Chapter 406: Chapter 406 A Good Hand Played Poorly Chapter 406: Chapter 406 A Good Hand Played Poorly After everything in the house had been tidied up, the family members began to pay their New Year’s respects to the elderly couple. Zhou Guifang took out the red envelopes she had prepared earlier—there was one for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren—even the married eldest grandson and his wife received one.
Luo Qiao gave red envelopes to her younger cousin Luo Jiayue, who was still in school, and her three little nephews and nieces, each containing a generous amount. This was her indirect way of thanking the first and third branches of the family for not despising how Grandpa and Grandma took care of her eldest and second brothers over the years.
The members of the first and third branches initially wanted to refuse, pointing out that she was still a student and questioning where she got the money.
But Luo Qiao insisted that it was a small gesture of her appreciation, and since all her other brothers and sisters were already working, she felt no need to extend it to them.
Zhou Guifang then intervened, saying, “Qiaoqiao now has her own income—it’s her kindness, you guys should just accept it without worry.”
Zhou Guifang repeated to everyone what Luo Qiao had said, and that was when everybody learned that Luo Qiao had been submitting novels for publication, earning a handsome income, which was followed by a round of compliments.
Luo Qiao felt somewhat embarrassed by the praise, and Zhou Guifang then steered the conversation elsewhere, “Alright, alright, the dough has risen enough, let’s hurry up and make the dumplings.”
The group dispersed to their respective tasks, with the men of the house joining the dumpling-making crew. With many hands making light work, they swiftly prepared three baskets of dumplings.
Luo Qiao also made a few dumplings shaped like little gold ingots and fish, which delighted her eldest cousin and second cousin’s children. After a lively breakfast, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren set out to pay their New Year’s visits under Luo Daoren’s leadership.
Luo Qiao joined them for a while but returned home early, as she was still concerned about giving her two elder brothers their acupuncture treatment. She had considered taking a break for the day, but Grandpa and Grandma said it was okay as it didn’t draw blood.
In her heart, she knew that the old couple wished for her brothers to recover sooner.
Upon returning inside, she saw Ning Xueling standing in the living room, looking as if she wanted to enter Luo Xuyuan’s room.
Before Luo Qiao could speak, she heard her grandmother emerge from another room and say, “Xuyuan has just gotten a bit better, don’t think about upsetting him again, or I’ll fight you for it.”
Ning Xueling sighed and turned to leave the house, but as she saw Luo Qiao standing outside, she glanced coldly at her and quickly headed towards the kitchen.
Luo Qiao watched Ning Xueling’s retreating figure and thought to herself that the woman must have water in her brain. She clearly had a good hand but managed to play it so poorly.
Zhou Guifang, noticing her granddaughter shaking her head at the doorstep, said softly, “She is probably recognizing her mistakes now, but it’s too late.”
Then Zhou Guifang asked her granddaughter, “Didn’t you go out with your grandpa to pay New Year’s visits? How come you’re back so soon?”
Luo Qiao replied with a smile, “I came back to give acupuncture to Big Brother and Second Brother. This afternoon, I’m going to my master’s place for dinner, and I’ll stay there for the night. Tomorrow, I’ll go directly to the Yuan Family to pay a visit, and I’ll be back tomorrow evening.”
Zhou Guifang, who was aware of some of the Yang Family’s matters, did not object and said, “Then, that’s fine, pass our regards when you get there.”
Luo Qiao answered, “Will do.”
By the time the kitchen preparations were set and only the cooking remained, the group that had gone out to pay their visits had returned. Luo Qiao had already administered the acupuncture for her eldest and second brothers and was massaging Big Brother Luo Xuyan.
Everyone gathered around curiously and, seeing Luo Qiao’s skilled hands massaging Luo Xuyan, and noting his blissful expression, they realized that Grandma hadn’t lied—Qiaoqiao was indeed treating her brothers.
However, whether she could cure them was another matter.
After lunch was finished and a brief rest, the visiting families prepared to leave, needing to get ready to return to their maternal homes the next day.
Luo Haotian approached Luo Qiao to ask whether she would be returning with them to the machinery factory today or staying here. Luo Qiao responded, “I’ll be heading to my master’s place in a bit, and I’ll dine and stay the night with them.”
It was then that Luo Haotian asked, “Qiaoqiao, what was that you mentioned about a godmother yesterday?”
Luo Qiao explained, “It’s about the second son of the Yuan Family and his wife, who have acknowledged me as their goddaughter.”
Luo Haotian inquired further, “When did this happen?”
Luo Qiao replied, “On my first trip back to the Capital.”
Feeling a pang of discomfort, Luo Haotian lamented that his newly acknowledged daughter had been so quickly ‘taken’ by others. With a sense of unwillingness, he said, “Why didn’t you tell the family beforehand? It would have been good for your father to be prepared.”
Luo Qiao responded with a smile, “Would knowing make a difference? Life would go on as usual, and with or without them, you’re still my dad. Since it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, I didn’t mention it.”
Feeling a bit downcast, Luo Haotian said, “How could it be the same? If I’d known someone was competing with me, I would have taken leave to accompany you shopping beforehand.”
Luo Qiao smiled, “Aren’t you going to accompany me to the Temple Fair?”
A smile finally broke through Luo Haotian’s mood, “Alright, let’s pack up and go.”