Most of the people from the Fang family had already left. Today was one of the rare times when Grandpa Fang got a break, and the family gathered together for lunch. In this circle, who didn’t have pressing matters to attend to? At this level, no one’s workload was light. Only a few women and some younger family members seemed relaxed. The tasks that needed to be addressed were mostly completed, and Grandpa Fang was taking a nap. People dispersed, planning to come back for dinner in the evening.
But not Dong Xuebing; he didn’t leave, still sitting in the living room, sipping tea and chatting with those he could see.
“Hey, little brother, which high school are you in now?”
“Good school. It’s almost time for the college entrance exam. How’s your studying going?”
“Hey, little sister, are you reading?”
“Auntie, do you watch any TV dramas? There’s a good one out now, starring Chen Ying. It’s amazing.”
Dong Xuebing was enthusiastic, saying a few words to everyone with a big smile.
The rest of the Fang family didn’t want to talk to him at all, just offering perfunctory responses.
Ring, ring. The phone rang, and Dong Xuebing glanced at the number—it was from Xie Ran. He knew the kid must be eager to hear from him, so Dong Xuebing answered without hesitation, “Hello, Xiao Ran.”
Everyone looked over.
“Brother-in-law,” came the voice on the other end. “How’s it going?”
Dong Xuebing laughed. “Pretty good. Everything’s going smoothly here. The Fang family is all very warm. They’ve even kept me here to chat and drink tea. It’s fine, don’t worry. I’m just talking about dramas with Auntie Fang here. Haha, you can relax.”
The younger family members nearly fainted.
Even Aunt Fang, with her excellent self-control, was nearly spitting blood.
“What a load of crap—that’s not how it is at all! You come here and nobody’s been nice to you. They’re just pretending to be warm to get rid of you. Nobody wants you to stick around, and Aunt Fang hasn’t even said a word to you. You keep jabbering on about whatever you want. How thick-skinned can you be?”
One of the younger girls in the Fang family stifled a giggle.
Everyone was utterly amazed at Dong Xuebing. This wasn’t just about being thick-skinned—he was in a league of his own. To sit there smiling and making up such nonsense in front of the entire Fang family, and not even batting an eye—it takes a truly special kind of person. What a thick skin you’ve got!
Aunt Fang glanced at him and then at the clock on the wall, “Xiao Dong, it’s getting late. We need to rest. It’s time for everyone to take a nap.” Again, she was subtly indicating it was time for him to leave. A stranger, an enemy’s representative, sitting in their living room chatting away, was just too awkward.
Dong Xuebing immediately replied, “Oh, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone.”
Aunt Fang said, “It’s not a disturbance; it’s just time to rest.”
Dong Xuebing quickly said, “It’s all my fault. Don’t worry about me. You all go ahead and rest. I’ll watch some TV by myself.”
No one knew how to respond.
After a long silence, Aunt Fang said nothing more. She exchanged looks with another female relative, then turned and went upstairs. They were afraid that if they continued talking to Dong Xuebing, they might have a heart attack; he was just too tactless.
Some of the younger family members saw this and immediately started following her upstairs.
Dong Xuebing picked up the remote and turned on the TV naturally, without hesitation. He then found a plate of sunflower seeds under the coffee table and started munching away, chatting with the only younger family member who stayed behind. This younger girl was probably the only one in the Fang family who didn’t mind Dong Xuebing. She found him quite fascinating.
They chatted the entire afternoon.
By evening, around 6:00 PM, most of the Fang family members who had been working or were out came back, and those who had napped upstairs had also come down.
But they were surprised to find that Dong Xuebing hadn’t left. Not only that, but he was playing cards with the little girl from their family, having a great time, laughing continuously.
“Hey, no fair, Brother Dong. You’re cheating!”
“Wrongfully accusing me of cheating? I wouldn’t dare!”
This scene evoked a profound sense of helplessness in everyone.
The second sister-in-law couldn’t take it anymore and glared at Dong Xuebing. “Why haven’t you left yet? Are you planning to have dinner here too?”
Dong Xuebing replied with a chuckle, “Have dinner here? How would that be appropriate? I was just worried about causing everyone trouble. It’s fine. I can grab a bite somewhere.”
The second sister-in-law was speechless, pointing at him with frustration.
Upstairs, Grandpa Fang, being helped by the second daughter-in-law, was getting ready to come down. Hearing this, Grandpa Fang couldn’t help but chuckle at Dong Xuebing’s words.
The second sister-in-law pointed at him. “Don’t try your tricks on me; it’s useless.” I’ve told you, unless heaven drops a pie, don’t even think about marrying Xiaoling into your family!”
Dong Xuebing laughed, “Well, I can’t pretend I didn’t hear that, Second Aunt. But what if a pie drops from the sky?”
The second sister-in-law sneered, pointing at the ceiling, “If that happens, you can set the engagement date whenever you want!”
Dong Xuebing blinked, “Can you make that decision?”
“I can! If a pie drops, let it drop now—I’ll believe it!” The second sister-in-law was furious.
Dong Xuebing smiled, “Okay, if you’re really in charge at home, then it’s settled. Let’s have some pie for dinner today. Do we have a plate?”
The little girl from the Fang family picked up a fruit bowl.
“Thank you.” Dong Xuebing took the plate with a smile. “Alright, everyone, watch closely. Sometimes, it’s true—the sky can drop a pie.”
He snapped his fingers without giving anyone a chance to react.
Completely out of nowhere, a pie fell from the ceiling, almost hitting the second sister-in-law on the head.
Everyone stared in shock, looking up as a pie fell from nowhere, completely mystifying them.
The second sister-in-law was stunned, letting out an “Oh!” and hurriedly dodging. The pie landed right where her head had been.
Dong Xuebing perfectly caught the pie with the plate, setting it down with a satisfied laugh. “See, what did I tell you? Xiaoling and Xiao Ran are destined to be together. Even the heavens have arranged it all.”