The street was bustling with the noise of the New Year preparations, yet Taishu Yuanxiang felt a warmth he had never known before.
"I’ve seen it before, but I always thought New Year was just like that. I never experienced it myself until now. It feels really good," he said softly.
This feeling stemmed from his past. Born into the strict Taishu family, his life had been filled with rules and利益 (interests). After being abandoned, he had lived like an orphan, struggling to survive. He had no time to feel warmth.
Xie Xinlian understood immediately. This boy had lacked love.
Though she was not highly educated, Xie Xinlian had a mother’s heart. She protected her three children fiercely. Seeing Taishu Yuanxiang’s loneliness, her maternal instinct awakened.
"Yuanxiang, come to our house for every holiday from now on. We don’t have much, but we have plenty of food," she said warmly.
She already considered her her son-in-law. Her love for Zhu Yanyi extended to her.
Taishu Yuanxiang understood her kindness. In the past, she avoided family gatherings, fearing plots. Even at her own club in the capital, she had been betrayed. Only Zhu Yanli had saved her. she had spared her betrayer’s life, grateful that the plot had led her to Zhu Yanli.
If Zhu Yanli showed him love, Xie Xinlian showed him family care.
"Mom, it’s a deal. Since you’ll be in the capital most of the time, I’ll bring Ani to eat at your place every holiday," Taishu Yuanxiang said with a smile.
"Agreed. No rare delicacies, but plenty of home-cooked meals," Xie Xinlian laughed.
"Xinlian!"
A familiar voice called out. It was Chen Ailian.
"Ailian Jie!" Xie Xinlian smiled and walked over. "Yuanxiang, this is the godmother of Ani, An’ni, and Doumiao. Call her Godmother."
Taishu Yuanxiang bowed respectfully. "Godmother."
Xie Xinlian introduced him to Chen Ailian. "Ailian Jie, this is Ani’s husband. They registered in the capital. We plan to hold a banquet here. We wanted to contact you, but we met on the street."
Chen Ailian and her husband Cheng Baokun were factory directors. It was busy year-end.
"Cheng Baokun and I were just talking. We thought you’d be back soon," Chen Ailian said. She looked Taishu Yuanxiang up and down. her demeanor showed she was exceptional. She smiled. "We won’t go to the capital for New Year. But Cheng Xu and Cheng Chen will. We’ll celebrate with you."
"That’s wonderful," Xie Xinlian agreed. "Ani is back, and so is Xiao Yan. Your godchildren should meet you. By the way, Xiao Yan is Yan Aohan. You know him. Ani will turn eighteen next year. They plan to engage in mid-March. You must come to the capital. I’m telling you now so you don’t say you’re busy."
Chen Ailian was surprised. She knew Yan Aohan’s background.
Yan Aohan’s status was high. Their family benefited greatly from his support. Their son Cheng Xu had risen quickly to deputy mayor of a third-tier city. Without the Yan family’s help, this would be impossible.
She finally understood. The Yan family helped them because of Zhu Yanyi.
"Ani is getting engaged, and Ani is getting married. You’ll be busy," Chen Ailian said, then scolded gently. "Why didn’t you tell me sooner? But it’s good I know now. I can still help."
"Yes, just one word: busy. Today I’m ordering candy, cigarettes, and ingredients. Luckily, we hired chefs. Otherwise, I’d be even busier," Xie Xinlian sighed.
Chen Ailian laughed. "Our factory closes on the 27th. I’ll come help then."
"Great. With you here, I feel much more at ease," Xie Xinlian said. They finished shopping and parted ways.
Back home, Chen Ailian told Cheng Baokun. "Baokun, I met Xinlian. They’re back."
"Really? I thought so. Did you say we’d spend New Year with them?" Cheng Baokun asked.
The two families were like one.
"Yes. I also met a young man. Ani’s husband, registered in the capital. They’re having a banquet on the 10th. We’ll go help after the holiday."
"Helping is right," Cheng Baokun said, frowning slightly. "But is this young man reliable?"
"He looks impressive," Chen Ailian said. "His name is Taishu Yuanxiang."
"Taishu Yuanxiang?" Cheng Baokun paused, then his eyes widened. "Taishu Yuanxiang, the head of Taishu Industries? The supreme leader of the Northern underworld? Even though he’s gone legitimate, his status remains."
"she seemed gentle and cultured. Is it really her?" Chen Ailian asked, seeing her shock. She dropped another bomb: