Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“I’m heading to work, President Fang!” Wang Ning promptly exited the office, making it clear that he had no intention of handling restroom duties.
As night descended, Qiao Xinhui settled on the sofa and reached out to contact her sons.
“Your sister is back home for her summer break. Finish your tasks as soon as you can. If it’s feasible, make an effort to come home early. If you’re swamped, at least carve out some time to visit her.”
“I understand that you’re all incredibly busy, but your sister’s home, and 1 expect you to spend time with her, no excuses.”
“And if anyone dares to neglect or mistreat my daughter, you will have to deal with me first!”
“When you visit, don’t bring any work with you, and leave your baggage behind. But, be sure to bring a thoughtful gift for your sister.”
After making four phone calls, Qiao Xinhui contacted her youngest son.
“Let’s get one thing straight. No one can afford to miss any holidays this year, especially your sister’s birthday, and that includes you! If you don’t show up, you’ll answer to me! Do you hear what I’m saying?”
Cheng Xichen, on the other end of the line, felt somewhat unfairly treated. “Mom, after all, I’m still your biological son. Are you really threatening to break my legs for a sister you just discovered?”
Qiao Xinhui retorted, “Hmph, you still acknowledge that you’re my biological son? How often have you actually visited me this year?”
“I, well, I’ve been swamped with work. But 1 usually send gifts and red envelopes!” Cheng Xichen felt a tinge of guilt. It had indeed been a long time since he’d been home.
Qiao Xinhui wasn’t swayed by this. “Hmph, who needs your money, anyway?”
“…” Fine, his biological mother was certainly not in need of finances.
“Regardless, you have to make it home! Oh, and one more thing…” Qiao Xinhui suddenly recollected. “Let me know in advance when you plan to visit.” Cheng Xichen inquired, “Will there be something delicious waiting for me?” “Always eating, eating, eating. You’re a big star now, and all you do is eat. Have you been a glutton since childhood?” Qiao Xinhui remarked with disdain.
Cheng Xichen was slightly indignant. “Celebrities are human too; they need to eat!”
Qiao Xinhui continued, “Su family’s daughter has been coming to visit me.
She’s quite dignified and well-educated…”
Cheng Xichen interrupted, “Alright, alright, I get it. I’m not available.”
“You young rascal, let me finish,” Qiao Xinhui wouldn’t allow any interruptions. “You’re not a kid anymore. It’s time for you to settle down.”
Cheng Xichen retorted, “Mom, I have four older brothers ahead of me. Why don’t you pressure them to hurry up? Why single me out?”
“I can’t rush them, can I? Besides, the Su family’s daughter is interested in you. What can I do?”
“You!” Cheng Xichen clutched his heart. This was undoubtedly his biological mother!
Qiao Xinhui added, “Don’t forget to bring a gift for your sister when you come home. I’m hanging up!”
“…” Cheng Xichen felt incredibly aggrieved. How long had it been since his mother last called him if it weren’t for this sister?
After instructing all her sons, Qiao Xinhui finally felt some relief.
“Sweetheart, are you thirsty? Have some flower tea; it’s good for your complexion.” Cheng Ye eagerly brought a cup of flower tea with a smile.
After making five calls in a row, Qiao Xinhui felt a bit parched. She took the teacup and had a sip.
“I brewed it when you were talking to our fifth son. The temperature is just right now, not too hot or cold.” Cheng Ye waited for her to finish the tea and set the cup on the table. He began massaging her. “Sweetie, your hands must be sore. Shall 1 give you a hand massage?”
Qiao Xinhui replied, “You should also take a break.”
“I’m not tired!” Cheng Ye affectionately massaged her hands. “By the way, Yuanyuan’s return is such a significant event. When do you plan to inform the rest of the family?”
It wasn’t as though Qiao Xinhui hadn’t considered this before. She fell into a momentary silence. “Your father is still in a coma, and your mother’s heart isn’t in the best condition… My parents are getting on in years, and their health is deteriorating day by day. Let’s hold off on telling them for now,” she decided. She would wait until they were in better health. Their hearts wouldn’t be able to handle the shock. Another spike in their blood pressure might trigger a host of old ailments and heart issues. Furthermore, once word got out that Yuanyuan had returned home, there would be a constant influx of visitors. Just the thought of it was vexing. If they were disturbed, that was one thing, but if Yuanyuan got overwhelmed…
“It was a long and difficult search to find Yuanyuan. I want to spend quality time with her and make amends,” Cheng Ye persisted, continuing to massage his wife’s hand. Qiao Xinhui concurred, “If too many relatives suddenly appear, we won’t have much opportunity to be with Yuanyuan. What do you think?”
Cheng Ye nodded in agreement, “Honey, you’re absolutely right. I don’t want anyone to disrupt our family reunion.”
At that moment, Qiao Xinhui’s phone rang. It was Fang Yuan calling!
Cheng Ye watched eagerly, feeling a slight tinge of disappointment. When would his daughter call him too?
Qiao Xinhui cleared her throat and answered the call with excitement. “Hello? My dearest daughter…”
Fang Yuan informed her, “Mom, I won’t be coming back for dinner tonight. I’ll be dining out with Bo Yi..”
