Chapter 519 - 502+503: Having You is My Happiness (3)

Sun Jiaming’s eyes crinkled with amusement. ’This son of mine is competing with me for attention.’

"Honestly, what are you trying to take from my grandson? Go on, if you two want to hug and cuddle, go back to your room. Don’t do it in front of my grandson; you’ll give him bad ideas."

Cao Qiu glared at Sun Jiaming.

Gu’er was speechless. She had just felt a wave of emotion and leaned into Sun Jiaming’s arms for a moment. She was usually very mindful in the living room. ’What does she mean, "hugging and cuddling"?’

"Come on, let’s go back to our room. I have something to tell you."

Sun Jiaming tugged on Gu’er’s arm, ready to head back to their room.

Gu’er stood up, but before she could take a step, Jiji latched onto her leg. His big eyes gazed up at her, and his little lip quivered as he cried, "Mommy... Mommy..."

He looked so pitiful that if Gu’er had actually followed Sun Jiaming back to their room, he probably would have burst into tears.

How could Gu’er bear to see her child so upset? She bent down and scooped Jiji into her arms.

Jiji buried his head in Gu’er’s shoulder, then peeked at Sun Jiaming. His eyes were dark and gleaming, with not a hint of his earlier distress. He even grinned at his father.

"You little rascal." Sun Jiaming thought, ’Young, but already so cunning. Who did he learn this from?’

Sun Jiaming gently pinched Jiji’s nose.

Jiji turned his head away, ignoring him.

"Don’t you pick on my grandson. Look at his high nose bridge! Don’t you go and flatten it."

Cao Qiu, however, was not pleased and swatted Sun Jiaming’s hand away.

"Well, that’s it. I have absolutely no status in this house anymore."

Sun Jiaming threw up his hands. His mom used to always be on his side.

Gu’er knew Jiji was vying for attention with Sun Jiaming, but looking at his little face, his adorable expression, and his bright, dark eyes, she just couldn’t bring herself to refuse her son. ’It’ll be different when he’s older,’ she thought. ’By then, even if I wanted to hold him every day, he wouldn’t let me.’

"Jiji, do you want to go see Grandpa, Grandma, and your little uncle?"

Gu’er asked Jiji. Speaking of the Lin family brought a major event to mind: Lin Sui’er had gotten into college, a university in Shanghai.

This was wonderful news. No one had expected that Lin Sui’er, who had loathed studying so much, could get into a university after just over a year of hard work. It just went to show that effort really does pay off.

Gu’er was overjoyed for her when she found out. Now that Lin Sui’er was in college, a completely different path would open up for her. Gu’er hoped she would find a wide world of opportunities.

Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao were both incredibly proud. Chen Fengjiao, in particular, told everyone she met how wonderful her daughter was. She even hosted a party, not to receive gifts, but simply to let everyone know that all of her children were capable—every single one.

Before leaving for college, Sui’er made a special trip to see Gu’er. The sisters closed the door and talked for a long time. Any lingering distance between them vanished, leaving only the warmth of family. Sui’er asked Gu’er to look after their parents. For the next four years, she would rarely be home. Lin Zheng had school, so Chen Fengjiao was bound to be lonely during the day. Sui’er had tried to persuade their mother to get a job or even take a class, but Chen Fengjiao wouldn’t hear of it, and there was nothing more Sui’er could do.

When it was time for Sui’er to go to the university, it was Li Zhi who drove her and Chen Fengjiao there. Lin Shan had wanted to take the day off to go with them, but an inspection team from the provincial government arrived, and he was too busy to get away.

Lin Sui’er was deeply touched that Li Zhi drove her to campus. The first man she had ever liked, her first love, was now a thing of the past. But it was nice to be treated like a little sister. She was sure he would find happiness, and she would find a love of her own someday, too.

After Lin Sui’er left for college, Gu’er called Chen Fengjiao often, inviting her over whenever she was free. Chen Fengjiao did visit for a while, but after the first month, she fell back into her old routine and stopped coming over. She still wouldn’t listen to Gu’er’s suggestions about finding a job. When Gu’er suggested signing up for a class, she showed no interest. She didn’t particularly enjoy shopping, either. Instead, she spent her free time buying groceries and planning what to cook for Lin Shan and Lin Zheng for dinner.

Gu’er knew that everyone had their own way of life, so she didn’t press the issue. As long as Chen Fengjiao was happy with her days, that was all that mattered.

Jiji looked at his mom with his dark eyes. ’Are we going to Grandpa’s house? Grandpa is really nice to him and always plays with him. Grandma is great, too; she always gives him lots of snacks. And my uncle has lots of toys and will play with me. That sounds good.’ So, Jiji nodded.

"Alright, we’re off to Grandpa’s house, then."

Seeing her son was willing to go, Gu’er was delighted. Sun Jiaming, of course, had no objections.

"Why are you going over there again? Honestly, I haven’t had enough time with my grandson yet."

Cao Qiu grumbled, but she couldn’t stop them. They had agreed not to live together, but ever since Jiji was born, she had been coming over every single day. She watched him and played with him daily, and Gu’er had never said a word or tried to compete for his attention. She couldn’t very well forbid her daughter-in-law from visiting her own family.

"I need to tell my dad about what happened with Great-Aunt. He doesn’t know yet. Mom, we won’t be back for dinner tonight."

Gu’er explained to Cao Qiu.

"Oh, oh, then you should definitely go tell them. Alright, alright, you go on ahead. Say hello to your parents for me. The roads are slippery, so be careful."

Cao Qiu nodded. It was a valid reason. But she was still delighted that her daughter-in-law had taken the time to explain.

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(Author’s Note): I had planned to release an extra Chapter today, but my child had a bad cough late last night and even threw up. It was a bronchitis flare-up, so she didn’t go to school today, and I had to take her to get a shot. I’ve combined two Chapters into one for today’s update. I’ll see if I can make up for the missed Chapter either tomorrow or the day after.