Previously on Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life...
Ye Qiu struggles under his sister Ye Qing's constant demands and the family's preference for her, even as he tries to focus on his studies.
The family celebrates the upcoming birthday of Grandma Li, who favors her granddaughter Ye Qing over her grandsons.
Ye Qing insists they bake a cake for Grandma, with Ye Qiu doing all the work while Ye Qing takes the credit.
""Qingqing has arrived, do come and sit by Grandma’s side."Li Zhaodi had not experienced a smooth youth, but her marital life brought her considerable prosperity. This was especially true with her two sons; the elder is a high-ranking executive at a major corporation, possessing both influence and a prestigious position, while the younger operates his own flourishing business, furnishing her with an annual income that surpasses the wildest dreams of many salaried professionals.As a result, the matriarch now enjoys a life of ease and comfort, maintaining robust health. Today marks her seventieth birthday, and though surrounded by kin and friends, her gaze invariably seeks out Ye Qing first.Ye Qing is adorned in a daffodil-yellow dress today, radiating an undeniable youthful charm that perfectly aligns with the elder lady’s aesthetic sensibilities."My, my, Qingqing is here, growing ever more graceful and beautiful. I do wonder which fortunate young man will have the pleasure of marrying you in the future.""The Old Lady likely cannot bear the thought of such a radiant granddaughter leaving her side!"Playful jests filled the air, their recipients’ eyes sparkling with enviable affection.Li Zhaodi’s face beamed with delight as she tenderly clasped Ye Qing’s hand. "I have but one granddaughter; how could I bear to see her wed? Moreover, our Qingqing is a stellar student. When she does decide to marry, it should be after careful consideration and years of wise selection.""Indeed, that is the wisest course.""I truly envy you, Old Lady. Your offspring and progeny are all so accomplished, freeing you from any familial concerns.""Not at all, each generation finds its own path to happiness. I haven’t truly guided them; they’ve all achieved their success through their own merits," Li Zhaodi responded with humble grace, though a subtle undercurrent of pride colored her expression. "Especially my granddaughter. You all suggest she lacks for nothing in terms of comfort and sustenance within our family, so why should a young lady exert herself unduly?""That perspective is outdated; in contemporary times, men and women stand as equals. Such antiquated biases have no place. Young women, too, can harbor ambitions as grand as any young man’s. Your granddaughter, I perceive, must be a truly exceptional individual."Li Zhaodi’s laughter grew more buoyant at this praise, and she affectionately patted Ye Qing’s hand. "My sole wish for her is not excessive ambition, but a life filled with happiness and smooth sailing."These well-wishes, while perhaps genuine for some, held undertones of envy or even disdain for others. A life of happiness and ease? While seemingly modest, how many individuals in this vast world truly attain such a state?Yet, given the Ye family’s evident doting upon their daughter, Ye Qing is undeniably cradled in a cocoon of privilege. It is essential, however, to ensure this indulgence does not warp her perspective; life necessitates experiencing adversity, as those outside the family circle are rarely as lenient."Grandma!" Ye Qing exclaimed with endearing shyness, her flushed cheeks enhancing her luminous beauty. "I’ve prepared a birthday cake for you. Please, do try it.""Why go to such lengths to bake one? Such effort! Purchasing one would have sufficed." Grandma chuckled with affectionate indulgence before unveiling the box. Her eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Oh, my, it looks rather delightful.""The floral decorations adorning the top were meticulously hand-painted by myself, and the fruits were cut by my own hand. Though, I did receive some assistance from my brother when it came to the actual baking." "Hmm, it’s quite lovely. I truly never anticipated you possessed the skill to bake a cake, my dear." She subtly overlooked Ye Qiu, who had long grown accustomed to such omissions."Cousin Ye Qing can bake a cake? You must have been the one to make it!" Ye Qiu found himself addressed unexpectedly by Ye Zhe, his cousin. Much like Ye Qiu, Ye Zhe had also lived under the pervasive shadow of Ye Qing’s prominence.However, Ye Zhe’s circumstances were somewhat more favorable than Ye Qiu’s. Despite his father’s adoration for his cousin, his mother’s affections were solely directed towards him. If anyone within the family could truly comprehend Ye Qiu’s experiences, it was undoubtedly his cousin, Ye Zhe."How did you discern that?""Is it even necessary to ponder? Our dear cousin, who wouldn’t even dispose of refuse unless prompted, would she truly engage in culinary endeavors with her own hands?" Ye Zhe retorted with a mocking tone, followed by a sigh. "She is fortunate to be born into our esteemed family. Many households favor their sons, a plight we brothers unfortunately share."Ye Qiu remained silent. One might speculate that even his cousin, Ye Zhe, lacked a complete understanding of the realities of his home life. However, if he himself remained indifferent, then their perceptions held little consequence.His parents had raised him, and he would not abandon them in their declining years. Yet, he certainly would not dedicate himself to them as he had in his previous existence, nor offer them unconditional devotion as they seemed to expect. Given their profound affection for his sister, perhaps it would be more fitting for her to tend to their needs later in life, though the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. But then again, is that not precisely what they desire?"Mmm, this cake is remarkably delicious!" Li Zhaodi took an enthusiastic bite, her joy overflowing. She promptly beckoned to everyone, proudly presenting Ye Qing's creation. "All of you must sample this; I’ve tasted countless desserts, but none have reached this level of exquisite flavor."
While some were skeptical, assuming it was merely the Old Lady boasting about her granddaughter, the cake presented before them made refusal impossible. They tasted it with doubt, only to be completely captivated, each person wondering if the Old Lady's granddaughter had truly crafted this masterpiece.
If this was indeed her creation, the adoration the family showered upon her was well-deserved; such a skill could undoubtedly elevate any restaurant to fame.
Now, the reason for the Old Lady's obvious preference for her granddaughter over her two grandsons became clear. The granddaughter was exceptional in every regard – not only did she possess good looks and excel in her studies, but her cake-making abilities were also first-rate. And this was just what was visible; who knew what other hidden talents she might possess?
Previously, everyone had thought Ye Qing was excessively doted upon. However, witnessing her today, it was evident that she truly earned all the affection. They began to ponder if they had suitable young men in their own families, speculating that at this rate, many would clamor for a marriage alliance with the Ye Family!
"Old Lady, you are indeed blessed with great fortune to have such a granddaughter. Your future days will surely be filled with joy!"
Li Zhaodi's laughter was so hearty that her eyes nearly vanished: "Thank you for your kind words. Please, hurry and enjoy the cake. Once more guests arrive, there might not be any left."
Her words were unnecessary; with a cake this delectable, it was natural that no one would want to leave any for others. Once again, they let out sighs, lamenting why their own families lacked such an outstanding granddaughter.
"Did you really make this?" Ye Zhe inquired in a hushed tone. Unlike the others, he suspected that Ye Qiu was the true creator, which only deepened his astonishment. Since when did his little cousin possess such a remarkable talent?
"Just eat yours!" Ye Qiu replied, pressing a piece of cake into his mouth, neither confirming nor denying. However, Ye Zhe resolved in his heart that one day, he would witness his little cousin display his full prowess.
"Don't you feel any envy?" While Ye Qing effortlessly charmed the elders, eliciting hearty laughter, Ye Zhe leaned closer to Ye Qiu and whispered, "Don't tell me you don't; sometimes, when I see my dad showering our cousin with praise, it genuinely irritates me."
"What is there to envy?" Ye Qiu responded impassively, contemplating that even if he felt envy, what benefit would it bring? Who would pay heed? Instead, they would accuse him of immaturity, so why invite such scorn?
Ye Zhe let out a couple of disdainful 'tsk-tsk' sounds: "No wonder you two are considered true siblings. As for me, I don't feel envy; I still believe being an only child is superior. Otherwise, given how much my father dotes on his daughter, I'd likely have no standing at home."
Ye Qiu merely offered a faint smile, his gaze distant, as he observed Ye Qing gracefully mingling amongst the adults, like a vibrant butterfly.
