Qu Keke pouted, "Brother, how would she know? Brother Dang couldn't possibly come with her."
"It's not your place to talk so much!" Qu Jiashu's eyes flashed with a sharp edge.
"What's everyone standing around for?" The moment Shen Dang appeared, it seemed as if all the light shone on him.
Qu Keke, originally feeling wronged, lit up at the sight of Shen Dang, "Brother Dang, you're here."
Seeing his sister like this, Qu Jiashu felt a sense of frustration.
With so many men in Hai City, why could she only fixate on a married man? Couldn't she think a bit bigger?
Shen Dang looked at Qiao Xi, seemingly unable to see anyone else, his tone laced with a touch of affection, "Sorry, the call took a bit longer, I'll take you to meet Grandpa and Grandma first."
Qiao Xi nodded and followed Shen Dang, "Okay."
Watching the two leave, Qu Keke widened her eyes in disbelief, "Brother, they, they..."
Qu Jiashu uttered through gritted teeth, "Just mind your own business, get rid of those inappropriate thoughts, idiot!"
Old Master Shen was upstairs with the Old Madam, who suffered from dementia. When she had an episode, she couldn't recognize anyone but remembered only Shen Dang, her one and only grandson.
As Shen Dang and Qiao Xi entered the room, the Old Madam rushed over and fiercely pushed Qiao Xi away, "Stay away from my Ah Dang! You bad woman, you must not hurt Ah Dang."
Shen Dang steadied Qiao Xi with his hand and soothed the Old Madam, "Grandma, she's not a bad person, she's your granddaughter-in-law."
Qiao Xi pushed Shen Dang's hand away, though indeed startled, she wouldn't hold a grudge against a sick old person.
The Old Madam hadn't liked her much before, and the same was true now.
"Xixi, come here to Grandpa," Old Master Shen beckoned to her. "Your grandma is ill, don't take it to heart."
Qiao Xi walked over, smiling warmly, "It's alright, Grandpa."
Old Master Shen patted her hand, "Seeing you and Ah Dang come together makes me very happy, I'm looking forward to seeing you both well."
Qiao Xi lowered her lashes, knowing she might disappoint the old man.
"Ah Dang, when do you and Xixi plan to have children?"
Shen Dang glanced at Qiao Xi, who was silent with her head down, from his angle, he could also see her long and dense eyelashes.
She was usually quick-witted in front of him, but now she remained silent.
Shen Dang's tongue pressed against his molars, "Qiao Xi is in the rising phase of her career, and we're still young, why rush? We'll think about it in a few years, we've agreed on this."
Qiao Xi then nodded, "Yes, Grandpa."
Old Master Shen sighed, "Then I'll try to live a few more years."
Qiao Xi's eyelashes trembled slightly, a hint of emotion appeared on her face, and her voice was gentle, "Don't say that, Grandpa, you will live a long and healthy life."
As the banquet officially began, Qiao Xi, holding Old Master Shen's hand, appeared downstairs, with Shen Dang standing on the other side of the old man.
No matter what the outside world speculated, Old Master Shen's fondness for Qiao Xi was enough to quiet the rumors.
With guests filling the hall and everyone warmly congratulating Old Master Shen on his birthday, their glances at Qiao Xi by his side shifted, followed by inevitable compliments.
Qiao Xi found their insincere chatter amusing.
Old Master Shen told Shen Dang and Qiao Xi, "You two go find your friends, no need to keep this old man company."
Shen Dang took Qiao Xi's hand and walked with her to another side, while all eyes around them followed, "I'll introduce you to my friends."
"Sure."
Playing her part well, Qiao Xi quickly adapted to the close contact with Shen Dang.
Just pretend she was being led by a dog.
The joint appearance of Shen Dang and Qiao Xi indeed surprised everyone.
What was going on today?