Fortune Across the World

Chapter 178: Fulfilling a Long-held Wish and Acknowledging Adoptive Parents (P2)

In truth, Yan Huai didn't dislike Ding Qiyu. On the contrary, he admired the young one's ability to create such intricate mechanism weapons and for having destroyed the Fractured Dragon Spine. However, the mention of past traumas kept him reserved, fearing the child might dig too deeply into those memories. Now, with Ding Qiyu's proactive greeting, he couldn't ignore her. Nodding, he replied politely, "Yes, Yu'er."

After the greeting, Ding Qiyu fell silent, unsure of what to say next. Le Zhuyi glanced at her, ready to step in and ease the awkwardness when Aunt Jade emerged from the medicine room, carrying a large bamboo tray. Seeing the three of them with the horse standing awkwardly, she understood the situation and broke the ice, "What are you three doing standing around? Yu'er, Zhuyi's injuries mean she shouldn't exert herself outside for too long. Help her inside."

Relieved, Ding Qiyu gently supported Zhuyi as they followed the elders into the small outer hall of Aunt Jade and Yan Huai's wooden house.

Inside, Ding Qiyu and Zhuyi sat on the same bench, Ding Qiyu still holding Zhuyi close due to her injuries. Aunt Jade and Yan Huai sat on a bench nearby. Aunt Jade's presence made the atmosphere more relaxed, and she introduced Zhuyi to her husband, "This is my old man, Yan Huai. You both can call him Uncle Huai."

Ding Qiyu raised an eyebrow, realizing that Master Yan Huai's real name was Yan Huai, and his published works used the homophonic name "Yan Huai."

Zhuyi nodded, obediently greeting, "Uncle Huai."

Yan Huai beamed with excitement, "Ah! Zhuyi, wonderful! Haha. Back then, your Aunt Jade and your mother were close friends, while your father and I were like brothers. We eagerly awaited your birth!"

Hearing this, Ding Qiyu instinctively tightened her arm around Zhuyi, worried that memories of her father might upset her.

Zhuyi's lips curled into a bittersweet smile, but feeling the reassuring pressure from Ding Qiyu's embrace, the bitterness faded. She turned to give Ding Qiyu a comforting look and leaned more fully into her.

Before Zhuyi could respond, Aunt Jade continued, "Yes, your mother even said she wanted us to be your godparents!" The recollection brought a flood of emotions. They had once dreamed of having their own child and hoped to have Zhuyi's parents as godparents, raising their children as close siblings. But fate had other plans…

The underlying sadness and regret in the elders' voices touched Zhuyi, making her forget her own woes about her father. "If that's what my mother intended, and fate has brought us together, I'd be honored to be your goddaughter, if you'll have me!" The warmth and kindness from these elders made her feel at home, and she was eager to formalize the bond. Furthermore, this could open a path for the little carpenter to learn from Uncle Huai.

Yan Huai and Aunt Jade exchanged a joyful glance, exclaiming together, "Yes, yes!"

Aunt Jade added, "To have a child like Zhuyi—" Her eyes glistened with tears, "Oh, Aunt Jade is so happy, I don't even know what to say!"

Moved by their joy, Zhuyi called out to Ding Qiyu, intending to have her help her formally bow to the elders and become their goddaughter.

Just as Ding Qiyu prepared to help Zhuyi stand, Aunt Jade gently stopped them, "Oh, Zhuyi, no need for formalities! We're people of the martial world; we don't need such rituals. You're injured, so let's skip that!"