However, the yogurt trick only worked once.

By the second time, Koukou was too clever to be fooled.

He insisted on inserting the straw himself, refusing to drink from the one his parents prepared.

Everyone was amused by his cleverness.

It seemed Koukou wasn’t as naive as he appeared; he just trusted his sneaky parents too much.

A couple of days later, the doctor confirmed that Koukou was fine, so the family headed to Qiao Wanqing’s home.

Qiao Wanqing had already informed her family to expect her second uncle and his wife.

She planned a simple meal with some farm-fresh dishes for everyone to enjoy together and chat.

It was meant to be a casual family gathering.

However, it seemed her family misunderstood the situation.

They thought the first visit from the groom’s family should be more grand.

As soon as their car stopped, they heard the sounds of firecrackers and fireworks from outside.

When Qiao Wanqing got out of the car, she saw her second uncle had set up a long string of firecrackers and several large fireworks, creating a lively scene…

She instinctively glanced at Gu Jingzhi and Madam Gu.

To her surprise, they seemed to enjoy the lively atmosphere and were happily watching the fireworks and firecrackers.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

They entered through the side where there were no firecrackers.

Her second uncle, being friendly and uninhibited, shook hands with Gu Jingzhi without any hesitation.

He warmly called him “in-law” and didn’t seem at all intimidated by Gu Jingzhi’s stern appearance.

“Looks like my second uncle is quite at ease with such people,” Gu Yanqing said quietly to Qiao Wanqing after the firecrackers ended, as he put Koukou down who had insisted on getting out of the car.

“My second uncle is very sociable and straightforward. Just let your dad know not to take it personally,” Qiao Wanqing replied.

“Don’t worry, the older generation is more experienced than us. Let’s go inside.”

As soon as they walked into the courtyard, Qiao Wanqing was stunned once again.

She saw at least ten neighbors in the yard, killing chickens and ducks to help prepare the meal.

This looked exactly like a village-style banquet setup.

Qiao Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh and cry.

After they all settled inside to have tea, she went to find her grandmother, who was washing ginger.

Seeing Qiao Wanqing, her grandmother said, “Don’t come over here; it’s dirty. Go inside and keep the guests company.”

“Grandma, didn’t I just say we’re having a simple meal? Why is it so elaborate?” She had originally planned to cook a few simple dishes herself for the relatives, but now it seemed overly complicated.

“The first visit from the groom’s family needs to be impressive, or they might think poorly of us.”

Qiao Wanqing wanted to say that they wouldn’t mind, but since so much effort had already gone into it, she didn’t want to disappoint them by complaining.

So, she kept quiet.

She went into the living room, where Gu Jingzhi and her uncle were chatting.

After some polite conversation, Gu Jingzhi asked, “Second Uncle should have an elder brother, right? May I ask for his name?”

Out of courtesy, Gu Jingzhi addressed Qiao Wanqing’s second uncle as in line with how Koukou called him.

Qiao Wanqing was a bit surprised that Gu Jingzhi was interested in her Second uncle.

She wasn’t very familiar with this uncle.

From what she remembered as a child, she had seen him but didn’t recall what he looked like.

He seemed to resemble her second uncle quite a bit.

Her elder uncle had traveled around and done many businesses in his youth but didn’t achieve much.

It was only after his eldest son became successful that their family’s situation improved, and they eventually moved to the city.

Since her second uncle and aunt had been away from their hometown for many years, Qiao Wanqing had never met them.

Her second uncle, being straightforward and cheerful, said, “Yes, his name is Lin Xinmao. But he has moved to the city now, so he didn’t come this time.”

Gu Jingzhi and Mrs. Gu exchanged a glance and asked, “Did he use to run a fish pond in Sangtang?”

“Yes, do you know him?” her second uncle asked.

Gu Jingzhi chuckled, “Yes, I know him quite well.”

Qiao Wanqing was stunned.

What a coincidence!

She remembered that a few days ago, Gu Jingzhi had talked about his younger days farming and mentioned that their vegetables were stolen by someone running a fish pond next door.

Her uncle’s identity seemed to match this description.

If it’s true, what a remarkable coincidence: her uncle stealing fish thirty years ago, and now she and Gu Yanqing are together.

It was hard to believe that, after thirty years, Gu Jingzhi could recognize her uncle just from a resemblance.

It either meant he had an exceptional memory or held a deep grudge.

Her second uncle, thrilled to find out that Gu Jingzhi recognized his elder brother, said, “What a coincidence! It’s such a rare event to meet like this. I’ll give him a call and see if he’s free to join us.”

“There’s no need to make it so complicated,” Gu Jingzhi said calmly. “We can catch up another time. No rush today.”

Qiao Wanqing brought out candy, fruit plates, and other refreshments, placing them in front of everyone.

Then she went outside to find Gu Yanqing and clarify things.

Kou Kou was delighted by the firecrackers and refused to go back inside after the fireworks were over, picking up the unused firecrackers outside.

Gu Yanqing stood nearby, watching him.

When he saw Qiao Wanqing come out, he said, “Didn’t we agree to just have a simple meal? Why did Grandma and the others prepare such a big event?”

“They thought that since it’s the first time the groom’s parents are visiting, they shouldn’t skimp on the details.”

“Actually, it’s not necessary to go all out. My parents wouldn’t mind.”

“It’s already done,” Qiao Wanqing said, walking over to him. “I want to ask you something.”

“Sure, what is it?”

Qiao Wanqing recounted what she had heard earlier about her uncle.

Gu Yanqing was also surprised by this coincidence.

The chance of such an unlikely connection between their families, one in City C and the other in City X, was incredibly rare.

“So, do you think the vegetable thief was your uncle?” Gu Yanqing asked.

Qiao Wanqing nodded and said, “Yes, if it really is him, what a mix-up!”

Even though stealing a few vegetables wouldn’t matter much to the Gu family, it was still theft.

The vegetables were hard-earned, and the thief stole several times before being caught.

Gu Yanqing hadn’t personally experienced the old family stories but had heard from his parents about how the thief had been quite audacious.

Even after being caught, he refused to admit his guilt and threatened to come back openly next time.

This forced Gu Jingzhi to take special measures against him.

Eventually, when the thief’s family realized who they were dealing with, they came to apologize but were turned away.

Gu Yanqing didn’t mention this to Qiao Wanqing because he knew it had nothing to do with her.

He comforted her, saying, “Don’t worry. Even if your uncle did steal the vegetables, my parents won’t hold it against you.”

Qiao Wanqing was slightly worried that Gu Jingzhi and his wife might think poorly of her family’s character because of her uncle’s past actions.

It was rare for them not to judge her background, and she was determined to prove her family’s integrity.

Poverty wasn’t a flaw, but poor character could lead to disdain.

Gu Yanqing, understanding her concern, was about to offer some comfort when he noticed Kou Kou playing with a firecracker, and—before anyone could react—popped it into his mouth.

“Kou Kou, don’t eat that!” Gu Yanqing called out, but it was too late.

Kou Kou had already swallowed the firecracker.

“You little rascal, you eat anything,” Gu Yanqing said as he quickly picked him up, placing his hand under Kou Kou’s chin, and instructed him to spit it out.

Qiao Wanqing, now focused on the urgent issue, joined in to help Kou Kou get the firecracker out of his mouth.

Kou Kou, oblivious to the trouble he’d caused, happily spat the firecracker and some saliva onto Gu Yanqing’s hand.

Unfazed by his father’s scolding, he cheerfully said, “Spit out, came out!”

Gu Yanqing, worn down by the fearless little rascal, pinched Kou Kou’s cheek and asked, “Was it good?”

Kou Kou nodded, then shook his head, saying, “No, not good.”

“You little troublemaker,” Qiao Wanqing said, pulling out tissues to clean Kou Kou’s mouth and then wiping Gu Yanqing’s hand. “Firecrackers can be poisonous. You can’t eat them, understand? If you do, you might have to get an injection.”

“I’m scared,” Kou Kou admitted honestly.

“If you keep picking up things from the ground, I’ll call Uncle Huang to give you a shot on both sides,” Gu Yanqing warned him.

Kou Kou nestled into Gu Yanqing’s shoulder, saying, “Kou Kou is scared.”

Qiao Wanqing added, “If you’re scared, don’t pick up things from the ground. Got it?”

“Okay,” Kou Kou agreed.