"Shuyuan, how is your school? I heard that studying law is especially difficult," Xu Nian’an said as he poured the tea water, handing it to Ji Shuyuan, and added, "This is well water, icy and very refreshing to drink."
Ji Shuyuan took a sip and indeed, just as he had said, it was deliciously cool as if it dissipated all the inner heat. He casually replied, "Studying is never easy."
"Congratulations on getting into Medical University, soon you’ll be a doctor," Ji Shuyuan’s eyes gleamed with admiration, he felt pride swell in his heart for the achievements of Xu Nian’an and his family.
"I will study hard, wanting to become a good doctor in the future."
Xu Nian’an had long resolved that he wanted to be a good doctor.
"All of you are very talented," Pei Yicheng praised, though he usually kept to himself, when he truly wanted to impress someone, he would engage them fully. The three men sat there, chatting enjoyably.
As for the impression Xu Nian’an made on Pei Yicheng and the Xu family, it was very favorable.
Even Ji Shuyuan, meeting him for the first time, found him polite and humble, with a notable family background yet without any airs.
Whether discussing law, medicine, or current affairs, Pei Yicheng always managed to keep the conversation flowing. Talking with him felt very comfortable and enjoyable.
Pei Yining carried a pot of crucian carp tofu soup to the table while calling over the three men at the side chatting, she happily said, "Look, Nianhua prepared a lot of delicious dishes."
"Little sister’s culinary skills are truly impressive," Ji Shuyuan remarked as he surveyed the table full of dishes, complete in color, scent, and taste, which gave him the illusion of dining in a restaurant.
"Nianhua, aren’t Mom and the eldest brother and sister-in-law coming to eat?" Xu Nianhua asked as he had not yet seen any sign of them.
Xu Nian’an immediately walked outside saying, "I’ll go call them now."
"No need to call, we are here."
Xu Nianji, supporting the visibly pregnant Zhou He, entered followed by Ji Ying, who urged Zhou He to be careful while she hurried into the kitchen: "Nianhua, let me help you."
They had been delayed because the delivery truck had only arrived that afternoon, and Ji Ying had no time to leave.
"Mom, I’ve already finished cooking the dishes," Xu Nianhua said with a cheerful grin, "Mom, you must be tired, go wash your hands and get ready to eat."
"Ah, my daughter has really grown up, able to cook a whole table of delicious dishes," Ji Ying mused. Despite their poverty, she had always ensured the best for her daughter growing up.
Now her daughter not only had made it to university but was also sensible and filial. Ji Ying felt her life was truly worthwhile.
"Mom, I’ll cook for you every day," Xu Nianhua said as she scooped the vegetables from the pot to a plate, "Mom, go wash your hands quick, or the dishes will get cold."
Ji Ying washed the dishes one more time, picked them up, and headed to the living room outside.
The living room was lively, and though Ji Shuyuan was a guest from afar, he did not feel out of place at all.
"Nianhua, thank you for the meal, it was especially delicious," Ji Shuyuan commended, then turned to Ji Ying, "Auntie, I’m here in Gaoliang County for a short visit. Do you want to come with me to South City?"
Ji Shuyuan had thought long before saying this.
"To South City?" Ji Ying was surprised, and then seemed somewhat excited. Previously, their family was so poor that even affording a round-trip ticket was hard. Even if they went, exposing their poverty to her father was worse than not seeing him at all.
Thus, knowing her father was well, Ji Ying had lost the desire to visit South City.