Nan Chen fell silent for a moment.
“Grandpa, do you think that they would go to someone else and tag along with them?”
“Yes.”
“But how would they manage that?”
Nan Zhengde took a few steps forward, saying, “Chen, you’re outstanding in every aspect, but overly upright at the same time. You despised any underhanded dealings and schemes. However, the world is full of evil, and you’re in an enviable position, so you must be cautious to protect yourself. Give it some thought, and you’ll figure out how they do it.”
Without uttering a word, Nan Chen was sunk in thought for a short while. “I think I got it.”
“Oh? Tell me.”
“Every Nan family member knows that Grandpa refused to forgive them, but in the eyes of the outsiders, they’re still part of our family. Thus, no one will reject them if they ask for help. Besides, they can even lie saying that you wanted them to return to the family, but you just can’t lower yourself to ask them. Those who want to please our family will agree to it, thinking that they’re doing something good for us.”
Nan Chen was a man of few words, and he only spoke when he reasoned with someone.
Yet, he rarely needed to do so, as his unparalleled capabilities already said it all.
As a result, he doesn’t need to speak much most of the time.
Nan Zhengde gave him a firm nod. “You’re absolutely correct.”
“As for who will be bringing them… Grandpa, I guess you’ve foreseen it, right?” Nan Chen said.
“They’ll surely tag along with an influential person.”
“But everyone that we invited to the birthday banquet is influential, or else they won’t be allowed to come.”
“Yes, but some are more powerful than the others,” the elderly man explained.
Nan Chen nodded in agreement.
“Do what you need to do,” Nan Zhengde said.
“What should I do if they show up?”
“Ask Nan Xing to be the peacemaker when I get mad, but you must not say a thing.”
Grandpa doesn’t want me to get involved, lest I get affected by this matter. With my status, it’s best that I stay neutral. Only then can I maintain my influence and authority.
“I understand, Grandpa…”
Meanwhile, Ning Ran was waiting at the airport’s entrance with her two kids, as Nan Chen asked them to pick Nan Xing up.
He loved his brother dearly. Knowing that Nan Xing felt hurt because of Ning Ran and the kids, Nan Chen wanted to make it up to his brother the best he could.
Ning Ran was glad about Nan Xing’s return.
Whether or not Nan Xing is the kids’ father, I’m grateful for all his help and care. He may be a womanizer, but he treats me very well. He’s the one who helps me the most after I return to this country.
After some time, Nan Xing came into sight. Dressed in a white suit, he was wearing bright, yellow-framed sunglasses and a pair of red leather shoes.
I’ve never seen any man wearing red leather shoes before. What an eye-opener. Oddly enough, such a combination doesn’t look weird but matches him perfectly.
“Daddy…” Erbao mumbled.
“You’re not supposed to call him Daddy, remember?” Ning Ran quickly reminded her daughter.
“Oh no! I forgot. It’s uncle.” Erbao grimaced and said.
The little girl had always been fond of Nan Xing. Unlike Nan Chen, who was stern and rigid, Nan Xing was carefree and easy-going, allowing the little girl to eat and play as she pleased.
That was why he was the ideal father figure in her eyes. Unfortunately, in the end, he became her uncle.
Looking at the two kids, Nan Xing shrieked ecstatically while running toward them through the crowd.
Erbao immediately went up to him. “Uncle!”
Picking her up, Nan Xing lifted the little girl high above his head.
Ning Ran couldn’t help but furrow her brows. I told him many times not to lift the kids too high. It’s too dangerous. I can see that my words fell on deaf ears.
The little girl wrapped her arms around Nan Xing’s neck. “Although you’re not my Daddy, you’re still my uncle and I will always love you.”
“Aww… Erbao is the best! My heart just melted at your words. I love you too, whether you’re my daughter or my niece.”
Ning Ran and Dabao cast a glance at one another.
What’s with the sudden cheesy confession? These two are one of a kind. How can they say such corny words so effortlessly?
“Dabao, you’re still staid as ever, like a little old man. You didn’t even greet me!” Nan Xing complained.
“Uncle, I’m not a little old man. I’m just mature.” the boy corrected Nan Xing with a stern look.
“Okay, okay. I know you’re mature. But isn’t it the same as being a little old man?” He poked fun at the boy.
With a warm smile on her face, Ning Ran couldn’t find the right words to talk to him, feeling slightly awkward.
Back then, the two were about to get married, but they became in-laws all of a sudden.
No matter how open-minded they were, the awkwardness of their current situation was unavoidable.
“It’s been a while.” In the end, Nan Xing took the initiative and greeted her.
He and Poker Face have the same face, yet they carry totally different vibes.
Poker Face is aloof and stern, with an intimidating aura, while Nan Xing is jovial and a little flippant, making people feel at ease around him.
Staring at Nan Xing’s grin, the memory of their past flooded into her mind, and her eyes misted over.
It was an indescribable feeling, which had nothing to do with love nor the familial relationship they now shared.
“I’m glad that you’re back,” Ning Ran said from the bottom of her heart.
“Really? Did you miss me?”
As Ning Ran was trying to deal with her sudden wave of nostalgia, Nan Xing’s cheekiness snapped her out of that emotion right away.
“Call me sister-in-law,” Ning Ran hit his sore spot.
How dare you be so frivolous and flamboyant.
The smile on his face froze, and his cheeky attitude changed right away. Letting out a few dry coughs, Nan Xing said, ”Who drove here? Where’s the car? Let’s go back.”
I still can’t face this reality despite living abroad for so long.
A sense of impish glee welled up in Ning Ran’s heart. I guess what I said really hit a nerve. He dropped that attitude instantly.
“Our car is over there. I don’t trust my driving skill, so the driver drove us here.”
Having achieved her goal, she stopped making fun of him.
Nan Xing hoisted Erbao onto his shoulder and headed toward the carpark.
“Uncle, have you forgotten something after coming back from overseas?” Erbao asked.
“What is it?”
“Didn’t you promised to bring me some snacks? How could you forget such an important matter?” the girl said with a solemn face.
Nan Xing broke into a fit of laughter at her words.
“No, how could I? I dare not forget this important mission. It was too much of a hassle to bring the snacks with me, so I chose to ship them. It’ll be delivered soon. Don’t worry, it’s all for you.”
“I knew it. My uncle is an excellent man. I knew you didn’t forget about this.” Erbao commended him.
