A Warm Family Environment!

 

Meanwhile, the guard stationed at the gate had already opened it for him. As the man entered, the guard greeted him respectfully, and he returned the greeting with equal politeness. Despite his affluent appearance, the man's demeanor was courteous and approachable. 

He walked through the well-lit pathway that led to his front door, flanked by a neatly trimmed lawn and vibrant flowerbeds. The house's facade was elegantly decorated, with warm lights glowing from the windows, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Upon reaching the door, he rang the bell. After a brief moment, the door was opened by an Asian woman who appeared to be in her mid-20s. 

Seeing the man, she greeted him warmly, "Father-in-law, you are back. How was your day?" 

She stepped aside to allow him to enter. The man walked in, and the woman gently took the briefcase from his hand. As he was removing his shoes, he replied, "Yes, my day was good." He then placed his shoes neatly on the shoe rack and slipped on a pair of comfortable home slippers that were waiting by the entrance. 

The woman closed the door and followed him inside. The interior of the house was tastefully decorated, reflecting both traditional and modern aesthetics. The warm lighting and subtle scents of home-cooked food created an inviting ambiance. 

As they moved further inside, the man asked, "Where is your mother-in-law?" 

The woman replied, "Mother-in-law is in the kitchen, preparing dinner." 

 

The man walked towards the kitchen, passing through the living room, which was furnished with plush sofas and a large coffee table, all set against a backdrop of warm, ambient lighting. The aroma of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air, making the house feel even more inviting. 

 

As the man entered the kitchen, he saw five women bustling about, preparing dishes. Two of the women appeared to be in their early 30s at most, while among the other three, one looked to be in her early 20s and the remaining two seemed to be in their mid-20s. 

Hearing his footsteps, everyone paused and turned to look at him, their faces lighting up with smiles. One of the women in her early 30s, with a warm and welcoming demeanor, smiled at him and said, "How was your day at work, honey?" 

The other woman in her early 30s, who had a lively and friendly expression, chimed in, "Hello, brother-in-law." 

The three younger women, who appeared to be his daughters or daughters-in-law, greeted him in unison, "Hello, father." 

 

The man greeted them back with a nod. His name was Lee Hyeon-su. The woman who addressed him as "brother-in-law" was his late brother's wife, and among the women who called him "father," the young woman in her early 20s was his own daughter. The other two women, in their mid-20s, were his daughters-in-law—one married to his son and the other to his late brother's son. They lived together as a joint family in this spacious house, fostering a sense of unity and support. 

Lee Hyeon-su turned to his wife and replied, "My day was good, thank you." He then asked, "Where are Min-ji and Eun-seo?" 

His wife, who looked to be in her early 40s and radiated grace and warmth, responded, "Min-ji is putting the baby to sleep, and Eun-seo is taking care of your grandchildren. You know how restless they can be. If no one keeps an eye on them, they'll create chaos and disturb everyone's work." 

Hearing his wife's comments about their grandchildren, Lee Hyeon-su just smiled, appreciating the lively atmosphere. His wife then addressed their daughter-in-law, who had followed Lee Hyeon-su into the kitchen after opening the door for him. 

"Ha-eun, why are you standing there? Take the plates and arrange them on the dining table. Dinner is almost ready; it will only take about five minutes. When you're finished, come back," she instructed. 

The woman named Ha-eun, who was in her mid-20s, nodded and walked over to where the clean plates were kept. She picked them up and started towards the dining table, her movements graceful and efficient. 

Lee Hyeon-su's wife turned to him and said, "Honey, you should go freshen up. Dinner will be ready shortly." 

He nodded in agreement and began walking towards his bedroom. As he made his way to the bedroom, he passed by the room where he saw Min-ji, his daughter in law, gently rocking the baby to sleep in a beautifully crafted crib. The soft light from the lamp cast a serene glow over the room, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Noting someone's gaze Min-ji looked up. Seeing that it is her father in law and smiled at her father before returning her attention to the baby, whispering a lullaby. 

Lee Hyeon-su did not disturb his daughter in law and started walking towards his room. Entering his bedroom, Lee Hyeon-su took off his suit jacket and hung it neatly in the closet. The room was a sanctuary of calm, with soft lighting and comfortable furnishings. He washed his face and hands, feeling refreshed after a long day. 

After feeling refreshed, Lee Hyeon-su walked towards the dining area. He saw that Ha-eun had efficiently arranged the plates and was now joined by his other daughter-in-law, Ji-yeon. Together, they were carrying the food from the kitchen to the dining table. 

The dining table was very large, with more than 20 seats. All but seven seats had a plate in front of them, giving a clear idea of how many people lived under this roof. The table was an impressive sight, a testament to the size and unity of the family. 

Hyeon-su sat in his seat and waited for the rest of the food to arrive. He watched as his wife and sister-in-law carried the last batch of dishes they had prepared. After placing the food on the table, his wife directed the daughters-in-law's and his second daughter to call the rest of the family members, while she and his sister-in-law took their seats. 

Soon, his eldest daughter Eun-seo was coming down the stairs, followed by three boys and two girls, all very young. The eldest among them was at most seven years old, while the youngest looked no more than four. Eun-seo held the hands of the two youngest children, ensuring they didn't accidentally fall, while the older children managed the stairs on their own. 

As the children reached the bottom of the stairs, they ran towards Lee Hyeon-su, joyfully calling out, "Grandpa, Grandpa!" Their excitement filled the room, bringing a wide smile to Hyeon-su's face. 

He reached out to embrace them, feeling their small arms wrap around him. "Hello, my little ones!" he said warmly, his eyes twinkling with affection. The youngest clambered onto his lap, and the others gathered around him, chattering about their day. 

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Hello everyone,

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