Qin Siyang's openhearted attitude was not something he could have faked under so many seasoned, discerning gazes.
So, after he answered Qi Tian's question, he received many looks of respect.
Qin Siyang merely smiled.
He had only spoken a few words from the heart. It was no big deal.
His words went a long way toward easing everyone's doubts.
After that, no one discussed their worries about the future anymore. Instead, they chatted about everyday family matters, just as they would at a New Year's Eve dinner.
Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the lively gathering.
During the after-dinner chat, everyone gathered in small groups, talking about the past and their plans for the future.
Qin Siyang, Chu Baxing, Hu Chan, Gu Yunpeng, Zhao Sifang, and Fu Wanli sat together again for the first time in a long while.
Their gazes kept drifting toward Hu Chan.
While Qin Siyang had been away, Hu Chan had been busy running around persuading Wei Rulai. After Qin Siyang returned, he had led the United Church in purging its traitors. Everything seemed orderly, and Hu Chan was as steady and dependable as ever.
Not even Qin Siyang, let alone an outsider, could see anything wrong in Hu Chan's words or behavior.
It was as though Yu Ziying's death had been nothing more than a minor interruption.
But those few close friends of Hu Chan knew that his emotional bond with Yu Ziying ran deep, even if he had never shown it.
Hu Chan was simply used to burying his pain deep inside.
The atmosphere among them grew somewhat heavy.
Even the usually cheerful, optimistic Fu Wanli remained silent.
The others exchanged glances with Qin Siyang. Once they were certain he would comfort Hu Chan, they found excuses to leave, letting the two sit alone together.