Chapter 514: Heart-to-Heart (Three updates for subscriptions and monthly tickets!)
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Two hours later, Han Qiwu arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house. After setting down the things he brought, he went up the mountain with Mr. Tang to pay respects.
When they completed the process, the drizzle had just stopped. Han's maternal grandparents arrived from the east side of the village and joined them for dinner.
The dinner was prepared by Mrs. Han, Grandma, and the maternal grandmother together. Every dish was an authentic Sichuan home-cooked dish, which made Han Qiwu feel completely at home.
As everyone was almost full, Han Qiwu took out some monkey wine he had been saving and poured small cups full for all the elders present.
Monkey wine is known for its anti-aging properties, making it perfect for the elders to enjoy.
"Xiao Wu, what kind of wine is this? It smells quite nice." Grandpa Han asked with a smile, leaning on his cane while sniffing the air.
"Just drink it if it's given to you, old man! If you don't want it, give it to me! So much talking!" Grandma Han snapped impatiently. She picked up her small cup, took a sip, and her eyes instantly lit up. She smiled and said, "This is good wine! So smooth!"
"This is fruit wine, brewed by one of my friends, made entirely from fruit. It's great for health benefits," Han Qiwu explained with a chuckle, taking a sip himself.
The monkey wine was slightly viscous, clinging to the glass. When it entered the mouth, the first thing to emerge was a rich fruity aroma, followed by the fiery kick of the alcohol. However, this pleasant kick didn't sting or burn; rather, it carried a subtle, exhilarating stimulation, as though it kindled one's inner vitality.
As the wine settled in the stomach, waves of comfort spread through the body, as if every cell was craving more of this liquid.
Han Qiwu drained the rest of the wine in one gulp. Unable to restrain himself, he let out a loud cheer, exited the dining area, and began practicing the familiar martial arts routine "The Call of the Era" in the courtyard.
The seemingly simple "The Call of the Era" was delivered with power and grace under Han Qiwu's movements. As he shifted positions, the wind seemed to stir with his strength.
"Good!"
Han's maternal grandfather, who could barely stand steadily, rapped his cane against the ground enthusiastically.
Han's maternal grandmother, standing nearby, waved her hand dismissively, complaining, "What's so great about this? Is it the wine or the kid's moves?"
"Both are great! What's wrong with that?!" The grandfather retorted resolutely and continued cheering Han Qiwu on with his cane.
After finishing two complete sequences of body-strengthening martial arts, Han Qiwu finally managed to suppress the heat building up inside him.
As he finished, he felt his body had grown noticeably stronger once again. He couldn't help but feel refreshed. Turning back, he found the others had already finished their meal. He went over to help Mrs. Han clear the table and took the initiative to wash the dishes and pots.
After tidying up, everyone gathered in the courtyard, chatting for over an hour before Han Qiwu escorted his maternal grandparents back home.
On his way back, he pulled out his phone to text Mr. Tang: "Have you finished eating?"
In the living room, where the adults were exchanging pleasantries, Tang Qingying felt her phone vibrate. She cautiously stepped out of the courtyard, checked the message, and replied: "I finished a while ago. We ordered food from a restaurant in town, but it's nowhere near as good as your cooking. I'm so envious!"
"If you'd like, I'll cook for you tomorrow," Han Qiwu replied.
"No way! You're here to have fun. I don't want you to exhaust yourself. Want to video call for a bit?" Tang Qingying suggested proactively.
"Sure!"
Moments later, the video connected, and Han Qiwu froze for a moment, staring at Tang Qingying, who he hadn't seen for days.
So beautiful.
Tang Qingying felt a bit smug inside but waved her hand in front of the screen and said, "Snap out of it. Are you tipsy?"
"Not at all. It's not the wine, it's you who's intoxicatingly beautiful," Han Qiwu blurted out instinctively.
"Hmph! At least you're honest," Tang Qingying said, brushing her hair back while taking a deep breath. She then added, "Oh, by the way, I told my parents about us today."
At the same time, Han Qiwu also blurted out, "I told my parents about us today too."
Their words came out almost simultaneously.
After speaking, both of them froze.
Were they both that eager?
"What did your parents say?"
"What did your parents say?"
They asked each other at the same moment again.
After that, they both burst into laughter.
Han Qiwu took the lead. "My parents are very happy for me. They can't wait to have you over for dinner and finally meet you."
Tang Qingying unknowingly let out a sigh of relief and explained, "My parents too. Actually, I wasn't planning to tell them today, but I smiled at my phone when I replied to you earlier, and my mom noticed instantly. How come I never realized how sharp she is before?"
Han Qiwu also let out a small sigh of relief and teased, "Maybe it's because your smile when you're thinking of me is too dazzling. Are you staying in the village tonight?"
This question made Tang Qingying feel even more cheerful. She replied, "There's no room left at home, so I'm heading into town later to book a hotel with my mom. What about you?"
"I'm staying in the village. There's plenty of space. Remember to light some mosquito incense tonight, don't let yourself get bitten," Han Qiwu reminded her earnestly. "Also, check the air conditioning vent before you turn it on. If it's too dusty, it's better not to use it; don't overdo it on cooling."
"Got it," Tang Qingying replied, feeling a warm and fuzzy sensation in her heart. She already knew these things, but hearing Han Qiwu remind her made her feel inexplicably comforted.
She simply couldn't get enough of hearing it.
It was all care and affection.
After giving a long list of instructions, Han Qiwu noticed that the sky had completely darkened. He waved and said, "Alright then, sleep early tonight. Goodnight and see you tomorrow."
"You too. Sleep early. Goodnight," Tang Qingying replied, blowing him a small, playful kiss over the screen.
As soon as she did it, she realized what she'd done. She quickly hung up the video, clutching her phone, and felt her heart racing wildly.
Tang Qingying, what on earth were you thinking? Why did you randomly blow a kiss?
Her face felt hot and flushed.
If someone asked her to explain, she wouldn't have been able to. It just happened—the emotion surged, and she acted on it.
On the other side, Han Qiwu was still staring dazedly at his now-black phone screen.
Mr. Tang… Did she just blow me a kiss?
Was this her way of rewarding me?
Rewarding me for talking to my family about us today?
Realizing the logic behind it, Han Qiwu regretted not initiating it himself. To make up for it, he turned his camera to the front-facing mode, recorded a similar small kiss, and sent it to her.
"For you. Goodnight!"
After sending it, he grinned to himself and began walking back to his grandparents' house.
Off to bed! Tomorrow, I'll see Mr. Tang.
Yay!
Meanwhile, Tang Qingying, who had just calmed her thoughts, felt her phone vibrate again. She checked it and burst into laughter.
After watching the video message, her smile grew even wider—so uncontainable that she couldn't help it.
Copycat. If you've got the nerve, try being creative for once.
Hmph! Off to bed now.
Tomorrow, I'll see Han Qiwu.
Excited!
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