After Descending the Mountain, Seven Big Brothers Spoil Me - Chapter 377

Chapter 377: The Anxieties of the Ancestral Master
On the following day, Zhouzhou’s eyelids twitched, gradually opening as she stirred from her slumber.

Glancing out of the window, now bathed in the glow of daylight, she suddenly realized her oversight and chided herself for dozing off.

With a frustrated pat to her forehead with her chubby paw, she turned to An Ya beside her, her heart lightening upon seeing her.

Murmuring to herself, she shifted her chubby body, enfolding An Ya’s face in her chubby paws and planted a kiss.

An Ya had been planning to gauge her daughter’s reaction upon waking, but found herself greeted with a face full of affectionate gestures instead.

Unable to feign sleep any longer, she opened her eyes, smiling warmly at Zhouzhou. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mommy,” Zhouzhou replied in a sleepy tone, then proceeded to plant another kiss on her chin, reluctant to let go of her embrace.

Early as it was, An Ya’s heart was already brimming with joy from her little princess.

Her smile widened involuntarily as she lifted Zhouzhou’s chubby bottom, preparing to dress her. “Shall we get you dressed?”

“Yes, please,” Zhouzhou stretched her arms out, looking up at An Ya with childish eagerness. “Mommy, help me dress.”

Though Zhouzhou was perfectly capable of dressing herself, the presence of her mother always prompted her to indulge in a bit of pampering.

“Of course,” An Ya replied softly, gently pinching her chubby arm with affectionate gaze, before retrieving the clothes from the bedside table.

With Zhouzhou’s short arms and legs, the clothes seemed almost minuscule in An Ya’s hands; she handled them delicately, afraid of causing any discomfort to her daughter.

Zhouzhou, however, remained cheerful and patient, allowing her mother to dress her at her own pace. Despite the leisurely process, donning clothes couldn’t delay them for long.

In a matter of minutes, An Ya had dressed her daughter, needing little instruction from Zhouzhou.

She then carried her to the bathroom, where she meticulously brushed her teeth, washed her face, and tidied up her hair. Zhouzhou was delighted, feeling like a pampered little princess.

After mother and daughter finished their morning routine, half an hour had already passed. Zhouzhou inquired, “Mommy, what are we doing at home today?”

“We plan to treat your father and the others to a meal,” An Ya replied. It was both a farewell gesture and a token of gratitude for their care towards Zhouzhou.

“Oh?” Zhouzhou was surprised by her mother’s words, tilting her head in confusion. “Won’t Daddy be jealous?”

“No, he won’t,” An Ya lowered her head to plant a kiss on her daughter’s cheek. “This was his idea.”

This revelation left Zhouzhou even more astonished. After a few seconds, she couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, feeling comforted. “Daddy has finally grown up.”

The expression on her face somewhat resembled that of a proud mother. Unable to contain herself, An Ya burst into laughter, showering her daughter’s face with more kisses. “Oh, how amusing my daughter is.”

Zhouzhou blinked innocently, returning the affectionate gestures.

Ye Lingfeng emerged to witness this heartwarming scene: mother and daughter exchanging affectionate gestures.

He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy, leaning against the door frame, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Shortly after, Xi Mo emerged upon hearing the commotion. He glanced downstairs briefly, then at Ye Lingfeng standing there, his expression somewhat complex.

After a moment, he averted his gaze, refocusing on the mother-daughter duo in the living room.

As long as they were happy, that was enough.

Sensing his gaze, Zhouzhou turned to look at him, her eyes lighting up upon seeing him. Waving her chubby paw enthusiastically, she exclaimed, “Uncle!”

Xi Mo strode over, scooping Zhouzhou up into his arms. Xi Yan pouted slightly, feeling left out. “Why does she only call him and not me?”

Zhouzhou giggled mischievously, ignoring his complaint.

Just as she was about to speak, another figure appeared at the doorway, followed by a small head poking in. It was Qin Bei.

Seeing them all gathered, Qin Bei stepped inside and announced, “Zhouzhou, Grandma wants you all to come over for dinner.”

An Ya was surprised at the invitation, feeling a bit embarrassed. “We should be the ones inviting.”

As if anticipating her response, Qin Bei shook his head, “Grandma said we’re all family, it’s all the same.”

This sentiment clearly came from the adults. An Ya couldn’t help but smile.

Zhouzhou nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, we’re all the same, we’re family.”

With that reassurance, An Ya had no reason to refuse, her smile deepening. “Alright, let’s go.”

Zhouzhou was right; it was her home, and they were all family.

Today, Ye Lingfeng unusually didn’t object and followed them.

Zhouzhou didn’t forget to tease the statue. “Ancestral Master, come out, let’s go eat together.”

However, despite her calls, the Ancestral Master remained motionless.

“Ancestral Master, if you don’t come out, I won’t play with you anymore,” Zhouzhou threatened.

But still, there was no response.

“Huh?” Zhouzhou tilted her head. “Is he not here?”

She shook the spirit talisman, but the malevolent spirit inside only sobbed, tears streaming down its face. Ignoring its lamentations, Zhouzhou quickly stuffed it back in. It was too gloomy!

An Ya glanced at it and said, “Let’s go. The Ancestral Master must be busy.”

Indeed, the Ancestral Master had plenty on his plate.

Zhouzhou didn’t insist, returning the statue to its place. Her chubby paw waved excitedly as she urged, “Uncle, hurry up, let’s catch up with Sixth Brother!”

Upon hearing this, Qin Bei hastened his pace.

Zhouzhou urged again, “Uncle, faster!”

Xi Mo held her securely, his strides swift and steady, surpassing Qin Bei in no time.

Zhouzhou couldn’t help but cheer, sticking her tongue out at Qin Bei in triumph.

Qin Bei huffed indignantly at his own short legs compared to Xi Mo’s long ones, but dared not voice his complaint when he saw Xi Mo’s impassive face.

Grandma Qin saw them and beckoned with a smile, “Come and have dinner.”

The table was filled to the brim, clearly prepared for Zhouzhou.

Extra chairs were brought in, thankfully the Qin household was spacious enough and had bought the largest table available, accommodating everyone comfortably.

An Ya noticed that all of Zhouzhou’s uncles and aunts were present, not a single one missing, which touched her deeply.

She knew that Qin Bei’s earlier words were not mere courtesy; they truly regarded her and Lingfeng as family.

She felt that her life had been worthwhile.

Zhouzhou, not thinking too deeply, couldn’t take her eyes off the delicious food. Qin Lie stepped forward, took her hand, and seated her in her special chair. However, this time, he didn’t sit beside her; instead, he ceded the seat to Ye Lingfeng. The two exchanged a brief glance before quickly looking away.

Ye Lingfeng couldn’t help but smile slightly, “Thanks.”

Qin Lie said nothing and sat down nearby. Watching this scene, An Ya couldn’t help but laugh with joy. This was how it should be—one big family, without any need for tension or conflict.

In the statue, the ancestral master observed them, then glanced at the golden light of national protection in his hand, scratching his head. Remembering An Ya’s words, he couldn’t help but touch his glittering arm, his face showing worry. He had a nagging feeling that this arm might not remain intact for long…