At five minutes past four, the figure of Lu Wenming appeared, accompanied by four individuals dressed in military uniform. It appeared they were there to protect Lu Wenming. This sight made Nanxi apprehensive.
Although she was aware of her father-in-lawâs high standing and power, to her, a father-in-law was just a family member. But the grandeur of their arrivals always unnerved her, as if it was instantly creating a distance between them.
Lu Yinchu approached to greet Lu Wenming and Xia Yu as they arrived. Xia Yu promptly went to gather the luggage. Lu Wenming didnât say much in reply to their greetings, simply responding casually.
Despite his cold expression, there was a hint of a smile in his eyes.
Once everyone was in the car, the four military personnel left. Lu Yinchu sat between Lu Wenming and Nanxi, with Nanxi seated nearer to the inside!
On the way, Lu Wenming inquired about the home situation and matters regarding Lu Yinchuâs company, to which Lu Yinchu responded in detail.
Then they mentioned Li Weihuanâs planned engagement and marriage, which darkened Lu Wenmingâs expression instantly!
âNonsense! Once Iâm back home, I must have a word with Xiangchen about this. Is marriage a childâs game? Can it be taken so lightly? And what about your grandfather, has he really become senile? To actually agree to this!â
Nanxi choked in surprise, it seemed her father-in-law had a commanding presence, even daring to say that the old man had become senile!
âThe father of Miss Yi, our proposed bride, used to be a subordinate trained by your grandfather himself, who has a soft spot for her!â Lu Yinchu explained.
âThis isnât the way to have a soft spot for someone. This is about his great-grandsonâs happiness for a lifetime, can it be taken so lightly?â Lu Wenming continued, his face still dark. âLater on, you should call Weihuan and ask him to come to the Lu family home. I want to size him up!â
Examine! Nanxi took in a silent breath, somewhat startled again. Her father-in-law was so formidable!
Nanxi turned to look at her own husband, Lu Yinchu, whose expression remained calm. He simply nodded in agreement and said, âAlright, Dad.â
Nanxi: ââ¦â. Was he also shocked into silence by his fatherâs commanding presence? (âoâ)
As soon as the car pulled up to the Lu Mansion, Uncle Zhang was already waiting at the door, as well as Xia Zhen.
After just a few days apart, Lu Yinchu noticed that Xia Zhenâs hair seemed to have turned much whiter!
He pursed his lips slightly, understanding the reasons, and the guilt in his heart for his mother increased.
If Lu Yinchu could notice, then how could Lu Wenming, who had not seen his wife for a long time, not notice?
Lu Wenming frowned, walked forward, and took Xia Zhenâs hand, sighing deeply, âXiaozhen, youâve worked hard all this time!â
Xia Zhen was taken aback. Not knowing if it was the accumulated pressures of the past few days or Lu Wenmingâs words that struck a chord, her eyes suddenly welled up. She tugged at Lu Wenming, âWhatâs all this about hard work? Weâve been living like this for so many years! The children are here, now is not the time for such talk! The old man has been waiting for a long time, letâs not stand here, letâs go in!â
Lu Wenming lightly coughed, seeming a bit embarrassed, he said, âAlright, letâs go in!â
Nanxi followed at Lu Yinchuâs side, watching the brief exchange between Lu Wenming and Xia Zhen, feeling a sudden warmth in her heart.
Although their words and actions were few, she clearly saw the affection Lu Wenming harboured for Xia Zhen in his eyes, and also the dependency Xia Zhen had on Lu Wenming⦠These are all forms of love!
Without even realizing, Nanxi tightened her grip on Lu Yinchuâs arm, fervently hoping that in the decades to come when their temples turned gray, they too could have such a mutual understanding.
To grow old together in such a way, must be a feeling of true happiness!
âDaddy, youâre back!â
Before the group had even entered the house, Lu Qingtian came bounding out, happily calling out.
As the youngest of the family, Lu Qingtian had always been the apple of everyoneâs eye, including Lu Wenming who would never scold or hit this youngest daughter!
Especially after his eldest daughter, Lu Yinyue, passed away, Lu Wenming abandoned his strict ways of educating his children, wishing only for Lu Qingtian to live a safe and peaceful life without any suffering!
The old man, seated in the living room, sipping his tea, was overjoyed at Lu Wenmingâs return, yet due to maintaining the dignity of an elder, he resisted expressing his happiness openly!
Nanxi thought, the three generations of the family had undoubtedly inherited the same temperament, like peas in a pod!
While the men were conversing, Nanxi didnât want to intrude, so she went to the kitchen to help Xia Zhen and mother Yu prepare the meal, occasionally hearing their conversation, but the atmosphere didnât seem too cold!
In the kitchen, Xia Zhen was happily preparing everything, specifically cooking a few dishes that Lu Wenming loved, and she cooked them herself!
Yuâs mother said, âMadamâs impeccable culinary skills were honed for the old master!â
Xia Zhen replied shyly, âNot at all. It has nothing to do with him. I love cooking!â
Yuâs mother smiled, giving Nanxi a knowing look. Nanxi looked at her mother-in-lawâs slightly blushing ears, and, in tandem with Yuâs mother, continued with her work.
Nanxi felt warmth in her heart. She thought, this is what a family is, these are what family members are!
She was happy that Lu Yinchu brought her into such a warm and harmonious family. She loved it, was infatuated with it, and would strive to maintain it with all the family members!
In Nanxiâs memory, her mother was also an excellent cook. The usual routine was her mother cooking in the kitchen while she and father watched TV in the living room. Usually, she would go into the kitchen to help, but was always chased out by her mother. Her mother was a beautiful and diligent woman whose dishes were especially delicious.
But Nanxi had heard that when her mother initially married her father, she didnât know how to cook at all. It was her devotion towards her father that led her to develop her cooking skills!
Nanxiâs father once told her that his greatest fortune in life was marrying her mother, but her motherâs biggest misfortune was entirely because of him.
Nanxi knew her father felt guilty towards her mother. Her mother was incredibly talented and beautiful, naturally attracting many suitors. Despite this, she resolutely left her own family to be with her father.
It seemed incredulous, her father said, âYour mother is a brave woman, and the bravest thing I have ever done in my life is to be brave with her.â
Nanxiâs eyes shimmered, hesitating for a moment in her food preparation. A twinge of pain welled up in her heart.