Since it was the weekend, after breakfast, Chairman Sheng and Madam Sheng brought Chi Ruanli back to the Sheng family old residence. Sheng Yanqing did not object at all.
In fact, he could not have been happier.
Stepping into the Sheng family ancestral home meant everything was essentially settled.
As long as the woman agreed, the next day their names could appear on the same household registry.
The old residence was an elegant, classical courtyard in a Jiangnan style.
It was said that Old Master Sheng had specially designed it for Old Madam Sheng.
Just as the four of them stepped through the gate, an elderly woman with white hair but bright, energetic eyes—wearing a cheongsam—walked out to greet them.
She went straight toward Chi Ruanli.
Grasping her hand, she said warmly,“My dear girl, Grandma has finally been waiting for you.”
All the way inside, she never let go of her hand.
“Hey, Grandma,” Sheng Yanqing said helplessly, stepping forward to wrap an arm around her shoulder. “You’ve got such a big grandson standing right next to you, and you don’t even look at me.”
Only then did he manage to “rescue” Chi Ruanli.
The little woman kept smiling politely, but inwardly she finally let out a small breath of relief.
Her family… why were they all so enthusiastic? So enthusiastic it was a bit overwhelming.
“Go, go, go,” Old Madam Sheng waved him off. “Don’t block my view, you’re like a wall. I want to look at my sweet granddaughter-in-law!”
Then she sat down beside Chi Ruanli again, holding her hand together with Madam Sheng, one on each side, asking nonstop questions.
“Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”
“Do you have morning sickness?”
“Is there anything you’re craving?”
As she spoke, she even gently touched Chi Ruanli’s lower abdomen.
Looking at her slightly thin face, she frowned.
“You’re too thin! Just stay in the old residence. Grandma will take care of you!”
Before Chi Ruanli could respond, Sheng Yanqing immediately became anxious.
He was clearly trying to steal his person.
“Grandma, your old arms and legs should rest. I can take care of her.”
Old Madam Sheng was instantly offended.
No woman liked being called old.
After taking a sip of tea to calm herself, she pointed at him.
“You little brat, your grandmother isn’t that old yet! You can take care of her? You don’t even know how to cook!”
“I can learn,” Sheng Yanqing replied quickly, massaging her shoulders to coax her. “And we have chefs at home anyway. Don’t worry.”
At that moment—
“Auntie!”
A soft, childish voice suddenly came from upstairs.
Then came the sound of quick little footsteps rushing down.
“Oh my little darling, slow down!” Old Madam Sheng immediately turned her attention.
“Ruibao, hello,” Chi Ruanli greeted warmly as the little bundle crashed into her arms, bumping foreheads gently with her.
“Do you miss Auntie?”
“Yes,” Ruibao answered in a soft, milky voice.
“Auntie misses you too.”
She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek.
The little Ruibao immediately turned shy, his face flushing red as he hid in his great-grandmother’s arms, refusing to look at anyone no matter how they called him.
Chi Ruanli melted completely.
She instinctively touched her lower abdomen.
There were three babies inside her.
They would definitely be as cute as Ruibao.
Sheng Yanqing noticed her movement and walked over with long strides, sitting beside her and covering her hand with his own.
Then Chairman Sheng spoke.
“When are you two planning to get married? According to etiquette, the man should visit the woman’s parents first and ask for permission.”
A man who had spent nearly forty years in the business world hit the key point immediately.
He lifted his gaze sharply at Sheng Yanqing.
“Boy, don’t tell me you haven’t even visited your in-laws yet!”
Sheng Yanqing said nothing.
The silence alone was enough.
The sound of a teacup hitting the table rang out.
Chairman Sheng suddenly exploded.
“Useless! Is this how I raised you?! No manners at all!”
Then, as if switching faces instantly, he turned to Chi Ruanli with a gentle expression.
“Little Chi, when would it be convenient for us to visit your parents?”
“You can’t let this brat handle everything. I’ll go myself.”
The Sheng family had always been a traditional, prestigious household that valued etiquette deeply.
Chairman Sheng and Madam Sheng had followed proper matchmaking customs—formal introductions, engagement rites, and full ceremonial marriage arrangements.
But both of their sons were the opposite.
One had gotten married because of a child.
The other had already had a child before marriage.
Not a shred of proper etiquette between them.
“We’re planning to start by dating first,” Chi Ruanli said softly.
Chairman Sheng let out a dry laugh.
He picked up a teacup as if he were about to throw it at his son.
Madam Sheng quickly stopped him.
Even Ruibao peeked his little head out to watch.
Grandpa looked scary.
Seeing the situation, Chi Ruanli hurriedly said, “Uncle, please don’t blame him. It was my idea.”
Chairman Sheng waved a hand.
Fine.
He was old.
He didn’t understand young people anymore.
Do whatever you want.
At that moment, Sheng Yanqing held Chi Ruanli’s hand tightly and looked firmly at his father.
“I will definitely take responsibility for Ruanruan,” he said.
“There’s only ever the possibility of her not wanting me.”
“I couldn’t even get enough time to stick to her.”
“Useless!” Chairman Sheng scoffed.
Sheng Yanqing ignored him.
Right now, he was busy coaxing his wife.
Because just one sentence had made his Ruan Baby cry.
And he had no idea what to do except feel heartache.