Chapter 231
Tonight's dinner was destined to be even more lavish than a New Year's Eve feast.
The table was laden with dishes: braised pork, sweet and sour fish, chicken stewed with mushrooms...
The whole family sat around the table, enjoying a lively and bustling meal.
Grandma Pei kept serving food to Lei Mingyuan, piling his bowl as high as a small mountain.
Grandpa Pei would pour him a little wine from time to time, chatting with him about amusing childhood anecdotes.
Father Pei asked about his life over the years, listening intently and frowning occasionally, clearly heartbroken over what he had been through.
As Lei Mingyuan ate and listened to the family's chatter, his heart swelled with emotion.
In the Lei household, he had never experienced such a lively meal. When the Lei family ate, it was always quiet; no one spoke, let alone served him food.
Even if they did speak, it was only to make cynical remarks or gossip about other families.
Here, he felt the true atmosphere of a family—warm, lively, and full of care.
Though Lei Mingyuan was reluctant to admit it, he had to acknowledge that the Pei family gave him a warmth he had never known before, making him feel that he finally had a real home.
After dinner, Father Pei suggested taking a walk in the courtyard, and Pei Zhengnian and Lei Mingyuan joined him.
The street lamps in the courtyard were on, casting long shadows as their dim yellow light spilled over the blue bricks.
The three of them strolled slowly along the courtyard, chatting in an exceptionally warm atmosphere.
When they reached the eastern wall of the courtyard, Father Pei stopped. There was a gap in this wall, just about wide enough for one person to pass through, with a few bricks piled nearby, evidently meant for repairs.
Father Pei looked at the gap, his eyes lighting up. He lifted his foot to step over it, muttering,
Right through here is the courtyard next door. Let me see if the flowers over there have bloomed.
Pei Zhengnian quickly stopped him, saying helplessly,
Dad, that's someone else's courtyard. You can't just wander in.
But Father Pei chuckled like a child,
What are you afraid of? I'm just taking a look, not going inside.
With that, catching Pei Zhengnian off guard, he hopped right through the gap and waved triumphantly at the two of them.
Look, the pear blossoms in this courtyard are blooming.
Pei Zhengnian and Lei Mingyuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
They hadn't expected the usually stern Father Pei to have such a childish side.
Looking at Father Pei, Lei Mingyuan couldn't help but smile. It was his first genuine smile of the day, relaxed and at ease.
The courtyard next door was a traditional two-courtyard compound with two red lanterns hanging at the entrance. A few pear trees were planted inside, giving off a serene and quiet vibe.
Standing in the courtyard, Father Pei called out to them, Mingyuan, what do you think of this place?
Leaning on the edge of the gap, Lei Mingyuan looked at the scenery inside and nodded. It's quite nice. Very quiet and suitable for living.
Hearing this, Father Pei smiled and pulled a small red booklet from his pocket, handing it toward Lei Mingyuan. As long as you like it. This courtyard is yours now.
Lei Mingyuan froze for a moment, not understanding his meaning.
Beside him, Pei Zhengnian smiled and explained,
Big brother, Dad bought this courtyard a long time ago just to give it to you, so you could have a home of your own. When I stopped Dad just now, I was just playing along to give you a surprise.
Lei Mingyuan took the small red booklet and opened it. There, clearly written, was his name, along with the official government seal—it was actually the property deed for this courtyard!
He was both shocked and overjoyed, yet somewhat in disbelief. Dad, this... this is too valuable. I can't accept it.
Father Pei waved his hand and said earnestly,
Mingyuan, this is Dad's compensation to you. Over the years, you've suffered too much out there, and Dad failed to take good care of you. Consider this courtyard a small token of my affection. If you don't accept it, I won't be at peace.
Pei Zhengnian also chimed in to persuade him,
Big brother, just accept it. This way, our whole family can live together neatly.
Nanchu and I are renovating our courtyard right now. We can help you decorate yours too. Just let us know what style you like.
Looking at the father and son in front of him, and then at the property deed in his hands, Lei Mingyuan was filled with emotion.
He knew that this gift contained so much guilt and doting love; it would be too heartless of him to decline again.
He nodded, his voice a little hoarse. Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Lao'er.
Why be so polite with your dad?
Father Pei patted his shoulder and said with a smile,
Come on, let's look around some more and see what else your courtyard needs. Do you like planting flowers? We can plant a few rose bushes in the yard; they look beautiful when they bloom in the summer.
Lei Mingyuan nodded,
I quite like roses. I've seen them planted in other people's yards, and they bloom so vibrantly.
Then we'll go to the flower market tomorrow to buy a few, and pick up some potting soil and pots while we're at it. I'll help you plant them.
Father Pei said enthusiastically, like a father looking forward to giving his child a present.
Pei Zhengnian followed behind. Seeing his father and older brother chatting so animatedly warmed his heart as well.
The three of them strolled in the courtyard for a long time, chatting about everything from the layout of the yard to the renovation style, from their favorite plants to their future lives.
Father Pei specifically pointed to an old locust tree in the courtyard and said to Lei Mingyuan,
This locust tree has grown so thick and sturdy; it will definitely be very cool in the summer. We can set up a table under the tree and drink tea and chat together on summer evenings. How wonderful would that be.
Looking at the old locust tree before him, and then at his father and brother talking and laughing beside him, Lei Mingyuan felt an unprecedented sense of security.
In the Lei household, he had never felt such warmth. No one had ever talked to him about his future life, let alone taken his preferences to heart.
But here, he felt the true warmth of a home and the happiness of being cherished.
The night grew deeper, and the moonlight spilled into the courtyard, coating the old locust tree in a layer of silver glow.
The three of them slowly walked back, their footsteps sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet courtyard.
When they returned to the main house, Grandma Pei and Pei's Mother were still waiting for them. Freshly washed strawberries were laid out on the table; their red flesh looked incredibly sweet.
Seeing Lei Mingyuan, Grandma Pei quickly waved him over: Mingyuan, come quick and eat some strawberries. Have a big one, they're sweet.
Okay.
Lei Mingyuan walked over, took a strawberry from Grandma Pei's hand, and took a bite. It was wonderfully sweet, the sweetness spreading from his mouth all the way to his heart.
Grandma, you're biased toward big brother. Do you not love me anymore?
I'm heartbroken.
Pei Yunzhou acted jealous, clutching his chest as if his heart had been shattered.
It's okay, big brother loves you.
Lei Mingyuan picked up a large strawberry and stuffed it right into Pei Yunzhou's mouth.
Is it sweet?
Hahaha~~~
Peals of laughter echoed through the room...