Tang Nannan hadn't expected to be so popular.
Just as she entered the hospital, still wondering how to greet Hu Jiasheng's family and build rapport, a few children rushed towards her.
These children were so good-looking, cuter than the little models used in milk powder commercials on television.
So fair, so delicate, with such sculpted features.
Most importantly, although they exuded an air of nobility from head to toe, they weren't at all spoiled.
When they spoke to her, they were full of endearing liveliness.
Women nearing thirty have strong maternal instincts, and Tang Nannan already loved children. With the children also liking her, it was a mutual affection.
Within ten seconds, the five of them were in a group hug.
Some touched her hands, some touched her hair, and some touched her earlobes.
Everyone was showering her with compliments.
"Sister, you're so beautiful, Sister, you're so gentle, Sister, your hair is so pretty."
"Sister, I like you so much! Please be my Uncle's girlfriend. You two look great together!"
"Great-Grandpa will definitely like you when he sees you. He even told Mommy to help Uncle find a girlfriend, so it looks like that's no longer necessary."
The crowds passing through the hospital were quickly drawn to them, and some even secretly took out their phones to take pictures.
It was Hu Jiasheng who, to avoid spoiling the mood and upsetting Zhan Beijue, had to intervene.
"My dears, let's go talk in front of Great-Grandpa. Blocking the entrance will inconvenience others. Sister won't be leaving anytime soon, don't worry."
The children all chimed in with an "Okay," then took Tang Nannan's hands and led her towards the elevator.
Tang Nannan was being pulled by four of them, making it a bit difficult to walk. As she passed Jiang Nanfang and Zhan Beijue, she quickly nodded. Before she could even say hello, she was pulled forward.
Hu Jiasheng walked up to Jiang Nanfang, looking a bit apologetic.
"Sorry..."
Jiang Nanfang said, "I should be the one apologizing to you. Your girlfriend has been mobbed by four little devils on her first visit. I hope she wasn't too scared."
Hu Jiasheng: "...How could she be? She looked like she was enjoying it. Besides, she's really not my girlfriend."
Jiang Nanfang prodded him, "Then you need to step up your game. She's so beautiful and seems to have such a good personality; I'm sure she has plenty of admirers. If you continue to be so laid-back, all the good girls will be taken."
By the time the three adults reached the ward, Tang Nannan had already been pushed by the children to sit by the old man's bedside.
The old man, like a child of the same age, lay in bed, holding Tang Nannan's hands, his eyes sparkling with adoration, his happiness evident.
Tang Nannan was introducing herself, stating her name, age, and hometown. The old man nodded continuously.
Whatever she said, he responded with, "Good, good, good."
Jiang Nanfang didn't feel left out. With a new potential daughter-in-law, the old one wouldn't be as favored.
She walked in with a smile and showed the grandfather the thermal container in Hu Jiasheng's hand.
"Look. This is the soup and porridge that Big Brother's girlfriend made for you early this morning. Even though she hasn't met you yet, she's already thinking of you. Don't keep talking about death; your good fortune is still to come."
The grandfather was overjoyed. "Ah, you've all gone to so much trouble for my old bones."
Tang Nannan quickly soothed him, "Grandpa, you're flattering me. I wouldn't dare say that. It's all what we should be doing."
"Good child. You've worked hard. What delicious food did you make for Grandpa? Come, let Grandpa have a taste."
Jiang Nanfang went to the bedside table, opened the container, and poured out the soup. She fanned the steam towards the old man for him to smell.
"Wow, winter melon and pork rib soup. It's simmered very lightly, but the aroma is intoxicating. Your cooking skills are truly excellent."
Tang Nannan wasn't foolish. Seeing that she had also brought several thermal containers, it was clear she was also here to deliver food. Yet, she only spoke of Tang Nannan and didn't mention her own. She quickly stood up to thank Jiang Nanfang.
"You're too kind. I just made this myself. I'm glad you don't dislike it. Your cooking skills are probably far better than mine."
"Don't say 'you' or 'yours.' Am I that old?"
Jiang Nanfang playfully pushed her back down.
"My name is Jiang Nanfang, and I'm 27 years old. How old are you?"
"My name is Tang Nannan, and I'm also 27."
"Although we're the same age, I can't call you by your first name directly, after all, you're Big Brother's person."
Jiang Nanfang said with a smile, "Sister-in-law. No matter who cooked better, at least now I'll have someone to accompany me in the kitchen. If I encounter a dish I don't know how to make, can I call you for advice?"
Tang Nannan blushed at being called "Sister-in-law" and instinctively looked at Hu Jiasheng, whose expression was also a little unnatural.
The old man smiled and beckoned Hu Jiasheng to come closer.
The children moved aside, and Hu Jiasheng squatted in front of him. He expected the old man to say something earnest and meaningful, but instead, the old man raised his hand and slapped him.
"You scoundrel. This morning, when I so emotionally asked if you had anyone suitable, you didn't even acknowledge it. What are you trying to do? Become a irresponsible scoundrel like your father?"
"What's wrong with Nannan? Is she not good enough for you in looks, age, or personality? You don't cherish such a good girl; you're simply useless!"
"Stop being like a robot, only thinking about work, work, work. Do I lack the meager income you earn? I'm a dying man. What's the use of earning so much money for me to look at before I die?"
Hu Jiasheng was stunned by the slap and then by his torrent of scolding. Fearing he might agitate him further, he quickly reached out and patted his chest.
"Don't be angry, Grandpa. It's all my fault."
"It is your fault, just like Ajue's. You two are both clueless about emotions."
"Ajue met Nanfang, and she indulges him, not arguing with him. Do you want to follow his old path?"
"Hurt Nannan's feelings first, then realize you can't leave her after tasting bitter hardship, and then go chase her? You prefer to struggle instead of enjoying a good life, don't you?"
Hu Jiasheng: "..."
Seeing the atmosphere in the ward turning cold, Jiang Nanfang stepped in again to smooth things over.
"Grandpa is right. The emotional intelligence of you two brothers combined isn't even half of Grandpa's. Fortunately, neither Sister-in-law nor I are the types to hold grudges."
"Sister-in-law, I'll testify for you. My Big Brother is not only awkward with you but also with other women."
"He never initiates conversations with women. It's always work, work, work. He's worried Grandpa sick about his lifelong happiness. You absolutely must not overthink things."
Tang Nannan's face turned redder and redder. She knew they were joking, but Hu Jiasheng wasn't responding, so she really didn't know how to engage with their words.
The old man grabbed her hand and changed his tone to a gentle one.
"Nannan, my dear, if this rascal bullies you again, come and tell Grandpa. Grandpa will back you up."
"If something happens, don't feel wronged. You can tell your sister Nanfang too. Our family isn't the kind to dote on our own; I'll beat him up myself. Be good, okay."