Chapter 83 – The Full Moon Banquet Ends
Although Fei Tao was unreliable, he had been in the business world for many years. How could he not understand the look in Fei Heyu’s eyes? After the last incident, he had become more restrained regarding Fei Xiangnan’s affairs and no longer dared to do anything openly. He never expected that after guarding against all external threats, the real danger was at home. Now, with such an important business deal on the line, the problem wasn’t with him, but with Zhang Yuliu.
Fei Tao couldn’t stay any longer. He stood up with a dark face, his eyes filled with intense anger as he looked at his in-laws. Zhang Xiongca, who was arrogant to everyone else, didn’t dare to make a sound in front of his financial provider, his brother-in-law. He knew at once that he had messed up and lowered his head, not daring to speak.
“Zhang Yuliu, come upstairs with me!” Fei Tao couldn’t muster a pleasant expression. He barked out the order and stormed upstairs. Zhang Yuliu’s body trembled, and she looked to her brother for help.
Right now, Zhang Xiongca only wanted to ensure his provider didn’t vent his anger on him. He pushed his sister up. “Hurry up and say a few nice words. Calm your brother-in-law down. If you make him unhappy, I’ll be the first to teach you a lesson. Go on!” Zhang Xiongca’s only concern was his own wealth.
It’s said that a person’s character is infectious. Zhang Yuliu clenched her fists. Although she was scared, she didn’t dare say much and slowly followed him upstairs.
“Here’s a piece of advice for you all. It’s best to leave before my uncle thinks of you. If my aunt fails, you’ll be implicated as well. What do you think?” Fei Heyu said, sitting in his wheelchair with a serene expression, yet his methods were swift and decisive.
Zhang Xiongca looked as if he’d had an epiphany. He stood up, and without a word, immediately left with his wife and child.
Xiao Fang couldn’t help but applaud the little beauty in his heart. His actions were sharp and decisive, without any dawdling. As expected of the big boss in charge of the Shadow Department!
“Cousin-in-law, what do you think of this play?” Fei Heyu didn’t beat around the bush with Xiao Fang, asking him directly.
Xiao Fang didn’t hide his thoughts either. He instinctively felt that Fei Heyu wouldn’t make things difficult for him. With an admiring look, he gave a thumbs-up. “Cousin, you’re awesome!”
Fei Heyu smiled, his face showing no sign of complacency. He simply added, “Cousin-in-law, could you get me another glass of apple juice? I can hold the little nephew. You’ve been holding him for a long time and must be tired.”
Xiao Fang looked at Da Bao, who was nearly asleep in his arms, and figured he wouldn’t cry. He carefully showed Fei Heyu how to hold a baby. But as a novice, Fei Heyu was still a bit clumsy when he actually took him. By the time Da Bao was completely settled in Fei Heyu’s arms, Fei Heyu’s cautious expression and inexperienced technique added a touch of worldly charm to his refined demeanor.
Xiao Fang went to get the apple juice with peace of mind. Not only did he bring back apple juice, but he also brought an apple cake and a lemon mousse. He boldly guessed that his cousin liked sweet and sour foods.
Sure enough, when he brought them over, Fei Heyu’s eyes lit up, though it was fleeting. Still, it was caught by the veteran actor Xiao Fang. He placed the treats on a small coffee table within Fei Heyu’s reach and sat down beside him again.
“Do you want to eat? I’ll hold Da Bao first,” Xiao Fang asked with concern.
The beauty shook his head. “I’m a bit full. I’ll hold him for you for a while, cousin. You must be tired too.”
Even the way the beauty showed concern was so handsome. Pink bubbles started to form in Xiao Fang’s heart again, even though the man before him was a bona fide poisonous beauty.
Fei Heyu had a good impression of Xiao Fang. He wasn’t too foolish, but he also had no intention of becoming a schemer, simply moving at his own pace. He found this kind of person likable. It was very important to know one’s own place.
“Cousin-in-law, I don’t think your family’s problems are that complicated. As long as you master the right method, many things will resolve themselves,” Fei Heyu said slowly, looking at the soundly sleeping Da Bao.
Xiao Fang immediately straightened up. The big boss was starting his lesson; he had to take notes!
“Cousin-in-law, you’re not the type to stir up trouble. You usually only act when you’re pushed to the brink, right?” Fei Heyu accurately pinpointed Xiao Fang’s weakness.
Xiao Fang nodded, surprised. He often acted out of self-preservation, a habit he had developed in his previous world.
Fei Heyu let out a soft chuckle. “But that’s precisely what others use to exploit you. Since you’re already mired in the mud, you must not only emerge unstained but also prevent your roots from being poisoned by it. The best way is to grasp everyone’s weakness and make them fear you, eradicating their malice once and for all to prevent future trouble. Too much hesitation will only plunge you and your family into the same persecution over and over again. The power of an ant can shake the heavens. If you don’t make a decision soon, you will eventually fall into a pit you cannot climb out of. Cousin-in-law, what do you think?”
Xiao Fang looked at Fei Heyu’s exquisite profile and fell into deep thought. His words had struck at the very root of the problem. Perhaps this was the way the Shadow Department handled things. If Fei Xiangnan hadn’t been considerate of his soft-heartedness, would he have handled matters more decisively and cleanly? Was his repeated retreat a shortcut to pushing his most important person into the abyss?
“Thank you, cousin. I’ve learned a lot.” Xiao Fang wiped his face, setting a new course for himself in his heart.
Fei Heyu nodded. For matters like this, self-realization was the best solution.
One was pondering a problem, the other was admiring the scenery. The atmosphere fell into silence.
***
“Cousin, want to add me as a friend?”
“Sure, WeChat is fine.”
“Okay.”
***
And so, today, Xiao Fang officially embarked on the path of no return, learning from Fei Heyu.
After the banquet ended, it was time for the real Fei family dinner. The whole family sat neatly at a long table, seated in order of seniority.
Old Master Fei, his maternal grandfather, and grandmother sat in the first three seats. Following them were Liu Qian, Fei Tao, Zhang Yuliu, Fei Jin, then Fei Hezhi, Fei Heyu, Fei Yishan, Fei Xiangnan, and Xiao Fang. Da Bao was held by a nanny on the side.
The family head made a formal speech. “Today is the Full Moon Banquet for the first great-grandson of our Fei family. Everyone has gathered here with anticipation and blessings. The great-grandson’s name will be announced by his maternal great-grandfather, Mr. Zhuo Deben. Before we begin the meal, let us hear the name. Mr. Zhuo, please.” Old Master Fei’s politeness towards his idol was a rare sight.
His grandfather, with a gratified expression, opened a box and took out a small scroll. “This name is my blessing to my great-grandson, and it is also my gift to him for his Full Moon Banquet.”
His grandfather slowly unrolled the scroll, and three large characters in semi-cursive script gradually came into view. As the father, Xiao Fang craned his neck to see.
“Fei Li Lang,” Xiao Fang slowly read out the name.
“Yes, Fei Lilang. Lang means white and flawless, as magnificent as jade. In ancient times, it referred to a type of jade. Jade signifies beauty and purity. Li means that all things have their laws; to abide by them is to be a gentleman. As his great-grandfather, I hope my great-grandson can be a person of noble character, prioritizing virtue, basing himself on integrity, and having a benevolent heart. No matter what he encounters, he should think of his name and do things that are worthy of himself and society. Understand others, be kind to others. Cultivate oneself in poverty, benefit the world in prosperity.”
Listening to his grandfather’s expectations for the child, Xiao Fang couldn’t help but think of the original owner’s mother. Did Grandfather hold the same hopes for his own child? This was his heart, his expectation.
“Good, what a good name!” Old Master Fei was the first to nod, his eyes filled with undeniable emotion. The others followed suit in agreement.
At that moment, Fei Xiangnan quietly took Xiao Fang’s hand and whispered, “Fei Lilang. Grandfather put a lot of thought into it. It’s a good name with a good meaning.”
Xiao Fang nodded emotionally. “Yeah!”
Cultivate oneself in poverty, benefit the world in prosperity. What a wonderful meaning. This was also his grandfather’s greatest hope.
A pleasant family meal began with a good name.
“Xiao Fang, live a good life with Xiangnan from now on. If Xiangnan bullies you, just tell Grandpa. If I’m not around, it’s the same if Mr. Zhuo takes care of it.” Old Master Fei no longer held any reservations about Xiao Fang. Although Xiao Fang was a Third Gender and an actor, his grandfather was a respected old artist, and his family background wasn’t too bad—far better than Zhang Yuliu’s.
“It’s my Xiao Fang who needs Xiangnan’s patience. Don’t be fooled by how obedient he seems now; he’s actually very willful,” his grandfather said, not shielding his grandson.
“Hahaha, what child his age isn’t willful? In my opinion, Xiao Fang is one of the most well-behaved.”
The two old men were now chatting like in-laws. Xiao Fang’s shotgun wedding was now thoroughly solidified.
The Fei family members were no longer putting on airs. Liu Qian had already spoken with her daughter and said nothing more. Zhang Yuliu sat there with her hair down, and upon closer inspection, one of her cheeks was still slightly swollen as she forced a smile. She didn’t even dare to glance at Fei Heyu; a single look from him was enough to make her suffer, so how could she dare to act up again? Fei Tao was currently preoccupied with that business deal and couldn’t hear anything else. Thus, the meal was unexpectedly harmonious.
“Little Fangfang, Auntie has to go back tonight. I wish you and your little husband a long and happy life together. If you ever want to travel abroad, remember to find me. I’ll cover all your travel expenses,” Fei Jin said, raising her wine glass. Xiao Fang immediately raised his juice in a toast.
“Aren’t you staying a few more days, Auntie?” Xiao Fang was a bit surprised. He thought she might stay for a few more days.
Fei Jin winked at him. “Things are a bit busy over there.”
Oh~ Xiao Fang understood in a second.
“I have to leave tonight as well. There are still matters to attend to over there. I wish my little nephew a healthy and happy childhood, and my cousin and cousin-in-law a harmonious and beautiful life together.” Next, Fei Heyu also announced his departure, followed by Fei Hezhi.
This was normal. For the new heirs of the Fei family, their presence was what mattered. It was safer for these important figures to be in their own territory.
Just when everyone thought the dinner would end in this peaceful atmosphere, Old Master Fei brought up a taboo subject.
“Xiangnan, have you told your parents about Lilang’s first month celebration?” Old Master Fei asked casually, but he had long been concerned about it.
Fei Xiangnan’s expression remained unchanged. He elegantly chewed his food, then wiped his mouth with a napkin and uttered three words that shut down all of Old Master Fei’s inquiries: “It’s not necessary.”
“In that case, do as you wish.” Old Master Fei was also a man who cared about his pride and would never hint at his thoughts multiple times. In a way, their behavior patterns were identical.
Xiao Fang said nothing. What right did parents who weren’t even involved in their own son’s upbringing have to know so much?
“Ahem, how many years has it been since my cousin and his wife came home?” Fei Jin pretended to be clueless, but she was actually speaking for Xiao Fang’s maternal grandparents to hear, determined to create a reasonable excuse for her thoughtless nephew.
Old Master Fei also coughed unnaturally. “It’s been, what, ten years?”
At this, the previously oblivious grandparents immediately understood. No wonder. There was nothing more to say. At that moment, his grandfather looked at Fei Xiangnan with an added layer of affection. Parents like that were as good as non-existent.
After dinner, today’s Full Moon Banquet came to a successful conclusion. Everyone returned to their own places. After bidding a reluctant farewell to his aunt and his little beauty of a guiding light, Xiao Fang returned to his normal life. And in this normal life, the New Year arrived.
He had originally wanted his grandparents to stay and celebrate the New Year together, but the two elders decided to go back. They had spent the New Year with their old friends for many years, and it wouldn’t be right to abandon them this year. So, Xiao Fang had to promise to visit them after the New Year and arranged for a driver to take the two elders home.
Next, the two of them began preparing for the New Year. Now that Fei Xiangnan was considered to have a family of his own, he wouldn’t be returning to the main residence for New Year’s Eve this year but would celebrate at home. Just as the two of them were preparing for a quiet New Year with their baby, a new member unexpectedly and coincidentally joined their New Year’s Eve lineup.