Chapter 69: Little Sister, What Are You Doing?

On New Year’s Eve, Lu Zhengfei brought Chen Qianqing back to visit his grandfather’s residence.

After passing several checkpoints, Lu Zhengfei drove into the military compound where his grandfather, Lu Guochang, lived. His grandfather, nearing 90 years of age in two years, was still in relatively good health despite his advanced years.

When Lu Zhengfei brought Chen Qianqing into the house, his grandfather was sitting on the sofa chatting with Lu Zhengfei’s two uncles, while a few aunts at the table were busy making dumplings. When the crowd noticed Chen Qianqing following behind Lu Zhengfei, their faces showed slight surprise. However, since the old man said nothing, no one else dared to comment.

It was the second aunt, who had always doted on Lu Zhengfei, that broke the ice, greeting him warmly, “Zhengfei, you’re back.”

Lu Zhengfei placed the gifts he had brought for his grandfather to the side, stepped forward to greet everyone, and called out to his grandfather.

During this time, Lu Zhengfei held Chen Qianqing’s hand firmly, but everyone tactfully ignored his presence. Instead, they chatted casually with Lu Zhengfei, asking how he had been recently.

Everyone subtly observed Lu Guochang’s reaction. When they saw that he showed no particular displeasure, they realized he had likely tacitly accepted the situation with Lu Zhengfei and Chen Qianqing.

Chen Qianqing, meanwhile, remained calm and composed. He didn’t show the typical nervousness expected when meeting one’s significant other’s family for the first time. Even when Lu Guochang asked him questions, he responded appropriately, showing neither hesitation nor fear.

Despite nearing ninety, Lu Guochang still carried an air of authority that commanded respect. He looked at Chen Qianqing and asked a series of seemingly irrelevant questions.

Chen Qianqing answered each one. When the old man asked about his parents, Chen Qianqing paused for two seconds before calmly replying, “They passed away in a car accident a few years ago.”

Hearing this, Lu Guochang glanced at Lu Zhengfei. He vividly remembered how his grandson had managed to hold everything together after the sudden deaths of Lu Chongqian and Huang Yuping. This softened his attitude toward Chen Qianqing.

He said, “The affairs of you young people are not for us elders to interfere with. Since you’re together, make sure to live well.”

This statement essentially affirmed Chen Qianqing’s place in the Lu family, making it clear that no one in the family had the right to gossip about them anymore.

Chen Qianqing remained gentle and calm throughout, smiling faintly as he sat beside Lu Zhengfei, earning the goodwill of those present.

Before arriving, Lu Zhengfei had been slightly concerned that Chen Qianqing might face hostility, but he had resolved that if anyone dared to mistreat him, he would stand his ground.

Shortly after Lu Zhengfei sat down, his younger sister, Lu Yiqin, arrived.

Compared to a few years ago, Lu Yiqin’s demeanor had completely changed. The deaths of Lu Chongqian and Huang Yuping had deeply affected her, leaving her unable to recover even now.

Wearing a thick coat and light makeup, she looked thin and frail. Upon entering the room, her gaze toward Lu Zhengfei was sorrowful, but when her eyes landed on Chen Qianqing, it turned into hatred and disgust.

In Lu Yiqin’s eyes, she believed Chen Qianqing had stolen Lu Zhengfei’s affection for her. She stubbornly thought that if Chen Qianqing disappeared, her brother would love her as he had in the past.

Lu Guochang, who was fond of his granddaughter, called her over to his side to talk when he saw her come in.

Lu Yiqin sat next to Lu Guochang, but her expression was far from pleasant. She glared at Chen Qianqing and Lu Zhengfei across from her, her face filled with undeniable resentment.

Lu Guochang noticed her displeasure and gently patted her head, sighing, “Yiqin, your brother has had it tough too.” The implication was that he wanted Lu Yiqin to be more understanding.

Lu Yiqin sneered and didn’t bother to show any respect to her grandfather. She said, “Tough? What’s so tough about it? Our parents are dead, and he’s in a hurry to play around with men, and with someone like him, who’s been used by others.”

Lu Zhengfei’s expression changed drastically. Coldly, he said to Lu Yiqin, “Lu Yiqin, say that again.”

Perhaps because Lu Guochang was present, Lu Yiqin felt emboldened and stood up. Pointing at Chen Qianqing, she yelled, “You’re scolding me for such a piece of trash? Lu Zhengfei, you better remember who your sister is…”

Before she could finish the word “sister,” her face was struck with a resounding slap.

Lu Zhengfei’s body trembled with anger, his voice hoarse as he said, “Lu Yiqin, if you keep talking like that, I’ll pretend I don’t have a sister.”

Lu Yiqin burst into tears, choking as she cried, “You actually hit me… you actually hit me because of him…”

Anyone who didn’t know better might think they were watching a melodramatic romance drama.

Throughout this, Chen Qianqing remained calm, showing no signs of embarrassment or anger. In fact, he looked at Lu Yiqin with a trace of pity in his eyes.

Without the protection of Lu Chongqian and Huang Yuping, Lu Yiqin was destined to suffer more. She could have lived proudly, like a princess, but her constant dissatisfaction led her to a tragic, beggar-like fate.

Lu Zhengfei said, “Lu Yiqin, if you keep saying this in front of me, don’t blame me for being rude.” When Lu Chongqian and Huang Yuping passed away, Lu Zhengfei was the one who held everything together. Lu Yiqin, unable to accept the reality, had abandoned her responsibilities, not even showing up at their funerals. Afterward, she had gone abroad for treatment, a decision she had made on her own.

Lu Yiqin sobbed uncontrollably, and Lu Zhengfei’s aunts had to comfort her. What was supposed to be a lively New Year’s celebration had become uncomfortable because of this unexpected incident.

Lu Zhengfei never expected his sister to be so inconsiderate.

Eventually, Lu Yiqin stopped crying, but the hatred in her eyes grew even more intense.

Lu Guochang sighed as he watched this. He said, “Yiqin, from now on, it will just be you and your brother. You’re older now, and it’s time to understand your responsibilities.”

Lu Yiqin didn’t respond but gave a faint, weary smile.

Chen Qianqing watched the entire scene, observing Lu Yiqin’s hatred. It reminded him of the time in their past life when Lu Yiqin had maliciously slandered Lu Zhengfei in front of the real Chen Qianqing.

In the past life, Lu Yiqin had been happy. She married a man who loved her, had two children, and should have been filled with love for the world. But instead, she used the most vicious methods to hurt both Chen Qianqing and Lu Zhengfei.

Chen Qianqing took a sip from his tea cup and gave Lu Yiqin a cold smile.

Lu Yiqin saw the smile and, for some reason, felt like she could sense the same aura that her brother, Lu Zhengfei, had in Chen Qianqing’s expression.

The dumplings were ready and were soon boiling in the pot.

Lu Zhengfei’s second aunt asked Chen Qianqing what kind of dumplings he wanted, and he replied, “Just cabbage and pork will do.”

Lu Zhengfei asked, “Didn’t you used to like chives?”

Chen Qianqing answered, “That was in the past.”

Lu Zhengfei smiled, “That’s true, it’s been so many years.”

Before the dumplings were served, Lu Zhengfei prepared the dipping sauce for Chen Qianqing. Since Chen Qianqing didn’t eat garlic, he only added vinegar, which was just right for his taste.

Lu Yiqin didn’t sit next to Lu Zhengfei. At that moment, she looked like a dried-up plant, her withered appearance evoking thoughts of death.

Lu Zhengfei had a great appetite and ate a lot. Chen Qianqing, on the other hand, had a small appetite and only ate about eleven or twelve dumplings before putting down his chopsticks.

While serving the dumplings, Lu Zhengfei’s eldest aunt asked if the food wasn’t to his liking and if he wanted some congee, but Chen Qianqing politely declined.

In fact, Lu Zhengfei’s two uncles were very fond of him. After the deaths of Lu Chongqian and Huang Yuping, they became even more affectionate toward their nephew.

Although they knew that Lu Zhengfei had fallen for a man, Lu Guochang’s attitude had already made everything clear: as long as Lu Zhengfei was happy, that was all that mattered.

Furthermore, Chen Qianqing’s appearance was completely different from the flamboyant men they had imagined, which helped ease their attitude toward him.

Lu Zhengfei was pleased to see this. Under the table, he secretly linked hands with Chen Qianqing, then flashed a big smile. Chen Qianqing, noticing, pretended not to see and pulled his hand back, giving Lu Zhengfei a sideways glare.

Lu Zhengfei smiled nonchalantly, then continued eating his dumplings.

After finishing the dumplings, Lu Zhengfei’s cousin and cousin-in-law arrived just in time.

They were a bit surprised to see Chen Qianqing sitting in the house, but young people are generally open-minded and quickly accepted the situation. They began chatting with Lu Zhengfei about various things.

Meanwhile, Lu Yiqin seemed very out of place. She didn’t say a word, instead staring at Lu Zhengfei and Chen Qianqing with a chilling gaze. She only answered vaguely when someone asked her something.

Lu Zhengfei chose to ignore it. Lu Yiqin’s behavior had already cooled his feelings for her, and if she continued to act behind his back, he feared that he might lose whatever remaining brotherly affection he had for her.

Chen Qianqing, however, was slowly engaging in conversation with Lu Guochang. He knew the old man better than Lu Zhengfei did, so their conversation had a more personal touch.

At first, Lu Guochang had intentionally made small talk to avoid making Chen Qianqing uncomfortable, but as their conversation continued, they grew more in sync, and even the Spring Festival Gala couldn’t draw his attention away.

Seeing how engaged Chen Qianqing and Lu Guochang were in conversation, Lu Zhengfei, feeling a bit jealous, said, “Grandpa, he usually doesn’t talk much. He hasn’t even said as much to me.”

Lu Guochang shot him a glare and scolded, “You little brat, you’re jealous even of your own grandpa!”

Lu Zhengfei laughed, “Not at all, I just didn’t want to tire you out with too much talking.”

Lu Guochang responded, “Tire me out? I think you’re more concerned about someone else! You’ve found a lover and now you’re starting to turn your elbow outward!”

Lu Zhengfei chuckled even more.

Chen Qianqing smiled gently. This was the most festive New Year he’d had since the deaths of Liu Huamei and Chen Qingyang.

As he looked at Lu Zhengfei and at Lu Guochang speaking with him, his gaze softened unconsciously.

Perhaps, if things continued like this, it wouldn’t be so bad after all.