"Mom, that's enough, that's really enough." Su Xiao covered the bowl with one hand and pushed Qin Yumei's hand away, her tone sincere.
"Huh? That's enough?" Qin Yumei was a little disappointed. It was only two bites. "Xiaoxiao, you're too thin. You need to eat more meat."
"No, Mom," Su Xiao argued very seriously, "I don't lack meat. You can't get fat in one bite. Really, what I need now are vegetables and fruits."
Qin Yumei looked at the determined little girl, whose big, round eyes were filled with unwavering determination: she really, really, really listened to her signal.
She couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Xiaoxiao, you're so cute."
Su Xiao was dumbfounded, speechless as she looked at the beautiful woman laughing so hard she was bent over.
"No, Mom, don't you care about your gentle and virtuous image?"
Qin Yumei was slightly taken aback by her words, then burst into even more hearty laughter, "So I have such a good image in your mind. Tingjiang, my daughter is praising me."
"Yes, I heard you." Gu Tingjiang looked at Su Xiao with a mixture of envy and anticipation. "Xiaoxiao, what kind of person is your father in your eyes?"
Su Xiao suddenly felt a vein throbbing on her forehead. What kind of question was this? Did they think she was a three-year-old? Why was they asking a question like whether Dad or Mom was better?
"Xiaoxiao, tell me about Grandpa first?" Old Master Gu, not to be outdone, used his eyes to push Gu Tingjiang aside and cut in line. When facing her, he showed no trace of the authority of a superior, only kindness and gentleness.
Su Xiao gave the old man face and, without thinking, blurted out, "Grandpa is naturally kind, wise, and magnanimous."
"Hehe... Good, well said." Grandpa Gu smiled smugly, truly pleased with his image in his granddaughter's eyes.
After finishing dinner amidst laughter and conversation, Gu Tingjiang drove Su Xiao home.
Grandpa Gu and Qin Yumei stood at the door to see them off, very reluctant to part, but there was nothing they could do.
They've suggested she move back home to live with them more than once, but she's always refused.
Su Xiao felt that some distance and space were still necessary in the relationship between relatives. Especially since they had become relatives later in life.
They always say that things smell better when they're far away and worse when they're close by.
That's perfect. We get together every now and then for a meal and a chat. It's not too far, not too close, just right.
"Xiaoxiao, you're back. I've left some hot water in the pot for you. Go wash up." Huang Feiyan came out of the house as soon as Su Xiao stepped into the yard.
"Yanzi, thank you for your hard work." Su Xiao sincerely thanked Huang Feiyan.
"You're too kind. What kind of relationship do we have? There's no need for you to keep saying thank you all the time," Huang Feiyan said with a smile.
“Okay.” Su Xiao readily agreed.
After washing up, Su Xiao went to the two of them's studio to continue the work they hadn't finished.
Yes, she was making a dress as a birthday gift for Old Madam Qin. Although her handicrafts were quite good, this was her first time sewing a dress, so she was being very careful.
For some unknown reason, the Qin family, which had always kept a low profile, suddenly decided to hold a banquet for guests on Old Madam Qin's birthday.
Upon receiving the news, Su Xiao immediately recalled her conversation with Principal Chang and took advantage of Sunday to head straight to the Qin family's house.
When she saw Su Xiao, Madam Qin was very welcoming and gave her a warm welcome. When she learned that Su Xiao wanted to ask Principal Chang for a banquet invitation, she agreed without hesitation.
Not only did Madam Qin give Principal Chang a card, but she also gave her three blank invitation cards so that she could give them away.
Su Xiao held the invitation, thought for a moment, and filled in the names of the Xu family and the Shu family.
Since arriving in Kyoto, although she hasn't had much interaction with the Xu and Shu families here, she has maintained contact with the Shu family of Nancheng.
Both families were naturally surprised to receive the post and immediately sent people to inquire about the situation, but they only received some superficial information.
They called the Shu family in Nancheng again. The Shu father, son, and Xu Xiuyun were also confused, but since it was given by Su Xiaoxiao, they just told the main family to make good use of the post.
The day of the banquet arrived quickly.
Su Xiao arrived at the Qin family early. Old Madam Qin pulled her into the room and, without saying a word, took out a set of clothes and a necklace.
"Grandma, what's wrong?" Su Xiao asked hesitantly.
"These were prepared for you, so hurry up and put them on," said Madam Qin with a smile.
Su Xiao looked a little confused and quickly waved her hand, "No need, I'm wearing new clothes today too."
Indeed, she had made a new outfit for today, a Chanel-style blazer, which fit her perfectly and made her look very dashing.
Looking at it, Old Madam Qin couldn't bring herself to say anything negative. She then looked at the necklace and said, "You can't wear a necklace with this outfit. Listen to me, change it. Be good."
What could Su Xiao do? She had to switch.
Wearing a long black dress and a set of jade jewelry, Su Xiao felt like she wasn't herself anymore.
awkward.
"Beautiful, so beautiful," Old Madam Qin exclaimed, holding Su Xiao's hand.
"Wow, it looks great." Qin Yumei pushed open the door and came in. She saw Su Xiao's outfit and her eyes lit up. She didn't hold back her praise.
The banquet began, and the atmosphere below was lively with toasts and laughter.
"Mom, let's take Xiaoxiao downstairs. Most of the guests have already arrived," Qin Yumei said, inviting Old Madam Qin upstairs.
"Alright, let's go." Madam Qin tidied Su Xiao's hair again to make sure everything was in order, then she walked with Qin Yumei on the left, Su Xiao on the right, and herself in the middle, and arrived at the stairwell.
"Everyone..." Old Madam Qin began.
Hearing the sound, the people below looked up and naturally saw the three people at the top of the stairs.
Many eyes, filled with curiosity, scrutinized Su Xiao.
"Thank you all so much for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this banquet..." Madam Qin expressed her gratitude to the crowd below, said some polite words, and then began to introduce Su Xiao, "There is another piece of good news today, and I would like to take this opportunity to announce it. This is Su Xiaoxiao. My family lost a child a few years ago, as you all probably know. Now, we have found her."
Old Madam Qin looked at Su Xiao with loving eyes, everything was understood without words.
Someone downstairs started clapping.
Su Xiao stepped forward, bowed to express her gratitude, and said, "Thank you all for coming. Please take care of me in the future."
Su Xiaoluo said a few words in a graceful manner, then retreated to Old Madam Qin's side and continued to be her wallflower.
Old Madam Qin led the two downstairs and through the banquet hall, introducing the guests to Su Xiao.
"Xiaoxiao, this is Aunt Shang," said Madam Qin, pointing to a noblewoman.
Upon hearing the surname Shang, Su Xiao's heart skipped a beat. There weren't many families with the surname Shang in the capital, especially those who could attend the Qin family banquet.
Uh, what a coincidence, isn't it? She shares the same last name as her boyfriend?
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