Song Yan should know he was joking.

He and his sister-in-law are both women, and Ye Nian'an is his own sister-in-law, so how could it be? He wouldn't take it to heart, hahaha~

"Hmm, aren't you welcoming me?"

"Brother Song Yan, you must be joking! How could we not welcome you? Welcome, welcome! A warm welcome!"

Chu Xin'er shook her head vigorously, cheering and encouraging them.

Chu Yan spoke up at the opportune moment: "Is everything done for today? Where's Xu Yao?"

Song Yan withdrew his gaze, his tone returning to its usual cheerful tone: "Yes, it's finished, so I'm going out for a stroll."

"I never expected to run into you guys so coincidentally. He's probably still being held up by his parents for social engagements and can't escape."

After speaking, Song Yan also greeted the three Ye brothers and Ye Nian'an, fulfilling his courtesy.

After exchanging a few casual words...

"The baby in my belly is a bit fussy. I wonder if Daddy, Er'er, and San'san have woken up yet... Brother Yan, let's go back and check on them."

Ye Nian'an suddenly tugged at Chu Yan's sleeve, giving a coded signal with a glance.

After many years of marriage, Chu Yan immediately understood Ye Nian'an's meaning, and gently placed his hand on her waist: "Okay, let's go back then. Song Yan, we'll visit your family tomorrow to wish you a Happy New Year."

"Okay, I'll be waiting anytime."

Ye Nian'an and the others turned around.

Chu Xin'er originally wanted to say goodbye to Song Yan, but Ye Nian'an interrupted her: "Isn't Xin'er thinking about the red bean paste on West Street? Song Yan, would you please accompany her?"

"Huh? I..."

"good."

Chu Xin'er's eyes widened in surprise, only to see Song Yan respond with a quick "Okay," as fast as a bullet being loaded.

"Okay, we're relieved to have you with us. Let's go, brothers."

"Oh! Yes, yes, yes! Let's go!"

Ye Yao and the others also realized what was happening.

Ye Nian'an was trying to create an opportunity for Song Yan and Chu Xin'er to be alone together!

The Ye brothers laughed and walked back.

Chu Xin'er was left standing there, stunned.

Ah, no...

Why do I feel like I've been sold off?

"Xin'er, let's go, I'll go shopping with you."

Song Yan's gentle, soothing voice rang in my ears.

It was a bit lower than usual, like glutinous rice porridge mixed with hot wine.

As clever as he was, he naturally realized Ye Nian'an's intention.

Since his sister-in-law is so supportive, wouldn't Song Yan be letting her down if he didn't seize the opportunity?

This time, there were no obstacles between them.

Chu Xin'er has grown up and is now able to make rational choices and take responsibility for her actions.

It was Song Yan's turn to take the initiative.

He would never give up the girl he had loved for so many years to anyone else!

"Okay, Song Yan, then... then you have to treat me! I want to buy lots and lots of delicious food!"

Chu Xin'er blushed and stammered, not even knowing what she was saying.

After saying that, he immediately regretted it.

Why did what I just said sound so much like I was being coquettish?

She's not Song Yan's girlfriend.

Will asking for things like this make people think I'm a materialistic woman?

"I... Brother Song Yan, I don't seem to know what to say, hehe, I'm a little nervous."

"Actually, I just said it casually, there's no need to spend any money..."

Chu Xin'er felt that she must be laughing very stupidly right now.

The man turned his head to the side, the reflected light etching a soft arc on his jawline: "Whatever you want to eat, it should be mine."

He spoke so naturally, as if it were a matter of course.

Chu Xin'er's ears turned bright red, as if they had been stained with the syrup from candied hawthorns.

She looked down at the ground, seeing her shadow and his very close together...

"I don't just want red bean paste... I want sugar cake with walnuts, and two strings of sugar paintings!"

She suddenly looked up, her eyes sparkling.

Song Yan chuckled softly, reached out and ruffled her hair, the warmth of his palm seeping through her cotton hat: "Okay."

Song Yan would give Chu Xin'er anything she wanted.

I'd give my life for it.

She secretly glanced at Song Yan's profile, only to find that he was also looking at her.

The tenderness in his eyes was almost overflowing, like red bean paste in a bowl, so sweet it was irresistible...

Zhang Weiguo and Shen Xiang returned home.

Tang Jiang was oblivious to the strange atmosphere between the two, completely absorbed in the little tiger he had just bought.

Li Dahong was sewing shoe soles in the yard when Tang Jiang ran over excitedly: "Grandma, look! It's a little tiger that my godfather bought for me, isn't it cute!"

"You bought it?"

Li Dahong glanced at Zhang Weiguo, intending to say that it was a waste of money.

Life has only just started to get better, and now they're already wasting money again. This is unacceptable.

Even their New Year's Eve dinner was lavish; the Zhang family only had a little meat.

However, considering that Zhang Weiguo was unable to have children and would have to rely on Tang Jiang to take care of him in his old age, he forced himself to hold back.

She swallowed hard, a stiff smile tugging at the corners of her wrinkled mouth: "As long as Jiang'er likes it."

This scene, witnessed by Shen Xiang, stirred a slight ripple in her heart.

She naturally guessed that Zhang Weiguo was infertile, because Li Dahong had hinted at it to her before.

"Wei Guo is weak. If you take Jiang'er with you to the Zhang family, you'll always have food to eat in the future."

She knew better than anyone the scheming behind the word "meal".

Having lost their own son, all the Zhang family wanted was Tang Jiang, a ready-made "retirement talisman".

If Shen Xiang doesn't remarry, the Zhang family is willing to support her and Tang Jiang for the rest of their lives.

The premise is that Tang Jiang must take care of Zhang Weiguo in his old age and see him off when he dies.

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