Yesterday afternoon, with the addition of the late-arriving Zhao Dashan’s family, there were two full tables of guests. That banquet exhausted Zhou Jiao. After seeing Mr. Zhang and the others off, the couple didn’t even have ti to give gifts before they fell asleep.
The next morning, Zhang Guoqing and his wife got up early to prepare things. With no outsiders and Aunt Fen taking care of the household duties, the house finally returned to peace, just like before.
At this mont, Zhou Jiao fed the baby and finally started packing their belongings.
As soon as Aunt Fen ca in, she saw the couple discussing gifts for others. She quickly stopped them, urging them to have breakfast first. What’s the hurry with the gifts, and what if they don’t give them? She knew Zhang Guoqing had to report to his workplace today. That was the main thing.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Guoqing pulled up Zhou Jiao. On the kang, Ping’an was babbling to himself, occasionally blowing bubbles, as he looked at the toy hanging above him.
He laughed heartily, "Jiao Jiao, do you think our son will beco a chatterbox?"
"He does seem to love talking, just like you," Zhou Jiao teased.
The couple bantered with each other, and finished breakfast after a while.
After the al, Zhang Guoqing looked at the pile of things on the floor and joked, "Do you think we can not give these gifts this ti? Or let them co over and choose what they want?"
Aunt Fen, who was just coming in to gather the dishes, said, "You’re not giving all of it away, are you? You’re really going to waste things. I’ll help you decide. You already sent them plenty of stuff before. This ti, besides what your parents need, you decide for yourselves. Just give a little to others."
Pausing for a mont, Zhou Jiao said, "You go report first; I’ll take care of this." She wasn’t bothered by Aunt Fen involving herself in family affairs, but this ti she felt the other party seed to make decisions on her own.
Zhang Guoqing glanced at Zhou Jiao, smiling playfully, and said, "Put away everything except the pastries for gifting. We’ll hand them out when I get off work. Don’t you dare walk over there yourself; the sidecar tricycle is much faster."
Zhou Jiao helped him with his coat, urging him to leave. Otherwise, given his reluctance, he might not even make it to report today.
After sending Zhang Guoqing off, Zhou Jiao began talking about the New Year’s gifts her mother-in-law helped collect for her. Seeing Aunt Fen didn’t respond, she directly asked who sent gifts when they weren’t ho. When the nas were quickly listed, Zhou Jiao went with her to the next room to look at the gifts, raised an eyebrow, and said nothing.
Many thought she had a good mory, but they forgot she was also good at ntal arithtic. No matter how much stuff was piled up, nothing could escape her observation.
Zhou Jiao sighed quietly, returned to the living room, and started writing a list with pen and paper.
After a while, looking at the list, she inexplicably wanted to laugh. She didn’t understand whether gifts should be exchanged between brothers, but when she saw Lin Juhua had prepared a complete set of new clothes for Ping’an, inside and out, while Huang Cuilan didn’t even bring a single strand, she couldn’t help but find the contrast ironic.
Many people and many things often surprise and defy expectation. Given Lin Juhua’s usual behavior, who would have thought she was quite thoughtful.
People, like tea, can only be savored slowly.
Childishly, Zhou Jiao marked an "×" next to so nas, beginning to consider gift allocation.
Nearing ten o’clock, Zhang Guoqing humd a tune as he returned.
Feeling puzzled, Zhou Jiao didn’t ask, just looked at him, waiting for him to explain.
"Uncle Dashan told to start work tomorrow." After saying this, Zhang Guoqing, seeing her respond with just an "oh," beca a bit unhappy. "Jiao Jiao, aren’t you going to ask what my responsibilities are and how much I’ll earn?"
Zhou Jiao laughed, "With Uncle Dashan there, am I worried about your job? Once you get paid, won’t you hand it over to anyway? Besides, I’m confident in your abilities. Any job will be fine for you."
Hearing this, Zhang Guoqing smiled and nodded, "Yes. It’s all yours! I make thirty-seven yuan per month. Will it be enough for household expenses? I also have to take colleagues out for drinks tomorrow night, so I might not have much left to give you this month."
"The household doesn’t need much money; you first make good connections." Zhou Jiao nodded in agreent. She already knew from Zhao Yuanyuan how much his salary would be, which was a bit more than expected. As for household expenses? Certainly not enough. Just Aunt Fen’s monthly salary wasn’t cheap.
Zhou Jiao handed the list to Zhang Guoqing; so things should be given out sooner.
Zhang Guoqing saw her hesitating and reluctant to speak. He took a look at the list and understood it wouldn’t be easy to reciprocate these courtesies.
User Comments
0 comments from readers