The two families chatted for a long ti; it was ti to make dinner.
Father Huang had just stood up to say goodbye when he heard Zhang Guoqing’s voice outside.
He smiled at Mr. Zhang, "Your youngest son is chasing after you."
"Mom and Dad, why didn’t you wait for to co back? Oh wow, it’s rare to have you here. Uncle Huang, Auntie, it’s been a long ti since we’ve seen you. Stay a few days this ti at my sister-in-law’s place. My parents can co back with ."
Father Huang looked at the smiling Zhang Guoqing and said, "No way. I’m staying at your Second Brother Huang’s house. Whether your parents go back with you depends on how you handle it."
Huang Cuilan chid in, "Xiao Wu, let your parents stay at ho. Big Brother misses them."
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone burst into laughter.
Zhang Guoqing shook his head with a laugh and said, "My big brother is just like my second brother. They’re so old and still miss their parents; it’s like they’re toddlers."
"Why are you here, leaving work so early?"
Zhang Guoqing sat down next to his mom and casually placed a package at his feet, "I figured you and Dad would slip away. I went ho and Jiao Jiao said you left early, no buses today, and she didn’t know if you’d arrived. I ca to check. Mom, alright, I won’t drag you and Dad back yet, but in a day or two, you should co ho for a visit."
Mother Zhang nodded with a smile. She knew her youngest son was worried they’d be hungry.
Father Huang gave his wife a look to urge her to leave. Seeing her unwilling expression, he quickly said to Mr. Zhang, "In-law, we’re leaving first. Tomorrow, we’ll sit at my second son’s place."
"Why leave so early? Eat before you go."
"No, thank you. Xiao Wu rember to visit your Second Brother Huang when you’re free."
Zhang Guoqing stood up and saw them out the door, "Definitely. Uncle Huang, co by often; my parents are not familiar here."
Watching Mr. Zhang and the group leave the yard, Zhang Guoqing quickly picked up his things and pulled Mother Zhang into the east room.
Mother Zhang didn’t have ti to ask what was going on.
Zhang Guoqing had already untied the package, taking out cakes, cookies, and lotus powder, stuffing them in the kang drawer, leaving half in the wooden box. This way, the Xi Zi brothers would have supplents, and he wouldn’t worry about the old couple having nothing to eat.
Finally, he placed the peanuts, pine nuts, chestnuts, and other snacks inside the wardrobe. The rest, like dried fish and at strips, left him dumbfounded—there was really no space left.
Mother Zhang murmured lowly, "You wasteful child, bringing it all over; what will you eat? Take it back quickly. If we want it, we’ll just go back."
"Shh..." Zhang Guoqing whispered back, "Your youngest son is stupid, huh? Eat without worry, when you finish, your youngest son will find you more. You hide it for our family, don’t give it to the Huang family."
Thinking about it, he added, "Don’t be stingy with Dad. Let know if you run out. We still have the cellar and your youngest can still go up the mountain."
Mr. Zhang entered to see his wife and youngest son whispering conspiratorially. Slling the aroma, he extended his hand.
Zhang Guoqing handed him so, "This can’t be hidden, just eat it. Is there still wine here? If you’re bored, have a drink with Big Brother; we’ve still got more. Dad, if you and Mom get bored, co back ho. The kang in the west room is always heated warmly, even if you return ho late. If anyone gives you trouble, don’t put up with it."
Mr. Zhang glared at him with a smile, "I’m not Ping’an. You really are long-winded, more so than your mom."
Mother Zhang laughed, "Don’t compare with my little grandson; you really can’t match him. He can sing; can you?"
Zhang Guoqing burst into laughter.
Mr. Zhang gave him a light kick, "Hurry back. Rember to hide the wine in my room. I said to bring it, but your mom insisted there’s so here not to bring. Can wine be compared with wine?"
Zhang Guoqing looked at Mother Zhang. Internal communication needs to be good, otherwise, things could get out of hand.
Mother Zhang shook her head and laughed, "Your dad knows there are many prying eyes here. Don’t bring it over, save it for him to drink when he goes back."
"Dad was talking about that jar of wine, wasn’t he? Isn’t it that rare ginseng. Then I better pour it into a bottle to bring to Dad, or else Second Brother will drink it all secretly. Dad, Grandpa Wang’s good wine will be ready by year-end; don’t worry about not having wine to drink."
Mr. Zhang ignored Mother Zhang’s signaling and smiled, "Don’t send anything over here; it’s not peaceful. Look at your mom, she’s satisfied. Dad and Mom will head back in two or three days. Rember to tell Jiao Jiao, many villages now are drinking thin porridge."
Zhang Guoqing nodded, "I’ll tell her; she knows what to do."
After finishing the conversation, he had no intention of leaving yet; he wanted to see what Huang Cuilan prepared for dinner for his parents.
If it wasn’t to his satisfaction, he still had ways to have his parents co with him. Just as Zhou Jiao said, such good parents would be struck by retribution if not honored.
User Comments
0 comments from readers