Chapter 313 – Meeting
“Ah, so that’s how it is,” Xu Jinning suddenly realized.
It had been two or three years since Xu Jinning transmigrated, but she had never met this aunt before. However, her family would occasionally mention the aunt because she would send packages back from time to time.
Aunt Xu had feelings for her brother, Xu Aiguo, so their sibling bond continued after they recognized each other.
Xu Aiguo also occasionally sent some local specialties to his sister’s family in Tianjin.
Now, Aunt Xu’s eldest daughter was getting married, naturally inviting Xu Aiguo and Zhang Ailian, this uncle and aunt, to attend.
However, Xu Aiguo and Zhang Ailian couldn’t make it, so they planned for Xu Fanghua and Xu Jinning, the sisters in Beijing, to go instead.
“Well, so we’ll take the car to Tianjin on Saturday morning. We’ll arrive in the afternoon, and the wedding banquet is scheduled for Sunday morning. We can come back on Sunday afternoon.”
“Okay, big sister, got it.”
After agreeing, Xu Jinning began to recall the plot in the book.
The book didn’t dwell much on Aunt Xu and Younger Aunt Xu, only a few brief passages.
Although brief, they were quite significant.
It mentioned Aunt Xu making an important decision when her eldest daughter got married, a decision that would affect their family’s future development.
Xu Jinning thought that this visit might remind Aunt Xu of that.
And as for the missing aunt…
The book provided very little information about her, only mentioning that the foster family who adopted her had indeed moved away, more precisely, they had gone abroad, to Country M.
As for when they would return, no one knew.
That’s all the information available about their other aunt.
“I wonder if Mom and Dad will have a chance to see Aunt Xu again,” Xu Jinning murmured.
“Ningning, what are you talking about?”
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
…
On Saturday morning, a small sedan slowly departed from the courtyard towards Tianjin.
Driving the car was Xie Ting’an.
In the passenger seat sat Xu Jinning, while in the back were Xu Fanghua and her husband, Song Yi.
Xu Jinning was heading to Tianjin to attend her eldest cousin’s wedding. Naturally, Xie Ting’an, her boyfriend, was invited to join. Song Yi, being Xu Fanghua’s husband, also accompanied them.
Xie Ting’an even brought along a car from the Xie family, indicating they could drive themselves instead of taking multiple vehicles.
…
In Haishi, downtown, a large bungalow was decorated with an air of festivity.
In the living room, a middle-aged woman sat but frequently stood up to glance towards the door, seemingly waiting for something.
“Qingqing, when will your cousins arrive?” she asked.
“Oh, Mom, don’t worry. They said they’d be here in the afternoon, so they’ll definitely come.”
“Why didn’t they specify a location so I could pick them up?”
Qingqing sighed helplessly. “Mom, they’re driving here directly. They can come straight to our house, no need to go to the station like when taking a bus.”
Only now did Aunt Xu come to her senses and slapped her forehead. “You’re right, what was I thinking?”
“Don’t worry, Mom. I think they should be arriving soon,” a young man sitting on the sofa nearby reassured her.
The young man was Xu Wentao, Aunt Xu’s eldest son.
“I’ve never met our cousins before. I wonder what they look like. I heard it’s cousin Fanghua and cousin Jinning coming this time,” said Xu Wuming, the younger son, sitting next to Xu Wenwen, the youngest daughter.
Just then, they suddenly heard the roar of a vehicle outside, followed by the sound of brakes.
“It must be our cousins!” Xu Wenwen exclaimed, jumping up.
Someone had already dashed out ahead of them…
…
Xie Ting’an’s car slowly came to a stop in front of a large bungalow.
As the car doors opened, Xu Jinning and the others got out.
Xu Jinning looked at the sprawling bungalow, about 200 square meters in size. She felt she needed to help her aunt preserve the family estate well this time, considering there were several such large houses belonging to Aunt Xu.
As Xu Jinning was contemplating this, someone burst out from the bungalow.
Looking closely, Xu Jinning could vaguely see similarities in her facial features with her father, Xu Aiguo.
“Aunt!” Xu Jinning thought, just as Xu Fanghua called out beside her.
Quickly following suit, Xu Jinning also called out.
Aunt Xu’s gaze fell on Xu Fanghua. She had seen Fanghua five years ago when she was just a teenager. Now, she was grown up and married.
“Fanghua, you’re here. Is this Song Yi?” Aunt Xu asked, satisfied with Xu Fanghua’s husband, Song Yi.
His clear eyes and upright posture impressed Aunt Xu. She had heard he was a former military doctor and was now studying at Beijing Medical University, a promising young man.
“Hello, Aunt,” Song Yi greeted, echoing Xu Fanghua’s greeting.
“Ah,” Aunt Xu replied loudly.
At that moment, Xu Wenwen and the others came out into the room.
Xu Wuming and Xu Wenwen were both face-con, and their eyes immediately landed on Xu Jinning and Xie Ting’an, especially on Xu Jinning.
Xu Wenwen walked right up to Xu Jinning, took her hand, and said in a familiar manner, “You must be the younger cousin, Cousin Ningning, right? I’m Wenwen.”
“You’re so beautiful, younger cousin!” Xu Wenwen’s eyes were practically sparkling with admiration. She thought Xu Jinning was the most beautiful girl she had ever seen.
“Yes, I’m Ningning, and you’re Wenwen, my younger cousin,” Xu Jinning replied. Although she was a bit unused to Wenwen’s familiarity, she could tell it came from a place of kindness, so she introduced herself graciously.
Meanwhile, Aunt Xu also focused her gaze on Xu Jinning.
Like Wenwen, she came over and grasped Xu Jinning’s hand tightly.
“So you’re Ningning, you’re so beautiful.”
“I’m happy that you’ve come back to your parents. Your aunt is also delighted for you.”
“And you’ve also been admitted to Beijing University, just like your sister, the top scorer in the college entrance exam. Amazing.”
…
As Aunt Xu held Xu Jinning’s hand and ushered them inside, she continued to chat.
Although it was their first meeting, Aunt Xu took a liking to Xu Jinning at first sight.
Observing this young girl made her feel exceptionally comfortable.
If only she could be her daughter.
But being her brother’s daughter was just as good.
Aunt Xu knew about Xu Jinning’s story from her brother’s letters.
This young girl had been deliberately switched fifteen years ago, endured hardships, and had even come close to losing her life several times.
Fortunately, she had returned.
Now, looking at her, Aunt Xu could see that she was doing well.
Not to mention, she had been admitted to Beijing University.
Indeed, whether sons or daughters, her brother’s children were all outstanding.
