Chapter 64: The Xie Family is Always Your Backing

Chapter 64: The Xie Family is Always Your Backing

The chess game was played with joy and laughter. After finishing the game, Old Zhuang looked at Nan Huang and liked her more and more, while Xie Tang, looking at Nan Huang, grew even fonder of her.

The housemaid brought out the red wine that Nan Huang had specially brought, and Xie Tang probably realized it was the handiwork of his daughter Xie Yu. He remained silent for a moment and immediately had it stored away.

Tea, snacks, and fruits were served, and the group of people chatted in the pavilion.

Upon hearing Old Zhuang's words, Zhong Ya briefly recounted the events of last night's Heaven and Earth Chess Battle. Xie Tang was even more astonished when he heard it.

"Daughter, you caused quite a stir last night," he remarked.

Nan Huang smiled.

Old Zhuang looked at Nan Huang and curiously asked, "Who did you learn this chess from?"

"I read some books and studied some games on my own. I didn't have a master," Nan Huang respectfully replied.

"Self-taught?" Zhuang Han praised her, "You are truly talented. You're much better than my disciple here."

Nan Huang raised her head, and Zhong Ya immediately nodded in agreement. "I'm Zhong Ya, known online as 'Blackheart Tianya.' I played a game of chess with you as well."

Nan Huang thought for a moment and then remembered. "Oh, I remember you. You played very well, and I was pushed to my limits."

Zhong Ya smiled as she recalled their match.

Zhuang Han patted Zhong Ya's back. "Being pushed to your limits is not a bad thing. I heard people in the chess society say that Zhong Ya actually lost."

Xie Tang felt like he had hit the jackpot and burst into laughter. "My granddaughter is amazing. You can't help but envy her."

Zhuang Han glanced at Zhong Ya, noticing that most of his attention was on Nan Huang, and he even had suspiciously red ears. He chuckled and patted Zhong Ya. "You young people, go aside and chat. I'll have a talk with your grandfather."

"Alright, Teacher."

After Xie Ziran, Nan Huang, and Zhong Ya left, Zhuang Han and Xie Tang had a drink of tea.

Zhuang Han looked at the direction where the young people had left and said to Xie Tang in a solemn tone, "Do you think highly of the Zhong family's background?"

Xie Tang pretended to be deep in thought. "Why? Are you thinking of marrying the Zhong family's daughter to my son Ziran? That boy is quite mischievous, would the Zhong family agree?"

Zhuang Han immediately replied, "Hey, you know very well that I'm not talking about Xie Ziran. I'm talking about Zhong Ya and Nan Huang. I've watched Zhong Ya grow up by my side, and you've watched him too. You know his character well. He's simple. In the past twenty-odd years, his eyes have been focused solely on chess. This is the first time I've seen him look at a girl like this. He's blushing and can't hide it. The Zhong family is quite prominent in West City. If you're interested, let's try to arrange it."

Xie Tang raised his posture even higher. "I don't think so."

"Why not?" Zhuang Han asked anxiously. "I think it's a good match. Have you seen how compatible those two young people look?"

Xie Tang raised his teacup and shook his head. "In any case, my word is final."

Zhuang Han sat up straight and looked at him seriously. "Well, then I'll talk to Old Zhong when I get back, and he can discuss it with you. Let's see if you'll refuse Old Zhong's face."

Xie Tang chuckled. "You really treasure your disciple, planning so much for him."

Zhuang Han said, "My old man is known for favoring his own."

Xie Tang and Zhuang Han burst into laughter.

Xie Ziran led Nan Huang to walk in the courtyard, with Xie Wen and Zhong Ya following on either side.

"Our family has a big courtyard with four villas. We just passed the more elegant one; it's where my grandfather lives. This one here is my family's, and that one belongs to my second uncle. There's another one that's been vacant for a long time, it belongs to your mother and my aunt."

Nan Huang nodded and recognized each one.

After explaining, Xie Ziran approached Nan Huang and asked, "Nan Huang, you met my grandfather just now. What do you think of him?"

Zhong Ya listened attentively from the side, not understanding the content of their conversation but still paying great attention.

Nan Huang replied, "Grandfather indeed has some kidney issues. He probably had a kidney stone surgery in the past two years."

"Oh, you're amazing!" Xie Ziran exclaimed in surprise. "You can tell that? Grandfather had a kidney stone surgery last year, and it was quite painful."

"He's aging quickly, and if left untreated, it will probably deteriorate into uremia within two years," Nan Huang explained.

"Is it that serious?" Xie Ziran asked.

Nan Huang nodded and said, "I'll write a prescription for you later. Make sure he takes it morning and night, and there should be improvement after a month. By the way, just say it's prescribed by an old Chinese doctor from outside, don't mention me."

Xie Ziran nodded seriously. "Okay, I'll follow your advice, brother."

Zhong Ya looked at Nan Huang in amazement. "Miss Ye, you also understand traditional Chinese medicine?"

"I know a little bit," Nan Huang replied with a smile. "Does Grandfather Zhuang also have knee pain during rainy seasons? And does he have stomach problems, like frequent bloating and burping?"

Zhong Ya was astonished. "You're really amazing; that's exactly right!"

Nan Huang smiled and said, "It's not a big problem. I'll write a prescription for you as well. Just follow the prescription and boil it for Grandfather Zhuang. There should be improvement within a week."

She said mysteriously, "Oh, and don't mention that it's my prescription. Just say it's prescribed by an old Chinese doctor from outside. The elderly tend to trust traditional Chinese medicine."

Zhong Ya blushed slightly but nodded. "Alright."

Nan Huang turned to Xie Ziran and said, "Let's go see my uncle."

Xie Ziran replied, "My father is not at home today. He's not in a good mood, so my mother persuaded him to go on a vacation. They'll be back in a few days. Nan Huang, since you're here today, I'll take you to see your mother's and my aunt's villa."

Nan Huang paused. "But my mother isn't here... Is it appropriate?"

"Why wouldn't it be appropriate? You're already married;

 don't you consider yourself part of the family now? There will always be a place for you and your aunt in this house. Remember, cousin, no matter what, the Xie family is always your safety net."

Nan Huang stopped in her tracks and looked up at Xie Ziran.

A warmth that she hadn't felt in over twenty years suddenly enveloped her heart.

So, this was what home felt like.

A warm current flowed through her heart, and she was momentarily dazed.

When she snapped back to reality, her cheeks were slightly flushed.

She realized that Xie Yu hadn't returned home in over twenty years, not necessarily because of any unpleasantness with Xie Tang, but perhaps because of youthful impulsiveness. She had forsaken her family for a man and felt ashamed to return home later.

She sighed softly.

"Nan Huang, what are you daydreaming about?" Xie Ziran asked.

"Nothing, let's go see it," she replied.