Chapter 22: The Brother-in-Law is Truly Considerate

Liu Ruyan was surprised by Xia Yangyang's retort. Usually, the quiet, gentle girl was as pliable as a persimmon, but today she was unexpectedly sharp-tongued.

Liu Ruyan laughed awkwardly. "What's gotten into you, dear? Why are you talking like that? Of course, Ah Chen is part of our family."

Xia Liangdong quickly intervened. "Alright, alright, let's all sit down and eat. Yangyang, you too."

Gu Qichen observed Xia Yangyang throughout, acting as a silent spectator. Xia Liangdong sat to Gu Qichen's right, the seat of honor. Xia Weiwei immediately sat to Gu Qichen's left.

Xia Liangdong chided, "Weiwei, that's inconsiderate. Let your sister sit there."

Xia Weiwei boldly declared, "This is my usual seat."

Xia Yangyang silently took the seat furthest from Gu Qichen, avoiding his gaze. She was puzzled. After his angry departure yesterday, why was he here today? What did he want?

Liu Ruyan changed the subject. "Let's eat; the food's getting cold. Ah Chen, this sunflower seed pork was made especially for you. Your sister mentioned it's your favorite."

Gu Qichen replied politely, "Thank you, Aunt Liu."

Liu Ruyan's face subtly changed. He called Xia Liangdong "Father" but still addressed her as "Aunt Liu," mirroring Xia Yangyang's refusal to call her "Mother."

Xia Yangyang ate quietly, ignoring the tension. Throughout the meal, Gu Qichen conversed with Xia Liangdong about stocks, finance, and land prices, constantly interrupted by Xia Weiwei's irrelevant comments.

Liu Ruyan had prepared deep-fried prawns with chili and salt—Xia Weiwei's favorite—but their hard, spiky shells were difficult to peel. A prawn pricked Xia Weiwei's finger, drawing blood.

Xia Weiwei held out her finger to Gu Qichen. "Brother-in-law, look, I pricked myself."

Gu Qichen calmly replied, "Put a band-aid on it."

Xia Weiwei smiled. "It's nothing, thank you for your concern, brother-in-law."

Gu Qichen began peeling prawns, continuing his conversation with Xia Liangdong. Xia Weiwei admired his elegant technique: slender fingers, effortless movements, not a speck of grease on his fingertips. The peeled prawns were glistening and translucent, arranged on a fresh plate.

Delighted, Xia Weiwei believed he was peeling them for her, her anticipation growing. After a while, Gu Qichen wiped his hands and, seemingly naturally, handed the plate to Xia Weiwei.

Just as she began to thank him, he said lightly, "Please give this to your sister."

Xia Weiwei's face paled, then flushed crimson. She managed a strained smile. "Of course, brother-in-law."

She took the plate to Xia Yangyang, placing it down heavily. With forced cheerfulness, she said sarcastically, "Sister, you're so lucky to have such a considerate brother-in-law."