Chapter 21: Blessed with Great Fortune

After returning to the army, Lin Yiqiao entered a two-week-long closed training. During that time, she barely saw Qi Jun. She’d only heard rumors about his injury floating around the unit, but they were quickly suppressed.

Qi Jun had nearly recovered from his injury. After a final check-up from the doctor, he boarded a jeep.

The vehicle drove smoothly all the way to Lane 6 of the Shi family compound, escorted discreetly by several Hongqi sedans. The convoy attracted plenty of attention as it glided through streets filled with pedestrians and bicycles.

At the gate of the Qi family courtyard, a group of people stood waiting. Leading them was an elderly woman, her hair white but neatly done, her gaze sharp and commanding.

The jeep pulled up at the entrance. Two armed soldiers standing guard saluted. A pair of long legs stepped down from the vehicle—unhurried, composed.

The old lady, who had been supported by someone, quickly stepped forward. “Xiao Jun, is your injury alright?” she asked, patting Qi Jun’s back, her face full of concern.

“I’m fine now, Grandma. You don’t need to worry.” Qi Jun smiled and helped her walk into the house.

The others followed quickly. The hall was spacious, tastefully furnished, and immaculately clean.

Qi Jun helped his grandmother sit on the sofa, and everyone else took their seats.

“Xiao Jun,” his mother, Zhou Sinan, spoke up, “Did you receive the soups and supplements I sent earlier?”

Qi Jun paused for a second. “Chicken soup?”

Zhou Sinan’s brows furrowed. “Your father—” she sounded angry, “Not only did he stop you from recovering in the hospital, but he also wouldn’t let us visit you, and now even the things I sent weren’t accepted?!”

“Father has his reasons,” Qi Jun said in a calm voice.

“His reasons? His ‘reasons’ nearly cost you your life!”

The old lady frowned and gave Zhou Sinan a look. “Watch your words.”

Zhou Sinan fell silent, then stood up. “I’ll go check with Aunt Liu on how lunch is coming along.”

The hall went quiet.

The old lady turned to Qi Jun kindly, patting his hand. “Your mother only acts this way because she cares.”

Qi Jun reached for a longan fruit. Right, he thought, I still haven’t tasted her chicken soup.

Meeting his grandmother’s gaze, he said, “Grandma, I understand.”

“That’s good, that’s good.” The old lady wiped her hands with a warm towel and began peeling longan for him.

His second aunt, Wen Yulan, smiled as she sat down. “I told you, Xiao Jun is blessed—he was never going to be in real danger.”

“Of course!” His younger aunt, Qi Siya, chuckled while holding her daughter, Guoguo.

Qi Jun responded with a faint smile and playfully reached toward Guoguo. The toddler laughed, flashing her little white baby teeth, squirming in Qi Siya’s arms.

“You like big brother, don’t you?” Qi Siya laughed, tickling Guoguo’s cheeks. The baby reached her chubby arms out toward Qi Jun.

Qi Jun smiled but didn’t take her into his arms. He glanced around the room and asked, “Where’s Qiran?”

Just then, the sound of a car came from outside the courtyard.

“Bro!” a figure dashed into the hall.

Qi Ran grinned widely. “You’re finally back!”

“Mm.” Qi Jun nodded, scanning his brother’s appearance: dressed entirely in black, tight pants hugging his legs, and a head of permed hair like a bundle of curled feathers.

“You rascal,” the old lady scolded affectionately. “Where have you been wandering off to now?”

“Grandma, I’ve been doing serious business!” Qi Ran waved toward the doorway. “Come in!”

A girl entered the room—gentle features, quiet elegance. She walked in with poise and cast a glance at Qi Ran. He quickly made introductions.

“This is my grandma, my big brother, my second aunt, and my younger aunt.”

The girl greeted each person politely, a warm smile on her face.

Catching the old lady’s displeased expression, Qi Ran stiffened slightly and added quickly, “Almost forgot! This is Xu Yu—my… girlfriend.”

The room fell silent. Wen Yulan glanced at both the old lady and Qi Jun.

Qi Jun remained expressionless as he continued peeling longan. The old lady stood up.

“Qi Ran, come with me.”

Wen Yulan’s smile didn’t waver. She motioned to Xu Yu, “Xu Yu, was it? Come sit with me.”

“Alright.” Xu Yu smiled and sat beside her.

Qi Jun didn’t stay long. After wiping his hands, he stood up. “Excuse me.”

“Go rest, Xiao Jun,” Wen Yulan rose slightly to see him off.

Qi Siya sat on the sofa watching TV with Guoguo in her arms. The nanny quickly stepped forward to take the baby.

The living room grew quiet.

“What do Xu Yu’s parents do?” Wen Yulan asked.

Xu Yu answered calmly, “Both my parents are university professors. Qi Ran and I were classmates.”

As she finished, her face flushed slightly.

“That’s very good then.”

Uncertain of the old lady’s attitude, Wen Yulan didn’t press further. The heavy TV in the living room played quietly, while the tall porcelain vases on either side reflected a soft blue glow. Everyone’s eyes turned to the screen.

Meanwhile, Qi Ran had followed the old lady to his bedroom.

“Bringing your girlfriend home without a word—on such an important day, no less, when your brother just got back! Qi Ran, you’ve got some nerve!”

Qi Ran lowered his head. “I just thought… since everyone would be here, it’d be a good time…”

“Was it the girl who insisted on coming?” the old lady cut him off calmly.

“No.” Qi Ran shook his head. “I truly want to be with Xu Yu. We were high school classmates. I’ve liked her for a long time…”

The old lady stared at him silently for a moment, then finally rose. Qi Ran hurried forward to support her.

“Come on. We’ll wait until your father gets home to discuss this.”