Since there was a lunch gathering, Su Jinxiu and Yu Huilan started preparing early in the morning, with Yang Ruoyun and Hu Mengyao also helping out.
With so many people today, the amount of food to prepare was naturally extensive.
Liu Nanfeng and Liu Zonghe went to the supermarket to buy groceries, while Su Huamei was responsible for looking after the children.
As instructed the previous day, Gugu arrived early. Liu Nanfeng took Gugu along to the supermarket.
As for Xiao Liyu, she was expected to arrive at noon with Zhu Yin'e, along with Zhu Yuchan. Although they were mistress and maid, they were like sisters, and Zhu Yuchan would also be accompanying them on their trip to the Heavenly Palace.
"Gugu, if there's anything you want to eat, just tell Grandpa, and Grandpa will buy it for you," Liu Zonghe said to Gugu, who was sitting in the shopping cart.
Gugu heard this and tilted her head to look at Liu Zonghe.
She wasn't very familiar with this grandpa, but she knew he was Big Brother's dad and, like Big Brother, was very kind to her.
"What is it?" Liu Zonghe asked with a smile.
"Tha-thank you," Gugu stammered.
The little girl had only started speaking properly recently and wasn't very fluent yet.
"You're welcome, such a polite little girl," Liu Zonghe said with a face full of smiles.
Then he turned to Liu Nanfeng and said, "Actually, your mother and I wanted to have a daughter for you."
"Then why didn't you?"
"Because we were worried we'd have another boy, and we couldn't afford it."
Well, that was understandable. Having a boy nowadays was truly a bankrupting affair.
"Now that you're doing better financially, you can afford it. Have more children in the future," Liu Zonghe changed the subject.
This was probably the real reason he said all this.
"Why have so many? One more is enough. It'll be good company for Xiao Jin Hua."
Liu Zonghe revealed a cold smile upon hearing this.
"And are you planning to have that with Jinxiu, or Huamei?"
"Dad, what are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about? Do you think your mother and I are blind? We can tell." Liu Zonghe said angrily and reached out to hit Liu Nanfeng's head.
Liu Nanfeng quickly dodged.
"Dad, let's talk properly. We're outside, show some respect."
"So what if we're outside? I'm still your father outside."
"Alright, I know. Gugu is watching," Liu Nanfeng said helplessly.
Liu Zonghe looked down and saw Gugu staring at him with wide eyes, looking unhappy. She clearly disapproved of Liu Zonghe hitting Liu Nanfeng.
Liu Zonghe sheepishly lowered his arm, smiling awkwardly, "I'm just teasing him. He's my son, I'm just educating him."
Gugu nodded at this. Liu Zonghe felt a sense of relief and then found it a bit amusing.
"It doesn't matter to me or your mother who you have children with. Just don't drive Jinxiu away. You're so lucky to have such a good girl. Why don't you cherish her at all?"
"I know."
"You know wha—"
Liu Zonghe felt his temper rising again upon hearing this, but he forcefully suppressed it when he saw Gugu.
In fact, as he himself had said, he and Yu Huilan truly didn't care who Liu Nanfeng had children with. Since he was a boy, there was no disadvantage. No matter how they were born, they would be of the old Liu family.
And their family didn't have a throne for sons and grandsons to inherit, nor vast wealth. They weren't worried about fratricidal strife in the future. The more children they had, the better. Spreading their branches and leaves was also a very good thing.
Their only concern was Su Jinxiu. They were exceptionally satisfied with this daughter-in-law and didn't want their son to hurt her. That would be inhumane, truly awful.
"No matter what, always consider Jinxiu's feelings. She dotes on you and indulges you. You can't treat her genuine heart as a joke. That would be too much. If Jinxiu is wronged, I'll consider you as no longer my son," Liu Zonghe said earnestly.
"I know, Dad." This time, Liu Nanfeng's reply was much more serious.
After that, they didn't discuss these matters anymore and bought a lot of things.
Liu Zonghe also bought Gugu a large bag of lollipops, pure milk lollipops, which were said to taste exceptionally good.
Gugu was well-behaved and didn't ask to buy anything, but Liu Zonghe couldn't bear it and took the initiative to get a bag for her.
However, it was clear they suited Gugu's taste very well. As soon as they came out of the supermarket, Gugu had already eaten two.
When they returned home, Liu Nanfeng had just finished putting the groceries into the refrigerator when he heard a knock on the door.
"Coming," Liu Nanfeng hurried to open the door, and Gugu followed curiously.
When Liu Nanfeng opened the door, he found not only Zhan Dundun and Shen Wenhui but also Zhan Dundun's father, Zhan Guoliang.
"Uncle, when did you get back? Come in quickly."
"I arrived last night. I came over as soon as I could."
Clearly, this latter sentence was to inform Liu Nanfeng that the others hadn't arrived yet.
Liu Nanfeng quickly welcomed them in. The three of them were carrying things. Liu Nanfeng wasn't surprised that Zhan Dundun and Shen Wenhui brought groceries, as Liu Zonghe and Yu Huilan were their elders.
However, Zhan Guoliang was also carrying something.
"Uncle, you're too kind. You didn't have to bring anything."
"You think I brought this for you? I brought it for your dad. This is some good wine I've been saving. I want to have a few drinks with your dad today."
"Alright."
As Liu Nanfeng spoke, he called into the house, "Dad, Dundun's dad is here."
"Is that Guoliang?" Liu Zonghe's voice was filled with joy as he quickly came out from inside.
"Guoliang."
"Brother Liu," Zhan Guoliang stepped forward.
The two, who hadn't seen each other for many years, looked at each other with deep emotion.
"You two come in too. Don't stand here," Liu Nanfeng said to Dundun and Wenhui, who were standing at the door.
Shen Wenhui, in particular, had been staring intently at Liu Nanfeng since she arrived.
"What are you looking at?" Liu Nanfeng asked, touching his cheek.
"I know everything now." Shen Wenhui wore an expression of profound understanding.
"Know what?" Liu Nanfeng asked, a little confused.
Shen Wenhui ignored him, lifted her head, and walked haughtily into the house.
"You're so mysterious. You're useless. You need to manage her properly," Liu Nanfeng said earnestly, pushing Zhan Dundun slightly.
Zhan Dundun rolled his eyes. He had finally managed to win Shen Wenhui over and had no intention of controlling her.
Just then, Shen Wenhui's surprised voice was heard.
"Huh? Is this Willow Tree Branch's daughter?"
"When was she born? How come I didn't know?"
"How long has it been since we last met? Didn't you say you didn't have children? How could it be so fast?"
"Hurry up and manage her," Liu Nanfeng said helplessly, nudging Zhan Dundun.
"I wanted to see my little niece anyway. I've also prepared a gift for her," Dundun said with a smile as he walked into the house.
Looking at the bustling house filled with people, and thinking of Zhu Yin'e's impending arrival, Liu Nanfeng suddenly felt a headache coming on.