Back To The 80s-Chapter 349 - 359: Messing With A Perfect Couple_1
When it was almost time for the meal, Lu Zhanguo, Cheng Qijia, and Liu Hongbing came over.
Liu Hongbing bought ten new bowls and ten new plates, placed them on the table and said, "It’s a housewarming feast after all, I brought you, two elders, a set of plates and bowls, wishing you thriving prosperity and perfection."
Cheng Qijia, also holding a scroll of painting, laughed and said, "I also came to join in the fun."
Lu Songyuan, holding Mo Wang, kept saying, "Good, good, the more the merrier. Seeing you all doing so well now makes me really happy."
Gu Xiaobei, in the kitchen, heard Cheng Qijia’s voice and sighed a bit, thinking that Cheng Qijia would probably be upset when he saw Qin Li.
Bai Xiaolan was peeling potatoes and laughed, "My cousin is quite sneaky, he must have smelled the delicious food being cooked today."
Qin Li asked curiously, "Who is your cousin?"
"Cheng Qijia."
Qin Li voiced, "Oh, so you guys are relatives."
Gu Xiaobei was cooking and watching Qin Li acting composed, it hurt his heart a bit. Apart from Jin Cheng, he was afraid no other man would catch her eye.
The housewarming feast was also a big gathering. Gu Xiaobei made red braised pork, big plate chicken, dry fried fish, plus the pork knuckles that had been marinated since last night, and he also fried a few seasonal vegetables.
The weather was good, the sun was warm at noon, and Lu Songyuan directed everyone to set up the table under the grapevine. The grape leaves were still sparse and tender, and the dappled sunlight on their bodies was extremely comfortable.
Lu Zhanguo was holding his daughter, looking at the fallen peach blossoms everywhere, and Liu Hongbing was commenting, "If a few more chickens were raised, it would be even better."
"That’s the plan, then my two precious grandsons can eat fresh eggs." Lu Songyuan agreed.
Cheng Qijia also stood aside, smiling at the beautiful small courtyard in the sunshine. Qin Li came out to wipe down the table under the grapevine, ready to serve the food.
When Cheng Qijia saw Qin Li, he froze for a moment, the smile on his face slowly solidifying. He thought he had let go, but when he saw Qin Li again, he realized that it was just hidden deep in his heart, untouched, merely pretending to let go.
Bai Xiaolan and Qin Li carried out the cooked dishes and called everyone to eat.
Gu Xiaobei served two portions of each dish. He left the less plentiful dishes in the kitchen, thinking that the three of them eating a bit around the small kitchen table while taking care of the children would be just right.
Lu Songyuan also had Ji Xiangdong buy two bottles of wine to bring back. On his way, Ji Xiangdong brought back a bag of osmanthus candy and handed it to Bai Xiaolan, who was standing at the kitchen door.
Gu Xiaobei standing in the kitchen, saw Bai Xiaolan carrying a paper bag and curiously asked, "What’s that?"
"I don’t know, Brother Xiangdong just bought it." She opened the bag and it turned out to be osmanthus candy.
Gu Xiaobei watched her looking at the candy, he laughed teasingly at Bai Xiaolan, he didn’t say much more. Since the two showed mutual interest, might as well let them feel it out slowly.
When all dishes were on the table, Gu Xiaobei went to pick up Mo Wang for the meal and saw Cheng Qijia sitting at the table looking troubled. He could not help but sigh in his heart.
Wen Xiuqing also came into the kitchen with Xiaopang to eat.
Gu Xiaobei was surprised and said, "Mom, why did you come over too?"
"They’re a bunch of men; I wouldn’t be comfortable sitting there. It’s so much better eating together, you three." She said, sitting down next to Qin Li.
"Qin Li, you should eat more. You’re too thin." Wen Xiuqing constantly encouraged Qin Li. She had thought that Qin Li was too young, but Gu Xiaobei was younger than Lu Zhanguo and he is leading a good life now. With this thought, she started having some new ideas.
Qin Li was taken aback, "Aunt, I eat a lot; it’s just that I don’t gain weight."
"How many people are in your family? How many siblings do you have?" Wen Xiuqing prepared to delve deeper into the conversation. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞
Gu Xiaobei chimed in, "Mom, remember the girl Shen Heng brought home during Chinese New Year? That was Qin Li’s sister."
Wen Xiuqing was even more satisfied, "That’s perfect. Heng also grew up under my care, so it’s a good thing that..."
Gu Xiaobei realized something was amiss, and his mother-in-law seemed to be matchmaking out of nowhere, so he quickly said, "Mom, let’s eat quickly; the dishes won’t taste as good once they get cold."
Wen Xiuqing finally stopped her inquiries and began feeding noodles to the little boy in her lap.
Bai Xiaolan seemed to understand as well and ate her food quietly, lost in her thoughts.
The men outside seemed to be encouraging each other to drink, with Liu Hongbing constantly urging Ji Xiangdong to drink one after another, insisting they drink as brothers.
Ji Xiangdong maintained a calm smile throughout, didn’t refuse any drinks, and showed no signs of being drunk even after several glasses. His eyes remained as clear as ever.
Liu Hongbing gave a thumbs up, "You two are like alcohol tanks! I thought I wouldn’t be able to outdrink Lu Zhanguo but at least manage you. But it seems I’ll only end up getting myself drunk."
Cheng Qijia was quietly drinking on the side. Lu Zhanguo knew what was going on and held onto his glass, "Take it easy, as a researcher, you should always stay sober. Drink less."
Cheng Qijia gave a bitter smile but didn’t drink any more.
The meal concluded amidst an atmosphere of both joy and sorrow.
Liu Hongbing and Cheng Qijia left first, and Qin Li took her leave after helping with the dishes.
Little Fatso and Mo Wang got sleepy after their meal, so Wen Xiuqing asked them to be taken inside for a nap. Bai Xiaolan was already carrying Little Fatso with her as they went inside.
Wen Xiuqing boiled some water for the trio and made a cup of tea. They sat down and began chatting.
Lu Songyuan asked Lu Zhanguo, "Isn’t Liu Hongbing the one hailed as an intelligence genius? I heard he’s pretty good at breaking codes."
Lu Zhanguo nodded, "Yeah, he’ll be transferred to our unit next month, assisting us with intelligence gathering and code-breaking during military operations."
Lu Songyuan sighed, "It seems that every generation has its talents. You all are much smarter than we were at your age." He turned to Ji Xiangdong, "I’m very satisfied with your current work arrangements. Zhanguo is not suited for politics; he’s too stern. You, Xiangdong, you’re perfect for it. Always keeping a poker face, always acting like a... well, you’re doing great. But remember not to get too proud or forget your roots."
Wen Xiuqing spoke up, somewhat dissatisfied, "We finally get to sit together; let’s not give a political science lecture. Xiangdong, what do you think of that girl, Qin Li?"
Ji Xiangdong was taken aback by Wen Xiuqing’s matchmaking attempt and took a sip of tea before saying, "I’ve given it some thought. Don’t worry, I won’t disappoint you."
Wen Xiuqing didn’t say much; if it were Zhanguo or Aiguo, she would certainly nag a bit. But with her eldest son, she felt too guilt-ridden to say much.
Ji Xiangdong held Wen Xiuqing’s hand and said with a smile, "Mom, you don’t have to worry so much. Speak your mind. If you keep treating me with kid gloves, it’s as if you don’t consider me your real son."
"No, that’s not..." Wen Xiuqing started to explain, sounding somewhat anxious.
"Then you can say anything you want in the future, just as you do with Zhanguo and Aiguo. If I do something wrong, you can be angry with me; is that okay?" Ji Xiangdong spoke gently and deliberately, hoping that one day Wen Xiuqing could let go of her guilt and talk about the past and the future with him.
After dinner, Ji Xiangdong and Bai Xiaolan left together. When they reached the cultural centre dormitory, Ji Xiangdong suddenly stopped and glanced at Bai Xiaolan with a radiant smile. "Would you like to watch the sunset on Shule River?" he asked softly.
