On the first day of the New Year, Jiang Xiaoxiao and Song Moting carried gifts to pay respects to Old Sir Song and Old Mrs. Song.
Initially, they had planned to visit Fan Xiuying and Jiang Lao on the first day.
But Fan Xiuying had instructed her on New Year’s Eve, according to the local customs, you can’t visit your mother’s home on the first day of the New Year.
She didn’t want the couple to come back.
Jiang Xiaoxiao, seeing Fan Xiuying’s concerned face, had to agree.
She didn’t understand why there were so many rules.
She could only wait until the second day to see her family.
The two of them arrived at the Song family home.
The Song family was gathered together today.
This was also Jiang Xiaoxiao’s first time with so many members of the Song family.
Of course, there was also that bothersome Fang Xiaohui.
Fang Xiaohui was currently accompanying the old man, playing chess.
However, seeing the old man looking utterly indifferent, Jiang Xiaoxiao could guess Fang Xiaohui’s chess skills.
Upon seeing Jiang Xiaoxiao, the old man almost immediately threw down the chess pieces, joyfully exclaiming.
"Xiaoxiao, you finally came back. We haven’t seen you for several days. This brat Moting claims you’re busy—busy with what! Your grandmother talks about you every day; my ears have grown calluses."
Jiang Xiaoxiao and Song Moting paid respects to the old man and the old lady.
The old lady and the old man were so happy, each handed them a red envelope.
The old lady even pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao into her room.
Fang Xiaohui glared hatefully at Jiang Xiaoxiao’s back. How could Jiang Xiaoxiao be so lucky?
Fang Xiaohui had been pondering this over the past few days, suspecting that Jiang Xiaoxiao was reborn just like her, otherwise, everything happening to Jiang Xiaoxiao seemed completely different from the last lifetime.
It couldn’t possibly be due to a minor butterfly effect she had caused.
Let Jiang Xiaoxiao bounce around for a few more days, she won’t believe Jiang Xiaoxiao won’t die.
Jiang Xiaoxiao must die.
"Grandma, what is this?"
Seeing the old lady take out a box of jewelry—jade, cat-eye gems, diamonds—it truly seemed to have everything.
"Quick, choose. Grandma’s New Year gift to you. These are all yours in the future. This is my dowry. If your grandfather hadn’t protected me, these would’ve been taken away long ago. Now grandmother leaves it all to you."
The old lady’s family used to be capitalists. Without the old man, ordinary families definitely couldn’t hold onto these items.
Jiang Xiaoxiao understood the old lady’s intentions, and without hesitation, chose a small, exquisite earring, deliberately picking something inconspicuous. It looked like a water diamond, shaped like a drop, but worn on the ears it was less noticeable.
She actually knew that the old lady’s things were all high-quality; others would draw too much attention.
Below, a houseful of people were watching with wide eyes.
If she took such grand items outside, she’d surely attract jealousy.
It would also make people say the old lady was biased.
The old lady was a bit displeased, "Are you afraid of your uncles and aunts talking? I’ve told them before, my dowry is all left for Moting. They understand this clearly. If anyone dares to criticize, I’ll have your grandfather smack them."
Don’t be fooled by your uncles and aunts’ ages; when your grandfather gets riled up, he’ll still give them a good slap.
Feeling pity for this child for being too sensible, she didn’t require such behavior in their family; arrogance and flamboyance were also the Song family traits.
Jiang Xiaoxiao chuckled, "Grandma, you’re wronging me. I chose this because of my age. Such jewelry suits me better. Those bracelets and necklaces, I can’t pull them off."
It would be like a child wearing adult heels, they’d laugh. Isn’t this the truth? When I’m older, needing to wear such items, I promise I’ll come to ask you."
You said today these items are all left for me. Brother Song won’t have a share. These are personal belongings, which I’ll leave to my children, and in the future, I’ll find an agreeable daughter-in-law to pass them on to her."
Jiang Xiaoxiao’s smiling words made the old lady beam with joy.
"Yes, leave it for your daughter-in-law in the future!"
Suspiciously glancing at Jiang Xiaoxiao’s belly.
The couple had been married for quite a while, but it seemed there was no news of children. The old lady was eager to hold a great-grandchild, barely hiding her thoughts.
Jiang Xiaoxiao blushed under her gaze.
She definitely recognized that expression from the old lady.
Her mother Fan Xiuying also nagged her daily, telling her she should have a child with Song Moting.
They were in college, it wouldn’t hinder their studies, and the child could be raised by the old couple.
Jiang Xiaoxiao and Song Moting hadn’t even used contraception.
But it was true they hadn’t had any children.
Jiang Xiaoxiao felt a bit bleak. Although she had been married for some years in her past life, she still hadn’t had her own child; she truly longed for one—a flesh of her flesh—but didn’t have one in her past life.
She had been to the hospital and had her body checked, everything was normal.
But she still hadn’t had a child in this life either.
Jiang Xiaoxiao thought maybe she was destined not to have children. Otherwise, both of them were in good health, yet still childless.
Old Mrs. Song noticed Jiang Xiaoxiao’s expression, worried she might be pressuring the child, and hurriedly said.
"Xiaoxiao, you’re still young, and there’s plenty of time. Besides, the farm life was busy, with harsh conditions, barely having enough to eat and drink, hardly time to take good care of your body, right?
Now back in Jingbei, with your grandparents and parents, we can take care of your health, surely you’ll be well-nurtured. Don’t worry, children will come in time, we’re in no rush."
She feared Jiang Xiaoxiao’s mental burden due to this.
Jiang Xiaoxiao understood the old lady was comforting her.
But her heart was heavy, knowing the elders’ earnest hopes and the family’s expectations.
Jiang Xiaoxiao’s worries increased, considering she had been healthy in her previous life yet childless. So far, this life seemed similar; at times, she felt the heavens had destined a trade-off for enjoying rebirth with no children of her own.
Suddenly, chaotic noises came from downstairs.
Jiang Xiaoxiao and the old lady were surprised, wondering what happened?
The two hurried downstairs.
They saw Fang Xiaohui surrounded by attention, seated on the sofa, her face pale but her eyes revealed joy.
Mrs. Song was softly advising Fang Xiaohui.
"Xiao Hui, this is your first child, you must be careful, pay attention to your diet. Whatever you want, tell me, your father and I will handle it. You’re the merit bearer of our Song family’s first great-grandchild."
Jiang Xiaoxiao’s eyes flashed, Fang Xiaohui was pregnant.
Fang Xiaohui hadn’t been married long, barely a month.
Now they found out she was pregnant, seemed Fang Xiaohui had schemed to capture Song Mohuan.
Old Sir Song was grinning widely; after all, it meant the arrival of the fourth generation, he couldn’t help but be pleased.
"Good, good, a merit-bearing person, Mohuan, you must take good care of Xiao Hui, or I’ll hold you accountable."
Song Mohuan was pleased his grandfather had never been this affectionate.
Seemed his child was stronger than himself.
Cleverly taking advantage of this child, perhaps he could gain some of the attention typically given to Song Moting.
"Grandfather, we’re young and lack experience; why not let Xiao Hui and I move back in? With you and grandmother around, surely your great-grandchild will be born safely."
He was trying to break Song Moting’s accustomed privilege of being the sole focus of their grandparents’ attention.