"Ningning! I couldn’t eat properly during the time you weren’t here, just waiting to taste the dishes you make," Mr. Hai said. He was old now, his spirit not as strong as before, and a bit chatty. Ever since arriving at the Su Family’s place, he wouldn’t let go of Sheng Ning, chattering on for ages.
Sheng Ning didn’t feel bothered, and with a smile, she chatted panionably with the elder, answering every question.
"Oh? Is that An’an?" Mr. Hai finally noticed his precious granddaughter was also back after a long while, "An’an, how long has it been since you came to see me?"
"Grandpa." An’an shyly sat next to the elder on the other side.
"An’an, Grandpa missed you so much." Seeing his sweet granddaughter back, the elder chuckled and said, "Indeed, only when Ningning arrives does An’an e. Otherwise, even if that scoundrel Hai Yunfeng begged, he couldn’t convince you to e. Truly useless. What use do I have for this son? Just to eat my food?"
Mr. Hai began to scold Hai Yunfeng mercilessly.
Isolated on the outermost side by Su Jiang, Hai Yunfeng was left feeling both bitter and amused. His ministerial reputation was thoroughly dashed this time, unable to be salvaged.
"Grandpa’s right," Hai Shen didn’t forget to add salt to his father’s wound, "Truly useless."
"You brat." Hai Yunfeng rolled up his sleeves, ready to fight, but before he could do anything, Mr. Hai smacked him with a cane.
"What are you doing? Planning a rebellion? You want to vent your inpetence on your son? Who gave you the guts? I can rush to the General Political Department and beat you up, believe it or not. Don’t think I’ve grown afraid of you now that you’re a leader; if you push me too far, I’ll still give you a beating."
Hai Yunfeng now deeply missed Mr. Su and Su Hai. He recalled often seeing Su Hai get beaten, being a unique sight in the courtyard. Now that Mr. Su was gone, it was his turn.
He, who was Hai Yunfeng, spent the first fifty years of life being unquestioned, only to make up for all the missed opportunities after fifty.
Watching the familiar scene, Sheng Ning’s lips held a perpetual smile. She felt the long-lost taste of home, the flavor of memories. Mr. Hai’s voice overlapped with that of her grandfather’s, so full of energy, so vibrant.
It seemed like everything happened just yesterday.
"Miss your grandfather?" Su Huai’an asked softly.
"Yes! I haven’t been able to visit his grave. Tomorrow, let’s take big brother and little sister to bow to him together."
"Alright!" Su Huai’an smiled gracefully, "Grandpa must be overjoyed."
Sheng Ning thought of how her grandfather would surely be delighted knowing she had twin babies. Unfortunately, grandpa could no longer witness it.
The living room was lively, everyone bustling about like it was New Year. However, Mr. Hai’s loud scolding woke the sleeping little sister, who started crying loudly.
"Little sister is awake." A group of men, at a loss, wondered what to do; they could handle guns, but couldn’t hold a child!
Fortunately, An’an expertly picked up little sister, who had started teething and trying to talk at six months old.
"Oh, oh... Little sister, don’t cry. Don’t cry..."
Believing she was hungry, Sheng Ning got up to prepare milk. Once the bottle was placed in little sister’s mouth, she sucked greedily, instantly forgetting why she was crying.
"Big brother is awake too." An’an called out excitedly.
Only then did everyone notice big brother was already awake, watching everything with big, curious eyes. With so many people to look at, he seemed utterly familiar with the environment.
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