345: Abrupt call

Abrupt call

Qin Yan and Xi Ting were then led to a table nestled in a secluded corner, offering privacy amidst the lively ambiance. A pristine white tablecloth draped the table, adorned with flickering candles in delicate crystal holders. A small bouquet of fragrant roses graced the center, their petals hinting at the romance that lingered in the air.1

Taking their seats, the couple settled into the plush, upholstered chairs, feeling a sense of anticipation building. The sommelier approached with an extensive wine list, offering guidance and recommendations to ensure the perfect pairing for your meal. 

After thoughtful consideration, Xi Ting decided to indulge in a glass of fine champagne, its effervescence tickling the couple's senses. 

As they clinked your glasses together, a subtle toast marked the start of a romantic night. The sommelier expertly suggests a delightful wine pairing that would enhance the flavors of each course. 

As the couple perused the menu, their eyes danced across a symphony of French culinary delights. Each dish was described with meticulous detail, awakening their taste buds and stirring a sense of intrigue.

For appetizers, they selected a duo of escargots de Bourgogne and a delicate foie gras terrine. The escargots, nestled in a rich garlic and parsley butter, were served in their shells, providing a delectable blend of flavors and textures. The foie gras terrine, served with a warm brioche and a drizzle of sweet fig reduction, melted in their mouth, leaving a lingering richness.

As they savored the last bites of the appetizers, the main course arrived, presented with artistic finesse. Qin Yan had chosen the tender filet mignon which was perfectly cooked to their preference, accompanied by a rich truffle sauce and a medley of seasonal vegetables. The aroma was captivating, and with each bite, the flavors dance on the couple's palate, showcasing the culinary mastery of the chef.

The couple exchanged affectionate glances towards each other but the romantic atmosphere was broken by a call on Xi Ting's phone.

Xi Ting frowned. Normally he wouldn't get any calls at this time. However, when he saw who was calling, he picked it up. After hearing the contents of the call, his frown increased even more.

"What happened?" Qin Yan asked when she saw Xi Ting's dark face.

"Mom called. She wants us to go to their house immediately."

Qin Yan was also worried thinking about the reason Madam Xi might have called them so abruptly. Since, Madam Xi's impression of her was already bad, Qin Yan got nervous wondering if something bad might have happened.

But whatever they thought, they had to leave the restaurant right away.

On reaching the Xi residence, as the couple entered the living room, Qin Yan caught sight of Old Madam sitting on the couch in the middle of the room while Madam Xi was sitting on the adjacent couch.

And on the couch on the other side of Old Madam was Xi Jung whom Qin Yan had not seen for a long period of time.

"Ay, my good granddaughter-in-law is finally here," Old Madam was very happy to see Qin Yan. She waved her over with a grin, "Come to grandma."

Since Qin Yan was going over daily to administer acupuncture to the old master, his condition had improved a lot. Moreover, the serum and cream given by Qin Yan had transformed the old lady's skin. This made the old couple extremely fond of Qin Yan. So when Madam Xi asked the old lady to visit the house to discuss an important matter concerning Qin Yan, the old madam agreed right away.

Old Madam's enthusiasm made Qin Yan feel a lot better. However, she was still apprehensive in Madam Xi's presence. 

Xi Ting sensed that and gave her hand a little squeeze before walking her to the couch.

They'd just approached Old Madam when she reached out and pulled Qin Yan towards her. She held Qin Yan's hand tightly and said endearingly, "Are you hungry, is there anything you want to eat? Grandma can get someone to prepare it for you."

Old Madam's words of concern touched Qin Yan. She was just about to say something when she heard a chuckle from beside her, followed by a voice that said, "Grandma, I've never seen you this excited before. This granddaughter-in-law of yours is more important than your grandson, it seems."

Qin Yan looked at Xi Jung teasing the Old Madam and a smile crept on her lips. 

Old Madam glared at Xi Jung with feigned anger, "Ask yourself, how often do you come back? You are always either roaming around or busy with your work. It's so hard to get you to come home to see me. Having a grandson like you makes me angry. How do I dote on you?"

Old Madam patted Qin Yan's hand lightly and went all gentle again, "My granddaughter-in-law is so much more obedient."

"Yes, yes, yes," Xi Jung wasn't rebutting her, "But grandma, it's not my fault. Big brother always keeps me engaged with work. How am I supposed to visit you?" 

He then wiped the fake sweat on his forehead, "Grandma, I am telling the truth. Big brother doesn't even give me time to roam around. You can't even imagine how busy I am."

"Hmph," Old Madam glared at him again, "I'm done listening to you. Isn't it better to work than roam around with different girls?"

Hearing the old madam, Xi Jung said a little helplessly, "Grandma…"

"What grandma? You must settle your personal issues first. That way, your mom and I can set our hearts at ease…"

Xi Jung, who'd just been hurried to get a girlfriend, was speechless.

Old Madam went on, "Once you get a girlfriend, you won't be able to flirt around anymore. You would also have time to visit us then."

"Look at Ah Ting. He used to be a workaholic, but now that he has a girlfriend, I don't have to nag at him anymore. He knows he has to spend more time with Yan Yan."

Xi Jung seemed helpless.

"Wenpei, he's not young anymore. It's about time you started finding a girl for him."

Xi Jung seemed like he really didn't want Madam Xi to find him a girl, "Mom, Grandma, I don't have any intention to get committed at the moment. Please don't arrange it for me."

Old Madam furrowed her brows, "Ah Ting is settled. It's your turn now. You are also not that young anymore. If you aren't planning to settle soon, then when? Are you prepared to be a bachelor for life?"

Xi Jung dared not say anything more as he saw that Old Madam was genuinely upset.

He swallowed his rebuttal and changed the subject, "Oh yes, sister-in-law, how are you?"

Qin Yan smiled realising what Xi Jung wanted to do, "I am fine."

Fortunately, the old madam's attention successfully got shifted to Qin Yan. 

"Yan Yan, have you eaten? Should we have dinner now?"

"Grandma, we've already eaten. But I can accompany you while you have your meal," Qin Yan smiled gently.

"Okay then, Let's go. Sit next to me during dinner."

Old Madam could tell that Madam Xi didn't like Qin Yan. It was so obvious to an old woman like her. Qiao Mianmian must have noticed it as well.

Old Madam really liked Qin Yan and didn't want her to be treated badly. As she saw that Madam Xi was treating Qin Yan poorly, she wanted to compensate by treating her well.

Qin Yan noticed that Old Madam was calling out to her. She immediately let go of Xi Ting's hand and went over to her.

She held onto Old Madam's hand affectionately and said, "Alright, grandma. I want to be close to you as well."

"What a wonderful girl," Old Madam's smile widened. She held onto Qin Yan and asked smilingly, "Will you go for a walk with me after dinner?"

"Sure."

Qin Yan would agree to whatever Old Madam said.

Qin Yan looked sweet and cute, exactly the type that elders preferred. Old Madam liked her even more since she was obedient.

In the dining room.

Qin Yan sat beside Old Madam instead of Xi Ting. 

Even though Qin Yan had already eaten, the dishes that she enjoyed were placed in front of her for easy reach as per Old Madam's request.

When Qin Yan casually mentioned that she liked a dessert that she ate at Xi Residence previously, Old Madam immediately asked the kitchen to prepare it for her.

Old Madam doted on Qin Yan more than her two grandsons.

Xi Ting and Xi Jung weren't bothered by it. Since there were only males in the household, it was only natural that Old Madam acted like this with the addition of a female.

The Xi family all knew that Old Madam longed for a granddaughter, but she only got grandsons. She did not have even a single granddaughter. 

Qin Yan's looks and personality were exactly what Old Madam wanted in her granddaughter. So, she treated her granddaughter-in-law just like her real granddaughter.

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