"Alright. Since Uncle says so, I'll gladly accept," Meng Qi said with a smile, turning to exchange a glance with Bai Lin. "You go back first, and come pick me up later."
"I ate late this morning, so I'm not hungry now. I can just wait here," Bai Lin replied, unwilling to leave.
"That's fine too." Meng Qi said nothing more and, with Bai Lin's support, sat down at the dining table.
The family sat around the table according to age.
They ate and chatted, the atmosphere peaceful.
"Qiqi, I heard you're an international star now, that you've filmed many blockbusters abroad. Your net worth must be considerable." Jiang Jie seized the opportunity to flatter Meng Qi.
"It's alright. When our family had trouble back then, my uncle sent me abroad to study. By chance, I entered the entertainment industry. I didn't expect to be noticed by a world-renowned director and took on several major productions, earning some money," Meng Qi replied nonchalantly. While her words seemed modest at first glance, every sentence showcased her capabilities.
Jiang Jie raised her glass to her. "You're so beautiful, you're bound to become even more popular. Come, let's have a drink to your ever-broadening acting career."
Qin Xiuzhi chimed in, "Yes, Qiqi showed talent even as a child. Her achieving such success now is only to be expected."
"Thank you, Aunt Jiang and Uncle Qin, for your compliments!" Meng Qi was delighted as everyone's attention focused on her. She felt her own radiance completely overshadowed Yin Xi.
At that moment, Chen Chen suddenly stood up, holding his drink, and looked at Qin Xiuzhi. "Grandpa, this is our first meal together. I'd like to toast you."
Bai Lin, sitting on the sofa, had just picked up a pastry served by a maid. Hearing Chen Chen's words, she couldn't help but be startled and looked towards the dining area. This child, though young, spoke like a miniature adult.
"Good." Qin Xiuzhi picked up his glass with a beaming smile, looking at him. "Today, my eldest grandson is toasting me. I must finish this drink." He then tilted his head, intending to drink it all at once. Jiang Jie quickly tugged his arm. "Xiuzhi, your health isn't good, you should drink less."
"It's fine. I know my limits." Qin Xiuzhi looked up and still drank the glass of wine.
Seeing this, Shuo Shuo and Yan Yan also stood up and toasted the elders at the table.
Suddenly, the conversation shifted to the three children, especially Xu Zhilan, who kept praising how smart and well-behaved they were. Mei Yun, Qin Si Yue, and Qin Xiu Yi also echoed her sentiments. Mei Yun, in particular, spared no effort in briefly recounting the three children's lives in Country B with Yin Xi, her words unabashedly filled with admiration for Yin Xi.
The three children exchanged a knowing glance, a smug smile appearing on their faces. They had successfully diverted the topic. This maneuver was brilliant. Let's see what that annoying woman had to be proud of. No matter how beautiful or outstanding she was, she couldn't compare to Mommy. Mommy was not only more beautiful than her but also earned just as much money. The titles of international renowned doctor and famous investor weren't picked up for nothing.
Meng Qi watched the Qin family chat enthusiastically, suddenly feeling a sense of loss, and found herself feeling rather out of place. Abruptly, she noticed Su Yixin, who had been silent opposite her. She smiled and asked playfully, "Yixin, aren't Aunt Lan and Brother Chengyu home? Why aren't they here for Grandma Xu's discharge today?"
This was like hitting a sore spot. As soon as the words were out, everyone at the table froze as if stunned.
"They... they had something to attend to today and couldn't make it back," Su Yixin replied, glancing around the table before fabricating an excuse.
"Oh, I see. I was wondering, Brother Chengyu used to come here often," Meng Qi continued, seeing that all attention was now focused on her. "I remember Brother Chengyu is two years younger than Brother Si Ye, so he should be around 30 now. Does he have a girlfriend? Or is he married with children?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Si Ye's face turned cold. Yin Xi lowered her head and aimlessly flipped through her phone. This woman must know something; her words were clearly intended to embarrass her.
"N-no," Su Yixin stammered, stealing a glance at Qin Si Ye.