Chapter 356: A Small Gesture

Mingyuan and his family often drank this honey water at home, recognizing its benefits. He drank it eagerly and then smacked his lips in approval. “Hmm, this is delicious. It tastes even better than before. Where did you get this from?”

Mingyuan knew they hadn’t brought their beehives with them, so they must have brought along some pre-made honey this time.

Wang Qian smiled at him mischievously. “I bought it from the morning market near our school. It’s probably from the outskirts, as long as it tastes good. I’ll buy more in the future to save you from exerting yourself too much.”

After finishing the remaining meat in the lunchbox, Mingyuan let out a relieved sigh. “Finally, I’m full…”

Wang Xuan touched her brother’s short hair affectionately and took out her own meal and vegetable tickets from her pocket, handing them to him. “Mingyuan, take these to eat for now. If it’s not enough, we’ll figure something out later.”

Mingyuan hesitated, “Sis, I can’t take yours. What about you?”

Wang Xuan playfully tapped him on the shoulder. “We have Yang Nuo, don’t we? We’ll eat together for lunch, and we’ll have our meals together in the morning and evening. You just arrived, and you’re staying here for now. Once you start classes officially, you’ll be busy. My major is almost complete, so let’s go with this plan. If there’s something delicious, I’ll bring you some more.”

Although Wang Qian wanted to bring her brother two boxes of cakes, she realized it might be too much for the dorm mates. She didn’t want Mingyuan to eat alone either, so she decided to follow her sister’s suggestion. Their academic workload wasn’t as heavy now.

After checking on Mingyuan, Wang Xuan remembered that Chen Xu had mentioned picking up Grandpa Chen from the hospital. She wasn’t sure if they had returned yet.

“Qianqian, are you coming back with me?” Since Wang Qian had already seen Mingyuan and didn’t want to go back home, she declined. Returning to school by bus would be late, and she needed time to connect with her dorm mates. She shook her head, saying, “Sis, I’ll head straight back to school. If there’s anything at home, just come find me.”

The two of them escorted Wang Qian out. As they left, Yang Nuo took Wang Xuan’s hand once more. “Xuan, should we go visit Grandpa Chen? We need to see this through properly.”

Deciding to visit the hospital, they bought some items and headed there. Fortunately, the hospital wasn’t far from their school, just a few bus stops away.

As they arrived, Grandpa Chen and the others had already completed the discharge procedures and were heading outside.

“Grandpa Chen, how’s your recovery going?” Wang Xuan inquired.

Grandpa Chen chuckled, “My dear, I’m being discharged today. The doctor advised me to go home and rest properly. It was due to poor diet, but I’ll be more careful now. Can’t have you all worrying about me.”

The eldest son of the Chen family supported Grandpa Chen, saying, “Dad, you’re talking nonsense. It’s our duty to take care of you. Xuan, why don’t you come back with us? These past few days, Grandpa has been thinking about accompanying your younger siblings going to report for duty but couldn’t make it. He feels bad about it.”

As they walked together, Wang Xuan discussed Mingyuan’s situation with Grandpa Chen.

Grandpa Chen chuckled, “I knew it. Mingyuan’s appetite might exceed the school’s meal portions. That Zuo kid… children need to eat well to grow. Since you gave your meal tickets to your brother, what will you do? How about bringing some extra food when I’m at work so we can share a meal?”

Yang Nuo chimed in, “Grandpa Chen, Xuan will have lunch with me, and we’ll stay here in the evening. This way, we can save some meal tickets. We have plenty of food at home; Uncle and the others bought a lot to make sure we won’t go hungry. This way, Mingyuan can be at ease at school, and when we return home, we can take care of him. We can rest in the dormitory at noon and maintain our relationships with classmates without feeling distant.”

As the two children had considered their arrangements, Grandpa Chen smiled in agreement. The members of the Chen family couldn’t help but wonder upon hearing their conversation. It seemed that Xuan and Yang Nuo had a house in the Capital, along with plenty of provisions at home. This revelation dispelled any notions of taking advantage of the old man.

“Xuan, you bought a house here in the Capital? Why wasn’t I informed?” Grandpa Chen inquired.

Wang Xuan nodded with a smile, “We bought it not too long ago. It’s a place for our siblings to reunite temporarily. With so many of us, it’s inconvenient to gather at school. So, Dad bought us a house.”

There were details that Wang Xuan chose not to divulge to them. If they were curious, Grandpa Chen would have already informed them. She tactfully avoided going into specifics.

The three daughters-in-law of the Chen family finally realized that Wang Zhenhe was wealthier than they had assumed. While they lived in company-provided housing, at least they had a place to stay. To their surprise, Wang Zhenhe had bought a house for their children to live in while attending university. This unforeseen move left them pondering. They assumed the Wang family could afford a small house in a remote area, as city properties were costly and likely out of their reach.

Meanwhile, Shi Wenting remained gloomy in the crowd. She had been hoping to compete for the house, but now that opportunity was lost. Not only was the house off the table, but her husband’s attitude toward his father had taken a significant turn. In the past, whenever there were treats at home, they usually all end up for her family. Now that her husband and father-in-law had reconciled, she anticipated a reduction in benefits for her family. However, considering her father-in-law’s salary, she couldn’t help but calculate the significant sum they could receive if all his earnings went to their family.

Shortly after, someone behind Grandpa Chen called out, “Dad, considering your health, why not stay at our place? It would be easier for us to take care of you.”

Grandpa Chen turned to his eldest daughter-in-law and replied, “Let’s forget about that idea. If you’re filial, just visit me regularly. I won’t go anywhere. Your mother-in-law is waiting for me at home, and I need to go back to be with her.”

This response sent a shiver down Shi Wenting’s spine. Chen Guochao chimed in, “That’s right, Dad. Just do as you please. If you feel comfortable anywhere, we have no objections. Plus, Xu’er will keep you company. The three of us brothers will make time to come and be with you.”

Wang Xuan noticed the calculating look in the eldest daughter-in-law’s eyes. She doubted that Grandpa Chen would go to live with their family. It was better for him to stay in his own comfortable home rather than endure such scheming.

“Dad, rest assured. Guoqiang and I will bring the kids to visit you whenever we can. If the younger ones weren’t working today, I would have had them come pick you up. When they have time off, I’ll have them accompany you for a stroll. Xu’er is still studying, so I’ll have his younger brothers help take care of you.”

Zhang Jiuhong wasn’t naive. She found her brother-in-law’s words discomforting. While she valued filial piety, she couldn’t stand the blatant favoritism towards her brother-in-law. She might be sharp-tongued, but she hadn’t stooped to the level of plotting for money like her sister-in-law.

Grandpa Chen nodded with a smile, “Alright, I’m content just to have your company. But work is important, and we can’t delay it. If you have matters to attend to, go back and handle them. I’m fine now, and as long as Xu’er and the others are here, I’m in good hands. Don’t let it interfere with your work.”

“Dad, it’s fine. We’ve taken time off. We’ll head back to work in the afternoon,” Wang Xuan reassured him.

When they returned to Chen Minghai’s house, Grandpa Chen asked his grandson to bring out a package containing several stacks of money that he had prepared through Chen Xu.

“Elder son, my eldest grandson is getting married, and as a grandfather, I need to make a gesture. This five hundred yuan is my contribution. The other families should do the same. As long as I’m around, this amount will be given for any grandson’s wedding,” Grandpa Chen explained.

Chen Guochao was visibly moved as he saw Grandpa Chen take out the money. This sum was likely part of the hardship allowance that his father had been saving for years. Currently, Grandpa Chen’s salary wasn’t much different from theirs, so accumulating this amount of money was quite a feat. This money symbolized Grandpa Chen’s sacrifices.

“Dad, I can’t accept this money. You should treat yourself to something nice with it,” Chen Guochao replied.

Shi Wenting, standing behind him, couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the stack of money. With this money, arranging her son’s wedding would be much easier.

However, her husband’s response nearly made her lose her temper. She pinched him hard from behind, and Chen Guochao, despite feeling uncomfortable, continued to decline.

Grandpa Chen insisted, handing the money to his son. “Eldest son, don’t refuse. It’s not easy when the children get married. I know it’s tough. This is a gesture from your mother and me. It’s for the grandson, not for you. Take it and don’t refuse. The others shouldn’t decline either. When your children get married, they’ll receive the same treatment.”

At that moment, Zhang Jiuhong glanced at her sister-in-law with a hint of satisfaction. Chen Guoqiang intervened, nudging his wife, who couldn’t hide her smug expression.

After Grandpa Chen’s persuasive words, Chen Guochao reluctantly accepted the weighty sum of money, feeling as heavy-hearted as the money in his hands, struggling to contain his emotions.

Each had their own matters to attend to, so they didn’t have lunch there. After everyone left, Chen Xu finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Grandpa, it’s better if they come one by one. I feel a bit overwhelmed when they all come at once.”

Grandpa Chen playfully tapped his grandson on the head. “Little one, no matter their intentions, the fact that they came is progress. Did you notice your mom didn’t argue with your aunt today? That’s a good start.”

In the kitchen, Wang Xuan prepared the meal and ate with them before heading back with Yang Nuo.

Wang Xuan expressed her frustration, “Having a large family brings many troubles. If our younger siblings turn out like this in the future, I’ll give them a piece of my mind. Dealing with just one is already quite a handful; it’s truly unbearable.”

Accompanying them throughout the day, Yang Nuo observed everyone’s behavior. He couldn’t stand Shi Wenting’s avaricious demeanor, fearing that she would make the money disappear. Even Chen Xu’s mother didn’t display that kind of greed in her eyes.