Tang Zhengde was very complimentary, praising each dish with precision, beyond mere superficial compliments. Tang Yue's eyes sparkled, and in the moment she was praised, she felt like a top-notch chef. "Our Xiao Yue has grown up, and now she cooks so deliciously, even better than mom used to make," Zhang Hualian said as she ate, feeling a surge of emotion deep inside. She still remembered when Tang Yue was born, skinnier than even the most frail children, nothing but skin and bones without an ounce of flesh; back then, everyone worried whether she would survive. Zhang Hualian even recalled those times, staying up day and night next to Tang Yue, fearing she might pass away silently just as everyone said. In the blink of an eye, twenty years had passed. The child who everyone thought wouldn't grow up was now about to get married. Zhang Hualian's gaze fell upon Tang Yue's features, which truly blended the best traits of both herself and Lian He. Tang Yue was born beautiful, and with her gentle nature, sitting there quietly with a smile curving her eyes, she looked even more attractive than a sky full of stars. "Mom, I'll cook often for you," Tang Yue said, her eyes brimming with a smile. Perhaps it was having her parents around, but Tang Yue also felt an increased appetite and ate a rare two bowls of rice, rounding out her small stomach. "You guys rest, I'll take care of this," Tang Yue hurried to take over the cleaning of dishes. Zhang Hualian wouldn't allow it—her daughter had cooked, and now she wanted to wash the dishes? In the end, mother and daughter together tidied up the kitchen immaculately. After dinner, since the sun was not too harsh, Tang Zhengde wanted to visit Jinghua University but hesitated to ask. Tang Yue took the initiative: "Mom and dad, how about we visit my school?" "Can we go in the evening?" Tang Zhengde inquired, looking at his clothes. After squeezing on a train for a day and sitting on a bus, he looked dusty and disheveled. "Yes," Tang Yue thought for a moment. "It's hot now, and though there's no sun, it's still quite sunny outside. How about I take you to little aunt's store now?" "Sure," Zhang Hualian was indeed in the mood for a walk. Tang Yue then took them to Wei Jiajia's store. At Wei Jiajia's store, which was quiet as they were taking inventory, Wei Jiajia became very excited upon seeing Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian and asked, "Sister-in-law, brother, when did you guys arrive?" "We just got here this afternoon," Zhang Hualian replied with a smile. She looked around the store and couldn't help asking, "Jiajia, why does this store look exactly the same as the one in Wangjiang County?" "It seems just the size is a bit different." Zhang Hualian observed that the store in Wangjiang County seemed larger, while this one seemed slightly smaller. Wei Jiajia handed over what she was doing to a hired clerk, explaining, "Sister-in-law, not only is my store similar, but all the Mingyue Clothing shops are similarly decorated, only their sizes differ." "Sister-in-law, come have dinner at my place tonight," Wei Jiajia insisted, "I'll go buy groceries now and ask Mingli to bring your brother-in-law, too, so we can all have dinner together." "There's no need to trouble yourself." Zhang Hualian hadn't even finished her refusal when Wei Jiajia put on a stern face and said, "Brother, sister-in-law, Xiao Yue, you all must come, or I won't be happy, haha." So, it was already agreed that dinner would be had at Wei Jiajia's place. Wei Jiajia urged Tang Yue to take Tang Zhengde and the rest around, then she headed home to buy groceries and also made a call to Tang Mingli to bring Zhao Youwei along. Follow current novels on novel{f}ire.net Zhao Youwei had been in Jing City for almost half a year now, but the times he had come over to their house for a meal were just occasional. "Mom, Dad, don't worry, I often have meals at little aunt's house." Tang Yue said with a smile, "Besides, now that we are in Jing City, if we don't go to little aunt's for meals, she would definitely be unhappy." Tang Yue made an analogy: "Just like, if they return to Wangjiang County, would you be happy if they didn't dine at our house?" "Of course not." Zhang Hualian was holding Tang Yue's hand and felt genuinely that Tang Yue had grown up and understood some social exchanges. "I'll take you to my school." Tang Yue pulled Zhang Hualian along and introduced, "We're very close to school now, just across the street." Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian were still self-conscious about their attire, worried they might embarrass Tang Yue, but Tang Yue didn't mind at all, especially since they were wearing new clothes she made specifically for their visit to Jing City. Tang Zhengde was tall and well-proportioned, and he looked spirited in his outfit. Zhang Hualian wore a set of casual clothes. Loose-fitting, it didn't really show off her figure, but these years, life at home had been improving. Zhang Hualian was no longer like before, bustling with endless chores. Even in Zhenghua Restaurant, she simply took the role of the proprietress. Moreover, with Tang Yue insisting on Zhang Hualian taking care of herself, Zhang Hualian of today had undergone a big change compared to a few years ago. Zhang Hualian originally had good skin, and she was quite attractive. Even in her forties, she had a charm that made her seem a few years younger than her actual age. "Mom, when we go out, people who don't know might think we are sisters." Tang Yue chatted playfully, holding Zhang Hualian's hand, making her laugh. Tang Zhengde scrutinized seriously, then echoed, "They do look alike." Tang Zhengde's face was full of smiles. Zhang Hualian became bashful from his gaze, and she changed the subject: "Xiao Yue, where is your school? Can we visit your school now?" "Of course, we can." Tang Yue started introducing from the entrance of Jinghua University. Jinghua University was beautiful and also very expansive. The weather was cooler, and the breeze on the Alley brushed away the inner discomfort. Tang Yue's voice was clear as it rang out, making even a simple school tour seem pleasant. Tang Zhengde and Zhang Hualian were thoroughly enchanted, initially thinking that a school in Jing City was just bigger and nothing special. But upon entering it, they realized it was not just about the size but also that intense scholarly ambiance. Even without studying there, just by walking through the campus, they felt like scholars themselves, their steps involuntarily turning more graceful. Since it was summer vacation, there weren't many people in the school, and they hardly encountered anyone on their way. By the time they strolled back home, it was almost dark, so Tang Yue led them to Tang Mingli's house. Tang Mingli and fourth uncle, Zhao Youwei, had just gotten back home. The brothers meeting up in Jing City brought excitement. "Youwei, how have you gotten so much paler?" After speaking with Tang Mingli, Tang Zhengde noticed that Zhao Youwei had indeed become significantly paler than before.
