On the way back, Li Yuchen started the conversation, "Dad, I've found the school I want to continue at."
Li Chuanmo found this interesting. It was the first time Li Yuchen had ever brought up anything relating to school of his own accord.
"Is that right? So which school?"
"Anping First Middle School!" he announced.
Li Chuanmo repeated the name once and nodded. "Alright, I'll make enquiries. Why did you choose this school in particular?"
He was already making arrangements to enroll him in an elite private school funded by the Li Conglomerate, because it was nearby and had decent educational standards.
"Well, for many reasons. First, it's a good school. Secondly, it is very famous for its high standards. Third, it...." He went on and one, spouting words off the top of his head.
He didn't even know the school, but he was sure that it would be a good school since Han Yichen chose it. He didn't give that reason though, because he didn't think it could convince his dad.
Li Chuanmo on the other hand, smiled to himself. He had recently asked Pei Yueran about her plans for Han Yichen's schooling and she had mentioned this same school. He had no doubt that this was the reason Li Yuchen suddenly showed interest in attending a public school.
How would he react when he realizes that it was compulsory for non-local students to stay in the dormitory? His smile widened.
That meant Han Yichen would live in the dormitory. Would he still want to attend school from home or join his friend?
*****
The week flew by in a blur of events and soon enough, it was the weekend.
Pei Yueran and Han Yichen were at the Li family villa on time. Pei Yueran was slightly nervous, wondering what the reaction of the Li Couple would be to her son.
She knew some aristocratic families were hostile to children from a previous marriage. The Li couple were very sweet so she wasn't afraid they'd embarrass or hate Han Yichen. But it mattered to her that they genuinely like him, not just tolerate his presence because of her.
She needed not to have worried.
Lunch with the Li family was delightful. Immediately Zhang Heying saw Han Yichen, she beamed. She waited until he came closer to hug him lightly. "It's good to finally meet you. How was your trip?"
"Good afternoon Grandma Li. My trip was fine. It's nice to meet you."
"You can just call me Grandma. Say hello to your Grandpa."
Han Yichen did so obediently. Li Qianye smiled at him and nodded. He then gave him a red packet. Not to be outdone, Zhang Heying hurriedly brought out the huge red packet she had also prepared.
Han Yichen looked at his mother, who nodded slightly. He then collected the red packets and thanked them.
Li Yuchen decided to tease his grandmother, "Grandma, how about me? Where's my red packet? Or don't you love me anymore?"
Zhang Heying tensed up. Should they have prepared a red packet for Yuchen as well? Would he think she was showing favoritism?
She was just about to apologize when Li Yuchen's serious face dissolved into laughter, "I was just joking!"
Zhang Heying heaved a sigh of relief before saying, "You naughty boy." She pulled him closer and gave him a tight hug.
Zhang Heying had gone all out in preparing a feast for them, so lunch was lavish and luxurious.
Zhang Heying had thoughtfully had Han Yichen's favorite dishes prepared, and even his dessert was matcha flavored ice cream.
He ate a bit more than usual. Their reception and genuine kindness warmed his heart.
After lunch, they sat in the living room, talking. Zhang Heying and Li Qianye asked Han Yichen questions in an effort to know him better and were pleasantly surprised. Li Qianye even probed further and asked him questions about City A and the world in general.
He was very articulate and poised in his responses. He didn't seem fazed or overwhelmed by the fact that all eyes were on him. He answered every question seriously and even added his opinion on general issues.
Li Qianye looked at him thoughtfully. Ehn, he could be trained further. If he decided to enter the business world, he would be a force to be reckoned with.
But he was getting ahead of himself. This was only their first meeting. He had to observe him more.
Li Yuchen gazed at him in adoration while thinking, 'Wow, Yichen is so cool!'
The visit ended on a very pleasant note.
"Thank you for having me over Grandma, Grandpa. I had a wonderful time."
"You're welcome Chen'er." Turning to Pei Yueran, she said, "Please come by again soon. It will be a pleasure to have both of you here again."
Then she leaned closer and said into her ears, "Better still, marry this son of mine quickly so that I can have you all to myself."
Auntie", Pei Yueran said, touching her ear in embarrassment, while Zhang Heying winked at her.
Pei Yueran drove her car this time, so they were to go back separately. Li Chuanmo walked them to her car. Li Yuchen waved them goodbye cheerfully and went to the car, waiting for his father to come and drive them home.
The wait continued for over fifteen minutes. Wasn't it just wishing each other "goodnight"? Did they elope or what?
Alright, that was a joke.
He sighed. Should he remind his dad that they needed to go home and rest? Or better still, should they just follow them home for a sleepover?
After five more minutes, he gave up on waiting and went over to drag his father. Li Chuanmo and Pei Yueran were still standing outside the car, heads huddled together and whispering sweet nothings to each other, or at least that was what Li Yuchen thought they were doing. Han Yichen was seated in the car, typing on his phone.
"Dad, it's enough. My Goddess needs to rest. You can take her out tomorrow and continue your discussion. My Goddess, see you tomorrow."
He half persuaded, half dragged his father to the car. Li Chuanmo let himself be dragged, while mouthing words to Pei Yueran, who was laughing at his plight. It was a very comical scene.
On the way back, Pei Yueran asked her son, "How was the visit?"
"It was nice. I enjoyed myself. Grandma and Grandpa Li were very hospitable."
Pei Yueran smiled, glad.
On getting home, Han Yichen opened the red packets he was given.
Li Qianye was very straightforward, giving him a bank card with a balance of 500,000 yuan. Pei Yueran was surprised. Wasn't this too much?
Zhang Heying was even more generous. In addition to a bank card, she directly stuffed the red packet with some gold bars, a membership card for a popular kids entertainment center, and a gift certificate for a high end children clothing store worth hundreds of thousands.
Mother and son stared at each other speechlessly.
No wonder it was so big and heavy!
Pei Yueran was just thinking about calling Li Chuanmo to tell him about the gifts when her phone beeped.
It was a message from Su Qianhua.
"Ranran, I'm screwed!"