"Where can we find grapes in this heavy snow?" Zhou Xing's mother shook her head helplessly.

"If there's no fresh, buying a can of it will do." Deng Jianyan had already changed his shoes at the door.

"Canned food is easy to get, just go to Hengchang, don't go too far." Qin Xiaoyu came over and gave her a word of advice after hearing the commotion.

"Okay!" Deng Jianyan readily agreed and went out the door.

His figure could be seen from the large window; he walked briskly, and when he reached the fountain, he scooped up some snow from the ground, made a snowball, and threw it onto the rose quartz. His entire demeanor was completely different from the person who had just returned from the farm; he looked about ten years younger.

Finding the right person is so important.

Was A Lei the right person? Qin Xiaoyu's heart grew heavy.

“Xiaoyu, Mom wasn’t eavesdropping. I overheard a few words you and your brother were saying,” Zhou Xing’s mother said quietly, pulling Qin Xiaoyu aside.

"I know Mom didn't mean to eavesdrop; Mom has sharp ears and eyes. Mom, what's your opinion?" Qin Xiaoyu said, suppressing a laugh. It wasn't like she was eavesdropping; she clearly was, but she knew she was just concerned about her, so she let her be.

“I think your brother is right. You’re already 28 years old in the blink of an eye. A woman’s youth only lasts a few years. I can’t bear to see you dedicate all of your youth to your career. If you ask me, if he likes you, you should give it a try. When you’re dating, if it’s a good match, you can get married; if it’s not, you can break up. You can’t just deny him a chance.”

Zhou Xing's mother's words left Qin Xiaoyu stunned. When did this old lady's thinking become so modern? Or was she just indulging her and truly spoiling her like a daughter?

"Mom, do you agree?"

“Agreed. Let’s have a meal together sometime, and I’ll meet your father. That way, he’ll be mentally prepared. He’ll have to face not just you, but your whole family. They won’t dare to treat you too lightly.” Zhou Xing’s mother was determined to meet with A Lei.

For some reason, the thought of bringing A Lei back gave Qin Xiaoyu a sudden, satisfying feeling of revenge. This whole family was probably going to tear A Lei apart, hehe. Since he was so eager to get close to her, she'd better overcome them first.

Qin Xiaoyu knew that dealing with someone like A Lei required patience. Although Zhou Xing's mother had said she would invite A Lei to dinner, she hadn't done so yet, which made Zhou Xing's mother anxious, and she urged her several times.

"Mom, rushing things won't make a sale. Let's wait." Qin Xiaoyu smiled mysteriously.

In this game, Are lost, and he called first.

"Come to my house for a meal," A Lei said in a notification tone.

"Okay," Qin Xiaoyu agreed readily.

"Wow, this is a rare opportunity."

"But there's a condition."

"I knew you were going to say that, name your terms." A Lei guessed that Qin Xiaoyu would definitely have a "but".

"Have a meal with my family first."

"So fast?" Are was a little surprised.

"If you think it's too fast, then forget it." Qin Xiaoyu also took one.

"No, no! Tell me the time, and I'll be there on time!"

"How about tonight? Sister Xiaoyue is hosting a homecoming banquet, but only family members will be attending. Would you like to come?"

“Yes!” A Lei readily agreed.

To save trouble this time, Qi Si specially transferred two chefs over. Originally, he only wanted to send the chefs, but Cheng Fuxing and Zhu Bao insisted on coming, and each brought a favorite apprentice, so this meal was made to be quite substantial.

There were too many people, so three tables were set up. One table was for the elderly, and they prepared traditional dishes because they were worried the food wouldn't suit their tastes. The lady of the house sat with Commander Zhou, Zhou Xing's mother, Hanhan's grandparents, and Aunt Wang. When Regiment Commander Wang and Wang Lei's father arrived, they were also invited to sit there. Qin Xiaoyu then tried to pull Fourth Sister-in-law over, but she refused repeatedly. Finally, Qi Si spoke up, and she sat down.

At one table sat Qi Si, Qin Xiaoyu, Zhou Yue, and Deng Jianyan. It was originally intended for Xiao Si's wife to sit with them, but she insisted on joining the children at their table.

There was still one seat left at the table, which was for A Lei. The dishes on their table were all unusual and strange things that Qi Si had brought back, such as flying dragon soup, elephant skewer, and crocodile meat, just for fun.

Tang Long, Wang Lei, and Tang Fengqin, along with a group of children, were at another table eating a hot pot with two broths, including skewers and tripe.

The two nannies had already eaten, and they were carrying the two chubby boys, turning them around here and there to amuse them.

"Stay away from their pots, don't burn the child," Zhou Xing's mother repeatedly reminded him, worried.

Zhu Bao and Cheng Fuxing, along with three others, finished preparing the dishes and were then pulled over by the children to join in the fun.

Wang Jian has now moved in with Qi Si and is sitting with Xiao Jin, looking as composed as an adult.

Everyone was seated, but one person was still missing. Qin Xiaoyu found it strange. A Lei didn't seem like the type to be late. Could it be that he gave up and wouldn't come?

"Eat up, it'll get cold soon." Qin Xiaoyu decided not to wait any longer.

"No, wait a little longer," Commander Zhou said.

"Who's coming? Are we important guests?" Fourth Sister-in-law asked, puzzled. Everyone else was perceptive and could tell, so there was no rush.

Car lights flashed past the entrance; someone was coming.

Wang Jian, with his long legs, had already run to the door. By the time Qin Xiaoyu came over, the door was already open, and A Lei, his head covered in snowflakes, walked in carrying a large box.

"I'm so sorry I'm late, I was preparing a gift." A Lei smiled and held up the box in his hand.

Wang Jian carefully took the box. There was still an empty space on the long table where the children were having hot pot, so he put the box on it.

When Qin Xiaoyu saw him arrive, Mo Ming felt relieved, and his earlier frustration disappeared.

“Come, meet my family.” She led Are to the table.

"This is my wife, my uncle, my mother, this is also my mother, and my father." Qin Xiaoyu introduced them one by one, and it had been almost ten minutes since she finished exchanging pleasantries.

"Come on, wash your hands and eat." Qin Xiaoyu saw the children craning their necks to look and knew they were all hungry, so she called A Lei to come with her.

"I'm sorry I'm late and have kept everyone waiting. I wanted to prepare a special gift, but time was too short. I've been picking people up at the airport all this time, just for this." After washing his hands, A Lei didn't go to his seat immediately, but instead walked to the long table.

He gently pulled the ribbon tied to the box, freeing it up. He lifted the lid, and a huge three-tiered cake appeared on the table.

When Qin Xiaoyu was in Shanghai, she saw a cake shop with deluxe cakes, multi-layered and made with fresh cream, something she had never seen in her small town.

"Wow! How beautiful! Look, there's even a bride up there!" Little Fourth Sister-in-law, who hadn't seen much of the world, exclaimed in surprise.

Xiao Mei and Xiao Jin had both eaten similar small cakes outside, so they weren't quite surprised.

Needless to say, this gift, especially the sentiment behind it, was truly rare. A Lei gave himself a high score and also erased the mistake of being late.