Chapter 702 (Page 1/2)
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the sun was shining brightly. Lin Man and her family sat around the dining table, enjoying the steaming dumplings that had just come out of the pot with relish.
Everyone enjoyed the food and chatted happily, and the room was filled with laughter.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Lin Man glanced at her husband, Huo Qingci, and said with a smile, "Qingci, we don't have to visit relatives today. Why don't we take the children and grandpa to Yu Garden for a stroll?"
"I think it's a good idea. I heard that Yu Garden is very lively. Let's take Grandpa and the others there for a stroll. We can eat outside at noon. There are many restaurants nearby." Huo Qingci nodded happily, indicating that he agreed with the suggestion.
You know, they used to celebrate the New Year in Beijing. In Beijing, almost every day, friends and relatives would come to visit and pay New Year's greetings. It was so lively!
But unlike Beijing, they now have neither relatives to visit nor many close friends to visit in Hai City.
So relatively speaking, there is a lot more time, and Lin Man thought of taking the children out to see the world.
Soon, the whole family packed up and happily set off for Yu Garden.
When they stepped into Yu Garden, they were instantly attracted by the scene before them - lights and decorations everywhere, people coming and going, hawking sounds and laughter one after another, what a prosperous and lively scene!
Huo Qingci looked at the excited children and secretly decided in his heart that he must make this trip an unforgettable experience for them.
He gently took Lin Man's hand and said softly, "Let's go, let's take the children for a good walk."
Then he looked at the children and said proudly, "Whatever you want to eat or buy today, feel free to browse and buy whatever you want."
When the children heard their father say that they could go shopping and play, they danced with joy.
Here, Huo Qingci and his family were walking happily on the street, with laughter and chattering.
Everyone's face is filled with happiness and joy, as if making the atmosphere of the New Year even stronger.
Meanwhile, Huo Qingyan had already gotten up before daybreak. He didn't even have time for breakfast. After quickly washing up, he took his wife and children to his parents' home to wish them a happy new year.
At this time, Xiao Ya was busy in the kitchen. She had carefully cooked a large pot of steaming dumplings and was happily waiting for her family to arrive.
As the family sat around the dining table, happily enjoying a delicious breakfast, footsteps were heard outside the house.
It turned out to be the two brothers Huo Junlin and Huo Junheng, each bringing their wives and children to come and wish Huo Junshan and Xiao Ya a happy new year!
Upon seeing his fourth uncle and younger uncle arrive so early, Huo Qinghuan quickly stood up, bowed and greeted the elders with a smile on his face, and warmly invited them to sit down.
Then, he turned and walked into the kitchen, skillfully brewing tea. At the same time, Xiao Ya hurried back to the room and nimbly began to fill the fruit plate so that the guests could taste more delicious fruits.
As soon as Huo Junlin and Huo Junheng sat down, they started chatting about family matters with their eldest brother Huo Junshan.
On the other side, Yang Huiling and Du Xiaojuan, with smiles on their faces, held their grandchildren in their arms, surrounded Song Jingjing and talked to her cordially.
Yang Huiling first carefully examined the child in Song Jingjing's arms, and then said, "Jingjing, you are really lucky!
It's a pity you didn't get into college, otherwise you wouldn't be able to stay home and take care of the children like you are now. Look how good this little guy is growing up. Your Anran's little face is starting to gain weight!"
After saying that, she couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch the child's pink cheek.
Du Xiaojuan, who was standing by, nodded in agreement, "That's right! I think so too. It's much better to take care of the children at home than toil outside!"
At this moment, Huo Yichen walked over with brisk steps.
He first politely greeted the two elders, then corrected them, "Fourth Grandma, Little Grandma, the one mom is holding is my little sister, An Yan, and she is indeed fatter than the second sister."
Hearing this, Song Jingjing was slightly stunned, but quickly came to her senses.
She looked at her chubby little daughter in her arms, a trace of sadness on her lips. They were both twins, so why was An Ran so much thinner than her sister?
Is it true that children are more likely to gain weight if they drink milk powder and rice porridge? Next time I will buy some milk powder for Ranran.
Although she felt a little uncomfortable about what Fourth Aunt Yang Huiling had just said, she did not show it.
How could it be considered a blessing that she didn't get into university? There were no college graduates in the families of Fourth Aunt and Second Aunt, so they didn't want her to get into university, right?
Seeing Song Jingjing with a stern face and not saying a word, Yang Huiling felt a little flustered, fearing that the atmosphere would become more awkward.
So she quickly reached into her arms and soon took out a few red envelopes.
She walked up to Song Jingjing's children and Huo Rou who were standing nearby with a big smile on her face, and handed red envelopes to them one by one, hoping to ease the slightly tense atmosphere.
On the other side, Du Xiaojuan held her little grandson steadily without moving. She just looked at the little guy with a smile on her face and said, "Yichen, the red envelope is in your grandfather's pocket. Go over and wish him a happy new year. Say a few nice and auspicious words."
After hearing this, Huo Yichen immediately grinned, revealing a missing front tooth, and responded crisply, "Okay, little grandma, Chenchen wishes you good health and prosperity every day!"
Upon hearing this, Du Xiaojuan's smile deepened. She turned to look at Song Jingjing and praised her, "Look! Our Jingjing is truly capable. She has raised her child to be so well-behaved, obedient, and sensible."
As she spoke, her gaze fell back on Huo Yichen, and suddenly, as if she had discovered something new, she asked in surprise:
"Oh, Chenchen, why are your front teeth missing? They were fine a few days ago!"
Huo Yichen didn't seem to mind at all and replied with a smile, "Grandma, my tooth just fell out yesterday. This is what they call 'saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new'!"
When Du Xiaojuan heard this, she couldn't help but think to herself: He actually lost a tooth during the Chinese New Year. According to the older generation, this kid might have some health problems this year.
(This chapter is not yet finished, please click on the next page to continue reading) Chapter 702 (Page 2/2)
However, she only had this thought in her mind and naturally would not speak it out loud in front of others.
So, she quickly adjusted her expression and echoed Huo Yichen's words, "Haha, right, right, what our Chenchen said makes sense. This is saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new. If the old doesn't go, the new won't come. This is a good omen."
Xiao Ya brought out the fruit plate and gave a red envelope to each of Du Xiaojuan and Yang Huiling's grandchildren. It was a way of giving gifts in return.
Huo Qinghuan poured a cup of tea for each of his elders and went back to the kitchen to get busy. They had agreed not to let his mother cook today, so he had to do the preparatory work in advance.
…
Seeing his youngest son busy himself, Huo Junshan instructed Huo Qingyan, "Qingyan, go to the kitchen and help your brother."
Huo Qingyan stuffed his little daughter into her father's arms and got up to go to the kitchen.
Yang Huiling asked curiously, "Qinghuan learned to cook from his eldest brother and his wife. When did Qingyan learn to cook?"
When Xiao Ya heard this, she quickly walked over and said with a friendly smile on her face:
"Oh, don't get me wrong! Qingyan is helping Qinghuan in the kitchen. The two brothers said that they must let me take a good rest today and enjoy some free time."
At this time, Yang Huiling smiled and took over the conversation, saying, "Sister-in-law, you've worked really hard in your life. Now it's time for you to enjoy your life and the happiness of having children and grandchildren around you."
As she spoke, her eyes swept over Song Jingjing beside her intentionally or unintentionally, and she muttered to herself: Could it be that this young lady who looks so spoiled can't even cook?
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but sigh. It seemed that in the entire Huo family, only Huo Qingci and Lin Man could cook a table full of delicious meals.
Just as everyone was chatting, Du Xiaojuan suddenly said, "Sister-in-law, Qingci's wife took our father and Ningning to Hai City, but now it's the New Year, where are they staying?
"I can't just live out here all the time, right? I heard that staying in those big hotels in Hai City costs a lot of money for just one night."
After hearing this, Xiao Ya smiled calmly, reached out and grabbed a handful of melon seeds from the fruit plate in front of her, and then gently put them into Du Xiaojuan's hand.
"Don't worry, our Qingci has already made all the arrangements. He specially rented a house there. I heard the environment is very comfortable. He will definitely not let anyone suffer any injustice."
Hearing this, Du Xiaojuan forced a smile and muttered, "Oh, I really don't understand why the old man, at such an age, still has to take the trouble to take the train to Hai City."
Yang Huiling said sarcastically, "Sister-in-law, our father can't bear to part with his eldest grandson and great-grandson."
Xiao Ya ignored Yang Huiling. She didn't understand why the fourth and fifth daughters-in-law had such strong opinions about her father-in-law and her eldest son.
Didn't her father-in-law transfer the courtyard house to her eldest son? Her eldest son had been supporting her father-in-law on their behalf for so many years, so what was wrong with him taking a house?
If her second and third sons were as filial to them, she would be willing to give them money to buy a house when he goes to buy one in the future.
Huo Junshan gently picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then slowly turned his gaze to his sister-in-law Yang Huiling who was sitting opposite him.
His eyes were deep and sharp, as if he could see through everything. "Sister-in-law, although our father is old, he is still in good health!
This is all thanks to Qingci and Xiaoman's dedicated care. Dad is thinking about them, isn't it right?"
Huo Junshan's tone was calm, but the dissatisfaction contained in it was obvious.
Huo Junlin, who was standing by, was keenly aware of his brother's displeasure. He spoke cautiously:
"Third brother, you're right. Qingci and his wife really take care of our father meticulously. It's understandable that Dad favors them a little."
After hearing this, Huo Junshan put down the teacup in his hand, crossed his hands on the table, and said bluntly:
"We, his children, have never taken care of Dad even for a single day. Not only that, we even received a large sum of his savings.
Look at my son Qingci, who has been taking good care of my father for more than ten years, and he is also the eldest grandson in our family.
Isn't it only natural that Dad left the house to him? I just can't understand why you have such a big prejudice against my Qingci?
How did they offend you? And every time your relatives get sick and go to the hospital, they always rely on my son's name to jump the queue to see a doctor. Does Qingci have any complaints?
At this point, Huo Junshan's voice unconsciously rose a few notches, and it was obvious that the anger in his heart was gradually rising.
Seeing her husband indignant about their son's affairs, Xiao Ya felt anxious. She quickly interrupted her husband's words:
"Junshan, today is New Year's Day! Let's not make things unhappy on this happy day. My sister-in-law and the others just grumbled a few words when Dad wasn't home..."
After hearing his wife's words, the anger on Junshan's face eased a little, but he still said angrily:
"Humph, even if you're just saying it casually, you can't say that about our son! It makes me feel uncomfortable just listening to it! You're just jealous of Qingci because he's doing well."
At this time, Huo Junheng, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke. He said to Junshan sincerely, "Third brother, calm down first.
In fact, we really have no objection to Dad being nice to Qingci.
And to be honest, Qingci and Xiaoman really take very good care of Dad.
This time Dad went to Hai City for a trip, and he also went there to enjoy some peace and quiet. These principles are clear in our hearts, who can not understand them?
Dad, this trip to Hai City will probably cost a lot of money. Hai City is a big city and the cost of living is high..."
"My Qingci has saved a lot of money over the years. Don't worry, Dad hasn't touched his pension in the past few years."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
