Ning Zhengtao sighed, "Just wait and see. We'll find out soon enough that there's a high chance they'll split up the family property. It's been tough on Jiang Xintong; she abandoned her home and ran off to her mother's place. To be honest, this girl is a kind and loyal child. If it were someone else, they would have been angry and never come back."

After saying that, he took a piece of cake and ate it with his tea. He didn't say anything, but he was quite envious.

He has a daughter and a son, but neither of them is willing to buy him these kinds of foods every day. It would be a lie to say he doesn't crave them.

However, due to his age and status, he was too embarrassed to ask. Besides, the old couple also had salaries and could afford to buy it, but outside, everything depended on tickets. Even if he had money, there was nowhere to buy it. That was what he envied Qiao Jie the most.

Of course, he also admired Jiang Qiao, that little girl. She looked young and unassuming, but what she did impressed even herself.

They never knew Jiang Qiao's medical skills were so amazing. So many doctors had seen their grandson, but none of them could help. They were really at their wits' end, so they obediently brought the child back. Who would have thought that this would be a turning point? The little girl actually cured her grandson's illness. Now he can't say anything to her.

Qiao Jie is right. High-ranking positions and generous salaries are not as good as having a good doctor in the family. Let his grandson make his own way in the world. He really doesn't want to worry about those things anymore.

Seeing Ning Zhengtao's blissful expression, even Zhu Lin felt embarrassed. Qiao Jie smiled and spoke up.

"Now you should understand, right? That's why I said those things earlier. Okay, one is enough. Don't just see me enjoying myself. You haven't seen my other side yet. I'm absolutely good to Jiang Qiao too. It's all about sincerity. There can't be any fakery in this. From now on, learn from me."

Zhu Lin smiled and nodded, "I think so too. Look at how Brother Qiao and Qiao'er get along. They always discuss things together. That's the foundation of a harmonious family. You should learn from them in the future. Don't think that just because you're a teacher and have taught so many students, you have the right to be arrogant. You're never too old to learn. Keep learning."

Brother Qiao, to be honest, Jiang Qiao is really filial; he buys you everything you need to eat.

Qiao Jie peeled a roasted pine nut and stuffed it into his mouth. "That's right. My grandson and I are friends who have been through thick and thin together. We depend on each other for survival. Even if the army commander's daughter came to be my granddaughter, I wouldn't be happy."

Can she wait on me hand and foot like Qiao'er did? Can she bring me tea and water, and wash my feet? So, don't think about those things; cherish what you have.

"Old brother, please stop talking. If you keep talking, I'll lose all face. I understand. From now on, whoever our grandson likes, we'll like too. We won't get in the way, okay?"

"That's more like it. Eat up, eat whatever you like. I don't have much else, but I have plenty of snacks."

Speaking of this, Qiao Jie can definitely stand tall and say that in the whole yard, who else can eat so many snacks? Only him.

"Oh dear, you're such a playful old man, stop showing off. If you keep showing off, we'll come over every day to freeload. Old Ning, let's eat more and make him feel bad."

Qiao Jie couldn't help but grin. "Oh, look how good we are now. We don't have to worry about food and drink, and life is getting better and better. Don't think about anything else. Haozi is coming back tomorrow, and he still needs to take his medicine. Remember, don't let the child get angry or upset."

When Ning Hao returned, Jiang Qiao was not home. She had taken the old man back, finished giving Wang Dahua acupuncture, and after visiting the old lady, the two of them headed straight to the countryside.

Jiang Qiao mainly missed her younger brother. That little guy was so much fun, especially when he saw her. She didn't know if the two of them were bound by blood, but Xiao Shitou (Little Stone) always wanted her to hold him. If she didn't hold him, the little guy would get upset.

I never knew a little kid could have his own emotions. He was so happy that he didn't know how to express his feelings. He just hugged Jiang Qiao's face and kissed him. He really is a younger brother. Their relationship is definitely genuine.

With a younger brother at home, Jiang Qiao really didn't want to go back. However, there were many things she needed to deal with when she returned. School was about to start, and she needed to prepare things. In addition, she also needed to deal with the lingering effects of Ning Hao's influence.

"I really don't want to leave. Maybe I can take my little brother with me."

Wen Jingwan smiled and said, "Ask your brother and see if he agrees."

Little Stone saw his sister and mother laughing, so he grinned too, and drool started dripping down his face.

Watching her son sitting happily in her daughter's lap, Wen Jingwan felt that there was nothing more beautiful in the world than this moment, and she could even dream of having her two children by her side.

"Mom, has everything been alright at home these past few days?"

Wen Jingwan shook her head. "What could possibly happen? We're all from the village, no outsiders. Don't worry. Your grandfather and father have already told me some things. Even if I'm not very capable, I've still served in the army for so many years. I understand some things, so don't worry."

Is everything going smoothly on your end? You need to be careful too. Bad guys don't have labels on their heads. Be vigilant in everything you do. Mom doesn't ask for anything else, just that you're all safe.

Oh, by the way, your grandfather received a letter from your great-aunt this morning.

Jiang Qiao asked in surprise, "A letter? Are you kidding me? She's been missing for so many years, why did she suddenly want to contact me? Mom, are you sure this is my great-aunt?"

Wen Jingwan shook her head. "You'll have to ask your grandfather about this. He went back to read the letter; we haven't seen it yet."

As they were talking, Gu Hanting and Ma Liu walked in. "Come, come, everyone's back. Let's sit together and chat. The girl's been busy, and it's rare for her to have some free time. Perfect timing, there's something at home that I want to tell you all."

Jiang Qiao helped the old man sit on the kang (a heated brick bed). "Grandpa, what's going on? My great-aunt hasn't been heard from for almost eight hundred years. Why did she suddenly write to you?"

Not to mention Jiang Qiao's curiosity, Gu Zhixuan and Gu Zhihong were also puzzled. They both knew that since they were old enough to understand, they had never heard of this great-aunt contacting them.

Why did they suddenly think of them now? The two brothers didn't say it, but they didn't have much affection for this aunt they had never met.

Gu Hanting pulled the letter out of his pocket. "Here, take turns reading it—"

The letter was passed around among everyone, but Jiang Qiao wasn't in a hurry. While everyone was reading the letter, she asked the question that had been bothering her.

"Grandpa, can you tell me what this great-aunt's background is? Logically speaking, if you adopt her, even if you don't have feelings for her, you should at least be grateful."

She should have helped the Gu family during those difficult years, even if it wasn't openly, she could have done it secretly.

But why hasn't she shown up yet? Is it simply because she's adopted and has no blood relation to you?

Everyone says you can develop a bond with a cat or dog, but this is a living, breathing person. Surely you can't raise an ungrateful child?