MBBBA Chapter 22

Grandpa and Grandma clung to Qiao Qiao, refusing to let go, repeatedly commenting on how much weight their dear grandson had lost.

Qiao Qiao responded earnestly, “That can’t be right. Zhang Peng feeds me every day, and I’ve gained a lot.”

Only then did Grandpa remember that his grandson’s boyfriend was also present.

“Xiao Zhang?” Grandpa put on his reading glasses and waved Zhang Peng over. “Come here, let Grandpa take a look at you.”

Zhang Peng carefully placed the “prize” teddy bear and his dirty clothes aside before joining Qiao Qiao to sit with Grandpa and Grandma.

Sitting on a small stool in front of the two elderly figures, Zhang Peng felt a bit nervous, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as the first day he arrived at Qiao Qiao’s house.

After all, he was the man who had earned the approval of Qiao Qiao’s parents!

Grandpa examined Zhang Peng closely. With his well-defined features and calm, clear eyes, there was no trace of wickedness in him—this young man had an honest look.

Taking Zhang Peng’s hand in his, Grandpa smiled warmly and said, “Good boy.”

Then, he turned to give Grandma a knowing look.

Grandma smiled, understanding his gesture, and pulled out a red envelope from her pocket, slipping it into Zhang Peng’s hand.

Naturally, Zhang Peng tried to refuse, but Grandma silenced him with a “Shh.”

“It’s your first time here, it’s tradition.” Grandpa said, patting Zhang Peng’s hand before placing Qiao Qiao’s hand over Zhang Peng’s. “Take good care of each other.”

Holding the red envelope, Zhang Peng felt the weight of responsibility. However, seeing Old Qiao and Su Ya signaling him with their eyes to accept it, he smiled and said, “Thank you, Grandpa, Grandma.”

Just as he was thinking of giving them some extra health supplements in return, Auntie sneaked up behind him and slipped another red envelope into his pocket.

Zhang Peng suddenly felt overwhelmed, getting up to return it, but Auntie firmly pressed down on his shoulder, keeping him seated.

“One for Xiao Qiao and one for you.” Auntie said. “You both get one.”

Qiao Qiao tugged at Zhang Peng’s hand and said, “I’ve already put mine away. You should keep yours too.”

Auntie teased, “But I bet you won’t be holding onto it for long, right? Who manages the money at home?”

Qiao Qiao raised his hand without hesitation. “Me, of course.”

Auntie playfully poked Qiao Qiao’s forehead. “Enjoy it, this is your last year. Next year, after you’re married, no more red envelopes.”

Once married, they’d be considered adults.

Grandpa quickly asked, “Xiao Qiao is getting married next year?”

Qiao Qiao stole a glance at Zhang Peng and smiled shyly.

Zhang Peng smiled back. “That’s the plan.”

“Then you should start preparing early.” Grandma chimed in. “New clothes, new bedding, everything needs to be ready. It’s not easy, you know. Back in our day…”

Grandpa interrupted, “It’s 2022 now, no need to talk about back in our day. Nowadays, you just buy everything at the mall. What’s there to worry about?”

Grandma lightly hit Grandpa, “Of course, I know about malls. But shouldn’t you pick carefully? It’s a lifetime thing.”

Grandpa sighed, “You’ll replace everything in two or three years anyway. How is it a lifetime?”

Grandma: “…”

Worried that his parents might start arguing during the holiday, Old Qiao quickly intervened, “If we don’t start eating soon, the food will get cold.”

Su Ya laughed and said, “Dad, Mom, let’s sit down at the table.”

The couple quickly ushered the elderly pair to the dining table.

Auntie trailed behind, slightly delayed by Zhang Peng and Qiao Qiao.

“Earlier, I wasn’t aware of your situation.” Auntie whispered to them, “Don’t take it to heart.”

She was apologizing for trying to set Qiao Qiao up before the New Year.

Qiao Qiao looked confused. “What are you talking about?”

Though Zhang Peng had heard about Auntie trying to matchmake, he hadn’t told Qiao Qiao about it.

Auntie looked at Zhang Peng in surprise, then nodded approvingly. This young man had a generous heart and handled things gracefully.

Zhang Peng pulled out a chair for Auntie. “Please, have a seat.”

Auntie sat down with a peaceful mind.

With everyone seated, the New Year’s Eve dinner began.

Old Qiao’s cooking skills were exceptional, and everyone ate until their mouths were glistening with oil.

This year’s New Year’s Eve dinner was even more festive because of the upcoming wedding.

Without much reservation, Su Ya brought up something for Zhang Peng to keep in mind as the meal was winding down.

“On the first day of the New Year, we’ll need to visit the temple to pay respects to Qiao Qiao’s grandparents.”

Qiao Qiao’s maternal grandparents had both passed away early on.

Zhang Peng agreed, and that night, before going to bed, he specifically asked Qiao Qiao about any taboos or customs he should be aware of.

The next day, they visited the temple, and the ceremony went smoothly.

After paying respects to Qiao Qiao’s grandparents, Zhang Peng felt he had finally been fully accepted by Qiao Qiao’s entire family.

In the “Zhang Family of Three’s Sweet Life” WeChat group, Zhang Peng shared the happy news with his parents.

Old Zhang: 【Congratulations】【Congratulations】【Congratulations】

Old Zhang: 【Celebrate】【Celebrate】【Celebrate】

Ms. Liu: Got it.

Zhang Peng: “…”

His mom was as prideful as ever.

Qiao Qiao asked Zhang Peng, “What did your parents say?”

Zhang Peng, without the slightest change in expression, lied, “They were overjoyed. Absolutely thrilled.”

Qiao Qiao felt relieved. “That’s good.”

It had already been decided that they’d visit Zhang Peng’s family on the 15th, and Qiao Qiao was starting to get nervous!

With Qiao Qiao eager to return to their own world and Zhang Peng needing to catch up on work at the company, they planned to head back to N City on the fifth day of the New Year.

Old Qiao was reluctant to see them leave. “So early? At least stay until the seventh.”

Su Ya, although conflicted, said, “Better to head back sooner rather than later. All they do is sleep in at home. It’s annoying.”

By this time, Qiao Qiao and Zhang Peng were already at the high-speed rail station with their luggage and specialties from W City.

Seeing the expressions on Old Qiao and Su Ya’s faces, Qiao Qiao suddenly felt a twinge of regret for leaving so early.

“Dad.” he said, hugging Old Qiao first, then Su Ya, “Mom.”

Old Qiao patted Qiao Qiao on the head. “We’ll see each other again soon when we meet the in-laws. Don’t worry, Xiao Qiao.”

Qiao Qiao nodded.

Su Ya took out two red envelopes, handing one to Xiao Qiao and the other to Zhang Peng.

“Grandpa, Grandma, and Auntie have already given theirs. These are from your father and me.” She deliberately put on a stern face. “You’re getting married this year, so next year, it’s your turn to give us retirement money.”

“Don’t worry.” Zhang Peng promised seriously.

Suddenly, Su Ya felt a bit uneasy. “No need for any of those art pieces, Xiao Zhang. We know your business is doing well, but money doesn’t grow on trees. There’s no need to go overboard.”

Qiao Qiao said, “It’s all to make you happy.”

Su Ya glared at him. “Am I that hard to please?”

The announcement for their train began to play, reminding passengers to board, just in time for the train Qiao Qiao and Zhang Peng had booked.

Su Ya could only say, “Hurry up, then.”

Qiao Qiao nodded.

Zhang Peng picked up their luggage, and they both passed through the security checkpoint.

As they cleared security, Qiao Qiao turned back, feeling a little nostalgic. He saw Su Ya holding onto Old Qiao’s arm, watching their backs from afar.

When she noticed him looking back, Old Qiao waved, while Su Ya quickly lowered her head, wiping away what seemed to be tears.

“Do you want to change our tickets and leave a few days later?” Zhang Peng asked softly, leaning down toward Qiao Qiao.

Qiao Qiao shook his head. “Let’s go. They’ll be visiting N City in a few days anyway.”

As they got older, each goodbye with their parents became more emotional.

It was something they couldn’t avoid.

Zhang Peng didn’t push the issue.

They hurried into the station, found their seats, and settled in.

This time, they had bought first-class tickets.

This was their first realization that they had enough money to splurge on more expensive train tickets.

The spacious seats were much more comfortable than the second-class ones.

Qiao Qiao planned to take a nap, resting his head on Zhang Peng’s shoulder. But just as he closed his eyes, he caught a whiff of a sweet scent.

It smelled familiar, prompting him to open his eyes in confusion.

Ahead, an omega sat with their head down, the delicate nape of their pale neck drawing attention with its slightly raised gland.

Seeing the back of this omega, Qiao Qiao felt they looked familiar.

The omega seemed to sense someone looking at them and turned around.

“Xiao Qiao?” Seeing Qiao Qiao’s still-blank expression, the omega smiled slightly. “A02, Peng Qi. We’re neighbors.”

Qiao Qiao’s house number was A01.

Realization dawned on Qiao Qiao—this was the omega from next door.

Qiao Qiao said, “What a coincidence.”

Peng Qi smiled gently, his gaze flowing like water over Zhang Peng’s face. “Isn’t it?” As he spoke, the faint fragrance around him seemed to drift like smoke toward them.

Qiao Qiao could tell that Peng Qi was trying to control his scent; otherwise, it wouldn’t be so faint.

But for some reason, Qiao Qiao still felt something was off.

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