The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 779 - 748 Acknowledgment, Praise, Like Old Friends at First Sight_1

Chapter 779: Chapter 748 Acknowledgment, Praise, Like Old Friends at First Sight_1

Song Chunli’s words made Old Madam Huo burst into hearty laughter.

"When you were jealous of the second daughter-in-law, did you even see how good Lifang was to the second son?" Old Madam Huo said, recalling how loving the second son and his wife were, which reminded her of her own youth.

"That’s true," Song Chunli said emotionally, "Back then, when supplies were scarce, the second sister-in-law would bring any delicacy she got to the second brother at his workplace without eating it herself."

"And the second uncle never realized that he was eating it all himself?" Zhao Huanhuan asked in return.

"Your second uncle did eat it, but when he saw that your second aunt had become thin, he was displeased. After asking her about it, he stopped eating and insisted that your second aunt eat instead," explained Song Chunli, "Whoever finished work earlier would wait at the other’s workplace, and then they would go home together. Their love and affection made others envious."

"Hehe, I never thought that the second uncle and aunt had such romantic times!" Zhao Huanhuan laughed, noting even Huo Yingjun wasn’t as considerate as Huo Yingjie.

"Yes, indeed, the affection between husband and wife is mutual," Old Madam Huo said, "Men will feel it when they are cared for and will naturally cherish their women even more."

In those days, it was Old Master Huo’s foolish, honest affection that had convinced her to agree to spend her life with him.

He Tiantian and Huo Yingjie returned to their room.

After washing up, He Tiantian asked softly, "Brother Yingjie, we’ve bought the house, and we’re leaving the day after tomorrow. Should we tell grandma and grandpa?"

Huo Yingjie thought for a moment and said, "It’s fine, I’ll talk to grandpa and grandma tomorrow evening. They are reasonable people and won’t object. Besides, it’s better they hear it from us than from someone else."

He Tiantian thought for a moment, then nodded, "Then let’s tell them we’ve bought a residence! As for those two courtyards we’re planning to turn into shops, let’s not mention those for now."

She had made money, but she did not want others to know just how much she had earned.

"Alright," Yingjie nodded, knowing that facing the Huo family, there was no need for He Tiantian to step forward.

The next morning at ten o’clock, Bai Qiongyu, accompanied by the couple He Jingyu and He Doudou, Qi Shuliang, and Annie visited the Huo Family Old Mansion.

Since the previous night, Old Madam Huo had instructed the housekeeper to start preparing. Early this morning, along with her daughters-in-law and two granddaughters-in-law, she took the initiative to prepare meticulously.

"Old Madam, are you well?" Bai Qiongyu asked softly, "I’ve been preoccupied with other matters and couldn’t visit the Huo family at the earliest opportunity, please forgive me."

Old Madam Huo personally took Bai Qiongyu’s hand and said, "Stop calling me Old Madam. I’m only a few years older than you. You can call me sister, and I’ll call you sister too."

"Then I won’t stand on ceremony with my sister," Bai Qiongyu said, following Old Madam Huo into the living room to sit down.

Old Madam Huo was a versatile hostess; while greeting Bai Qiongyu, she did not forget to extend her warm reception to Qi Shuliang and Annie.

Today, knowing that Bai Qiongyu and Qi Shuliang were visiting, Old Master Huo, Huo Zheqian, Huo Yingjun, and Huo Yingjie all stayed at home waiting.

While the women talked in the living room, Old Master Huo took He Jingyu, Qi Shuliang, and the sons and grandsons to the study for a chat, giving the living room to the women.

Once the men had left, the conversations among the women became much livelier.

He Tiantian came out to greet, saying, "Mom, Aunt Annie, it’s quite hot here. Are you all adapting to the climate well?"

"It’s fine, no problems with acclimatization," Annie said with a smile. "This place is beautiful and elegant, a very nice place indeed."

Song Chunli said, "You flatter us," but she was clearly proud. Many well-known figures in Yanjing lived here.

Old Madam Huo smiled and said, "Huo Yingjun had mentioned before that Tiantian resembles her grandmother. Seeing her today, it is indeed true. Sister, you truly are beautiful."

"Hehe, a woman’s appearance is important, but what’s most important is having a good temperament," Bai Qiongyu said with a laugh. "I have a rather strong personality. Tiantian has taken after me in looks but has the temperament of her parents, both very gentle people."

"In any case, both the Bai Family and the He Family have provided good upbringing, and we ended up with our wonderful Tiantian, a boon to Yingjie," Old Madam Huo said with a smirk. This was an affirmation of He Tiantian and a compliment in front of her maternal family.

"Not at all!" Bai Qiongyu said politely. "We’ve always been abroad, so if Tiantian makes a mistake or misspeaks, I hope you can be forgiving."

"They are my grandson and granddaughter-in-law, all one family, there’s no need to stand on ceremony," Old Madam Huo said with a laugh. "I’ve always felt guilty that after the Huo Family faced that great misfortune, which sister is aware of and which we received help from Sister and Nephew Qi, we couldn’t give Tiantian and Yingjie a big wedding celebration once the hard times were over."

"The wedding, we’ve already had one in Qijia Village, so there are no regrets. Besides, it wasn’t appropriate for the Huo Family to draw attention to itself at that time. I was aware of that. Moreover, having the understanding, love, and respect of family is more important than that of others, so Sister, please don’t feel troubled," Bai Qiongyu replied, covering all bases and highlighting Tiantian’s strengths while also addressing the Huo Family’s difficulties.

Old Madam Huo felt soothed by her words, and when compared to her eldest daughter-in-law’s maternal mother, the difference was clear.

"I appreciate your understanding," Old Madam Huo said with a gentle smile and continued to converse with Bai Qiongyu, asking about things abroad.

Although Bai Qiongyu did not grow up in China, her Chinese was taught by Old Master Bai himself, and Old Madam Huo, having been educated in both traditional and modern schools, had an open mind and was able to connect well with Bai Qiongyu.

They got along as if they had known each other for years!

Being of the same generation, they had a deeper understanding and different feelings about those turbulent years than others.

He Tiantian chatted with her mother and Aunt Annie in turn, managing to keep everyone engaged.

Lunch was very rich, with Old Madam Huo preparing some old Beijing specialties. Worried they might not suit everyone’s tastes, she also had some Southern dishes made.

He Tiantian took the opportunity to show off her culinary skills as well, making two dishes, West Lake Vinegar Fish and Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs.

During the meal, there were no rules of silence, with everyone talking and urging each other to drink, making for a lively atmosphere.

After the meal and a cup of tea, Old Madam Huo took Bai Qiongyu for a walk around the neighborhood.

Seeing that it was about time, Bai Qiongyu took her leave.

"Ah, time flies so quickly. I really wish we could talk more," Old Madam Huo lamented. "By the way, sister, when are you planning to return to Yanjing? I want to visit you."

"That’s not decided yet," Bai Qiongyu laughed. "When I do come back, I’ll send a telegram ahead of time. Let’s dine out, just us old sisters. While we still have strength in our bones, we should enjoy ourselves."

Those words struck a chord with Old Madam Huo.

"Definitely," Old Madam Huo said. "Let’s make a pact now, no backing out!"