"So cute," Lu Sisi's eyes sparkled.
Di Jianhan felt no closeness to his granddaughter, whom he had never met, nor any affection.
When he learned that Di Mingjue had a daughter with an unknown woman, and that he had married the unfavored eldest daughter of the Jiang family under the old lady's arrangement, he felt it was a pity.
Qianqian sensed Di Jianhan's rejection and hid nervously in Jiang Ziyu's embrace.
Seeing this, Di Jianhan couldn't help but grumble, "So timid, where is the demeanor of a Di family member!"
The chopsticks fell onto the plate with a crisp sound, indicating Di Mingjue's displeasure.
Lu Sisi, always looking for an opportunity to break their defenses, seized on Di Jianhan's words. "I was also shy when I was young; I'll get better as I grow older."
After speaking, she didn't forget to praise Qianqian again.
Goodwill was the best tool for winning hearts, especially in front of simple children.
Qianqian lowered her guard and curiously peeked out from behind Jiang Ziyu to observe Lu Sisi.
Sensing her gaze, Lu Sisi immediately offered her a warm smile.
Jiang Ziyu, however, was not Qianqian; she knew very well whether the other party was sincere or not.
"Are you full?" she asked, looking down.
Qianqian, in her arms, thought for a moment and nodded at her.
Upon learning she was full, Jiang Ziyu picked Qianqian up from her high chair. "Grandma, we're done eating and will head upstairs to rest."
The old lady, mindful of her injuries not yet fully healed, agreed.
However, Di Jianhan was unhappy.
"Am I that unnoticeable?"
Jiang Ziyu paused and looked at Di Jianhan. "Dad, please enjoy your meal."
"What Dad? Do you admit you're my daughter-in-law?" Di Jianhan deliberately tried to embarrass her.
But this was purely him seeking trouble for himself.
Not only did Jiang Ziyu not mind, but she also received Di Mingjue's spirited defense. Even the old lady stood by her, rebuking Di Jianhan's actions.
Having lost face in public, Di Jianhan and Jiang Ziyu had a feud brewing.
The dinner ultimately ended on an unhappy note. After Di Mingjue took Jiang Ziyu upstairs, the old lady lost her appetite. Only Di Jianhan and Lu Sisi remained at the dining table.
"Uncle, you're too foolish," Lu Sisi revealed her true colors as the others left.
"Why do you say that?"
"Think about it, Brother Mingjue is doting on her now. With you so openly disliking and opposing her, do you think Mingjue will listen to you, given his personality? You're actually pushing Brother Mingjue closer to her." Lu Sisi analyzed for him.
Even a blockhead would get it.
Di Jianhan slapped his forehead. "How could I not have thought of that!"
"From now on, you should play the role of a grandfather and father well, and let their own feelings break down."
Guided by Lu Sisi, Di Jianhan ordered a servant to prepare some food and send it to the second floor under his name.
Di Mingjue, upon hearing the servant, accepted the food delivered.
This further validated Lu Sisi's words to Di Jianhan, who struck while the iron was hot and personally went upstairs to apologize.
Faced with Di Jianhan's sincere apology, Di Mingjue felt somewhat unaccustomed to it.
"I've failed you over the years. After returning, I was too eager to be a good father and tried to interfere in your life. Sisi is right, as a family, we just need to live together healthily and happily. There's no need to cause such a commotion over things that won't happen.
Since you don't want to marry Sisi, treat her as a sister. She's also told me multiple times that she only sees you as a brother and doesn't intend to disrupt your current married life. You, on the other hand, shouldn't keep rejecting her presence, as she is also my savior."
Faced with Di Jianhan's humble words, Di Mingjue was moved.
His bent back and distressed expression were tugging at Di Mingjue's heart.