Lu Yichen didn’t see Stone or Taifeng, so he turned to Gu Qianru: "Auntie, where are Stone and Taifeng?"
Gu Qianru put little Yezi down on the sofa: "They’ll probably be back soon. They went for military training after the holiday started. They called last night and said they would be home by noon."
As she said this, Gu Qianru’s smile faded: "Qiaoqiao, there is something I need to tell you."
Luo Qiao saw her aunt’s expression and thought something happened: "What’s wrong?"
"Stone’s biological father has been looking for him. There were several close calls, and they might have found him if Yichen hadn’t intervened."
"I’ve talked to Yichen about this before; they might know that Stone is in Capital City."
"Yes, Stone’s grandmother once bumped into him on the street."
Gu Qianru seemed to remember something and continued: "After meeting Stone’s biological father, I understand why Old Lady Ning recognized Stone at first sight. Father and son really do look very alike."
"Let’s just let things take their course. Stone is already eighteen years old; we should respect his wishes."
Gu Qianru nodded: "Okay, Auntie will listen to you, though it’s still a bit unsettling."
Luo Qiao looped an arm around Gu Qianru’s shoulder: "Auntie, don’t worry."
Seeing Gu Qianru still frowning, Luo Qiao continued: "Since Stone was eight, he lived with me and Yichen until he was eleven when he returned to Capital City to live with you and grandpa. He knows how well you’ve taken care of him all these years.
Stone is smart; he’s clear about what his biological father did. He’s more aware why the Ning Family wants him to return now. To leave a peaceful life for that home, how disillusioned would one have to be."
Hearing this, Gu Qianru’s smile returned. After living together for so many years, she had come to regard Stone as her own child, so she felt unhappy about the Ning Family searching for Stone.
After Luo Qiao’s words, she realized she had been overthinking it.
Old Master Gu watched the three kids walk steadily: "They seem tougher than Mingyang, full of energy. You can tell they are military material."
Gu Qianru, who was nearby, heard him: "Dad, now that you see someone good, you want to send them to the military. It’s a peaceful era, and children have their own preferences. You can’t make decisions for them."
Master Gu laughed: "I am aware of that."
Thinking of the eight-month-old granddaughter Gu Xinyu: "It’s a pity that Kai Rong’s family has a daughter, but there are also many female soldiers these days."
Gu Qianru said with a smile: "Dad, Xinyu is so young, and you’re already planning to send her to the military. If Big Brother and Sister-in-law knew, they would be upset."
Everyone laughed.
Master Gu still said: "We can’t spoil children too much."
Luo Qiao smiled and said: "Grandpa, you’re right. We should cultivate a sense of right and wrong in them from a young age and raise them to be responsible and accountable kids."
Gu Qianru laughed: "My, our little treasures have it tough. They’re still in split-crotch pants, and great grandpa and mom are already planning their future."
Lu Yichen added indifferently: "Sending boys to the military for some toughening up is only beneficial, no harm. Actually, sending girls to the military for training would make parents worry less in the future."
Gu Qianru was about to retort when Auntie Tang came in: "Dinner is ready."
Lu Yiting, with Yanyan and Yueyue, came from the small living room: "Auntie, I’m going to bring Mingyang over. Today, mother and daughter will dine here."
Gu Qianru teased: "Whenever you’re on leave at home, when don’t you and your daughter eat here once or twice?"
Lu Yiting, while running out, said, "That’s because Sister-in-law Tang cooks delicious food."
Luo Qiao asked: "Is Xiangrui on vacation yet?"
Lu Yiting had already reached the yard and still replied: "He won’t be home until the afternoon."
Luo Qiao was about to help Sister-in-law Tang when she saw the tall and handsome Stone return, and Luo Qiao called out: "Stone."
Sun Zhenglei, hearing Luo Qiao’s voice, looked up and saw his sister standing at the entrance of the living room. He strode forward and gave Luo Qiao a big hug: "Sister, why didn’t you give us a heads-up?"
Luo Qiao smiled and checked Stone out: "I wanted to surprise everyone."
Looking at Stone, who had grown a lot: "Stone, have you been taking growth enhancers? How much have you grown in this half-year?"
Stone said with a smile: "Indeed, I’ve grown quite a bit, now I’m 187 cm."
Luo Qiao turned to the following Taifeng: "And Taifeng, have you grown a lot too? How tall are you now?"
Taifeng was also very excited, not expecting his aunt and family would come back for the New Year. Hearing the question, he quickly replied: "I just measured yesterday, 168 cm."
Luo Qiao said with a smile: "Hmm, not bad."
Gu Qianru came out smiling at the two: "You came back just in time, wash up for dinner."
The two replied ’okay’ and quickly put their belongings back in their room, washed up, and rushed toward the children in the small hall: "Yanyan, Yueyue, did you miss your uncle (brother)?"