Why did the system take my request to take photos with a cosplayer seriously?

Ding Heng picked up a dumpling, dipped it in vinegar, and took a bite.

"No, he went to the southwest to film something. He called me on New Year's Eve, but the signal was intermittent, and he hung up after only a few words."

"Is it like this every year?"

Zhou Rongmei frowned slightly.

Logically speaking, Ding Heng's father graduated from Peking University and originally had a proper job, but now he doesn't even come home for the Chinese New Year.

Ding Heng swallowed the dumpling: "Pretty much... He hasn't spent much Chinese New Year at home since my mother passed away. He used to take me with him occasionally, and we went all over the country. He has his own pursuits, and as his son, I can't stop him."

Zhou Rongmei looked a little embarrassed, realizing she had asked too many questions.

Zhao Xingguo then said, "I was thinking that if your father were in Xingcheng this year, our two families could have a meal together and get to know each other."

"Cough cough cough..."

Zhao Yanxi was stuffing dumplings into her mouth when she heard this and almost choked: "Mom, why are you in such a hurry than I am? Ding Heng and I are only sophomores!"

Zhou Rongmei glared at her and said irritably, "I'm just seeing someone throwing themselves at me like that. I can't stop them."

"Humph!"

Zhao Yanxi playfully stuck out her tongue but didn't reply.

Ding Heng tried to smooth things over: "There will be opportunities, Auntie. When my dad can't run anymore, I'll bring him here as well."

"No rush."

Zhou Rongmei was amused and didn't say anything more.

Ding Heng remained outwardly calm, but he already had some plans in mind.

Zhou Rongmei brought up his family matters on her own initiative today, which doesn't seem like a spur-of-the-moment decision.

She and Zhao Xingguo have probably discussed it privately and have basically approved of their "future son-in-law." They may even be planning to finalize the marriage as soon as their daughter graduates.

After all, at Ding Heng's age, having a car, a house, and a company, and being generous yet knowing how to keep a proper distance, makes him a highly sought-after individual.

After finishing breakfast, Zhao Xingguo had tasks to complete at his workplace during the Spring Festival, so he received a phone call and hurriedly left.

Zhou Rongmei picked up her bag and called out to Zhao Yanxi.

"Are you all packed? Let's go, your grandparents are waiting."

"OK OK!"

Zhao Yanxi changed her clothes and rushed out of the bedroom, grabbing Ding Heng's arm.

"Let's go, Brother Ding Heng, today is your first visit as the new son-in-law."

"Don't talk nonsense."

"It's only a matter of time!"

Zhao Yanxi chuckled, while Zhou Rongmei looked utterly helpless.

The three of them went downstairs. Ding Heng drove, and Zhao Yanxi and Zhou Rongmei sat in the back seat.

The car drove out of the residential area and merged into the main road.

Zhou Rongmei's hometown is in a small county under the jurisdiction of Zhuzhou, about a two-hour drive away.

Zhou Rongmei leaned back in her chair, occasionally exchanging a few words with Ding Heng. The topics were nothing more than everyday matters.

How are your grandparents doing?

"It's fine, I can eat and sleep well."

Is your company usually busy?

"It's alright, there are people who take care of it, so I don't really manage it."

Zhou Rongmei nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

She had no real idea about Ding Heng's "company," only that it was based in Hong Kong, but she had no idea what it did or how big it was.

However, she didn't plan to ask too many questions for the time being. Firstly, it would make her seem materialistic, and secondly, Ding Heng's performance so far was already satisfactory enough to her.

Finally, the car turned onto a cement road.

The road is narrow, and the houses on both sides are crowded together, mostly two or three-story buildings.

Zhao Yanxi's maternal grandmother's house is a three-story self-built house on the edge of the county town. There is a small cement open space in front of the house with several cars parked there, among which Zhou Rongsen's black BMW is the most eye-catching.

Ding Heng parked the car and turned off the engine. Zhao Yanxi jumped out and shouted into the house.

"Grandpa and Grandma! I'm here!"

The room immediately became lively.

An elderly couple with gray hair came out of the main room to greet us, their faces beaming with smiles.

"Yan hope is here! Come in, come in quickly!"

"Grandpa and Grandma... Happy New Year!"

Zhao Yanxi called out sweetly, and the elderly couple couldn't stop smiling at her.

Zhou Rongmei followed behind and called out "Dad, Mom," which made the elderly couple notice her. Then they turned their attention to Ding Heng.

"This is... Xiao Ding?"

My maternal grandparents met Ding Heng once last year and still remember him.

Zhao Yanxi ran back to Ding Heng's side and took his arm.

"Grandma, do you still remember my boyfriend?"

Ding Heng stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Hello, Grandpa. Hello, Grandma."

The elderly couple exchanged a glance, and a satisfied smile appeared on their faces.

"Good, good. You're a spirited young man. Come in and sit down, don't stand outside."

Many relatives had already arrived at the house. Men, women, and children chatted in twos and threes. The coffee table was full of melon seeds, peanuts, and candies. The TV was replaying a Spring Festival Gala skit, and laughter came in bursts.

As soon as Zhao Yanxi entered the room, she immediately became the focus of attention.

"Yan hope is here!"

"Wow, it looks even prettier now!"

"College students are just different; look at their demeanor."

All her relatives praised her in various ways, and Zhao Yanxi responded to each one with sweet words, as if she had been coated with honey.

Ding Heng followed beside her, being pulled along and introduced to her.

"This is my boyfriend, Ding Heng."

"Hello, Uncle."

Hello, Auntie.

"Happy New Year."

…………

Finally, Ding Heng was seated next to his maternal grandfather to chat with the old man.

My grandfather didn't say much. He asked a few questions like "How many people are in your family?" and "What do your parents do?" and then stopped there.

Ding Heng didn't deliberately try to find topics to talk about; he would occasionally chime in, but most of the time he would listen quietly.

Zhao Yanxi had long been pulled aside by her cousins ​​to chatter away, occasionally winking at Ding Heng before turning back to continue talking.

Ding Heng sat on the sofa, bored. After glancing around, he suddenly noticed Zhou Rongsen's girlfriend, Qiao Yun.

A woman in her late twenties, with long, flowing hair and exquisite makeup.

She was talking to Zhou Rongsen in a gentle tone, and her attitude was impeccable.

Many relatives came today, but it was mainly because it was the first time Zhou Rongsen had brought a woman home.

As the hope for the Zhou family to carry on the family line, 35-year-old Zhou Rongsen has been constantly nagged by his older sister and parents.

I finally brought a wife home this year!

After eating sunflower seeds and peanuts for a long time, Zhou Rongsen stood up and suggested going to town to buy some things.

The children immediately cheered and clamored to go together.

"Okay, okay, everyone go."

Zhou Rongsen took out his car keys from his pocket and called out to Zhao Yanxi, "Yanxi, let's go to town with your uncle."

Zhao Yanxi was chatting happily with her cousin when she heard this, she turned her head and her eyes darted around.

"Sure, but Uncle, you'll ride in my car and Ding Heng's car. I have something to tell you."

Zhou Rongsen was taken aback, glancing at Zhao Yanxi and then at Ding Heng.

"what's up?"

"Let's talk about it after we get in the car."

Zhao Yanxi grabbed Ding Heng's arm and pulled him outside. Zhou Rongsen shook his head helplessly and handed his car keys to Qiao Yun.

"Xiaoyun, you drive my car with these kids. Don't be afraid, just drive slowly."

"Oh well."

Qiao Yun quickly took the car keys with a respectful attitude.

Ding Heng drove, Zhao Yanxi sat in the passenger seat, and Zhou Rongsen sat in the back seat.

The children all squeezed into Zhou Rongsen's car, chattering and making a ruckus.

The two cars drove out of the yard and onto the main road.

Zhao Yanxi glanced at Zhou Rongsen in the rearview mirror and chuckled mischievously.

"uncle."

"Ok?"