Chapter 1639

Wang Xia glanced at Zhu Yanli. "What are you saying? Our little monkey isn't heavy at all. Besides, look how good she is now. So white and soft, so fun to play with."

Xie Chengyu heard this and a shadow of sadness crossed his eyes. They could have had their own baby soon, but now they couldn't.

Zhu Yanyi saw that sadness too. She raised an eyebrow slightly, sighing in her heart. It seemed Xie Chengyu would never forgive Xie Jingyu. But after what Xie Jingyu did, she didn't deserve forgiveness anyway.

"Come eat," Xie Xinlian said, placing the last soup in the center and calling everyone over.

Huang Meiying went inside to help Zhu Xinfu out. Zhu Xinfu was now wearing dark green glasses.

"Sit down and eat, Dad. I’ll help you," Zhu Shunyao said, supporting Zhu Xinfu’s other side as they sat.

Once everyone was seated, Zhu Shunyao poured a cup of wine for each person. "This is medicinal wine brewed by Ani. She says men, women, and children can all drink it, but don’t drink too much."

Zhu Yanyi smiled beside her. "It’s safe to drink. Grandpa and Little Aunt can drink it. It’s good for your health."

Hearing Zhu Yanyi’s assurance, everyone felt at ease. Zhu Shunyao finished pouring and raised her cup. "It’s rare that our whole family is together this year. I’m so happy. We can’t gulp this medicinal wine down. Just a toast, but don’t finish it. If we do, it’s gone. Good wine shouldn’t be overindulged. There’s only this much."

Everyone laughed and clinked cups. No one drank it all in one go; they just took a small sip.

Xie Xinlian then asked, "Little Yan, you and Ani came here for the festival today. Do your parents mind?"

"No, they don’t mind. We ate lunch at their place, and they know we’re coming here for dinner," Yan Aohan said with a light smile. "Since I got engaged to Ani, I’ve been home often. Before the engagement, I might not have gone back once a year. They were used to me not being there. If I showed up, they’d be surprised."

Hearing this, Zhu Shunyao said, "We’re happy you’re here with Ani, but you have parents too. You should care for them more. Don’t just follow Ani’s whims."

Zhu Shunyao was an open-minded man. His daughter would eventually marry. Besides, the Yan family was different from the Taishu family. Taishu Yuanxiang had no parents, so coming here was normal. But Yan Aohan still had parents. He couldn’t just come over so casually. Even though Zhu Shunyao was happy, he had to act fair, or people might look down on Zhu Yanyi in the future.

Zhu Yanyi smiled, understanding her father’s meaning. Yan Aohan also laughed. "Dad, I’m going on a business trip tomorrow. I don’t know when I’ll be back. That’s why my parents don’t mind me being here. In their hearts, my busy work life and being away from home have already wronged Ani. They hope I spend time with her when I can. If I lost such a good daughter-in-law, they’d hold me accountable."

"I’m not that kind of person. What are you talking about?" Zhu Yanyi glared at Yan Aohan.

Yan Aohan smiled apologetically. "I know Ani is good. But my parents don’t have confidence in me. You know my job. I’m often out handling things, with no fixed schedule. I’ve made you wait, so they worry. They worry our feelings might change."

"They won’t," Zhu Yanyi said directly. "Our feelings won’t change."

"Yes, I know. I was just saying," Yan Aohan hurriedly replied.

"Don’t even say it. It’s not a good topic," Zhu Yanyi glanced at Yan Aohan, showing her displeasure.

"Okay, I won’t say it. I absolutely won’t," Yan Aohan quickly begged for mercy.

"Ani, do you treat Little Yan like this at home too?" Xie Xinlian asked. She liked seeing her daughter and son-in-law’s strong bond, but she worried that if her daughter always dominated, the son-in-law might get angry later. So she glared at Zhu Yanyi.

"Mom, Ani is very good," Yan Aohan spoke up before Zhu Yanyi could say anything.

Xie Xinlian looked helplessly at Yan Aohan. "Little Yan, you can’t just go along with her."

"Mom, I think Ani is fine like this. And I like how she treats me," Yan Aohan said with a grin, while also serving Zhu Yanyi her favorite dishes.

"Mom, don’t worry about Aohan and Yanyi. It’s like Zhou Yu hitting Huang Gai—one willing to hit, the other willing to take it," Taishu Yuanxiang said with a smile.

Zhu Yanli glared at Taishu Yuanxiang. "You shouldn’t interfere in my sister and brother-in-law’s matters. Stop talking."

"Okay, wife. Come, eat. This is your favorite," Taishu Yuanxiang quickly apologized. His wife’s words were the most important.

Xie Xinlian laughed and cried. "You two sisters are enough. Don’t bully Yuanxiang and Little Yan."

"Mom, we’re fine," Taishu Yuanxiang and Yan Aohan said in unison.

Zhu Shunyao served Xie Xinlian some food. "Wife, eat. Don’t worry about them. Worry about me instead."

Xie Chengyu was also serving Wang Xia some food.

Seeing this, Zhu Xinfu found it amusing. He and Huang Meiying had been married for so many years, and it was rare to feel so relaxed now. He picked up a piece of fish and gave it to Huang Meiying. "Meiying, you’ve worked hard these years."

Huang Meiying smiled sweetly at Zhu Xinfu. Although her youth was gone, their love seemed deeper than ever.

Zhu Zhibin nearby said directly, "Wow, what is this? I feel like I’m the only single person in our family."

"You’re just a kid. Are you looking for a partner?" Zhu Zhibin had finished military training and had already started school.

"I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a college student," Zhu Zhibin said indignantly.

"Yes, you’re a college student, but you’re only thirteen," Zhu Shunyao said. "I warn you, son. Don’t start dating before you’re eighteen."

"Second Sister started dating at sixteen," Zhu Zhibin said directly.

"Your brother-in-law is steady and can tolerate your Second Sister. Are you going to find an old lady?" Zhu Shunyao gave a factual answer.

Zhu Zhibin was stunned. The words sounded strange, but he couldn’t refute them.

Yan Aohan saw this and smiled. "By the way, the house I invested in at Qingda is finished. I chose one to give to Doumiao." He stood up and took a contract and a set of keys from a briefcase nearby.