"Since we're all family now, what about your younger brother, Chenxi?"
Hearing this, Chen Xiao finally realized what Xu Ruyan was curious about. It turned out that he had gone through all that trouble just to find out Xi Xi's true identity.
Although Xu Ruyan had seen Xixi before, she was still a little girl back then, but now she has become a young boy. How is she supposed to explain this to Xu Ruyan?
But soon, she wouldn't have to rack her brains anymore, because---
"As you say, we must not be disrespectful to His Majesty."
"As the saying goes, one must pay attention to one's words and actions."
Xu Qian and Xu Ruyu spoke almost simultaneously, interrupting Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyan's conversation and drawing everyone's attention to Xu Ruyan and Chen Xiao.
Xu Ruyan was standing very close to Chen Xiao, whispering something to him, while Chen Xiao turned his head to Xu Ruyan, his ear just two fingers' distance from Xu Ruyan's lips, which looked quite 'improper'.
Hearing his father and elder brother speak like that, Xu Ruyan realized something was amiss and quickly moved aside, then turned to Xu Ruyu and said ingratiatingly, "Brother, why don't you switch places with me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Ruyu stood up with the milk tea in her hand and said to her father, "Father, please don't blame Ruyan. He just forgot for a moment, but he is still very polite."
...Now that's settled, Xu Qian doesn't blame Xu Ruyan anymore, but wants to blame Xu Ruyu.
But he could only watch helplessly as Xu Ruyu and Xu Ruyan switched places. He saw Xu Ruyu's cheerful back and Xu Ruyan's indescribable expression, and comforted himself, telling himself, "It's okay, they're not related, they're not related," before he could barely shift his gaze.
Xu Ruyu sat down next to Chen Xiao as he wished. Although it wasn't close, he was still very satisfied.
He picked up the milk tea and praised Chen Xiao sincerely, "Your Majesty is very capable; the milk tea you made is delicious."
Everything happened so fast that Chen Xiao hadn't even had time to react before the handsome man sat down next to her and even used his charm.
To this, Chen Xiao could only think: What to do? I've never met anyone so handsome.
Not receiving a response from Chen Xiao, Xu Ruyu remained unmoved. As if sensing Chen Xiao's discomfort, she changed the subject to the dipping sauce: "Your Majesty, this dipping sauce looks quite good. How did you come up with it?"
Can you praise even a dipping sauce? Chen Xiao was slightly confused before answering, "This dipping sauce was taught to me by my mother. She said it's extremely versatile and makes everything taste good."
Seeing that Chen Xiao was willing to talk to him, Xu Ruyu gradually brought up some topics, and his behavior was very tactful, without any faults. He asked questions, and Chen Xiao answered, and the two were quite harmonious.
However, to outsiders, it appears as 'intense affection'.
Yuan Yin first secretly observed them out of the corner of her eye, then spoke to Xi Xi with peace of mind. Meanwhile, the four members of the Qi family, who were not quite integrated into the group, were also secretly observing.
Especially Qi Ruyan, who was moved to tears by the loving couples and the happy atmosphere.
Qi Fengli, who was standing nearby, saw this, took out a handkerchief and handed it to her, jokingly saying, "Sister is made of water, you have so many tears."
Qi Ruyan glanced at her sideways, naturally took the handkerchief, and dried her tears. Qi Fengli then smiled and hugged Qi Ruyan, saying, "I know I was wrong, sister, please don't look at me like that."
The two get along like best friends, almost like sisters.
Qi Yanshang wasn't surprised at all; the thought of his wife and mother being so close made him extremely happy. His relationship with his younger brother had also changed, and now he had a younger sister—it was wonderful.
Qi Yanyun was different. He had only stayed in the Qi family for four years. His relationship with his mother was so-so, and the mother and son rarely saw each other. He also rarely saw Qi Fengli, let alone both of them at the same time. So he had no idea that his mother and sister-in-law had such a good relationship.
The thought of him having to call Qi Fengli "sister-in-law" and his sister-in-law calling his mother "elder sister" made him feel a little amused.
He watched the two of them playfully bickering, saw the doting look in his brother's eyes, then looked at the harmonious atmosphere between Chen Xiao and Xu Ruyu across from him, and his sister Yuan Yin, who was chatting enthusiastically with Chen Xi across Xu Qian and Xu Ruyan, with Xu Qian occasionally chiming in.
The hot pot in front of him was steaming hot, and he was surrounded by relatives, family, and friends.
I'm so happy.
......
The hot pot meal lasted for almost two hours, with everyone chatting and eating and drinking, having a great time.
After Chen Xiao and the others saw Qi Ruyan and the other two off, they exchanged pleasantries for a while, and then Qi Yanyun and Yuan Yin went back to the princess's residence together.
Xu Ruyan and Xu Qian also returned to the Xu residence together. When they boarded the carriage, they were one in front of the other. Xu Ruyan treated Xu Qian with the utmost respect and reverence, which made Chen Xiao laugh uncontrollably. He wondered who had been spouting nonsense at Chuxiu Palace back then.
Of course, she absolutely could not say this aloud.
Originally a large group of ten, now only Chen Xiao, Xi Xi, and Xu Ruyu remain.
After a moment of silence, Chen Xiao glanced at Xi Xi, his eyes hinting: Are you going back or staying here later?
Xi Xi felt that her eyes couldn't convey her meaning, so she opened the chat channel and said, "I want to sleep in your bed!"
"Cough cough cough..." Chen Xiao was shocked when he heard this, then remembered that Xi Xi could transform into a shell. After calming down, he said to Xu Ruyu, "I didn't expect lunch to take so long. It's already late afternoon. My dear consort, shall we return to the palace?"
Xu Ruyu nodded, knowing that Chen Xiao no longer had his previous memories, and didn't say anything, but only said with concern, "Your Majesty should rest early. I will take care of those people for Your Majesty."
Chen Xiao felt a warmth in his heart, but at the same time, he thought of something and simply nodded slightly before parting ways with Xu Ruyu.
Seeing that her host didn't seem very happy, Xi Xi asked curiously, "Didn't you always like Xu Ruyu? What happened just now? He was concerned about you, so why weren't you happy?"
Chen Xiao was immediately accused of 'liking Xu Ruyu' and hurriedly retorted, "Don't talk nonsense! I don't like him at all. I just think he's good-looking. Handsome guys are pleasing to the eye."
“But which young man you’ve met isn’t handsome? Xu Ruyan may be a bit simple-minded, but he’s still very handsome! And the Qi brothers are even more so; they’re top-notch in both looks and talent. You say you’re so nice to Xu Ruyu because he’s handsome? I don’t believe you.” Xi Xi looked unconvinced, her words carrying a hint of ’criticism’.
The palace servants who were standing nearby heard a few words and were shocked by the strange young man's words. They quickly stepped back a few meters away, as they, as servants, could not tolerate such disrespectful remarks.
Chen Xiao and Xi Xi were used to this way of getting along, so she didn't feel there was anything wrong with it. Seeing that the palace servants were keeping their distance, which made it easier for her to speak, she abandoned her flowery language and explained directly:
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