Chapter 108: Stealing a Son?
“Old Brother, Old Sister, Happy New Year!” Doctor Jin laughed as he greeted Old Man Wen and Luo Shi with cupped fists.
Shopkeeper Qiu followed right behind him. “Uncle Wen, Aunt Wen, Happy New Year. Sorry to trouble you.”
Luo Shi held the two children’s hands and replied, “What trouble? We’re all family. Come in, come in!”
“Yes, yes, come inside,” Old Man Wen echoed, leading them in.
Hong Hai greeted everyone, parked the carriage under a nearby tree, then cheerfully carried in a pile of New Year gifts.
Old Man Wen and Luo Shi were startled. “Oh my, what are you doing? How will we ever repay the Jin family’s gifts?”
Doctor Jin and Shopkeeper Qiu exchanged a glance and smiled. “Nothing expensive. It’s the New Year—we couldn’t come empty-handed.”
“Yes,” Shopkeeper Qiu added, “Don’t stand on ceremony, or we won’t dare eat the New Year’s Eve dinner.”
With that, Luo Shi could only accept the gifts.
“You really shouldn’t have. Next time, don’t bring anything, or we’ll feel embarrassed inviting you again,” she said, placing the gifts in a cabinet and asking Wen Di to make tea.
Before Wen Di even left, Wen Yao entered carrying tea. She set the tray down and poured cups for the guests. The teapot and cups weren’t as fine as the set they had gifted Doctor Jin, but they were still elegant.
Doctor Jin and Shopkeeper Qiu exchanged meaningful glances.
Soon, Luo Shi took the girls to the kitchen, leaving Old Man Wen and the sons to entertain the guests.
The rural men didn’t know how to host such distinguished visitors and could only sit awkwardly, smiling. Old Man Wen forced a grin. “Please try the tea. We country folk don’t have much to offer—please don’t mind.”
Doctor Jin reassured him, but the moment he tasted the tea, his eyes lit up. “Excellent tea.” Its fragrance lingered like orchids, refreshing and sweet.
Old Man Wen was stunned by the praise and quickly took a sip himself. It tasted good, though he couldn’t discern anything special. Still, he pretended calm composure.
Wen Xiuyi also tasted it and knew his daughter had spent a lot on this tea.
Their casual reactions convinced Doctor Jin and Shopkeeper Qiu that the Wen family must be descendants of some hidden prestigious clan—how else could they treat such fine tea so casually?
Old Man Wen had never imagined his lifelong love of saving face would lead to such a delightful misunderstanding.
They ate a simple lunch and prepared for the evening feast. After lunch, Doctor Jin drank a little wine with Old Man Wen and was escorted to rest. Shopkeeper Qiu stayed behind to chat with Wen Xiuyi.
“Brother Wen, I actually came today to discuss something,” Shopkeeper Qiu said directly.
“Oh?” Wen Xiuyi poured tea and waited.
Shopkeeper Qiu coughed awkwardly. “Didn’t Datou tell you?”
“Tell me what? He didn’t say anything.”
Shopkeeper Qiu felt stuck. Datou had promised he would talk to his father, yet said nothing. And the boy had already run off to play with Jin Xiuyi.
Forced to continue, Shopkeeper Qiu said, “I’m a few years older than you but live alone. Aside from Old Jin and a few friends, I have no family.”
Wen Xiuyi felt awkward. “What about your family?”
“My parents have passed away. My uncle’s family is in the capital. For certain reasons… I have no children.” He carefully watched Wen Xiuyi’s reaction.
Wen Xiuyi didn’t know how to respond.
Then Shopkeeper Qiu suddenly added, “Datou is a good child.”
Wen Xiuyi froze, eyes widening. He blurted defensively, “You’re not trying to steal my son, are you?”
Shopkeeper Qiu, who had just taken a sip of tea, sprayed it out in shock.
Wen Xiuyi dodged quickly, becoming even more suspicious.
“Cough… cough… No, no, Brother Wen, you misunderstand!”
But Wen Xiuyi’s face clearly said he didn’t believe him.
Shopkeeper Qiu sighed awkwardly and said, “You misunderstood. I’m not trying to take your son.”
