Chapter 817 Feeling Honored Together This scene caused Ding Hanhai and Qin Peiwen to experience overwhelming emotions, which they could hardly contain.
They had only three daughters, each with a different personality. The eldest daughter was independent and stubborn, the second daughter married far away, and the third daughter, Ding Panyun, was the most gentle and obedient. She later joined the performing arts troupe and married Fang Zhongwen.
Unfortunately, the couple had no children after many years of marriage, which became a source of worry for them while they were living far away overseas.
When they learned that their grandson, who had been separated from his family for many years, had been found, they were so eager to fly back and see him with their own eyes that they couldn't wait to do so.
But I had my duties to fulfill, and I couldn't help it.
Now that I've finally retired and returned to my hometown, the first thing I want to do is visit my grandson.
Qin Peiwen looked at her tall and handsome grandson Lu Qingyang, and then at her two adorable great-grandsons, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.
She stepped forward, disregarding the slight awkwardness of their first meeting, and grasped Lu Qingyang's hand firmly. Those hands, which had been calm and composed through countless diplomatic occasions, were now trembling slightly.
"Qingyang...good child, let Grandma take a good look at you." She couldn't help but tear up.
“We…we were looking forward to this while we were away, but this delay has caused us to miss several years.”
As she spoke, her gaze turned lovingly to her two great-grandchildren, one big and one small, who were hiding behind her, and tears finally streamed down her face.
Even Ding Hanhai, who was usually composed and never showed his emotions, was moved and nodded slightly. His gaze behind his glasses became unusually gentle as he lingered on Lu Qingyang and the two children.
Looking at his daughter Ding Panyun's face, which was filled with satisfaction and joy, he said to Fang Zhongwen in a deep voice, "Zhongwen, Panyun, you've worked hard all these years."
As she spoke, Qin Peiwen took out four thick, full red envelopes that she had prepared beforehand from her delicate leather handbag.
She first handed one to Lu Qingyang and Shen Moyi, then bent down with a smile and stuffed the other two into the hands of Shitou and Yuer respectively.
Lu Qingyang instinctively wanted to refuse: "Grandma, this... how can we accept your red envelope? You and Grandpa just came back, it's our turn to show our respect to you two."
Qin Peiwen insisted on pressing the red envelope into his hand: "Take it, Qingyang. Grandma knows you are capable now and don't lack this little bit of money."
But this is a tradition from our elders, and it's also a small token of our appreciation. This is the first time in so many years that we've met you, our granddaughter-in-law, and these two precious children. We're overjoyed. This red envelope is just a keepsake, a way to bring good luck; you must accept it.”
Having said that, Lu Qingyang stopped refusing, thanked Shen Mo, and accepted the red envelope.
Stone couldn't wait to squeeze the bulging red envelope, his face beaming with joy.
Although Yu'er was still shy, she clutched the red envelope tightly and nestled against Shen Mo's legs, her eyes filled with joy.
After chatting for a while longer at home in the military compound, as dusk approached, Lu Qingyang stood up and said, "Grandpa, Grandma, Mom and Dad, I've made a reservation at Xinweiju Restaurant to welcome you two home. Shall we go over there now?"
The group arrived at Xinweiju Restaurant, where the owner, who had already been informed, personally greeted them at the door and respectfully led them to a private room reserved on the second floor.
The private room was elegantly decorated, and outside the window, one could see the lights gradually illuminating the alleyways.
Lu Qingyang had informed Chef Chen in advance that all the dishes tonight would be made with roe.
Soon, the waiters filed in carrying exquisite bowls and plates.
The first dishes served were several cold appetizers: Crystal Pork Jelly, with translucent meat jelly and clearly defined meat shreds inside, offering a cool and chewy texture;
Wasabi duck feet: The boneless duck feet are crisp and tender, and the wasabi has just the right amount of kick, making it appetizing and refreshing.
There's also a dish called Osmanthus Sweet Lotus Root, stuffed full of glutinous rice, with soft and chewy lotus root slices, drizzled with amber-colored osmanthus syrup, which is refreshingly sweet and not greasy.
The hot dishes further showcase Chef Chen's skills: stir-fried shrimp, made with large river shrimp, hand-peeled, each one plump and jade-like, stir-fried quickly with lard over high heat, with only a little salt added, so you can enjoy the fresh, sweet and crisp texture of the shrimp.
Braised fish tail uses the most active part of the grass carp, braised until it is thick and oily, with a sticky broth and incredibly delicious fish meat;
A dish of crab roe tofu, with golden crab roe spread on tender white tofu, is so delicious that it's enough to make your eyebrows fall off.
There's also braised sea cucumber with scallions. The sea cucumber is soaked to perfection, soft, chewy, and bouncy, with a rich scallion aroma and a thick, flavorful sauce.
The soup consists of bowls of clear stewed lion's head meatballs, simmered over low heat for several hours. The soup is crystal clear, the lion's head meatballs are tender and melt in your mouth, and the soup is mellow and fresh.
The final dishes were pea flour cake and kidney bean rolls, both exquisitely made. The pea flour cake was delicate and sweet, while the kidney bean rolls had a smooth and creamy texture, bringing a perfect end to this sumptuous family feast.
During the meal, Qin Peiwen praised her grandmother's seemingly simple yet incredibly flavorful stir-fried shrimp, while Ding Hanhai's grandfather greatly admired the perfectly cooked braised fish tail.
Ding Hanhai savored the lingering aroma of crab roe in his mouth, then picked up a piece of braised sea cucumber with scallions. Finally, he couldn't help but put down his chopsticks and exclaimed sincerely, "This taste is truly rare. Peiwen, we must come again next time."
Upon hearing this, Lu Qingyang immediately smiled and replied, "I'm glad you like it, Grandpa. You and Grandma can come anytime you want next time. It's only right for your grandson to invite you two."
“Oh, we can’t always let you treat us,” Ding Hanhai waved his hand, habitually maintaining the politeness of an elder. “We’re retired, we can still afford this much for meals.”
Sitting to the side, Ding Panyun couldn't help but smile as she watched her father earnestly decline.
"Dad, please don't be so polite with your grandson. Do you know who owns Xinweiju?"
She turned her gaze to Lu Qingyang, gesturing for him to speak.
Lu Qingyang appeared very humble in front of his elders, smiled slightly, and did not immediately respond.
Ding Panyun continued with a smile, "You're eating at your grandson's restaurant, do you think he'd dare take your money?"
Upon hearing this, Ding Hanhai was clearly stunned.
He only knew that his lost grandson had been admitted to the University of the Capital and was a promising young man, but he never expected that not only was he studying, but he had also quietly built such a large family business and managed the restaurant so well.
"So that's how it is. You've really impressed us old folks. You manage to do both your studies and your business so well."
Qin Peiwen listened with a beaming smile, gently patted Lu Qingyang's hand, and said with pride, "I knew our Qingyang was very capable. From now on, Grandpa and Grandma will have to come and support you often."
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