CHAPTER 860: CHAPTER 580: NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS

"Ah!" With a heavy sigh, Grandpa Ye looked at Lin Baohe with a sense of nostalgia, "Old Zhou is luckier than I am, having good relatives like you. It’s hard for a family like that not to be harmonious."

Lin Baohe quickly said, "Uncle, actually, our family is the lucky one. To be honest, Yulan and I used to worry a lot about Chuxia’s marriage.

In the village, families with better conditions all wanted a capable daughter-in-law. Our Xia, while she couldn’t be called weak, certainly can’t compete with those diligent kids.

Plus, her looks have a way of attracting unwanted attention. When she was rebellious before, Yulan and I used to worry about her future all night long, afraid she’d be fooled by some rascal.

Women, you know, if they take a wrong step, their whole life can be ruined. Luckily, she suddenly became sensible, but even then, she couldn’t compete in chores with capable kids, and her health wasn’t great. Families in the village that were well off still didn’t want a daughter-in-law like that.

Back then, since we were close with Gangshun’s family, we thought maybe our families could unite in marriage, but Chuxia and Hongqi just didn’t see eye to eye.

Gangshun even beat Hongqi for it... Anyway, Chuxia’s marriage worried Yulan and me to death.

Luckily, our child is fortunate enough to meet Xiaomi. So, if you really think about it, we’re the fortunate ones. Without the Zhou family, Yulan and I wouldn’t be enjoying our life today, and I might have lived my whole life without knowing my origins."

This is the first time Grandpa Ye learned so much about the Lin Family’s matters. After pondering for a while, he patted Lin Baohe’s shoulder, "From what I know of Xiaomi, if he hadn’t met the right girl, he wouldn’t have come home so smoothly. So, fundamentally, I still think the Zhou family is fortunate."

With Grandpa Ye insisting so, Lin Baohe smiled bashfully, "Uncle, then let’s say both our families are blessed. You’re such a good-natured person; surely, you’ll enjoy good fortune. And the kids in the family, they will all meet the right ones eventually."

"Let’s hope so. But, talking to you made me feel much lighter. To be honest, while everyone else was cheerful during the New Year, I was full of anger. The kids won’t listen, and the adults lack understanding. It’s truly frustrating.

But Baohe, I assure you, as long as I’m alive, I won’t let my wayward granddaughter interfere with Xiaomi and Chuxia’s affairs."

"Uncle, look at you, being all distant again?" Lin Baohe said with a smile, "I have faith in my daughter and son-in-law. No matter who tries to interfere, it won’t matter. Their bond is strong.

Don’t let this complicate things between you and your granddaughter. Let her go; let the kids handle their own matters."

"You’re quite a laid-back father..." Grandpa Ye said with a face full of admiration, "No wonder Chuxia has such a great personality. With a father like you, she can’t be bad."

"Uncle, you’re flattering me again."

"I only praise what’s worthy."

"Happy New Year, Grandpa Ye. Dad, here you are. I’ve been searching everywhere for you." Zhou Mikang approached, first greeting Grandpa Ye, then smiling as he took the large broom from Lin Baohe’s hands.

"I’ve been having a delightful chat with your father-in-law. First day of the year, met with good fortune, this year will definitely be smoother than last." Grandpa Ye beamed at Zhou Mikang, "With such a wonderful wife and lovely in-laws, you must be filial."

"Rest assured, in my heart, my in-laws are the same as my own parents, and I’ll definitely be filial to them." Zhou Mikang smiled and invited, "Grandpa Ye, how about having breakfast at my place?"

"If you’re sending me home, just say it directly. No need to beat around the bush," Grandpa Ye said as he stood up, feeling a little dizzy from squatting too long. Instinctively, he staggered forward a few steps, and Zhou Mikang quickly helped him, worriedly asking, "Are you having a health check-up soon?"

Composing himself, Grandpa Ye waved at Zhou Mikang, "I’m fine, really, just crouched too long. It’ll be better after a break."

Observing his complexion, Zhou Mikang hesitated, wanting to help him indoors but reluctant to face other members of the Ye family and endure their sarcasm. Yet, leaving him alone seemed unwise given the pallor of his face, hinting something amiss.

Understanding Zhou Mikang’s dilemma, Grandpa Ye waved it off, "I’m alright, just didn’t sleep well last night. Talking here was fun, resulted in less activity, but I’ll be okay after sleeping a bit. Old age is like this, being past one’s prime."