Second Aunt said, “There is no such thing. It is just that she is quite old after all. Her body and energy are not as good as those of young people. With so many people at the birthday banquet, I am afraid she might find it too noisy and lack the energy to cope.”
Xiaoya smiled. “Second Aunt, do not worry. Grandma Zhan is still very strong. When she was Grandpa’s age, she was still flying around on planes all the time. Zhan Yue’s sisters-in-law were all chosen by her when she travelled everywhere and picked them for his brothers to pursue.”
“Just a few days ago Grandma Zhan went to the hospital for a full check-up. I have seen the results. Many young people do not even have results as good as hers.”
“She does not like quietness. She loves liveliness. Zhan Yue said his grandma just likes everyone being at home, making it bustling and cheerful.”
Second Uncle said, “Your grandpa said he does not want a big celebration. Just have those of us who are free come back to gather and have a meal together. No need for a formal birthday banquet. He said the people in our family do not usually celebrate birthdays.”
“Since Old Madam Zhan wants to come, once your grandpa and grandma return, we can ask Zhan Yue to bring his grandma over. Everyone can meet and get to know each other.”
Second Uncle guessed that Old Madam Zhan wanted the two children to introduce their families to each other, especially since most people in the Zeng family had never met Zhan Yue.
Xiaoya’s parents had not met Zhan Yue either. They had only heard about how excellent he was. Whether her older brother and sister-in-law would be satisfied with Zhan Yue would depend on them meeting him in person when they returned.
Xiaoya said, “I guessed Grandpa would not want a big event. Then after Grandpa comes back, I will tell Zhan Yue and have him bring Grandma Zhan over to sit for a while.”
Second Uncle gave an affirming sound.
“Since we are inviting Old Madam Zhan, we should also invite Zhan Yue’s parents.”
Xiaoya did not think much about it. She not only agreed but also added, “Zhan Yue’s great-uncle and great-aunt are also at home. If we invite Grandma Zhan and his mum, it would not be good to leave his great-uncle behind. I have noticed his elders always go everywhere together.”
“Might as well invite them all.”
Second Uncle and Second Aunt exchanged a glance. Second Uncle said, “You arrange it yourself. Zhan Yue is your friend now. You handle your friend’s matters.”
“Alright.”
The three of them, uncle and niece, did not chat any further and each went upstairs.
On the other side, when Zhan Yue returned home, the younger nephews and nieces had already gone to dreamland because they could not stay up late. His parents and older brothers and sisters-in-law were all still waiting for him in the living room.
When they saw him come in, Second Brother teased him. “This is like the eighteen farewell scenes, sending her off so reluctantly. The sky was not even fully dark when you sent Miss Zeng back, yet you only returned now in the middle of the night.”
“Old Eighth, you should have been shameless and stayed over at the Zeng family.”
Zhan Yue said, “We are not married yet. How could I stay overnight at the Zeng family? That would affect Xiaoya’s reputation.”
Even if they did nothing at all, as long as he stayed over, others would assume he and Xiaoya had done something.
Just like Doctor Lin and Miss He. They shared a bed, but nothing happened. Yet if you told people, who would believe it?
Everyone would still think Doctor Lin and Miss He had already consummated their relationship as husband and wife.
Zhan Yue had decided on Xiaoya. She was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. He would protect her reputation.
He did not want her to be dragged into rumours and gossip.
“You have not even confessed yet, and you are already protecting her like this.”
Zhan Yue walked up to his two older brothers, squeezed right between them, and forced his way into a seat.
Then, with one hand resting on each brother’s thigh, he said, “I learned it all from my brothers. However you treat my sisters-in-law, that is how I will treat Xiaoya.”
“You little brat, stealing our skills without paying tuition fees. It is not too late to pay now. Hurry up and transfer some money to me and your big brother as tuition.”
