"Xuanxuan, where’s grandpa? Is grandpa handsome?" Although Mi Zhihong didn’t care much about his appearance, he still wanted to hear some praise from his little granddaughter in this cheerful atmosphere.
"He’s already an old man, what can be handsome about that." Before Xuanxuan could answer, Fang Qingru glanced at Mi Zhihong and couldn’t help but critique.
"Ahem."
Upon hearing this, Mi Jing looked at the scolded Mi Zhihong and couldn’t help but chuckle.
"Grandma, grandpa is not an old man." Xuanxuan didn’t notice Mi Jing stifling her laughter. She walked over to sit next to Fang Qingru and said seriously, "Grandpa is very handsome. Compared to other grandpas, Xuanxuan’s grandpa is the youngest and the best cook, so grandpa is the best."
"Haha."
Hearing this, Mi Zhihong’s heart blossomed with joy, and he burst into a cheerful laugh.
"Don’t laugh so loud." Seeing Mi Zhihong laughing triumphantly, Fang Qingru rolled her eyes at him and then turned to Xuanxuan with a smile, "Xuanxuan, your grandpa is already over sixty years old; he’s not young anymore."
"But grandpa looks young. When grandpa used to take Xuanxuan shopping or for a walk, other grandmas and aunties would say grandpa looks young."
Those are just polite remarks!
Fang Qingru muttered mentally but held her tongue in the face of the innocent Xuanxuan.
"Grandma, don’t you think grandpa looks young?" Seeing Fang Qingru remain silent, Xuanxuan asked curiously.
"I do! I’m Xuanxuan’s grandma after all, my taste surely isn’t that different from Xuanxuan’s." Fang Qingru said kindly.
It’s not easy!
Mi Jing and Mi Wan exchanged glances and then looked at Mi Zhihong with a smile. His eyes were already squinting from smiling, clearly showing he was beyond happy!
Everyone who knew Fang Qingru knew she was notoriously sharp-tongued and critical. Getting her praise or approval was no easy task.
With laughter and cheerful conversation echoing in the house, Ji Dongquan and Shen Lingxing in the kitchen often smiled when they heard the laughter from outside, sharing in the family’s joy.
"Mr. Ji, Uncle, do you need Xuanxuan’s help?" Half an hour later, Xuanxuan walked into the kitchen again to ask.
"No need." Ji Dongquan and Shen Lingxing said in unison. They exchanged glances and then smiled at Xuanxuan.
"But Xuanxuan can help carry the dishes." Xuanxuan was used to helping out with things she could manage, so she felt a bit unsettled with nothing to do.
"No need, the dishes are just cooked and very hot." Ji Dongquan patiently explained.
"Xuanxuan’s not afraid of the heat."
"Even if you’re not afraid, safety comes first."
"Then what can Xuanxuan do? Xuanxuan wants to help."
"..." Ji Dongquan was stumped. His usually efficient brain couldn’t think of anything for Xuanxuan to do.
"Xuanxuan, come out and help mom set the table."
Suddenly, Mi Wan’s gentle voice came in. Upon hearing it, both Ji Dongquan and Xuanxuan looked toward the door to see Mi Wan standing there, smiling at them.
"Okay." Xuanxuan agreed cheerfully, then ran happily over to Mi Wan. She turned back and smiled at Ji Dongquan, "Mr. Ji, Xuanxuan’s going out now."
"Hmm."
Ji Dongquan simply responded and then his and Mi Wan’s eyes met, sharing a moment of silent warmth.
"Mom, let’s go."
Impatient to complete her "task," Xuanxuan, after waiting a few seconds, urged Mi Wan who hadn’t moved.
"Alright."
Upon hearing this, Mi Wan’s gaze lingered on Ji Dongquan a moment longer before turning to lead Xuanxuan to the dining table.
"Mom, how many people are eating dinner with us tonight?" Xuanxuan took off her shoes and climbed onto a chair, picking up the chopsticks, and asked.
"You count." Mi Wan smiled and threw the question back to Xuanxuan.
The next moment, Xuanxuan immersed herself in her counting, and after a while, she confidently said, "Six!"
"Wrong!"
"How could that be wrong? It’s definitely six people. Or does Kabi count too?" Xuanxuan blinked her eyes cutely, looking puzzled.
"Even without counting Kabi, it’s not just six people. Xuanxuan, count again carefully. I’ll go to the kitchen and bring out the dishes first." Mi Wan said.
How could I have miscounted?
Xuanxuan lowered her head, counting on her fingers as she muttered to herself, "Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Mr. Ji, Aunt, Uncle. That’s six people."
"Xuanxuan, what are you doing?" Mi Jing walked over and saw Xuanxuan talking to herself, so she asked curiously.
"Xuanxuan’s counting people." Xuanxuan didn’t look up, counting on her fingers.
"Counting people? Who are you counting?"
"Counting how many people are eating." Xuanxuan said slowly, then looked up at Mi Jing, "Aunt, there are clearly six people, so why did Mom say I counted wrong?"
"..."
Upon hearing this, Mi Jing’s brain quickly processed, and after silently counting, she had the answer. She smiled and asked, "So, how did Xuanxuan count?"
"Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Mr. Ji, Aunt, Uncle. Not counting Kabi, that’s six people?" The more Xuanxuan thought about it, the more confused she got and started sulking.
"Haha." Understanding Xuanxuan’s logic, Mi Jing couldn’t help but laugh happily, "So what about Xuanxuan?"
"Xuanxuan?"
Xuanxuan was still puzzled. Seeing this, Mi Wan, who was carrying a dish over, sighed and gently reminded, "Xuanxuan, did you forget to count yourself?"
"Oh, right." Upon hearing Mi Wan’s reminder, Xuanxuan suddenly realized and said, a bit embarrassed, "Counting Xuanxuan, there are seven people eating."
"Haha, Xuanxuan, you’re too cute." Seeing the rare confused side of Xuanxuan, Mi Jing was nearly overwhelmed with her cuteness, almost laughing off her chair.
"Aunt, you’re mean. You’re laughing at Xuanxuan." Seeing Mi Jing’s happy face, Xuanxuan was unhappy, crossing her arms and pouting.
"No, I’m not." Mi Jing quickly composed herself and explained seriously, "Aunt is praising Xuanxuan, truly thinking our Xuanxuan is adorable."