"Old Huo, it's me, Lan Yuxi."
Hearing Lan Yuxi's voice, Old Huo beamed, "You busy bee, you finally remembered me! I thought you'd forgotten all about me!"
Lan Yuxi said indignantly, "A week ago, I called you to invite you to our house for Xiao Nian, but you were busy and couldn't make it. And now you're teasing me. Hmph! I'm not talking to you anymore!"
"My fault, all my fault!" Old Huo burst into laughter.
Lan Yuxi smiled, "Old Huo, Huo Ding just called me and said my house was lively and he wanted to come over for Shou Sui. I didn't dare make the decision myself, so I wanted to get your opinion."
"That scoundrel! He's afraid we'll gang up on him for an arranged marriage and wants to hide at your place!"
"So, what's your opinion? Should he come or not?"
"Forget it, extremes lead to a reversal. Let him do as he pleases. However, you must have him come back on the first day of the lunar new year, we have ancestral rites."
"Okay, I'll definitely have him return on the first day," Lan Yuxi smiled slyly, "If I'm not mistaken, that young lady should be visiting you on the first day, right?"
Old Huo chuckled, "You girl, don't you know the principle of 'seeing through without speaking'!"
"I know! I promise I won't reveal a single word to Huo Ding."
Old Huo sighed, "That girl is from the Mu family, a graduate of a prestigious school, and beautiful too. I don't know, at thirty, what else is he looking for!"
"A Mu family girl? Won't Huo Ding think you're trying to arrange a political marriage, which is why he doesn't want to meet her?"
"We truly don't have that intention. We mainly think highly of that girl, and she's also in the medical field. If it works out, they'll both have a common goal and can help him in the future."
"Haven't you told him these things?"
"I have, but he didn't listen at all... How about you help persuade him?"
"I can persuade him, but I need to understand the girl first. If she has any bad habits that might harm Huo Ding, I won't be at peace for the rest of my life."
"I knew you were the most reliable! The girl's name is Mu Luxi, a Master of Science in Medicine from the University of Washington."
"Oh, Luxi? She's Jiu Wan's paternal cousin."
"Yes, she and Jiu Wan have the same grandfather. I asked your master for help inquiring about her back then, but he said Zi Ye had returned to Jiangnan, so he only made a brief inquiry over the phone and couldn't ask too much in detail."
"I understand. I won't ask Jiu Wan directly. I'll have someone investigate it discreetly. That will be more accurate." Lan Yuxi glanced at the time and smiled, "By the time Huo Ding arrives, I'll have a good grasp of the situation. Then I'll talk to him accordingly."
"Alright, I'll leave this matter to you then."
Lan Yuxi pursed her lips and smiled, "Being so polite with me, are you not considering me family?"
"If I didn't consider you family, would I tell you so much?"
"Okay, since you consider me family, I'll give you some peace of mind first. That girl Luxi should be good. Jiu Wan used to praise her to me often."
"Really? Then I can rest assured."
The old and young chatted for a while longer before Lan Yuxi hung up and returned to the living room.
At noon, Ling Xiaoling and others finally arrived, and the two families had a reunion dinner together.
As soon as the table was cleared, Nan Yi hurried in.
Seeing his haste, Lan Yuxi knew something significant had happened. To avoid disturbing her family, she gave Nan Yi a look, and they went to the study one after another.
Lan Yuxi asked in a deep voice, "What happened?"
"Madam, that... that man saved by Madam turned out to be the eldest young master who died many years ago..."
Lan Yuxi looked at him sharply, "What did you say?"
Nan Yi quickly explained, "It's really him! Although he's disfigured, the birthmark on his chest is unmistakable. Madam lost her speech because she was shocked to discover that birthmark. Young Master Huo has already sent the eldest young master's DNA sample for comparison. The results will be out soon."
Lan Yuxi frowned slightly, "Qiu Shuying can speak now?"
"Not yet, but she can write. She begged Young Master Huo to do the DNA test for the eldest young master."
Lan Yuxi rubbed her temples with a headache, "My life is truly eventful. Jinsong's father and Yun's mother, who sacrificed themselves so many years ago, are alive. Even this nominal adopted father has come back from the dead... Does Nan Xiao know about this?"
"The family head knows. Young Master Huo has already told him."
"Nan Xiao has the best relationship with Nan Yao. He'll definitely rush over the moment he hears about it. It looks like he'll miss this year's New Year's Eve dinner."
Lan Yuxi exhaled heavily, "Go rest. Send me a WeChat message when the DNA results are out. Oh, and the new clothes I bought for you, Ying took them back. It's the New Year, get dressed up in something new."
"Thank you, Madam."
Lan Yuxi smiled, opened a drawer, and took out a red envelope, handing it to him. "There's a card and a key to a new house here. You and Ying have worked hard during this period. This is your year-end bonus. I'll give you your New Year's greeting红包 tomorrow."
Nan Yi quickly declined, "I don't need it. You've arranged everything for me – food, lodging, and clothing. Money and a house are useless to me."
"This is what you and Ying deserve. Take it."
Lan Yuxi took out her phone and started typing a message while speaking to Nan Yi, "Go back and rest. I still have some things to handle."
Nan Yi bowed gratefully and turned to leave.
As soon as Lan Yuxi finished sending her message, Nan Xiao's call came in.
Lan Yuxi pursed her lips before pressing the answer button, "When do you plan to go see him?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. I have ancestral rites in the morning. After everything is arranged, I'll go to the hospital to see him."
Lan Yuxi paused slightly, "I thought you would go today."
Nan Xiao sighed, "Huo Ding said he doesn't remember anything. My going would only add to the sorrow. I don't want to affect everyone's mood. Let's just have a good New Year at home first."
"Okay, I'll go with you tomorrow." Lan Yuxi's taut heart relaxed a little, but her breathing was still a bit restricted. "You go ahead and handle your business. I'll go be with everyone."
"Thank you for your hard work. I'll try to get back early tonight."
"No rush, as long as you can make it back for New Year's Eve dinner."
"...Are you not in a good mood?"
Lan Yuxi curled her lips slightly, "No, I'm not. It's the New Year, how could I be in a bad mood?"
"That's good then."
Nan Xiao hung up the phone with a heavy heart, then dialed Nan Xiangdong's number.
"Go to the hospital and check on him for me..."
After hearing Nan Xiao's account, Nan Xiangdong said sternly, "Alright, I understand. If it's confirmed to be the eldest master, I won't go to the villa for New Year's. I'll spend the New Year with the eldest master at the hospital."