Qin Xiuyi reacted quickly, jumping up from the sofa, "Mom, please don't be angry. If you hurt yourself, I can't bear the responsibility. If you really find me an eyesore, I'll leave right now."
"You... you..." Xu Zhilan was so angered she couldn't speak for a moment. The Qin family members quickly stepped forward, offering comforting words, and slowly calmed her rage.
Qin Siye also quickly pulled his uncle toward the dining area. "Uncle, look at you, can't you speak nicely to Grandma? Every time you come back, you have to argue."
"It's not me. Siye, you also think this is my fault? I didn't provoke her, she just dislikes me."
"Dislike? I think it's hoping you'll achieve something." Qin Siye's lips curved slightly as he helped his uncle sit down in a chair by the dining area. Qin Xiuyi was only eight years older than him. Although they were uncle and nephew, they had grown up together and were like brothers, talking about everything.
"Don't think that just because you brought a girlfriend back today you can lecture me. Don't forget, I'm your uncle."
"Yes, yes, yes. I was wrong." Qin Siye quickly apologized to him, then continued, "Grandma is having her birthday today. She's the queen, we should make her happy, shouldn't we?"
After a slight pause, Qin Xiuyi looked up in the direction of the sofa, "In this house, isn't she the queen every day."
Suddenly, a burst of laughter was heard. Qin Xiuyi slowly said, "Your girlfriend is quite good. Look how happy she's making the old lady. Where did you find her? When did this happen? How come I didn't know?"
"I picked her up on the street a few days ago." Qin Siye's mind instantly flashed back to Yin Xi's disheveled appearance when they first met that night, and he replied casually.
"What? Picked her up? Like Lin Daiyu falling from the sky and landing right on your head?" Qin Xiuyi's eyes widened in shock.
"No. Uncle, I was kidding. This story is long; I'll tell you in detail later." Qin Siye looked into the distance and continued in a low voice, "She's no Lin Daiyu. Despite the great changes in her family, she remains very strong and composed."
At this moment, Yin Xi was being led by Qin Si Yue on a tour of the Qin family villa. The two hit it off immediately, walking towards the second floor, chatting and laughing. Yesterday, he had gone to the mall to pick out three outfits for her, thinking they would look good on her, but he hadn't expected them to fit and look so beautiful when she wore them.
"Are you really smitten? Look at your eyes, you don't want to leave her for a moment. Also, has your mysophobia gotten better?" Qin Xiuyi glanced in the direction of his gaze, then turned to tease him.
"It's not what you think. We've known each other for a very short time. I'm just not repelled by her and want to try dating." Qin Siye withdrew his gaze and said impassively.
"It seems like some are meant to subdue others! Of all the years, she's the only girl you've ever brought home. Don't deny it." Qin Xiuyi continued, "If I could meet such a beautiful and outstanding girl, perhaps I wouldn't remain single. It seems I should drive around more often when I have nothing to do, maybe I'll pick one up too."
As soon as he finished speaking, they both chuckled in unison.
"Did you pay off all the debts the Yin family owed?" Qin Xiuyi continued.
"Yes." Qin Siye did not confirm or deny.
Qin Xiuyi's lips curved slightly, and he praised, "You're a very effective boyfriend. Keep up the good work!"
At this moment, Xu Zhilan's voice suddenly came from the sofa, "Siye, come here for a moment."
"Coming, Grandma!" Qin Siye quickly ran over.
During dinner, Qin Xiuyi raised his wine glass, proactively apologized to Xu Zhilan, and said he would take Qin Siye as an example in the future and learn more from him. Only then did Xu Zhilan calm down and forgive him.
At this time, a fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth, dressed in casual wear, slowly walked down the stairs. He was slender and tall with a delicate appearance, bearing some resemblance to Qin Siye in the brow.
"Why are you only coming down now? Butler Sun has called you several times! Today is your grandmother's birthday, how can you be so ill-mannered, making the whole family wait for you." Qin Xiuzhi immediately scolded him as soon as he saw him.
Qin Si Yu glanced at the table and said in a low voice, "Aren't you all not waiting for me either?"
"You... you dare to talk back! You've gone too far." Qin Xiuzhi, enraged, abruptly stood up and raised his fist, ready to strike him. Su Rui, sitting beside him, quickly held him back.
"Brother, Si Yu is still a child, and he's in his rebellious phase. Why are you arguing with him? Besides, it's Mom's birthday today. Do you want to upset her?"
Qin Xiuzhi stopped, gritting his teeth, "Is he still a child? He's fifteen. He's not good at studying, and he only knows how to play games and raise animals all day. When Siye was his age, he had won countless awards."
A cold glint flashed in Qin Si Yu's eyes as he lowered his head, remaining silent. Seeing this, Yin Xi couldn't help but be startled; it seemed the Qin family was indeed complicated. She looked up at the others. Qin Xiuyi, Qin Siye, and Qin Si Yue were all looking down at their food, completely indifferent. Only the Su family and Jiang Jie looked shocked, trying to mediate.
"Si Yu, aren't you going to apologize to your father quickly!" Qin Xuelan and Jiang Jie anxiously urged Qin Si Rui.
After a brief pause, Qin Si Yu reluctantly said, "Dad, I'm sorry!"
At this moment, Xu Zhilan, who had been silent, spoke, "Alright, Xiuzhi, let's put this matter to rest. Look, Yin Xi has seen two 'battles' on her first visit to our home. Don't scare the child. Si Yu, come quickly and meet your elder brother's girlfriend. Call her sister."
Only then did Qin Si Yu see a beautiful and charming girl sitting beside Qin Siye. His small face turned red, and he softly called out, "Sister."
"Yes." Yin Xi quickly stood up and responded. It was only then she realized that this boy was Qin Siye's younger brother. However, judging by his demeanor and appearance, they were not born of the same mother.
After the storm, the family could finally settle down and have a good meal. They toasted and chatted merrily, offering a multitude of blessings. Yin Xi was surprised to discover how eloquent Qin Siye was, often making Xu Zhilan laugh heartily. He would also whisper with his uncle from time to time, as if they had endless things to say. It seemed he wasn't always stoic; he simply hadn't met someone he wanted to talk to. Su Chengyu and Qin Si Yu barely spoke throughout the meal. Although they sat together, there was no verbal communication. Su Chengyu kept casting glances at Yin Xi with an unwilling look.
After dinner, it was still early. Everyone chatted and drank tea in the living room. Qin Si Yu went to the backyard to look at his animals. Qin Si Yue invited Yin Xi to stroll in the courtyard. Less than five minutes after they left, Yin Xi's scream was heard from the backyard.
"Ah! Ah! Get away!"