"I have an idea, let’s organize a welcome party for Jaehyun. I remember having one for Xue Mei and Can so let’s have one for Jaehyun too.."
Xia Yuya nodded that sounded like a great idea, this was the best way to introduce Jaehyun to the family.
[Days later]
The excitement of Jaehyun’s welcome ceremony was tempered by underlying tensions within the family.
He Xui Cai’s family, particularly his father, He Jiahao, had arrived with reservations. He Jiahao had always disapproved of Tang Can, primarily because she had gotten pregnant before they were married and he had no idea of this child until it was born. This made the ceremony a bit awkward, as the family tried to navigate the delicate situation.
As guests began to arrive, Tang Can and He Xui Cai stood together, doing their best to maintain a facade of calm and happiness. Tang Can held Jaehyun close, drawing strength from his innocent presence. The house was beautifully decorated, and the aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, but the tension was palpable.
Xia Yuya, noticing the undercurrent of unease and stepped in to help. "Can, everything looks wonderful. Let’s focus on making this a special day for Jaehyun," she said, offering a reassuring smile.
Tang Can nodded, though she couldn’t completely shake off her anxiety. "Thank you, Auntie Yuya. I just want everything to go smoothly for him."
As the ceremony began, Su Huiying welcomed everyone with warmth. "We are gathered here today to welcome Jaehyun into our family. Your presence means a lot to us."
He Xui Cai, holding Jaehyun, tried to stay composed as he addressed the gathering. "Jaehyun’s name means ’strong and victorious,’ and we are grateful for your love and support."
He Jiahao, standing off to the side, watched with a stern expression. When it was his turn to speak, he stepped forward, his voice carrying a hint of disapproval. "Family, today we welcome my grandson, Jaehyun. While I have my reservations, it is important that we come together to support him and ensure he knows the values of our family. I do love his name, it reminds me of my wife a lot. So I hope we can love and protect him together.."
Tang Can felt a knot tighten in her stomach but remained composed, focusing on Jaehyun’s innocent face. The room was silent, filled with eyes turned toward He Jiahao.
He Jiahao continued, "It is not the way I would have chosen for our family but who knows, happiness can sometimes come from the most unlikely and unexpected pairs, but Jaehyun deserves all the love and support we can give him. I hope that this will be a lesson in responsibility and unity for us all."
Feng Shihan quickly intervened, sensing the need to diffuse the tension. "Thank you, Uncle Jiahao. Today is about celebrating Jaehyun and the blessings he brings to our family. Let’s focus on the joy and love that he inspires in all of us."
Feng Shihan lips twitched, it was really annoying how He Jiahao was making the situation to be.
Tang Xue Mei also had the same expression on her face as she smiled tightly.
Qin Mingyue added, "Jaehyun, you are surrounded by love, and we will always be here for you. May you grow up strong and happy."
The ceremony continued, with each family member offering their blessings. Despite the initial awkwardness, the collective love and support from the family began to create a warm and heartfelt atmosphere. The rituals were meaningful, symbolizing protection, prosperity, and happiness for Jaehyun.
"Dad, seriously why did you have to make it all awkward. As long as brother Cai is happy, you should accept whosoever he picks. You can’t be salty just because he didn’t tell you.."
He Minseo frowned as she pulled her dad to the corner, though they were supposed by the fact that He Xui Cai suddenly had a son it wasn’t enough reason for their dad to make it so awkward.
"What? I’m not salty..humph, my own son having a son and not telling me why would I be salty about it.."
"..."
"Stop being childish dad, you won’t even greet madam Su, she’s about to become your in-law, you can’t be so cold.."
"..."
"Aigoo...get away from here, you’re already 24, when will you get married and have a kid of your own? Stop nagging me and start nagging Adam to propose.."
"..."
He Minseo lips twitched at the unexpected yet expected stray bullet as she fell quiet.
"It’s not like that, we’re taking things slow. It’s only been 2 years.."
He Jiahao hissed as he shook his head, when he came to Adam she would be all fussy and shy.
"Aigoo...get away from here and go blend in.."
After the formal ceremony, the celebration moved to a grand feast. Conversations began to flow more naturally, and the laughter of children playing filled the house.
Tang Can and He Xui Cai found solace in the family’s support, even as they navigated the underlying tensions.
As the evening progressed, He Xui Cai found a moment to speak privately with his father. "Dad, I know you have concerns about our situation, but I hope you can see how much Can loves Jaehyun, it’s a bit annoying when you make that expression. Geez I’m glad he resembled mom."
"..."
He Jiahao looked at his son, his expression softening slightly. "I will try to be more understanding. But why hide the kid from us? You didn’t have to leave us all in the dark."
He Xui Cai nodded as he scratched his head, he couldn’t tell his dad that he didn’t know how to tell them and ended up chicken out for the whole nine months. "Thank you, Dad. Do you want to hold Jaehyun?"
"Can I? I haven’t held a baby in 20 years..."
He Xui Cai smiled as they walked to where Tang Can was.
She quickly tensed up but He Xui Cai’s arm wrapped around her shoulder giving her strength.
"Can I hold the child?"