Page 422

"Hmph! After all, we’re friends. Gu Xiaoxi, you’re a bit too cold-hearted," Jing Haoran’s heart felt ice-cold, the Fairy Sister he fancied had actually become his good brother’s woman.

He didn’t even receive a hug of friendship in the end.

Quan Shaoqing shoved him away, not treating him as a brother at all.

It was as if they were archenemies!

"Go wherever it’s cool and stay there! I’m warning you, this is my wife, so get lost!" Quan Shaoqing domineeringly pulled Gu Xiaoxi into his arms and strode toward the villa, completely ignoring Jing Haoran standing on the roadside.

Jing Haoran was so angry he almost exploded, pointing at Young Master Quan’s back, speechless for a long time.

"Quan Shaoqing, you’re a bully!"

When Gu Xiaoxi heard Jing Haoran’s howling, she was speechless!

This guy hadn’t changed a bit from his mischievous self after not seeing him for several months.

The living room was bustling with activity.

Song Xu and Qiu Ci were busy preparing dinner with the family chef.

Quan Gui and Jing Mingcheng sat on the sofa discussing matters.

Jing Yuan was playing with toys with Quan Mo by his side.

When they saw Gu Xiaoxi enter, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the door.

Gu Xiaoxi, wearing a long-sleeved shirt and simple leather pants, had a slender figure that was endlessly charming no matter how you looked at her.

Quan Shaoqing and Gu Xiaoxi wore matching white shirts, and his black trousers were sharp, complementing his broad shoulders and generous chest. He held Gu Xiaoxi’s hand and never let go.

Even when everyone’s gaze fell upon them, Quan Shaoqing still held Gu Xiaoxi’s hand and moved forward to greet Quan Gui and Jing Mingcheng respectfully.

"Dad, Uncle Jing. We’re back," Quan Shaoqing said with a smile that was just right.

Gu Xiaoxi also bent down and gave a gentle smile, "Dad, Uncle Jing. Merry Christmas."

It was a good day, celebrated nationwide. In the past, there was never a holiday during the festivities, but now there were three days off, thanks to Mr. President.

What Gu Xiaoxi didn’t know was that for the first time in many years, they had placed in a world competition. Therefore, this Christmas, all military personnel were given a holiday as a reward.

"Merry Christmas," Quan Gui and Jing Mingcheng said with a smile to each other.

Quan Gui immediately said to Gu Xiaoxi, "We’re all family here, no need for formalities."

"Yes!" Only then did Gu Xiaoxi turn to Song Xu, let go of Quan Shaoqing’s hand, and walked over to hold her hand, smiling, "Mom, Merry Christmas. And Auntie Qiu Ci too!"

Her polite and cheerful voice melted the hearts of the elders as they listened.

"It’s good that you’re back! The banquet was originally set for noon, but you had last-minute matters.

We had to postpone it until the afternoon.

We’ve only seen you once in several months.

Xiao Xi, you must be exhausted from the past few months!

" Song Xu quickly pulled Gu Xiaoxi aside for a closer look.

Thankfully, Gu Xiaoxi still looked radiant and her skin was so good it was enviable.

Only then did she feel relieved.

"Mom, sorry to worry you. I’m doing great, just missing you a bit. We came back immediately after completing our mission," Gu Xiaoxi explained.

Qiu Ci, who looked much younger than Song Xu, glanced at Gu Xiaoxi’s delicate face and her fair skin, and couldn’t help but laugh, "This girl, despite such rigorous training, your skin is still as good as ever. It seems Shaoqing really dotes on you."

"Auntie Qiu Ci, I naturally have good skin, no harsh environment can spoil it," Gu Xiaoxi said with a smile. No matter what, Quan Shaoqing did pamper her a lot. But that had nothing to do with having good or bad skin!

"Indeed, Song Xu’s daughter-in-law is the most beautiful. Poor Haoran, always dreaming of the Fairy Sister, but in the end, she’s someone else’s wife," Qiu Ci joked.

Song Xu immediately glared at her, showing displeasure, "Now the daughter-in-law is ours. You better get Haoran to give up soon. Otherwise, don’t let him come to tonight’s banquet."

Gu Xiaoxi watched the two elders from the side, their boat of friendship ready to capsize at any moment.

She was suddenly full of black lines, stood up awkwardly, immediately releasing Song Xu’s hand, and quickly pointed to Quan Mo who was eagerly looking at her not far away, "Mom, I’m going to see Momo. Also, is dinner ready? We haven’t eaten all afternoon and we’re really hungry!"

Upon hearing this, Song Xu immediately directed the housemaids to serve the meal, getting ready to eat.

Gu Xiaoxi walked toward the play mat where Quan Mo was.

She was sitting there, building LEGO with Jing Yuan.

Seeing Gu Xiaoxi approaching, she immediately raised her hands, wanting a hug, "Mommy, you finally noticed Quan Mo."

She was a very understanding little girl, usually during adult conversations,

Even if she wanted someone to hold her, she would never fuss or cling without reason.

Gu Xiaoxi felt that Quan Mo was much more serene and obedient than herself as a child.

"Building LEGO, did you complete all of this?" Gu Xiaoxi asked as she picked up Quan Mo and sat on the play mat. It was evident that Quan Mo’s LEGO constructions weren’t just random clumsy little castles.

Suddenly, it looked like a magnificent and wealthy urban district.

Upon closer inspection, it was none other than the Fragrant Hill Villa Park they were currently residing in.

Moreover, every villa in the park was constructed with incredible likeness, even the gardens and flowerbeds at the entrance were remarkably similar.

"Of course I did it myself. Uncle Jing made some corrections and gave me some guidance," Quan Mo said proudly, lifting her face with a smile.

Gu Xiaoxi touched her head, unable to resist praising, "Quan Mo is so talented, you could become a great designer when you grow up."

"Yeah, I know. Because Uncle Jing said the same thing," Quan Mo replied with a proud and innocent smile.

Jing Yuan sat on the side, observing Gu Xiaoxi and noticed that she had become even more beautiful after not seeing her for a few months. Her little face, having lost the baby fat on her chin, appeared more three-dimensional and delicate, radiating vitality.

"You did well on your first mission, even becoming the lead captain," Jing Yuan said while playing with the Legos, his smile beaming.

Gu Xiaoxi nodded, looking back at him, "So what are you trying to say?"

"I just wanted to compliment you. But..." Jing Yuan paused, then looking up into Gu Xiaoxi’s eyes, he spoke in a serious tone, "I have always been curious, what ability do you have?"

Just as Jing Haoran has tricolor pupils that can control people’s thoughts.

But he couldn’t see through what abilities Gu Xiaoxi possessed, especially since Jing Haoran had been with her for so long and was still completely clueless.

This made him even more curious.

Gu Xiaoxi’s long eyelashes playfully fluttered as she smiled, "That’s my secret, why should I tell you?"

"You ..." Jing Yuan was suddenly lost for words.

"Alright, everyone, wash your hands. It’s time for dinner," Song Xu called out from the dining room.

Gu Xiaoxi could smell the aroma of red wine from afar.

At that moment, everyone stopped what they were doing, washed their hands, and headed towards the dining room.

Gu Xiaoxi picked up Quan Mo to wash her hands.

The little girl whispered excitedly in Gu Xiaoxi’s ear, "Mommy, can you stay with me tonight? Just until I fall asleep."

Anxious not to have her little request denied, Quan Mo clenched her fingers and cautiously stared at Gu Xiaoxi, waiting for an answer.

Gu Xiaoxi, seeing her sensitive look, felt a pang of heartache.

Quan Mo had never had the company of her biological parents since she was little, so she longed for family affection and craved love.

Therefore, Gu Xiaoxi leaned down, kissed her beautiful cheek, and said with a smile, "Of course I can, I’ll even tell you a story."

"Yay!" Quan Mo excitedly put out her hands and hugged Gu Xiaoxi’s neck. She held on tightly, as if embracing a rare treasure.

Those small arms could touch the depths of one’s heart the most.

Gu Xiaoxi felt as though her heart was melting in an instant.

The Christmas dinner was lavish, even tastier than the cuisine prepared by the chefs on the ship to Dream Island.

There were many dishes whose names Gu Xiaoxi couldn’t even pronounce.

But they were truly delicious.

Quan Mo ate with joy because she had Gu Xiaoxi and Quan Shaoqing with her. At the dining table, both took great care of her.

Quan Gui and Song Xu were also very happy, the only regret being the absence of their eldest son and daughter-in-law.

The people of the Jing family were also very happy because the two families could be said to appreciate each other. It was worthwhile to have made a friend like Quan Gui.

The one probably feeling the least happy right now was Jing Haoran, remembering the kick he got from Quan Shaoqing...

His behind still hurt.

He swore that he would never be friends with Quan Shaoqing again.

"Let’s raise our glasses to celebrate a Merry Christmas," Quan Gui said with a laugh: "This can be said to be the first time we gather for such an important holiday. Mingcheng has always been too busy to celebrate Christmas. Taking a break this time is indeed rare for him."

As Mr. President, holidays were usually the busiest times for him. Various banquets would make his head spin, yet he would still have to attend each one. Fortunately, this year, he gave everyone a holiday, and he himself was able to take half a day off to spend with family and friends.

"I’m taking advantage of your holiday this time. I also want to thank Shaoqing and sister-in-law for their contributions to the country over the years. Here, I give this toast as a token of my appreciation," Jing Mingcheng laughed.

However, Quan Shaoqing replied with an air of pride, "I did it for the country, not for you. Uncle Jing, you should say that we all did it for the stability of our country. Let’s drink to that."

"Hahaha! Right, Shaoqing is correct, cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses, and in the dining room twinkling with lights, laughter could be heard far away.

This family, for the first time, celebrated a festival with such liveliness. The atmosphere was harmonious and joyous, with everyone’s faces beaming with bright smiles.