The lingering little rift between mother and daughter vanished once things were cleared up.
Then, they went downstairs together, heading towards the Ling family's residence.
Jiang Ze Xi waited in the car, smoking, the driver's side window rolled down with his hand resting casually outside.
The sleeves of his shirt were slightly folded, the veins on the back of his well-defined hand subtly protruding, extending upwards and disappearing into the sleeve.
His slender fingers held a cigarette, the scarlet ember an arresting sight.
At that moment, footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Jiang Ze Xi glanced over and saw Xia Wan Fu and Han Wen Juan descending, arm in arm.
He quickly discarded his cigarette and grabbed a pack of gum from the car, popping two pieces into his mouth.
Chewing as he got out of the car and opened the door, he smiled and greeted Han Wen Juan, "Mom."
"Oh, why didn't you come up for a visit when you arrived?"
Han Wen Juan looked at Jiang Ze Xi with a smile, his son-in-law was someone she adored unequivocally.
Jiang Ze Xi replied, "Wan Fu asked me to wait in the car."
As they spoke, the three of them got into the car.
Xia Wan Fu and Han Wen Juan sat in the back, while Jiang Ze Xi drove in the front.
...
The Ling residence.
A table of guests was expected today, so the kitchen had been busy since early morning.
Having learned from the previous occasion, Ling Jun Ye now stayed close to Madam Ling's side.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yun Fei had more on her hands, dealing with all the household matters.
Wen Xuan Xuan and Li Bo Wen lived nearby, so they were the first to arrive.
Accompanying them was Elder Li.
Elder Li, being a good friend of Old Master Ling, was eager to play chess together upon meeting.
The happiest were Gong Zhi Jing and Qiao Xin Yue, as the three of them were the closest.
Now, the relationship between the Li and Ling families was also the strongest among the four prominent families.
Due to Si Tu Jing, there were some lingering tensions between the Si Tu and Ling families, causing a slight distance, though it didn't hinder harmonious coexistence.
At the chess table.
Elder Li shouted excitedly, "Check!"
Old Master Ling's face immediately turned stern. "Again, again. A moment's lapse in concentration, and you've gained the upper hand."
"Bring it on, I'm not afraid of you."
Elder Li was beaming, utterly triumphant.
Then, they resumed the next round of their intense match.
Madam Ling sat beside Old Master Ling and, seeing this, offered her assistance.
"No, no, you shouldn't have played that move. Look at his position, playing this move will cost you another piece."
Old Master Ling suddenly realized and changed the direction of his hand holding the chess piece.
Elder Li, seeing this, was displeased. "It's not fair to comment on the game, you know."
Old Master Ling retorted stubbornly, "I haven't even placed the piece yet. Besides, you can find someone to help you too!"
"Hmph, I'm not playing anymore. This is your territory, of course, you'd say that." Elder Li also threw a tantrum, refusing to play any further.
"Then consider it your surrender!" Old Master Ling chuckled, exceptionally pleased.
"Rogue!"
Elder Li rolled his eyes and left, leaning on his cane.
Gong Zhi Jing, who had been watching from a distance, chuckled, "Look at them, like old children!"
Wen Xuan Xuan joined in with a giggle, "Yes, they're quite cute."
"Cute what? This old Ling fellow is nothing but a scoundrel."
Elder Li stomped over to them indignantly, stating solemnly, "I'm never playing chess with him again."
Gong Zhi Jing quickly poured him a glass of water and handed it over.
"Grandpa Li, you're so magnanimous, please don't hold a grudge. My grandfather was just trying to make Grandma happy!"
Elder Li sat down beside them, took the teacup, and took a sip before saying leisurely.
"You're a good child, you know how to talk and act!"
Gong Zhi Jing smiled sweetly and flattered, "That's because Grandpa Li is so understanding!"
Elder Li couldn't help but laugh, nodding gently, his slight anger immediately dissipating.
At that moment, Madam Ling, supporting Old Master Ling, approached.
Old Master Ling smiled, "Don't get cocky after getting the better of me, old man. I was letting you win today, can't you feel it?"
"For your granddaughter-in-law's sake, I won't argue with you, old fellow!"
Elder Li leisurely sipped his tea, appearing as if he had no intention of arguing.
Old Master Ling raised an eyebrow and smiled, sitting down beside him, provocatively saying, "Do you still remember last year when you lost to me four or five games in a row?"
"A true man doesn't brag about past glories. What's the point of you bringing up old scores, humph."
"Old scores are old scores, but you were still my defeated opponent back then!"
The two bickered, their faces flushed, while everyone else could only watch helplessly.
Old children, indeed. Their arguments were truly like those of young children, quibbling over the smallest things.
"I'm late, and it seems lively here!"
A teasing voice came from outside the door, and everyone looked.
It was Si Tu Jun.
After only two days of being composed, he had reverted to his usual mischievous self, dressed in a red suit with his hair neatly styled.
He had his arm around Su Yin Wan, looking rather rakish, his flamboyant appearance making him resemble a gigolo.
Li Bo Wen glanced at him with disdain, "Why are you like this again? You can't stay serious for more than two days."
Si Tu Jun raised his eyebrows, feigning pride, "I've always been like this! Charming, dashing, carefree..."
"Alright, alright, with that shameless attitude, it must be you." Li Bo Wen stated matter-of-factly.
Si Tu Jun immediately jumped up, exclaiming, "What nonsense, wasn't I speaking the truth?"
"Shut up!"
Su Yin Wan couldn't stand it anymore, her face flushing from Si Tu Jun's thick skin.
This guy, honestly...
Si Tu Jun immediately became well-behaved, his fear of his wife clearly evident.
Ling Yu Chen scoffed, "Finally, someone can keep you in line."
Si Tu Jun glanced at him and said coolly, "What, aren't you afraid of your sister-in-law?"
Ling Yu Chen looked at Gong Zhi Jing and said nothing. Whether he was afraid or not was no longer important; loving his wife and fearing his wife were practically the same.
Si Tu Jun's arrival made the atmosphere in the living room even more lively and joyful. The group chatted and bickered harmoniously.
Not long after.
Xia Wan Fu and Jiang Ze Xi arrived, accompanied by Han Wen Juan and Madam Jiang.
From the moment Han Wen Juan entered the old mansion, her eyes were filled with awe, constantly looking around. Only upon reaching the living room did she somewhat compose herself.
Their arrival made the atmosphere in the living room turn peculiar.
Wen Xuan Xuan was overtly obvious, her expression cold and giving Han Wen Juan no pleasantries.
Xia Wan Fu looked a little lost, standing there awkwardly.
"You're here, come and sit!"