Chapter 187 166: The Gathering

Xu Chunliang realized she still had a childish temper and couldn't help but laugh.Zhen Chun said, "Why are you laughing? You're the same. Your parents abandoned you even earlier. We're in the same boat now."

Xu Chunliang replied, "We're not the same. I hold a heart of gratitude, while you hold a heart of resentment. You're like someone born to claim debts, whereas I'm here to repay kindness."

Zhen Chun said, "Little cousin, that's not fair. I had no choice. I didn't ask them to bring me into this world. I don't like this family. It's greatly affected me psychologically, making me fearful of love and marriage, which might affect me for the rest of my life."

"What business does a little kid like you have talking about love? Just focus on finishing college. The good days are ahead, so don't feel sorry for yourself or think you've lost a family. In the future, when your dad remarries and your mom finds someone else, you'll have two families and double the fatherly and motherly love, doubling your happiness too."

"I don't want that. I want a family of my own."

"In the worst-case scenario, you still have Huichun Hall. If anyone dares to bully you, come to Huichun Hall to find me, and I'll stand up for you, okay?"

Zhen Chun looked at Xu Chunliang and nodded, suddenly throwing herself at him and hugging his arm, "Little cousin, you're so good."

Xu Chunliang was a bit overwhelmed by her enthusiasm, "Such a big girl, can't you be a bit more reserved?"

Zhen Chun said, "What's there to be reserved about? If this were ancient times, we'd be like Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu, and I'd have to marry you."

Xu Chunliang quickly pulled her arm away, "Girl, we're close relatives. You mustn't have such thoughts."

Zhen Chun burst out laughing, "Look at you getting all scared. I was just giving an example."

The taxi driver in front also laughed, "Indeed, in the past, cousins often intermarried, but now, for the sake of better childbearing, it's not allowed."

Zhen Chun said, "In Xiangjiang, there are plenty of cousin marriages. It's really not that uncommon."

Fortunately, they had arrived at the Marriott Hotel. Xu Chunliang paid the fare and quickly got out of the car. Zhen Chun followed closely like a shadow, walked a few steps faster, and took his arm, "Little cousin, why are you avoiding me?"

Xu Chunliang saw his cousin standing at the door and quickly approached, "Cousin! Cousin!"

Liang Linan smiled, "So late, huh? Everyone's here just waiting for you."

Zhen Chun said, "Aren't we still on time?"

The three of them walked into the hotel lobby. Liang Linan said to Xu Chunliang, "Cousin, Uncle Gao is the vice dean of your Changxing!"

Xu Chunliang nodded.

Liang Linan continued, "I heard it was he who arranged the job for you at Changxing?"

Xu Chunliang said, "That's a long story. For the specifics, you should ask Grandpa."

Actually, it was Gao Xinhua who asked him to go to Changxing. Otherwise, Grandpa wouldn't have agreed to the relocation of Huichun Hall.

This elder cousin had a way of speaking that was a bit irritating. Xu Chunliang was actually somewhat annoyed by him. He always presented himself as an elite yet acted unscrupulously. If it weren't for the sake of the old man, he wouldn't bother with such a person.

The three of them entered the elevator. Liang Linan said, "Uncle Gao's daughter Gao Xiaobai was your classmate?"

Xu Chunliang said, "We were classmates in elementary and middle school. She later got into the best high school, whereas I was a lousy student, couldn't compare to her."

Zhen Chun said, "Big cousin, are you interested in her again? That's not good."

Liang Linan, caught in the act, blushed, "What nonsense are you spouting, girl?"

After the elevator opened, he got out first. After Xu Chunliang went out, Zhen Chun held him back and whispered, "I find him quite annoying. He knew Mei Ru Xue is your girlfriend, yet he had the nerve to ask for her contact details. Be careful."

Xu Chunliang smiled, "The girls I know all have high standards."

Zhen Chun gave him a thumbs-up, "Little cousin, I love it when you compliment me. Please compliment me more."

Xu Chunliang flicked her forehead, "There's a mirror in the restroom. Take a look at yourself before you eat."

Since Gao Xinhua was the host, his family was the first to arrive. Xu Changshan also arrived early, happily chatting with Gao Hong Hall. The two old men, with matching temperaments and being old chess buddies, never ran out of things to talk about when they met.

Gao Xinhua and his wife were chatting with Xu Jia'an's couple, while Xu Jiawen and Gao Xinhua's precious daughter, Gao Xiaobai, were admiring the view on the outdoor terrace.

As soon as Xu Chunliang walked in, he repeatedly apologized, "Sorry, Uncle Gao, I'm late."

Gao Xinhua said, "At least you're aware." He introduced his wife to Xu Chunliang. Gao Xinhua's wife, Xiao Chuhong, works at the City Arts Center and used to be a cultural performer in the military.

Xu Chunliang greeted, "Hello, Aunt Xiao!"

Xiao Chuhong laughed, "If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have recognized little Cong."

Gao Xinhua corrected, "Now he's called Xu Chunliang."

Xiao Chuhong said, "Chunliang, what a good name, simple and kind."

Gao Xinhua thought to himself that neither of those words seemed to fit this boy, but he was sure Xu Chunliang was inherently not bad. In today's society, a simple and kind kid would be an idiot, and it's hard enough to survive in such a complex environment.

Xu Jiawen and Gao Xiaobai also walked in. Gao Xiaobai, true to her name, was glowing white and about 1.67 meters tall. She inherited her mother's good looks; although not stunningly beautiful, she was delicately pretty and appealing.

Seeing Xu Chunliang, she truly didn't recognize him. Her impression of Xu Chunliang stayed from five or six years ago, when he was shorter than her, thin and hunched, wearing thick glasses. Not only was he far from handsome, but he even seemed a bit sleazy.

In front of her now was a tall, upright young man with a bright smile. Xu Chunliang said, "Old classmate, you're getting more and more beautiful."

Gao Xiaobai had been the swan of the class in junior high. Back then, Xu Chunliang wasn't a toad, just a nobody in class.

Her deepest impression of him was his repeated failures to pass exams. When she was in her third year of college, he was still retaking senior year, but now in her fourth year, Xu Chunliang had actually overtaken her by getting a job first.

Gao Xiaobai said, "Xu Cong! You've changed!"

Xu Chunliang replied, "With the transformation in the hospital, I had no choice but to change." Everyone laughed.

Gao Xinhua invited everyone to take their seats. He intended to seat Xu Chunliang next to his daughter, but she sat between Liang Linan and Liang Lixin instead, as they seemed to have more in common.

Xu Chunliang sat next to his cousin, with Zhen Chun following him closely.

Xu Jiawen could sense her daughter's change, suddenly becoming more cheerful and getting along well with her cousins. It seemed her decision to insist on bringing her back was right.

Everyone unanimously nominated Gao Hong Hall to speak. Gao Hong Hall laughed and said, "What's there to say? Today's gathering organized by Xinhua, I think, is great for fostering relations between the two families and enhancing harmony. The more gatherings like this, the better. The revolution has not yet succeeded, and Comrade Xinhua still needs to put in more effort."

Gao Xinhua nodded and said, "I will abide by the leader's instructions and organize it!"

Everyone laughed and shared a drink. Xu Changshan said, "I'll arrange the next gathering."

Xu Chunliang said, "What's it got to do with you, old man? The older generation should step aside when necessary. Let the young people handle the good stuff; of course, it's my turn."

Xu Changshan was pleased, his grandson had grown up without disgracing the Old Xu Family. But looking at the other grandchildren, they had no reaction; they were far behind Chunliang in social skills.

Liang Shude said, "Chunliang's right, it's our turn with these things. We'll host next time in Dongzhou."

Xu Changshan suddenly asked, "When's the next time you're coming back?"

Liang Shude was momentarily speechless; his father-in-law's public questioning was a bit embarrassing. Xu Jia'an could sense his father's displeasure and subtly nudged Liang Shude's foot. Liang Shude snapped back and said, "Spring Festival, we'll try to come back for Spring Festival."

Xu Jia'an knew her husband wasn't good with words and quickly added, "You're all welcome to visit us in Shen City. Be sure to contact us when you're there."

Gao Hong Hall said, "The kids are grown now, we won't force them. As long as you all are living happily, it makes no difference if you come back or not. Old Xu, are you being muddle-headed? They're busy with work and can't come back. Can't you go over there yourself?"

Xu Jia'an laughed, "Uncle Gao is right. We've always tried to persuade dad to spend some time with us, but he just won't."

Xu Changshan said, "I'm busy too. I have to watch over Huichun Hall and take care of my grandson."

Xu Chunliang nodded repeatedly and said, "Grandpa takes very good care of me. Look at how much I've eaten; my belly is getting round!"

Several people with a low threshold for humor couldn't help but start laughing. Zhen Chun laughed till she doubled over, lightly punching Xu Chunliang's shoulder, saying that her little cousin didn't have a belly; he was perfectly fit, clearly someone who exercises often.

Gao Xinhua looked at Xu Chunliang with approval. That's the ability—to instantly dissolve awkwardness at a critical moment. Among these young people, who else had such a skill apart from Xu Chunliang?

Gao Xinhua was already aware of the reconciliation between Tang Tianyi and Xu Chunliang. He heard even the head of the Dongzhou police had stepped in, indicating that Xu Chunliang had connections unknown to him.

Xu Changshan couldn't help but smile gently. Although he had some resentment towards his daughters, he didn't want to make things too difficult for them. He raised his glass and said, "Old Gao's right. Don't worry about us here; with Chunliang looking after me, we have a pretty good life."

Xu Changshan was upset for a reason; this time his eldest daughter came back and asked about the demolition of Huichun Hall. She had opinions about her father using her nephew's name to buy a house, thinking that in her view, there's no difference between grandchildren and children—it was unfair for her father to show favoritism.

Although Xu Jiawen didn't say anything, she also felt her father hadn't handled this matter well.

In reality, they weren't lacking financially. Xu Jia'an didn't truly want any dispute, just to vent and fight for fairness for the children. It wasn't about money—it was about her father's love.

On this point, people are very strange. Regardless of wealth, status, or knowledge level, most can't overcome this hurdle.