Chapter Twenty-Two: Her Guilt and Hope

Alcohol is the best catalyst for bringing adults closer together.

The aroma of food filled the air, and the clink of glasses and chopsticks mingled merrily.

“Qing, on such a joyous day, aren’t you going to propose a toast and say a few words to everyone?”

Comrade Bai, unable to resist the effects of wine, saw that everyone was just focused on eating and not drinking, so he began to egg Yang Qing on.

Mother Bai shot him a look sharp as a dagger. “If you want a drink, just say so! I know exactly what you’re up to the moment you so much as twitch. And now you’re dragging Qing into it—really, you’re something.”

Bai Zhijun, not to be outdone, braced his neck and retorted, “Madam Bai, please mind your language, there are children present. Besides, what did I say that was wrong? Qing, isn’t today a day for celebration?”

“Haha… The little ones didn’t hear anything, Madam Bai, hurry up and scold him for talking nonsense!”

Young Bai gleefully raised a tiny paw in mischief.

Mother Bai narrowed her eyes. “You little rascal, what did you just call me?”

Bai Zhijun sighed in resignation.

Little Bai beamed innocently.

Laughter broke out all around. What a delightful, mischievous little darling this was!

Cradling little Dong’er in her arms, Qin Xue laughed and looked curiously at Yang Qing. “What’s the happy occasion? Is your little shop finally opening?”

Yang Qing raised his glass with a smile and stood up. “The shop is already leased, and once it’s renovated, we’ll open for business. I hope you’ll all come and show your support.”

He looked at everyone, a surge of emotion in his voice. “It’s been a road full of hardship, but I’ve been lucky to have my beloved sisters by my side, and to have met such sincere friends as all of you. This glass is for you—though life’s journey is long, the future is bright. I wish you all brilliant prospects and steadfast hearts. Cheers!”

“Haha…”

Zhang Wei, the big boss, laughed heartily. “Well said—brilliant prospects and steadfast hearts! Come, let’s all raise a glass to Yang Qing and to the future!”

“Cheers!” Everyone rose and clinked their glasses.

“Cheers!”

The little ones, excited, raised their bear-shaped drinks for a toast as well.

“Sis, cheers!”

Perched on a chair, little Dong’er held up her drink, her voice sweet and urgent.

Everyone burst out laughing at her adorable antics.

As glasses were raised and lowered, Comrade Bai grew tipsy and began boasting with Fang Du, whose face turned red after just one drink.

Li Yuexi had transformed into a true foodie—spicy bangbang chicken, crispy savory pancakes, juicy soup dumplings—she wished she could eat forever.

Qin Xue and Wen Xiaorou, meanwhile, focused their attention on the children, constantly adding food to their plates.

Mother Bai watched this with a gentle smile. “Xiaoxue, Xiaorou, you two should eat as well. The children can manage on their own.”

Wen Xiaorou sighed a little sadly. “I don’t dare eat too much.”

Mother Bai was surprised. “Why not? You have such a good figure, there’s no need to diet.”

“It’s not that…” Wen Xiaorou shook her head. “I’m afraid if I eat too much, I’ll fall in love with the taste, and just thinking that I might not have it again in the future makes me sad.”

Li Yuexi paused, confused. “Qing’s about to open a shop—why would you worry about missing out?”

Wen Xiaorou shot her a frosty glance. “Just eat your food, what do you know, you glutton!”

Li Yuexi gasped. “You’ve been captured by Qing’s cooking! You’ve fallen for him, haven’t you?!”

Yang Qing choked, caught off guard by the sudden attack.

Everyone at the table was stunned, even Comrade Bai stopped his boasting.

Wen Xiaorou’s face flushed red, and she lowered her head, not daring to meet anyone’s eyes, but she didn’t deny it, either.

“Xiaorou, do you like my brother? Is it true?”

Little Qiuer, completely oblivious to the tension, asked happily in her childish voice.

“Girlfriend! Sister Xiaorou is Brother Qing’s girlfriend!”

Little Bai shouted, stirring up excitement, while little Chuner and little Xiar looked at the shy Wen Xiaorou with sparkling eyes.

“Sister Xiaorou, are you really my brother’s girlfriend?”

The two little girls looked on expectantly. They vividly remembered that winter when their grandmother left, the sorrow and longing that filled the house.

She, who had adopted five children, was a great and kind woman—the most beautiful in the world. Yet, in leaving, she was filled with the deepest regret and reluctance.

She regretted leaving behind these four little angels, and felt guilty that the boy she treated as her own son, Yang Qing, would be burdened by this kindness and responsibility for life.

The little ones remembered her final words and hopes as she closed her eyes.

She urged their brother to persevere no matter what, to never lose the kindness in his heart, to raise them into adulthood.

She hoped he would one day find someone willing to share both hardship and happiness, to marry and start a family.

And now…

The children gazed at Wen Xiaorou, nerves and excitement mingling, longing for her affirmation.

“I… I…”

Wen Xiaorou spoke shyly. She was certain of her feelings for Yang Qing—this wasn’t a fleeting crush.

In their brief acquaintance, she had been touched by his kindness, amazed by his talents, and drawn in by his culinary skills.

A young woman’s heart stirred—she was already smitten.

“She isn’t!”

But before she could finish, a cool, clear voice rang out sharply—it was Qin Xue.

Wen Xiaorou looked up abruptly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Xiaorou, you’re drunk. Eat some more,”

Qin Xue said quietly. “Eat something to help sober up, it’ll clear your head.”

“I…”

Wen Xiaorou felt deeply wronged, but Qin Xue’s icy gaze did clear her mind somewhat.

Yes, she couldn’t fall for Yang Qing—not now, because…

With that, the joyful atmosphere vanished. Li Yuexi, the unwitting instigator, hung her head, not daring to move her chopsticks.

Comrade Bai sobered up instantly, glancing curiously at the two women, then at Yang Qing.

Yang Qing: …

Why are you all looking at me? What can I say? I’m just as confused!

Counting this time, I’ve only met her three times. How could feelings develop so quickly?

And with my circumstances, am I even worthy of her?

With that, Yang Qing smiled and broke the awkward silence. “Everyone, let’s eat before the food gets cold. Kids say things without meaning to—don’t take it seriously.”

“Yes, yes, let’s eat!”

Comrade Bai chimed in quickly. “Fang, let me tell you, you need to drink this wine like this…”

Fang Du: !!!

Are you really trying to get me drunk? Isn’t eavesdropping on gossip enough?

Well… even if this gossip is a bit dangerous, it’s certainly exciting!

“Sigh…”

Zhang Wei, too, let out a sigh—whether for the lost chance at gossip or for the two women, it was hard to say.

He raised his glass to Yang Qing and smiled. “Yang, I have to thank you for planning such a perfect program for us. Let’s have a drink!”

Yang Qing quickly stood up. “Thank you, Director Zhang—I was just lucky.”

“Haha, such humility in the young! Luck has little to do with such achievement.”

Zhang Wei downed his drink, then pointed mysteriously at the now-empty plate that once held savory pancakes. “I hope your shop will be open within a week. You understand?”

Yang Qing was taken aback, but suddenly realization dawned, and he exclaimed excitedly, “Can I really…?”

“Haha, I wasn’t sure before, but now I am. If I say you can, you can! Otherwise, my trip here would be for nothing,” Zhang Wei laughed.

“Thank you, thank you, Director Zhang!”

Yang Qing, elated, pulled the boasting Bai Zhijun over. “Brother Bai, let’s toast Director Zhang together!”

“Oh, sure! To Director Zhang!”

Bai Zhijun had no idea why Yang Qing was so excited to include him in the toast, but the opportunity to drink was enough!

“One glass isn’t enough! At least six—may your luck be everlasting!”

Yang Qing was speechless.

You really are desperate for a drink!

Fang Du covered his face.

Finally, someone who feels the same as I do!