Zhou Xiaozheng returned ho with his wife and grandson, receiving a telegram from Old Mrs. Cheng. Seeing his in-laws arrive, he raised an eyebrow with a smile in his eyes.
"Now that Xiao Wu’s parents are coming over, how should we arrange things at ho? They’re our Jiao Jiao’s life-saving benefactors. I need to think about how to host them well."
Old Mrs. Cheng kept asking Aunt Chen if there was enough food and whether the rooms were ready. Only after Lin Lishan showed her the rooms did she relax and return to the living room.
Zhou Xiaozheng watched her speechlessly. Just as he was about to say that with his daughter at ho, everything was always in order, he saw the old lady turn to leave.
"I still need to check at ho if there’s anything useful. This ti, we must ensure Xiao Wu’s parents have a comfortable stay."
Aunt Chen curiously sidled up to Lin Lishan, "Why is the old lady so happy?"
Lin Lishan laughed, "You just have to look at Xiao Wu to know what kind of people his parents are. Every ti we went to the Northeast, the in-laws were very warm."
What she didn’t say was that the old lady was particularly superstitious. Since the last ti she had a divination done for their daughter, she’d been very favorable towards Zhang Guoqing. Now that the ’life-saving benefactors’ were coming, she had to pay even more attention.
"Brother Zheng, do you think they’ll feel uncomfortable staying here? Should we tidy up the back part of the courtyard?"
Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head, "I’ve known Brother Zhang since we were kids; I understand him. If we prepare another place, he’ll definitely leave. Back ho, when relatives co, they don’t stay elsewhere."
Seeing him return to the study with Ping’an, Aunt Chen hurriedly whispered to Lin Lishan, "Are there any particulars when it cos to their food preferences?"
Lin Lishan, seeing her a bit uneasy, just laughed, "They are easier to get along with than anyone. Old Zhang’s family is known locally as an honest and kind family. The five kids they raised are all easy to deal with."
Aunt Chen felt more unsettled after hearing this, but she didn’t show it. It’s not that she doubted Lin Lishan; she would believe it when it was said they were honest people. Saying all five children are easy to deal with was just a lie.
Having been in this household for so long, Aunt Chen increasingly felt Zhang Guoqing was not simple. If he wasn’t capable, would his father-in-law value him, taking him out for business? Would so many people in the Big Courtyard like him?
The smarter a person is, the harder it is to deal with them. Could the elderly couple, who raised such a son, be easy to deal with? Then she thought they’d leave after staying for a while, which made Aunt Chen feel a bit more at ease.
Let’s not ntion Aunt Chen’s thoughts. anwhile, Old Mrs. Cheng was trying every possible way to ensure Mr. Zhang and Mother Zhang had a pleasant ti, and amidst the hustle and bustle, the day of their arrival in Beijing finally ca.
The day before, Old Mrs. Cheng had instructed the children at ho to put aside their work and co to et the in-laws. She didn’t want people thinking their nephew had no support, and she also intended to show the Lin Family.
The rest of the Cheng family was alright, but it was quite a challenge for the second child, Cheng Siyu, and his wife, who were with the Cheng City Military District. They had to arrange work and travel overnight; fortunately, the two places weren’t too far apart, otherwise, it would’ve been impossible to make it.
On the day, besides Mr. Cheng and his wife, Zhou Xiaozheng and his wife, and Little Ping’an, went to the station to pick people up; a group of people waited early at the Zhou family’s place.
When Mr. Lin arrived with his family upon receiving the news, he saw that the Zhou family’s living room was full of people. He looked at Cheng Family’s eldest, Cheng Sijin, "Your parents have gone to the station? Why didn’t they let go along?"
What could Cheng Sijin say?
He smiled, "Even Brother Zhang wasn’t sure what ti they arrive. My dad planned to wait first and find you later. How’s your health, sir?"
Aunt Chen collected her expression and quickly served the tea. After returning to the kitchen, she regretted having left the door wide open. Of course, she knew with Mr. Lin around, she didn’t dare to truly stop anyone.
But when she saw the bags and vegetables the Lin Family brought, she finally felt much better. It was a pity that when she later saw the gifts Zhang Guoqing’s parents gave the Lin Family, she felt heartache.
Zhang Guoqing never told his parents about his issues with the Lin Family, nor had he ntioned it to his wife, although he did ntion it to Little Douding Ping’an. That was because he wanted to deliberately isolate the child from the Lin Family.
Especially his parents, he didn’t want them to know about being insulted as ’muddy legs.’ Princes and generals, are they born noble? He refused to believe he wouldn’t surpass the Lin Family one day.
The group arrived in Beijing and was taken back to the Big Courtyard by Mr. Cheng and the others.
Before even seeing the Zhou family’s courtyard, Zhang Guoqing saw from afar that the Lin family mbers were also at their doorstep. His eyes flashed, and he glanced at his father-in-law.
The carriage was filled with laughter, and the father-in-law and son-in-law exchanged secret signals without exposing each other. We thought that for the New Year visit, only Lin Lishan would go alone, so this relationship would be about the sa.
Mr. Lin’s intentions? Zhou Xiaozheng knew clear well. As long as Gu Ruyi doesn’t step into their door, that’s fine; for the rest, if it can’t be avoided, just face it.
The car slowly stopped. Zhang Guoqing saw his parents get off with Mr. Cheng and the others, but he couldn’t be bothered with the Lin family, slipping to the side to help Wan Dayong and the other two.
"We got it ourselves, you go accompany your father. These two days, we won’t disturb you; if sothing cos up, just say the word. The brothers are on standby 24/7."
Zhang Guoqing glanced into the distance and smiled, "My parents are very familiar with them. Da Yi, do you want to drive you back?"
"I need to visit my granduncle first, and take the things to his house."
Before they settled their conversation, Old Yi and several elders walked over from across the way.
"Old Cheng, who’s here?"
Old Mr. Wan laughed from the side, "If I’m not mistaken, it’s Xiao Wu’s parents."
Mr. Cheng chuckled and nodded, introducing them.
"This ti you must stay longer."
Mr. Lin echoed, "No doubt. Always been expecting Xiao Zhang to co over, finally, soone to accompany for drinks."
"You old Lin fellow still daring to drink? How’s your body recently?"
"...Little Zhang, this ti my grandson has troubled you, I suppose? After the in-laws et, co over to my place for drinks. My ho is in the first row, very close."
"Alright, I’ll make sure Xiao Wu brings over for a visit."
From the mont he got off, Mr. Zhang’s steps were a bit unsteady. He hadn’t expected what his younger son described as this Big Courtyard to be so imposing—my goodness, even more grandiose than the provincial city courtyard. If not for Mr. Cheng and the others accompanying them, he was truly worried his legs might go weak.
Now seeing these significant figures, Mr. Zhang put aside other thoughts and calmly stayed to chat with the seniors.
He looked worriedly at the front where his wife was laughing loudly among the won—oh my, this foolish woman, laughing so loudly, does she understand where this is?
"Our ho is to the left of Old Cheng’s; when you have ti, co by. Your Xiao Wu visits often, just like it’s his own house, so don’t stand on ceremony."
"Sounds like Xiao Wu has the best relationship with you. You keep ordering the young one around, yet you have the face to say that."
Mr. Zhang smiled, watching the old n bicker, suddenly feeling these people were not much different from the uncles back in the village, just as prone to bantering.
"Little Zhang, are you accustod here? I’m Fang Fei’s grandfather. I’ve long heard my eldest grandson ntion you; this ti when Xiao Fei gets married at the eleventh, do co for the drink."
Before Mr. Zhang could reply, Old Mr. Wan laughed from the side, "Casting invitations so far and wide, do you have enough wine? Now that the eldest grandson is settled, I bet you’re thrilled."
Old Mr. Fang grinned at Mr. Zhang, "They all have little ones in their arms; how can they understand how I feel? Every ti I see Little Ping’an, my heart itches."
"Aren’t you afraid you won’t have a chubby boy to hold by next year?"
"I like to hear that." Old Mr. Fang glanced at Old Yi with a smile, "Don’t worry, I’m just as thrilled with a little girl. As long as soone calls great-grandpa, I’m happy."
His gesture made everyone laugh heartily.
Mr. Cheng explained to Mr. Zhang, "Xiao Fei’s marrying his family’s granddaughter."
Mr. Zhang knew this. His younger son had told him about the situation with Little Zhou and others familiar to him. He smiled and congratulated the two old n.
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