章節 3: Chapter 3: The Little Princess's One Month Celebration
The old patriarch of the Qin Family, who had weathered countless storms, soon became calm, and thereafter, he esteemed Qin Yiyi even more highly. He said that his granddaughter was indeed the most precious gem in the world, the lucky star of the Qin Family.
In reality, the transfer order was a matter of a few days earlier or later, a certainty. However, the old patriarch attributed it to Qin Yiyi, and no one objected. It was as if everyone had forgotten that this was expected, and they truly believed Qin Yiyi was the lucky star who brought them good fortune. So much so that the first thing these adults did before going to work every day was to visit her, to hold and kiss her, under the pretext of seeking some good luck.
Therefore, when Qin Yiyi was discharged and returned home, the scene was nothing less than if a leader were inspecting the area. Everyone who could come did, including her grandparents' family.
During meals, Qin Yiyi was held by the old patriarch in the seat of honor, and finally, all the family members within her sight were aligned. Qin Yiyi happily looked at these younger versions of her family, generously offering each person a curl of her lips, enchanting everyone to the point where they disregarded etiquette and rushed to the old man's side to nibble on her chubby cheeks. But she was happy today, so she didn't mind.
There had been many changes in this life. While the characters' personalities remained unchanged, their backgrounds had shifted significantly. As Qin Yiyi grew up, she often remarked that she, the little butterfly, had really fluttered her wings well.
First speaking of the old patriarch of the Qin Family, Qin Guosheng, who was the freshly appointed hotshot leader of the military district. The Qin Family went from being one of the two major powers in the previous military district compound to now being the undisputed leader. Of course, this was not solely the old patriarch's accomplishment; his children were also exceptionally outstanding in this life.
Uncle Qin Liguo, although young, was already a Colonel. Aunt Meng Zhong'an, from the other prominent Meng Family in the compound, was the eldest daughter. The two families were of comparable influence, and the old patriarchs even shared a revolutionary camaraderie. She and Uncle grew up together like childhood sweethearts, and now she was a doctor at the military hospital.
Aunt Qin Lihui was the manager of a state-owned publishing house, a strong woman. Uncle Zhang Hongfei seemed to be a successful businessman. Although he wasn't highly regarded for now, Qin Yiyi knew that in the future, these pioneers would all be tycoons!
Her father, Qin Liren, also joined the military influenced by Grandfather and was now a Major. Her mother, Hua Yunshang, was a young and promising painter, and her maternal family remained a lineage of scholars but looked to be in much better circumstances. It was a pity that her younger uncle and his wife had passed away before she was born, otherwise, she really wanted to change their fate.
Cousin Qin Weixian, cousin Zhang Weijin. These people, who had adored her in her previous life, she believed, would grow even closer due to her efforts.
The more Qin Yiyi looked, the more she felt blissful. This life her family members were not only talented but had also become more outstanding. Their appearances and temperaments had improved a great deal. It seemed that their lives didn't need her to worry, and given their current status, Qin Yiyi from her previous life as a common citizen wouldn't be able to meddle even if she wanted to.
Life is unpredictable. One moment she was a down-and-out young woman, and after waking from sleep, she had become a child of high-ranking officials.
Qin Yiyi's one-month celebration was held in their own small courtyard. She was born in spring, and by her one-month day, it was nearing summer. The weather in Beijing was warm but not too hot.
Qin Yiyi had developed a heat rash the previous day because she had been bundled up too warmly, and the old patriarch had been reproached by Grandma all night long. Filled with self-blame and tenderness, he finally heeded professional advice today and only wrapped her in a thin cotton quilt, exposing her pretty little face.
With an unobstructed view, Qin Yiyi certainly took a good look at the small courtyard of her family's home. The layout was that of a traditional quadrangle, but the main building was a two-story structure. She had very much liked this type of courtyard in her previous life, but as an S City person then, even after moving to Beijing, such a courtyard was not something ordinary people could afford to live in. She sighed once more, how wonderful it was to have Grandpa!
The scale was not large, with only five or six tables arranged. But Qin Yiyi could clearly see that the guests, aside from those who had a special relationship with the old master, were all individuals of prominent status. It might be said that Qin Yiyi's full-month celebration was almost the same as a gathering of national leaders, with everyone who was anyone in attendance.
The Qin Family's Little Princess was already the talk of the inner circle. She was the darling of several major families, and, barring any surprises, the most powerful old men at the top of the hierarchy would all have to bow to her. It was just a pity that she was only a month old; otherwise, these wily individuals would be eager to cozy up to her even now.
The full-month celebration took place at noon because Qin Yiyi was born at that time. Meng Huaizu, the elder statesman of the Meng Family, had arrived early. He had visited her more than once in the hospital and was extremely fond of her, no less than her own grandfather. Later, Qin Yiyi learned that this was because several families related by marriage had no daughters.
Not everyone particularly favored girls, but they were treasured nonetheless. These families all held high positions and, of course, would abide by the national policy, each possibly having only one child. With mischievous grandsons already present, they all wished to complete the good fortune with a cherished granddaughter who would bring honor to their family.
In this regard, Hua Yunshang was the only one who had succeeded. Initially, the old man of the Qin Family was not too fond of the gentle and frail type like Hua Yunshang, but the Hua Family had helped the Qin Family during turbulent times. Moreover, with added kinship and the younger generation reaching marriageable age, the two naturally married. Now, with the reflected glory of Qin Yiyi, Hua Yunshang's position in the family had risen considerably.
Accompanying Elder Meng besides his own children were two young lads, neither of whom Qin Yiyi had seen in her previous life. Therefore, compared to her own family's lads, these two appeared more novel to her.
Elder Meng had been a refined and gentle man in his youth, and age had only deepened his dignified charisma. His chin sported a small tuft of white beard, which made him seem affable and easy to talk to. No sooner had he walked through the door than he beamed at Qin Yiyi, "Yiyi, darling, come give Grandpa Meng a hug."
Grandfather Qin shifted his body, holding his granddaughter aside, evading the embrace.
"You smiling fox, you look like you're up to no good, scaring my precious baby. Go on, get, keep your distance," he said sternly, but his face was smug beyond measure. When it came to his granddaughter, he had thoroughly trumped the old fox! How could he not, when his granddaughter brought him such honor? Thinking this, he planted a firm kiss on her chubby little cheek.
Meng Huaizu, looking at Qin Guosheng's smug expression, felt his teeth itch with envy. The two men were always competing in everything, and just the other day, that old boy had risen above him. However, since he had always been in the rear during his military service, it was the consensus that the highest position should go to the Qin elder who had been actively leading the charge. But how on earth did such a wonderful child belong to their family! The little girl never cried or fussed since she was born; she was always quiet during his visits, even offering sweet smiles to everyone—such a beautiful and adorable little girl belonged to them! The usually calculating and smiling fox could not keep up his grin, feeling jealousy for once.
He composed himself, put on a smile again, and guided his grandsons over to Qin Yiyi.
Pointing to a beautiful boy around ten years old, he said, "Yiyi, darling, this is your brother, Meng Shihao." Then he pulled the little boy beside him closer and continued, "This one is brother Meng Shichen. Yiyi, darling, take a look, which one do you like?" They might not be his own children, but they could become part of his family. Haha, he was confident no one could escape the palm of his hand.
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