Chapter 973: Chapter 973: The Bao Family Visits

As Liu Banxia left the hospital, he glanced around, trying to spot the person Shen Xinhao had arranged to protect him. He felt he should say hello since they were helping him.

But even with his sharp eyes, he didn’t notice anything. These professionals were experts at remaining unseen.

Not stressing over it, Liu Banxia headed home, thinking seeing his wife was the most important thing.

Even though today was just an observation day, he spent a long time in the operating room, which wasn’t easy. Especially after yesterday’s events, the longing for home grew even stronger in his heart.

Everything went smoothly today; not only was there no kidnapping attempt, but even the traffic wasn’t bad. This was a rare occurrence after such a long time.

Nowadays, there are so many cars. Whether it’s a workday or a holiday, the roads are always packed.

Arriving home, Liu Banxia was a bit surprised; today Tang Dou didn’t come running out to greet him. Moreover, it seemed there were quite a few people at home.

"Banxia, you’re finally back. We’ve been waiting for you."

As soon as he walked in, Qiu Huaili cheerfully shouted.

"Brother Qiu, this is quite the ambush. Chairman Bao, welcome to visit. Now I understand why Tang Dou didn’t greet me today, she was captivated by Rou." Liu Banxia greeted with a smile.

"It’s meant to be a surprise attack for you. Today is sort of our family’s housewarming feast, but we’re using your place to have it." Bao Chunlai said.

"You’re more than welcome, very warmly welcomed indeed. Qiaoqiao usually finds it a bit dull at home; now she’ll have someone to chat with." Liu Banxia replied.

"Brother Qiu, isn’t Ming Yuan coming back? It’s not like he’s still in high school, always tied up at school; he should come join the fun."

"He’s in the kitchen. Today Chairman Bao brought two aged hams for you. We’ll eat one, and you and Qiaoqiao can enjoy the other whenever you feel like it." Qiu Huaili said.

"No need for such formalities; we’re all family here." Liu Banxia quickly responded.

He knew the aged ham Qiu Huaili mentioned was not like the expired sausages at the supermarket; this was authentic ham, the type that needs to be cave-aged.

Judging by Bao Chunlai’s generosity, just one ham must be quite expensive.

"I truly appreciate you, but when it comes to money or wealth, neither interests you. No choice but to bring some local specialty for everyone to enjoy." Bao Chunlai remarked.

"I took Rou on a little trip recently, but she found the outside world rather boring so we hurried back. Your Tang Dou is truly clever."

"She’s being tormented by her four pups. These four little guys have become quite unruly and difficult to manage." Liu Banxia commented.

"Brother Liu, this ham tastes splendid, soaked for a long time, without being salty." At that moment, Qiu Mingyuan and Xiao Yue walked out of the kitchen carrying dishes.

"Everyone should eat more then. Anyway, Qiaoqiao and I will just enjoy ourselves; it’s wonderful." Liu Banxia laughed.

With more people, it’s livelier, and Qiaoqiao is someone who enjoys the bustle. She usually likes to wander around, but now that she’s carrying twins, even with Wang Xiaoyan and Qing Kewa keeping her company, she doesn’t spend much time outside.

Mostly, they’re all gathered together discussing what to eat, making sure Qing Kewa enjoys all the delicacies during her stay.

People were actually waiting for Liu Banxia, as the main chef for today. Wang Jingxian had already prepared various dishes well in advance, which astonished Bao Chunlai.

He knew about Qiu Huaili and Liu Banxia’s good relationship but hadn’t realized it was this strong.

In fact, Qiu Family members at Liu Banxia’s home were very at ease. Especially Doudou, who acted like the dogs were her playmates, playfully bossed the two big dogs and four little ones around.

Only by stepping in personally was Bao Chunlai able to rescue his daughter and retrieve Tang Dou from Doudou’s little hands.

Moreover, he was quite curious about the complexity of Liu Banxia’s household, genuinely puzzled as to why, apart from Liu Banxia and his wife, there were so many friends, including foreign friends.

However, as someone skilled in social situations, even if curious, he wouldn’t let it show. Each family has its unique circumstances, but this clearly raised Liu Banxia’s standing in his eyes.

Qiu Huaili wasn’t someone casual; he’s quite influential and has his own standards.

"Brother Liu, I heard you participated in an impressive surgery today?" Xiao Yue asked.

"The director handled it; I just tagged along to watch and learn." Liu Banxia replied casually.

"But it was quite exhausting for Xu Yino and the others. Over nine hours, with each person performing for more than four hours. Yueyue, keep it up; once you start interning, our unit’s capabilities will surely strengthen."

"Ahh... thinking about it gives me a headache." Xiao Yue sighed.

"Why worry? Whether you face it or avoid it, it’s going to happen sooner or later." Liu Banxia said.

"Let me put it this way, it won’t be long before the main departments of our emergency center rank among the top in Binhai City. Especially in trauma emergency care, we need to produce results."

"Enough of your show-off about the hospital. I need to give my daughter-in-law a big piece of meat. Eat it yourself, don’t let Tang Dou have it." Qiaoqiao said as she gave Doudou a piece of meat.

Doudou wasn’t one to pass up a good deal. Seeing the extra piece of meat in her little bowl, she reached out and started eating. Soon, her little mouth and hands were greasy, clearly satisfied with the meat.

"My silly daughter, just a piece of meat and she’s duped." Wang Jingxian said helplessly.

"I have to admit, it’s my first time eating such delicious ham. It’s really rare around here. Qiaoqiao, shouldn’t Jinbao get on it too?" Liu Banxia asked after eating a piece of meat.

"We have it, but fewer people eat it here. People here prefer seafood. Lobsters, crabs, no matter how expensive, they’re always sold out." Qiaoqiao replied.

"The raw ones taste the best, not like raw meat at all." Qing Kewa said, thoroughly enjoying a slice of raw ham.

She felt that coming back this time was a great decision; she enjoyed herself and got to try food she hadn’t had before.

"Rou, don’t be shy, act like you’re at home. Didn’t you see how relaxed everyone is? There’s really no rules in my house." Liu Banxia invited.

Rou nodded, but she still seemed a bit cautious while eating.

Liu Banxia gave Bao Chunlai a reassuring look to show it was all right.

At that moment, Tang Dou’s four puppies wobbled over and flopped down by Liu Banxia’s feet, looking up at him with effort.

"Looking at me won’t help; there’s nothing on the table for you guys to eat today." Liu Banxia glanced at them.

But the four persisted. Would it really be useless because he said so? How could they not insist a little?

"Dr. Liu, are they hungry?" Rou spoke up, which was rare.

"They just get envious watching others eat. They actually eat several times a day, whenever they feel hungry. Haven’t you noticed how their bellies almost touch the ground? That’s from eating mindlessly, all day long." Liu Banxia explained.

But being stared at by four puppies did add some pressure, so Liu Banxia brought over their teething sticks, giving each a stick, and they were content.

It’s not always about eating; as long as you have it in your heart, that’s enough.

The meal went quite well, not just because of the delicious ham dishes, but the other dishes were also excellent.

After dinner, the ladies gathered together while Liu Banxia and the others brewed some Pu’er tea that Bao Chunlai brought, and Qiu Mingyuan became the waiter.

"Are you still worried about Rou’s emotions?" Liu Banxia asked with a smile.

Bao Chunlai nodded, "Yeah, she isn’t as lively as before. Now I feel like she’s not as happy as she used to be in the hospital ward. Could it be a problem?"

"It’s okay, this is just a transition of mood." Liu Banxia said.

"In the hospital, after recovering from a major illness, she was surrounded by familiar faces every day, which gave a sense of safety. Outside, although the scenery is more diverse, she faces unfamiliar people and environments regularly."

"Why does she like the puppies so much? Because she knows they can play with her and won’t bully her. After going through so much, even for us, a recovery process is necessary."

These words wouldn’t have been possible before yesterday, but experiencing it once left a shadow in his heart too.

Talking about today’s drive home, even when there was no traffic, he kept observing the cars behind him. If the car behind honked, he would be momentarily startled. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

It’s a fear from deep within, not something that can be dismissed by just thinking ’no problem.’ It takes time to slowly repair, without enough time, any comfort is in vain.

"Did you visit the psychologist I recommended last time? Having her chat with Rou could be helpful. I was in a muddle once, and it was her who cleared things up for me." Liu Banxia continued.

"I planned to go this time, but after she got discharged, we went back to our hometown first." Bao Chunlai explained.

"There’s no need to worry too much; it’s a natural defense mechanism in Rou’s heart. Look, she’s playing well and happily with Doudou, it’ll only get better." Liu Banxia said.

Bao Chunlai nodded, finally feeling truly at ease.

Even though Liu Banxia isn’t a psychiatrist, Bao Chunlai trusts him now. No matter how reputable others are, he’s the one Bao Chunlai believes in.