After returning to the military base, Lin Yiqiao underwent half a month of closed-door training. During this period, she hardly saw Qi Jun, only hearing rumors at the base about his injury, though they were quickly suppressed.
Once Qi Jun’s injuries had mostly healed, and after a doctor’s examination, he boarded a jeep.
The vehicle drove all the way to Shijia Lane No. 6, unimpeded along the route. Several discreetly escorted Hongqi sedans accompanied it, drawing frequent glances on streets filled with bicycles and pedestrians.
At the entrance of the Qi family compound, a group of people stood waiting. At the forefront was an elderly woman with graying hair, neatly combed and adorned, her eyes sharp and alert.
The jeep stopped at the compound’s entrance. Two soldiers holding rifles saluted as a pair of long legs stepped out of the vehicle, calm and unhurried.
The elderly woman, supported by someone, hurried forward. “Xiao Jun, are your injuries alright?” She patted Qi Jun’s back, her face full of concern.
“I’m fine, Grandma. No need to worry.” Qi Jun smiled, helping her walk toward the house.
The others quickly followed. The hall was spacious, tastefully decorated, tidy, and orderly.
Qi Jun guided the elderly woman to sit on the sofa, and the others took their seats as well.
“Xiao Jun,” Qi Jun’s mother, Zhou Sinan, spoke up. “Did you receive the soup and nutritional supplements we sent the other day?”
Qi Jun paused. “The chicken soup?”
Zhou Sinan’s expression tightened. “Your father—” She seemed angered. “Not only did he refuse to let you recuperate in the hospital, but he also forbade us from visiting. Did he even refuse to let you accept the things we sent?!”
“Father has his reasons,” Qi Jun said solemnly.
“His reasons? His reasons nearly cost you your life!”
The Old Madam frowned at Zhou Sinan. “What nonsense are you saying?!”
Zhou Sinan fell silent and stood up. “I’ll go ask Aunt Liu how the meal preparations are coming along.”
Silence filled the hall. The Old Madam turned to Qi Jun with affection, patting his hand. “Your mother is just worried and flustered.”
Qi Jun reached for a longan fruit—indeed, he hadn’t yet tasted the chicken soup she made.
Meeting the Old Madam’s gaze, he said, “Grandma, I understand.”
“That’s good, that’s very good.” The Old Madam wiped her hands with a warm towel and began peeling a longan for him.
Second Aunt Wen Yulan sat down with a smile. “I always said Xiao Jun is blessed with great fortune. He was bound to be fine.”
“Of course he is,” Aunt Qi Siya chimed in, standing nearby while holding her daughter Guoguo and smiling.
Qi Jun responded lightly, teasing Guoguo, who giggled, revealing her tiny white baby teeth, and squirmed excitedly in Qi Siya’s arms.
“Do you like your big brother?” Qi Siya laughed, tickling Guoguo’s cheek. Guoguo stretched out her little hands, trying to reach for Qi Jun.
Qi Jun smiled but didn’t take her. He glanced at the people gathered around. “Where’s Qi Ran?”
Just as he spoke, the sound of a car came from outside the compound. “Brother!” A figure rushed into the hall.
Qi Ran’s face was lit with a carefree grin. “Brother, you’re finally back!”
“Mm,” Qi Jun nodded, scanning his attire—all black, tight-fitting pants, and hair permed into a frizzy mess.
“You rascal, where have you been running off to again?” the Old Madam scolded him affectionately.
“Grandma, I was actually doing something important.” He waved toward the door. “Come on in.”
A girl walked into the living room, her features gentle and her demeanor well-behaved. She entered with graceful composure, glanced at Qi Ran, who hurriedly introduced her, “This is Grandma, this is my eldest brother, this is my Second Aunt, and this is my Aunt.”
The girl responded to each greeting, a gentle smile on her face.
Meeting Old Madam’s displeased eyes, Qi Ran jolted, “I almost forgot!” He pointed at the girl, “This is Xu Yu, my… girlfriend.”
The Qi family remained silent. Wen Yulan glanced at Old Madam and Qi Jun.
Qi Jun expressionlessly peeled longans, while Old Madam stood up, “Xiao Ran, come with me for a moment.”
Wen Yulan’s smile remained unchanged as she beckoned to Xu Yu, “Little Xu, right? Come sit here.”
“Alright.” Xu Yu smiled and sat beside Wen Yulan.
Qi Jun didn’t stay long. He wiped his hands and stood up, “Excuse me.”
“Alright, go rest quickly, Xiao Jun.” Wen Yulan rose slightly.
Qi Siya sat on the sofa holding Guoguo while watching TV, and the nanny quickly took over when she saw the situation.
The living room fell into silence for a moment.
“What does Little Xu’s family do?” Wen Yulan spoke up.
Xu Yu replied calmly, “Both my parents are university professors. Xiao Ran and I are classmates.”
After speaking, she lowered her head, her face slightly flushed.
“That’s wonderful.”
Uncertain of Old Madam’s intentions, Wen Yulan didn’t say more. The heavy television in the living room played on, the blue light reflecting off the porcelain vases placed on either side, as everyone’s gaze fell on the screen.
Qi Ran followed Old Madam to his bedroom.
“Bringing your girlfriend home without a word, and on such an important day when your brother has returned! Qi Ran, you’ve really grown bold!”
Qi Ran lowered his head, “I just thought with so many people here today, it would be a good opportunity…”
“Did that girl force you to bring her back?” Old Madam interrupted him calmly.
“No.” Qi Ran shook his head, “I genuinely want to be with Xu Yu. We were high school classmates, and I’ve always liked her…”
Old Madam looked at him without speaking, standing up only after a long while. Qi Ran quickly stepped forward to support her.
“Let’s go. We’ll talk after your father returns.”