Chapter 1341

"By the way, Xinlian also said that Ani is getting engaged to Yan Aohan in the third lunar month. We need to prepare in advance and go to the capital for the engagement banquet."

"Cough, cough." Cheng Baokun was nearly choked by Chen Ailian’s news again. He stared at her, eyes wide. "Can you stop scaring me like this?"

Chen Ailian remained calm, looking completely innocent. "I’m not trying to scare you. This is what Xinlian said. Besides, Yan Aohan and Ani have returned this year. From Xinlian’s demeanor, it’s clear she wants everyone to meet her two sons-in-law."

"Are you sure Taishu Yuanxiang and An’nan are getting married, and Yan Aohan and Ani are getting engaged?" Cheng Baokun felt his mental resilience was quite strong, yet this news still startled him.

Chen Ailian nodded with a smile. "Absolutely certain." She paused for a moment. "You know Xinlian’s character. If this weren’t a settled matter, would she tell me?"

Even though the two families were close, she wouldn’t gossip about matters concerning their children.

Cheng Baokun nodded. "We’ll visit the Zhu family tonight. If it’s true, we won’t wait until the twenty-seventh. We’ll go help as soon as we have free time these next few nights."

"It looks genuine to me," Chen Ailian said seriously. "Don’t forget, Xiao Xu’s position was pushed by the Yan family. Our relationship with the Yan family isn’t that close. Clearly, they are doing it for Ani’s sake."

Cheng Baokun had thought of this too. He took a deep breath. "Twelve years ago, when we adopted An’nan and Ani as goddaughters, I just thought they were cute. I never imagined it would bring us such blessings."

"So, when you have money, it’s right to help those in need," Chen Ailian said, seeing things clearly. She had to admit that since becoming godparents to the Zhu family, the Cheng family had seen significant development.

Xie Xinlian didn’t dwell on such thoughts. After parting with Chen Ailian, she told Taishu Yuanxiang about the relationship between their families and the Chengs.

"So, if it weren’t for your godfather and godmother back then, our family wouldn’t have developed as it has," Xie Xinlian said, her face full of gratitude. "We must not forget our roots. And the Cheng family people are truly good."

Taishu Yuanxiang, standing nearby, knew Xie Xinlian spoke from the heart. "I’ve remembered what Mother said. I will be filial to my godfather and godmother in the future."

"Good," Xie Xinlian nodded directly. "You and An’nan are holding the banquet on the tenth day of the first lunar month. Is your suit ready?"

"Is it already done?" This was something that couldn’t be neglected. Even though this place wasn’t developed, and to city dwellers it was just the countryside, it had raised his wife. So Taishu Yuanxiang cherished this place and respected those who were friendly to the Zhu family.

Xie Xinlian nodded with relief. "That’s good. Sigh, your banquet date is a bit rushed. It feels a bit unfair to you."

Xie Xinlian had two daughters and one son. Now that her eldest daughter was marrying, the rush was understandable. But they had no choice; Zhu Yanli’s pregnancy would show soon.

"It’s all my fault," Taishu Yuanxiang said, knowing he should take the blame at this moment.

Xie Xinlian waved her hand, looking understanding. "It’s not your fault. To be honest, it’s An’nan’s fault. How could she be so careless?" Xie Xinlian said helplessly.

Taishu Yuanxiang quickly spoke up. "Mother, An’nan works very hard. Several times while composing music scores, she worked so late she fell asleep. That’s why she got confused sometimes. It’s my fault for not taking good care of her. If I had remembered these things, she wouldn’t have made such mistakes."

Taishu Yuanxiang’s sincere attitude earned him more favor in Xie Xinlian’s heart. By the time they returned home, everyone felt they were like mother and son, rather than a mother-in-law and son-in-law.

Zhu Shun Yao and Zhu Yan Yi were organizing the freshly pounded rice cakes. Seeing Xie Xinlian and Taishu Yuanxiang’s interaction, Zhu Shun Yao said directly, "You’ve only been out for a bit, and you’re acting like mother and son."

"A son-in-law is half a son. Yuanxiang is considered my son. Is that not allowed?" Xie Xinlian gave a look that dared him to say no.

"Okay, okay. Whatever my wife says is right. If you say so, it is so." As soon as Xie Xinlian glared, Zhu Shun Yao surrendered immediately.

Zhu Zhibin took the opportunity to tear off a strip of rice cake, chewing casually. "Dad, I’ve noticed you’re becoming more afraid of your wife. A standard case of 'tracheitis'."

"You’re so young, what do you know about 'tracheitis'?" Zhu Yan Yi looked at Zhu Zhibin, a half-smile on her lips.

"I naturally know," Zhu Zhibin said, giving her a 'don’t treat me like a fool' expression. "Although I’m only twelve, with my IQ, I can sweep away ninety-five percent of humanity. No, ninety-nine percent." Zhu Zhibin became slightly narcissistic. "I am simply too smart." Then, he spoke seriously. "So how could I not understand the meaning of 'tracheitis'."

He gave a playful, shameless smile. "Actually, 'tracheitis' needs no explanation. In our family, except for me, Dad, Brother-in-law, and Second Brother-in-law are all representatives of 'tracheitis'."

"It seems you’ll be a 'tracheitis' case in the future," Zhu Yan Yi declared directly.

"Impossible. With my IQ, how could I become a 'tracheitis' case? Second Sister, don’t insult my intelligence, okay?" Zhu Zhibin looked as if he were being wrongly accused.

Zhu Yan Yi chuckled. "Wrongly accuse you? I wouldn’t do that. Have you heard of genetics?"

"Naturally," Zhu Zhibin said seriously. "Human genetics is very mysterious."

"Yes, so personality inheritance is also a type of genetics," Zhu Yan Yi began to tease Zhu Zhibin. "Our family has always valued women over men. Women’s status is higher than men’s. So Mom, Eldest Sister, and I have high status, while Dad and you have low status. Therefore, I and Eldest Sister inherited Mom’s strength. That’s why your two brothers-in-law listen to us. And you inherited from Dad. Dad fears Mom, so you will definitely fear your future wife. This has nothing to do with whether your IQ is high or not."

Zhu Zhibin’s mouth hung open. After a long while, he said, "Second Sister, please don’t scare me. If you keep scaring me like this, I won’t dare to marry a wife in the future."

Zhu Yan Yi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Why would I scare you for no reason? Aren’t we discussing genetics? Besides, I study medicine, so I have authority on this matter." She looked at Zhu Zhibin with disdain. "Besides, I think you won’t marry a wife in this lifetime. Let your wife marry you instead."