Tang Nannan hadn't expected to be so popular.
As soon as she entered the hospital, she was already worried about how to greet Hu Jiasheng's family and build a good relationship, when several children rushed towards her.
These children were so beautiful, even more adorable than the little models used for milk powder commercials on TV.
So fair, so tender, with such chiseled features.
Most importantly, although they exuded an air of nobility from head to toe, they weren't at all pampered.
When they spoke to her, they radiated an endearing liveliness.
Women nearing thirty have very strong maternal instincts, and Tang Nannan already loved children. Coupled with the children's affection for her, it was a mutual embrace.
Within ten seconds, the five of them were hugging each other.
Some touched her hand, some touched her hair, and some touched her earlobes.
Everyone was showering her with compliments.
"Sister, you're so pretty, sister, you're so gentle, sister, your hair is so beautiful."
"Sister, I like you so much, please be my uncle's girlfriend, you two look so good together!"
"Great-grandpa will definitely like you when he sees you. He also told Mommy to help Uncle find a girlfriend, so it seems that's no longer needed."
The people coming and going in the hospital quickly drew their attention, with some even secretly taking out their phones to take pictures of them.
It was Hu Jiasheng who broke the spell. If they continued like this, Zhan Beijue would be unhappy, so he had to step in to stop them.
"My darlings, let's go talk to Great-grandpa. Blocking the entrance will inconvenience others. Sister isn't leaving anytime soon, don't worry."
The children all responded with a cheerful "Okay" and then, holding Tang Nannan's hands, led her towards the elevator.
Tang Nannan was being pulled by four people, making it a bit difficult to walk. As she passed Jiang Nanfang and Zhan Beijue, she quickly nodded. Before she could even finish saying hello, she was pulled forward.
Hu Jiasheng walked up to Jiang Nanfang, looking apologetic.
"Sorry..."
Jiang Nanfang said, "I should be the one apologizing to you. Your girlfriend was mobbed by these four little monsters on her first visit. I hope she wasn't too scared."
Hu Jiasheng: "...How could she be? She seemed to be enjoying it. Besides, she's really not my girlfriend."
Jiang Nanfang teased him, "Then you need to work harder. She's so beautiful and seems to have such a good personality, she must have many admirers. If you remain so indifferent, all the good girls will be snatched up."
By the time the three adults reached the hospital room, Tang Nannan had already been pushed by the children to sit by the old man's bedside.
The old man, like a child of the same age, lay in bed, holding Tang Nannan's hands, his eyes sparkling with adoration, his joy evident.
Tang Nannan was introducing herself, stating her name, age, and hometown. The old man nodded repeatedly.
Whatever she said, he responded with "Good, good, good."
Jiang Nanfang didn't feel left out. With a new potential daughter-in-law, she, the old one, was no longer the center of attention.
She walked in with a smile and showed the thermos box in Hu Jiasheng's hand to her grandfather.
"Look. This is the soup and porridge that Big Brother's girlfriend made for you early this morning. Even though she hasn't met you, she's already thinking of you. Don't always talk about dying; your good fortune is yet to come."
The old man was extremely happy, "Ah, you've all gone to so much trouble for this old body of mine."
Tang Nannan quickly appeased him, "Grandpa, you flatter me too much. I dare not say that; it's all our duty."
"Good child. Thank you for your trouble. What delicious food did you make for Grandpa? Hurry and let Grandpa have a taste."
Jiang Nanfang went to the bedside table, opened the box, and poured out the soup, fanning the steam towards the old man for him to smell.
"Wow, winter melon and pork rib soup. It's very light, but the aroma is intoxicating. Your cooking skills are truly excellent."
Tang Nannan wasn't foolish. Seeing that she also brought several thermos boxes, it was clear she was also here to deliver food. Yet, she only spoke for her and didn't mention herself. Tang Nannan quickly stood up to thank Jiang Nanfang.
"You're too kind. I just made it myself; it's good enough that you don't dislike it. Your cooking skills are probably much better than mine."
"Don't call me 'you' so formally. Am I that old?"
Jiang Nanfang playfully pushed her back down.
"My name is Jiang Nanfang, I'm 27 this year. How old are you?"
"My name is Tang Nannan, I'm also 27 this year."
"Although we're the same age, I can't just call you by your name, as you're Big Brother's person."
Jiang Nanfang said with a smile, "Sister-in-law. No matter whose cooking is better, at least now I'll have someone to accompany me in the kitchen. If I encounter a dish I don't know how to make, can I call you for advice?"
Tang Nannan's face turned red at being called "sister-in-law." She instinctively glanced at Hu Jiasheng, whose expression was also a bit unnatural.
The old man smiled and beckoned Hu Jiasheng to come closer.
The children moved aside, and Hu Jiasheng squatted in front of him. He expected the old man to say something profound and heartfelt, but instead, he raised his hand and slapped Hu Jiasheng.
"You scoundrel. This morning, when I was so emotional and asked if you had a suitable partner, you didn't admit it. What are you trying to do? Become a irresponsible scoundrel like your father?"
"What's wrong with Nannan? Is she not good enough for you in looks, age, or personality? You have such a good girl and don't cherish her, you're utterly useless!"
"Don't just be like a robot all day, only working and earning money, earning money. Do I lack the meager earnings you make? I'm a dying man, what's the use of earning so much money for me to look at before I die?"
Hu Jiasheng was stunned by the slap and then by his torrent of scolding. Fearing he would anger him further, he quickly reached out to pat his chest.
"Don't be angry, Grandpa, it's all my fault."
"It is your fault, just like Ah Jue. Both of you have no emotional intelligence."
"Ah Jue met Nanfang, so he's letting her have her way and not arguing with her. Do you want to follow his old path?"
"First, you hurt Nannan's heart, and then after suffering bitter consequences, you realize you can't live without her and go after her? You prefer to cause trouble instead of enjoying a good life, don't you?"
Hu Jiasheng: "..."
Seeing the atmosphere in the room about to turn cold, Jiang Nanfang stepped in to smooth things over again.
"Grandpa is right. The emotional intelligence of you two brothers combined doesn't even add up to half of Grandpa's. Fortunately, neither Sister-in-law nor I are people who hold grudges."
"Sister-in-law, I'll testify for you. My Big Brother is not only tongue-tied with you but with other women as well."
"He never actively talks to women. It's always work, work, work. His marriage has been a source of great worry for Grandpa. You absolutely must not overthink things."
Tang Nannan's face turned redder and redder. She knew they were joking, but since Hu Jiasheng didn't respond, she really didn't know how to reply to them.
The old man grabbed her hand and changed his tone to a gentle one.
"Nannan, my dear, if this scoundrel bullies you again, come and tell Grandpa. Grandpa will back you up."
"If something happens, don't wrong yourself. You can also tell your sister Nanfang. Our family isn't the type to dote on our own; I'll beat him to death if he misbehaves. Be good, okay."