Chapter 419: Chapter 419

As those words echoed, everyone turned to look at Old Song.

Ever since their son reached adulthood, their family had moved out to live independently.

In all these years, besides Song Moting, there wasn’t anyone else around the elderly couple.

Nor did they allow anyone else to stay by their side.

That was the exclusive love bestowed upon Song Moting.

Many were envious, but everyone knew that Old Song and his wife favored Song Moting, no one could surpass him.

This time, everyone was watching to see if Song Moting’s position could be usurped by a great-grandchild.

Old Mrs. Song coughed to clear her throat.

Everyone looked over.

"Moving back and forth is troublesome, your mother raised both kids well. Just go back and consult your parents more, they know more than us old folks."

Old Mrs. Song’s words shut the door on the matter.

Fang Xiaohui felt dejected, being pregnant didn’t even change the elderly couple’s minds.

Was Song Moting really that good?

If she had known, she might as well have married Song Moting back then.

In her previous life, she only had a vague understanding of the Song family matters and knew of Song Moting’s existence, but Song Moting was always low-key; many people had never even seen him or knew what kind of person he was.

She only knew that later on, Song Mohuan stood out in all his splendor, and she had no idea about these insider details.

Song Mohuan and Song Moting were simply on different levels.

Fang Xiaohui silently regretted it in her heart.

Mrs. Song looked displeased; the old lady certainly was stubborn, even a great-grandchild couldn’t outweigh Song Moting!

Song Qinghe noticed his wife was about to speak up and quickly interrupted with a smile.

"That’s right! Our parents are getting older, having the kids here would just tire them out. We can handle it, no problem."

He tugged on Mrs. Song’s sleeve.

Mrs. Song kept quiet.

The Song family was partial, no doubt.

Song Qingyun also mediated, "Alright, alright, everyone stop surrounding Xiao Hui. Let her rest. Kids’ mom, go check what’s good to eat so we can start dinner. Today we should really celebrate."

Qiao Hui also stood up, pulling Jiang Xiaoxiao along, "Come on! Xiao Xiao, let’s go with Auntie. I know you make the best dishes. Old Song keeps praising you to me. I’ve been wanting to learn a thing or two from you to impress him."

Following her husband’s advice, she knew she had to be nice to Jiang Xiaoxiao, not let her feel neglected.

After all, the family was revolving around Fang Xiaohui right now.

Jiang Xiaoxiao looked a bit downcast; Fang Xiaohui just got married and already had a child, while she, despite being married longer, still didn’t. Such comparisons were really painful.

She forced a smile and followed her aunt into the kitchen, knowing Qiao Hui meant well.

Cooking would help divert her attention, making her feel less upset.

Even though she knew whether she had a child or not was fate, seeing someone else have a child instantly still drew envy from her, even if she saw Fang Xiaohui as an enemy.

There was no helping it; this enemy now had what she longed for, making her feel that familiar envy and resentment.

The kitchen auntie had already prepared quite a lot of dishes.

In families like theirs, during holidays, just the benefits and gifts were more than they could eat. Rare delicacies were no big deal here, so there was plenty of chicken, duck, fish, and meat.

Yet, the dishes remained the old favorites.

Jiang Xiaoxiao knew the tastes of Old Song and Mrs. Song well.

Actually, their tastes were polar opposites; Old Song liked spicy, flavorful food.

Mrs. Song, on the other hand, preferred milder southern tastes, favoring Cantonese cuisine.

Jiang Xiaoxiao decided to make some seasoned shrimp and Mao-style braised pork, along with white cut chicken, crispy roast goose, and steamed mandarin fish.

Together with the dishes made by the aunt, it would be a perfect meal.

Watching Jiang Xiaoxiao bustling about, Qiao Hui lent a hand.

She couldn’t help but praise repeatedly.

"Xiao Xiao, I really didn’t expect your cooking skills to be so extraordinary. These dishes cater to both northern and southern tastes. We’ve all known the preferences of Old Song and Mrs. Song for years but have never managed to create such delectable dishes.

Your cooking, I’ve only seen a little of it at state banquets. And just look at this braised pork; the aroma alone is making me hungry, not to mention the seasoned shrimp—what a temptation!

Moting really hit the jackpot marrying you; even I am severely envious."

Jiang Xiaoxiao felt a bit suffocated, perhaps not quite over that previous sentiment, so her chest felt heavy.

"Aunt, please stop praising me. With the shrimp done and the braised pork ready, we have all the dishes, and we can start eating."

Qiao Hui nodded, "I’ll have the aunt set the table and let everyone know to prepare for the meal."

The food was laid out across the table.

Song Moting slipped into the kitchen when he heard his aunt calling for dinner.

He had noticed Jiang Xiaoxiao’s expression earlier and knew his wife was upset, wanting to comfort her.

Jiang Xiaoxiao, not waiting for him to speak, pointed at the just-cooked seasoned shrimp and braised pork.

"Quickly take these out; they’re Grandpa’s favorites."

Song Moting paused, "Xiao Xiao, having kids or not doesn’t matter to me; having you is enough. Kids aren’t the most important; whether we have them or not, being with you makes me happy."

Saying that, he carried the dishes out.

Jiang Xiaoxiao pouted slightly, thinking Moting really was trying to comfort her in his straightforward way.

She couldn’t help but smile, knowing how much Song Moting loved children. How could she not know, seeing him often play with Nuonuo?

He even talked about having a daughter in the future, saying how wonderful daughters are, like a little cotton jacket. And yet, he said this now just to avoid making her feel sad.

But young couples can live on love for a while, what about when they’re in their forties or fifties?

When passion fades, without children, a home can feel empty, making people tired of each other.

Quickly, she followed him out.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was the last to come to the table, and Song Moting placed the dishes in front of Old Song, "Grandpa, Xiao Xiao made these just for you and Grandma. Try the braised pork."

Old Song smiled broadly, inviting Jiang Xiaoxiao and Song Moting to sit beside him.

"Come, sit down, Xiao Xiao. Thank you. Grandpa has been craving this and was waiting for it."

Jiang Xiaoxiao and Song Moting took their seats.

Before Old Song could take his chopsticks, Fang Xiaohui suddenly covered her mouth and ran to the restroom.

Song Mohuan ran after her.

Everyone exchanged glances.

After a while, Fang Xiaohui and Song Mohuan returned.

Fang Xiaohui looked pale, covering her mouth as she sat down.

Song Mohuan explained, "Xiao Hui can’t stand the smell here; it makes her nauseous."

He glanced meaningfully at the braised pork and seasoned shrimp in front of Old Song.

Old Song snorted, not wanting to be deterred from eating.

Finally getting to enjoy his favorite meal, now someone was trying to put a wrench in the works.

Seeing Old Song’s expression, Fang Xiaohui quickly said, "No problem, no problem. Everyone, please eat. I just need Xiao Xiao to help make me a bowl of clear noodle soup, I can’t handle these strong flavors, but I know Xiao Xiao’s cooking will be great."

Jiang Xiaoxiao paused, thinking she hadn’t done much yet and was already being targeted. Wanting her to cater to her whims, wasn’t that a bit too much to ask?