"Not at all, not at all," Xu Nianhua shook his head quickly, his face eager to please as he spoke, "Mom, you and dad are still in your prime, still young."
"Mom, if you went out with little sister, people would believe you’re her older sister," Xu Nian’an immediately chimed in.
Xu Nianhua looked at Xu Nian’an with admiration, saying, "Second brother is right."
I hadn’t expected second brother to be so good at winning hearts.
"Nian’an, aren’t you talking nonsense? Would I have such an old sister?" Ji Ying said out loud, but she was secretly pleased.
"Mom, you are not old at all."
Xu Nianhua spoke seriously, examining Ji Ying. Although there was a difference compared to her well-maintained skin, Ji Ying’s skin was naturally good. Now, with better living conditions and something to look forward to, Ji Ying radiated confidence from inside out.
Xu Qinghe also interjected.
Ji Ying’s face turned red, and she glared fiercely at Xu Qinghe.
Next door, Fang Yue, tired from a day’s work, lay in bed and asked worriedly, "Hai, what if she refuses to acknowledge us? What then?"
"Getting Nianhua to accept us won’t happen overnight. Mingzhu is due to give birth in early September. What if we invite Nianhua to our home during the summer vacation to spend some time? Wouldn’t that build our relationship?" Gu Hai spoke earnestly, "Mingzhu is your daughter, and so is Nianhua. Nianhua’s future achievements won’t be modest; hence, our task now is to gradually get her closer to us."
"Once the feelings develop, and if something unexpected occurs during Mingzhu’s childbirth, could Nianhua, as her sister, remain indifferent?" Gu Hai was quite calculating; he added, "The Xu family isn’t bad, but compared to us, they fall short. If Nianhua is smart, she would naturally know how to choose."
"Right, we are going back tomorrow. The gifts, make sure they’re ready," Gu Hai reminded.
Fang Yue seemed to understand, feeling an epiphany at Gu Hai’s words. She replied enthusiastically, "Don’t worry, the gifts have been prepared well in advance, I guarantee the young lady will like them."
Two tailor-made dresses, both elegant gowns, two casual skirts, and some delicate jewelry.
These were the pieces of jewelry specially picked by Gu Mingzhu when they came; Mingzhu’s taste was naturally excellent.
"Hai, these days, I’ve been thinking wrongfully. I haven’t been a good mother. I just, just feel excessively guilty towards her."
Fang Yue was somewhat incoherent; she moved closer to Gu Hai voluntarily, softly admitting her faults.
"Nianhua, our visit this time was rushed, and the gifts we have prepared are limited. This is a small token from us, and I hope you will like it," Fang Yue’s voice was gentle, her eyes smiling warmly. Today, she wore a bright red dress with a white shawl that made her look radiant, wearing a pearl necklace around her neck that added to her elegance.
Fang Yue directly took out a large box and placed it in front of Xu Nianhua.
"For me?" Xu Nianhua raised an eyebrow, looking at Fang Yue with some surprise. The Fang Yue from the first day, the second day, and today were completely different.
They had given generous gifts during their last visit to the Xu family, and this time in Ningbei, they brought gifts too?
"Yes, for you," Fang Yue confirmed with a nod, placing the box flat and opening it to reveal a delicate box and several beautiful dresses. She picked up the box and explained, "I picked these out specially for you. Take a look; do you like them?"