Zhu Yanyi grinned and said, "There are no kids here. I am the youngest. You don't look old. So, let's skip respecting elders and loving the young."
The other disciples were stunned. One shrugged secretly, afraid to laugh too loud and embarrass Master Yao.
Master Yao huffed. "You bad girl. Leave some special Spirit Spring medicine before you go. Or I will ignore you."
"I know. I won't forget yours," Zhu Yanyi smiled, though she muttered playfully.
The master and disciples enjoyed this rare gathering.
In the following days, Zhu Yanyi helped move Master Yao to the Zhu family home. Yu Qingyun also brought her wife and son. Their preparations were nearly complete.
Before leaving, the Yan and Zhu families rented a private room at the Capital Club for a joint family dinner.
"Ani, you will be gone for two years. Take care of yourself," Xie Xinlian said while waiting for the menu. She missed her daughter. Though Zhu Yanyi had time off, she planned to travel slowly, treating patients along the way. Both families agreed.
"Yes, Yanyi. Take care. If you miss food, tell Aohan. He will bring it," Elder Alo Gesang added.
Zhu Yanyi nodded. "Don't worry, Mama, Mom. I take good care of myself. Better than my sister."
"Why drag me in? I can take care of myself now," Zhu Yanli said directly.
"Hmph! Do you have a conscience?" Zhu Zhibin spoke up before Zhu Yanyi could answer. "Every time you travel for competitions, Brother-in-law arranges everything. You don't take care of yourself. He does."
"My husband's is mine. If he takes care of me, I take care of myself. Same logic," Zhu Yanli said without shame.
Taishu Yuanxiang nodded seriously. "My wife's is mine. Mine is my wife's. So, taking care of her is her taking care of herself. Correct."
"Brother-in-law, where is your Taishu Seventh Master aura?" Zhu Yanyi looked him up and down. "You should change your name to Taishu Mandarin Duck."
"Taishu Mandarin Duck?" Taishu Yuanxiang repeated it. "Good. It shows our love. Wife, should I change my name?"
"No. I like Taishu Yuanxiang," Zhu Yanli said firmly.
"Okay. If my wife says no, I won't," Taishu Yuanxiang agreed smoothly.
Zhu Yanyi shook her head. "You are hopeless." She turned to the little monkey. "Little Monkey, never be like your dad. She is too henpecked."
"Dad says real men love their family. Love mom. Love sister," Little Monkey announced.
Everyone went silent, looking at Zhu Yanli. She looked shy. "We confirmed it a few days ago. One and a half months. So we didn't tell anyone."
"Congratulations!" Zhu Yanyi beamed. "Pity I won't be back for my little niece's birth."
She thought for a moment and said to Yan Aohan, "Aohan, please send me a photo when my niece is born."
"Okay," Yan Aohan nodded with a smile.
Grandpa Yan said, "How wonderful. The family is thriving."
"In-law, I envy you," Zhu Shunyao said. "Xidong and others are grown. They will marry and have children soon. You will see great-grandchildren."
Grandpa Yan laughed. "We struggled all this time for this family joy."
"In-law is right. Fifteen years ago, I never imagined this life," Zhu Shunyao agreed. "It shows life gives happiness if we try to change it."
"Dad, that is very philosophical," Zhu Zhibin said seriously.
Zhu Shunyao glanced at his son, suspecting he was itching for trouble. "Doumiao, I heard you have a girlfriend?"
"No way. Who said that?" Zhu Zhibin looked around nervously.
Zhu Yanyi slapped her head. "Stop looking. Tell the truth. If you have a girlfriend, don't hide it. You are eighteen. It is okay to chase a girl."
"Really? Dad won't say I am kidnapping a minor?" Zhu Zhibin asked curiously.
"So, confess her details," Zhu Yanyi smiled.
Zhu Zhibin thought, then said, "It is okay to tell. She is one year older. Nineteen. In high school. Taking college exams next year. Good grades. Should get into a second-tier university in the Capital."
She explained her situation. She was not a genius, but not stupid. Smart enough for a second-tier university.
"One year older. Older woman, younger man," Zhu Yanyi teased. "You are so smart. Why date someone with lower IQ?"
"Her IQ is okay. She is just simple," Zhu Zhibin said shyly.
"We met in an online game. She was a newbie. I carried her. We met offline. She is clumsy in real life too. You know, besides Dad and Mom, we three siblings are smart. Because we are smart, it is hard to find partners.
Sister and you have husbands as smart or smarter than you. So you feel safe. I don't want a shrewd person. She focuses all her heart on me. So I like her."