"We've already eaten. In that case, shall we go back?"
"Alright, hold on tight, the oxcart is about to sway and rock its way back to the village!"
"Hahaha, great!"
The three people and one ox chatted and laughed as they made their way to the village. Even under the scorching sun and with sweat pouring down their faces, no one complained. They all cherished the journey they had shared with each other.
Since it wasn't dark yet when they returned to the village, neither of them went straight to the cowshed. Sheng Yi went back to the clinic, while Zhu Qinghao went back to her small courtyard.
After she finished dealing with Si Tian, it was almost dark. When she figured it was about time, she took the gifts Sheng Yi had bought and headed to the cowshed.
Since neither of them went directly to the cowshed in the afternoon, all the things were brought to Zhu Qinghao's courtyard by Old Man Ma in an oxcart.
She and Sheng Yi had agreed that Sheng Yi would go to the cowshed by himself when it got dark, so she would help him take these things over first.
This time, Zhu Qinghao didn't use the space, but chose to walk over slowly on her own, because she felt a little flustered at the thought of having to tell her family those things.
Along the way, she mentally prepared herself countless times and imagined countless reactions from her family. After arriving, she hesitated for a while before knocking on the door.
When the door opened, she was stunned by the scene inside.
Why are you all here?
No, wasn't she supposed to come and say hello first? Why is it Sheng Yi who opened the door?
He's here now, so what about later...?
Grandpa Sheng was also sitting at the table, smiling at her, but his smile was different from usual.
The family members, too, each had a different smile on their face, but they all seemed to be in a joyful mood.
Zhu Qing looked at Sheng Yi, wanting him to give her an explanation, but he just smiled, took the things from her hands, and led her inside.
"You're back safely? Did your trip back to Kyoto go smoothly?"
The one asking the question was Old Master Sheng. Even though Zhu Qinghao didn't understand the situation, she turned around and answered properly:
"You're back! Everything went smoothly. Thank you for your concern, Grandpa Sheng!"
After answering Grandpa Sheng's question, Zhu Qinghao called out to all the elders present, from Zhu Huaichuan to Wen Chuyi. Only then did she realize that everyone was sitting neatly in the living room.
It seems they were waiting specifically for her.
The thought startled her slightly.
Did they find out?
Perhaps sensing her unease, Grandpa Zhu chuckled and said, "We're doing well, you've really grown up!"
After listening to this, Zhu Qinghao mustered up her courage and spoke:
"Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, I have something to tell you, but I took it upon myself to do so, so I hope you won't be angry after hearing it."
Unexpectedly, Zhu Yanzhi walked over directly, touched her hair, and looked at Zhu Qinghao with a mixture of affection, relief, and deep melancholy. In short, his gaze towards Zhu Qinghao was extremely complex.
"Don't be angry, Dad knows. We've grown up well, this is all normal. We know Xiaoyi is a good child. We hope you will both be happy in the future..."
Zhu Qinghao looked at her father's reddened eyes, somewhat bewildered. What was going on? Why was this different from what she had imagined? Couldn't he at least let her finish speaking first?
She looked at Sheng Yi with a helpless expression, only to see that his eyes were full of smiles, with a hint of encouragement in them.
"Dad, I..."
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