Ye Xiang and his family didn't come empty-handed either. They went to the town's supply and marketing cooperative to buy malted milk powder in tin cans and milk powder printed with chubby baby pictures, packed them in bamboo baskets, and gave them to their grandchildren.
Seeing this, Chi Xinyao tapped her shoulder with her fingertip and scolded, "Xiangyu, Niannian is our daughter-in-law and a great contributor to our Chu family."
"We will prepare all of these, why do you need to spend money?"
“Xinyao, I don’t like hearing that. It’s true that Niannian is your daughter-in-law, but she is also my own daughter whom I have cherished since she was a child. Her child with Chu Yan is also my grandson and granddaughter.”
Jin Xiangyu pretended to be angry and pinched Chi Xinyao's arm: "How can we, as grandparents and uncles, come empty-handed? If word gets out, people will gossip about us. Do you want my daughter to blame me so you can take her away from me?"
Chi Xinyao was amused and took Jin Xiangyu's arm as they walked towards the kitchen: "You took my polite words seriously? These are just in time, perfect for nourishing Niannian's body."
"That's more like it~"
Ye Nian'an had just finished feeding her three little babies. The pink, round babies were wrapped in swaddling clothes, their eyelashes still stained with milk. They smacked their lips a few times and then drifted off to sleep contentedly.
Chu Yan and Chu Zhenyuan made a big cradle for the three children. The newly dried cotton quilt was fluffy like a cloud. The three little ones huddled together like little crescent moons and slept soundly.
Ye Nian'an bent down and gently kissed each of their wrinkled little faces.
This is something she enjoys doing immensely.
The three little ones are just too cute.
You have to kiss like crazy to make a profit.
Just as she was about to hug her third son again, the door hinges clicked softly, and Ye Yao's tall figure filled the doorway.
"Are they all asleep?"
Ye Yao's voice unconsciously softened as his gaze swept over the small blankets undulating in the cradle.
Ye Nian'an reached out and straightened the crooked swaddling clothes: "Yes, big brother, do you still want to see Dada, Er'er, and San'san?"
"yes……"
Ye Yao leaned closer, looking at the three sleeping children with gentle, watery eyes that seemed to overflow with tears: "They really look like you and Chu Yan. Look at their eyebrows and little mouths."
Ye Nian'an said with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "Big brother, it's only been a little over a month, and your face is still all wrinkled. How can you tell that you look like me and Brother Yan?"
"How could I not recognize you? Look at your eyebrows and mouth, they look exactly like you when you were little! I still remember them!"
Ye Yao spoke in a serious tone.
On the contrary, Ye Nian'an was a bit confused.
When I was a little over a month old, Ye Yao was already eight years old.
Maybe he really does remember?
"Okay, okay, I misspoke, big brother, I'm sorry~ I shouldn't have questioned you~"
Ye Nian'an's expression changed in the blink of an eye.
Why damage the bond between siblings over such a trivial matter?
It's not worth it.
Ye Yao's Adam's apple bobbed, his knuckles unconsciously rubbing the worn fabric of his cuffs: "Ahem... Niannian, actually, taking care of the child is one thing, but I also want to confirm something."
"What's up?"
Ye Nian'an glanced over instinctively.
The weariness lingered in her eyes, but it was illuminated by the starlight in her gaze, like the shimmering waves on the dark sea.
Ye Yao suddenly choked up.
The little girl with pigtails in my memory has grown into a graceful young woman.
His throat tightened, and finally he opened his arms and gently pulled his sister into his embrace.
Just like when they were little, whenever Ye Nian'an was sad or upset, Ye Yao, as the eldest brother, would give her this hug.
As they grew up, men and women were supposed to avoid physical contact, but Ye Yao felt that a hug was necessary for his own younger sister.
It represents the older brother's care and protection for his younger sister.
"When I learned that you married Chu Yan, I was already thinking about how my younger sister had grown up. Even though more than two years have passed, I still vaguely remember the moment when you and Chu Yan appeared in front of us."
“You haven’t changed at all, but you’ve become someone’s daughter-in-law, someone’s wife, and now a mother. Your rapid growth makes me happy, but also a little scared…”
Ye Nian'an closed her eyes and spoke softly, "Big brother, do you think I'll feel uneasy?"
"It's only human nature, you will."
Ye Yao was absolutely certain.
Even though Ye Nian'an is no longer the same as before.
She became strong, confident, determined, and beautiful.
But when faced with family, children, work, and circumstances...
A series of events that even someone made of iron could not withstand.
"Brother, you're wrong. I'm not afraid."
Ye Nian'an tilted her head back, Ye Yao's chin up, her eyes and brows brimming with smiles, like the warm spring sun melting winter snow.
"Because I have you, my family is my eternal support, and my husband's family also cherishes me."
“Before, I was alone, and I might have been afraid of the dark or the wind and rain. But now it’s different. I know that as long as I turn around, you will always open your arms to catch me.”
"...Yes, Niannian, don't worry, we're here for you."
Ye Yao chuckled.
There was no need for me to say it outright; Ye Nian'an just blurted it out, clearly understanding the point perfectly.
My heart, which had been hanging in suspense, can finally be put at ease.
Ye Nian'an asked with a grin, "Big brother, what about you? Have you already given up on your dream?"
Want to hear the truth?
"Of course, why would I listen to lies?"
"Before you came, I thought my life might just be like this, and I might even die here. But after you came, everything changed. Niannian, I won't give up."
"It's also for you, and to set a good example for my nephews and nieces. I believe that one day we will be able to return to Haicheng. At that time, I will definitely become an excellent scientist and use my knowledge to protect our country!"
Ye Nian'an nodded: "Yes, big brother, believe me. With the good news brought by Xu Yao and Song Yan, I have a feeling... we will win next year!"
"Mwah mwah mwah."
The baby in the cradle murmured softly in his sleep.
It was as if it were responding to Ye Nian'an.
"Look, even Tianjiang Fubao is agreeing, so this matter must be correct."
"Yes, Niannian, you've never been wrong."
"And also, my eldest nephew, second nephew, and third niece~"
After Ye Yao left, Ye Hui and Ye Sheng quickly surrounded him.
They had all discussed Ye Nian'an becoming a mother so quickly, and were worried that she might be under too much pressure.
After Ye Yao recounted what had happened inside the room, Ye Sheng and the others were finally relieved.
Ye Hui sincerely praised her, saying, "She truly deserves to be our little sister."
"A person who grows up nurtured by love has a rose in their heart."
Ye Sheng suddenly blurted out this sentence.
Ye Hui suppressed a laugh and looked at Ye Sheng: "If it were my eldest brother who said this, I could understand it, but you... third brother, when did you become so bookish?"
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