"Master, what are you doing?" Xu Nian’an watched Du Chang carrying a load of items, tobacco, liquor, tea, snacks, and fruits, more items than he brought, and by no means less.
"This is a gift of gratitude for Ji Ying girl saving Yining, you’re not included."
Yesterday, Du Chang had learned from Pei Yining how Ji Ying had saved her. He had always liked Ji Ying, and now his affection for her had grown even more.
Xu Nian’an touched his nose.
Upon arriving at the Xu family’s house, Xu Nian’an realized that the things Du Chang was carrying were just child’s play compared to the large and small packages Pei Yicheng and Pei Yining, brother and sister, were bringing. Were they planning to stay for a few days?
"Uncle, Aunt," Pei Yining dropped her things inside the house and sweetly started calling out, "Big brother Xu, sister-in-law Xu, second brother Xu."
"Yining, long time no see, you’ve become more and more beautiful," Ji Ying observed Pei Yining, who had grown increasingly graceful and elegant.
"Aunt Ji is just teasing me, I’m not as pretty as Ji Ying."
Pei Yining touched her face, which compared to Ji Ying’s, could only be considered modestly pretty.
"Oh, Uncle, Aunt, this is a token of affection from my brother and me; we bought clothes for each of you," Pei Yining had just finished speaking when Ji Ying refused.
Pei Yicheng explained from the side, "Aunt Ji, don’t be in a hurry to refuse. These two jackets were specifically chosen according to your sizes, unique to Ningbei, especially warm. Look at the collars, they’re made from rabbit fur."
"Exactly, and they’re not expensive either," Pei Yining chimed in with a smile, "Aunt Ji, I was thinking of coming over to your place for a few more meals. If you don’t accept these, I’d feel embarrassed to come over and mooch meals."
"A few meals, they’re inexpensive," Ji Ying remarked.
Laughing, Pei Yining replied, "Two outfits aren’t expensive either, but Auntie, the meals you make taste even better than the big restaurants in Ningbei. When all is said and done, I’m still getting the better deal."
"Well then, come on in and sit down. You might not be cold, but this old man is," Du Chang put down the stuff on the table and said, "Qinghe, our two families don’t need to be so formal with each other, right?"
"Uncle Du, then why did you bring so much stuff?" Xu Qinghe looked at the table full of items, feeling that the gifts brought by their family were too excessive.
"This is for Ji Ying girl. Ji Ying saving Yining is like saving half my life; these are just a token of my sentiment," Du Chang spoke earnestly.
At his age, having lost his wife and daughter, leaving only a grandson and granddaughter, weren’t they his lifelines?
"If Ji Ying hadn’t pushed Yining away, they both would have gotten hurt, which wouldn’t count as saving Yining. However, Yining has been taking care of Ji Ying ever since the incident. We must not forget this favor," Xu Qinghe earnestly said. Although he felt pained for his own daughter, he understood and supported Ji Ying’s actions.
"It’s only right for Yining to take care of Ji Ying. Let’s not talk about this anymore and just remember each others’ kindness," Du Chang said cheerfully. He didn’t linger on this topic but changed the subject, "Qinghe, how about we play a game?"
Some favors only needed to be remembered in the heart, ready to be reciprocated when help was needed, not constantly mentioned out loud as thanks.
"Sure, Uncle Du, but you’ll have to go easy on me," Xu Qinghe picked up the chessboard and pieces, arranging them while speaking.