Pampered by Short-Lived Bigshot-Chapter 1179 - 693: The Son-in-law from Afar, a Tremendous Surprise (5 Updates)
Pingjiang Airport
When Qi Zeyan received Jiang Chengsi’s call, he had just finished calling home to report that he arrived safely. The old man kept reminding him to be sweet and industrious when visiting the Ruan Family, and to definitely not give them a sour face.
Right after hanging up the call with his family and waiting for luggage with Ruan Mengxi, he received a call from someone.
He was almost angered to death.
He’s already in Pingjiang; why is that guy still trying to suck up?
"Is it Sige’s call?" Ruan Mengxi was staring at the luggage carousel. They didn’t have much luggage, but since it’s Qi Zeyan’s first visit to the Ruan Family, he bought a lot of gifts from Beijing. Plus, it’s New Year, and there are many visiting relatives, so the gifts filled four suitcases.
"Yeah, he’s probably trying to piss me off." Qi Zeyan gave a light cough; he even wore a mask, probably afraid of attracting too much attention, "Xixi, how do I look now? Is my hair messy? Should I fix it up?"
"You look fine."
"I’m not dressed that formally."
"It’s not like they haven’t seen you before. If you wore a suit the whole way, you’d be way too eye-catching." Ruan Mengxi pointed to a suitcase not far away, "That one looks like mine."
"I’ll go get it."
Ruan Mengxi had gone on business trips with Qi Zeyan before. As an assistant, carrying bags and pulling suitcases was her job, but for the first time, she realized having a boyfriend was actually nice.
...
At this moment, Ruan Daqiang was already waiting by the exit. Seeing that she hadn’t come out yet, he specially called to ask.
"Where are you? I saw your flight arrived a while ago; why aren’t you out yet?"
"We’re about to come out; waiting for the luggage."
"Hurry up; your mom already called me, saying the food’s ready."
"What did mom cook today? Is there enough?"
"Coming home, there’s no way you’d be hungry. Every time you come home, don’t we always have a feast ready for you?" Ruan Daqiang exaggerated, though whenever Ruan Mengxi came back, there were always at least seven or eight dishes, "Are you hungry?"
"No, just asking."
After hanging up, Ruan Daqiang couldn’t stop rubbing his fingers. He had been waiting too long. Watching Ruan Mengxi come out, he could hardly resist jumping over the barrier to go greet her directly.
"Xixi, over here—" At the airport exit, there were many people.
Ruan Daqiang’s voice was quite loud, at least enough for those around to notice him.
Then they saw Ruan Mengxi, and right after, Qi Zeyan was exposed to everyone’s sight.
Ruan Daqiang thought he was seeing things!
Otherwise, how could he be seeing that rascal!
"Dad." Ruan Mengxi waved at him, then looked back at Qi Zeyan behind her, "My dad’s over there."
"I see him." To show respect to his future father-in-law, Qi Zeyan took off his mask when approaching, "Uncle, long time no see."
Ruan Daqiang glanced at Ruan Mengxi, then at Qi Zeyan.
Their relationship had created quite a stir, and since Ruan Mengxi was from Pingjiang, the locals were very interested in their relationship.
The Qi Family was famous nationwide as a wealthy family, and it seemed like if their only son married a Pingjiang girl, it would be a point of pride, showing that Pingjiang girls are outstanding.
So when someone took off their mask, quite a few people around recognized him.
"Isn’t that Qi Zeyan?"
"For real; I’ve looked him up online. He’s way more handsome in person."
"Is he visiting his girlfriend’s home? This is our Pingjiang’s son-in-law."
...
Ruan Daqiang couldn’t say much in public, "Let’s head to the parking lot and get in the car quickly."
**
Ruan Daqiang hadn’t even told his wife yet when they received a call at home, saying that someone posted on the local forum about Qi Zeyan being Pingjiang’s son-in-law, visiting the future in-laws.
There were pictures as proof.
Ruan Daqiang was about to drive, but then call after call came in, all from relatives and friends.
Everyone was very enthusiastic, thinking the Ruan Family’s daughter found a wonderful boyfriend, would marry into a good family, and they all felt proud, as if they were sharing in the glory.
They all called, urging Ruan Daqiang to make sure he stayed in Pingjiang for a few more days.
They suggested that since Qi Zeyan came so far, it wouldn’t be convenient to visit each household individually, so it might be better to book a few tables at a hotel and have a joyous gathering with the whole family.
Ruan Daqiang had quite a headache.
"Uncle, let me drive," Qi Zeyan noticed his non-stop phone calls and troubled expression, so he proactively took the driver’s seat.
Ruan Daqiang eventually stopped answering calls. Sitting in the passenger seat, he turned to look at the person beside him, "You’re bringing Xixi back on purpose, right? Thank you, Uncle. When are you planning to return?"
He thought Qi Zeyan was just bringing his daughter back, and unless there were special circumstances, everyone typically reunited with their family for the Lunar New Year.
He never even considered the possibility that Qi Zeyan wasn’t planning to leave.
"Uncle, actually..."
"Tickets are tight for the New Year, especially before the holiday. You have to book in advance. When are you planning to leave? I’ll book your flight ticket."
"I’ve already booked the ticket."
"Which day? I’ll see you off." Ruan Daqiang thought to himself that this guy seemed quite sensible, but his next words sent a chill down his heart.
"On the morning of the sixth day of the New Year, Xixi and I will head back to Beijing together."
Jiang Chengsi’s club opens on the seventh, so Ruan Mengxi could only stay until the sixth.
Ruan Daqiang was a bit taken aback, "What do you mean? You mean... you’re staying in Pingjiang for New Year?"
"I can hardly take long holidays throughout the year, nor spend much time with Xixi, so during the New Year, I want to spend more time with her." Qi Zeyan said determinedly, "Uncle, don’t worry, I’ve booked a hotel near your home and won’t bother you."
Ruan Daqiang took a deep breath; sure you won’t bother me, you’re here to bother my daughter!
He glanced at the person in the back row; Ruan Mengxi had been observing them, and at that moment, sensing her father’s glare, she hurriedly coughed. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
"Dad, we didn’t tell you in advance because we wanted to surprise you and mom."
"Surprise?" Ruan Daqiang scoffed.
This really is a huge surprise!
Ruan Mengxi coughed and said, "Almost forgot, I need to call Wanwan. She asked me to bring New Year’s gifts for Grandpa Tang and Uncle Tang. I need to visit the Tang Family tomorrow..."
Ruan Daqiang understood now; his daughter’s loyalty was shifting away from him.
The situation was already like this, and he couldn’t send him back. Moreover, he’s staying at a hotel, not in their house; he had no right to kick him out of Pingjiang.
**
When the car arrived downstairs in the community, many neighbors, from close and afar, stood under the building or peered through open windows, even the property security guards came to join the excitement.
It felt as if the Ruan Family was hosting a joyous event.
Although Qi Zeyan wasn’t a celebrity, in their eyes he was someone rarely seen, naturally attracting their interest.
"Are all these... neighbors?" Qi Zeyan’s family lived in a detached villa, and he never knew or saw such enthusiastic neighbors.
"Yes," Ruan Mengxi said with a smile, greeting the surrounding folks, "we were old neighbors, relocated here after the area’s redevelopment, and have maintained good relationships."
Qi Zeyan nodded.
...
Ruan Daqiang found himself in a tight spot, surrounded by neighbors almost all praising Qi Zeyan, saying how Ruan Mengxi would surely be happy with a son-in-law like him.
What could Ruan Daqiang do? They were old neighbors, so he could only smile and say they needed to go home for dinner and would chat another day.
At home, Mama Ruan was naturally more welcoming, invited Qi Zeyan into the house, and Ruan Daqiang noticed crabs on the table, frowning, "Where did we get crabs from?"
"Dabao’s mom heard we had guests and specially sent them over. Later, Xixi should take Zeyan to thank them."
"Ding Dabao?" Qi Zeyan quietly asked Ruan Mengxi.
"Yes, our families live on different floors."
Qi Zeyan greeted Mama Ruan and said he had presents for her, all packed in boxes.
"There’s no rush for gifts; Xixi, take him to wash his hands and come eat," Mama Ruan kicked her husband’s shin, who stood at the door looking gloomy, "Why are you just standing there, take the kid’s luggage into the room."
Typically, when the daughter returns home, the wife sees no one else.
Now with Qi Zeyan’s arrival, his wife hardly noticed him. Seeing him standing at the door, she even found him annoying.
While Qi Zeyan followed Ruan Mengxi to wash his hands, he glanced around their house, four bedrooms and two living rooms, spacious yet cozy, although one side of the wall was adorned with many of Ruan Daqiang’s photos, trophies, and medals.
"Uncle has won many awards?"
"Those were from competitions when he was younger," Ruan Mengxi was naturally accustomed, living at home.
Qi Zeyan took a deep breath, grateful to have brought Jiang Jinsang’s knee pads and Red Flower Oil. This might...
Really come in handy!
