On October 5th, the Xu Family in Baiqian Village was bustling early in the morning. Mrs. Kang prepared breakfast at dawn. Lately, there have been more people eating at home, so Mrs. Kang has increased the quantity almost tenfold compared to before, and the variety has become richer.

White fungus and lotus seed soup, soy milk, fried dough sticks, baozi, steamed shumai. She knew Ding Ancheng and others didn’t like the bean juice and stir-fried liver from Jing City, so Mrs. Kang made breakfast closer to southern tastes, guided by Li Hongying’s advice.

These days, Li Hongying has been helping Mrs. Kang with cooking every day. Mrs. Kang declined a few times, but Li Hongying couldn’t sit idle, and she’s skilled in the kitchen.

At first, Mrs. Kang didn’t know, but after witnessing Li Hongying’s skills, she was quite surprised and followed along to learn several tricks. Her skills have improved.

Xu Zongyin used to eat alone, and that felt lonely and quiet. Now there are people, and he doesn’t care much about etiquette.

"Weihe, Sister-in-law, once we’re at the Jing City Hotel later, you two will follow me and Ancheng, meet the guests and get acquainted..."

Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying were enjoying their breakfast when they heard this and got startled, quickly waving their hands.

"Zong Yin, just ignore us. Today, you and Ancheng are the protagonists, and we don’t know them. We might not even meet again in the future, so there’s no need to specifically introduce us to the guests." Ding Weihuo said.

Xu Zongyin didn’t insist after hearing this, "Then let’s have Anguo follow us. I’ve actually had this idea for a while now. You raised up Ancheng and educated him so well. He’ll always be your son, but others don’t know this, so I thought we could establish a godparent relationship. Ancheng can be your godson."

"Both Anguo and Anmin are good kids, and I want to recognize them as my godchildren, too. We’ve already agreed to keep in touch as relatives; what do you think of this idea?" Xu Zongyin asked expectantly.

Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying hesitated a bit. They weren’t clear about Xu Zongyin’s status in Jing City even though they had been staying for a few days. Honestly, they weren’t the kind to inquire, but even without asking, it’s evident that he’s impressive. Having this godparent relationship can only benefit them, but it also means Xu Zongyin would have to worry about Ding Anguo and Ding Anmin.

In this era, recognizing godchildren is a significant matter, truly treating them as one’s own children.

"I discussed this with Ancheng before saying it, and he thinks it’s a good idea." Xu Zongyin added.

Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying immediately looked at Ding Ancheng; seeing him nod, they agreed. Xu Zongyin smiled brightly at this.

"From now on, this is how we’ll call each other, Anguo and Anmin will call me godfather." Xu Zongyin gently said to them.

When Ding Anguo and Ding Anmin heard that their big brother agreed, they called without any burden, "Godfather."

They said it in unison, then Xu Zongyin signaled to Uncle Cao, who shortly after brought a tray out with two small boxes, giving one to Ding Anguo and one to Ding Anmin.

Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying felt slightly embarrassed, as they hadn’t prepared anything.

"I’ve eaten at the Ding Family for twenty-three years; what my father gives to Anguo and Anmin is still considered light." Ding Ancheng said with a smile, and Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying laughed upon hearing this.

"Roujing, just meet the important guests with us. In other times, just sit and rest; don’t get too tired." Xu Zongyin kindly said to Yi Roujing.

"I know, Dad."

"Xingchen and Anmin, you might need to help a bit today, assisting guests to take their seats and such. I’ve invited Ancheng’s teacher and master to help; follow Ancheng’s master at the time. She knows almost everyone."

"Okay, godfather (uncle)." Ding Anmin and Xia Xingchen replied.

Xia Xingchen was indeed a bit uneasy inside. She hadn’t expected the Xu Family to treasure and help their own family so much. After this Xu Family gathering, even if Gu Yiyi harbors resentment inside, she wouldn’t dare to easily target her.

At half-past eight, Xu Zongyin led Ding Ancheng and the others to Jing City Hotel. Zhou Jinruo and his wife Tong Qingshu had already arrived. Xu Zongyin smiled and expressed thanks, then introduced everyone to each other.

Afterward, they inspected the banquet hall they had reserved, checked the table arrangements, the nameplates, and the dishes. An hour and a half quickly passed.

At ten, Xu Zongyin, Zhou Jinruo, along with Ding Ancheng, Ding Anguo, and Tong Qingshu, led Yi Roujing, Ding Anmin, and Xia Xingchen at the entrance of Jing City Hotel. Some guests had already arrived early.

The people at the hotel thoughtfully placed chairs at the entrance of the hall for the group to sit.

The Zhou Family and Zheng Family arrived almost simultaneously. The head of the Zhou Family, Zhou Jinyu, shook hands with Xu Zongyin and Ding Ancheng, met Ding Anguo, Yi Roujing, and others, and glanced at his brother Zhou Jinruo. His brother didn’t acknowledge him, but the sister-in-law Tong Qingshu greeted him with a smile.

However, seeing Zhou Jinruo not even paying much attention to his own two children, somehow soothed Zhou Jinyu’s inexplicable heart.

Zhou Zeyuan was already familiar with Ding Ancheng and now very close to Xu Zongyin, "Mr. Xu, we’ll head up first."

The entire Zheng Family arrived, except Zheng Yanghong who hadn’t returned yet.

"Roujing—" As soon as Hu Heping got off the car, she held back her eagerness and greeted the elders like Xu Zongyin first, then couldn’t wait to walk over to Yi Roujing with her child in her arms.

"Heping." Seeing Hu Heping, Yi Roujing was very pleased, "The little one has grown quite a bit, fair and tender; she’s really adorable."

"Five months old now, do you want to hold her?" Hu Heping leaned in and said. Pregnant women holding baby boys might also give birth to boys later. Hu Heping herself likes both genders, and when Yi Roujing shared her pregnancy news with her, she thought both boys and girls were good. Yet back then, Hu Heping didn’t know Yi Roujing was the Xu Family’s daughter-in-law.

With few members in the Xu Family, if the firstborn is a son, Yi Roujing would feel much less pressure.

Unaware of Hu Heping’s thoughts, Yi Roujing blissfully took the cute baby into her arms. The little one wasn’t shy with people, and after Yi Roujing held her for a while, Ding Anmin and Xia Xingchen also had their turns.

"Roujing, we’ll head in first. We’ll chat later." Hu Heping took the child back and followed the Hu Family inside.

"Roujing—" Yuan Xiangyu was filled with emotion when she arrived, running directly toward Yi Roujing. She initially wanted to embrace her, but recalling Yi Roujing’s condition, quickly shifted and hugged the nearby Ding Anmin.

Yi Roujing and Ding Anmin were somewhat amused.

"Xiangyu, you call my sister-in-law’s name, yet you hug me, like someone sitting on the fence." Ding Anmin whispered jokingly.

"Hey, good thing I reacted quickly. Roujing’s pregnant, after all. You’re fine, whether light or heavy, you can handle it." Yuan Xiangyu said as she tightened her embrace.