He didn't bring his cousin along in the end.
His cousin was right; if things had really kicked off, he could have helped break up the fight.
After returning to Yucheng, they picked up Xia Nuannuan, and the three of them went shopping.
When it was time for dinner, his future mother-in-law called, inviting the three of them over for a meal.
Tang Wen was very good at flattery, keeping the elders laughing, and they all doted on her.
After sitting around for a while after dinner, Qin Tian excused himself, preparing to take his cousin home.
His future mother-in-law tried to persuade them to stay, suggesting Tang Wen stay the night and sleep with Nuannuan.
Tang Wen's eyes lit up, and she looked at Qin Tian expectantly.
However, Qin Tian directly refused.
He was joking; he hadn't even enjoyed that privilege himself yet, so even his cousin couldn't have it.
He drove his cousin back to the village entrance.
"I won't drive into the village. Hurry back!"
Qin Tian turned and said to his cousin.
The village entrance was only two to three hundred meters from home, just a few steps away. He didn't intend to go any further.
"Oh!"
Tang Wen nodded reluctantly.
She had been hoping to sleep with Nuannuan and play together the next day, but her older cousin insisted on seeing her back.
As soon as Tang Wen walked into the village entrance after getting out of the car, she suddenly turned around, waved her arm vigorously, and pointed towards the inside of the village.
Qin Tian looked over and saw the Audi car emerging from the village.
Without a word, he expertly started his car and hit the gas, heading towards Yucheng.
Inside the Audi, Qin Hongwen and Tang Xiuxia had also seen them.
"This child!"
Tang Xiuxia frowned slightly upon seeing him drive away so abruptly.
"It's fine, I'll follow."
Qin Hongwen said with a smile.
Tang Xiuxia rolled down her window and leaned out to call to Tang Wen in front.
"Xiao Wen!"
"Auntie!"
"Hurry back. Your father is angry because you left without a word!"
Tang Xiuxia warned.
"Huh? Doesn't Heng ge know where I went?"
Tang Wen's face showed a flicker of panic.
"Yes, but you can't disappear so suddenly next time. We'll worry."
"Got it. I'll head back then."
"Go ahead!"
Tang Xiuxia nodded.
"Goodbye, Auntie!"
Tang Wen said her goodbyes and ran home.
Qin Hongwen then accelerated his car, drove out of the village entrance, and onto the main road.
He controlled the car, driving at the maximum speed allowed on this road.
However, all the way into Yucheng, he couldn't even catch a glimpse of the BMW's taillights.
...
...
For the next few days, Tang Xiuxia and Qin Hongwen continued to drive back to their old home every morning, trying to gain forgiveness and improve their relationship before their uncle's family returned to Pingjiang.
Uncle was a steady character, and he had his grievances with Qin Hongwen, but he still wished for his sister's family to reunite and be happy.
In contrast, dealing with his maternal grandfather and uncle was much more difficult.
Especially his maternal grandfather, although he didn't resort to grabbing a cleaver anymore, he still gave Qin Hongwen a cold shoulder whenever they met.
After his uncle learned about everything that had happened back then, he was no longer as hostile towards Qin Hongwen.
Of course, it was unrealistic to cast aside all prejudice and become close overnight.
On the morning of the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, his uncle's family prepared to depart. If they delayed any longer, the highway would be very congested.
Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan arrived at their old home and bid farewell to his uncle's family.
His uncle's family had also driven back, and their luggage had already been loaded into the car, ready for departure.
"Nuannuan jie, I'll call you often."
Tang Wen hugged Xia Nuannuan, saying with great reluctance.
"Okay, I'll call you too."
Xia Nuannuan raised her hand and gently patted her little head.
"Mhm, you and Tian ge both be well. When it's summer vacation, I'll see if I can come back to visit you."
"Alright!"
"Tian ge, you have to treat Nuannuan jie well. She's the best girlfriend in the world."
Tang Wen looked up at Qin Tian beside her, admonishing him seriously.
"You don't say."
Qin Tian chuckled, raising his hands to cup her little face and rub it.
"Hey, get away, get away!"
Tang Wen shook her head vigorously, pushing his hands away, and buried her face in Xia Nuannuan's chest, mumbling, "No, I want to be clingy for a bit longer, to make someone very envious and jealous."
Qin Tian's eyes twitched slightly, and he resisted the urge to grab her by the scruff of her neck and pull her over.
Xia Nuannuan glanced at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. Seeing his intense gaze, she shifted slightly while hugging Tang Wen.
Meanwhile, Uncle and Auntie had also bid farewell to their maternal grandfather and the others.
Finally, Uncle's complex gaze fell on Qin Hongwen.
"Have a safe trip."
Qin Hongwen sent his blessings with a smile.
Uncle nodded slightly, glancing at his sister standing beside him. Remembering how she had taken care of him when he was young, and the hardships and fatigue she had endured over the years, his eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.
"What are you doing? You're all grown up,"
Tang Xiuxia rolled her eyes.
Uncle raised his hand, patted his face forcefully, and after calming himself, he extended his right hand to Qin Hongwen.
Qin Hongwen was momentarily stunned, then eagerly shook his hand.
"What's past is past. Since my sister is willing to give you another chance, I have no objections. But there won't be a next time. My sister has suffered enough."
Uncle stared at him sharply, his tone filled with warning and threat.
"Understood!"
Qin Hongwen nodded firmly.
"And about that child, Xiao Tian. He won't accept you easily. You need to think of ways to make it up to him."
"Mm, I know."
Qin Hongwen looked at his son and nodded again with emphasis.
Uncle said no more, merely raising his hand to pat his shoulder, then calling out loudly in that direction, "Xiao Wen, let's go!"
"Coming!"
Tang Wen answered, reluctantly letting go of Xia Nuannuan.
After his uncle's family of three got into the car, they prepared to embark on their long journey.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they wouldn't see each other again for another year.
"Dad, Mom, please take care of yourselves. If anything happens, call me. I can fly back anytime; it's only a few hours."
Uncle said his final farewell to the elderly couple after opening his car window.
"Go on!"
Maternal grandfather waved his hand calmly, though his heart was naturally not as steady as his expression suggested.
Beside him, the maternal grandmother, supported by Tang Xiuxia, had already turned her head to secretly wipe away tears.
As people aged, who wouldn't wish for their children to stay by their side? But at the same time, they didn't want to be a burden or hindrance to their children.
The car started and turned, heading towards the village entrance.
The maternal grandmother turned her head to watch the departing car, her vision blurred with tears.
"Grandma, we're still here!"
Qin Tian quickly walked over, put his arm around his grandmother's shoulders, and comforted her softly.
Xia Nuannuan also came over, took a tissue from her pocket, and gently wiped away her grandmother's tears.
The maternal grandmother looked at the two well-behaved and sensible children, and a smile bloomed on her wrinkled face.