Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Permission To Cuddle (Bonus Chapter)

"Grandma, what were you looking for?" Xin Yan was inquisitive.

"This," said Grandma Xin, taking out a jade bracelet.

"This bracelet was passed down by my mother-in-law, and I passed it down to your mother as well; she was supposed to hand it over to her daughter-in-law, and I can only do this in her place," Grandma Xin said in a nasal voice, recalling Xin Yan’s mother.

Xin Yan’s mood also sank slightly. She was extremely close to her mother, and her death was a devastating blow to her.

"Cheng Luiying is our family’s daughter-in-law; this belongs to you and will be passed down to your daughter-in-law." Grandma Xin pushed her negative emotions to the back of her mind as she fastened the bracelet to Luiying’s wrist.

"It is really beautiful," Xin Yan said, as the jade appeared to glow in the light.

"Thank you, Grandma; I will keep this safe and pass it down to my daughter-in-law; this is my promise to you," Cheng Luiying stated solemnly, to which Grandma Xin nodded.

"Xin Yan, this is your mother’s necklace; she had always wanted to give it to you when you got married, but she is no longer with us, so you keep this little memento of your mother safely," Grandma Xin added, thrusting a necklace into Xin Yan’s hands.

At first glance, it appeared plain. Only Xin Yan understood how much this necklace meant to her mother. It was a symbol of love shared by her parents.

Her father had given this to her mother for one of their wedding anniversaries. She never imagined that her mother would hand it over to her.

"I will keep it safe," she muttered solemnly, clutching it to her chest as she tried to hold back tears.

"I know you will stop crying, or your grandpa will think I did something to you," Grandma Xin joked, lightening the mood.

The three ladies went downstairs, just in time to see the men emerge from the study, each with a unique expression.

Xin Yan had a dark expression, Grandpa Xin looked delighted, and Li Qiang had a small smile on his lips.

"Little Qiang, your chess skills are not bad, unlike my bratty grandson," Grandpa Xin sneered at Xin Yi, who seemed to have lost all of his energy.

"It is because Grandpa carried me along; otherwise, I fear my chess skills will be too bad and can not compare even to Xin Yi." Li Qiang was humble, but he also flatter Grandpa Xin, which he enjoyed listening to.

"Good, good, in the future, visit us more often; I have better skills to show you," Grandpa Xin exclaimed, looking like a child.

"Of course, Grandpa," he obediently replied.

In reality, Li Qiang had amazing chess skills, but he could only show a bit while playing with the old man. He was aware that old men had this pride, and in order to avoid crushing that pride, he could only suppress his skills.

However, this was a positive thing. The three men were aware that Li Qiang suppressed his abilities, but neither mentioned it.

Li Qiang announced, "Grandpa, Xin Yan, and I will be leaving soon," and nodded.

"It is fine, you both are busy; I appreciate the fact that you recognize the custom," Grandpa Xin was thoroughly impressed by Li Qiang.

"Xin Yi, when will the Cheng Family pay us a visit?" Cheng Luiying turned pale as she heard Grandpa Xin’s question.

She looked at Xin Yi, hoping for a reasonable response.

"Yingying is not in a good relationship with her family; she has always been ostracized, so I do not think they will come to see us," this was Xin Yi’s true nature.

He was never hesitant to express himself. He was always honest, unconcerned about the consequences of his words. He always told the truth, no matter how hurtful it was.

As Xin Yi finished his speech, everyone in the room changed their expressions.

"That’s bad, the Cheng Family right? Do not worry, Luiying; this grandpa is now your grandpa; you do not need to be concerned about them; they do not deserve you." Grandpa Xin was furious.

He had a good relationship with Grandpa Cheng until the old man died of an unknown illness. Cheng Luiying’s father died shortly after as well. This was the reason Cheng Luiying craved her mother’s affection.

Unfortunately, she was ignored and mistreated.

"Girl, we are your family now, and we will stand by you; if anyone bullies you, please notify us," Grandma Xin said resolutely.

Cheng Luiying nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. Her husband’s family treated her as if she were blood.

She no longer cared about her mother or siblings. They could keep their family ties to themselves; she did not require them anymore.

"Hey, do not cry; we are now your family; all you need to do is smile." Xin Yan noticed her red eyes and comforted her by holding her shoulders.

"I am not crying; it is just that for the first time in a long time, I felt like I mattered; your love overwhelmed me, and I had no idea how I was supposed to react," she chuckled, sniffling quietly.

"You do not need to be overwhelmed; you are my sister-in-law, they are your grandparents, and he is your husband. If that is not enough, you have Li Qiang as your brother-in-law," Xin Yan chuckled, and they all laughed.

"Cheng Luiying, if you ever have problems, Xin Yan and I are here to help, if your husband is not reliable," Li Qiang said, taking another jab at Xin Yi.

Xin Yi could not be bothered to speak with him. He was content; he gave Cheng Luiying assurance, which was sufficient for him.

Li Qiang and Xin Yan left. They went straight to Li Qiang’s apartment and spent the night in the same room with the same bed, but nothing happened.

"I will only touch you if you are willing," Li Qiang muttered, helplessly smiling.

He was so close to the one he loved, but he could not touch her. He could not help but suppress his desire as they lied down.

"If you want to cuddle with me, you can." After giving him permission, Xin Yan buried her face into the pillow.

She had no idea what had gotten into her to make such a bold move.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read