Ye Qianning pushed Xiang Minghou's hand away and looked up, her expression solemn. "Dad, I've been looking for a chance to formally pay my respects to all my fathers these past few days. Since it's Master's birthday and you're all here, I would like to do it now."
"There's... no need for that." Xiang Minghou was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Dad, this formality can't be skipped."
"The girl is very thoughtful. All of you, please sit." Elder Chen's voice softened, a mix of heartache and gratification in his tone.
Xiang Minghou hesitated for a moment before taking his seat. Qian Fanji and the others slowly sat down as well.
Ye Qianning clasped her hands together and kowtowed to the men before her. This was a daughter's rite of respect for her fathers. For ten years, she had seen everything each of them had done for her.
They were working, step by step, to make all her dreams come true.
Zhan Chi sat down, feeling a little tense.
