Chuxia had read through about half of the book.

When she looked up, she saw that Cen Huai’an and Grandpa Jiang hadn’t finished their game yet.

Reading for a long time can strain the eyes.

Chuxia blinked, feeling some dryness, and moved to Cen Huai’an’s side to watch the game.

She couldn’t discern who was winning or losing, but she noticed the fine beads of sweat on Huai’an’s forehead, while Grandpa Jiang’s face remained kindly and untroubled.

It was clear that the game was leaning in Grandpa Jiang’s favor.

At that moment, voices from outside grew louder, including children’s voices.

Grandpa Jiang placed his piece and smiled gently, “Let’s stop here for today. An An, do you want to continue learning chess from me?”

Cen Huai’an knew he would lose if he continued.

When Great-Grandpa said it was over, he put the pieces back in the box and, with a serious tone, said, “I’ll listen to Mom.”

Chuxia, who didn’t understand go, respected Cen Huai’an’s decision. “An An, learning Go is up to you. If you want to learn from Great-Grandpa, then you should.”

Cen Huai’an thought about it.

He enjoyed playing Go with Great-Grandpa.

Great-Grandpa was very skilled at chess.

During their game, no matter what move Cen Huai’an made, Great-Grandpa always found a way to block him and made him think of many strategies to break through.

It wasn’t just about winning; Cen Huai’an felt that Great-Grandpa was guiding him in his play.

Even from just this one game, he learned a lot.

Without hesitation, Cen Huai’an said, “I want to learn from Great-Grandpa.”

Grandpa Jiang, who was worried that Cen Huai’an might refuse, was instantly delighted.

His eyes crinkled into a line as he beamed with joy.

“Great! Great! Chuxia, did you hear that? Make sure to bring Cen Huai’an over whenever you have the time.”

Chuxia nodded with a smile, “With Grandpa’s words, we’ll visit often. We won’t worry about bothering you.”

Grandpa Jiang would be thrilled if Chuxia and Cen Huai’an came more often. At his age, he enjoyed the warmth and bustle of family life.

Unfortunately, during weekdays, everyone was busy and the house was quiet.

Hearing Chuxia’s words, Grandpa Jiang’s smile grew even wider.

He said in a hearty tone, “Bother? I’d be happier if you came every day!”

Jiang Zhishu was still focused on the chessboard, while Luo Peng glanced at Chuxia and then at Cen Huai’an, with a hint of envy and melancholy in his eyes.

Outside, the sounds of laughter grew louder.

Grandpa Jiang opened the study door and walked out first.

The noise outside instantly quieted, followed by a chorus of voices calling for him.

“Dad.”

“Grandpa.”

“Great-Grandpa.”

“Great-Grandpa.”

Chuxia and Huai’an followed Grandpa Jiang out and saw that the living room was already filled with people, both adults and children, with the kids playing together.

When they saw Chuxia and Cen Huai’an, all eyes turned to them—curious, friendly, and inquisitive.

Chuxia stood there gracefully, smiling at everyone.

Cen Huai’an, however, tightly gripped Chuxia’s hand, his face tense and his eyes full of curiosity and wariness as he looked at the adults.

He was always like this around unfamiliar strangers and didn’t like talking much to outsiders.

Jiang Zhishu and Luo Peng had already approached, and Grandpa Jiang went over too.

Chuxia held Cen Huai’an’s hand and walked through the various gazes to the group of people.

Grandpa Jiang introduced Chuxia to everyone, “Chuxia, this is your eldest uncle and aunt, and over there are your second uncle and aunt.”

Uncle Jiang, as Chuxia had heard from Jiang Zhida, had a serious demeanor, similar to Jiang Zhishu, with little expression on his face.

Aunt Jiang, however, had a gentle strength.

She looked elegant and warm with a smile, but her eyes showed resilience.

She had a blend of grace and strength.

Second Uncle Jiang appeared more cheerful, and Aunt Jiang was very beautiful.

Despite signs of age at the corners of her eyes, she maintained a youthful and mature beauty.

Chuxia was momentarily taken aback by her face.

While the Jiang family wasn’t lacking in looks, Second Aunt Jiang was particularly striking.

Chuxia greeted them with a smile, “Hello, Uncle, Aunt. Hello, Second Uncle, Second Aunt.”

She also had Huai’an greet the relatives.

Although Uncle Jiang appeared stern, Chuxia could feel his effort to show goodwill, and Aunt Jiang was also friendly.

Second Uncle Jiang was warm and welcoming, smiling as he spoke to her and Cen Huai’an.

Only Second Aunt Jiang was a bit distant.

She glanced at them briefly and then looked away.

However, Chuxia wasn’t very concerned.

Regardless of their feelings, these relatives gave them red envelopes, a customary gesture for meeting in-laws.

Uncle Jiang had two sons and one daughter.

Chuxia had already met his sons, Jiang Zhishu and Jiang Zhida.

His daughter, Jiang Zhiguan, was also there today with her husband, Zhang Wei, and their daughter, Zhang Lu.

Second Uncle Jiang had a son and a daughter.

The elder son, Jiang Zhijie, was married to Bai Han, and they had a son, Jiang Weixian.

The daughter, Jiang Zhiyi, was in high school.

After the introductions, Chuxia realized that there were only two children in Cen Huai’an’s generation in the Jiang family, and the eldest brother, Jiang Zhishu, hadn’t mentioned having children.

But Chuxia quickly dismissed the thought, considering other people’s private matters weren’t her concern.

Chuxia and Huai’an greeted all the Jiang family members who had come to see them today.

Grandpa Jiang smiled, “My family rarely gathers like this. Today, thanks to Chuxia and An An, I get to see all my sons and grandchildren together.”

Uncle Jiang, standing nearby, said with a stern tone, “Dad, I came over as soon as you called me.”

Second Uncle Jiang also complained, “Dad, it sounds like you’re saying that I’m not as dutiful as my elder brother. If you want us to come more often, I’ll bring Zhijie and Zhiyi over every week.”

Grandpa Jiang waved his hand, “That’s not necessary. Just remember to come once every ten days or so.”

He understood that his children and grandchildren were busy, as they had only recently settled into their work and needed to focus on their careers.

Grandpa Jiang was sympathetic to their difficulties.

Aunt Jiang, Yang Mei, pulled Chuxia to sit beside her and gently patted Cen Huai’an’s little head, “Chuxia, you’ve raised An An very well. He looks like a smart child.”

Chuxia nodded without modesty, “Auntie, I think so too. What do you think, An An?”

Cen Huai’an leaned against Chuxia, nuzzling her affectionately, and nodded, “Mm.”

Aunt Jiang, named Yang Mei, worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She used to be Grandpa Jiang’s student and would often come with other students to ask him questions.

Later, she married Uncle Jiang.

Her job required her to interact with many people.

When her family was in a difficult situation, she faced many setbacks.

When circumstances improved, people came to flatter her.

Yang Mei had a keen eye for people.

It was rare to find someone like Chuxia, who spoke candidly and had a straightforward manner.

Her clear, sincere gaze immediately created a positive impression.

Yang Mei was particularly fond of both Chuxia and Huai’an.

She kept asking about Huai’an’s interesting traits, showing how much she liked him.

When Chuxia mentioned they had two dogs at home, Yang Mei immediately said, “I also like dogs, but both your uncle and I are too busy to take care of them.”

Chuxia responded, “In the future, I can bring the puppies over to Grandpa’s house. You can meet Huangzi and Heizi then.”

Yang Mei was delighted, “When you bring them, let Dazi and me know.”

As they were talking, Aunt Jiang’s granddaughter, Zhang Lu, ran over and stood in front of Cen Huai’an and Chuxia with her bright, lively eyes.

“Aunt, can I play with An An?”

She wanted to play with Cen Huai’an because she thought he looked cleaner and smarter than her cousin Jiang Weixian and seemed less likely to cry.

It would be more fun to play with him.

Chuxia smiled and replied, “You need to ask An An.”

Zhang Lu turned to Cen Huai’an, “Brother An An, let’s play together. I know a fun place at Great-Grandpa’s house.”

Cen Huai’an hesitated, but Zhang Lu had already grabbed his hand and was pulling him along, saying, “Let’s go!”

Chuxia watched with a smile and didn’t stop them.

Cen Huai’an glanced at his mother, curious about the place Zhang Lu mentioned, and was thus led away.

Jiang Weixian, who was a year younger than Cen Huai’an, saw them leaving and immediately ran after them, shouting, “Sister, take me with you!”

The three children ran outside.

Zhang Lu led them to the right and told them to be quiet, “The fun place is just behind here. Follow me.”

Cen Huai’an followed quietly, and after a few steps, he saw various flowers and plants placed below the wall outside.

He curiously looked at them and noticed some flowers and leaves had been torn off and thrown into the flowerpots.

Cen Huai’an frowned, recalling his teacher’s teachings about respecting and protecting plants, and not harming them casually.

Zhang Lu turned and noticed Huai’an’s gaze.

She followed his line of sight and immediately saw the damaged plants.

Her eyes widened in shock, and she shouted, “Great-Grandpa! Great-Grandpa! Something’s wrong! Your precious plants are ruined!”

“What?”

Hearing Zhang Lu’s shout, Grandpa Jiang and everyone else rushed out.

He quickly saw the state of his beloved plants, which had been destroyed.

This wasn’t how they looked when he watered them in the morning.

They were thriving when Chuxia and Cen Huai’an arrived.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Grandpa Jiang picked up his cane and struck Jiang Zhida, “You unfilial descendant! How could you be so careless! Do you know how hard I’ve worked to care for these plants?”

Jiang Zhida, terrified, ran away, “Grandpa, Grandpa, calm down, I’m sorry! Ah!”

Uncle Jiang and Second Uncle Jiang followed, trying to calm Grandpa Jiang down, “Dad, slow down. Don’t chase him. I’ll deal with him.”

Yang Mei also tried to calm things down, sternly ordering Jiang Zhida to stop.

Second Aunt Jiang frowned, looking at Jiang Zhida with some disdain.

The entire yard was in chaos.

Chuxia and Cen Huai’an were initially stunned but then stepped back to avoid getting involved.

Zhang Lu whispered to Cen Huai’an, “My little uncle often gets chased like this. You’ll get used to it if you see it often.”

The commotion only settled when Aunt Li, who took care of Grandpa Jiang, called out from inside that dinner was ready.

Jiang Zhida didn’t dare come back inside.

Instead, he shouted from outside, “Grandpa, I’ll buy a few more pots of flowers for you. Please calm down and let me in for dinner. I’m really, really hungry. Grandpa, please pity me. I’ve been busy all morning.”

Yang Mei, used to her son’s behavior, was no longer angry.

She raised her voice from inside, “Stop shouting outside. Come in and apologize!”

Although Grandfather Jiang was old, his voice was still loud and clear. “Little rascal, stop shouting and come in for dinner!”

“Alright!” Jiang Zhida responded loudly, knowing that the matter was settled and his grandfather wouldn’t hold it against him anymore.

He quickly ran in and sat down.

He looked at Grandfather Jiang with a grin and said flatteringly, “Grandpa, you’re the best. What flowers do you want? Do you want to pick them out yourself, or should I buy them and bring them to you?”

Grandfather Jiang unapologetically named several types of flowers. “Buy them and bring them to me.”

Even though there were new flowers and plants, thinking of the ones that had been ruined made Grandfather Jiang’s heart ache.

After dinner, Jiang’s uncles had to go to work.

Before leaving, Yang Mei told Chuxia that she could visit her home anytime and mentioned that her daughter-in-law, Luo Peng, had a good personality and was about Chuxia’s age, so they could be friends.

“Luo Peng grew up in the capital and knows it well. If you need anything, you can ask her directly. Although my younger son is a bit of a troublemaker, he’s good at running errands. You can also ask him for help if needed.”

“Thank you, Auntie Yang.”