Ten Thousand Soul Banner: Deceased, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?-Chapter 1012 - 1008: Taozi’s Wedding

"Grandma."

Taozi walked in and immediately held onto Grandma’s arm.

She’s smart; as long as Grandma is around, Jiang Hongtu and his wife wouldn’t criticize her too harshly.

Because Grandma always defends her.

"You girl, been so long, and you don’t even come to see me?" Grandma pretended to be angry.

"Hehe, I’m back now, aren’t I?" Taozi said with an embarrassed smile.

Lately, she’s been worried that her parents would ask about her and Shen Siyuan, so she intentionally avoided home. Looking back now, she did leave Grandma concerned.

Grandma, half-jokingly, extended a finger to gently poke her forehead: "You really are a little worry-maker."

Though her words were reproachful, the love in her eyes was undeniable.

The warm interaction between the grandmother and granddaughter was happening here, while over there, Tao Guangsha was enthusiastically inviting Shen Siyuan to take a seat. Qi Huilan brought over two cups of hot tea and placed them steadily in front of the two.

"Xiao Shen, try this year’s new tea."

"Thank you, Aunt." Shen Siyuan quickly stood up to thank her, his demeanor humble and polite.

"We’re family, no need to be so formal." Qi Huilan laughed heartily, waved her hand, and then brought out some fruits and snacks.

Only then did Tao Guangsha relax his tone and ask, "I heard from Taozi that you went on a retreat recently?"

"Yes, I’ve stayed home for a long time, and I wanted to go trekking to sort of settle my mind." Shen Siyuan nodded in agreement.

Qi Huilan, sitting on a single sofa beside him, looked him up and down and said with a smile, "I see you’ve just gotten a bit of a tan, but your spirit seems great. Doesn’t look like you’ve changed much."

"It wasn’t physical suffering; it was more of a... a spiritual journey." Shen Siyuan thought for a moment and explained carefully, his tone calm.

"Oh, speaking of which, our Taozi is quite the spirited child. Probably not much help to you."

Qi Huilan sighed; though her words were polite, they carried sincere regret.

Unexpectedly, Tao Guangsha immediately countered, "That’s not right; cultivation is a personal matter. How could Taozi help? As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, it’s good."

"Exactly~ exactly~" Taozi quickly stuck her head out from beside Grandma, nodding vigorously in agreement, afraid her parents would turn the topic to her.

Grandma was amused by her anxiousness to clear herself and gently tapped her hand, beckoning her to stay quiet.

Shen Siyuan, however, laughed, earnestly saying, "That’s not exactly true; she’s actually helped a lot."

His words left everyone stunned, especially Taozi, who pointed at herself bewildered, "Me? What did I help with? I didn’t know."

Looking at her silly expression, the living room erupted in laughter, even Grandma laughed until her eyes narrowed.

"Because of her, I didn’t have the notion to renounce the worldly life." Shen Siyuan’s gaze fell on Taozi, his tone gentle, "She’s like my life’s anchor, letting me know there’s more in this world besides cultivation, people and things worth cherishing."

"Hee hee~"

Upon hearing this, Taozi’s face instantly blossomed with a radiant smile. She proudly walked over to Shen Siyuan’s side and naturally nestled against his shoulder.

Shen Siyuan also didn’t hold back, wrapping his arm around her waist, holding her securely in his embrace, his actions affectionate and natural.

"Aww~ you young folks, you really are a sight." Qi Huilan elongated her tone, feigning disdain.

Seeing this, Grandma and Tao Guangsha burst into laughter, making the living room atmosphere more lively and relaxing.

At this moment, a small voice next to them spoke, "What are you all laughing about? Tell me, so I can be happy too."

Everyone turned towards the voice, and who else could it be but Dou Dou?

Great Grandmother’s eyes lit up when she saw her, excitedly applauding, "Oh my, isn’t this our Little Doudou? Come here, let Great Grandmother have a good look at you!"

"Great Grandmother!" Dou Dou instantly ran over with her little legs, cleverly squeezing between Great Grandmother’s legs with a bright smile on her face.

Sitting on the chair, Great Grandmother pulled her into her arms, hugging her tightly without letting go, her rough hand gently caressing her little face as her eyes gradually filled with tears, "My Little Doudou, Great Grandmother missed you so much."

As people get older, they tend to love their younger generations even more; that’s the magic of cross-generational affection.

Dou Dou is the youngest among four generations, clever, sweet-talking, always beloved by Great Grandmother.

"I’ve missed Great Grandmother too." Seeing Great Grandmother’s teary eyes, Dou Dou seemed touched as well, her little nose twitched, and her voice carried a sniffle.

"Was it tough being out with Mr. Shen on retreat?"

Great Grandmother held her little face, carefully examining it, fearing she’d been wronged.

Dou Dou glanced back at Shen Siyuan, then replied crisply, "Not tough at all, very happy, Mom said it was a trip."

"Well, that’s good, that’s good..."

Since returning, Taozi had been worried, but it wasn’t until lunchtime that she realized all her worries were unnecessary.

Jiang Hongtu and his wife never explicitly mentioned Ruan Hongzhuang, only treating her as Shen Siyuan’s friend, warmly inviting her to eat and adding dishes, as if completely unaware of her relationship with Shen Siyuan. Their natural openness made Taozi sigh in relief, and her tense nerves gradually relaxed.

However, Jiang Hongtu and his wife didn’t completely ignore their daughter’s future.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Jiang Hongtu put down his chopsticks, cleared his throat, looked at Shen Siyuan with a calm but serious tone, "Si Yuan, earlier this year, we said the elders from both families should meet and settle your and Taozi’s marriage. Do you remember?"

Shen Siyuan nodded, his tone sincere, "Uncle, I do remember. After the New Year, I had many things to handle and then went out for a retreat until just recently. It’s my oversight."

"We’re not blaming you." Qi Huilan chimed in, her eyes filled with parental concern, "Your matters are important, but it’s already the end of July, and there’s been no definite date for the wedding. It’s inevitable that your uncle and I feel anxious. We even thought... thought you two might have had an argument and split up."

Towards the end, Qi Huilan couldn’t help but smile, her relief evident in her tone.

Taozi, sitting aside, blushed slightly, secretly glancing at Shen Siyuan, feeling both sweet and warm inside.

She knew, her parents were helping her to secure her place.

Earlier this year, both sides had verbally agreed to the marriage, but it was put on hold due to Shen Siyuan’s sudden retreat. Although she was concerned, she didn’t dare bring it up, afraid to disturb him. Unexpectedly, her parents asked first.

"Apologies for troubling you, Uncle and Aunt; it’s my mistake." Shen Siyuan put down his wine glass, becoming more serious.

"Once I’m done with my current tasks, I’ll arrange for both families’ elders to meet. As for the betrothal presents and wedding date, we’ll follow Uncle and Aunt’s wishes without disappointing Taozi."

"Ah, you’re being too polite."

Jiang Hongtu waved his hand, showing a satisfied smile.

"We’re not making things difficult for you; we just want Taozi to have a good home. You’re a dependable kid, and we trust you."

"Yes," Qi Huilan also smiled in agreement, "Betrothal presents are formalities, as long as you live well together, that’s what matters. Taozi has been spoiled by us since childhood, she’s a bit headstrong. I still need to trouble you to be more forgiving."

"Mom!" Taozi protested, stomping her feet, her cheeks even redder, "I’m not headstrong!"

"Saying you’re not?" Qi Huilan laughed and tapped her forehead, "The last time your dad said something over the phone, and you hung up on him immediately."

"I know!" Taozi muttered, inching closer to Shen Siyuan in search of refuge.

Shen Siyuan, smoothly wrapped his arm around her shoulder, smiled, and said, "Aunt, don’t worry. Taozi’s straightforwardness and cuteness are what I love most, why would I blame her?"

"That’s more like it." Grandma said with contentment, "Getting along is about mutual understanding; you have the responsibility, with Taozi by your side, we have peace of mind."

Dou Dou was chewing on a big bone, hearing this, she looked up, her little face greasy and full of curiosity, "Potato, do you want Aunt to be your wife?" 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Why, can’t I?"

"You can, but I still think my mom is the best; I can let my mom be your wife." Dou Dou said seriously.

"Pfft~"

Everyone laughed, Jiang Hongtu even almost choked on his drink.

Dou Dou blinked her big eyes, completely unaware of what amused everyone.

She was serious, what’s so funny?