Chapter 181 The Most Precious Gift
Chapter 181 The Most Precious Gift
"Thank you, Uncle. I will." Zhu Ziqing nodded solemnly, her eyes full of determination.
Tan Haoyu gently squeezed Zhu Ziqing's hand and reminded her with a smile, "Ziqing, it's time to greet people."
Zhu Ziqing snapped out of her daze, her face slightly flushed, and awkwardly called out, "Dad..."
Mr. Tan nodded, a rare smile appearing on his face: "Yes, we're family now, don't be too reserved."
Zhu Ziqing felt a warmth in her heart, never expecting that the elders of the Tan family would accept her so easily.
She had expected some twists and turns, and was even prepared to be questioned, but the heartwarming scene before her surprised and delighted her.
Just then, Mrs. Tan suddenly took off a gold bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Zhu Ziqing with a smile: "Ziqing, this is the family heirloom of the Tan family's daughter-in-law. Today I am handing it over to you."
Zhu Ziqing was taken aback for a moment, then looked at Tan Haoyu somewhat at a loss. Tan Haoyu nodded, indicating that she should accept it.
"Thank you, Mom." Zhu Ziqing accepted the gold bracelet, her heart filled with gratitude.
Mrs. Tan personally put the gold bracelet on her wrist and nodded with satisfaction: "It looks really good, it suits you perfectly."
Zhu Ziqing looked down at the gold bracelet on her wrist, a warm feeling welling up inside her. This bracelet not only symbolized the Tan family's approval, but also represented that she had officially become a member of this family.
Just then, a series of light footsteps came from the doorway.
"Mom! I'm back!" Tan Xiaoxuan's voice was clear and melodious, with a hint of coquetry.
She walked quickly to her mother's side, hugged her arm affectionately, and pouted, complaining, "Mom, why didn't you bring me a gift? I'm your favorite daughter!"
Mrs. Tan smiled and patted her hand: "You silly child, you start acting all cute as soon as you get back. Of course I missed you, you'll definitely get a gift."
Tan Xiaoxuan giggled as she let go of her mother, turned around and rushed to her father, asking in a coquettish tone, "Dad, did you miss me?"
Mr. Tan's stern demeanor vanished completely in front of Tan Xiaoxuan, replaced by a loving expression: "Of course I want to. You silly girl, once you're out, you never know how to come home."
Tan Xiaoxuan smiled smugly, then her gaze fell on Tan Haoyu, and she blinked: "Brother, what about you? Have you missed me?"
Tan Haoyu frowned and said in a serious tone, "Xiaoxuan, don't be disrespectful to your elders."
Tan Xiaoxuan stuck out her tongue, clearly unconcerned about her brother's criticism.
Zhu Ziqing stood to the side, watching Tan Xiaoxuan act coquettishly in front of her parents and brother, and couldn't help but feel a little envious. She had never experienced such a family atmosphere, nor had she ever had the opportunity to be so willful in front of her parents.
Her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to her childhood. In her memory, her home was always filled with arguments and violence. Her mother was often verbally abused by her father until she couldn't lift her head, and was even beaten until she was covered in bruises. And she could only hide in a corner, watching helplessly.
"If only I could have a harmonious family like Xiaoxuan's..." Zhu Ziqing sighed silently in her heart.
Tan Haoyu seemed to sense her emotions, gently took her hand, and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"
Zhu Ziqing shook her head and forced a smile: "It's nothing, I just feel that Xiaoxuan is very happy."
Tan Haoyu looked at her, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes. He knew about Zhu Ziqing's past and the pain in her heart.
He held her hand tightly, his voice firm: "From now on, this will be your home. We will always be with you."
Zhu Ziqing nodded slightly after hearing this.
Tan Haoyu noticed Zhu Ziqing's emotional fluctuations, gently put his arm around her waist, and whispered in her ear, "Don't overthink it, this is your home from now on."
Zhu Ziqing looked up and met Tan Haoyu's gentle gaze, instantly feeling at ease. She nodded, a relieved smile on her face: "Yes, I know."
She realized that she had become a member of the Tan family and was no longer that lonely girl. She could also have a warm and harmonious family, which made her feel incredibly happy.
Tan Haoyu held her hand tightly, as if conveying a silent sense of security. Zhu Ziqing felt the warmth of his palm and her heart was filled with peace.
Just then, Tan Xiaoxuan shouted, "I'm hungry! Aunt Liu, is the food ready?"
Aunt Liu poked her head out from the kitchen and replied with a smile, "Everything was ready a long time ago, just waiting for you."
Tan Xiaoxuan immediately grabbed her parents' arms and said with a grin, "Dad, Mom, let's go eat first! I'm starving."
Mr. Tan shook his head helplessly, his tone full of affection: "You child, you're always so impulsive."
Tan's mother smiled and patted Tan Xiaoxuan's hand: "Let's go, don't keep everyone waiting."
Seeing this, Tan Haoyu gently tugged at Zhu Ziqing's hand and whispered, "Don't worry, I've got you covered."
Zhu Ziqing nodded, a smile appearing on her face: "With you here, I'm not worried."
At the dinner table, the Tan family strictly adhered to the family rule of "no talking while eating or sleeping," creating a quiet and solemn atmosphere. Zhu Ziqing discreetly observed Mr. and Mrs. Tan, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly: No wonder Tan Haoyu is so outstanding; it turns out his parents are equally remarkable people.
Mr. Tan was elegant in demeanor, exuding composure in every gesture; Mrs. Tan was gentle and dignified, her eyes radiating love. Zhu Ziqing secretly felt fortunate to be a member of this family.
After dinner, Mrs. Tan felt unwell after a long day, so she went to her room to rest early. Mr. Tan went to his study to handle some business.
Following behind Tan Haoyu and Zhu Ziqing, Tan Xiaoxuan playfully asked, "Brother, sister-in-law, what are you planning to do tonight?"
Tan Haoyu glanced at her and said indifferently, "It's almost Chinese New Year, do you want your lucky money to be taken away again?"
Tan Xiaoxuan immediately covered her mouth, feigning a wronged expression: "Brother, how could you do this! I'm your dearest sister!"
Zhu Ziqing couldn't help but laugh out loud, finding Tan Xiaoxuan really adorable.
Seeing this, Tan Xiaoxuan blinked and said with a grin, "Then I won't bother you anymore. I wish you a good rest and that you'll give me a little nephew or niece soon!"
After saying that, she turned and ran, leaving behind a string of crisp laughter.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ziqing blushed deeply and lowered her head, not daring to look at Tan Haoyu. In her heart, however, she felt that this family was truly interesting, full of warmth and joy.
Tan Haoyu looked at Zhu Ziqing's shy expression, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. He gently took her hand and whispered, "Don't mind her, she's just being playful."
Zhu Ziqing felt somewhat relieved after hearing this.
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