The boy and girl twins were delighted when they saw what Old Chu had brought out.
Each of them took one and started squatting on the ground to watch the cricket fighting.
In the past, cricket fighting was a form of entertainment in the streets and alleys of the Imperial Capital, causing some to lose everything and others to amass fortunes.
Most people just watched the fun in the streets and then went back to their respective homes and families.
The tradition of cricket fighting, less popular among the youth today, had become popular among retired elders.
With plenty of free time at home, raising a few crickets, finding a couple of good friends, and having a bit of fun became part of their retirement life.
"Go, go," Xiaobao cheered for her own Fighting God from the ground. Although she cheered eagerly, her cricket, clearly lacking in fighting ability, quickly lost to Gu Dabao’s.
The losing Xiaobao pouted, "Grandpa, I want the one brother has; I want another round."
"Best two out of three, two more rounds to go," Gu Dabao disagreed with swapping, "You still have two more chances."
"Hmph, I will definitely beat you."
The boy and girl twins, neither accepting defeat from the other, ended up whiling away the time.
Two hours later, a group of people came back from the hospital; the old lady’s chronic illness had flared up, clearly leaving her less vibrant than before, every move showing a lack of energy.
Looking at everyone returned, Old Chu collected the treasures used by the twins. After playing for a good part of the day, Xiaobao began to feel sleepy and snuggled into Xiaofeng’s arms, closing her eyes and wanting to sleep.
Although Dabao was tired too, his bright, black eyes surveyed the scene. He had just spotted a young auntie whose look at mom didn’t seem too friendly.
Could mom be in danger?
Haige helped the old lady rest in the Taishi Chair, then fetched some lab equipment.
"Today, with all the respected uncles and great-uncles present, I will not say too much. My godmother has not suffered from her old ailment for a long time. Today was supposed to be a joyful day for her, and logically, she shouldn’t have fallen ill. But not only did my godmother fall ill, she nearly lost her life. My godmother has treated me like her own daughter since I was young; in my heart, she is my real mother. I couldn’t just stand by when she almost lost her life."
"Before my godmother fell ill, she hardly ate anything but had some rice wine brewed by Su Xiaofeng. Thus, I have reasonable grounds to suspect that there was something wrong with the wine. Even if the wine itself was not problematic, it certainly contained factors that triggered my godmother’s illness. In the spirit of science, a suspicion must be backed by reason for verification; naturally, since I raised the suspicion, I have to prove it."
"I hope Xiaofeng does not feel offended by this. After all, having skills is a good thing, but if something inappropriate was added to the brew, it could be harmful to everyone’s health after consumption," she continued, her eyes moving to Old Gu," Old Gu, you were a person of influence in the Imperial Capital before, but now that this has happened with your granddaughter-in-law involved, I hope you can understand. After all, this concerns not only my godmother’s health but also the health of all the esteemed uncles and great-uncles here."
"Haige, go ahead and carry out the tests; we have no objections," a senior spoke, "The rice wine was brought by Old Gu’s granddaughter-in-law, and almost everyone present had some. We of course believe that there is nothing wrong with these wines, but it’s not impossible for them to have been tampered with by someone with ulterior motives."
"Right, right, testing them is good; it would give us all peace of mind."
"Thank you, uncles and great-uncles, for your understanding. I will immediately collect samples and have them tested at the lab." Upon seeing everyone supported, Haige’s lips curled up slightly.
Old Gu watched as Haige collected everyone’s used wine glasses, naturally upset, but if he interfered at this moment, it would seem as though he had something to hide.
He looked apologetically at Xiaofeng: "Xiaofeng, grandpa brought you here firstly to get to know Bai Liuniang. Bringing your wine as well was meant to introduce it to everyone, not expecting this to happen. I know you feel wronged, but Liuniang is an industry leader; her safety takes precedence over everything. Even I must prioritize her safety first."
"Grandpa, I understand. Grandma Bai has made countless contributions to the country in her lifetime; it’s only right that her safety comes first."
"Good child, it’s great you understand. Don’t worry, with your grandpa here, I’ll take care of you."
"Great-grandpa," Gu Dabao came over with his short legs, "Was that grandma sick earlier? Can I go see her?"