"Little sister really understands me." Xu Nian’an felt much more comfortable after Xu Nianhua’s comforting words. He said, "Little sister, helping Shuyuan is also for grandpa. Grandpa is getting old, and my uncle’s family is struggling, squeezing into such a small house. If Shuyuan makes money, he’ll definitely not let grandpa suffer in the future."
"Mmm-hmm," Xu Nianhua nodded in agreement.
Xu Nian’an continued, "Shuhong from my second uncle’s family, and the two cousins, they’re all so indifferent toward us. We can’t even hold a conversation these days. I think, once Shuyuan starts earning money, they’ll surely change their mind."
"As for my eldest uncle, seeing the bright red fur coat that my aunt wore, I think they must be living well and don’t need our help." Xu Nian’an’s words were also meant for Xu Qinghe and Ji Ying, especially Xu Qinghe. Xu Nian’an was afraid of being misunderstood by his own father.
It’s not that he sees as relatives only those who are nice to him.
Yet, kindness is reciprocal; nobody wants to warm up to a cold backside, right?
"Nian’an, I thank you on behalf of Shuyuan and grandpa," Ji Ying said, looking at her son with pride swelling in her face.
"Mom, he’s my grandpa too."
Xu Nian’an felt the grievances in his heart dissipate entirely after being praised by his mom.
"What? You’re going back to Ningbei tomorrow?"
Ji Ying exclaimed, looking at Xu Nian’an and then at Xu Nianhua, asking, "When did you make this decision? This is too sudden, isn’t it? There are still more than ten days before school starts!"
"Mom, didn’t we talk about opening a store earlier? The shop’s rent is all paid up. If we don’t go early, how can we stock the store? Yesterday, I discussed it with Shuyuan. Once we arrive in Ningbei, we’ll ship goods to him. That way, with express shipping, Shuyuan can receive the goods around the 10th and start selling."
"But why didn’t anyone tell me?" Ji Ying glanced around; it seemed everyone knew but her. She sat down huffily.
Xu Nianhua stepped forward, holding Ji Ying’s arm, saying, "Going to Ningbei is very convenient now. You can take Big Brother’s car into town, then directly catch the train. After getting off the train, me and Second Brother will pick you up. You can come to see us whenever you want."
With a gentle, soothing voice and a face brimming with smiles, Xu Nianhua made Ji Ying’s heart turn from discomfort to reluctance. She gently touched her nose and said, "Your dad and I are swamped at home, never touching the ground. When do we have the time to visit you?"
Between the furniture factory and the Chili Sauce Factory, they were incredibly busy; they simply couldn’t get away. And that was before the work had even started; once it began, how would she have time to sit idly at home?
"Mom, I didn’t mean to keep it from you. I thought... I thought you knew," Xu Nian’an said, feeling somewhat guilty.
During the previous discussions about the store, he genuinely thought Ji Ying knew they would leave early.
"It’s my fault; I forgot to tell you," Xu Qinghe said reproachfully. During the New Year break, he and Ji Ying finally had some rare rest time, naturally spent with family. In South City, Ji Ying was almost always with Ji Xinghua, walking and browsing around, and she simply forgot about it.
"Then I’ll go pack your things."
Ji Ying got up and started getting busy, packing delicious treats for her children and some local specialties for their dorm mates.
The children hadn’t been home long, and in the blink of an eye, they were about to leave again.