Chapter 389 Just in Time

Chapter 389 Right on Time

The tea room, reception room, and living room all had enough seating, with the young and old separated, so it wasn’t too noisy.

Xiao Xiao first showed Ye Changan and Shen Qiuyu their guest room.

"It’s noisy outside, so you can put Jia Jia in the bedroom. There’s a hot water dispenser here for making bottles, and I’ve got a crib ready for her at night—everything’s set."

The room had been tidied up in advance, and since no one usually stayed there, it was clean and warm.

Shen Qiuyu placed the child on the bed, really touched that Xiao Xiao had even prepared a crib.

Since she needed to stay with the child, she said to Ye Changan, "Go out and chat with the others. I’ll keep Jia Jia company here for a while."

Ye Changan worried she’d be bored alone and started to stay, but soon Zhang Xue came in.

Zhang Xue told him to go out, saying she’d sit and chat with Qiuyu.

Dinner’d be ready soon anyway, so they wouldn’t be long.

Xiao Xiao went out to join her family, noticing how much they’d changed since last time.

Old Man Lu, hearing Ye Jianguo was a military academy instructor, immediately wanted to arrange a job for him. "Xiao Ye, why not come to the capital as an instructor? Someone like you is in demand everywhere."

Though they’d rarely met, Old Man Lu could tell from Ye Jianguo’s manner that he was the real deal.

Ye Jianguo declined, mainly because it’d mean being far from home and troubling the old man.

Plus, showing up uninvited wouldn’t be fair to others.

Old Man Lu thought it was too bad—if the whole Ye family moved to the capital, he’d have a chess partner.

Meanwhile, Xiao Xiao asked about Miao Cuifang and learned she was taking painting lessons from Teacher Lin Chan and helping out at her studio.

Miao Cuifang used to paint casually, but after training, she realized how much there was to learn.

Still, she had talent and a unique style, improving fast.

Teacher Lin Chan was really impressed with her—their relationship felt more like friends than mentor and student.

Knowing Miao Cuifang was doing well put Xiao Xiao at ease.

At the same time, Ye Changqing’s mine had turned a good profit.

The Ye family was now *literally* a "family with mines."

Xiao Xiao turned on the TV for Ye Baoyuan and Ye Baocheng, letting the two boys watch in the living room—they’d always been well-behaved.

Yun Chengxiu adored the boys, wondering when she’d get to hold a grandson.

Of course, she’d love a granddaughter too—she wasn’t picky.

By the time Song Guangjing arrived, the chef was almost done cooking.

Xiao Xiao welcomed him in and called everyone to eat.

With so many people, they split into two tables, but the mood stayed lively.

Just as everyone sat down, noise came from the yard—it was Lu Hanchuan, who’d come back unexpectedly.

Lu Hanchuan had hurried back to be with Xiao Xiao, but he had no idea the house would be this bustling.

Everyone was thrilled by Lu Hanchuan's return.

Though Yun Chengxiu and Lu Xingzhou didn’t say it, they’d been eager for their son’s return.

Now that Lu Hanchuan was back, it made everything perfect.

Ye Xiaoxiao stood up and took Lu Hanchuan inside to freshen up. "I thought you wouldn’t be back until tomorrow night."

Lu Hanchuan mussed Xiao Xiao’s hair. "No chance—if anything, I’m kicking myself for not coming sooner."

"Not late at all, we haven’t even started eating yet."

Only after Lu Hanchuan changed and the two returned to the table did the dinner really begin.

The family didn’t often gather for meals, so these occasional get-togethers brought everyone closer.

After dinner, Lu Xingzhou and his wife called their driver to take them home.

As for the grandparents, they’d stay with Xiao Xiao for the night.

Ye Xiaoxiao had set aside the two guest rooms in the north wing for the grandparents and Ye Jianguo’s family.

Originally, they’d considered letting Miao Fengshan stay in the north wing, but he wasn’t up for stairs, so he didn’t stay there.

Though the others were in the side rooms, all had heaters, so it wasn’t cold.

Song Guangjing even said, "If there’s not enough space here, you can stay at my courtyard—it’s only a stone’s throw away."

"Shifu, we’ve got space right here. Why don’t you just stay with us?"

After all, he’d be back tomorrow for another meal.

Ye Xiaoxiao refused to let her master ring in the New Year alone.

Song Guangjing waved his hand. "I’m old and go to bed early. I’d prefer my own bed—I’ll come back tomorrow."

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded—with it being so close, it didn’t matter where he stayed.

After seeing off those who were leaving, Lu Hanchuan shut the gate behind them.

Everyone’s rooms had been arranged.

Ye Changning threw an arm around Ye Changsheng’s shoulder. "Chang Sheng and I can share a room—we’ll have time to catch up."

Back home, they’d often shared a bed.

Ye Xiaoxiao added, "There’s a spare bedroom ready next door if you feel cramped later."

Though the beds were large, two grown men squeezing into one would still be tight.

"Xiao Xiao, let them sort themselves out. You should get some rest," Miao Cuifang chimed in.

As the lady of the house, Ye Xiaoxiao was on top of her hostess duties.

She made the rounds to ensure no one needed help before heading back to her own room.

Lu Hanchuan worked the knots out of Xiao Xiao’s shoulders.

Here's the improved translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

"Thanks for your hard work, sweetheart."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "I hardly did anything. Third Brother had chefs prepare everything, and others did the dishes too."

This was just like dining out.

That's how the wealthy live.

Lu Hanchuan: "This arrangement is great. There wasn't much for you to do."

With such a huge feast, there was no way Xiao Xiao could have handled it alone.

And in Lu Hanchuan's mind, if Xiao Xiao could whip up a simple stir-fry, that would already be significant progress.

Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan went back to clean up first. After washing up, they lay in bed, with Lu Hanchuan pulling Xiao Xiao close.

Though Xiao Xiao looked slender, she had plenty of soft curves to the touch.

Lu Hanchuan kissed Xiao Xiao and said, "You should eat more - you're getting too thin."

Xiao Xiao snuggled down and insisted, "No, I haven't."

Because she weighed herself daily at Rende Pharmacy.

Lu Hanchuan pinched her slender waist. "So small? And you say you haven't?"

Xiao Xiao could tell he was just talking nonsense.

She reached out and placed her hand on Lu Hanchuan's toned stomach. "Then let me see if you've lost weight..."

Before she could finish, Lu Hanchuan grabbed her hand and pressed it down.

"You started this..."

...

Early the next morning, firecrackers popping in the alley woke Xiao Xiao.

It wasn't too late, but Ye Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered there was a whole household to feed.

She opened her eyes.

Of course... Lu Hanchuan had already left, she thought.

By the time she finally dragged herself through her morning routine, Ye Baocheng and Ye Baoyuan were already practicing classical poetry in the living room.

"You're up already?"

Ye Xiaoxiao looked at the kids.

"Aunt Xiao, it's eight already. We've been up since seven," Ye Baocheng said very honestly. "Okay, okay, you got me. Let me see about breakfast."