Ning Zhengtao sighed, "You young people, how can you not understand the rules? This is one thing at a time. If everyone acted like you, wouldn't everything be in chaos?"

Ning Hao smiled and said, "Grandpa, you're exaggerating. Nowadays, not many families would host a dinner like this. Besides, even if someone does host a dinner, they bring their own food stamps. No one will compare with me. Our situation is special. We said back then that Jiang Qiao would treat everyone to a meal."

These two things have both happened at the same time, so don't worry about it, we understand the situation.

He had no idea whether his grandfather was distressed about the money he had spent, or distressed about not receiving any gifts. The old man was getting on in years, and his temper was so unpredictable; he really couldn't understand him.

The old lady shoved her husband, "Alright, alright, the kids all have their own ideas, so stop worrying about it. Or, you can pay for the banquet?"

Ning Zhengtao snorted and then walked out with his hands behind his back. Zhu Lin complained helplessly to her eldest grandson, "Look at this old man, he's getting more and more backward as he gets older. We're all neighbors, what's wrong with treating him to a meal? Do you think it was easy for you and Jiang Qiao to get to where you are now?"

Everyone says you two kids have it tough, and they all want to lend a hand. Nobody wants to freeload. They even came to ask me if they could bring you gifts, but I said no. You know, your grandfather is really something. He's lived a life of poverty, how come he likes these things now that he's old?

Ning Hao gave a wry smile and put his arm around the old lady's shoulder. "My grandpa is probably out of money. Why don't you give him some more pocket money? Once he gets used to spending money, he won't care about too many things."

Zhu Lin sighed, "Don't blame your grandfather. That old man is very concerned about his reputation. He was not happy when he came back yesterday, saying that your aunt and your uncle embarrassed him when they went to the countryside."

Ning Hao patted the old lady on the shoulder: "What's the big deal? Everyone has taken the food home and no one is complaining. This old man is just being stubborn."

Zhu Lin continued to explain: "Besides, you said it's our grandchildren's first happy event, and your father and the others aren't coming back. Your grandfather must be unhappy, no matter what. It's his son's and grandson's wedding, and it's really disgraceful for the father not to be there."

In addition, your father is also in a terrible predicament. Your brother is getting married, and your sister's spot to go to the countryside was taken by that woman's daughter. The family is in complete chaos.

"Sigh, he's my own child, so I can't really say anything. To be honest, your dad is even worse than your uncle. He may be selfish, but at least he knows how to manage his own life and family. Sigh, it's a good thing you don't live with them, otherwise this family would be in chaos."

Ning Hao had nothing to say about his father's family. The father-son bond was severed the moment he learned the truth about his mother's death; all that remained was the blood relation.

"No wonder there's chaos. You think kids from the same nest are so easy to get along with? Why did I live with you guys back then? It's because Tong Yun and the others couldn't tolerate me."

Of course, with a new stepmother, the older children naturally become less favored. Who wouldn't want to make plans for their own children?

They haven't had children yet, so it's normal for them to keep some secrets from each other. At least they're both grown up now, and they've enjoyed a normal family life and the love of their parents. So, arguing a little isn't a big deal. They're adults, and at worst, they can support themselves. What's there to worry about?

He can support the children he brought with him, so why worry about the future?

He didn't say the next sentence, but his own father never raised him, so how could he expect any affection between them?

He understood the feelings of the two elderly people, but he couldn't fulfill their requests, nor did he want to. The past was the past, and he had reached the age where he didn't need his father anymore.

Ning Boyuan owes him more than just an apology; he owes him a life, his mother's life. He can't get over this hurdle.

"Sigh, it's all the fault of your good father. He didn't cherish his wife when he married her, and the one he did cherish, he ruined her. This time, it was another hasty marriage. I, as his son and his mother, can't understand him at all."

Forget about him. After the banquet, it's good to take Qiao'er to see your mother. Let her see that Haozi has married a good wife. It's a pity she won't have the good fortune to enjoy her son's happiness.

Ultimately, in Zhu Lin's heart, Ning Hao's biological mother was the daughter-in-law she truly desired. Unfortunately, the bond between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was shallow, and she was not fortunate enough to enjoy the blessings of being a daughter-in-law.

"It's alright, my mom can't enjoy it. You can enjoy the blessings of your granddaughter-in-law when you're old. My Qiao'er, I'm not bragging, is really good to the elderly."

Look at my Grandpa Qiao and Grandpa Liu, how well they live! You should learn from them. Children and grandchildren have their own lives; you don't need to worry about them. They're all adults now, capable of handling their own affairs. You've raised them; you can't expect them to take care of you forever, can you?"

Zhu Lin smiled and nodded, "From now on, Grandma won't have to worry anymore. Just listen to Haozi. Come on, let's go greet the guests."

It's rare for everyone to get together for a meal. Even though we live in the same courtyard, each family lives their own life and is busy with their own things. There aren't many opportunities for us to get together and talk.

It's rare for Ning Hao to treat everyone, and he managed to get everyone together. They're chatting so enthusiastically that no one needs to be invited. A pot of tea, a plate of melon seeds and candy are enough to keep everyone talking for quite a while.

Of course, the most talked-about topic was still the Jiang family.

"Sigh, Jiang Hong rarely comes back. I wonder what that child is doing. Niu Guihua took the child back home, and we haven't heard from her since. Jiang He's life is probably over for good. That child is completely ruined. And Jiang Hong doesn't seem like much either—"

Jiang Qiao poured tea for everyone while listening to their conversation.

"No, isn't Jiang Hong at work?"

"Sigh, who knows? Anyway, he rarely comes back. Jiang Ping has moved in. We talked to him about Jiang Qiao's marriage before, but unfortunately, he didn't say anything."

"That's true. They schemed against Jiang Qiao back then; how could they possibly have the face to come here for dinner?"

Wang Tiezhu said unhurriedly, "I saw Jiang Hong a few days ago. It seems she has a house outside. I don't know where this girl got such great ability to have her own house."

I heard he had a close relationship with people in the Revolutionary Committee. He's changed jobs now, supposedly to look after those who were sent down to the countryside. I don't know if it's true or not.

Jiang Qiao took that sentence to heart. Jiang Hong had already been suspicious, and now this person was not working properly but had gone to the labor camp. She would never believe that this person had no ulterior motive.

Previously, it was suspected that Jiang Hong came from the future. Now, the previous guess has been confirmed. Those people will probably change in the future, and for the better. Otherwise, why would Jiang Hong go to that place that is far from home?