Previously on Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life...
Ye Qiu's parents, Han Hui and Ye Peilin, regret their past favoritism towards their daughter, Ye Qing, and neglect of their son, Ye Qiu. Realizing their mistakes too late, they understand the emotional distance that has grown between them and Ye Qiu, who now finds comfort and love with his in-laws. Determined to make amends, they decide to visit Ye Qiu's in-laws to apologize and offer what they can.
Observing the mingled anticipation and apprehension on her mother-in-law’s face, He Xixian felt a pang but maintained her pleasant demeanor. "Of course, you are Lin Lin’s grandmother. It’s only natural for you to visit him," she replied.
"His name is Lin Lin!" Han Hui echoed softly, then cautiously followed He Xixian, her movements delicate as if afraid of disturbing the slumbering child.
Mrs. He watched from the sidelines, a gentle shake of her head betraying her thoughts. While her mother-in-law appeared somewhat pitiable, Mrs. He questioned the timing of this newfound affection. "To be so indifferent to one's own son and grandson for so long," she mused, "people say that even if parents don't favor their children, they cherish their grandchildren unconditionally. Yet, for two years since our grandson's birth, my in-laws showed no concern. Now, they seek to mend fences?"
As He Xixian and Han Hui entered the room, the child stirred. He didn't cry out but instead greeted his mother with a wide, beaming smile, his eyes crinkling as he reached out to be embraced, instantly melting He Xixian's heart.
Han Hui gazed intently at her grandson, noting the striking resemblance to her son and the pure joy radiating from his smile. Her heart softened, but a curious glance from the child stirred a tempest of emotions within her.
The little boy was clearly thriving in a nurturing environment, his smile bright and uninhibited. Even facing this unfamiliar woman, he showed no signs of fear or reluctance.
"Lin Lin, this is Grandma," He Xixian instructed gently.
"Grandma?" Lin Lin tilted his head, a look of gentle confusion gracing his features at the unfamiliar title.
From beside him, Han Hui responded with immediate warmth, "Yes?"
She extended her hand as if to hold him, then hesitated, pulling back with a touch of awkwardness. A flicker of concern crossed her face as she glanced at He Xixian, a silent plea for permission.
Internally, He Xixian felt a wave of unease. "Where was this maternal affection during my pregnancy and childbirth?" she wondered. "Who is this performance for now?"
Despite her own and her mother's lingering resentment, she couldn't deny the child his grandmother, even though that same grandmother had once sought to fracture her marriage.
"Lin Lin, would you like Grandma to hold you for a bit?" she asked the child softly, proceeding to place him in Han Hui's arms as the boy looked on with wide-eyed curiosity.
Han Hui, having previously assisted her daughter Ye Qing with her own child for several months, possessed a comforting knack for holding infants. Lin Lin nestled into her embrace without protest, filling her with an overwhelming joy that brought tears to her eyes.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law then brought the child to the living room. Upon seeing his grandson, Ye Peilin mirrored Han Hui's excitement, finding himself at a loss for words.
Mr. and Mrs. He found the scene difficult to watch. Who wouldn't feel indignant? At their daughter's wedding, the groom's family had sent only two representatives, a fact that relatives had never ceased to criticize. Fortunately, their son-in-law's capabilities had somewhat mitigated their embarrassment.
Now, after their daughter's series of transgressions, they questioned if the Ye family could truly appreciate the merits of their son. Did they intend to arrive and claim the fruits of his labor? Mr. and Mrs. He, who had long since grown deeply attached to their grandson, were resolute in their refusal to let them take him away. Visits were permissible, but relinquishing custody was not an option.
These strong sentiments remained unspoken, confined to their thoughts. After all, they were the child's paternal grandparents. However, the ultimate decision rested with Ye Qiu's stance, a factor that provided both solace and anxiety.
"Lin Lin, this is Grandpa," Han Hui announced, her voice laced with a tenderness she rarely afforded Ye Qiu. She directed her words toward her grandson.
Ye Peilin also spoke nervously, "Lin Lin, I am Grandpa."
Both waited expectantly for the child's response. Lin Lin remained silent for a moment before suddenly reaching for He Xixian, exclaiming, "Mommy, Mommy."
He Xixian, unbothered by the palpable awkwardness of her in-laws, scooped her son into her arms. A quiet sigh of relief escaped her lips. Ultimately, her feelings aligned with those of her parents: given the lack of a prior bond, there was no point in forcing one now.
"Dad, Mom, Lin Lin hasn't had the chance to meet you before. Please don't take it personally," He Xixian said, offering a disarming smile.
Han Hui and Ye Peilin's hands remained by their sides for a beat before they spoke, a hint of self-reproach in their tone. "The child hasn't met us before. It's completely understandable. This is for the best, surely better than being whisked away by a stranger."
"Yes, this is good," Ye Peilin concurred awkwardly, then nudged Han Hui. "Didn't you bring something for the child? You should present it."
Han Hui quickly retrieved her bag and solemnly produced a few small boxes. "I am aware that Lin Lin lacks for nothing, so I've chosen these items as is customary," she explained.
Peering inside, He Xixian saw a delicate gold bracelet, a charming golden pig figurine, and what appeared to be a sizable set of adult-sized gold jewelry.
"These bangles and the little golden pig are meant for Lin Lin. The jewelry is for you, Xianxian. We belatedly realized we had wronged you in many ways. We aren't seeking your forgiveness, merely hope you'll accept these," Han Hui stated, her head bowed profoundly. "Your father and we know you don't require these items now. It's simply a minor token from us."
Witnessing the couple's contrite expressions, Mr. and Mrs. He found themselves unable to interfere and retreated to the kitchen to prepare a meal. With matters having arrived at this juncture, there was little they could effectively say. While past transgressions weren't easily pardoned, the ultimate decision rested with their daughter and son-in-law.
"Dad, Mom, Ye Qiu mentioned that eldest sister isn't doing too well. Why go to the trouble of purchasing these for us?" He Xixian inquired with a sigh, uncertain how to respond.
However, her casual dismissal only amplified Han Hui and Ye Peilin's discomfort. They pondered if their past estrangement from their son and daughter-in-law stemmed solely from their favoritism towards their daughter.
It was an undeniable truth that they had once poured all their attention into their daughter, leaving their son, daughter-in-law, and grandson neglected. Their daughter-in-law harbored valid reasons for her current sentiments.
"There's no need for that. We interfered excessively in Ye Qing's affairs, which led her to develop certain misunderstandings and consequently resulted in us making numerous errors. We shall cease interfering in her life henceforth; it's high time she learned to stand on her own."
"Is that so?" He Xixian was left momentarily speechless. "But you both are getting on in years. Spending such a considerable amount on these gifts seems unnecessary; Ye Qiu will likely refuse them anyway."
The thought of their son sent a wave of panic through Han Hui and Ye Peilin, fearing another confrontation should he appear. They rose hastily. "These are merely our humble offerings. Since we have already acquired them, please do keep them. It's growing late, and we shall not impose further. These are simply welcoming gifts for the child; there's no valid reason to return them. Lin Lin, your Grandpa and Grandma will visit again next time."
"Leaving so abrubtly? Won't you wait for Ye Qiu's return? Please, stay for dinner!" He Xixian entreated.
"No, we have other pressing matters," Han Hui replied as she and her husband departed. They paused at the threshold for one final moment, their voices soft as they added, "Xianxian, we wronged you and the child’s grandfather in the past; we are truly sorry."
He Xixian appeared taken aback for a moment before offering reassurance, "It's alright. It's all in the past now. I don't hold any grudges. Ye Qiu has been treating me well."
