To be recognized by his daughter, Jiang Boya knew clearly in his heart that he must lower his stance in front of the little girl’s adoptive parents and simultaneously find ways to cultivate a closer relationship.
Otherwise, who knows when he would hear his daughter call him ’Dad,’ it could be years away.
"How about I accompany Older Brother Kang?"
Jiang Boya said as he started to rise.
"No need, no need." Captain Kang waved his hands: "You take a rest, I’ll be back soon." Saying this, Captain Kang called out to Cai Xiufen to chat with Jiang Boya in the living room for a while, while he quickly left through the yard gate.
When the three of Min Rui were brought ho by Captain Kang, Jiang Boya seeing his precious daughter’s stepchildren, instantly sighed inwardly at Kang Li’s ability to raise kids.
Looking at those three kids, each appeared smart and polite, the eldest boy about eleven or twelve years old gave off such a mature vibe that standing there he resembled a straight white poplar.
After an introduction from Captain Kang, the three of Min Rui politely greeted Jiang Boya and the others.
Being addressed as "Grandpa Jiang" by his step-grandsons and granddaughter, Jiang Boya’s feelings were nuanced; he liberally gave each of the three a big red envelope.
Though Jiang Boya felt a bit uncomfortable being called Grandpa Jiang by Min Rui, those three were also particularly embarrassed.
In their eyes, Jiang Boya was at most a little older than their dad, yet just because the elder referred to him as "Older Brother Kang," they had to call him "Grandpa Jiang," which did make them feel sowhat awkward.
But despite this feeling, the three of Min Rui understood what politeness was; since the elder introduced them that way, naturally they wouldn’t be scattered over an appellation.
Lunch was minced-at noodles.
Jiang Boya ate with great delight, frequently praising Cai Xiufen’s excellent cooking skills.
...
Close to one in the afternoon, Captain Kang took the three of Min Rui to school, and upon his return, Jiang Boya talked about the purpose of this trip.
"Li Li is expecting more than one, and you and old sister-in-law should know, although her due date is early next month, multiple pregnancies usually lead to early birth, so I plan to take the flight back tomorrow."
"We will go with you, but I have to inform my son-in-law." Captain Kang responded to Jiang Boya, then said: "Please wait a mont." He picked up the landline’s handset and dialed Director Song’s office phone.
Upon hearing Director Song’s side connect, Captain Kang exchanged pleasantries with Director Song, then ntioned wanting to chat with Luo Yanqing.
"I’ll go call Yanqing now, soon I’ll have him call back ho directly."
After hanging up, Director Song personally went to find Luo Yanqing.
Actually, Luo Yanqing was close to completing the project in hand, however, upon talking with Captain Kang, without even thinking, he agreed with Captain Kang’s decision.
For Captain Kang and his wife to first go abroad to accompany Kang Li, to prevent Kang Li from experiencing premature labor too early without family beside her, leading to panic.
"You don’t have to worry too much, Li Bao is very strong; she will be fine."
Seeing Luo Yanqing place the handset back on the landline, Director Song patted his shoulder, giving a gentle reassurance.
"I know... but not being there during her pregnancy, now that she is about to give birth, if I still can’t accompany her, I would feel unfit as a husband and a father."
Saying this, Luo Yanqing took steps to leave: "I’m going back to the lab." He needed to ramp up the effort, strive to complete the project on hand by the end of the month, so he might catch the child’s birth.
Based on project progress, it’s the final push now.
Without waiting for Director Song’s response, Luo Yanqing’s figure already disappeared outside the office door.
Courtyard.
Jiang Boya and Captain Kang set the ti to leave the next day, then returned to the guest house.
"You go and tell Li Bao’s godmother, I’ll go to the eldest’s place."
"Okay, I’ll go find the younger sister now."
Cai Xiufen agreed, heading out with Captain Kang.
Song Family.
"As I said, don’t bother the eldest nephew’s couple to hurry back and forth; with here, the children won’t miss a single al."
Mrs. Qi, upon hearing Cai Xiufen’s purpose, did not quite agree with Cai Xiufen asking Big Brother Kang’s couple to rush daily to the courtyard to accompany the three of Min Rui.
Seeing Cai Xiufen about to say sothing, Mrs. Qi continued: "If you’re worried about the night, I can co and stay with the children myself or let them eat and stay over at my place."
"Your health isn’t good; you shouldn’t overexert yourself."
Cai Xiufen reassured Mrs. Qi, and then said: "My eldest son and daughter-in-law are quite busy, but they definitely rest at night, also they have hired help in the store, the ti my eldest daughter-in-law cos early shouldn’t be a problem."
"Older sister, are you becoming distant with ?"
Mrs. Qi wasn’t in high spirits: "Li Bao is the daughter of you and Older Brother Kang, but she’s also my and Old Song’s adopted daughter. My own daughter is about to give birth far overseas, as a godmother I can’t go over, can’t stay with her and help during confinent; can I not even do this much to take care of these three kids at ho?"
"You don’t think too much about it, I’m genuinely worried you’ll get exhausted."
Patting Mrs. Qi’s hand, Cai Xiufen said: "Xuan Xuan hasn’t married and had children yet, if you’re worn out, wouldn’t that be my fault?"
Mrs. Qi: "My health isn’t as bad as you say."
For Captain Kang and his wife to first go abroad to accompany Kang Li, to prevent Kang Li from experiencing premature labor too early without family beside her, leading to panic.
"You don’t have to worry too much, Li Bao is very strong; she will be fine."
Seeing Luo Yanqing place the handset back on the landline, Director Song patted his shoulder, giving a gentle reassurance.
"I know... but not being there during her pregnancy, now that she is about to give birth, if I still can’t accompany her, I would feel unfit as a husband and a father."
Saying this, Luo Yanqing took steps to leave: "I’m going back to the lab." He needed to ramp up the effort, strive to complete the project on hand by the end of the month, so he might catch the child’s birth.
Based on project progress, it’s the final push now.
Without waiting for Director Song’s response, Luo Yanqing’s figure already disappeared outside the office door.
Courtyard.
Jiang Boya and Captain Kang set the ti to leave the next day, then returned to the guest house.
"You go and tell Li Bao’s godmother, I’ll go to the eldest’s place."
"Okay, I’ll go find the younger sister now."
Cai Xiufen agreed, heading out with Captain Kang.
Song Family.
"As I said, don’t bother the eldest nephew’s couple to hurry back and forth; with here, the kids won’t miss a single al."
Mrs. Qi, upon hearing Cai Xiufen’s purpose, did not quite agree with Cai Xiufen asking Big Brother Kang’s couple to rush daily to the courtyard to accompany the three of Min Rui.
Seeing Cai Xiufen about to say sothing, Mrs. Qi continued: "If you’re worried about the night, I can co and stay with the kids myself or let them eat and stay over at my place."
"Your health isn’t good; you shouldn’t overexert yourself."
Cai Xiufen reassured Mrs. Qi, and then said: "My eldest son and daughter-in-law are quite busy, but they definitely rest at night, also they have hired help in the store, the ti my eldest daughter-in-law cos early shouldn’t be a problem."
"Older sister, are you becoming distant with ?"
Mrs. Qi wasn’t in high spirits: "Li Bao is the daughter of you and Older Brother Kang, but she’s also my and Old Song’s adopted daughter. My own daughter is about to give birth far overseas, as a godmother I can’t go over, can’t stay with her and help during confinent; can I not even do this much to take care of these three kids at ho?"
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