words. She looked at her mother and brother, guessing they had heard it too.
“Hehe, I came here to look for my grandson, and I felt a close bond with you at first sight. I also like this child, so I impulsively called you my daughter-in-law.” Miao Qingqing quickly tried to salvage the situation, fearing to leave a bad impression since she still wanted to see her separated grandson.
“So that’s the reason. No wonder,” Qin Xue had not expected this explanation. If that was the case, it could certainly explain Miao Qingqing’s strange behavior.
“Yes, my grandson has been away from home for more than ten years. I come out to search for him every year but get caught and brought back by my husband each time.”
This time he came too, but I drove him away in anger. I’m already old, and if I don’t find my grandson soon, I’m afraid I won’t be able to see him one last time before I pass away.” Miao Qingqing held Yu Ze in her hands; this child looked even more like her own grandson. In that moment, tears began streaming down her face.
“Ah, Granny, don’t cry. We believe you will find your grandson,” Qin Xue stared at the elderly woman who had just started crying out of the blue.
“Yes, Auntie, you’re such a good person; I believe heaven won’t be so cruel. You will definitely find your grandson; please stop crying, okay?” Nangong Shulan handed a handkerchief to Miao Qingqing.
“Thank you, you are all kind-hearted people.” Miao Qingqing took the handkerchief and wiped her tears, feeling slightly embarrassed. How could someone her age cry like a young girl?
“Auntie, why don’t you have dinner with us? My son-in-law will be back soon, and I can introduce you to him,” Nangong Shulan warmly invited Miao Qingqing.
“Isn’t that too much trouble for you?” Miao Qingqing’s eyes lit up at the prospect of meeting her grandson but worried that it might inconvenience the family.
“No problem, we were going to have dinner anyway, and it’s just an extra pair of chopsticks,” Nangong Shulan casually waved her hand and smiled.
“Thank you so much, you are all such good people.” Miao Qingqing’s impression of their family was already good, and now it became even better.
“You’re too polite. Please sit down, and I will go and cook,” Nangong Shulan saw that it was almost time for dinner and pulled her younger daughter into the kitchen to prepare the meal together.
“Daughter-in-law, what are your two children’s names?” Miao Qingqing looked at Qin Xue and asked.
“Granny, please don’t call me daughter-in-law; just call me Qin Xue,” Qin Xue blushed, feeling awkward that Miao Qingqing treated her like a daughter-in-law.
“Oh, alright. Qin Xue, what are the names of your two children?” Miao Qingqing, worried that Qin Xue might get angry, changed her words accordingly.
“The elder one’s name is Chu Mengze, and the younger one is Chu Nanchun,” Qin Xue smiled and told Miao Qingqing the children’s names. She only revealed the information because she saw that Miao Qingqing had no ulterior motives; otherwise, she would not have shared it as a way to protect her children.