CHAPTER 369: 354 JIANG FAMILY

The Jiang mother should be in her early fifties, but she looked like she was in her forties. She had an oval face, fair skin, and delicate, gentle features. She was draped in a light purple jacket. Judging by her appearance, she must have been a great beauty when she was young. Jiang Jinghuai had mentioned her heart condition, and as expected, there was indeed a frailty about her, exuding an elegant and somber demeanor.

When Jiang mother saw her son and thought of her grandson, she immediately looked down at the ground. The moment her eyes fell on the little one dressed in red and black, with cherubic cheeks, lips like red cherries, and pearl-white teeth, a flash of astonishment crossed her gaze. She crouched down, placing a gentle hand on the little boy’s shoulder, her voice trembling: "Th-this is my grandson?" She raised her eyes to ask Jiang Jinghuai.

Tian Sangsang felt ignored. From the moment she arrived until now, her mother-in-law hadn’t spared her a proper glance.

Jiang Jinghuai silently held Tian Sangsang’s hand. His broad, warm palm instantly reassured her. He nodded to Ye Binyi, "Yes."

"He looks so much like him. Jiaqi’s hair used to be like this too..." Ye Binyi’s eyes glistened with tears as she gently patted Meng Shuyan’s fluffy hair and kindly asked, "Tell Grandma, what’s your name?"

Even Jiang father, upon seeing his little grandson, couldn’t hide his astonishment, his face a mix of gratification and sentimentality.

Jiaqi? Tian Sangsang murmured the name silently in her heart.

The little boy looked at the beautiful woman in front of him, his black, sparkling eyes darted around as he pursed his lips. "Grandma, my name is Jiang Shuyan. Everyone calls me Yanyan," he said. Mom had told him to use the Jiang family name in formal settings.

"Oh, Yanyan." Ye Binyi’s expression grew even more tender. Her grandson seemed very smart, his childish voice speaking with crisp and clear enunciation. She couldn’t help but think to herself: though she harbored grievances about her son marrying and having a child in secret, and couldn’t bring herself to like that rural vixen, her grandson was part of their family. No matter what, she’d have to acknowledge him.

But now, seeing her grandson’s appearance, she was utterly charmed. She thought, if someone could give birth to such an adorable little treasure, she’d extend her love beyond just the child; surely his mother must be her type of refined and gentle woman. Even if she was from the countryside—well, so what? For the grandson’s sake, she’d let it go.

Thinking this, Ye Binyi stood up. Her gaze lingered briefly on her son and daughter-in-law’s intertwined hands before shifting upward to study her daughter-in-law’s appearance. Her smile cooled for a moment but returned quickly.

The young woman standing beside her son was, objectively speaking, a beauty. Her attire was simple and modest. Unfortunately, her looks weren’t delicate. No matter how modestly dressed, she couldn’t hide the dazzling brightness of her features. Her vivid and strikingly perfect facial features were like a luminous pearl, so radiant they unsettled Ye Binyi.

Feeling scrutinized by her mother-in-law, Tian Sangsang grew nervous, her entire body tensing up. However, seeing no overt disgust on Ye Binyi’s face, she managed to relax slightly.

"Dad," Tian Sangsang nodded politely to Jiang father first.

Jiang father offered her a warm smile.

She then gave a faint smile and greeted Ye Binyi with courtesy, "Mom, how are you?"

"Sangsang?" Ye Binyi looked at her gently and nodded. "I’ve heard about you and Jinghuai. Whatever happened in the past, from now on, you and Yanyan are part of our family. You don’t need to feel restrained."

The words sounded pleasant but were undeniably formal.

"Okay, Mom, I understand." Now that she was part of the Jiang family, she couldn’t afford to bring them any disgrace.

Jiang father observed Ye Binyi’s expression and sighed inwardly. Taking the opportunity, he said, "Let’s all head inside. Standing around in the courtyard like this doesn’t seem right. You’ve just gotten off the train—have you eaten yet? Aunt Zhang has already prepared lunch."

"Yes, yes. It’s been so long since you’ve been back. I wonder if you even remember the taste of home-cooked meals anymore. Luckily, you’ll be stationed here from now on," Ye Binyi said, holding back tears.

"Mom, I’m not leaving anymore. Only assignments can take me away," Jiang Jinghuai reassured her. "And Sangsang and Yanyan will be here to keep you company."

Ye Binyi said nothing more, gently taking Meng Shuyan’s hand as if he were a precious gem.

Tian Sangsang wanted to say something, but seeing how her mother-in-law acted, she decided it was better to stay silent. Plus, she once again felt like she had been overlooked.

Seeing this, Meng Shuyan turned his head, blinking his bright, peach-like eyes, and gave his mom a reassuring look.

Her son being adored made Tian Sangsang happy, though she could only sigh as she held Jiang Jinghuai’s hand.

The dining table was laden with a variety of dishes. Tian Sangsang, having grown tired of her own cooking, found meals made by others particularly enjoyable. The beef and baby potatoes dish, in particular, stood out as exceptionally flavorful. Nevertheless, she only ate a few bites, not daring to indulge too much.

Tian Sangsang noticed that Jiang father served Ye Binyi some food and also helped Meng Shuyan to some as well. However, Ye Binyi didn’t eat, only picked up a piece of beef for the little one, saying, "Yanyan, eat more. Whatever you like, just tell Grandma. Grandma will have Aunt Zhang make more for you."

"Grandma, I’m not picky," Meng Shuyan said sensibly, tilting his head, and then thoughtfully served food to both his grandparents. This pleased them immensely. Watching this, Tian Sangsang felt a twinge of jealousy: the little boy had forgotten his parents now that he had grandparents.

"Try the sweet and sour fish Aunt Zhang made; it’s really delicious." Fortunately, her son wasn’t heartless—she had her husband, too.

Jiang Jinghuai considerately deboned the fish and placed the tender white meat in her bowl.

Feeling a sweet warmth in her heart, Tian Sangsang gave him a shy, sweet smile and quietly enjoyed her meal, careful not to be too demonstrative. Jiang Jinghuai noticed and responded with a subtle, indulgent glance.

The two of them didn’t realize that Ye Binyi, watching them, had a fleeting moment of darkness in her eyes.

"Jinghuai, now that you’ve been reassigned back here, is it the same rank as before? Your uncle mentioned a spot in a special unit—it’s a rare opportunity. You should report in tomorrow and wait for further instructions," Jiang father said.

Getting Jiang Jinghuai transferred back hadn’t been easy for Jiang father. Fortunately, Jinghuai’s past service in the Special Forces and his accomplishments had caught the attention of the military district, leading to this chance. Positions like these were coveted and only awarded to top talent. The tasks to come would be significant, paving the way for high-ranking promotions, though they came with considerable risks. Jiang father didn’t object to his son pursuing these opportunities, especially since Jinghuai was determined, but as a father, his approval hardly factored into his son’s decisions.

Jiang Jinghuai nodded, "Understood, Dad."

At this, Ye Binyi interjected, "What special unit is this now? Those units are so dangerous. You’ve just come home—can’t you stay put at the camp for once? Sigh, when you were away, I couldn’t keep you; now you’ve returned, I still can’t keep you here."

Jiang Jinghuai lowered his gaze slightly, unwilling to discuss the subject further. Men like him, even with a mother’s love, would naturally avoid concerning their mothers with risks they didn’t need to know about. More words would only deepen sadness. He switched topics: "Mom, I’m fine. What’s most important is that you take care of your health. When I’m not around, make sure to take your medicine on time."

Ye Binyi sighed helplessly, "You always make me worry. Fortunately, there’s still Yanyan."