They've finally talked things out. There's no such thing as a grudge that lasts overnight between brothers. Sometimes, unexpected events can actually offer some inspiration and guidance to those who are lost.
I was lucky today; the first half of the journey was so congested it was like constipation, but the second half went quite smoothly.
In order to chase after Zhao Xiyin's taxi, Gu Heping crossed a red light. While feeling sorry for his driver's license, he asked Zhou Qishen, "What good will it do if you follow her? Snatch her away? If you dare to snatch her away in front of Aunt Xiaoxi, I'll kneel down and call you Dad."
Zhou Qishen said, "I won't grab it. I'll sit at another table and find a chance to explain to her."
Gu Heping nodded vigorously, "I promise to be your witness."
——
Zhao Xiyin arrived at the restaurant just in time, not late. However, she spent a little time finding the private room and momentarily forgot the room number Zhao Wenchun had mentioned. After going up and down the stairs, she found everyone sitting in the lobby.
Zhao Xiyin was speechless.
At the square eight-immortal table, Zhao Wenchun stood up and called to her, "Xiao west, over here, over here."
Zhao Xiyin immediately smiled brightly, genuinely happy. She jogged over, her gaze falling on Zhao Lingxia, and greeted her warmly and loudly, "Auntie."
Zhao Lingxia was wearing Prada's new winter collection, a royal blue wool coat that was extremely form-fitting. Generally speaking, women her age tend to have a slightly puffy and loose figure, but Zhao Lingxia was completely different. She had a straight posture, a narrow back, narrow shoulders, a slender waist, and even the skin on her fingers was not dull at all.
There's an interesting anecdote: years ago, Zhao Wenchun lived in a hutong with his daughter. When the neighbors gathered to chat, they all agreed that the Zhao family produced a beautiful woman.
Zhao Xiyin possesses a beauty akin to that of green branches and leaves.
It is both vivid and gentle, with no aggression, making people feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze.
Zhao Lingxia possesses a striking and sophisticated beauty, like a fine vintage wine; a sip of it can make you feel like you're floating on air. Age, in Zhao Lingxia's case, is the least noticeable accessory.
Zhao Lingxia sipped her tea, glanced at the table dismissively, and gave a curt "hmm," showing no change in her expression.
Zhao Xiyin stood properly and explained in a serious manner: "The dance troupe had extra training today, so I left late. There was a lot of traffic on the way. Aunt, I didn't mean to be late."
Zhao Lingxia scoffed, "I haven't said a word, yet you've already said six."
Zhao Xiyin shook her head in admission of her mistake, "Auntie, I know I was wrong."
Zhao Lingxia applied only a light touch of makeup, except for her lipstick, which was a deep, regal red. A color that would suit most people, yet it seemed tailor-made for her. She raised her chin and asked Zhao Xiyin a few questions.
Zhao Xiyin stood ramrod straight, her hands outstretched behind her back, as obedient as a primary school student preparing for a big exam.
"Why is Xiaoxi so afraid of her aunt? She's like she's standing at attention."
At another table separated by a screen, Gu Heping lowered his voice and sighed.
Zhou Qishen quickly covered his mouth, "Keep your voice down, keep your voice down."
"Can you straighten your tongue? What are you saying?" Gu Heping couldn't hear a word Zhou Qishen said because his voice was so soft it was almost buried in his throat. "You sound like a pig snoring right now, just a string of drooling bubbles."
Zhou Qishen sighed helplessly, "She's been afraid of her aunt since she was little."
“I think my aunt is getting more and more beautiful. She doesn’t look fierce at all. Is she fifty? I would believe you if you said she was thirty,” Gu Heping continued to sigh.
Zhou Qishen was really anxious, wishing he could sew his lips shut, "I want you to keep your voice down!"
Gu Heping scoffed, "Don't worry, we're so far away, they won't be able to spot us."
As soon as she finished speaking, the screen was pushed open halfway from right to left, and the faint scent of a woman's perfume wafted out. Zhao Lingxia crossed her arms, smiled kindly, and said in a voice as pleasant as a wind chime, "No matter how far or near, guests are welcome. Since you're here, let's eat together."
"..."
"..."
Zhou Qi closed his eyes deeply, feeling an urge to strangle Gu Heping.
And so, the two were exposed to the light of day, like adulterers caught in the act.
Zhao Wenchun was stunned. "Huh? Ah. Qi, Qi Shen."
Zhao Xiyin turned around and was also stunned, her beautiful eyes wide with a head full of question marks.
Zhao Lingxia remained calm and composed. "Please sit down."
Zhou Qishen and Gu Heping were momentarily stunned and neither of them moved.
"Sit down!" Zhao Lingxia suddenly called out.
Zhou Qishen, you and Gu Heping sit down together.
How wonderful, the whole family is together, only those who feel embarrassed know it.
Zhao Xiyin stared blankly at the eight-treasure tea on the table, her eyes downcast, like a wooden puppet. Zhou Qishen sat facing her, glancing at her several times, but received no response.
Zhao Lingxia, on the contrary, softened her tone and asked Zhao Xiyin about everyday matters, "I heard from your dad that you went back to dancing?"
Zhao Xiyin nodded, "I jumped."
"How was your jump?"
"good."
"Don't you feel like you've lost weight?"
Before Zhao Xiyin could answer, Zhao Wenchun quickly interjected, "I made her delicious food—braised pork, braised ribs, braised pig's trotters. I made them all. But she... she won't eat them; she wants to lose weight."
The speed at which they shirked responsibility left Zhao Xiyin in awe.
Teacher Zhao, where has your integrity gone? It's changed.