Cheng Che put his chopsticks down; he had lost his appetite. “It seems like the wheel of fortune has turned, and I’m getting the shorter end of the stick…”
Mu Chen cleared his throat before he said, “Therefore, you must do more good deeds and share my workload. There will be rewards waiting for you in the future!”
Cheng Che widened his eyes and said, “Brother, what do you mean? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of skipping work today!”
Mu Chen straightened his shirt as he replied with a straight face, “I plan to accompany Song Ning to buy things in preparation for the new year.”
“Shopping in preparation for the new year?!” Cheng Che cried out in despair. “Brother, there are still three days left until the new year. Moreover, we already have a mountainous pile of things at home in preparation for the new year. Grandma and Sister Yu bought so many things because they said it’s going to be lively this year. However, the only addition is sister-in-law. If you buy any more things, we don’t even need to buy anything else for half a year. Brother, even if you want to accompany your wife, can’t you come up with a better excuse? Please be more serious!”
Mu Chen nodded. “I’m very serious about accompanying my wife to shop for new year goods. It’s not just about food; there are new year gifts to consider as well. Song Ning, have you thought about what to give Cheng Che?”
The change of topic was so fast that Song Ning almost could not keep up. She was still sympathizing with Cheng Che due to his workload. In the end, she only said jokingly, “Can I give him a wife?”
Jiang Jin immediately said, “Of course, you can! If you invite Jiahui over during the new year, you can consider it as a gift to him. In my opinion, if we wait for him to make a move, it’s going to be a long wait. Ningning, you have to help him.”
Song Ning hurriedly nodded. “Okay, Grandma. Jiahui will definitely come as long as I tell her there’s delicious food!”
Cheng Che took a sip of his coffee, trying to conceal his excitement. With the anticipation for the coming days, he left in a daze and diligently went to work.
Everyone looked at his retreating back with pity.
“Is this really okay?” Song Ning asked weakly.
Mu Chen rose to his feet and said, “Grandma, I’m going with Song Ning for a while.”
Jiang Jin waved him off. “Go, go. Take your time and have fun! Song Ning has been exhausted recently so take this time to relax!” Then, she turned around and asked Sister Yu, “Don’t you think I’m such a magnanimous and understanding elder? Quick, praise me!”
Sister Yu laughed before she said, “Yes, Old Madam is the most magnanimous and understanding elder and is loved by her grandson and granddaughter-in-law.”
Jiang Jin smiled proudly.
After Song Ning bade farewell to Jiang Jin and Sister Yu, Mu Chen pulled her away.
The liveliness from earlier disappeared as silence returned to the dining room.
Jiang Jin sighed and rose from her seat.
Sister Yu stepped forward and held Jiang Jin’s arm. “Shall we go for a walk in the greenhouse?”
Jiang Jin did not object, but she looked a little lonely.
Sister Yu asked softly, “What’s wrong? Weren’t you very happy just a moment ago?”
Jiang Jin sighed. “It’s almost the new year. I’m afraid there won’t be a complete family reunion in this lifetime.”
Realization finally dawned on Sister Yu. She said, “Old Madam, think about it. Perhaps, a complete family reunion might not be a good thing for now. Besides, I think it’ll be very lively this year…”
After a long time, Jiang Jin finally nodded. “You’re right. What’s the point of a complete family reunion if no one’s happy? It’s fine as long as everyone’s happy. It’d be perfect if we have a baby in the family next year. Cheng Che must hurry up and get a wife as well so it’ll be even more lively!”
Sister Yu went along with Jiang Jin and said, “That’s right! Miss Jiahui is even more energetic than Young Madam. When that time comes, this house will be very lively. Moreover, both of them are good friends! This is something everyone will be envious of!”
Jiang Jin’s mood improved upon hearing these words. “Alright! Let’s exercise and live a good life! As long as we live well, nothing else matters!”
Sister Yu smiled and said, “That’s right, that’s right. Let’s sort out the ingredients and goods we bought for the new year after this and plan for the new year. Moreover, we also have to plan for your gathering with the other Old Madams like the previous years. Previously, they even said they want to visit to try the Young Madam’s cooking. When that time comes, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself even more!”
Jiang Jin said, “I’m just afraid Song Ning will be exhausted.”
“It’s alright. When the time comes, I’ll help the Young Madam. I promise you that I won’t tire out your precious granddaughter-in-law!”
The entire morning, Sister Yu thought of various topics to divert Jiang Jin’s mind from her son who was not in the country.
