Chapter 265 Granddaughter-in-Law

The car drove away from the bustling city center, passed through increasingly sparse clusters of buildings, and headed onto the road leading to the outskirts.

Outside the window, the scenery shifted from steel and concrete to slightly desolate winter fields, and gradually, the outlines of rolling hills came into view.

At the foot of a quiet mountain in the outskirts of A City lay a small village, with white walls and black tiles, preserving its old-time charm.

The old man’s courtyard sat at the far end of the village, closest to the mountain—standalone and exceptionally peaceful.

The courtyard was in a traditional Chinese style. The walls weren’t tall, and a few thin, withered plum branches could be seen stretching out from inside.

The wooden gate, its paint worn and mottled, carried the warmth of passing years.

Pushing open the creaking wooden door revealed a neatly kept yard.

A stone-paved path ran through it. In the corners grew some cold-resistant flowers and plants, along with a small, carefully tended vegetable patch.

The main building consisted of several wooden single-story rooms. Strings of dried red chilies and golden corn hung under the eaves, filling the place with a simple, rustic atmosphere.

“There’s an auntie who comes every morning to clean and cook. The rest of the time, Grandpa lives here alone.”

Song Jingmo took things out of the trunk, his voice especially clear in the quiet courtyard. “Grandpa likes peace and quiet, but he can’t sit still—he’s always tinkering with something.”

Just as the two of them stepped into the yard carrying bags full of gifts, a strong, resonant voice came from the vegetable patch:

“Is that Xiao Mo?”

Following the voice, they saw an elderly man with graying hair but a sturdy build, bent over tending the garden, holding a small shovel.

“Grandpa.”

Song Jingmo quickly walked over. “Why are you doing this again? It’s cold—be careful not to catch a chill.”

Lu Er hurried after him and greeted politely, a little nervous, “Hello, Grandpa. I’m Lu Er.”

The old man’s smile deepened. “I’ve heard Xiao Mo mention you often. Come here, let Grandpa take a good look at you.”

Lu Er stepped forward quickly and greeted respectfully, “Happy New Year, Grandpa!”

His voice was bright and crisp, carrying the obedient tone of a younger generation meeting an elder.

“Good, good!”

The old man responded cheerfully, his gaze lingering on Lu Er’s face with affection. “Such a refined child—better-looking than on TV.”

Embarrassed by the praise, Lu Er scratched his head. His gaze fell on the unfinished seedlings by the old man’s feet and the small hoe nearby.

“Grandpa, take a rest. I’ll help you plant these.”

Without waiting for a refusal, he rolled up his sleeves, took the hoe, and crouched down, starting to dig holes, place seedlings, and cover them with soil.

Though not as skilled as an experienced farmer, his attitude was earnest and his movements nimble—it was clear he wasn’t completely inexperienced.

The old man was a little surprised, smiling so widely his mouth wouldn’t close. “Oh my, child, how can I let you do this? Alright, alright—you plant, I’ll pass you the seedlings.”

Song Jingmo stood to the side, watching Lu Er crouched in the field, seriously wrestling with soil and seedlings.

While Lu Er planted, Song Jingmo didn’t stay idle either.

He went to the other side, rolled up his sleeves, and began picking ripe greens and a few fresh, plump radishes.

The old man looked to the left at Lu Er skillfully planting, then to the right at his grandson quietly harvesting, his smile never fading.

He cheerfully directed them, “Xiao Lu, dig that hole a bit deeper. Xiao Mo, don’t throw away those radish leaves—the tender ones taste great stir-fried.”

The three of them worked in the small vegetable garden for over half an hour, the atmosphere as harmonious as a warm pastoral painting.

Lu Er even chatted about planting techniques—though most of it was learned from variety shows—which amused the old man greatly.

“Alright, alright, that’s about enough.”

The old man straightened up and dusted off his hands. “Let’s head back. Today, Grandpa will cook himself and let you taste my skills.”

“Xiao Lu, what do you like to eat? Braised pork? Steamed fish? Grandpa can make it all.”

Lu Er quickly supported the old man’s arm. “Grandpa, I like anything you make. I’ll help you in the kitchen.”

The three of them tidied up the tools and gathered vegetables, carrying baskets back home.

Just a few steps out of the field, they ran into some villagers who were also harvesting.

“Commander Song, what have you planted this time? Oh! Who are these two handsome young men?”

An aunt carrying a basket greeted warmly, her eyes curiously moving between Lu Er and Song Jingmo.

The old man was well-liked in the village and replied with a smile, “My grandson—brought him back for the New Year.”

“Oh my, both grandsons are so spirited—just like you!”

Another uncle with a loud voice asked, “Are they married?”

At that, the old man’s eyes crinkled into a line as he smiled.

He reached out, pulled over the slightly embarrassed Lu Er, and declared loudly, “I’ve even brought back my granddaughter-in-law. Marriage is only a matter of time!”

The words “granddaughter-in-law” struck like thunder out of nowhere.

Lu Er’s ears buzzed, his face instantly flushing red.

He stood there awkwardly, unsure whether to explain or what to say, and could only glance helplessly at Song Jingmo.

Seeing Lu Er’s flustered expression and his grandfather’s joyful smile, Song Jingmo simply smiled politely at the villagers.

The villagers were briefly stunned, then quickly showed looks of understanding and goodwill.

They offered congratulations—“Congrats, congrats!” “Commander Song is truly blessed!”—and exchanged a few warm words before leaving.

On the way back, the heat still hadn’t left Lu Er’s face. He secretly pinched the back of Song Jingmo’s hand and whispered, “Why didn’t you explain?”

Song Jingmo turned his hand and held his mischievous fingers, chuckling softly. “Explain what? Grandpa wasn’t wrong.”

Dinner consisted of several home-cooked dishes prepared by the old man himself.

The braised pork was tender and flavorful, the steamed fish fresh and delicate, along with stir-fried vegetables picked just moments ago and a steaming bowl of radish and pork rib soup.

Simple, yet filled with the taste of home.

The three sat around the slightly aged square table. The warm lighting, delicious food, and joyful atmosphere made everything feel cozy.

The old man kept placing food onto their plates, asking about Lu Er’s company and showing concern for Song Jingmo’s work at the hospital.

After dinner, once everything was cleaned up, the old man didn’t go to watch TV as usual. Instead, he took out two red envelopes he had prepared earlier.

“Here, Xiao Mo, Xiao Lu—take these.”

He placed one into each of their hands, his calloused palms warm and firm. “Grandpa doesn’t have much money—just a small token.”

“I wish the two of you a safe and peaceful year ahead, a harmonious life, supporting each other and building a prosperous future.”

The words were simple, yet filled with the most sincere blessings and hopes of an elder.

Holding the heavy red envelope, Lu Er felt a slight sting in his nose.

Song Jingmo accepted his solemnly and said softly, “Thank you, Grandpa. We will. We’ll come back to visit you often.”

“Alright, Grandpa’s old now—I can’t stay up late. I’ll go to bed first. You two should rest early as well. The room on the left upstairs has been prepared for you.”

“The bed is wooden—it might be a bit hard, so bear with it.”

After saying that, the old man patted their shoulders, a satisfied smile on his face, and slowly walked back to his room.