Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Qi Chenglin, “…”
‘When did this little brat learn to say such things?’
“More like a handsome fatty who runs like the wind. Maybe if you lost a bit of weight you’d look like a handsome hunk,” quipped Qi Chenglin without hesitation.
Qi Youxuan tilted his chin up with a huff. “Great Grandma said that I need to eat a lot because I’m a growing boy. When I grow up, I’ll become thin naturally. She even told me that you were a fatty when you were young, and that I’m exactly like you.”
Qi Chenglin, “…”
Qi Youxuan turned and looked around. All of a sudden, he raised his chubby little hand and began waving. “Mumu!”
Little Muran had a sweet, big smile the moment she saw him. She, too, raised her little hand and waved. Wei Ziqi and Wei Ran walked on either side of her, holding her hands.
A little boy sprinted past them while they were still walking over. The boy looked to be about the same age as Qi Youxuan, though slightly taller. If Qi Youxuan’s gelled up hair was taken into account, then he would certainly be as tall as the boy.
The little boy bowed with the utmost respect to Wei Ziqi and Wei Ran. He said a couple of things to Muran, then said goodbye energetically to them.
Qi Youxuan pursed his lips in disdain. Then he pointed at the boy while asking Qi Chenglin, “Dad. Who’s more handsome? Him or me?”
Qi Chenglin looked toward Muran’s direction, then back again at his own son. He, too, pursed his lips and said, “If you were a bit thinner, then you. But as of now?”
He sneered softly and said nothing further.
Qi Youxuan groaned in anger and looked away, ignoring Qi Chenglin.
Wei Ziqi and Wei Ran brought Muran over, greeted Qi Zhongliang and the others, then took their seats in front of everyone.
Throughout the event, Wei Ran chatted with Song Yu very cordially, and, as a result, the rest of the group could not show any displeasure.
At the site of the relay race, a picnic blanket had been set up by Aunt Liu. There was even a small electronic radiator in the middle. Grandfather Qi and Grandmother Qi sat on the blanket with a cushion between them.
Quite a number of people had also laid out their picnic blankets, most of whom were families of the children. Drinks and snacks were spread out, as well.
Qi Youxuan ran toward their picnic blanket immediately. He grabbed a bag of potato chips and opened it to share with Muran.
A look of surprise appeared on both Grandfather and Grandmother Qi’s faces, as they had not been expecting Song Yu to be there.
The old lady looked at Qi Chengzhi first. One handheld Song Yu’s, while the other was placed inside his pants pocket. No emotion was present on his handsome face, but he made eye contact with the old lady when he noticed her staring at him.
Grandmother Qi was startled, but, after she let out a silent sigh, she smiled and patted the picnic blanket. “Song Yu’s here, too. Come. Sit down.”
The old lady’s voice was hard. Most of the other families knew the Qi family well, and, as parents whose children attended the kindergarten, they were all people of high social standing. Once they heard the old lady’s voice, one by one, they looked over to her.
All of them were rather shocked to see Qi Chenzhi and Song Yu holding hands. They never expected that Qi Chengzhi—the Qi family’s eternal bachelor—had finally found a girlfriend!
Curious, they focused their attention on the girl, trying to get a closer look.
Some began to think that she looked vaguely familiar.
After a while, someone came and said hi.
“Master, Madam, you attended today, I see. It’s truly a family event! I heard the Qi daughter got married? Congratulations!” A man who was around the same age as Qi Zhongliang brought his wife and their son’s family over. He was holding his grandson’s hand.
“Thank you, thank you! Come! Let’s share in the happiness.” The old lady took out a box of wedding sweets and gave it to him. “Chengyue and Jian Yi went on their honeymoon, so they couldn’t come today.”
“And this is…” he trailed off as he looked at Song Yu, expectant.
Qi Chengzhi nodded. “My girlfriend, Song Yu.”
Despite seeing the both of them holding hands with his own two eyes, hearing Qi Chengzhi admitting so himself was quite shocking.
If he brought her out to family events and made his relationship public, it would mean that he was certain of her background and was dating her seriously. Marriage was only a matter of time!
At that point, an announcement was made. All the senior class students who were participating in the relay race were asked to ready themselves at the racetrack. With his enthusiasm and fighting spirit high, Qi Youxuan took off his jacket and long pants to reveal his sportswear: a short sleeved Tee shirt and shorts. He acted as though he took things very seriously, and began warming up beside the picnic blanket.
The man said his goodbye and left, since he did not want to be a bother.
When he left, however, his daughter-in-law told his son, “I seem to recall that Song Yu was also the name of Qi Chengji’s bankrupt ex-fiancée.”
Grandfather Qi’s expression turned blank and he stared at both Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu, groaning loudly.
“Stop staring, Grandfather. Song Yu’s going to be the daughter-in-law that will give you great-grandchildren. Whether you get the chance to hold your great-grandkids or not depends on her. I’ll bring her to even more family events in the future,” Qi Chengzhi remarked bluntly. “If you’re already like this now, are you going to hide your face when we get married? When there’d be more guests who recognize Song Yu?”
The old man grunted and, ignoring Qi Chengzhi, turning instead to cheer on Qi Youxuan.
Qi Youxuan jumped a few times on the stop and thought of something suddenly. His hand glided over his handsome hair and he reached into his bag to take out a stack of square papers. They were about fifty square centimeters in size, and he began giving them out to each person.
Aside from Grandfather and Grandmother Qi, Qi Youxuan gave them to every single one of them, starting from Qi Zhongliang.
Qi Chengzhi did not extend his hand when it was his turn. Qi Youxuan hand froze midway through giving the card. The boy retracted his hand, walked past Qi Chengzhi, then handed the paper to Song Yu. It was the second last card, and the last was then given to Wei Ran.
Qi Youxuan’s tubby round face stared sternly at everyone. “All of you must raise up the papers I just gave when I’m running!”
He lowered his head and smiled mischievously before saying, “If you can, cry out when I’m running.”
Everyone grew curious. They looked at the paper and saw only one word written in thick crayon. The handwriting was quite beautiful too, just like how Qi Chengji’s handwriting was.
When they all joined the words together to read it, they fell silent.
Together, the words read: ‘Handsome hunk who runs like the wind.’
Everyone then looked up and saw Qi Youxuan’s chubby body running against the wind.
They were all lost for words.
However, Qi Youxuan was not heading to starting line to prepare. Instead, he went to the finish line and looked for the two children who were tasked to hold the red ribbon. He said a few words to them, then gave them each some chocolate that Qi Chenglin had brought back from a business trip to Belgium. Only then did he head back to the starting line.
He waved at Qi Chenglin and the group while he walked, and had a look on his face that seemed to imply he had already won the race.
Qi Chenglin was trembling as he raised the placard, and he wanted nothing more than to pretend that Qi Youxuan was not his son.
Qi Youxuan was positioned at the third leg of the race. He was full of confidence before the race, and prepared amply for it, but, unfortunately, his strength was not up to par, though his will was very strong.
All that anyone saw was a ball of lard that rolled slowly on the race track. His buttocks swung from side to side as he ran, and although it was obvious that they never had an advantage to begin with, he dragged his class even further down, handing Class Three the lead.
Even as he made a wild dash for it and decreased the distance between himself and the other competitor, he was still unable to catch up. In the fourth and final leg of the race, the opposition was none other than the handsome little boy that had greeted Wei Ziqi’s family. Little Muran pointed out that he was Dai Zhiyao.
Dai Zhiyao ran incredibly fast, increasing the distance that had earlier been shortened. He could see the finish line, but the two kids who were supposed to hold the red ribbon had completely disappeared.
Dai Zhiyao ran past the finish line but did not feel the jubilation of crossing the red ribbon. He stopped and looked around in confusion, then realized that the two kids were eating chocolate at one corner.
Qi Youxuan got away with his misdeed, looking that much more deceitful and pleased with himself. He formed his hands into a peace sign and gestured at the Qi family.
Everyone was quiet.
Even Grandmother Qi, who spoiled her great-grandson severely, shied away from looking at him. Her face was hot and red with embarrassment. “How shameless! Who did he learn this from?”
Qi Chenglin’s lips twitched and he remarked helplessly, “He’s always talking about learning from Big Brother.”
Everyone turned to Qi Chengzhi.
No wonder…
Faced with an onslaught of looks that accused him of leading his nephew astray, Qi Chengzhi was left speechless.
…
…
Yu Keyao did not expect to see Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu on that day. Yu Keyao was present because she was accompanying her elder uncle’s daughter, Yu Kexin, whose daughter, Zhou Jingqi, was in the same kindergarten as Qi Youxuan.
She did not expect Qi Chengzhi to attend Qi Youxuan’s sports event, much less bring Song Yu along. Even more surprising was the Qi family’s apparent lack of disapproval, allowing Song Yu to sit by their side.
When Qi Chengzhi introduced Song Yu to everyone as his girlfriend, no one in the Qi family objected despite the sudden stunned look on their faces. Was that silent approval then? Had they just decided to accept Song Yu like that?
Yu Keyao had an unpleasant expression as she looked away from the Qi family. Yu Kexin and Zhou Jingqi had gone off somewhere to participate in a mother-daughter activity, so Yu Keyao took a lunchbox from the table and stood up. She tucked her hair behind her ear and smoothened her clothes before strutting leisurely toward the Qi family.
Although Qi Youxuan had lost the race, the energy he exerted while running was still monumental. His body was drenched in sweat, and his sweaty face was red as he began running over to them.
Everyone had set down the paper that they cheered him with, and, considering Qi Youxuan’s shameless behaviour, they were all embarrassed to continue holding it up.
Perhaps Qi Youxuan did not mind them placing it down because he had finished the race. As soon as he returned, he urged Aunt Liu to bring out lunch without even bothering to wipe away his sweat.
Aunt Liu was in the process of opening the lunchbox when Guan Liya chuckled dryly and put on a facade. “Hehe, we’re sorry Song Y. We didn’t know you were coming, so we didn’t prepare much food.”
Song Yu was about to answer when a voice rang above her. “Master, Madam, Uncle, Auntie, Big Brother Chengzhi.”
The instant Song Yu heard that numbing and gentle voice, she grew very uncomfortable, turning around. Yu Keyao had made a show of greeting everyone there except for Song Yu.
“Keyao? Why are you here?” Xia Wenna felt awkward for a moment. She looked at Song Yu, then at Yu Keyao, wondering how these two cousin sisters could become such rivals in love.
The old lady had earlier declared that no one should interfere with Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu’s feelings. Even though Xia Wenna was not too pleased with it, she was unable to voice out her opinion because the old lady was there.
“My cousin sister’s daughter is also in this kindergarten. Her husband couldn’t come because he’s away on a business trip, so I accompanied my big sis here,” Yu Keyao explained. Xia Wenna looked at the old lady and tried hard to force a smile. “Where’s your big sis?”
“With Jingqi, for a mother-daughter activity,” Yu Keyao remained standing while answering the question.
Guan Liya observed the situation from one side and thought of something. She smiled warmly at Yu Keyao and patted the empty space beside her, saying, “Since you’re alone, why not come and sit with us.”
“Sure.” Yu Keyao helped herself and sat down immediately, even choosing to sit beside Qi Chengzhi.
She put down her lunchbox and opened it, saying, “Auntie, I overheard you saying that there wasn’t enough food. I brought extra, so we can all eat together.”
She even tried coaxing Qi Youxuan by saying, “Youxuan, I brought a lot of stuff that boys your age like to eat.”
As soon as she finished her sentence, Wei Ran – without waiting for Qi Youxuan’s answer – took out her own lunchbox and smiled at Yu Keyao. “When we had dinner with Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu yesterday, all of us decided to come here together, so I brought a lot of food too. Muran’s only used to the food that I prepare, so we’ve prepared all of this in advance.”
Qi Youxuan ignored Yu Keyao and wore his long pants and jacket. His stretched his tubby hands over Yu Keyao’s lunchbox and reached for Wei Ran’s lunchbox, taking a deep-fried beef patty as well as a round rice ball. He bit into the patty and stuffed the rice ball into his mouth, filling it with food completely. His cheeks were popping out too, making his face seem even rounder than it usually was.
He then mumbled incoherently with his mouth still full. “Homemade food is the best of course. Auntie, you’re the best wife ever. You fit all of my requirements for being a future mother-in-law.”
Everyone, “…”
“Why don’t you ask me what I’m looking for in a future son-in-law!” Wei Ziqi pursed his lips and whisked the lunchbox away.
Qi Youxuan’s mouth was still filled with food and his cheeks were still bulging out. His chubby hands rubbed his lips and he quietly turned to eat the food that Aunt Liu prepared.
Qi Chengzhi got up without being prompted. His slender body stood up straight and was very eye-catching.
Everyone looked up at him, but he did not return their gaze. He looked at Song Yu and said bluntly, “Change seats with me.”
Song Yu saw Yu Keyao and understood his intentions. Without holding back her smile, she stood up and changed seats with him.
Although Qi Chengzhi could sometimes be cold, she thought his indifference quite cute at times.
His actions at that moment were a perfect example. He could care less about how Yu Keyao felt when he showed his displeasure of sitting beside her.
Yu Keyao’s face looked absolutely horrible as she waited for Song Yu to sit down. Her own lunchbox was filled to the brim with food, but she became more and more embarrassed because no one had touched her food since she’d sat down with them.
Guan Liya said that the food was not enough, so Wei Ran gave Song Yu some of the food she had brought.
Later, the old lady took out another box from her bag. The box was elegantly designed and black in color, and, when Song Yu saw it, she figured it was probably from one of the most famous Japanese restaurants in B City.
The old lady opened the wooden cover and shoved the box to Song Yu. “Youxuan told me you like sushi. I called the restaurant this morning and asked them to prepare a takeout sushi platter. I didn’t know what kind of sushi you liked, so I asked for an assortment. Try them. If you like them, we’ll go to the restaurant and have them one day. It’s more delicious that way. Of course, if you have a child next time, you must make sure not to eat such cold food.”
Song Yu blushed, took the box of sushi, and found herself unable to respond to the old lady.
Song Yu glanced sneakily at Qi Youxuan. She did not remember telling him that she liked sushi, and, in reality, she much preferred eating sashimi.
It was Qi Youxuan who eyed the box of sushi like a hungry wolf. He so wished that he could take them all for himself.
The old lady saw his expression and realized that he had fooled her: he was the one who liked eating sushi.
Beside them, Yu Keyao stared at the sushi with hate and disdain. She liked eating it, too, but, more importantly, she was familiar with the restaurant in question. She knew that the restaurant did not allow takeout because they were worried it would affect the taste of the food and stain their reputation. They even did not allow dine-in customers to pack up unfinished food to bring home.
Nevertheless, the old lady managed to get a whole box as takeout; clearly, she went to great lengths just for Song Yu.
Song Yu placed the box in the middle so everyone could take a piece.
Qi Youxuan threw himself over as soon as the box was placed down. He took two in each hand and looked all around him, as if worried the others might take them away from him.
His shifty eyes made everyone feel hesitant to take the sushi for themselves. Song Yu was the only one who ate them since Grandmother Qi had ordered them specifically for her.
Even though he was somewhat distressed, Qi Youxuan knew that he was merely riding on Song Yu’s good fortune. Though his expression seemed to complain, he did not say anything.
Song Yu ate a few pieces, but did not continue after noticing Qi Youxuan’s somewhat unhappy gaze. She left over half the box to him.
The old lady patted Qi Youxuan’s head and sighed. “Don’t eat so much. If not, we’ll need to get new clothes for you.”
Qi Youxuan halted his action of stuffing food into his mouth, and for a split second, he felt as though his great-grandmother loved Song Yu a little bit more.
If that were the case, would he not have to get in his aunt’s good books?
His eyed them craftily when the old lady turned her attention toward Song Yu. “Chengyue will be coming back home after the honeymoon. Come join us for our family gathering.”
Song Yu was shocked, and so were Xia Wenna and Guan Liya. They had not expected the old lady to acknowledge Song Yu’s position so openly. Was she not afraid that the people around them would start gossiping?
The two of them snuck a glance at the old man, but his face was expressionless and he seemed noncommittal about it. Instead, he poured himself a glass of Maotai, drank it up, and smacked his lips.
Song Yu blushed and stole a glance at Qi Chengzhi. He caught her doing so and subsequently raised an eyebrow at her. All of a sudden, she felt him pinch the skin between her thumb and forefinger.
She did not know whether he pinched her because she did not reply immediately, or because it had to do with Jian Yi. It was all so sudden for her, so her mind was sent into a frenzy and she could not think of a suitable answer. All she did was stare at him, blushing.
Remembering that she had yet to answer the old lady, she nodded immediately and said, “Okay.”
Then she felt him hold her hand.
She lowered her gaze ever so slightly and saw his fingers covering her own. The back of his hand was smooth, while the fingernails of his slender fingers were well-groomed.
His thumb began caressing the area he had pinched earlier. He stroked it gently and as slowly as he pleased.
At that point, Song Yu realized that he had pinched her because he was unhappy at how slow she had replied.
However, such behavior—whereby he would punish her and then reward her—invoked in her a tiny bit of resentment toward him. She pouted and retracted her hand from his grip, disallowing him from holding her anymore.
