Chapter 230: Chapter 141: Letting Go
When the food was served, Luo Zhenggang and Wen Yan came out from the study, followed by the Wen brothers in succession. Luo Ye gauged their expressions—nothing unusual.
"Zhenggang, come sit here," Old Mrs. Wen gestured to the empty seat next to Wen Xin.
"Mom, I’m sorry for not coming to see you for so many years," Luo Zhenggang apologized to the old lady again.
Grandma chuckled, "It’s alright, the past is the past. The old man may sound harsh, but he really does think of you all. If he said anything unpleasant, don’t take it to heart."
"Mom, I actually took what Dad said to heart..." Seeing Grandma’s smile stiffen, Luo Zhenggang quickly explained, "When Dad scolds me, it shows he cares. Wouldn’t I be letting him down if I didn’t take it to heart?"
"You scared me there," she said with a mix of laughter and tears.
Wen Xin pinched her husband, "When did you become so annoying?"
The Wen brothers and the youngsters all burst into laughter. The Eldest Aunt came out from the kitchen, seeing everyone laughing, she joined in. Wen Nan poked the Eldest Aunt, "Hey... hey, do you even know what we are laughing about?"
Li Niangying affectionately patted Wen Nan on the head, "Little Pumpkin, seeing you all laugh like this, I know it must be something joyous. Who cares what it is, just be happy with everyone!"
Wen Nan appeared defeated, "Aunt, you are really easy going, I give up."
While the family was happily bustling, Old Master Wen came out of the study, and the room suddenly quieted down. The old man raised his eyebrows, "Sit down."
Luo Ye was puzzled, weren’t they already sitting? Wen Ke pulled the bewildered Luo Ye and Luo Feng, "Grandpa means take a seat at the dining table."
With all dishes served, everyone sat in order around the rectangular table. The arrangement of meat and vegetables was quite balanced. Luo Ye was puzzled that some dishes were out of reach and there was no servant helping to pass the dishes... While she was pondering, Old Master Wen pressed a button on the tabletop, and the dishes began to slowly rotate. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a revolving conveyor belt. This way, everyone could just sit and still reach all the dishes. Tsk tsk, she was outdated.
Wen Ke whispered to Luo Ye, "Convenient, right? Let me tell you, this table is seventy-six years old this year, even older than Grandpa. The revolving mechanism on it can’t be made anymore. Grandpa said it’s handcrafted..." Feeling Old Master Wen’s gaze, Wen Ke hurriedly stopped talking.
After Old Master Wen started serving himself with chopsticks, the others began to eat. For a while, only the soft sounds of chewing could be heard, no other noise at the table.
Luo Ye sneakily glanced at Old Master Wen, and accidentally caught his gaze straight on. Reflexively, being used to joking with Grandpa Luo, she made a funny face, then immediately stiffened and turned her head back pretending to eat nonchalantly.
A hint of amusement flashed in Old Master Wen’s eyes. Seeing several youngsters with their faces red with effort to hold back, he stood up, "I’m done eating, you all take your time." As he neared the study, he added, "Today’s an exception, feel free to speak!"
"Ye’er, you are too cute," Wen Ke hugged the still embarrassed Luo Ye and shook her enthusiastically after Old Master Wen left.
Second Uncle Wen glared at his daughter, "Xiao Ke, Ye’er is eating, be mindful."
Wen Ke stuck out her tongue and quickly let go, "Ye’er, I was just too happy. Moments like these at our family’s dining table are rare. I really saw Grandpa smile just now!"
"I saw it too," Wen Nan quickly confirmed.
Luo Ye waved her fists discontentedly, "Don’t laugh at me. I’m just used to messing with Grandpa, it was a reflex. Anyone dares to laugh, watch out, I’ll deal with them."
"Ye’er!" Luo Zhenggang frowned and stared at his daughter.
Grandma smiled and waved her hand, "Zhenggang, don’t scold Ye’er. It’s been many years since the Wen family had such lively times. Your dad is just like that, gruff on the outside but warm inside. He misses you but won’t admit it, let alone say it out loud. .
Be sure to bring the kids here more often. Feng’er, Ye’er, when your parents are busy, just come over to see your Grandma and Grandpa, okay?"
Luo Feng nodded eagerly, "Grandma, don’t worry, Ye’er and I will come to see you, Grandpa, and our uncles, aunts, and siblings often."
"Aren’t you going to see your little brother?" Wen Nan frowned at Luo Feng.
Li Niangying, amused, slapped Wen Nan gently, "Little Pumpkin just likes to nitpick. If we had a hundred relatives, do you expect your brother to go naming each one from start to end? He’d probably forget what he was saying by the end!" For this nephew who lost his mother early, she always treated him as her own.