"When do you have the time to meet my cousin?"
A panged Chen Siming, provoked by Shen Yin's earlier statement, promptly replied, "Anytime, I am free tonight."
"Hold up, don't rush. Just because you're free tonight doesn't mean my cousin is. I will ask her later, but I feel the weekend may be more suitable."
"Alright, thank you sister-in-law. Can you gift me a painting if I get married? Hanging one at home would certainly add a posh feel.” Chen Siming held a painting in his hand, treasuring it dearly.
"Sure, no problem.”
That night, Shen Yin went home and informed Fang Yue, who in turn consulted Fang Ningning. The meeting was quickly arranged for Saturday night. Shen Yin glanced at the calendar, noting her and Zhengzheng's birthdays were drawing near. Shen didn't need a celebration, but certainly couldn't overlook Zhengzheng's third birthday.
“Xiuhe.”
"What?"
"Honey."
Only then did Xu Xiuhe seem satisfied.
"Zhengzheng is about to have his birthday." Shen Yin spoke, and Xu Xiuhe, glancing at the peacefully sleeping toddler in the next room, added, "You will also be having your birthday soon."
He then pulled out a box from his pocket and opened it.
"Is it beautiful?"
"Yes, it is."
Inside the box was a jade bracelet of excellent quality, which, as Shen Yin felt it with her fingers, proved to be equal to the ones she used to have at the Dasheng Dynasty.
"Is it expensive?"
"It's okay."
"Thank you."
Then, Xu Xiuhe raised his mouth to say, "Shouldn't you thank me with more than just words?"
From his gaze, Shen Yin could guess what he was thinking.
"So, how should I thank you?"
"You should thank me with actions, you wouldn't like me to be uncomfortable, would you?"
Indeed, she really owed him some gratitude. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Darling."
Shen Tianzheng had always looked down upon Xu Guimin. In Shen Tianzheng's eyes, Xu Guimin was nothing more than a philandering cad and bigamist, who didn't deserve to live. Here was a man who was married, but still carried on promiscuously outside. Was he justified in his actions towards his wife? His children? A complete disgrace!
The moment Shen Tianzheng mentioned his mother-in-law, Xu Guimin fell silent, hesitating in his response.
Their argument attracted many spectators. After all, they were both notable figures in Rong City. Even if they had both taken a step back from their glory, their fame was still intact.
"Your sister-in-law, Yang, didn't make it, I..."
"Shut up."
Before Xu Guimin could finish, he was interrupted by Xu Xiuhe.
"Let me say it one more time, you're not welcome here. I'm giving you a friendly reminder out of our scant blood relations. You better look into your near-drowning incident properly. Don't get yourself killed and not even know why."
"Xiuhe, what's the meaning of your words?"
"Show him out."
Once Xu Xiuhe uttered these words, someone immediately came over to escort Xu Guimin out.
Before leaving, he was still holding the safety lock that he didn't get to give.
"I apologize for the earlier disruption. Now, let's proceed," Xu Xiuhe explained to the other guests.
Xu Guimin never expected to be kicked out. Furious, he got into his car and drove straight home.
"Guimin, why are you back? Weren't you attending your grandson’s birthday party?"
Xu Guimin, frustrated, didn't respond to Yang Cui and went straight upstairs.
Downstairs, Yang Cui smirked spitefully. Look, he'd still be sent packing no matter where he went.
In the beginning, when she found out that Xu Guimin was going to give Xu Xiuhe's son a safety lock as a present, she was incredibly jealous. But now, she didn't feel worried in the least.
“Mom, has dad come back?”
“He just went upstairs.” In the living room, Yang Cui continued to crack open sunflower seeds with a satisfied smile.
"You're not getting any younger, your father is getting old, he wants to hold his grandchild. I'll check out a few girls for you, pick one, get married, have a kid. This seems to be the best solution now."
"You handle it."
"Hey, have you got any women pregnant out there? If you have a secret child, your father will probably want to bring them home."
"None."
Xu Zhengyang thought about it carefully and indeed, there was none.
"Do you have your eye on any girl? If she's suitable, just go after her. After all, the most pressing matter now is that you need a child."