If Yiyi were merely Mr. Ding’s maternal granddaughter, people might value her, but they wouldn’t be so surprised. However, if Yiyi became his granddaughter, it would have a completely different significance, as she would be the future heir of the Ding Family.
Not to mention others, even Yiyi herself was a bit shocked.
Although she knew that her and her mother’s household registration would be transferred under Mr. Ding’s name, she never expected Mr. Ding would actually change her surname as well. In this way, wouldn’t she become Mr. Ding’s granddaughter?
Yating was the first to react. She immediately stood up and looked at Mr. Ding, saying, "Father, did you... did you make a mistake?"
If Ding Yuejun’s daughter became Ding Yiyi, then what about their side, Yunfang? That’s just not fair to Yunfang. Father’s favoritism is too strong, why would he do this? Where does he place her and Yunfang?
At this moment, Shu Yunfang also realized, and she too stood up, looking at Mr. Ding with watery eyes and softly calling out "Grandfather".
However, Mr. Ding simply ignored the two of them. He directly raised his wine glass with a smile to everyone and said, "Today is a great day. I’ve finally found my daughter and my granddaughter. From now on, I hope you all will take good care of them." Then he drank the wine in his glass.
Others naturally followed suit and drank, paying more attention to Ding Yuejun and Yiyi. In the future, this mother and daughter would be remarkable, possibly becoming the future leaders of the Ding Family.
Compared to Yating’s shock and disappointment, Yu Qiulan was so happy she wanted to jump up.
Mo Yiyi became Ding Yiyi, which had a completely different meaning. If Yiyi became the heir of the Ding Family in the future, then... she would really wake up smiling from her dreams.
Ding Yuejun, however, frowned.
Although Mr. Ding did this, elevating Yiyi’s status significantly, the corresponding pressure on Yiyi would also be greater. She wasn’t sure whether this was good or bad.
Mr. Ding naturally noticed Ding Yuejun’s expression. He felt a bit guilty, as he hadn’t discussed this with the mother and daughter beforehand. However, this was a decision he made after careful consideration, especially since he had no sons and only two daughters, Ding Yuejun and Yating.
And among the two daughters, he naturally preferred Ding Yuejun. When choosing the heir of the Ding Family, it naturally had to be Yiyi.
Yiyi also regained her composure at this time. Her expression unchanged, she gracefully accepted the congratulations from those around her, projecting elegance, passion, and generosity, leaving a very positive impression.
Second Uncle Ding was a little surprised by Mr. Ding’s decision, but he merely furrowed his brows slightly without saying much.
However, the other members of the Ding Family had other thoughts.
Currently, Mr. Ding is the head of the Ding Family. Since he had no sons, the collateral branches saw an opportunity, but now he suddenly changed the surname of the recently acknowledged daughter of Ding Yuejun and made her his granddaughter, which had a different significance.
In the future, Ding Yiyi would certainly hold a position in the Ding Family, reducing opportunities for these collateral branches.
But Mr. Ding’s authority had been established for a long time. Even if the other family members had thoughts, they dared not voice them and could only temporarily endure.
After the banquet ended, guests bid farewell, but some stayed, like Ding Wenqi, who was Mr. Ding’s cousin and held a certain status within the Ding Family.
"Brother, you are too impulsive. I know you’re happy to have found Xiao Huan, but you shouldn’t’ve rushed to bring Xiao Huan’s daughter into the Ding family and change her surname."
Mr. Ding cast a mild glance at Ding Wenqi and said, "Yiyi is my granddaughter anyway. Now that Yue Jun is alone with Yiyi, what’s wrong with acknowledging Yiyi into the Ding family?"
Hearing Mr. Ding’s words, Ding Wenqi paused.
He knew his cousin well, understanding that his disagreeable attitude meant he was already displeased, and his decisions had never been altered, so he said no more, only added, "Since you’ve decided, I won’t say more."
"I don’t wish to hear more of such words in the future."
Mr. Ding said at last, giving Ding Wenqi a meaningful look, "Don’t think I’m unaware of your intentions. You’re all eyeing my position. If you truly have the capability, I’d naturally entrust this position to you. But have you considered what those young ones have been doing in recent years? Do you honestly believe they can handle it?"
Ding Wenqi was sensible, which is why Mr. Ding was willing to say more.
Upon hearing Mr. Ding’s words, Ding Wenqi found himself at a loss for words. He was well aware of the fierce competition among the younger generation. They thought Mr. Ding was too busy with work to notice, but it turned out he was well aware.
Mr. Ding lost the mood to continue speaking, so he waved his hand and said, "Alright, you can leave now. I know what’s going on at home, so you all don’t need to worry about it."
"Alright, I’ll head back then."
Ding Wenqi, knowing that the mighty Ding Family relied on Mr. Ding, chose not to meddle with Mr. Ding’s decisions anymore.
After Ding Wenqi left, Mr. Ding went directly to the backyard to find Ding Yuejun.
"Yuejun, I know I acted impulsively by changing Yiyi’s surname without consulting you, but I wanted to give Yiyi the best possible opportunity, which is why I made this decision. Please don’t be angry."
Seeing Mr. Ding like this, Ding Yuejun couldn’t help but sigh and eventually said, "I’m not angry. I know you did it for Yiyi."
Only after seeing that Ding Yuejun wasn’t really mad did Mr. Ding feel relieved. He then looked around and asked, "Where’s Yiyi?"
"She’s gone out with Tingyu."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Ding fell silent, finally realizing the fact that the granddaughter he had just acknowledged was about to be taken away by another family’s son. In the past, when they didn’t live together, he didn’t feel it as much. Now he clearly realized it.
"Yiyi and Tingyu are about to get engaged. They should see less of each other."
Upon hearing this, Ding Yuejun couldn’t help but say, "They went together to pick up Yiyi’s two mentors. Master Guo and Master Kong happened to have matters today, so they couldn’t arrive on time."
Hearing this, Mr. Ding immediately stood up, "I’ll go to the front to check. There were so many things today that I really forgot about Yiyi’s two mentors."
When Mr. Ding reached the front hall, Guo Ming and Kong Mingsheng had just arrived.
"Master Guo, Master Kong, it’s an honor to meet you. Please, come in and have a seat."
Seeing Mr. Ding so enthusiastic, smiles appeared in the eyes of Guo Ming and Kong Mingsheng.
Through Mr. Ding’s attitude, they could discern his regard for Yiyi, which made them very gratified. Finally, it was Kong Mingsheng who spoke, "Mr. Ding, I never expected Yiyi to be your granddaughter. Fortunately, your family is reunited."