Noticing that the atmosphere had taken a turn for the worse, Jian Cishuâs Mother changed the topic, "Oh my, donât get angry Brother Zhao. Itâs just a joke after all. The kids have their own destinies, so we all know itâs pointless to worry over these things."
Old Master Zhao, whoâd been silent the entire time, nodded in reply, "Well said, these children have their own destinies to follow. We shouldnât interfere with their lives and leave it to fate."
Changing the topic, Old Master Zhao turned to Zhao Chengning and asked, "Chengning, how are things with you and Ole Shenâs granddaughter?"
Noticing his Grandfatherâs subtle hint, Zhao Chengning replied in understanding, "Pretty good. We call each other every now and then."
A look of satisfaction appeared on Old Master Zhaoâs face. "I feel that Ole Shenâs granddaughter is pretty good. You should cherish her if thereâs chemistry between the two of you."
Zhao Chengningâs reply was swift this time around. "Yes Grandfather, I understand."
Old Master Zhaoâs words were like a bolt from the blue to Jian Cishuâs and Zhao Chengningâs Mothers. Zhao Bifenâs expression darkened and she exclaimed in dissatisfaction, "Dad, why are you bringing that girl up?"
Old Master Zhao cast a sidelong glance at her and said, "Are you telling me I need your permission just to mention someone?"
"Dad, you know thatâs not what I meant..."
"In that case, whatâs wrong with me mentioning it if thatâs not what you meant?" Old Master Zhao said as he interrupted her. He had a look on his face that seemed to say, "Donât to talk to me about logic, I donât want to hear it."
Not daring to offend Old Master Zhao, Mama Zhaoâs lips twitched before she folded her arms in indignation and turned the other cheek.
At that moment, Jian Cishuâs Mother inquired, "Old Master Zhao, just who is the granddaughter of the Shen family that youâve been mentioning...?"
Old Master Zhaoâs mood was lifted at the mention of his friendâs granddaughter. "Oh, sheâs the granddaughter of a friend I havenât seen for many years. That girlâs a beauty, and Iâve yet to see any other girl match up to her looks."
"Old Master Zhao, beautiful girls these days are all spoiled. Theyâre very difficult to to put up with," Jian Cishuâs Father said.
"Thatâs right," His wife added
The Zhaoâs patriarch snorted, "You shouldnât make such sweeping statements. Ole Shenâs granddaughter is not only as humble as she is pretty, sheâs also a Wushu champion."
"So instead of learning how to be a good wife, she goes around fighting instead. I wonder what others think of her," Mama Zhao said ambiguously.
Zhao Chengningâs Father glared at her. "Canât you just shut up?"
Mama Zhao issued a vicious snort in response.
The Shen familyâs granddaughter was starting to grate on the nerves of Jian Cishuâs parents. However, this old man was clearly trying to stir up trouble. Yet because he wasnât willing to fall for their bait, coupled with the fact that putting down someone younger than them was beneath them, they were suddenly at a loss as to how to respond.
Fortunately for them, the housekeeper entered at this moment and informed them that dinner was ready. Everyone placed the topic on hold as they left their seats and proceeded towards the dining room.
Jian Cishu intentionally slowed her pace and walked beside Zhao Chengning. She reached out to tug at his sleeve and whispered, "Brother Chengning... Who were you talking about?"
Zhao Chengning withdrew his arm from her embrace without hesitation. Without even casting a glance at her, he said, "Itâs none of your business."
"Brother Chengning!"
Zhao Chengning refused to pay any attention to her and went straight towards his seat, seating himself between Papa Zhao and Old Master Zhao.
Zhao Chengan had overheard their conversation. Stopping to wait for Jian Cishu, he bent his waist slightly and whispered to her, "Letâs have dinner first, we can talk about other things later."
Due to their proximity, Zhao Chenganâs breath fell on her ear. Jian Cishu recoiled in an instant, her face beet red as she glanced at him.
Zhao Chenganâs eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He then proceeded to wordlessly turn around and make his way towards his seat.
Jian Cishu rubbed her ear. She looked at Zhao Chengning who had completely ignored her, before she turned to Zhao Chengan who was taking a seat and her expression turned a little strange.
"Cishu, what are you standing there in a daze for? Come over and sit down," Realizing her daughter was the only one left standing there in a daze, Jian Cishuâs Mother called for her to come over.
"Ah, okay," Jian Cishu hurriedly jogged over and seated herself opposite Zhao Chengning.