Granny Sun laughed until her eyebrows disappeared, “You don’t know what that kid told me, saying that’s the girl he likes, whether I like her or not, I must respect his choice. They aren’t even married yet and he’s already schooling me.”
Turns out they’ve been dating for several months. Lin Chuxia secretly sighed, it seemed her best friend was doomed to be disappointed.
It’s also a good thing she didn’t impulsively bring it up with Granny Sun.
She smiled and said, “Since Sun Hao thinks she’s good, she must be alright. Now people value free love. Granny, you don’t have to worry too much.”
“You’re right about that. I’ll go back and discuss with his dad when the parents from both sides can meet and set this thing straight. Sun Hao is not getting any younger either; him getting married would take a load off my mind.”
“Then, I’d like to congratulate Granny in advance.”
After Granny Sun left, Sun Lanlan gave Lin Chuxia a resentful glance.
Lin Chuxia patted her shoulder, “Lean on my shoulder for a bit. If it really doesn’t work out, shall we head back to our courtyard and find a quiet place to cry?”
Sun Lanlan slapped her hand away irritably, “Cut it out, I just feel a bit out of luck. It’s not easy to find someone I like, and turns out he’s already taken, but I’m not about to wail about it.”
“That’s a relief,” Lin Chuxia consoled, “There is plenty of fish in the sea. Don’t worry, as sisters, we’ll look for a smart, capable, and handsome guy for you.”
Sun Lanlan couldn’t help but laugh, “Then I’m counting on you.”
“No problem,” Lin Chuxia handed her the pear, “Have a pear, this is from Aunt Sun.”
“Now that you mention it, it looked familiar. You know, despite having fruit trees at home, I’ve never eaten a pear this good in my life. I got lucky thanks to you today.”
The bigger pears are all sold for money, they just eat the ones with wormholes or pecked by birds.
“Aunt Sun gave me pears, and that’s also because of your face.”
“Don’t overestimate me, I don’t have that much influence.”
With a change of topic, Sun Lanlan felt much better too.
………
On Mid-Autumn Festival, the Bun Shop closed early, not only giving everyone a half-day holiday but also providing cooked food as a holiday benefit.
Each employee at the Bun Shop was thrilled.
These days, celebrating a festival just meant weighing some raw meat. Only those who could afford it would buy cooked food.
They each received at least two pounds. Taking that home was way better than a two-dollar bonus.
Especially Granny Sun, her spine straightened carrying two pounds of cooked food.
Lin Chuxia also picked up a bagful of cooked food and then personally went to pick up Old Master He.
Old Master He said he didn’t want to trouble her, but he had already changed into a new set of clothes.
Lin Chuxia didn’t expose him and helped him onto the cart.
Though the Qin Family had split, they still celebrated holidays together. With Qin Yang not at home, it’d be too lonely for Lin Chuxia to celebrate alone.
Brother Qin and his wife also came back from the fields early today. When Lin Chuxia and Old Master He arrived, the family was getting ready for the reunion dinner.
The family knew in advance that Lin Chuxia would bring her mentor home to celebrate together, so they warmly greeted him when he arrived.
Little Zhuangzhuang, with his curious wide-eyed look, crowded in front and chattered non-stop, “What is Auntie’s master to Auntie? Who is my master? What do I call Auntie’s master? Do I call him ’Auntie’s Master’ or ’Master Auntie’?”
Mr. Qin, stroking his grandson’s head, smiled and said, “You don’t have a master. Your Auntie’s master is her elder. You should call your Auntie’s master ’Grandpa,’ Grandpa He.”
Little Zhuangzhuang understood and nodded seriously, then tilted his little head up and shouted to Old Master He, “Hello, Grandpa He.”
Seeing the Qin Family’s enthusiastic welcome, Old Master He was slightly at a loss, but more than that, he was touched.
He fished a red envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Little Zhuangzhuang, “Good child, this is Grandpa’s gift for meeting you, take it.”
Little Zhuangzhuang glanced at Zhang Guilan and didn’t dare to accept it until Lin Chuxia spoke up, “Take it, it’s from Grandpa He.”
Then the little guy took the red envelope and earnestly expressed his thanks.
After getting acquainted with the Qin Family, Old Master He and Mr. Qin sat down in the living room for a casual chat, while Lin Chuxia went to the kitchen to help Mrs. Qin and her sister-in-law prepare the reunion dinner.
In no time, a table full of sumptuous dishes was ready, and Qin Han had even specially fetched some wine.
Old Master He could drink a little, and though Mr. Qin’s health didn’t allow him to drink, he was still longing for wine.
Qin Han grabbed a glass and offered to drink with Old Master He, while Mr. Qin watched eagerly and negotiated with his eldest son, “It’s Brother He’s first visit to our house, I should drink a little with Brother He to make sure he enjoys his time.”
Qin Han saw through Mr. Qin’s intentions instantly, “I’ll accompany Uncle He with a few extra glasses, don’t worry, I’ll make sure Uncle He enjoys his drink.”
Lin Chuxia also didn’t dare to let Mr. Qin drink alcohol, so she picked up a wine glass and said, “I’ll join Brother Qin in drinking with my master, and you just enjoy the food.”
Mr. Qin twisted his fingers and smacked his lips, clearly craving the wine.
Seeing this, Old Master He spoke up, “Pour half a glass for your dad to satisfy his craving.”
Qin Han, worried that Old Master He might not be aware of his father’s condition, briefly explained.
Old Master He waved his hand nonchalantly, “Half a glass won’t do any harm, trust me.”
Lin Chuxia gave Qin Han a meaningful look and filled half a glass of wine for Mr. Qin.
She wasn’t sure about her master’s medical skill, but from Granny Su’s words, it was clear that her master was once a renowned doctor.
Since the master had given his word, half a glass of wine for father-in-law would surely be fine.
Mr. Qin was very happy to finally have his long-craved wine, and there was joy and harmony around the dinner table, with both guests and hosts having a great time.
After the meal, Lin Chuxia and Zhang Guilan cleaned up the table, and then Old Master He began to inquire about Mr. Qin’s illness.
He hadn’t intended to practice medicine anymore, but the Qin Family’s warm welcome and the sense of familial warmth they provided made Old Master He want to do something for them.
He wasn’t good at other things, but he was well-versed in medicine.
Mr. Qin had also learned from Lin Chuxia that Old Master He was a senior in traditional Chinese medicine, and did not conceal his condition when discussing.
“In my youth, I was left with an ailment that has been on and off ever since. But lately, my second son’s wife got me some medicine from the hospital, and it has been very effective. I feel much lighter, and my old problems have lessened.”
Old Master He nodded his head, seeing that Mr. Qin’s complexion didn’t look like that of someone with a serious illness, but to be cautious, he still checked his pulse.
When he felt the pulse, however, he couldn’t help but frown.
After checking both hands, his frown deepened.
Judging by Mr. Qin’s pulse, he wasn’t destined for a long life, and his later years were likely to be plagued with sickness.
And yet, it seemed like he had been taken care of, likely by a traditional Chinese doctor. But when you look around, not just in Ancheng County, but across the entire Shanhe Province, the capable old Chinese medicine practitioners could be counted on one hand.
“Did you say that you’ve been taking the medicine prepared by Chuxia recently? Could I see the medicine you’ve been taking?”
There was nothing to hide, so Mr. Qin asked Mrs. Qin to bring the medicine.
After Lin Chuxia had finished cleaning up and returned to the room, she saw Old He studying Mr. Qin’s medicine and couldn’t help but feel a twitch in her eyelid.