She stayed to represent the Su family and have a proper meal with her grandmother. She hadn't expected to be thrust into the spotlight by this woman's words.
At this moment, Xu Zhilan said with a smile, "Qiqi, why are you so focused on Chengyu? Don't tell me you've had a secret crush on him all these years? If that's the case, tell Grandma Xu, and I'll play matchmaker for you two. You don't know how anxious your Auntie Lan is to have a grandson."
Her words, half-true and half-false, made Meng Qi's heart tighten. She quickly waved her hands, "No, no, Grandma Xu, you're thinking too much. How could I have a crush on Brother Chengyu?"
"Exactly, Grandma, don't try to force people together. Sister Qiqi is an international star now. What kind of rich and handsome men hasn't she met? Especially in the entertainment industry, there's no shortage of such men. Why would she be interested in Brother Chengyu? Perhaps she already has a boyfriend." Qin Si Yue chuckled inwardly and quickly chimed in.
If Xu Zhilan's earlier remarks were made in the heat of conversation and were relatively gentle, Qin Si Yue's words were clearly laced with suspicion and aggression. Meng Qi's fair and charming face instantly flushed red, feeling as if she had lifted a rock only to drop it on her own foot.
"Si Yue, don't make wild guesses. While the entertainment industry can be a bit complicated, I've maintained my purity all these years and never had a boyfriend."
Qin Si Yue smiled, "Sister Qiqi, why are you getting shy now? Having a boyfriend is a natural human thing. Unless... do you really have someone you have a secret crush on back in the country?"
"Si Yue, why are you speaking so aggressively? Qiqi has finally come to our house for a meal. Can't you speak nicely?" Qin Xiuzhi, noticing Meng Qi's embarrassment, quickly reprimanded his daughter.
"Dad, I'm not. We were just talking and joking." Qin Si Yue replied dismissively.
Meng Qi, having experienced much, quickly regained her composure. "It's alright, Uncle Qin, I'm fine."
The meal continued, oscillating between superficial cheerfulness and underlying currents, and after an hour, it finally concluded.
The servants came to clear the dishes, and everyone moved to the sofa to chat. Bai Lin helped Meng Qi back into her wheelchair. As soon as she was pushed towards the sofa, Meng Qi spoke again:
"Si Ye Ge, your child with Miss Yin is already so old. When are you planning to hold the wedding? During my stay back in the country, will I be able to attend your wedding banquet?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Xiuzhi said angrily, "What wedding banquet? There's no such thing." He then looked at Qin Si Ye, "I told you last time to change the surnames of the three children and register them on the Qin family's household registration. Why haven't you done it yet?"
Before Qin Si Ye could respond, Chen Chen's clear voice suddenly rang out in the hall, "Grandpa, didn't I tell you last time? We three are fine with the surname Shen, and we don't want to change to Qin for now."
"Chen Chen, how can that be? You are a child of our Qin family. You need to acknowledge your ancestors and be included in the Qin family genealogy." Qin Xiuzhi said patiently.
Chen Chen's big, dark grape-like eyes rolled slightly, "It's not impossible for us to agree to change our surnames and join the Qin family's household registration. But there's one condition."
"What? Say it," Qin Xiuzhi asked with a stern face.
"You must agree to let Daddy marry Mommy and transfer her household registration as well. Only then will we agree." Chen Chen's voice was clear and loud.
Shuo Shuo and Yan Yan also chimed in, "Yes. Brother Chen is right. That's what we think too."
"You... You dare to bargain with me at such a young age." Qin Xiuzhi's face turned completely cold. "Mom, do you see? These are the good children Yin Xi has raised, utterly lawless and disrespectful."
Xu Zhilan said calmly, "I don't think what the three children said is wrong. Yin Xi has given birth to three children for our Qin family. If she hasn't earned merit, she has at least endured hardship. Even if it's a case of 'a mother's fortune is tied to her children,' she deserves a proper status."
For a moment, everyone in the hall fell silent. Meng Qi glanced at everyone and asked a question that no one dared to bring up, "Uncle Qin, why don't you agree to let Miss Yin marry Brother Si Ye?"
"Don't mention it. She used to be Chengyu's girlfriend, and she stayed abroad for five years. Who knows what happened during that time?" Qin Xiuzhi's tone was filled with anger.
"Ah? How could this happen? Cousins liking the same woman. If this gets out..." Meng Qi covered her mouth in surprise, deliberately raising her voice.