Mrs. Fu, please be mindful of the appropriate boundaries.

Zhao Lan's words were clearly a message: "Don't try to curry favor with me; it won't work."

Even though Fu Jingting had prepared himself mentally, he still couldn't help feeling a headache and nervous at this moment.

Even when discussing the biggest business deals, he had never been this nervous. The man's body was tense, and his palms were sweaty. No matter how much he planned and strategized, he couldn't use it in front of his mother-in-law.

Zhao Lan gave him no kind look whatsoever. As a mother, she saw the suffering Qingcheng had endured as neither right nor wrong, only heartache. From the moment she brought her daughter back from his house, she never imagined there would be a future for them.

The daughter I raised with such care was sent to his home to be pampered, not to be tormented by him.

"Auntie, I've done a lot of terrible things in the past, but from now on..."

There will be no future.

Zhao Lan interrupted him, "If it weren't for Xu Yuan, we'd just be nodding acquaintances. I'm a rigid and stubborn person, and I hold grudges. I'm only maintaining formalities because of Xu Yuan. You don't need to say anything more. Since Qingcheng promised your elders to change Xu Yuan's name, I won't stop her."

Zhao Lan said this without any consideration for others, leaving Fu Jingting standing in the living room without even offering him a seat.

The atmosphere gradually became tense as Zhao Lan spoke.

Seeing him being scolded by his mother, Xu Qingcheng felt sorry for him. That big man stood there awkwardly, unsure whether to put down the gift in his hand or not.

She knew Zhao Lan's temper best, so it was even more inappropriate for her to speak up for him at this moment, otherwise she might get angry and kick him out directly.

So he went along with Zhao Lan's lead and brought up the matter of changing the name, "Mom, we need the household registration book to change Xu Yuan's name. Where did you put the household registration book? I'll go get it."

Zhao Lan glanced at her, then turned and went into the room to get her household registration booklet.

Xu Qingcheng looked at Fu Jingting, took the tea gift box from his hand, and put it aside.

"My mom is angry."

"Yes, I know." Fu Jingting smiled. "I'm mentally prepared."

Xu Qingcheng hooked her finger around his, noticing the sweat on his palm. She was a little stunned and had an indescribable feeling. She hooked her little finger around one of his fingers and looked up at him, "Are you really that nervous?"

Fu Jingting gave her a look that said, "What do you think?"

Just as the two were about to say something more, the door opened and Xu Qingyao came in from outside. He glanced at them and saw their fingers intertwined.

Seeing him come in, Xu Qingcheng hurriedly withdrew her hand, pretending to comb the hair behind her ear to cover it up.

Xu Qingyao glanced at Fu Jingting and then at her, letting out a soft scoff.

Because of his words, Xu Qingcheng lost face. She didn't dare to do anything in front of Zhao Lan, but that didn't mean she wouldn't dare to do anything to Xu Qingyao.

Xu Qingcheng grabbed Xu Qingyao's arm and pinched it. "What's with that expression?"

Xu Qingyao glanced at her with a cool gaze and bluntly retorted, "Do you think you're still eighteen? Kissing in the elevator and hooking your fingers together gives me goosebumps."

Xu Qingcheng's face instantly turned bright red, and she reached out and slapped him on the back.

When Xu Qingyao was about to strike a second time, he dodged away.

The sliding door on the balcony opened, and Xu Shengchang was about to come in.

Xu Shengchang has recovered quite well in the past two years. He speaks much more fluently now and can walk around the house by himself with the help of crutches and the railing.

We installed railings on many walls in the house so that he could practice on his own.

Fu Jingting saw this and hurried over to open the sliding door. He reached out and helped Xu Shengchang walk out.

"Let, let Qingyao help me." He spoke slowly, but his words were already quite clear.

Fu Jingting didn't say much, but helped the old man by the arm and led him into the living room.

Xu Qingyao glanced at him but didn't say anything, letting Fu Jingting fawn over her.

Xu Qingcheng moved closer to Xu Shengchang's other side, "Dad, did you take the Angong Niuhuang Wan I bought for you last time?"

"I ate it. Not bad." Xu Shengchang looked at his beloved daughter with smiles in his eyes.

"Just take one pill each for the spring equinox, autumn equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice. It's very cooling, so you can't take it often. I heard there's also a kind of Qingxin pill that's good for your condition. I'll buy it for you then."

Xu Shengchang nodded, saying that his daughter always gave him the best things.

Xu Qingcheng directed Fu Jingting to place Xu Shengchang on a separate sofa in the living room, which was his special seat.

The man was strong and tall, making it easy to support him. Xu Shengchang glanced at Fu Jingting; the man was handsome and had an exceptional appearance.

In every respect, he is a perfect match for his daughter.

In the past few years, even though he has become ill and his mind has not worked well, he is not suffering from dementia. He can understand many things he hears and sees, but he just cannot express or give instructions smoothly. There is no use in worrying about it.

When Qingcheng made her wish, Zhao Lan would shed tears whenever she talked about it.

But he was powerless to do anything about it.

If a woman chooses the wrong man, she will suffer for the rest of her life.

Xu Shengchang sat down and pointed to the seat next to him, indicating that Fu Jingting should also sit down.

Seeing him standing there dumbfounded and not knowing how to sit down, Xu Qingcheng took a step forward, and while picking up a cup, she pushed him so that he could sit on the sofa next to her.

She poured her father a glass of water and placed it in the cup holder next to his hand so that he could drink easily.

As she leaned closer, strands of her hair fell down. Xu Shengchang's hands trembled as he gathered her hair, his rough, clumsy fingers tucking it behind her ears. "Have you gained weight?"

Xu Qingcheng was taken aback, her face flushing slightly. "You've just gained a little weight, is it that noticeable?"

"Your complexion looks good." Xu Shengchang smiled. "It looks good when you're plump, not thin. Being too thin isn't good."

Xu Qingyao then chimed in with a complaint, "Dad, wait until she's as fat as a sow, then do you think she'll still look good?"

"Xu Qingyao!" Xu Qingcheng scolded him.

Xu Shengchang laughed, "My daughter is beautiful no matter what."

He still stutters and draws out some words when he speaks, but he can express himself completely, and his words are full of pride.

Daughters are always the best.

Xu Qingyao scoffed. His father had always spoiled his sister since she was a child, spoiling her to the point of being unruly, pretentious, and willful.

Xu Qingcheng smiled, her eyes crinkling, "Dad is still the best."

Fu Jingting listened to them in silence. They were a family, but he couldn't quite integrate into it yet, feeling a deep sense of responsibility and a long way to go.

However, the way Qingcheng acted coquettishly towards her father reminded him of Xu Yuan, and the man couldn't help but smile.

"Grandma, wipe my bottom."

Suddenly, a wishing shout came from the bathroom; the person had finished pooping.

Zhao Lan was also coming out with her household registration booklet when she heard the voice and replied to Xu Yuan, "Coming."

Fu Jingting quickly stood up to go over.

Xu Qingcheng put her hand on his shoulder to stop him from going, and ran to the bathroom herself.

After getting everything ready, I wished for her to leave.

Xu Yuan ran outside on her short little legs, but somehow she tripped and fell, crying out in pain.

Xu Qingyao picked her up and comforted her, "Yuanyuan, how did you fall? Does it hurt?"

"pain."

"Uncle, blow on it for me."

Xu Yuan hummed in agreement, and Xu Qingyao symbolically blew on the air, making the little guy laugh.

She struggled to get out of her uncle's arms and skipped and jumped into Fu Jingting's arms. She nestled in his arms, looked up at him, and called him "Daddy" in a cute and affectionate way.

Fu Jingting smiled and picked up the little one, letting her sit on his lap. "Was Xu Yuan good today?"

"Yuanyuan was good and didn't misbehave." The little one felt very good about herself.

Xu Qingcheng didn't believe her and asked with a slanted gaze, "Really? Are you lying?"

"I didn't lie." Little Xu Yuan denied it and asked her grandmother, "Grandma, am I right?"

Zhao Lan snorted, "You weren't the one crying when you were being naughty."

Xu Yuan refused, twisting her body and snuggling into Fu Jingting's arms, saying, "I didn't cry, I wasn't naughty."

When the little one acts cute, the adults lose their temper.

Fu Jingting smiled and reached out to pinch Xu Yuan's little nose, showing unconditional tolerance and pampering.

The man's flamboyant temperament vanished completely in front of Xu Yuan; his joy emanated from every pore, as if he wanted to hold her in his hands, cherish and pamper her, and never let her suffer any loss or hardship.

Xu Shengchang looked at her, then turned to look at Xu Qingcheng.

Men are generally like this; sons are for carrying on the family line, a custom passed down from their ancestors.

Actually, nowadays, it's not like before. Wanting a boy means wanting a strong man to support a family.

They want a daughter to pamper and spoil, to truly cherish her like a little lover.

I want to give her the best of everything, I hope she is happy and joyful, I hope she marries well in the future and is not wronged, and that she can have a man who will love and cherish her like her parents do.

Xu Shengchang reached out to pat Xu Yuan's head, and Xu Yuan saw this and came close to Xu Shengchang, sweetly calling out, "Grandpa."

"Good girl." Xu Shengchang patted her head and suddenly said, "This is your daughter. You know how to love her. I love my daughter too."

Xu Shengchang started from scratch. Before he fell ill, he was a shrewd and capable leader. However, even though he speaks much more fluently now after his illness, he remains silent in front of outsiders and tries to avoid speaking unless absolutely necessary.

This sudden statement stunned not only Fu Jingting but also Zhao Lan.

"Yes, Uncle, I can tell." Fu Jingting quickly replied. He looked up at Xu Qingcheng and saw that her eyes had suddenly turned red.

Xu Qingcheng couldn't stand hearing her father say he loved her. Since she was little, her father had always loved her the most and didn't want her to suffer even the slightest grievance.

If Shengshi hadn't run into problems and her father hadn't suddenly suffered a stroke, she wouldn't have needed to get involved in any of the subsequent events.

"What are you talking about? Everyone knows you love your daughter." Zhao Lan chimed in, handing the household registration booklet to Xu Qingcheng. "What name should Xu Yuan change to? I'm used to calling her that."

"Fu Xuyuan. Her great-grandfather's idea is that everyone is used to calling her that, so he won't change it. He'll just call her Xuyuan normally," Fu Jingting quickly explained.

Zhao Lan hummed in agreement, having no objection to the name, and only asked, "When are you going to change it?"

"On Monday."

Zhao Lan didn't ask any more questions, and looked at Fu Jingting, "Is there anything else?"

The implication is that if there's nothing else, you should leave quickly.

"there is none left."

"Auntie, I really..."

The two spoke at the same time, but in opposite directions.

Zhao Lan glanced at the two men and said directly, "Mr. Fu, if there's nothing else, you should head back."

Seeing Xu Qingcheng about to leave with Xu Yuan's bag, Zhao Lan frowned. "Qingcheng, stay for dinner. I have something to tell you."

Xu Qingcheng responded with an "oh".

Fu Jingting took a deep breath and finally spoke, "Auntie, I do have something to tell you and Uncle."

"A lot has happened in the past. I did a bad job and made Qingcheng suffer a lot. It's all my fault. As a man, I failed to protect her and let her and you all down."

Fu Jingting spoke solemnly and sincerely, "But I will do my best to treat her and Xu Yuan well in the future, so that she can be happy. I also ask that you agree to give me a chance to pursue her again, marry her again, and take care of her."

Xu Qingcheng was stunned. Hadn't they agreed that they were just getting the household registration book and discussing changing Xu Yuan's name? Why was he...?

Zhao Lan snorted, "You can say whatever you want. When she married you, you said you would treat her well. I was so satisfied with you then, but now I'm just as disappointed. The Fu family is too good for Qingcheng to be associated with. You live your life, and Qingcheng lives hers. Just take good care of the child together. Don't talk about pursuing her or marrying her. Qingcheng isn't lucky enough to have that kind of luck."

Zhao Lan's words were clearly spoken with anger. She finished speaking in one breath and did not give Fu Jingting a chance to say anything more, and directly asked him to leave.

"Mom, he's actually quite... good to me."

Xu Qingcheng reached out and tugged at Zhao Lan's arm.

Before she could even finish saying "okay," Zhao Lan turned and glared at her. "Shut up. Xu Qingcheng, when you were crying in front of me, didn't you ever think about whether he was good to you or bad to you?"

Xu Qingcheng lowered her head and remained silent. Zhao Lan was in a bad mood, and she was afraid that the more she said, the more mistakes she would make.

She glanced at him, giving him a look that said, "I can't help you."

Fu Jingting scratched his brow. Fine, he thought, he had to jump into the hole he dug himself.

Besides, I didn't expect to get through it on the first try. As long as I make my stance clear this time, he'll have an excuse to visit me from time to time in the future.

"Auntie, please don't be angry. Just wait and see how I behave in the future," Fu Jingting promised, and then got up to leave.

She rushed over, wanting to walk with her father.

Xu Qingcheng pulled Xu Yuan, "Mommy is going to eat at Grandma's house, will you stay with Mommy?"

"Can't Daddy eat with us?" Xu Yuan asked innocently with her big eyes. "Yuan Yuan wants to eat with Mommy and Daddy."

Xu Qingcheng leaned closer and whispered, "Grandma's angry. How about we eat together another day?"

Xu Yuan pursed her lips, displeased, and ran over to ask her grandmother, "Grandma, can Mom and Dad eat together? Yuan Yuan wants to eat with them."

Zhao Lan, "..."

It's easy to speak harshly to adults, but difficult to speak to children.

Xu Qingcheng felt it wasn't appropriate for him to stay for dinner, so she nudged Fu Jingting's arm and said, "You should go first."

It means you should leave quickly while you're making a wish and not paying attention.

Kids this age are so clingy; they cry a little after you leave, and that's it.

But Fu Jingting raised an eyebrow and instead of leaving quietly, he seemed completely oblivious to awkwardness, saying, "Uncle and Aunt, you can eat first, don't worry about me. I'll wait here. I'll take Xu Yuan away after you've finished eating."

As he spoke, he went straight over, picked up Xu Yuan, and carried her to Xu Shengchang's side.

Then, in a very familiar manner, he asked Xu Shengchang, "Uncle, would you like some tea? Shall I make you some?"

He casually unpacked the tea gift box he had brought, and he also found the gongfu tea tray on the coffee table easy to use.

Xu Qingcheng, "..."

Xu Qingyao, "..." I've truly seen it all. I've seen shameless people before, but I've never seen anyone this shameless.

Zhao Lan glanced over, said nothing, and went into the kitchen to tidy up.

Xu Qingcheng followed, "Mom."

Zhao Lan ignored her and tossed her a bunch of greens, saying, "Wash them."

As Xu Qingcheng washed the vegetables, she said softly, "I was also at fault for what happened in the past."

Zhao Lan pretended not to hear.

Xu Qingcheng finished washing the vegetables and handed them to Zhao Lan. She snuggled up to her mother and said, "Mom, don't be angry with him."

Zhao Lan turned around and tapped Xu Qingcheng's forehead with her wet fingers. "Girls are outgoing, don't you know how to be a little more reserved? Can't your mother make things difficult for him? Can't I even say a few words?"

"No, I was just afraid you'd get angry." Xu Qingcheng was delighted to hear that Zhao Lan's words weren't so hostile, and she coaxed Zhao Lan, "You can make things difficult for him all you want, but please don't get angry."

Zhao Lan shook off her arm impatiently. "Xu Qingcheng, can't you have a little temper? You think you can just coax someone away like that?"

"Then do I like him?" Xu Qingcheng said sweetly.

Zhao Lan was both annoyed and amused by her behavior. "She was acting like she was going to die before."

"It's not like I'm dying." Xu Qingcheng pursed her lips, her eyes lowered, shy yet joyful. "Mom, he said he loves me, so I don't want to be dramatic anymore. If something unexpected happens and we never see each other again, I'll regret it to death."

Xu Qingcheng couldn't recall how she felt like she was about to collapse when she first heard the news of his death.

In this short life, every day, every hour, every minute, every second, people are born and people die. If she were to lose the person she loves because of a fussy and pretentious person, she would truly regret it to death.

I've already tried it once, and I don't want to try it a second time.

Zhao Lan noticed that her eyes were red and understood how she felt.

"You also need to understand what parents are like. Do you know how I felt when I brought you back from him? It was more painful for me than for you to be unhappy. I wish I had never married you off. Your father couldn't move his body and didn't say it, but he was heartbroken. He felt like he was the one who ruined you and made you take that step," Zhao Lan nagged.

"I know, Mom." Xu Qingcheng tugged at Zhao Lan's sleeve. "Mom, I promise I will never let you and Dad worry about me again. I will be happy."

"I'll have to see how he behaves. Don't try to sweet-talk me. I'm older than you are. Don't expect me to forgive him so easily."

Xu Qingcheng laughed, "Okay, Mom, you can take your time to investigate and give me your opinion."

"That saying is so true, a daughter is like a tree that cannot be kept at home; keeping her will only bring sorrow. Look at you, so eager to get married." Zhao Lan scoffed, then added, "Take the fish and shrimp out of the refrigerator."

"Is this enough? We can't finish it all." Xu Qingcheng admired her mother's superb cooking skills the most.

While I was saying this, several green vegetables were ready, and sliced ​​beef was arranged on a plate, making four or five dishes.

Zhao Lan glanced at her and said, "Just get it when I tell you to. It's mostly vegetarian food, how can it be served?"

The elderly naturally prefer bland food, and Xu Qingcheng also prefers a light diet to maintain her figure, while Xu Qingyao is fine with any meal available.

Therefore, we rarely keep meat at home.

Upon hearing Zhao Lan's words, Xu Qingcheng understood: she was telling people to leave, but if they stayed, she would still have to serve them.

She smiled and took the fish and shrimp out and placed them on a defrosting plate to thaw. Once thawed, the fishy smell wafted out, and Xu Qingcheng couldn't resist it.

She didn't even have time to run to the bathroom; she started gagging in front of the kitchen trash can.