"Dad, Mom, how did you get here? And where are Big Sister and Zhuangzhuang?" Xu Nianhua changed the subject and inquired.
Ji Ying answered, "We walked here. Your big sister and Zhuangzhuang are at home. They intended to come visit as well, but since Zhuangzhuang is still little and has been coughing these past couple of days, I didn’t let her come."
On the other side, Xu Qinghe and Pei Yicheng were chatting.
Xu Nian’an was silently peeling apples for everyone, listening to Xu Qinghe and Pei Yicheng’s conversation, he really wanted to laugh but didn’t dare to.
"I don’t know what you like to eat. It was a rush today, but I’ll stew a chicken for you tomorrow."
"Uncle Xu, there’s no need, I’m not picky about food."
"How can that be? You saved Nianhua, and both your Aunt Ji and I are extremely grateful."
"There’s no need, I willingly saved Nianhua."
When Xu Qinghe heard this, he felt it was necessary to show gratitude, and went on and on about it. He spoke about how difficult it is to repay a favor, let alone the debt of saving a life, listing various ways to show gratitude.
"Uncle Xu." Pei Yicheng had to interrupt Xu Qinghe’s words, speaking with a solemn expression, "Uncle Xu, I saved Nianhua simply following my heart, without any bargaining or expectation of repayment."
His words were firm and resonant, causing Ji Ying and her daughter, who were chatting on the side, to stop their conversation.
"Not to mention last year, when Nianhua saved my sister, but even if that hadn’t happened, I definitely wouldn’t have stood by idly if Nianhua was in trouble. All this, I did willingly."
Pei Yicheng’s serious words left Xu Qinghe unsure of how to continue.
"Dad, Mom." Xu Nianhua suddenly stood up. She walked to the front of the sickbed and directly took Pei Yicheng’s hand that wasn’t hooked up to an IV, saying, "We are dating."
The words of Xu Nianhua came out quickly, like a thunderbolt dropping onto the calm surface of a lake.
Pei Yicheng’s face was filled with a wide smile, showing his white and even teeth as he likewise said, "Uncle Xu, Aunt Ji, we’re dating."
Xu Nian’an felt a bit surprised but also thought it was only natural; there was no need for them to hide their open and honorable relationship.
Xu Qinghe’s gaze fixed on their clasped hands. On the way there, Ji Ying had been saying they looked very compatible. He had always thought his daughter wouldn’t start dating so early, but could somebody tell him what was happening now?
Ji Ying was startled for a moment but then immediately said joyfully, "That’s great, Yicheng, I approve of you. Once you become my son-in-law, I’ll make you delicious food every day."
Perhaps feeling that she had been a bit too enthusiastic, she cleared her throat and added, "Yicheng, I always thought you two were a good match. You must treat my daughter Nianhua well. If you ever bully her, I won’t be polite to you!"
Ji Ying always felt like a dream was coming true when she looked at Pei Yicheng, her gaze even more affectionate—this could be her future son-in-law!
Xu Qinghe was silent, not uttering a word.
"Dad, I..." Xu Nianhua felt somewhat guilty and dared not meet her father’s gaze.
Pei Yicheng spoke up to admit his fault, "Uncle Xu, Aunt Ji, it’s my fault for not telling you earlier. From now on, I will treat Nianhua well and not let anyone bully her."
"You two, when did you get together?" Xu Qinghe looked at Xu Nianhua, remembering the skinny little girl he had picked up from under the Big Locust Tree, who seemed like she wouldn’t make it. In the blink of an eye, his daughter had grown graceful, and now someone else’s boy wanted to take her away. His heart couldn’t feel more uncomfortable.