Chapter 247: The Chi Family
On October 3rd, after taking the medicine and having a night’s rest, Li Hongying and her companions were all energetic. Xu Zongyin personally led the team to tour famous places in Jing City.
Gu Shizhao arrived early at Baiqian Village and had breakfast with the Xu Family; Huang Xiaobao and Ding Anmin came after breakfast, and the three joined the main group for fun.
Yi Roujing was pregnant, so she was ordered to drive instead of walking whenever possible, and to sit rather than walk.
Taking photos was indispensable on the trip. Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying were not used to having their photos taken, feeling somewhat nervous at first, while Ding Anmin and the others were familiar with it and even posed.
Lunch was eaten out. Xu Zongyin took everyone to the most famous restaurant in Jing City and reserved a private room early.
However, as soon as they reached the entrance of the Jing City restaurant, they encountered the Chi Family.
"Brother-in-law—" A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing thick makeup, a white lace long dress, and red high heels walked quickly with two kids to Xu Zongyin.
"Uncle." A girl of nearly twenty looked at Xu Zongyin and greeted enthusiastically.
"Uncle." A young man resembling the two echoed softly.
Xu Zongyin nodded at the three, showing no extra expression. Just the thought that what he had someone investigate regarding rumors came from these mother and daughter made him very uneasy.
Back in Huaixi County, Ding Ancheng had mentioned the Xu Family would rekindle relations with the Chi Family. He didn’t care what others said, but he took his son’s words to heart. After returning to Jing City and settling Chi Moyao’s ashes, he inquired about this matter, only to find out his sister-in-law and nephews were telling outsiders about their plans to join the Xu Family.
This made Xu Zongyin feel truly disgusted. Chi Mozen was not one to work hard. Ever since he brought the three of them back to Jing City out of consideration for Mo Yao, Chi Mozen held a dismissive attitude towards everything related to her in-laws.
Xu Zongyin actually liked Chi Mozen’s ex-husband, who was good and responsible. Their marriage was a calculation on Chi Mozen’s part, as she found the best man in the village to marry to avoid work and hardship. But once he left, everything became his fault.
Xu Zongyin knew that the man didn’t like Chi Mozen either and only felt a sense of responsibility. With his consent, Xu Zongyin chose to bring the three of them back. Before leaving, he left that man a letter of recommendation instead of money, as it might be insulting, and whether he could seize the opportunity depended on his ability.
Over the years, he often received specialties and letters from the Northeast, knowing that the man remarried and was living happily. The letters were full of gratitude to Xu Zongyin.
As for Chi Mozen, she was sometimes clever, always proactively bringing her children to see Xu Zongyin, using Mo Yao as an excuse, bringing anything Mo Yao once used or flowers she liked.
No matter her motives, as long as it involved Mo Yao, Xu Zongyin was particularly tolerant, allowing for bold words. Fortunately, he no longer needed to, as he had found his wife and son, and more family.
"Ancheng, I’m your aunt. I heard you came to Jing City a few days ago but never had the chance to meet, didn’t expect you’ve grown so big." Chi Mozen looked at the tall and outstanding Ding Ancheng, her palm trembling slightly, wondering why he ruined her plans.
Chi Moyao was meant to restrain her, even leaving behind a son after her death. How could life be so unfair?
"Madam might have mistaken me for someone else; I have no aunt." Ding Ancheng looked at Chi Mozen with a steady yet disdainful expression.
Madam? Yi Roujing almost laughed out loud beside him. Women hate being called old; indeed Chi Mozen appeared a bit aged, with powder so thick on her face that it could coat and fry meat.
"Brother-in-law, you see, how can he not even recognize elders." Chi Mozen said angrily, her eyes self-assuredly looking at Xu Zongyin.
"Since Ancheng says it’s not true, then it’s not." Xu Zongyin replied, "Also, don’t call me brother-in-law anymore; it’s not appropriate."
"Brother-in-law—" Chi Mozen’s face turned pale instantly. Since returning to the Chi Family, her days hadn’t been good, akin to a servant cooking meals. Without Xu Zongyin’s status, they’d be even worse.
If Xu Zongyin severed ties, how would she live in the Chi Family?
"Uncle, is this really Aunt’s son? My mom said Aunt was gentle and kind-hearted, how could she give birth to a child who disregards elders? Surely he’s mistaken?" Chi Mozen’s daughter, Lv Feifei, retorted coyly.
This angered Xu Zongyin as he responded firmly, "Who dares question my son."
Xu Zongyin’s stern demeanor scared Lv Feifei into stepping back, feeling panicked inside. She was only jealous, having seen Chi Moyao’s photo, clearly knowing Ding Ancheng was her son, otherwise, he wouldn’t resemble her so much. But she was irked; her mom said if it weren’t for him, the Xu Family would be theirs.
"Dad, no need to get upset over irrelevant people, it’s unnecessary." Ding Ancheng dismissed them effortlessly, "Such people can’t stir trouble if ignored."
Ding Ancheng’s words left Chi Mozen’s mother and children looking unpleasant.
"Ancheng, is the elderly couple behind you the kind souls who raised Ancheng?" Chi Family head, Chi Wanqiang, walked over with a cane, "Thank you for raising our grandson so well. We appreciate it."
Yi Roujing looked at the gray-haired old man with genuine sincerity and thought indeed, the older the wiser, as he instantly claimed the grandson role.
"Mr. Chi, these are the Xu Family’s benefactors, and now they are our family too. We will thank them." Xu Zongyin said sternly.
Chi Wanqiang was actually regretful; why he had his elder daughter transferred back then, believing it was youthful admiration. Who knew Xu Zongyin would remember for a lifetime and achieve what he has now, initially on par with the Chi Family, now unmatchable.
Upon learning Chi Moyao had a son with Xu Zongyin, Chi Wanqiang was thrilled, seeing hopes for the Chi Family to advance. But knowing the child grew up in the countryside, he felt disdain somewhat.
The Chi Family had developed again in recent years, albeit limited, but still well. Thinking a newly acknowledged child needed a strong maternal family to bolster the Xu Family, Chi Wanqiang maintained a bit of arrogance, assuming as a senior he ought to be greeted first by the child.
Unexpectedly...