Chapter 202: Chapter 202: Xu Huaizhi Loses His Temper, Dinner

“What do you think I’m doing? Your younger siblings are making such a racket, and you can still eat? Has your conscience been eaten by a dog?”

“Mom, all of us are married now. Everyone should mind their own business. Can’t I even have a hot meal in my own home once a year?” Xu Huaizhi was half angry, half helpless.

Back when his younger siblings weren’t married, he didn’t mind looking after them more. But now they all have their own families, some are even about to become parents themselves. As the eldest brother, he should have been able to step back long ago.

Yet every time something happens, Liu Guifang always comes to him, making his life a constant headache.

He still hadn’t gotten over the recent miscarriage incident. Because of that, Lin Xiaomeng had been cold toward him ever since. Even though he hadn’t openly taken his family’s side, he’d let Xu Huaiyu off the hook too easily. No wonder Lin Xiaomeng was upset.

“Why can’t you eat later? You clearly heard the commotion and didn’t even bother to check. Is this how an older brother should act?” Liu Guifang argued stubbornly.

Lin Xiaomeng stayed silent in the other room, coldly watching the mother and son go at it. She’d gotten smarter now—whatever happened, she’d let her husband handle it and just watch from the sidelines.

“So in the end, it’s all about a few fish!” Xu Huaizhi was angrier than ever. His mother siding with his siblings again and again had worn his patience thin.

With that, he grabbed the bucket from the yard and dumped it out with a loud bang. Inside were some small fish he’d caught that afternoon, frozen solid and not yet dealt with.

“Go ahead, split them up!” Fish scattered all over the ground, and one even landed on Liu Guifang’s foot. She didn’t dare pick it up or say a word.

Xu Huaizhi’s tone was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.

Liu Guifang shivered in fright. This eldest son suddenly felt like a stranger to her.

“Who—who wants your fish! I—I’m leaving!” The softest people can be the scariest when they snap.

Xu Huaizhi watched her run off, then calmly returned to the dinner table. “Alright, let’s eat.”

Lin Xiaomeng couldn’t quite figure him out. When quiet people get angry, you really can’t underestimate them.

Meanwhile, Chen Jianghe had gone to the commune to fetch a doctor. The doctor was reluctant to make a house call—heavy snow, nighttime, and the New Year approaching. Chen Jianghe gritted his teeth and offered an extra five yuan as a hardship fee, and only then did the doctor agree to come.

After examining Xu Meiling, the doctor said she’d disturbed her pregnancy and needed bed rest. He prescribed a few doses of Chinese medicine to help stabilize her.

Xu Meiling breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Thankfully, she hadn’t miscarried like her sister-in-law, or she’d have a hard time explaining herself to Chen Jianghe. Judging by his dark face, he was furious.

Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang tried to console him: “Jianghe, don’t be angry. This time it was Meiling’s fault. We’ve already scolded her.”

They didn’t dare mention Xu Huaiyu’s involvement, afraid that if their son and son-in-law fought again, the family wouldn’t be able to take it.

Chen Jianghe was angry—angry that Xu Meiling was so reckless, always causing trouble. But since he was in someone else’s home, he held it in.

“It’s late. I still need to walk the doctor out. You’d better stay here tonight—don’t go back. I’ll come get you tomorrow.” He said this to Xu Meiling, then left.

At the village entrance, he saw a tall figure striding quickly toward the village. Looking closely, it was Xu Huaian.

He had married the woman he’d always wanted, and now lived a happy life. Fate really does play tricks. If only he’d been a little quicker back then! But there are no “ifs” in this world.

Xu Huaian didn’t notice Chen Jianghe. He was eager to get home, his mind full of the person he was about to see.

—

After a brief greeting and washing up, Xu Huaian’s family sat down for dinner.

Ten adults, three children.

The big table wasn’t enough, so Gu Qinghuan set up a separate table for the kids on the kang (heated brick bed)—it was cozy and warm, and the food was the same as the adults’.

Seeing this, Ming Ruxue shamelessly insisted on joining the kids’ table. With so many people and all the polite small talk, she felt more comfortable eating freely with the children.

Zhong Luoning, worried about Youran, also sat with the kids. That left eight adults at the main table—just right.

Although it was their first time gathering like this, everyone felt at ease, chatting and laughing together.

Gu Qinghuan brought out her homemade wild grape wine from her space—it was rich and mellow, suitable for all ages. Just in case, she’d also prepared some sorghum liquor.

Old Master Ji preferred the sorghum liquor, but everyone else wanted the grape wine. Except for little Gu Lanting, everyone could have a couple of drinks to relax.

Gu Lanting got to enjoy the “flying dragon soup” he’d been dreaming of—a creamy, delicious broth with an unforgettable flavor. There were only two “flying dragons,” so each person got just a small bowl, making it all the more precious.

Xu Huaian took the opportunity to share some good news: his illness was completely cured!

Ever since he’d recovered his lost memories, he felt more clear-headed than ever, and was certain he was truly healed.

Zhong Weiqian and Cheng Shuying teared up at the news. They remembered how Gu Qinghuan had traded her own marriage prospects for money to save Zhong Zijun, and the guilt had weighed on them ever since. Even though Xu Huaian was a good man, his illness had always made them feel they owed Gu Qinghuan. Now, at last, they could let go.

Zhong Zijun was overjoyed, tears streaming down her face. “That’s wonderful! Really wonderful!”

Ji Linhai, sitting beside her, quietly pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her.

Gu Qinghuan noticed this little gesture and thought to herself, “Could it be what I think? Is Uncle Ji interested in being my stepdad?”

Should she approve or not? Uncle Ji was a good man—filial, strong, responsible, a hundred times better than Gu Yunchuan, and it would be his first marriage too. He was a good match for Zhong Zijun.

But she didn’t know why he’d been sent down to the countryside. What if they got implicated? The Zhong family was finally about to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But she was getting ahead of herself.

Xu Huaian gently scratched her palm and whispered in her ear, “What are you thinking about? Eat up—your favorite, rabbit stew.”

Gu Qinghuan could feel his breath tickling her ear, carrying the sweet scent of grape wine. Her heart fluttered and her face turned red. “Just eat your food!”

The elders didn’t miss their little interaction, and secretly smiled to themselves. This pair had finally made it—what a journey it had been.

Before going to the capital, the two had gotten along well, but there was always a sense of distance. Now, they were clearly more in tune and closer than ever.

Of course, Xu Huaian had always been head over heels, but Gu Qinghuan’s feelings had been unclear. After returning from the capital, it was obvious her attitude had changed.

Though their relationship had started by accident, if they could truly fall in love, it would make a beautiful story.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t quite explain it herself. Maybe it was the long separation over the past half month that made her see her own heart more clearly.

Habit is a scary thing. In just a few months, she’d gotten used to Xu Huaian’s presence. The thought of never seeing him again made her heart ache.

Especially when he went on this last mission—he’d promised to be back in a week, but ended up gone for over half a month. During the day, she kept herself busy so she wouldn’t overthink. But at night, she’d dream of their moments together, then wake up feeling empty and sad.

So she silently promised herself: if he came back safe, she’d give him—and herself—a chance.

It was really just a change of heart.

No one was happier than Xu Huaian. He could sense that Gu Qinghuan’s attitude had subtly shifted since he’d come home.

Before, whenever he got close, she’d quietly avoid his touch or pretend not to notice. Today, she actually blushed.

Xu Huaian couldn’t help but smile with joy. Gu Qinghuan stared at him for a few seconds—when he smiled, he really was devastatingly handsome, almost enchanting.

Throughout the meal, he kept teasing her, testing her reactions. Gu Qinghuan found everything tasted like wax, thinking, “When will this meal end? He’s being way too bold!”

In the end, the two of them toasted Ji Linhai together, thanking him for taking care of Zhong Zijun and her family during this time.

Old Master Ji, perhaps tipsy or maybe on purpose, stood up and said, “We’re all family here—no need to stand on ceremony. We help each other.”

Well, it was obvious to everyone at the table that the Ji men had their eyes on Zhong Zijun—everyone except the person herself."