Chapter 246: Chapter 246

Shouren and his father got into an argument over this issue: the eldest daughter repeatedly framed her own son and daughter-in-law, and compounded with the issues with his wife, he formally cut ties with the eldest. Mr. Qin was very angry and expressed his dissatisfaction. Shouren stated that if Mr. Qin forced him to maintain relations with the eldest, then he would rather leave this home and move out to live with his son.

After much deliberation, Mr. Qin still did not agree with the second son, and reluctantly agreed to their request to cease contact.

Consequently, the eldest and second son of the Qin Family officially declared non-association, so Qin Shouhan was not invited to Qin Xi and Li Xianglu’s wedding.

The food was ready, and when Shouren was carrying the food out, Li Xianglu quickly got up to help.

The meal was very rich, with braised meatballs, deep-fried meatballs in broth, yellow braised lamb, crispy meat pieces, garlic-flavored deep-fried ribbon fish, a big bowl of braised pork, and a clay pot with a whole stewed chicken including some dried shiitake mushrooms, emitting a unique aroma of free-range chicken. The only vegetable dish was cold mixed cucumbers and deep-fried peanuts.

This spread of dishes showed how much Mr. Qin valued his daughter-in-law; usually, this would require gathering food tickets and meat tickets from here and there, and after this, at least half a year without meat would follow.

Yang Huan arranged the dishes and then took off her apron to leave. Mr. Qin did not stop her; instead, he brought out a net bag from the kitchen containing a porcelain bowl, smiling and saying, "Some fried meatballs and meat pieces with ribbon fish for Xiao Xin to eat."

Yang Huan smiled and accepted it, not feeling embarrassed. As the others left, Qin Zhen eagerly asked, "Dad, who is that woman?"

Resigned, Shouren said, "Dad introduced her, didn’t he? A colleague, specifically called to cook. She came yesterday and helped prepare some things in advance; she arrived this morning at 8. Do you think I could prepare such a spread?"

Qin Zhen opened his mouth to say something but was immediately grabbed by Qin Xi, who called out, "Dad, come sit."

Li Xianglu also came forward to help pull out chairs when suddenly the master bedroom door opened, and two people emerged. Shouren glanced at them and said, "Dad, it’s time to eat. Today is the first time the children come over after getting married; let’s eat together."

Mr. Qin looked at the eldest and thought to say something to the second son but was stopped by Qin Shouhan who gently smiled and said, "Second brother, I know you are still upset about Qin Miao’s matter, but I don’t blame you. After all, we are family. I hope you think of dad; he’s old and always hopes for harmony in the family." Saying this, he gestured to Mr. Qin and left first.

The departure of Qin Shouhan made Mr. Qin look especially grave, trembling as he stared at Shouren. Qin Xi smiled and said, "Grandpa, family harmony requires effort from everyone. Look, we cooked this meal and would like to have a good time eating with you, but some people prevent it."

Voicing his feelings before leaving, who could feel alright? If Mr. Qin were to unleash a tirade at Shouren and slam the door on his way out, could they still eat cheerfully? Obviously, he and Qin Zhen would be unaffected, but what about dad? Could he be happy?

Mr. Qin’s surged anger subsided upon seeing everyone’s expressions, heaving a long sigh, "Enough, I’m not interfering anymore, just take care of yourselves well."

Shouren came over to pull out a chair for Mr. Qin, and everyone sat down together to eat.

Truly, Yang Huan’s culinary skills were impressive; the ribbon fish must have been twice-fried, crispy and fragrant. The meatballs stewed together without falling apart, yet the meat flavor was rich; the ratio of starch to meat was just right.

The braised pork was sweeter than his own recipe but was rich without being greasy, showing that Yang Huan is indeed a skilled cook.

Qin Zhen was really serious about the meat dishes, barely touching his plain rice and finishing almost all the meat, not stopping until the entire chicken was half gone.

Mr. Qin had his fill and had already sat down; Shouren was smiling as he watched the three kids, any child of his own always seemed wonderful.

Li Xianglu tugged at Qin Zhen who was still gnawing at a chicken leg, giving him a stern look.

They all lightly sipped a drink, hinting to each other, and Qin Xi mentioned Mr. Li’s suggestion, asking Mr. Qin to come stay over for a few days, and also casually invited Mr. Qin.

Mr. Qin shook his head, "No need, you go ahead. I’m old and like the quiet. Besides, the veterans’ club has its canteen; eating daily with old pals and playing chess is quite nice."

Actually, Qin Xi would have liked his father to move out and live with them, although the hospital was slightly far from the courtyard house; setting off early wasn’t an issue. In winter, he could take a bus, and cycling in summer was convenient too. However, Shouren was concerned about Mr. Qin; after all, he was his biological father, and even though his judgment might be flawed, he never deliberately harmed them.

Because they were going to stay at Li Family for a few days, possibly past the third day of the year, they simply packed some clothes. Shouren put some cooked meat outside the window to freeze and after instructing Qin Shen, he left with the three children.

The three of them left the veterans’ club and were about to head to the bus station when they heard Mr. Qin cry out "Ouch" while clutching the back of his head.

Qin Xi immediately turned around to check on his father, while Qin Zhen shouted "Where do you think you’re going, you little thief?" and chased after the fleeing figure. Li Xianglu glanced and saw a ten-year-old child running toward the west.

The two checked and found that Shouren had been hit by a stone, accurately striking the back of his head and causing a large bump.

ps: I went out at noon today and came back around 6 o’clock in the evening, directly melted into a puddle of oil...why not water, because I am oilier, and then it took me a long while to get up.

Also, the Chapter with meaty scenes got blocked, I need to revise it... Everyone, please be patient, alas, my apologies.