Before he died, my grandfather forced me to marry the richest man in the capital.

Ji Hancheng continued to smoke in frustration, watching the snowflakes falling from the sky and hanging on the treetops in front of the courtyard, which he found unsightly.

My chest felt tight and I couldn't breathe properly.

Yuan Shu pushed open the door and came in. She frowned when she saw her son smoking. The company had been on holiday for the past few days, and Ji Hancheng was at home. She noticed that her son's smoking habit had increased a lot recently. Every time she saw him, he was smoking.

"Smoking too much is bad for you."

Upon hearing the sound, Ji Hancheng stubbed out his cigarette, went into the room, and closed the balcony door, instantly making the room much warmer.

Not enthusiastic, but rather somewhat indifferent, "What is it?"

Yuan Shu ignored his coldness; it was his usual personality. She wasn't used to him suddenly becoming warm. "Have you prepared the New Year's gift for Grandpa for tomorrow?"

There is a tradition in the Ji family that every year on New Year's Eve, the younger generation will prepare a gift for the old man Ji, and Ji Hancheng is no exception.

He continued coldly, "Ready."

After saying that, Yuan Shu didn't intend to leave. At over 50 years old, she didn't look old at all; on the contrary, she was very well-maintained and showed no signs of aging. "I heard from your grandfather that you two got divorced."

"Hmm," Ji Hancheng said succinctly, indicating that he didn't like discussing this topic.

Yuan Shu was unusually talkative. "What are your thoughts?"

"What thoughts could he possibly have after the divorce?" He's about to leave the country; he can't beg someone to stay. He would never do that.

Yuan Shu sighed inwardly. She hadn't taught her son anything about relationships. Twenty years ago, Ji Hang had just taken over the Ji family business when he was in a car accident and almost became paralyzed from the waist down. At that time, Ji Hancheng was only 8 years old. Yuan Shu's mind was entirely on Ji Hang, hoping that her husband wouldn't become paralyzed, so she neglected her son's growth.

Once Ji Hang had recovered, Ji Hancheng became more sensible and gradually developed a cold personality, remaining indifferent to everything and showing little emotion.

This is the guilt in Yuan Shu's heart, so she especially hopes that there is a girl who is worthy of Ji Hancheng and can help him reduce his burden.

Yuan Shu hesitated for a moment, "If you like, I..."

"No need, I can handle my own affairs, you don't need to worry." He realized that his tone was not very good.

He added, "What about Father's legs?"

Yuan Shu truthfully said, "The aftereffects of the car accident cannot be completely eliminated, but it is much better than before. At least I can stand. It's just that my knees still hurt when the weather is cold. I just need to stay home as much as possible and keep warm."

"Hmm." The response was as cold as ever.

Noticing that her son didn't seem to have much to say, Yuan Shu said she would go downstairs to see what time dinner was served, and also told him to smoke less.

The dinner table.

Grandpa Ji looked at his grandson eating silently with disdain, glaring at him after each bite. Noticing the unfriendly gaze, Ji Hancheng looked up and met the old man's disgusted eyes.

He coughed awkwardly, "Ahem, Grandpa has prepared a piece of calligraphy that you might like."

Grandpa Ji snorted, showing no interest whatsoever. "You've already driven away my favorite girl. What use is that painting to me? Can it conjure up a granddaughter-in-law?"

Ji Hancheng: ".............." Wasn't it you who got the divorce certificate?

Yuan Shu was serving food to Ji Hang when she nudged her husband, signaling him to help her out of the awkward situation.

But then Aunt Ji added insult to injury, "Yes, young master, young mistress is really nice. She's so approachable and polite. We all like her very much, and she's so kind."

After the old man forced the entire Ji family to watch the live-streamed rescue, Ji gained quite a few admirers.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward. The old man got even angrier when he heard this, and glared at his grandson all night, as if he were being scanned by infrared light.

the next day.

As soon as Tang Junyao got off work, she drove Su Xue's car, loaded with a trunk full of New Year's goods, to the Tang residence. Two maids heard the long-lost call at the door and ran out.

"Young Miss, you're back! Are you back for the New Year?"

Since Old Master Tang passed away, Tang Junyao has been unable to get over it and has chosen to avoid going home. Her return has made the two servants extremely happy.

Tang Junyao smiled and said, "Auntie, I bought a lot of New Year's goods. Let's make dumplings together tonight."

The two maids' eyes reddened, and they rushed over to help move the things, complaining as they went, "Young Miss, why did you buy so much stuff? Are you planning to move back in?"

Stepping into the Tang residence, which she hadn't visited in a long time, long-forgotten memories flooded back. Every corner of the house held memories of her and her grandfather.

There were scenes of laughter, playful fights, her grandfather teasing her, and scenes of her being lectured by him. These scenes played on a loop like a slideshow, and in an instant, tears blurred her vision. She missed her grandfather so much.

A maid noticed her emotions and asked, "Miss, are you missing the master?" She also felt sad, her throat and nose stinging.

Coming to her senses, Tang Junyao wiped away her tears and smiled, saying, "Aunt Zhang, it's alright. I'm just a little sentimental because I haven't been back for so long. I'll look forward, don't worry."

After everything was moved in, Tang Junyao began distributing the items. "Aunt Zhang, I bought two doses of calcium supplements. You're both getting on in years, so one dose each is to prevent osteoporosis. And these clothes, one for you and one for Aunt Wu, consider them your New Year's gifts. They weren't particularly expensive, so don't mind. I also bought two sets of these massage chairs..."

She continued to recount how she had allocated the things she had bought, unaware that the two maids already had red, swollen eyes from crying.

When she looked up, her eyes were already red and swollen. Tang Junyao smiled and said, "Auntie, if you're like this, I'll be unhappy too. Let's have a happy New Year, okay? Grandpa doesn't like me crying, so don't make me cry."

The two nodded in agreement, then complained to each other, "Old Wu, it's all your fault for affecting me. Hurry up and get the noodles ready. I'll chop the meat. Miss will be starving when she gets home from get off work."

"No rush, it's alright. Auntie, please take your things into the room first."

The two maids were deeply moved and took all the gifts that Tang Junyao had distributed back to their rooms, repeatedly expressing their gratitude.

With tears in her eyes, Tang Junyao silently said in her heart: Grandpa, I'm back for the New Year. I'll spend it with you. I won't cry anymore after the New Year.

Looking around at the clean environment, it was clear that the two women had taken great care in cleaning the house, and that the furnishings had never been moved.

After thinking for a while, she composed herself and said to the aunt who came out, "Auntie, I'll help you make dumplings too. I'll roll out the dumpling wrappers."

Aunt Wu quickly said, "How can Miss use you? Please sit down, we'll take care of you."

Tang Junyao refused, "It's okay. Grandpa made me do it before. Working together makes it less tiring, and we can chat."

Aunt Zhang said, "Please let the young lady stay here. Will you be coming back to stay after the New Year?"

While kneading the dough, Tang Junyao said, "I'm not staying here anymore. I'll stay for a few days before I go abroad after the New Year."

Aunt Wu and Aunt Zhang said in unison, "Ah, Miss, you're going abroad?"

"Yes, I want to improve myself. Grandpa always says that one should learn as long as one lives. I want to go abroad to increase my knowledge."

Aunt Zhang was a little worried, after all, Tang Junyao had never left the capital, and the master had protected her very well.

Noticing their worried expressions, he said, "It's alright, don't worry. I'm going to learn, not to take risks. Don't worry."

Suddenly remembering the information, I asked, "Auntie, who did you learn your cooking skills from?"

Speaking of this, the two maids had happy memories, all about Madam Tang. "We were all taught by Madam, your mother. Madam was so excellent, she cooked a wonderful meal. I remember when Madam first married into the family, she didn't know how to cook. Later, it seems that Madam learned from outside and said she would cook for us to try. At that time, the master and young master were both there. The master really liked the young mistress's cooking. Later, every time the young mistress learned, she would teach us. Before we knew it, we had forgotten how to cook before and got used to the young mistress's way of cooking."

So that's how it is. It seems the information is true. Although I thought it was true before, I'm even more certain now that I heard my aunt say it.

After having dumplings for dinner, Tang Junyao retreated to her room, where the quiet night was filled with memories.

Immersed in vivid memories.

An unexpected voice call came in; the caller ID showed it was Xiaoxue.

As soon as Tang Junyao answered the phone, a cheerful voice came from the other end, "Yaoyao, what are you doing?"

"I'm calling you."

"Can you not kill the conversation? I have something happy to share with you."

Tang Junyao asked first, "How did it go when you got home? Did your aunt scold you? Did she find out?"

Su Xue was overjoyed. "No, let me tell you, distance really does make the heart grow fonder. I stayed at my brother's place for a few days, and when I came back, my mom was so nice to me. She didn't scold me at all. My brother even covered for me. And let me tell you, my brother forgave me."

Tang Junyao chuckled, "Look how pleased you are with yourself. Tell me, how did you manage to get forgiveness?"

"Of course, it's my ultimate weapon: acting cute and charming. I'm just short of crying, making a scene, and threatening suicide."

Tang Junyao knew it; even a fool could guess that this guy only knew these two tricks. She guessed that Su Yu had been driven to his wits' end before forgiving him. Anyway, it's good that he forgave her.

The process is not important.

She was genuinely happy for Su Xue. "Happy New Year! I've sent you a red envelope. Take it now and may the new year bring you good fortune, eternal beauty, and universal love."

"Thank you, darling. You're so sweet today. I just sent you 8888, isn't that auspicious? Isn't that generous? I also wish you all the best in the new year, happiness, and good luck."

"Thanks, I sent you 8888 too. It's almost midnight, don't stay up late watching dramas."

"Okay, Dr. Tang, bye-bye, thank you."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Junyao gave red envelopes to the two aunts and sent Su Yu an 8888 with the message, "Happy New Year, wishing you all the best in the new year."

The reply came quickly: "Thank you for your kind words, and I wish you a Happy New Year and all the best." Immediately following was another red envelope with the same amount.

Tang Junyao didn't accept it, but replied with a thank you, smiled, and put her phone away.

I just hung up my phone and a WeChat message from someone nicknamed "Chameleon" came in with a transfer red envelope: 88888.

Tang Junyao paused, then quickly withdrew her slender white fingers without typing a single word before putting away her phone.