Chapter 80

Hearing this, Chairman Qin and Feng Xinhui both looked towards Xia Qingtang at the same time. The two exchanged glances, and Feng Xinhui mouthed silently, "It's today."

When Xia Qingtang went to work at the trade union, it was Feng Xinhui who helped her register all the information, and her birthday was written on it, so Feng Xinhui also thought of it just now.

Xia Qingtang was calm as they looked at her. She felt very warmed and happy in her heart.

Xie Jinxuan really understood and protected her, and what he said was her true thoughts.

Moreover, he knew that the leader of the trade union was standing here, and he was afraid that Xia Qingtang's image in front of the leader would be affected, so he stood up and spoke for her.

Although Xia Qingtang didn't have the lively birthday she had expected today, with Xie Jinxuan's words, she felt that this was already a very good birthday.

Xia Qinghai, who was standing next to Zhao Meizhen, couldn't help shaking his head. When he heard the word "Youth Day", he suddenly remembered that today was Xia Qingtang's birthday, so he hurried over to stop Zhao Meizhen from continuing to talk nonsense.

Xie Jinxuan cares about Xia Qingtang so much, he will definitely be even angrier after seeing Zhao Meizhen's reaction.

Of course, even Xia Qinghai didn’t expect that Zhao Meizhen had completely forgotten Xia Qingtang’s birthday!

After all, they are a family, and Youth Day is so easy to remember that she couldn't even remember it when reminded. No wonder Xie Jinxuan would find fault with her.

Zhao Meizhen looked confused: "What? Birthday? How old is she? She still needs to celebrate her birthday? Only children and the elderly need to celebrate birthdays!"

"Mom, stop talking. This is not about whether or not to celebrate your birthday." Xia Qinghai stopped her in a low voice.

"That's right, this is not about whether or not to celebrate birthdays. You said that only children and the elderly need to celebrate birthdays, but have you ever celebrated your daughter's birthday? Of the two children in your family, only your son has celebrated his birthday since he was young, and even when he grows up, he will have a bowl of egg noodles to eat on his birthday. And your other child has never been treated like this." Xie Jinxuan said lightly: "Whoever you treat as a child, that child needs to take care of your husband. Of course, I am nominally your son-in-law. When I am free, I can come and take care of my father-in-law. After all, my father-in-law is not a bad person. I can come for his sake and buy nutritional supplements for my father-in-law to replenish his body. But if you ask Qingtang to come and take care of your father-in-law, then there is no need. She will not come to take care of him, because neither of you two deserves her to take care of you."

His tone was light, but his words were powerful, and Director Qi nodded repeatedly after hearing them.

Director Qi said, "It is said that it is difficult for an honest judge to judge family affairs, but in today's case, I think what Comrade Xie said makes a lot of sense. Old Zhao, you have treated the two children differently since they were young. Now the daughter is married and belongs to someone else's family. How can you have the nerve to ask the daughter to come back to take care of Master Xia? Besides, Master Xia was injured alone, why would he need so many people to take care of him? Xia Qinghai, you and your mother can take good care of your father, right?"

Xia Qinghai said quickly, "Director, don't worry. I can take good care of my father by myself. The factory has said that they will give me a holiday and pay for various expenses for us to stay with him. We are just contributing our efforts and we will definitely take good care of him. I also think that what my brother-in-law said makes sense. My father will not ask my sister to take care of him. Besides, my sister is a girl. My father is a man after all. It is definitely inconvenient to let a girl come to take care of him. Don't listen to my mother. She is old and a little confused. Just listen to me on this matter. My mother and I are more than enough to take care of him. As for my sister, you are so busy with the work of the trade union. Just focus on your work. If you are free, come and see me. That would be great."

He knew the situation and spoke in a high-sounding manner. He also grabbed Zhao Meizhen's arm tightly and used his eyes to prevent her from speaking.

Director Qi patted Xia Qinghai on the shoulder and said, "That's right. If the parents are not decent, the brother should set an example. Then it's settled. Chairman Qin, have you discussed it with them?"

"We have almost finished the discussion. We have also written down all the requirements raised by Comrade Zhao. Some of them that cannot be met need further discussion." Chairman Qin said.

"It's getting late. We all have to go to work tomorrow. The hospital also has to do ward rounds and turn off the lights. I think... Xia Qinghai and Lao Zhao will stay here, so the rest of us should go back to avoid causing trouble for the hospital." After Director Qi finished speaking, he quickly looked at Yang Dachuan who was standing not far away, "Secretary Yang, do you think this arrangement is okay?"

Yang Dachuan smiled and said, "I think it's great. Director Qi has made a very good arrangement. Just two family members can stay at the hospital. It's almost time for me to go back. I still have to report the situation to my superiors."

"Then I'll take Secretary Yang out." Director Qi was very attentive.

Yang Dachuan waved his hand and said, "No, no, Director Qi is not young anymore, why would you need to see me off? This Xiao Xie and I are seniors and juniors, and since I'm meeting an acquaintance, I'll go with Xiao Xie and the others."

"Okay, okay. Then I'll take you out together." Director Qi made a gesture to take Xie Jinxuan and Yang Dachuan out together.

Xia Qingtang walked to Chairman Qin and whispered, "Chairman Qin, Secretary Feng, I'm going back too."

Xia Daming's operation was successful, and she couldn't help with what happened afterwards. Besides, she didn't have the heart to stay here to take care of him, so of course she had to go home.

Zhao Meizhen stood next to Xia Qinghai, her gaze almost poking holes all over Xia Qingtang, but because her son was under her control, she could only force herself not to curse.

Chairman Qin glanced at Zhao Meizhen calmly, reached out and patted Xia Qingtang on the shoulder, and smiled gently. She said, "Go home quickly. Today is your birthday. You haven't had dinner yet. When you go back, ask your wife to cook you a bowl of egg noodles. Although adults don't celebrate their birthdays, eating egg noodles is a good omen, so it's a must."

"Yes, Xiaoxia, you must eat egg noodles." Feng Xinhui also smiled and said, "Also, happy birthday to you."

"Thank you, Chairman Qin, thank you, Secretary Feng. I'll have egg noodles when I get back." Xia Qingtang thanked them with a smile, "I'll be out now."

"Go ahead. I'll talk to your mother and brother and then I'll go back." Chairman Qin waved his hand, signaling Xia Qingtang to go back.

Xia Qingtang turned around, walked to Xie Jinxuan, and went out hand in hand with him.

Yang Dachuan and Director Qi followed behind them, and the four of them walked out together.

Zhao Meizhen watched them leave with an unhappy look on her face. She said, "Chairman Qin, is this reasonable? Xia Qingtang is your subordinate. Now that she is married to the grandson of a high-ranking official, can she treat us like this? My son-in-law even said that I don't recognize this daughter. Well, I don't recognize her, and her father didn't offend her!"

Chairman Qin smiled and said calmly, "Xiao Xia is not that kind of person. Besides, Lao Zhao, you are not working now and you are retired at home. Why can't you come and take care of your husband?"

"Me? I can take care of him, but I definitely can't do it alone. Qinghai is a boy in our family, and men are always not as good at taking care of people." Zhao Meizhen said.

Chairman Qin said, "Why are men worse at taking care of people? Aren't men and women the same? If you insist, men are taller and stronger, so wouldn't it be easier for them to take care of people? Xiaoxia is a girl, and she's thin. I don't think she has the strength to take care of people."

"That's right, Chairman Qin is right." Xia Qinghai said with a smile: "Don't listen to my mother. I've already said that she and I take turns to take care of my father. Chairman Qin, don't worry, I'm at home."

Xia Qinghai is indeed much smarter now. Although he is subsidized by his father-in-law, he also knows that he is still a member of the cotton mill, so he must not offend his leaders.

"You still have a wife at home." Zhao Meizhen snorted coldly, "Don't you want a home anymore?"

"Xiao Xia also has an in-law family. Doesn't she want a home anymore?" Feng Xinhui said coldly, "If you care about your son, then Comrade Zhao, you should work harder and stay here alone."

Zhao Meizhen's eyes widened, and she put her hands on her hips and was about to start a quarrel, but she heard Chairman Qin say: "Comrade Zhao, we will meet the reasonable requests you just made, but we can't do anything about them that are not in line with the regulations. I hope you can understand."

Zhao Meizhen's attention was immediately diverted. She put down her arms and said anxiously, "How can the factory do this? Our old Xia is injured like this, how is it against the rules for us to make a request?"

Chairman Qin didn't even look at her, but just smiled at Xia Qinghai. Xia Qinghai immediately said, "Chairman Qin is right. The factory has regulations on this. Besides, the chairman of the municipal trade union has promised to give us some help. Our family is not that poor, so we will listen to Chairman Qin. Thank you."

Chairman Qin nodded with a smile: "Xiao Xia is still very righteous. That's it. You go and accompany Master Xia. Our union will come to visit Master Xia in two days."

After saying that, Chairman Qin took Feng Xinhui away, leaving Zhao Meizhen staring blankly.

After they walked out, Chairman Qin said, "Xiao Feng, you are usually a very calm person. Why did you suddenly become irrational just now?"

Feng Xinhui said: "I am just a little angry. I am also a daughter, and I know what it is like for a daughter at home. But my mother can at least remember my birthday. I am this old now, and my mother will come to my house on my birthday and give me two eggs or a handful of noodles or something. It's always a nice gesture. But Xiaoxia's mother can't even remember her birthday. Comrade Xiao Xie reminded her that today is Youth Day, but she still doesn't remember. Chairman, you know, this is so infuriating. I am Xiaoxia's colleague. When I hear Youth Day, I can think of it as Xiaoxia's birthday. As a mother, she still thinks she is right? Son, son, what's so great about a son? If you really love your son, you should do more work yourself. Why should your daughter suffer for your son? Xiaoxia finally married a good family, and the young couple seemed to be in harmony. She just can't bear to see Xiaoxia live a good life, and I can't help it."

Chairman Qin nodded and said, "Yes, I've heard about the conflict between Xiao Xia and her family before. Everyone knows that they broke off relations. Xiao Xia didn't even go back to her parents' home. At most, she would say a few words to Master Xia at the factory. I didn't quite understand it before, but now looking at her mother's appearance, I think Xiao Xia is quite kind. Today, Master Xia was injured, and she stayed here the whole time, worried. If it were someone else, I'm afraid they would never come to see him in their entire lives."

Feng Xinhui said: "Fortunately, Xiaoxia's lover also stood on her side."

"You too, doesn't your lover always stand by you?"

Feng Xinhui smiled and said, "By the way, Chairman, have the factory really approved the requests Comrade Zhao made just now? In the past, the factory only gave one meal allowance per day to the families of those injured on the job, but now they want two meals..."

"Chairman Wu has been keeping an eye on this matter. They are lucky to have caught up. Two copies are fine. The factory will approve them. As for the others, that's not possible. You should type up the report after work tomorrow and take it to the factory office to have them stamp it. Have the finance department implement it as soon as possible. Otherwise, Comrade Zhao will definitely come to us to make trouble again."

"Yes, I understand. I'll get it done as soon as I get to work."

On the other side, Xia Qingtang and Xie Jinxuan walked outside hand in hand. Director Qi said, "It's so late, how are you going to go home, Secretary Yang?"

Yang Dachuan pointed to the jeep parked over there and said, "Our Chairman Wu has always been considerate of his subordinates and asked the driver to come pick me up. How are you going to get home? I'll ask the car to take you there. It's very convenient anyway. Of course, don't worry, I'll pay for the gas coupons myself."

Director Qi said, "Our family quarters are nearby. We don't need a car. I can walk back in two steps. Comrade Xie, can you go back with Secretary Yang?"

Xie Jinxuan said: "Thank you, but no thanks, we can just ride back."

Xie Jinxuan came here on Xie Chengye's bicycle, and now she can ride back with Xia Qingtang.

Yang Dachuan smiled and said, "Junior brother, you are still so particular that you don't even ride in the family car."

Unless absolutely necessary, the Xie family rarely uses Grandpa Xie's private car. It's not because they are picky, but mainly because they can move around freely with a bicycle.

Xie Jinxuan smiled but didn't say anything. Yang Dachuan continued, "Next time you have time, come sit over at my place. Or I can sit over at your place."

"Senior Yang, please come over when you are free. You know our office." Xie Jinxuan said.

"Okay, then I'll go and visit you next week. I'm leaving first. Goodbye, Director Qi." Yang Dachuan smiled at Xia Qingtang again, turned and left.

Director Qi said, "I'll be back too. Please be careful on the road. It's okay for Director Xia to go a little later tomorrow morning. This is a special situation at home. It won't have any impact."

"Thank you, Director Qi." Xia Qingtang said calmly, "Director Qi, take care."

After they both left, Xie Jinxuan took the car keys to unlock the car, then rode home with Xia Qingtang.

On the way, Xia Qingtang asked him: "What did you talk about with Secretary Yang?"

"What else can we talk about? You." Xie Jinxuan said, "From the look on his face, he's more interested in you now that he knows your husband is me."

"He can feel his own way. I won't pay any attention to him. You don't seem angry at all..."

"I know he is such a person, and it's not the first time he has done such a thing. Besides, you are so good, and other people like you, which shows that I have good taste."

Xia Qingtang couldn't help laughing: "Aren't you afraid that someone will snatch me away?"

"No."

"So confident?"

"It's not confidence, it's confidence in you. I know you like me."

Hearing this, Xia Qingtang couldn't help but hug his waist tightly, and then whispered: "Indeed, I really like you."

"What did you say?" Xie Jinxuan didn't hear clearly and asked loudly.

"Nothing, I said I should go home quickly, I'm so hungry."

"Okay, I'll ride faster!" After saying that, Xie Jinxuan started to speed up.

When they returned to the small villa, it was already past nine o'clock, but the lights were still on in the house. No one had gone to bed. Everyone was waiting for them in the living room or study.

Aunt Six heard the noise and went over to open the door: "You're finally back! How's Qingtang's father? Is he serious?"

"The bone of my left leg was broken, and there were some external injuries. I've had surgery now, and the doctor said it won't affect my walking in the future." Xia Qingtang hurried in.

Grandpa Xie came out of the study holding a pair of glasses. Grandma put down her needlework, stood up and held her hands: "You must be scared, right?"

"I was really nervous during the operation, but later the doctor said it was a success, so there was nothing to worry about. This kind of accident is not the first time in the warehouse, and I am lucky to be able to recover." Xia Qingtang said: "It just so happened that the chairman of the city trade union was attending an event in our factory. After hearing about it, he also went to the hospital and asked the factory to promise them that after my father recovered from his injury, he would be transferred to the cleaning team to retire."

"Oh, you're really lucky." Xie Chengye walked down from the second floor and said, "After suffering such an injury, many people have to retire, but they don't get much salary. Your mother also retired. If both of you retire, I'm afraid your life will be very difficult in the future."

Xie's mother also pulled Xie Jinyun down from upstairs. When they heard that Xia Daming was fine, they were relieved.

"So I'm lucky to have Chairman Wu come to inspect." Xia Qingtang said, "I'm sorry to have made everyone worried today."

Grandma smiled and said, "Why should we worry? You are the one who is really scared. Now that we know your father will get better, we can finally rest assured. I have also discussed with Chengye that in a few days, he and I will buy some milk powder and go to the hospital to visit him. Your grandfather doesn't have time, so we won't go."

"Then I'll accompany grandma and dad there, and I'll be able to show you the way." Xia Qingtang said.

Xie Jinxuan also said: "I'll go too. I'm the son-in-law, so I must make more trips."

"Your father was injured this time and will have to stay in the hospital for a long time. Do you want to go to the hospital to take care of him?" asked Xie's mother.

"I won't go. Xia Qinghai said that he and his mother are enough for the two of them. The factory will give him a day off without deducting his salary so that he can focus on taking care of his father."

"This is great treatment. Your cotton mill is great." Xie Chengye said, "I didn't expect you to be so considerate to your employees."

Aunt Six looked around and said, "Have you had dinner?"

"No, Qingtang has been waiting outside the operating room until the operation is over. He then went to the inpatient department and came back after everything was arranged." Xie Jinxuan said, "Why don't we let Qingtang eat first?"

"Yes, yes, yes, let's eat first. Jinxuan, you haven't eaten yet." Grandma said, "Talk while we eat."

Aunt Six became happy: "You two should go wash your hands quickly. Qingtang, you must take a look at the food I made for you today!"

With that, she ran to the kitchen.

Xia Qingtang went to the bathroom and when he came out he saw roast chicken with potatoes, spiced broad beans, fried chicken stalks, steamed eggs with minced meat, pea and bacon rice, and a plate of small longevity peaches on the dining table.

The longevity peaches are very small, less than the size of a fist. Each one is plump and the top is dyed red, making them really look like peaches.

Xia Qingtang was stunned: "Is this the birthday peach that Aunt Six made herself?"

She could also make some pastries, but they were all simple buns, steamed buns, and steamed cakes. She had only seen longevity peaches like this in restaurants.

"Yes, you didn't expect that I can do this! I have been learning how to make longevity peach buns for several years, and my skill is so good now. I also made the red bean filling myself, and added osmanthus, so it is very fragrant. You can try one and see if it tastes good!" Aunt Liu said proudly.

Xia Qingtang immediately picked up a hot peach bun and took a bite. The white flour was very soft, and the first bite revealed the red bean paste filling inside. It was sweet and delicious, and it was so tasty.

"It's so delicious! I think this is the most delicious longevity peach in the world!" Xia Qingtang said very confidently.

More than a decade later, although the longevity peaches in big restaurants were also delicious, they were far inferior to the ones made by Aunt Six. These longevity peaches not only tasted good, but were also full of the flavor of love.

Aunt Six was overjoyed: "Our Qingtang knows how to talk."

Grandma laughed out loud, "If they're delicious, eat two more. And the roast chicken with potatoes is specially prepared for you. We caught it from the countryside a few days ago and raised it in the yard. When I was a child, we had to kill a chicken for my birthday. Now conditions don't allow it, and we have to wait until the New Year to eat chicken. But your birthday this year is different. This is the first birthday we celebrate for you, so we'll kill a chicken for you too. You must eat more. Next year, let's keep it simple."

Because of the emergency, everyone else in the family had already had dinner, so these dishes were kept separate, but this bowl of roast chicken with potatoes kept the meatiest parts of the chicken, such as both chicken legs.

Xia Qingtang was very touched. She smiled and said, "Thank you. I am really happy. This is my first birthday. I think this should be the best birthday of my life."

No matter how rich you become in the future, it will never be richer than this birthday.

Grandpa Xie smiled and said, "It's too early to say the word 'best'. You are still young. Wait until the future, there will be better things waiting for you."

"Yes, Grandpa is right. It's too early to say it now." Mother Xie said with a smile, "You and Jinxuan should eat quickly. After you are full, come and see the gifts. We all have prepared something for you, even Xiaoyun."

Xie Jinyun smiled and leaned over: "Sister-in-law, guess what I prepared for you?"

"A book?" Xia Qingtang said casually.

Xie Jinyun was stunned: "Ah? Who informed on me? Who told my sister-in-law?"

"Is it really a book?" Xia Qingtang said, "I'm sorry, I just guessed it casually, but I didn't expect to guess it right."

"Xiao Yun, isn't it easy to guess your gift? You are a child and don't have much money, and your sister-in-law likes to read books, so if you want to give her a gift, you can only give her books." Xie's mother smiled and said, "But you are still very generous. I originally thought you would give her two comic books, which are cheaper."

"I can just take a look at the comic book, how can I have the nerve to give it to my sister-in-law?" Xie Jinyun said, "It's okay if I guess it, but you must not have read this book, sister-in-law. When I went to the bookstore, I confirmed it again and again. It's a newly published book!"

"Thank you, Xiaoyun." Xia Qingtang was very happy. She handed over a birthday peach and said, "Would you like another one? Or a chicken drumstick?"

"Don't want chicken legs? Eat this." Xie Jinyun took the birthday peach, "Sister-in-law, eat the chicken legs."

"Yes, eat more." Xie Jinxuan put both chicken legs in Xia Qingtang's bowl.

Xia Qingtang did not refuse and really ate both chicken legs.

The Xie family was kind to her in many ways, for example, they would give her the chicken legs when eating chicken.

In an age of material scarcity, giving up chicken legs is the greatest act of love.

As Xia Qingtang was eating, she couldn't help but feel a sore nose and red eyes.

Grandma reached out and touched her head: "Today is your birthday, don't cry, be happy and smile."

"I'm just happy. I'm so happy that I want to cry, but I don't mean to cry." Xia Qingtang sniffed and gave her grandmother a bright smile.

Grandpa Xie said: "That's a good point. You can cry when you are happy. But crying while eating is not good, it will affect digestion. You should stop teasing her and let Qingtang eat well."

Xia Qingtang and Xie Jinxuan had a late birthday meal and were then pulled to the sofa by their grandmother.

Xie Jinyun had already started to doze off, but she insisted on waiting until Xia Qingtang finished receiving the gifts before going upstairs to sleep.

Xia Qingtang didn't dare to waste time and hurried to look at the gifts everyone had prepared for her.

Grandpa Xie gave her a brand new big leather bag, the kind used by cadres. It is sturdy and durable, can hold a lot of things, and can be used for many years. It is a very practical gift.

The gift from my grandma was a new set of clothes, just enough to wear in May. The top was light blue with pinstripe, and the pants were light grey, which looked quite nice together. There was also a new pair of leather shoes, the kind that young ladies like very much, with a buckle on the instep, which looked very fashionable whether paired with pants or a skirt.

Xie Chengye was relatively simple-minded. He didn't know what the young girl liked, so he simply prepared a red envelope for her with a hundred yuan in it and let her buy what she liked.

What Xie's mother gave was also clothes, a summer dress, which was goose yellow with small white dots, a shirt collar, a tightened waist, and a slightly puffy skirt. Although she hasn't put it on yet, she can tell from the style of the skirt that it will show off her figure and look great.

Like her grandmother, she also got a pair of sandals to go with her skirt. They were the popular plastic sandals, also light yellow in color, which matched the skirt perfectly.

The gift Xie Jinyun gave was a recently published novel, which cost more than one yuan, which was a huge sum of money for a child.

Aunt Six has a good income, but her grandparents told her not to buy expensive things, so she used her free time to make a skirt for Xia Qingtang.

In recent years, the skirts worn by young women are mostly dull colors such as blue, black, and gray. This year, more people are wearing floral clothes, so Aunt Liu also got a piece of white cotton cloth with small floral patterns and made a skirt that goes below the knees.

This kind of skirt might look tacky on others, but Xia Qingtang is beautiful and elegant, and she has fair skin, so the small floral patterns on her actually take on a different charm and are just perfect for her.

Seeing all the gifts, Xia Qingtang was extremely happy. He thanked this one and that one, and he almost couldn't thank them enough.

Seeing that Xia Qingtang liked the gift she prepared, everyone was happy. Grandma said, "Okay, our gifts have been delivered. What about yours, Jinxuan?"

Xie Jinxuan said: "I want to give it to Qingtang alone."

"It's still a secret? What exactly is it?" Xie Chengye asked curiously.

"It's not that it's confidential, it's just... half of the things I gave are at home and it's not convenient to take them out." Xie Jinxuan said.

"Then the other half is with you? Take it out and let us see it." said Xie's mother.

Xie Jinxuan had no choice but to touch the inner pocket of her shirt, took out a very small purse from it, and handed it to Xia Qingtang: "Qingtang, I hope you like it."

The whole family opened their eyes wide and stared at the small purse.

Xie Jinyun muttered quietly: "What can be put in such a small bag?"

Xie Chengye patted him and said, "Don't talk nonsense. Watch carefully."

When Xia Qingtang saw the small purse, she had already guessed what was in it. She opened the purse with a smile, and sure enough, a gold ring fell out.

This gold ring looks very bright and shiny. It is not the kind of old gold, but rather a kind of gold jewelry that has just been struck.

This ring weighs about four or five grams and has a relatively simple design. There is a flower pattern in the center of the ring face, and you can tell that the craftsmanship is very delicate.

"Oh, a gold ring? Is there a place to make jewelry now?" Xie's mother asked curiously.

"I already have one, but no one dares to wear it now. But it's only a matter of time before you wear jewelry." Xie Jinxuan said, "When we got married, I couldn't find a place to make jewelry, so I'll make you a ring on this birthday. I'll make you a piece of jewelry every year from now on."

At that time, wedding rings were not popular. Of course, most people could not afford gold rings, and even if they did, no one dared to wear them outside.

But many years ago, wedding rings were still popular for a while, and they were also made into couple rings.

Grandma said, "Rings are good. You should wear them when you get married. Your grandfather and I had rings back then, but we were a pair. You should also make a pair and each wear one in the future."

Xie Chengye said: "A man wearing a ring? Is that appropriate? I don't think my dad has ever worn one."

Grandpa Xie said: "I wore it before, but I lost it once. After I found it, I put it away. After that, I got older and my fingers became thicker, so I couldn't wear it anymore."

When Xia Qingtang heard this, she had an idea in mind. When Xie Jinxuan’s birthday comes next month, she can also make a simple ring for him.

In the 1990s, Western-style weddings became popular and everyone started wearing rings, so this came in handy.

"Thank you, I like this ring very much." Xia Qingtang smiled and stretched out his left hand to him, "Can you help me put it on?"

Xie Jinyun opened his eyes wide in surprise, watching his brother pick up the golden ring and solemnly put it on Xia Qingtang's left middle finger.

Grandma said, "It's the wrong finger. It should be the ring finger."

Xie Jinxuan said: "Really? Why does it have to be the ring finger?"

"I don't know why, but in the past, people wore rings on the ring finger at Western weddings," said grandma.

Xia Qingtang said: "It doesn't matter. We are not Westerners anyway. Didn't people in ancient times wear rings on their index fingers and thumbs? Then we can wear it on any finger we want."

Everyone laughed at this remark, and Grandpa Xie nodded and said, "That's right, it's just a ring, you can wear it however you want."

"Jinxuan, what is the other half of your gift? Even if you can't show it to us, you can at least tell us, right?" Xie Chengye asked.

Although Xie Jinxuan is his son, he doesn't care much about his son's affairs because his son is smarter than him and very capable at a young age. Instead, Grandpa Xie spends more time teaching Xie Jinxuan. Therefore, Xie Chengye can't guess what rare things his eldest son will prepare as gifts.

Xie Jinxuan hesitated for a moment and said, "They are some antiques."

Xia Qingtang was stunned for a moment, then immediately smiled.

She told Xie Jinxuan that she wanted to buy some antiques now and keep them at home, waiting for them to appreciate in value in the future. Xie Jinxuan was a quiet person, but unexpectedly she actually bought the antiques.

Xie Jinyun was startled. He whispered, "Brother, you're buying antiques? Is that okay?"

"It doesn't matter. Who would smash these things now?" Xie Jinxuan said, "Aren't all the temples renovated? I passed by a temple in the city the other day and saw that the monks had all returned."

Many things have indeed changed this year. Temples and churches have reopened.

Grandpa Xie nodded: "Indeed, no one will smash antiques anymore."

"Qingtang likes antiques?" Xie Chengye said, "I didn't expect that your hobbies are quite elegant."

Xia Qingtang laughed: "No, I don't like antiques, I just want to collect some antiques and put them somewhere. In a few years, they might be valuable."

The whole family was silent for a few seconds, and Aunt Six said, "Antiques are valuable? If you sell antiques for money, will anyone really buy them?"

"Not now, but there were in the past. But you don't necessarily have to sell it. What I mean is that if you need a lot of money, you can sell an antique for money." Xia Qingtang explained.

In the future, she will do business on her own. Then she can exchange antiques for investment funds. When commercial housing comes out, she can sell the antiques and buy a bigger house. In the end, she will not suffer a loss.

Grandma smiled and said, "That's right. In the past, we had a lot of antiques at home, but unfortunately, they were all lost over the years. But I remember that one of our relatives had fallen on hard times and had to make a living by selling antiques and paintings. Don't underestimate antiques and paintings. There will always be rich people who want to buy them."

Xia Qingtang said: "That's what I thought. Keeping some antiques at home will be a precaution in the future. If they are really not useful, I can donate them to the museum when it returns and becomes formal."

Grandpa Xie smiled and nodded: "That's a good idea. Buying some antiques now is also a form of protection. Many good things were destroyed in the past, which is a pity. I also hope that you will live a good life in the future and don't have to sell antiques. When you two are old, you can donate them all to the museum."

"Grandpa is right. That's what I hope too." Xia Qingtang said quickly.

"Qingtang, you are indeed a different child. I always feel that your ideas are very advanced and forward-looking. In this respect, you are better than Jinxuan." Xie Chengye praised seriously.

Xia Qingtang blushed. How could she be so forward-looking? It was just because she had really experienced that era.

Xie Jinxuan and Grandpa Xie are forward-looking people. They have not experienced the later era, but they can roughly see the future development direction.

Mother Xie said: "Qingtang is a really good child, smart and outstanding, and she even gets shy when you praise her. Our Jinxuan is lucky to have married such a good wife."

"So brother, you must get into college, otherwise sister-in-law is too good and you will not be worthy of her." Xie Jinyun interrupted.

Everyone laughed. Xie Chengye rubbed his youngest son's head and said, "Are you looking down on your brother? Your brother is a good student. I have confidence in him. He will definitely pass the exam this time. On the contrary, you said you want to pursue a scientific research career in the future. You can't fail."

Xie Jinyun yawned and stood up: "I won't say anything more to you, just wait and see. It's too late now, I'm so sleepy, I'm going upstairs to sleep."

After saying that, he ran upstairs.

Several people laughed, and grandma said, "It's time to go to bed. You two young people should go back quickly. You still need time to wash up."

Xie Jinxuan then stood up with Xia Qingtang: "Grandpa, grandma, dad, mom, and sixth aunt, we're going back now."

"Thank you for preparing my birthday and for these gifts. I am so happy." Xia Qingtang stood up and bowed deeply to everyone.

After living for two lifetimes, this was the first time that Xia Qingtang knew how joyful it was to celebrate a birthday. He felt that it was worth it.

"I've said thank you hundreds of times. Don't say it again. We are a family. It's right to make you happy." Mother Xie said as she packed the gifts and stuffed them into her hands. "Go back to sleep."

Xia Qingtang took the gift, hugged Xie's mother again, and then went back with Xie Jinxuan.

After arriving home, Xia Qingtang saw four thermoses standing in a row in the living room and asked in surprise, "What's going on?"

"I gave the house key to Aunt Six. She should have brought some hot water. We can wash up right away when we get home." Xie Jinxuan said, "Do you want to look at the other gifts first, or take a shower first?"

"Let me see the gifts first! I haven't seen any antiques yet. Let me see what you bought." Xia Qingtang was very excited.

It’s so late anyway, so a little more time won’t make a difference.

Xie Jinxuan took her to the guest room, turned on the light, and closed the curtains. Then he dragged out a large wooden box from under the bed in the guest room.

Xia Qingtang opened his mouth wide: "Don't tell me, the birthday gift you prepared for your significant other is a whole box, right?"

How many antiques are there? Is Xie Jinxuan giving gifts or doing wholesale?