They entered the villa.
Zheng Shufen held Wang Guiying's hand, chatting in the living room.
Tian Erhao and Yuan Gangzhou looked around, taking in the villa.
Yuan Gangzhou couldn't help but exclaim upon seeing the luxurious decorations and expensive furniture.
Upon hearing this, Tian Erhao said, "This isn't their house; they're borrowing it from someone. It's nothing!"
He then pulled Yuan Gangzhou to sit beside him.
"Guiying, Xiaoyu, we'll go out for dinner tonight. What do you want to eat?" Zheng Shufen asked.
Wang Guiying immediately replied, "Why go out? We can just eat at home! Cooking at home is more hygienic and nutritious!"
Tian Yu seconded, "That's right, Aunt Zheng. We can cook at home. My mom and I can help. There's no need to eat out!"
It was clear they wanted to save Zheng Shufen money.
Although they hadn't been in contact for many years and had only recently reconnected, Wang Guiying had heard about Qin Yi's family's situation over the years.
Qin Yi had been in prison for committing a crime and had only recently been released. His family was currently staying in a friend's house...
In the hearts of Wang Guiying and Tian Yu, their family's current financial situation must be very difficult, so they didn't want Zheng Shufen to spend money.
Zheng Shufen waved her hand and said, "Oh, Guiying, don't be so polite. If we cook at home, we don't even have any groceries. Let's go out to eat!"
"Aunt Wang, tell us what you want to eat. Don't be shy!"
Qin Yi deliberately said, "Don't worry, it's just a meal. We can afford it!"
"Besides, when we were kids, Xiaolei and I ate so much at your place. Since you've come to our home today, we must entertain you well!"
"But..."
Wang Guiying wanted to say something else, but as soon as she uttered two words, Tian Erhao cut in, "Qin Yi is right, Mom, sis. Don't be too polite. If you keep being so reserved, it'll be like you're not giving Qin Yi and Aunt Zheng face!"
"Qin Yi, my mom and the others are too embarrassed to say, so I'll choose where to eat!"
Tian Erhao took out his phone and started searching for nearby restaurants and famous eateries.
In a moment, Tian Erhao found a target and said, "This hotel has a high rating, and many reviews say the food is delicious. Let's go here..."
He showed his phone to Qin Yi.
Qin Yi was stunned when he saw the choice, as the place selected was the Imperial Court Hotel.
Seeing that Qin Yi didn't immediately respond, Tian Erhao thought he was scared and unwilling.
He pursed his lips and said with a hint of disdain, "If you don't want to treat, then you choose yourself. What's the point of me choosing and you not agreeing?"
Tian Yu came over and, seeing that Tian Erhao had chosen the Imperial Court Hotel, the best hotel in Haicheng, she thought about grabbing him in exasperation but dodged her.
Just as Tian Yu was about to pull Tian Erhao aside to have a word with him, Qin Yi spoke, "No problem. If Erhao wants to eat at this hotel, we'll go tonight!"
Tian Yu turned back and quickly grabbed Qin Yi's arm, whispering, "Erhao is just messing around. Brother Qin Yi, don't take him seriously..."
Before Qin Yi could reply, Tian Erhao loudly exclaimed, "Qin Yi, you promised! Don't go back on your word!"
Tian Yu was furious. "Tian Erhao!!!"
Tian Erhao ignored her, not paying her any mind.
Qin Yi nodded with a chuckle, "I did."
Then, at around four or five o'clock, Tian Erhao impatiently urged everyone to leave for the Imperial Court Hotel.
He was afraid that if they were any later, Qin Yi might change his mind and go back on his word.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Court Hotel and seeing the luxurious surroundings, Wang Guiying and Tian Yu were astonished again.
This was the first time they had ever dined at a hotel of this caliber.
Even Tian Erhao and Yuan Gangzhou were secretly impressed.
Zheng Shufen pulled Qin Yi aside and whispered, "Xiaoyi, how much will it cost to eat here?"
"Don't worry, Mom, this is Xin Xin's family's business. It won't cost much!" Qin Yi reassured her.
Zheng Shufen looked at him in surprise and relaxed slightly.
Later, seeing how high-class the Imperial Court Hotel was, Wang Guiying and Tian Yu felt that the expenses would surely be high and kept suggesting they change the venue.
It was only due to Qin Yi's insistence that they didn't leave.
Finally, Qin Yi requested a private room, and the waiter brought the menu for Wang Guiying and the others to order.
Wang Guiying and Tian Yu ordered only a few home-style dishes, while Tian Erhao and Yuan Gangzhou ordered many main courses. In the end, if Tian Yu hadn't snatched the menu back, Tian Erhao would have ordered much more.
During this time, Qin Yi called Qin Lei, informing her that they were having dinner at the Imperial Court Hotel and asking her to come directly after work.
"Guiying, Xiaoyi caused your family so much trouble a few days ago. I'll apologize to you on his behalf again!" Zheng Shufen said sincerely.
Wang Guiying immediately waved her hand, "It's all in the past. Let's not talk about what happened! Besides, Xiaoyi did it with good intentions, to help us!"
"Brother Qin Yi did it all to help me by beating up Xiu Qiang and the others. I should be thanking Brother Qin Yi instead!" Tian Yu said.
Tian Erhao suddenly remembered something and chimed in, "By the way, Qin Yi, you should really thank Brother Yuan!"
"What???"
Qin Yi was puzzled.
Not only he, but Zheng Shufen and Tian Yu were also unable to react to Tian Erhao's sudden remark, not understanding what he meant.
Feeling the confused gazes of everyone, Tian Erhao smacked his lips and said, "Qin Yi, you beat up Xiu Qiang and his gang. Xiu Qiang was going to retaliate, but Brother Yuan smoothed things over with Xiu Qiang, which made him afraid to continue bothering our family!"
"Similarly, it's precisely because of Brother Yuan that Xiu Qiang didn't dare to seek revenge on you, Qin Yi!"
"If it weren't for Brother Yuan, even if you were in Haicheng, Xiu Qiang wouldn't have let it go. He would have definitely found you and dealt with you!"
"So, Qin Yi, Brother Yuan saved your life. Shouldn't you thank Brother Yuan properly?"
Wang Guiying and Tian Yu both showed a look of realization. So that's what he was talking about.
Zheng Shufen's expression turned to shock.
So it was Yuan Gangzhou who prevented Xiu Qiang from bothering Tian Yu and her family afterward, and who stopped Xiu Qiang from seeking revenge on Qin Yi!
Before, when she spoke to Wang Guiying on the phone, the latter had only told her that the Xiu Qiang incident had been resolved, without mentioning how it was resolved.
At this moment, Zheng Shufen couldn't help but feel immensely grateful to Yuan Gangzhou. She even stood up from her seat.
She solemnly thanked Yuan Gangzhou, "Little Yuan, thank you for helping us this time. If it weren't for you, Xiaoyu she..."
Before she could finish, Qin Yi interrupted her, frowning, "Who told you that he smoothed things over with Xiu Qiang?"