Chapter 260

"Grandpa, I wish you happiness as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity greater than the Southern Mountain. Please forgive me for coming back late," Pei Jing said as he looked at his grandfather, who seemed to have darkened but become sturdier than when Pei Jing had left. His strong and lean figure was wrapped in a military uniform, adding to his masculine charm.

"No need to apologize. Come and sit down for dinner," Old Pei said. Seeing that Mrs. Zhou had already gone to the kitchen to bring bowls and chopsticks, he didn't say more but instead asked Pei Jing, "Why did you suddenly come back without any notice? How are things over there? Any difficulties?"

Seeing Pei Jing's travel-worn appearance, Old Pei figured he had come straight home without even washing his face first.

Pei Jing took the bowl and chopsticks and thanked Mrs. Zhou. He sat down next to Old Pei and said, "Things are fine over there. Our Special Operations Force has received maximum authority and support from above. I took the rare opportunity of getting a day off to come back and see how you're doing."

Old Pei grinned and secretly glanced at Zhi Xia. He jokingly said, "Boy, over the years you've learned to sweet-talk, eh?"

In the past, Pei Jing would be gone for a long time without ever saying he missed his grandfather.

Chenye and Wanqing had already run over, climbing onto Pei Jing's lap and calling him Dad, melting his heart completely.

His two sturdy arms picked them up to sit on his legs. He actually wanted to sit next to Zhi Xia, but today was his grandfather's day, so it would be inappropriate to neglect him too much.

The two of them sat at separate tables, their eyes occasionally meeting across the air, leaving the two old men unable to close their mouths.

"Alright you two, stop making trouble. Go eat your own meals. Your dad just got back and hasn't even had time to eat anything hot. Let him have a meal first before playing," Old Pei said, unable to watch his son's sappy behavior.

The two children were quite obedient. Worried about their dad, they ran back to Zhi Xia's side.

Pei JianGuo picked up the wine bottle to pour some for Pei Jing. "Little uncle, everyone rarely gets together today. Have a drink too?"

Pei Jing quickly stopped him. "I won't drink. You guys go ahead. I have to rush back tomorrow morning and drinking affects work." "That rushed?" Pei JianGuo was startled. But he put the wine bottle back on the table. "Can't you stay one more day? Leaving tomorrow afternoon should be fine too."

Hearing his tone, Pei Jing asked, "Do you have something going on?"

Pei JianGuo's face visibly blushed. Whether it was shyness or the alcohol, no one knew. "It's not a big deal actually. It's just...I'm seeing someone and I want to bring her home to meet Grandpa, hoping little uncle can stay an extra day to meet her too."

"Oh? When did this happen? You've kept it pretty hidden," Old Pei teased Old Pei. "And here I am, asking around about good girls for you. Turns out, you'll be bringing a daughter-in-law for me out of the blue."

Old Pei was also very happy. If Pei JianGuo got married, it would get a weight off his chest. He eagerly asked which family the girl was from, her age, job etc.

Pei JianGuo's face grew redder from the alcohol. "We haven't been together long, just over a month. I didn't plan to decide so quickly originally. But her neighborhood is pushing her and since she doesn't work, she'll be sent down to the countryside if she doesn't marry soon."

The two old men looked at each other, suddenly feeling worried.

They had watched JianGuo grow up and knew he was a simple boy.

Hearing this, the girl was probably quite young and now facing being sent down to the countryside.

It wasn't that they looked down on her background. They just didn't know if she was genuinely willing to spend her life with him.

What if she just wanted to use JianGuo as a shield to avoid being sent down? Or had ulterior motives? They worried the boy would get his heart broken.

But Pei Jing suddenly spoke up. "Then bring her back to take a look. I can leave tomorrow afternoon instead. By the way, does your mother know?"

"My mom doesn't know yet. I wanted Grandpa to meet the girl first. If you approve, then I'll tell my mom," Pei JianGuo thought to himself.

Old Pei and Pei Jing understood. Wang Yue had always been somewhat mercenary. The daughter-in-laws she tried to find were usually from well-off families. Pei JianGuo was probably afraid to let Wang Yue know about this girl with poorer background.

By bringing her to Old Pei first, if she could get an elder's approval, it would make dealing with Wang Yue easier later.

Now the only unmarried one left was An ZhiXian. Especially after Pei JianGuo revealed his relationship, ZhiXian instantly became the main target for marriage urges.

After eating, Pei Jing didn't drink. He stood up while the others at Old Pei's table continued chatting and drinking.

Putting down his chopsticks, he said, "Grandpa, I'm covered in smelly sweat and haven't washed yet. Keep drinking, I'll go freshen up and come back to chat with you guys."

"Go on, go on," Old Pei said. Calling to Zhi Xia, "Zhi Xia, you should go back too. No need to stay here and be busy. We have Mrs Zhou and your mom and the others."

"Alright, I'll take the kids back first then," Zhi Xia stood up and very naturally said to Pei Jing, "The three little ones are napping inside. Go carry them back." Old Lady Pei wanted to suggest leaving the children here to continue napping, but realized he had rushed back urgently and probably wanted to see the kids too. So she kept silent.

Pei Jing followed Zhi Xia into the room. The three little ones were lined up sleeping soundly on the bed. Chenye and Wanqing tailed behind Pei Jing like little ducklings.

Zhi Xia picked up the chubbiest oldest child while Pei Jing took the other two, the twins following behind as the family of seven headed home.

Stepping outside, they realized an off-roader was parked in front of the Pei's home, surrounded by nearby villagers pointing and gossiping.

Zhi Xia's eyes instantly widened as she turned to look at Pei Jing. "Did you drive that back?"

The two kids had bolted towards the vehicle the moment they saw it, instantly blending into the crowd.

Pei Jing nodded, eyes brimming with laughter. "It's the squad car. I made it back rushing over. Saves time."

"It won't cause any trouble right?" Zhi Xia would rather Pei Jing not come back than get into trouble because of it.

"Don't worry. Have I ever made you worry when handling things?"

He was currently the Special Ops squadron's highest leader, although the military department was still above him of course. But he still had the authority to use a vehicle.

Only then was Zhi Xia relieved. Calling him, she said "Open the door later and drive the car into the yard. With so many kids outside, I'd feel awful if someone accidentally scraped or scratched it. Or threw a rock at it."

Cars were still rare commodities, otherwise it wouldn't draw crowds.

Plus with so many unruly children, who knew if they might think scratching it was fun.

Because Zhi Xia was home today, the housekeeper Mrs. Zhang had taken the day off.

Back inside, the three little ones were still fast asleep, not stirred awake at all.

Chenye showed Pei Jing drawings he had done. Wanqing chattered away about something or other.

Taking advantage when they were distracted, Pei Jing swiftly pecked Zhi Xia on the lips.

They smiled at each other. Everything that needed to be said was understood without words.

Seeing the two kids jabbering nonstop, Zhi Xia interrupted them. "Alright, stop making a fuss. Let Dad wash up first. He's covered in smelly sweat. Don't you think it's gross?"