The group arrived home to find the meal already laid out on the tables.
Two tables, filled with a boisterous crowd, made for a particularly lively atmosphere.
Several of the "national treasures," with their pronounced bellies, occupied one table. Two women holding babies, along with Wu Shangqing, sat at another.
"You're finally here. We were waiting for you to start eating," Wu Shangqing said upon seeing Guo Xuyang and Xiao Yun.
"Who are these two young ladies?"
"This is Li Feiqing, who came to help tidy up the house. This is Xiao Yu, Li's younger sister, who came along to play. This is my mom, you can call her Auntie. And that's my dad..."
"Hello, Auntie and Uncle," Xiao Yu, with her sweet voice, called out before Guo Xuyang could finish the introductions.
"What a sweet child. Come over and sit down quickly," Wu Shangqing beckoned them.
"Let's all go to that table," Guo Xuyang said to Li Feiqing.
"Certainly, Boss."
"From now on, at home, you can just call me Yangzi, like them. I'll introduce you to the people at that table later. For now, let's sit and eat."
"Alright."
Li Feiqing pursed her lips, unable to utter the name "Yangzi."
"Take whatever you want to eat," Wu Shangqing said to Xiao Yu.
"Auntie, is this soup lamb soup?"
"Yes. Help yourself if you want some. Don't be a stranger in your own home."
"Yesterday, the boss and I ate at a restaurant, and the lamb soup was delicious. But I didn't dare to eat too much," Xiao Yu said.
"Why not?"
"I was a guest yesterday, and I was afraid they would laugh if I ate too much."
"Why are you such an interesting young lady?" Wu Shangqing chuckled.
"Today, you don't need to be polite in our home. No one will laugh at you, so eat to your heart's content."
"Thank you, Auntie," Xiao Yu said as she stood up to serve herself a bowl of lamb soup. She took a sip and exclaimed, "This lamb soup tastes just like the one from the restaurant yesterday. It's really delicious."
"The lamb and the lamb soup you had at the restaurant were from the same place. Are there different flavors?" Guo Xuyang said with a smile.
"No wonder it's so good! Big brother, you're saying this lamb also came from the restaurant?"
"Yes. What about it?"
"Then how much did it cost?"
"It's free. Why would we charge for our own things?"
"Can I come to your house to eat every day when I'm back?"
"Of course. When you return, you can move out of your current place. I have houses to the west that are more than enough for you to live in."
"Really? That would be wonderful. But what about school?"
"That's easy. Your sister can drive you. She's not busy anyway, just helping out with some odd jobs during the day."
"Thank you, big brother," Xiao Yu said, her eyes crinkling into a smile.
"Eat up quickly."
"Mmm."
The others looked at Guo Xuyang strangely, wondering what he was up to. Was he perhaps bringing home another daughter? Their eyes were filled with immense affection.
"Are you full, my boy?" Wu Shangqing suddenly asked.
"What is it, Mom?" Guo Xuyang didn't understand why his mother had asked so abruptly.
"Xiao Guo Yili's full moon is coming soon. What are your plans?"
"When the time comes, you all can move into the Royal Villa to stay. Let Xiao Yun and the others stay here. That way, when Xiao Xi's parents visit, they'll have a place to stay," Guo Xuyang replied.
"Then what about these people?"
"They'll do what they've been doing. What's wrong?"
"If we leave, who will take care of their meals?"
"Aren't there cooks? Besides, didn't they manage their own meals before coming to our house? They won't starve."