Reborn in the 80s: The Smart Wife with a Secret Space Chapter 1171: Joy Brings Vitality

His son's shift in mood was not missed by his mother, who observed it all.

Granny Zhang, possessing a profound wisdom honed by experience, detected a subtle change and a radiant smile of happiness dawned on her face.

Were her suspicions to prove true, it would indeed be a cause for great joy.

Ever since the previous attempt at matchmaking had failed, her son had adopted a firm stance, declaring he would remain unmarried and live with her for the foreseeable future.

Her numerous attempts to sway him had proven futile; he remained steadfast in his decision.

She had initially planned to enlist Xinyan's help in persuading him once she was less occupied, but it now appeared a revision of her strategy was in order.

While she acknowledged that each child and grandchild charted their own destiny, her advancing years brought a growing desire to see her son find personal contentment, allowing her to depart this world with peace of mind.

Instead of returning home after their departure from the hospital, the mother and son proceeded directly to the Gu family's ancestral residence.

Upon seeing Granny Zhang being assisted into the house, Old Madam Gu inquired with concern, "Old sister, what has happened to you?"

Granny Zhang responded with a touch of embarrassment, "I'm becoming quite useless; I simply sprained my ankle while out and about."

Xinyan, alerted by the sounds of arrival, emerged from within and approached them swiftly, saying, "Let me examine it."

Not wishing to cause Xinyan undue worry, Granny Zhang reassured her, "It's nothing serious. I saw your senior sister at the hospital, and she administered treatment. Fortunately, it's not severe and will only require a few days of rest."

In her current condition, she had not intended to visit but feared Xinyan might fret if they remained absent without explanation.

By a stroke of luck, her son had managed to borrow a vehicle from his workplace, enabling their joint journey.

After Xinyan conducted her examination, she confirmed it was merely a ligament sprain, bringing a wave of relief.

He Jinxuan arrived at this moment, cradling his young brother-in-law. "Granny Zhang, Uncle Shanzi, you've come over?" he greeted.

Zhang Yueshan's gaze fell upon Little Junjun in He Jinxuan's arms, and with a smile, he extended his hand. "Come, let Uncle Shanzi hold you."

Zhang Yueshan's gentle demeanor further solidified Granny Zhang's burgeoning suspicions.

Little Junjun, uncharacteristically unafraid of strangers, readily abandoned his soon-to-be brother-in-law at the invitation and reached out towards Uncle Shanzi.

He Jinxuan playfully patted the child's posterior. "You little rascal."

A wave of laughter immediately filled the room.

Xinyan assisted Granny Zhang to a seat inside. With a smile, Granny Zhang inquired, "How was your trip abroad?"

Xinyan responded with a smile and a nod, "My mind was occupied with many thoughts, and it was naturally quite beneficial. I recognized areas for improvement and am now filled with renewed confidence."

Although Granny Zhang did not fully grasp the nuances of Xinyan's statement, she understood that the journey had significantly broadened Xinyan's perspective. "That's wonderful. Having confidence and ambition is indeed a good thing."

Mr. Gu and Old Madam Gu exchanged pleased glances, their faces alight with admiration.

Mr. Gu then commented, "Reading ten thousand books is not as instructive as traveling ten thousand miles. Venturing out to experience new things expands one's mind and knowledge, and can ignite creativity."

Before long, the conversation naturally shifted towards the topic of Xinyan's upcoming wedding.

Granny Zhang, observing He Jinxuan who was still occupied with the young boy, asked, "Jinxuan, have you made all the necessary arrangements for your new home?"

He Jinxuan responded with a smile directed at Granny Zhang, "Everything is in readiness. I even had the ladies from the family compound inspect it."

As he spoke, his gaze kept drifting towards Xinyan. He reflected on their future life together, envisioning her spending weekends at the family compound. His primary aim was to ensure her comfort and well-being, thus he had invested considerable thought into the house, striving for Xinyan's complete satisfaction.

Xinyan met He Jinxuan's gaze as she looked up, understanding his unspoken desire for her opinion. "Then I shall visit tomorrow and see if it lives up to your description?"

He Jinxuan's eyes conveyed deep affection. "I have eagerly anticipated your visit. Should anything displease you, there is still ample time for me to make adjustments."

A small smile touched Xinyan's lips. This man had truly matured. It seemed that happiness indeed made people more vibrant, as evidenced by his newfound eloquence.

Amidst their conversation, the voice of the eldest aunt could be heard from outside: "Uncle Gu, Aunt Gu, we are here to disturb you once again."

Old Madam Gu, hearing the arrival, promptly rose to greet them. "What are you saying? It brings me immense joy to have you here. This courtyard feels far more lively when filled with guests."

Su Aihong replied with a smile, "Then I shall make it a point to visit more frequently when my schedule permits. You won't find me a nuisance, I assure you."

Su Aihong was aware that Xinyan's was the last remaining branch of the main Gu family, with many other close relatives having relocated overseas years prior. Consequently, the residence had indeed felt somewhat subdued of late.

At that precise moment, Yuan Yikai entered, escorting the visibly pregnant Sun Zhenling. Sun Zhenling offered a warm smile and called out to Old Madam Gu, "Grandma Gu, I have arrived."

Old Madam Gu's gaze fell upon Sun Zhenling's burgeoning belly, and she commented with a smile, "Oh, it's becoming quite apparent now. Have you been experiencing morning sickness recently?"

Sun Zhenling looked towards Xinyan, who was standing a short distance away. "Other than some fleeting morning sickness, the rest of the day has been quite smooth, and I have Mother Han's wonderful plum candy to thank for that."

Old Madam Gu's thoughts then drifted to the Han family's second son, and she turned to Su Aihong. "Speaking of which, isn't your second daughter-in-law expecting her baby soon?"

Su Aihong responded with a warm chuckle, "Not quite yet, it's due around late October. She actually called earlier saying she's on her way, so she should be arriving shortly."

It was at that very moment Han Chunxue entered, accompanied by her second son and his wife. "Aunt Gu, we've arrived."

Old Madam Gu's smile remained unwavering. "Look at how perfectly matched this young couple is. By the way, has their employment situation been sorted out?"

Han Chunxue glanced at her son. "Zhenjun is now working at the post and telecommunications bureau, responsible for delivering shipments to various branches. It's a bit demanding, but at least it provides stable employment," she explained.

Her gaze then shifted to her second daughter-in-law. "Jiewen's health isn't the most robust, so I'm hesitant to have her take on anything too strenuous. She's still exploring her options."

Old Madam Gu looked at He Jiewen, who stood beside Han Chunxue, and addressed her with a smile, "A few days ago, I happened to reconnect with an old acquaintance who now holds a management position at a cinema. She mentioned that the new movie theater is looking to hire staff. Would that be something you might be interested in?"

Upon hearing this, Han Chunxue's eyes lit up at the prospect of working at a cinema, imagining the pleasant role of a ticket seller. "Aunt Gu, are you serious about that?"

Beside her, Su Aihong gently patted her back. "What kind of way is that to ask? Do you think Aunt Gu would ever mislead you?"

Han Chunxue quickly made a motion to dismiss the concern with her hands. "I'm simply overcome with excitement. Sister-in-law, you truly have no idea how challenging it is to find decent work these days."

It wasn't that her eldest or second brothers were unwilling to assist; rather, she simply didn't wish to impose upon them given the number of prying eyes currently observing their family.