Old Zhou and Ms. Qian had breakfast and took their dicine before bringing a lot of local specialties from ho to visit the Qiu Family with Zhou Liulang.
In fact, it was Zhou Liulang who was leading them.
Upon reaching the Qiu Family, Old Man Qiu, who had learned the news the night before, specially closed the shop to wait for them. Both sides were easygoing people, and since the two children were already engaged and Old Zhou and Ms. Qian had traveled to the capital city specifically for their wedding, the Qiu Family was quite satisfied both on the surface and in their hearts.
Old Zhou was even more pleased after seeing the Qiu Family’s shop and their small house. After all, these would soday belong to his grandson.
No matter what surna that grandson carries, he is still a bloodline of the Zhou Family, isn’t he?
Old Zhou smiled happily, and everyone had lunch at their restaurant.
Now, Zhou’s Restaurant has made a na for itself on this street, and although Zhou Liulang’s skills may not match the head chef of a large restaurant, the als he cooks are not bad.
As long as they’re not seeking overly exquisite cuisine, aristocratic families appreciate his cooking, so there are many custors both at lunchti and dinner ti daily.
The restaurant hired a chef, so even if Zhou Liulang is absent temporarily, the business can continue without needing to close as it had to in the past whenever he was busy.
Zhou Liulang said, "Dad, Mom, the restaurant makes over fifteen taels every day, and when it’s a good day, it can earn up to twenty taels."
This inco naturally accounts for all their wages. Currently, Lijun and Liwei also earn monthly wages for working at the restaurant.
Junior Ms. Qian listened in amazent, "The capital city is the capital city indeed, earning much more than us in Luojiang County."
Zhou Liulang nodded, "But the expenses are also high. Luckily, Manbao owns a large house; otherwise, our rent would have been even higher."
Ms. Qian asked, "Is the restaurant adequately staffed now?"
"Yes," Zhou Liulang replied with a smile, "Now, besides purchasing items, Fifth Brother is also learning bookkeeping from Lijun. He handles the daily cash receipts. We’ve also hired extra help, and occasionally, when it’s busy, Lixue and the others co over after school to help out, so we’re not short of people."
Ms. Qian nodded in acknowledgnt.
When away from the Qiu Family, she said to Zhou Liulang, "Earlier, I noticed the young lady of the Qiu Family was also managing the books there?"
Zhou Liulang nodded awkwardly, "Yes, she’s always managed their books. Mom, my father-in-law also ntioned that once we’re married, he’ll teach the recipe for making lamb soup."
Ms. Qian said, "There’s no hurry for that; after all, you siblings haven’t divided the family yet, and the restaurant isn’t just yours. We shouldn’t exploit the Qiu Family’s generosity."
She added, "What I an is, since she’s handling accounts at the Qiu Family, after you two get married, she can’t just abandon her parents. So, you two can coordinate; if things get busy over here, she can continue to help out with the Qiu Family."
Zhou Liulang happily agreed, "Mom, you’ve thought of everything. She was worried too, thinking that once she left, her parents would struggle."
Ms. Qian smiled, "Your situation is different. In the future, the Qiu Family’s shop and house will definitely be left to your second son. But rember, no matter what surna the children have, they’re still yours; you can’t play favorites."
"Mom, I know. Even Dad allowed Manbao’s second child to bear the surna Xia, so why would I mind?"
Ms. Qian reached out and patted him, whispering, "That’s a sore spot for your dad; don’t use it to tease him."
Zhou Liulang promptly shut his mouth and said nothing more.
Old Zhou was drinking and chatting with Old Man Qiu. Old Man Qiu was a few years younger, calling Old Zhou "Brother Zhou," which pleased Old Zhou trendously.
Before long, they beca sworn brothers, with Old Zhou holding Old Man Qiu’s hand, saying, "The capital city has many people and stalls; it’s lively, but it’s too hot."
Old Man Qiu laughed, "Brother Zhou, you ca during a drought; in normal years, it’s not like this in the capital."
"There aren’t many acquaintances, but fortunately, my daughter’s house is large enough, and it’s filled with relatives, so we can chat. But being idle all day is uncomfortable, and I feel restless and want to do sothing."
Old Man Qiu sighed, "Brother Zhou, you’re a hard-working person."
Old Zhou shalessly nodded.
Zhou Dalang, sitting beside them, remained silent.
Knowing how lazy his father is, one would only need to visit Qili Village.
He was lazy as a young man, and now he would rather direct his sons than do things himself. But he loved wandering in the fields, occasionally checking the crops.
Among the family, the one who works most like their father is Fourth.
But Old Man Qiu was unaware. When he initially took a liking to Zhou Liulang, besides his good looks and having many brothers, diligence was a major factor; he was a hardworking and studious young man.
Since he was new to the capital and didn’t understand much, he often sat at the door asking questions, and over ti, they beca familiar.
Sons naturally take after their fathers, so Old Man Qiu didn’t doubt it.
The first eting between the in-laws ended on a pleasant note, and after returning ho, Old Man Qiu said to his wife, "Even though they’re from the countryside, they’re very courteous and worthy of being part of a scholarly family."
Old Zhou and Ms. Qian said, "They’re quite amiable and shouldn’t be hard to get along with. In the future, Sixth shouldn’t face too many hardships living with them."
Ms. Qian replied, "You’re marrying a daughter-in-law, not sending off a son. Don’t worry, he won’t be bullied."
Old Zhou muttered, "I’m just worried because Sixth isn’t like his older brothers. Once he realized, he just thinks about making money every day, not considering other things much. We have to think for him."
Ms. Qian chuckled, "The young lady from the Qiu Family has her wits about her; this engagent seems well-matched."
Old Zhou also found Qiu Pei to be shrewd, but since Sixth was a bit naive, having a sharp and capable wife would be perfect.
So he nodded, "Alright, now that we’ve t the in-laws, let’s start preparing the bridal chamber when we return. Ask Sixth if he wants the current room for the bridal chamber or a different one."
After all, there are plenty of empty rooms at ho; he could choose any he’d like.
Seeing his generous spirit, Ms. Qian couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.
Upon returning ho, Old Zhou thought for a while, but instead of going to his room, he went to the main room to see his daughter.
Manbao had eaten lunch so ti ago and was feeling sleepy, so she laid on the couch for a nap.
The window was open, with the bamboo curtain half-drawn. The breeze blew in from the courtyard, and she was already half asleep. Old Zhou entered the room, saw, and shook his head. He said to Ms. Qian, who followed him in, "She’s still the sa as before, able to fall asleep the mont she lies down; doesn’t even bother going to bed. What if she catches a chill?"
"On a Sanfu Day, how could she catch a chill?" Ms. Qian said, but she still reached out and touched Manbao’s foot, then pulled a piece of cloth over her feet, and walked out hand-in-hand with Old Zhou.
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