Chapter 36

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On the day before Grandma Zhuo’s birthday, Ji Yan applied for some days off and brought Tang Tang and Ji Xiao Zhuo to the capital with him.

The Zhuo’s family ancestral home was located at the outskirts of the capital city. The estate was very big and there were experts that guarded and patrolled around the estate.

This was Tang Tang’s first time seeing such an imposing and solemn residence. Tang Tang had to change the impression she had of the Zhuo’s family status.

Previously when she saw brother Zhuo Ji, she was certain that he was from a wealthy family judging by his temperament. But she now discovered that he wasn’t just a normal rich family, but a very wealthy and powerful one.

Gu Zhang An and Ji Yue both looked like they were rich as well. It seemed like her husband’s friends weren’t ordinary? Was her husband also not an ordinary person?

Suddenly, Tang Tang remembered what Gu Yan Ran had told her last time. The Ji family was a military family. Were they also very amazing?

With his sharp senses, Ji Yan noticed an enquiring gaze coming from the person next to him. He turned to look at Tang Tang and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Tang Tang pursed her lips. She originally wanted to ask but she changed her mind and shook her head, “Nothing.”

Ji Yan assumed it was because Tang Tang wasn’t used to being in a place like this so he patted her head, as he usually did to Xiao Zhuo, and said, “Don’t be afraid. Just treat it like we’re at home. Don’t restrain yourself.”

At that moment, nothing went through her mind as it was filled with Ji Yan patting her head. That was the first time he had patted her head. She was so happy…

As a result, Ji Xiao Zhuo saw his mummy smile stupidly at his daddy for no reason. He couldn’t help but shake his head and thought women were really hard to understand.

When Grandma Zhuo heard the guard at the door announce that Ji Yan had arrived and there was a child with him, she guessed that the child must be Ji Xiao Zhuo. She was extremely happy and personally went to the main entrance to welcome them. Her heart melted when she saw the chubby cute figure of Ji Xiao Zhuo. She quickened her steps, “Oh my, this must be Xiao Zhuo. Great-grandma hasn’t seen you for a while and you’ve grown so much.”

When Ji Xiao Zhuo saw the good-looking elderly, his intelligent mind immediately knew she was the great-grandma who gave him the little gold monkey. He let go off his parents and threw himself at the elder. Of course he knew he couldn’t crash into the granny so he controlled his strength and gently threw himself into her embrace. Hugging onto her leg, Xiao Zhuo called out, “Great-grandma ~”

“Ai~ Great-grandma’s little baby~” Grandma Zhuo was beaming as she hugged the little one. Her heart became soft and she wanted to keep the little one in her heart.

Zhuo Ji, who was in a wheelchair behind Grandma Zhuo, watched his own grandma forget about everyone in the surroundings at the moment she saw Ji Xiao Zhuo. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the scene. He had to go in front to greet Ji Yan and Tang Tang, “Please forgive us. Grandma forgets about everything once she sees children. We’re no different to air in her eyes now.”

Tang Tang secretly smiled.

The corner of Ji Yan’s lips lifted. Then he went behind Zhuo Ji to help him push the wheelchair, “It’s understandable. Grandma Zhuo has been longing for you to get married and have children for about ten years now. It’s not strange for her to be like this.”

Zhuo Ji shook his head and smiled with a hint of bitterness, “Since I’m like this, I shouldn’t harm another family’s daughter.”

Ji Yan’s eyes dimmed and he patted on Zhuo Ji’s shoulder, “Don’t be like this, elder brother. If you meet someone you like, don’t simply let her walk away. You deserve to have a good lady accompany you.

Zhuo Ji smiled but didn’t reply.

At this moment, Grandma Zhuo finally remembered about the rest once she had kissed Ji Xiao Zhuo enough. She smiled and patted on Ji Yan’s shoulder. Then her line of sight went to Tang Tang who she had never seen before. There was no shock in Grandma Zhuo’s eyes, only warmth.

Ji Yan immediately introduced her, “Grandma, this is Tang Tang, Xiao Zhuo’s mother. She didn’t meet you when we got married so I brought her to see you.”

Grandma Zhuo’s wise eyes scanned across the two of them and she could instantly tell that something had changed between them. However, she didn’t ask anything and pulled on Tang Tang’s hand, “Good child, come and visit me more often with Ji Yan. Seeing the younger generation living happily is the greatest blessing for a grandma.”

Tang Tang nodded seriously, “I will grandma. I will bring Xiao Zhuo to visit you more.”

Gratification flashed across Grandma Zhuo’s eyes. Seems like the hard times are over for the young Ji. In the group of children, there was finally one that was getting happiness.

When the group sat down at the living room, Ji Yan passed the box he had been carrying to Tang Tang and quietly said, “Give the present to grandma.”

Astonished, Tang Tang pointed at herself and asked soundlessly, “Me?”

Ji Yan nodded.

Tang Tang didn’t understand why he didn’t give the present to Grandma Zhuo himself and wanted her to instead. But she believed he must have a reason for this, so she obediently took the box and nervously clenched her fist. Under Ji Yan’s gaze, Tang Tang walked up to Grandma Zhuo and presented the box, “Grandma, this is a birthday present we’ve prepared for you. May your happiness be as bountiful as the waters of the East China sea and may your longevity rival that of the ageless pine in Zhongnan mountain.”

Reaching out, Grandma Zhuo shot an annoyed glance at Tang Tang and Ji Yan, “You children really like to waste money. Grandma only wants you, children, to come. There is no need for gifts. In the end, all of you children had to rack your brains to prepare presents for me. Is grandma a greedy elder in your eyes?”

Before Ji Yan and Tang Tang could reply, Zhuo Ji smiled as he sought for mercy, “Grandma, don’t be angry at me. I promise I’ll prepare an inexpensive present next time, alright?”

Ji Yan looked at Zhuo Ji and used his gaze to ask about the situation.

Zhuo Ji rubbed his forehead and smiled bitterly.

Seeing that he didn’t reply, Grandma Zhuo replied for him, “Your brother is a great person. He gave me a drawing of the Han Palace as my birthday present. He spent 100 million in an auction to get the drawing. I’m an elderly lady who is about to be buried. I don’t need a great fanfare for my birthday!”

Once those words came out, everyone blanked apart from Ji Yan who didn’t care much about money. Tang Tang was especially shocked by the figure that she almost forgot to breathe.

What, 100 million! How much money is that, ah? With that as a comparison, her present was too cheap.

Tang Tang suddenly felt the present in her hands was too lacking. She didn’t dare to give it.

Ji Yan simply blanked for a second and smiled. “Grandma Zhuo, that is Brother’s feelings. I’m sure he knows, so don’t blame him.”

Grandma Zhuo poked at Ji Yan, “You know how to defend your brother. I haven’t even mentioned you yet. You also wasted money!”

Even though Grandma Zhuo acted like a queen to outsiders, but, to them, she was just like an ordinary elder who liked to nag. She would dote on them and she was never lenient when it came to criticising them. When they were young, they had all been disciplined by Grandma Zhuo before.

But this time, Ji Yan smiled, “Grandma, it doesn’t apply to me this time. I’m not giving such an expensive present. I didn’t spend much, and it was Tang Tang who personally made it for you.”

This time, it was Grandma Zhuo who was taken aback. She was surprised and happy as she looked at Tang Tang, “Tang Tang made it personally? What is it? Quickly, let grandma take a look.”

Tang Tang, who was feeling nervous because of the inexpensive present, glanced at Ji Yan secretly. She discovered he was also looking at her and nodded lightly. She didn’t feel as nervous anymore and gently explained, “Grandma, I heard Ji Yan mention you liked wearing Ao Qun so I made one for you. I hope you’ll like it.”

Grandma Zhuo was interested when she heard it and reached out for the box, “Good, good, good, grandma likes a present like this. You have a good heart.”

After opening the lid, the clothing inside emerged. Even though the clothing wasn’t fully seen, Grandma Zhuo was stunned by the degree of refinery. She couldn’t help but take out the upper garment and skirt to look at it carefully. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it. Her eyes clearly showed how stunned she was.

Then, she saw a pair of delicately embroidered shoes at the bottom of the box. Grandma Zhuo was moved as she touched the shoes. It had been many years since she had made embroidered shoes.

The Ao Qun and embroidered shoes that Tang Tang made took inspiration from her nanny and the best looking Ao Qun from her previous world. Both Ao Qun looked honourable and gorgeous, but this one suited Grandma Zhuo’s temperament more. To get a better effect, Tang Tang stealthily embroidered over the original embroidery on the material, and the result was better.

The clothing Tang Tang made had an ancient charm and all the details made it look luxurious but not eye catching. Just by a glance, it was clearly exceptionally precious. It would not be mixed with the costumes in ancient dramas. It was no wonder that Grandma Zhuo liked it so much.

Grandma Zhuo took Tang Tang’s hand and patted it, “Tang Tang, the clothing and shoes you made is so beautiful. I didn’t expect to see such great craftsmanship of Ao Qun and embroidered shoes in this day and age. Tang Tang, grandma is really grateful to you.”

“It’s fine as long as you like it, grandma.” Tang Tang blushed from Grandma Zhuo’s praise. She didn’t know how to respond. Her first response was to look at Ji Yan. Ji Yan’s eyes held happiness. Tang Tang saw praise from him as well and suddenly felt embarrassed.

Ji Xiao Zhuo, who was a little fan of Tang Tang, stepped out and told Grandma Zhuo, “Great-grandma, the clothes my mummy makes looks really good when worn. Look at the clothes I’m wearing now. Mummy made it as well. Don’t I look handsome in it? Why don’t you try on your clothes? I think great-grandma would be more beautiful wearing new clothes~”

“Xiao Zhuo does look especially handsome today.” Grandma Zhuo was very cheerful at the little one’s words and nodded cooperatively, “Ok, ok, great-grandma will try it on now. Great-grandma wants to be more pretty.”

A servant helped Grandma Zhuo go upstairs to change. Zhuo Ji smiled and thanked Tang Tang, “Thank you, Tang Tang. Grandma hasn’t been this happy in a long time. She really likes the clothes and shoes you made. Grandma has always been regretful that the ancient skills got lost and couldn’t make it the way she imagined it to. I didn’t expect you to make up for her regret.”

Tang Tang waved her hand, “Brother Zhuo Ji, you don’t need to thank me. My present isn’t worth much. It’s just my feelings. It’s fine as long grandma likes it.”

Zhuo Ji could tell Tang Tang’s words were sincere and couldn’t help but smile towards Ji Yan. He patted on Ji Yan’s shoulder and silently passed something.

Ji Yan lifted his lip in a response.

At this moment, Grandma Zhuo had changed and she was coming down wearing the ancient style Ao Qun and shoes. She looked really elegant and with her hairstyle, it made her look especially spirited.

Everyone was stunned by the result. It already looked great by itself. They didn’t expect it to look even better when worn.

Ji Xiao Zhuo was the first person to run over. He gave her two thumps and praised, “Great-grandma, you’re as beautiful as the imperial consorts on television.”

Recently, Ji Xiao Zhuo and Tang Tang were watching a palace drama and he thought the imperial consorts were pretty.

Grandma Zhuo was extremely happy with his praise and she pinched his chubby hand, “Really? Great-grandma looks the same as the imperial consorts?”

Ji Xiao Zhuo seriously nodded, “Yes.”

Women, no matter at what age, liked to be praised as beautiful for their looks. Grandma Zhuo was elated by Ji Xiao Zhuo’s praise.

Zhuo Ji couldn’t help but tease, “Ji Yan, Xiao Zhuo is good. He’s better than us at praising girls. You don’t need to worry about getting a daughter-in-law now.”

Ji Yan laughed and thought if Ji Xiao Zhuo really dared to have multiple relationships and use his smarts on girls, he promised to break Xiao Zhuo’s legs.

“Ah! Grandma, you’re very beautiful today!”

A woman’s voice was heard from the entrance. Everyone turned to look. It was Gu Zhang An and Ji Yue. Gu Yan Ran was with them as well.

The person who spoke was Ji Yue. She rushed towards Grandma Zhuo and hugged her while rubbing against her and coquettishly said, “Grandma, you look beautiful like this. Where did the clothes come from?”

Grandma Zhuo smiled as she patted on Ji Yue’s head, “Tang Tang made this for me. It looks good. Right then, grandma has decided to wear it tomorrow.”

“Tang Tang made it?” Ji Yue turned around in surprise and immediately went to hug Tang Tang. “You’re really amazing, Tang Tang. When can you make me one, I really want to wear a dress like that and get myself a professional portrait. The ancient costumes provided are too crude.”

Even though Tang Tang didn’t know what a portrait was, she agreed to the request unconditionally, “Okay, I’ll make you one when I get back.”

“Tang Tang, you’re too good!” Ji Yue hugged tighter and felt something was different. Ji Yue looked at Tang Tang and pinched her face, “Tang Tang, have you gained weight? I think you’re not all bones now.”

“You can tell?” Tang Tang instantly became joyful and quickly shared her result with Ji Yue, “I keep thinking about gaining weight every day and keep eating all the time. I even secretly eat snacks at night behind Xiao Zhuo’s back. I have gained four kilos! Hehe, I weigh slightly over forty kilos now.”

Ji Yan, who was listening at the side, turned to look at Tang Tang. He just realised that Tang Tang actually ate snacks at night. He never discovered it at all.

After touching Tang Tang’s skin again, Ji Yue said, “Not just gaining weight. Your skin is better. The colour isn’t as frightening as before. It seems like my moisturising products are working.”

Tang Tang kept nodding, “It’s working. It’s really useful. I use the products you gave me every day and my skin has improved a lot. My hair is not as dry now. I’m really grateful to you, Ji Yue.”

Ji Yue was truly happy for Tang Tang, “That’s great. You need to carry on and work hard. I believe you’ll definitely become beautiful.”

Tang Tang didn’t dare to have such a high expectation, “I’m happy if I don’t look so bad. I don’t dare to wish to be a beauty.”

Poking on Tang Tang’s forehead, Ji Yue said, “Can you have a bit of confidence? Trust me. Based on my experience of seeing beautiful women and handsome men, you’ll definitely be a beauty after gaining another five kilos and improving your body. Just by looking at Ji Xiao Zhuo, you can tell you’re not ugly.”

Tang Tang swiftly corrected, “Xiao Zhuo takes after his father, that’s why he’s good-looking. He doesn’t take after my looks. His appearance has got nothing to do with me.”

Shaking her head, Ji Yue retorted, “That’s not true. Haven’t you noticed Ji Xiao Zhuo’s looks are similar to Ji Yan but his facial features are different. Since Xiao Zhuo’s facial features don’t look like his father, then it must come from you!”

Tang Tang didn’t believe those words. No matter how she saw it, the little one doesn’t look similar to her.

“Aiya, you need to believe in my judgement. Your looks changed because you’re unhealthy. Ji Xiao Zhuo’s facial features are defined by flesh so you can’t tell you two look alike. But you must know if the child is good-looking, how can the mother be ugly.”

After she finished speaking, Ji Yue turned to ask Ji Yan, “What I said is correct, right, Ji Yan? Is Ji Xiao Zhuo’s facial features different from yours?”

Ji Yan looked at Ji Xiao Zhuo, who was being held by Gu Zhang An, and silently nodded. Ji Xiao Zhuo’s features were different from his. The little one’s features were more delicate, but he didn’t know if Xiao Zhuo inherited it from Tang Tang because she already didn’t look very well when he met her.

Tang Tang was shocked when Ji Yan nodded. She couldn’t help but look at Ji Yan and Ji Xiao Zhuo. Maybe she was affected by Ji Yue’s words, but Tang Tang suddenly felt Xiao Zhuo and Ji Yan’s facial features were different after imagining Xiao Zhuo having a slimmer face. Could it be Ji Xiao Zhuo really took after her? It’s impossible.

Could it be that she was actually quite beautiful when she was normal? The main point was, had she ever been at a normal weight? Ah, how come there wasn’t a photo of how she looked like in the past?!