Chapter 611: Small, little bundle
After each person downed a bowl of dumplings, Zhou Kai and Weng Mei Jia felt satisfied.
And from all sitting on the train for so many days, it was necessary to take a wash at this time.
Zhou Kai left the luggage on the second floor. He and Weng Mei Jia each grabbed a bag of clothes for changing before riding the bicycle at the dumpling shop to the bathhouse.
Each went to take a comfortable wash. Then they regrouped at the door and went home.
The two of them didn't go to the dumpling shop. Instead, they headed straight back to the apartment building.
Zhou Xuan, Zhou Qing Bai, and Lin Qing He were at home at this time. Zhou Xuan was holding his dad's legs so that he can do sit-up. As for Lin Qing He, she was doing her translation work.
The translation work wasn't so easy with all those connecting context and structure. Still, she was happy to do it.
Hearing the voice of Eldest sounded from outside, Lin Qing He's expression revealed joy. Without a word, she got up and opened the door.
"I was saying that you two should be back." Lin Qing He happily chirped.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't continue to exercise. It didn't matter when his son came back. However their prospective daughter-in-law was present too. So he must pay attention to his image.
What kind of image was it to lie on a blanket with Second holding down his leg in front of the prospective daughter-in-law?
"Auntie Lin, you're not out of shape at all." Weng Mei Jia cheerfully remarked.
"The meat is all eaten by your Uncle Zhou." Lin Qing He grinned, "When did you two come back? Your luggage?"
"I went to the dumpling shop an hour and a half ago. Ate dumplings and took a bath before I came back." Zhou Kai answered. He couldn't wait to go in and see his little sister: "Mom, is little Sister in the room?"
"Yeah." Lin Qing He responded.
"Dad, I just came back after taking a shower. Can I see my sister?" Zhou Kai jollily asked. However, his steps were already moving toward the room.
Zhou Qing Bai just glanced at him.
Zhou Kai went in and saw the little bundle on the bed. She was still sleeping. Zhou Kai leaned in and took a look. Weng Mei Jia also came in to take a look.
"She looks really like Auntie Lin." Weng Mei Jia gazed at her. Her heart went soft. No one could resist such a child.
Not to mention Zhou Kai. If she wasn't sleeping right now, he would definitely want to hug his little sister.
After watching her for a while, he came out and said to his mom: "Mom, when I just left at the beginning of this year, you weren't pregnant yet. When I come back, my little sister is already three months old. "
The tone had a tinge of regret. He didn't get to see what his mother was like when she was pregnant.
"Third, Dad, and I have taken a lot of photos of Mom when she was pregnant. You can have a look. It's a full album of photos." Zhou Xuan grinned.
He peeled an orange for Weng Mei Jia: "Sister Mei Jia, have an orange." Second was different from Third. When Third addressed her as Eldest Sister-in-law, it didn't sound unnatural at all. That was because he was Third. It was fine, just a little thick skin.
Zhou Xuan won't do that.
Weng Mei Jia merrily accepted. Zhou Kai had already gone to get the photo album. He looked through it with Weng Mei Jia. As he flipped through Lin Qing He's beautiful photos when she was pregnant, he emotionally remarked, "If I didn't see the photos, I would assume you picked up my little sister."
"Little Sister looks so like Auntie Lin. How could she be picked up?" Weng Mei Jia smiled: "When Auntie Lin was pregnant, she looked pretty."
"How is it pretty? I was so fat that I don't recognize myself anymore." Lin Qing He laughed.
"It's just the belly bigger. Nothing else had changed." Weng Mei Jia said: "It can be seen that you had pay attention to your figure when you were pregnant."
Her auntie Lin was the most diligent person she seen on her figure and face maintenance. Honestly, she looked really young.
"Dad really gained a lot of weight." Zhou Kai looked at his dad.
Zhou Qing Bai ignored him and watched his TV. Zhou Xuan amusedly said: "Dad has started dieting to lose weight now. He had lost some weight this time. You didn't see him when he just came back. I estimate it's 200jins plus."
Zhou Kai chuckled, while Weng Mei Jia pursed her lips in amusement.
"You rest here first. I'll cook a pig's stomach and chicken for you." Lin Qing He stood up and said.
"I'll help Aunt Lin." Weng Mei Jia spoke.
"No need. You can just stay sitting. Got to be tired from the journey. I'm familiar with this dish. It doesn't take much effort," Lin Qing He said.
She went out first. As for daughter, she won't wake up for a short time, because she had just gone to bed not long ago.
She came over to the dumpling shop.
Zhou Gui Lai jollily said, "I knew Mom will come over to stew pig's stomach and chicken."
"They're taken out to defrost already?" Lin Qing He smiled as soon as she saw it.
"That's right. This is a must-have when Eldest Brother comes back." Zhou Gui Lai said.
The chicken was killed in advance, just two days ago. After it was killed. it was frozen. In addition they were fresh and didn't deteriorating at all in this weather.
Now that it was completely thawed, it made things easier. Lin Qing He picked up the knife and started to chop the chicken to make pig's stomach wrapping chicken.
"Brother Hu Zi and the others will get married next year. When will Eldest Brother and Sister Mei Jia?" Zhou Gui Lai brought up.
"Depend on the two of them." Lin Qing He responded as she worked away.
As long as Eldest and Mei Jia were fine with it, then there was no problem. But next year Guo Dong and Si Ni will marry. It wasn't good for both brother and sister to marry in the same year. So it'll be pushed back.
"Grandmother was talking about it. She haven't seen Sister Mei Jia until now." Zhou Gui Lai said.
"Then let Eldest take Mei Jia over for a visit this year." Lin Qing He stated.
They should visit. After all, she saw them both holding hands this year. This relationship had taken a step forward.
Tonight, she will have a good chat with her son to see how far they had progressed. If the marriage wasn't any time soon, then they can get engaged first.
Got to give the girl a legitimate right to hold hands with him, right?
"Just let it simmer like this. It has to simmer for an hour." Lin Qing He instructed Third.
"I understand. Mom, don't worry. You've made it so many times." Zhou Gui Lai answered. He was busy making dumplings. Now it was vacation time, he managed the business at home.
And in the future, he wants to start a dumpling business and open a dumpling factory. He had to show his parents his determination and perseverance.
Lin Qing He left it to Third. She cleaned up and went home.
Zhou Xuan was telling his eldest brother about Hai City's side and the god-relationship.
Lin Qing He came in and heard this. She spoke: "Xiao Geng wanted to come here to celebrate the New Year. Saying that he has never seen his eldest brother."
"Why didn't he come then?" Zhou Kai responded.
"His mom won't allow him," Lin Qing He told, "However, next summer vacation, he will probably come over."
"Mei Jia, want to go inside for a rest?" Lin Qing He looked at her prospective daughter-in-law.
"Not tired. I slept on the train before getting off." Weng Mei Jia smilingly declined.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 612: The elderly's eldest grandson
In the evening, Weng Mei Jia stayed for dinner. After a sumptuous dinner, Zhou Kai drove her back in the car.
He didn't rush to go home either. He stayed for tea at old Weng's house before returning.
After returning home, Zhou Kai asked Weng Guo Dong and Zhou Si Ni's matter.
There was no need to ask about the family buying a sedan car. After all, he still knew how many business his parents have.
"They probably will get married next year, so you and Mei Jia can forget next year. It's not good to do it together. Do you have any other plans?" Lin Qing He said.
"Then get engaged first." Zhou Kai hugged his little sister and responded.
Lin Qing He nodded. This one coincided with her idea. Not to get married yet, but can get engaged for now.
"Tomorrow, I will talk to Sister Weng. We will hold an engagement banquet for you at the end of this year." Lin Qing He stated.
Zhou Kai had no objection. The little sister in his arms was awake now. She watched him with her eyes wide open. He asked Third: "Did you take pictures of Little Sister?"
"That's of course," Third replied.
"You must be exhausted from the long journey. Go take a rest." Lin Qing He told him.
Zhou Kai said: "Not very tired. I will hold her longer."
Although he wasn't tired, but little Mi Mi was quietly yawning. Zhou Kai couldn't let go even more at this sight: "Simply too cute. No wonder Dad always wants one."
The cutest part was behind. The little girl was hungry, so she started to drill into his arms. Zhou Kai was shocked. Then he chuckled: "She's hungry?"
"Yes. Eldest Brother, lift it up and let her take two sips." Zhou Gui Lai joked.
"Off to one side." Zhou Kai amusedly barked. Seeing this youngest sister was really hungry, he handed her to his mom.
Lin Qing He brought her inside to feed. Then burped her before putting her to bed. After a while, she fell asleep.
Zhou Qing Bai swept a glance to his eldest son and said, "Go in and rest."
Zhou Kai didn't refuse this time. He was indeed tired, so he went to sleep in the room. Lin Qing He, Zhou Qing Bai, and the others watched TV. After nine o'clock, they turned off the TV and went to bed.
The next day, Zhou Kai went out to exercise early in the morning. Third was about to head to the shop. While yawning, he spoke, "Eldest Brother, it's a rare trip back. Why don't you sleep more? Came back from Uncle's place?" "
"En." Zhou Kai ate the steamed buns as he held the oil paper bag in his arms: "Want one?"
"Want." Zhou Gui Lai brushed his teeth and took one: "Eldest Brother, when you have time, take Sister Mei Jia over to Grandmother's side. She has been talking about it all the time. Haven't properly seen Sister Mei Jia yet."
"Alright. Go over today." Zhou Kai nodded.
"We have our own car now. It's very convenient to go out. Would you like to go to the hot spring later today? Was going to go before. Second Brother said to go soak together when you come back." Zhou Gui Lai munched on the buns and drank the soy milk.
"The day after tomorrow." Zhou Kai said.
"Okay." Zhou Gui Lai responded. He gone to open the shop after breakfast.
In fact, it wasn't even half past six at this time. In the morning, business wasn't so good. Only after seven-eight o'clock, business will pick up.
Zhou Kai left the buns and soy milk. His parents would heat it up later to eat. He came over to his grandparent's side.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou just got up at this time.
All of them slept late in this snowy weather.
Su Cheng and Su Xun were both at the steamed bun shop now, helping their parents. They weren't little anymore. They can help out a lot.
"Da Wa, when did you come back?" Mother Zhou saw her precious eldest grandson after brushing her teeth. She couldn't get any happier than now. Her words ushered out at once.
"Grandmother, I got back yesterday. I didn't come here since it was pretty. So I came this morning." Zhou Kai smiled.
"Have you had breakfast? Do you want to eat buns?" Mother Zhou held her eldest grandson's hand.
"I have eaten. Got it from Uncle's place." Zhou Kai jollily answered. He supported his grandmother inside. Have to say the elderly's age was getting high. Not as nimble as before.
Every year when he came back, Zhou Kai can sense that his grandparents were getting older year after year. This change was very obvious.
"Da Wa is back." Father Zhou was putting on clothes in the room when he heard the voices. When he came out, he saw Eldest Grandson and became overjoyed.
"Grandfather." Zhou Kai greeted.
"Have you had breakfast? Your little uncle's mutton noodles are wonderful." Father Zhou also asked.
"I have eaten." Zhou Kai replied.
"Even though you have eaten, eat more. Old man, take a pot and bring some back. For a tall lad like Da Wa, you must eat more." Mother Zhou insisted.
Zhou Kai smiled, but didn't reject the elderly's wishes. It was just eating more.
Father Zhou grabbed a pot and went out.
Mother Zhou latched onto her energetic grandson and asked about matter in the camp. Zhou Kai told her. Hearing about it, Mother Zhou was delighted.
"Grandmother heard that you are dating Guo Dong's sister. Grandmother often sees Guo Dong, but haven't seen his sister yet." Mother Zhou mentioned.
"I'll bring her here to show you today. Yesterday I told my mom that I plan to get engaged first this year. Guo Dong will get married next year. Can't do it together. We will get married the following year." Zhou Kai said.
"It's good to get engaged first. Coming across a good girl, one should get engaged quickly." Mother Zhou approved.
Zhou Kai amusedly commented, "I haven't come back for a year and so much changed at home."
With the addition of a younger sister, Hu Zi and Si Ni were getting married. These changes were huge.
"The family is moving towards a good development. When you are away from home, you don't have to worry about anything. Everything is fine." Mother Zhou responded.
After a while, Father Zhou came back with a pot of mutton noodles.
"Eat the noodles first. Don't let it get soggy." Father Zhou ushered.
Zhou Kai accompanied his grandparents for another breakfast. He had eaten half full at home. Now it was perfect to come over here to eat more.
"Eat more. It's not easy outside. Look how thin you are this year." Mother Zhou scooped up mutton for her eldest grandson and urged.
Zhou Kai had eaten it all. Mother Zhou was pleased.
Not long later, Su Tian and Su Ya sisters got up. Naturally, they saw their cousin Zhou Kai.
They could still recognize him. What's more, they admired this eldest cousin brother. They joined the breakfast table after washing up.
Zhou Kai accompanied his grandparents for a meal before heading to the school and came to see his god-grandfather.
Old Wang had a slight cough. Although he was nourished since winter arrived, he had a root illness from when he was exported away in the early years. So, he would be a little fragile during the winter.
"You're back?" Old Wang was overjoyed to see his god-grandson coming back and jollily said.
"God-grandfather, have you ever been to the hospital to check the cough?" Zhou Kai frowned.
"I have. Second took me there. Third took me the follow-up visit. They are all old problems. No major problem, so don't worry about it." Old Wang responded.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 613: Clicked together
This year, old Wang's old age was the most obvious. His hair was a lot more whiter.
He aged more than Father Zhou and Mother Zhou. What's more, he had a cough. This made Zhou Kai very uncomfortable.
"What's with this expression? You god-grandfather is in good health. It's just this old problem. I also made an arrangement with Third. We will continue to travel during the summer vacation next year." Old Wang jollily said.
"God-grandfather, go live in the dumpling shop. We can still take care of it over there." Zhou Kai suggested.
"Next year your little uncle's family will move to live in their house. That side will be vacated when that time comes. I will live with your grandparents then." Old Wang said.
When Zhou Kai heard this, he was more relieved, "You'll have care when you lived there."
"Have you eaten?" Old Wang asked him.
"What about you, God-grandfather?" Zhou Kai said.
"I have eaten. If you have not eaten, I will take you out to eat." Old Wang responded.
Zhou Kai shook his head: "I have eaten too. However, I still have to take God-grandfather to the hospital for an examination before I can feel rest assured."
"No need to spend this money. I recently got a check up." Old Wang waved his hand.
Under Zhou Kai's request, old Wang was still supported to the hospital by him in the end.
"Old Wang, why are you here again?" The director jollily asked.
"It's this kid. Once he came back, he heard that I had a cold and insisted on bringing me over to feel assured." Old Wang explained.
"I remember. This is your eldest grandson. Taller than those two." The director smilingly said.
Old Wang also smiled. Zhou Kai said, "I'll trouble you, Director."
"No trouble at all." Old director merrily replied and checked old Wang again. It was indeed nothing serious. After all, it was an old problem: "It's pretty good that the root illness from before can be maintained like this until now."
Only then, Zhou Kai felt a little relieved. He supported his god-grandfather back home to rest.
"Third brings me a soup every day. I eat well and live well. Basically there is no problem. Every old people will have these sickness." Old Wang said.
"Tomorrow, I will drive you guys to the hot springs." Zhou Kai stated.
Old Wang liked hot springs and replied, "Then tomorrow I will go over to your grandfather's and wait."
"Come over to my grandparent's to eat today. I'm going to bring my girlfriend over in the afternoon. God-grandfather, you can also meet her." Zhou Kai smiled.
"I know. It's Guo Dong's younger sister. Old Weng Family has a clean background and his parents are open-minded. The daughter raised by such a family can't be bad." Old Wang nodded.
"I plan to get engaged this year." Zhou Kai merrily told.
"Then God-grandfather will give you two a big red envelope." Old Wang was overjoyed.
Zhou Kai stayed with his god-grandfather for more than an hour before returning. Zhou Qing Bai and Zhou Xuan got up.
Lin Qing He was still sleeping. The youngest daughter was also sleeping.
That was because she woke up once after four o'clock in the morning to change the diaper and feed the baby. Only then, she coaxed her to bed and continued to sleep until now.
Zhou Kai came in and took a look. Then he was about to head to old Weng's house to collect Weng Mei Jia.
However, Zhou Qing Bai held him back. Zhou Qing Bai asked his eldest son to go downstairs for a fight.
"Dad, you want me to use my strength." Zhou Kai smiled.
Zhou Qing Bai looked at him and simply threw out a punch. The father and son went hand to hand downstairs.
Don't underestimate Zhou Qing Bai. Thinking that he can't handle it after his forties. Although he hadn't practiced much, his skills were still there.
Zhou Xuan was watching on the side.
Other passerby saw the father and son exchanging punches. They had to admit that no one really dared to bully this Zhou Family.
Mrs. Zhang had just returned home from grocery shopping and saw the father and son fighting.
With that valiant display, Mrs. Zhang couldn't help but feel emotional at this sight. It was no wonder that the father and son can fascinated her two sisters. It wasn't just the face, but also this display of fighting power.
See, other people also came out to watch. Men admired, while women envied. Who didn't envy having such a son and husband?
After a long fight, the father and son stopped.
Really got to admit he became old. Five years ago, it was his eldest son who was out of breath, while Zhou Qing Bai didn't even pant.
Five years later, Zhou Qing Bai was panting. Although Eldest was also panting a little, he obviously didn't use much strength yet.
It was only five years before and after. Zhou Qing Bai felt very emotional.
After a man had entered the forty mark, his body will become worse every year. So he needed to exercise more.
At this time, Lin Qing He got up, because the little girl started grunting.
"I was wondering where you all went." Lin Qing He said with a diaper in her hand.
"Let me." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
"No need. Go rest a bit. Look how you are panting." Lin Qing He didn't know what she said had given Zhou Qing Bai a stab. She changed her daughter's diaper and patted on talcum powder.
Today was time to take the little girl over to the bathhouse and give her a bath.
"Where is Eldest?" Lin Qing He asked.
"Gone to old Weng's house." Zhou Xuan answered.
Lin Qing He nodded. She got to go old Weng's house to talk about the engagement. After feeding her youngest, she passed her to her dad.
Lin Qing He came over to see Mother Weng after having breakfast.
Zhou Kai and Weng Mei Jia were both at Mother Weng's clothing store.
"I knew you were here." Lin Qing He laughed.
"Qing He, you came at the right time. I just happened to have something to discuss with you." Mother Weng smiled.
Lin Qing He grinned and said, "Me too."
The two looked at each other, then looked at Zhou Kai and Weng Mei Jia. Both burst into chuckles. They were so familiar with each other that there was no need to be polite.
"I asked Qing Bai to check the calendar yesterday. He said the day after tomorrow would be suitable. It is a good day. So I thought, should we let them get married first? As for marriage, they are still young. It's fine to let them take it slowly," Lin Qing He merrily told.
Mother Weng had the same thought.
Next year, her eldest son will get married. It wasn't good to hold two wedding in a year. Besides, the youngest daughter was still young. So let her eldest brother be first.
After all, this iron tree finally bloomed. So better to hold it early to avoid Si Ni disliking him and not marry him.
Weng Guo Dong, who has already boarded the train and didn't know he was being disdained like this, "..."
The two families understood each other's intentions. So they clicked together and were ready to hold an engagement banquet for the two children the day after tomorrow.
Hold it at Father Zhou and Mother Zhou's place. It was enough do it under the witness of their elders. No need to do anything specially.
Once this matter was finalized, Lin Qing He told Eldest to take Mei Jia to his grandparent's side. She stayed behind and talked about the matters at their hometown to Mother Weng.
"In-law's mother doesn't need to worry about this. Tell in-law's mother that their family had already split. Everyone has their own lives. Now is a new society. Not the same as before." Mother Weng said.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 614: Fiancé and Fiancée
Mother Weng understood why Lin Qing He would mention this matter. This was because she was worried that her son would go back and felt that his prospective in-law family wasn't up to standard.
But how could it not be up to standard? They weren't one family. And had separated long time ago. What does second branch had to do with first branch?
Lin Qing He smiled and responded, "I told my eldest sister-in-law the same thing."
"But when we have the banquet next year, in-laws should bring their children." Mother Weng said.
"They'll definitely come." Lin Qing He replied: "Guo Liang didn't come back this year."
"Found a match over there. Her conditions at home are quite good. So, he went to his match's house for the New Year." Mother Weng indifferently answered.
As long as they marry, they will go their separate ways. Mother Weng never worried about this second son. Just the eldest son.
But now, he finally found a match. This it was also considered wish fulfilled.
Lin Qing He chatted with her for a while before returning home.
Zhou Kai took Weng Mei Jia to eat with Father Zhou and Mother Zhou at noon. Old Wang was present.
They had a lively lunch together.
After eating, Zhou Kai sent Weng Mei Jia to old Weng's house. While Father Zhou and Mother Zhou started a discussion.
"Da Wa's match is great. She's beautiful. At first glance, she looks gentle. Plainly speaking, it's no wonder she's a nurse." Mother Zhou sang.
"How can Da Wa's eyes be bad?" Father Zhou was also satisfied with this eldest granddaughter-in-law.
Although old Wang didn't speak, he found no flaw with Weng Mei Jia. If he wasn't satisfied with this, then what would?
"Both of them got salary. It'll be a dual-income family. There is no need to worry about them in the future. There's also insurance. They'll get pensions when they are old." Zhou Xiao Mei commented.
Mother Zhou was happier when she heard it and smiled: "If it weren't for Guo Dong and Si Ni marrying next year, I want them to get married next year."
The earlier they get married, the earlier she can hold her great-grandson.
"How old is he now? Only twenty-two after the new year." Zhou Xiao Mei said.
"They can get married long before twenty-two. Didn't Xia Xia married this year?" Mother Zhou refuted.
Zhou Xiao Mei internally remarked that Xia Xia hadn't married a wife. It was clearly an ancestor. Don't know what trouble she was stirring now.
Zhou Xiao Mei had heard from her fourth sister-in-law, but all these things were kept secret. What was there to say? Better not add more stress to her parents.
"If it's not too far, I want to go back and take a look." Mother Zhou sighed with happiness.
Life was so smooth now. It was that good. Fourth's family owned two cars. Eldest Grandson was going to marry a wife. Good news was piling high and there was no chance to go back to the village to tell the other little old ladies. It was a pity.
"Mother, don't toss around. It's such a long journey to go back and forth. You were a few years younger before. When you came over, people had to carry you. If you go back now, can you stand it?" Zhou Xiao Mei disgruntledly said.
"I'm only saying." Mother Zhou responded.
"I heard that the highway has been repaired. The traffic will definitely get better and better in the future. There will be opportunities to go back," Wang Yuan mentioned.
"What's the highway?" Mother Zhou puzzledly asked.
"It's similar to the road in the city. It's very convenient and easy to drive." Wang Yuan said.
"Then I don't know if we can wait for it." Mother Zhou heard this and responded.
"It's the New Year's Day. Save your thoughts!" Father Zhou uttered in displeasure.
Mother Zhou jollily said, "I'm just saying. I think I can live for another 30 years."
Now this life was so good. She can't bear for it to pass so soon. Back when the famine happen, how could she dare to dream of this lifestyle?
The biggest wish was to be able to eat half full. That was an enormous wish, because everyone lived by tightening the belt.
Nowadays, one can eat enough during every meal. They didn't need to go to the field. Meat can be eaten every day. Who could have imagined?
Anyway, Mother Zhou didn't dare to dream about it before. The life of the gods was almost like this.
Otherwise, why else would Mother Zhou desire to go back to her hometown for a trip? Shouldn't she chat with her old friends in her hometown about such good life?
They have never experienced it before, so she have to tell them and let them see how beautiful life was.
For example, this time when her granddaughter went back, Mother Zhou had prepared several roast ducks. There were also several photos. All of which were taken from her early trips to the Great Wall and traveling to other places. She specially had it taken back for her old friends to see.
Mother Zhou remark of living another thirty years made everyone laugh.
Now there was needless to say about this life. Only after experiencing the previous lifestyle will one know how good this life was now.
Of course, the young ones, who emerged from 1980 onward, can be said that they won at the starting line.
Lin Qing He came over in the afternoon and talked about the engagement.
"That's wonderful. Should get engaged. In my opinion, this girl is great. If she was in the village, the entrance door will be flattened by the matchmakers within the ten miles and eight villages." Mother Zhou remarked.
"Then it'll be the same if your grandson stays in the village." Lin Qing He merrily responded.
Mother Zhou was overjoyed and beamed: "Your father and I had always grumbled that you spend too much money and what to do when it's time to marry a wife? Now Da Wa is like this, even if he doesn't have a job, those young ladies can't wait to marry him."
"That's too exaggerated." Zhou Xiao Mei spoke: "Marry a man for food and clothes. If he got nothing, how can any girl be willing."
"There are. As long as the guy looks reliable enough to hold up the family and don't mess around with flowers and grass outside. In fact, a woman can also support the family. Finding such a guy to mind the house and raise children is actually quite good." Lin Qing He said.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, did you just raise my fourth brother like this?" Zhou Xiao Mei teased.
"Yes, but your fourth brother isn't willing to enter this role. He wanted to open a dumpling shop by himself." Lin Qing He grinned.
"It's better that a man support his family. What does it look like to put all the on a woman." Mother Zhou smilingly commented.
"As long as you don't blame me for being strong-willed." Lin Qing He grinned.
Like this, the engagement banquet was decided. When the time comes, just over this side to eat. Let the elder and relatives witness it.
The engagement banquet happened on the 28th day of December.
Everyone came over and drank a glass of wedding wine. Even little Mi Mi joined everyone in the engagement banquet's photo. This considered as participating her eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law's engagement banquet.
Buzzing, Zhou Kai and Weng Mei Jia became fiancé and fiancée.
However, after the wedding banquet, Lin Qing He was busy. Because the dry good shop was particularly prosperous.
Third's dumpling shop was closed. Early in the morning, he and his second brother went over to help sell dry goods.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 615: Beautiful year
Back to the Sixties: Farm, Get Wealthy Raise the Cubs
This year's dry good business was indeed very good. Much better than last year.
Zhou Gui Lai and Zhou Xuan work away from the early until noon, when they returned for lunch. Zhou Gui Lai spoke: "Mom, I feel that we should find a gift box manufacturer after this year is over. The bags aren't good enough."
"Sure. You can order a batch starting from next year. You will be responsible for finding one when that time comes." Lin Qing He responded.
"Tell Second Brother to find it." Zhou Gui Lai wanted to be lazy.
"You will be in business in the future. You have to learn these things. Your second brother isn't taking the path as you." Lin Qing He stated.
Zhou Gui Lai had nothing to retort and can only take it on.
Out of all the businesses under their name, only the beverage shop and the dry good shop were open. The others were closed.
Holidays that should given were given. The double wages that should paid were paid. They busied away until the New Year's Eve before it was finished.
There was still some business in the morning, but after twelve o'clock, there was basically no business.
So Li Ai Guo and Zhou San Ni cleaned up and brought their son, Pang Pang over to Father Zhou and Mother Zhou's side for New Year's Eve dinner.
This year, Weng Guo Dong and Zhou Si Ni went to the countryside. There were only Father Weng, Mother Weng, and Weng Mei Jia at home. So they must come here to eat together.
The more people, the more lively. They came to the dumpling shop to eat.
Second was sent to his grandparent's side as this side's representative to go over to eat.
"We joined you last year and here we are again this year. This saved me the trouble." Mother Weng drank some beverage and merrily said.
"I hope to celebrate it like this every year. So much liveliness?" Lin Qing He remarked.
"If possible, I want to too." Mother Weng couldn't be any delighted.
"What are you saying, Auntie Weng? As long as you want to, then there's no problem at all." Zhou Gui Lai drank a little wine and smacked his lips in satisfaction before speaking.
He was eighteen after this New Year. So Lin Qing He didn't stop him and let him drink. After all, if he wants to do business in the future, he must socialize. Cheering and toasting won't be lacking.
"Third, don't drink too much." Mother Weng laughed.
"Of course, I won't drink too much. However, Uncle Weng, Auntie Weng, I got to toast you a cup first. Wish you all the best every year and live younger and younger." Zhou Gui Lai declared.
Father Weng jollily touched cup with him: "I also wish you on finding someone sooner."
Mother Weng used beverage and expressed the same thing before merrily drinking it.
Zhou Kai stated: "Dad, when Third graduates, let him go out and try other business by himself. Let him practice more."
"That's for sure. You don't need to say. When I graduate, I got to gather experience myself." Zhou Gui Lai said.
"What do you want to do in the future?" Father Weng asked.
"I want to make a dumpling factory." Zhou Gui Lai answered.
"Dumpling Factory? Does that have business? It's not something uncommon." Mother Weng couldn't help but utter.
"It isn't uncommon, so it's not easy to do it. Have to plan slowly. There is that plan. Got to see if there is something more suitable in the future. Nothing is certain." Zhou Gui Lai bragged.
"I think the clothing store business is quite good. Why not do this?" Mother Weng said.
"Auntie Weng, how's this year's earning?" Zhou Gui Lai smilingly said.
Mother Weng grinned: "It's pretty good. But I only got one. Can't compare with your mom's few."
"It's not good to do the same thing. If it doesn't make money, how much pressure it'll be. Got to develop more in other stuff. If this one doesn't work, there will be another two or so. Only, it got more stability." Zhou Gui Lai spoke.
As soon as these words came out, Lin Qing He looked at her third child in surprise.
She couldn't tell that he had such thought and can consider this point.
"Don't listen to him. It's all brag. Eat more." Zhou Qing Bai had his little girl in his arms. He urged Father Weng and Mother Weng.
Father Weng smiled and toasted him a glass.
This meal was very satisfying. Halfway through, Second came back and joined the table.
The whole family reunited and had a New Year's Eve dinner.
After eating, Zhou Kai took Weng Mei Jia out for a stroll. Zhou Xuan and Zhou Gui Lai cleaned up. Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai brought Father Weng and Mother Weng to the singled storey house to have tea and watch the Spring Festival Gala.
Mother Weng held little Mi Mi and said, "I thought there are a lot of pressure when birthing again at forty. However, it seems like it's pretty nice to have a little girl."
"It is. It's a big responsibility. The rest can fly out of the nest, while this one just hatched." Lin Qing He replied.
Mother Weng smilingly commented: "Now the conditions are good and the era is open, it won't be too difficult to raise. Or you can find a babysitter. In my area, there are people who hired a babysitter for 60 yuan a month. The housework is all covered."
"Let Qing Bai handle it. He is happy to." Lin Qing He grinningly responded.
Zhou Qing Bai spoke: "It's not difficult. There's nothing busy with. I can watch her."
He also worried about leaving his little girl to the nanny. Besides, there was really nothing to be busy with. When the spring starts next year, it'll be when daughter become older and more sensible.
After a while, Zhou Xuan and Zhou Gui Lai came back. Li Ai Guo and Zhou San Ni also dropped by with Pang Pang.
Because the shop will continue to open tomorrow, it was rare chance to come over.
"Pang Pang has been well fed by you, Sister San Ni." Zhou Gui Lai held Pang Pang and remarked.
He looked so sturdy and cute. Li Ai Guo loved this son very much and smilingly said: "He has a big appetite. He's not happy about being fed less.
"He can go to kindergarten when he's three years old." Lin Qing He brought up.
"Isn't three-year-old a little young?" Zhou San Ni responded.
"Not young. However, you can wait until four years old before sending him there. Don't let it be over five years old." Lin Qing He advised.
"En. Wait until four before sending him. I'll watch him for another two years." Zhou San Ni smiled.
Only after giving birth to a son did she knew what life was. There were concerns and expectations. And felt very motivated each day.
Once she pay off her fourth aunt's money in the future, she and Ai Guo can try to open some of store of their own and see how the business is.
After staying here until nine o'clock or so, Zhou Xuan drove them all home.
Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai got ready to go to bed.
"Qing Bai, our family's life is getting better year after year. Do you have anything to say?" Lin Qing He spoke.
"Marry a good wife, bless three generations." Zhou Qing Bai responded.
Lin Qing H gave him an amused eye-roll: "Glib tongue. Don't think it's useful to make me happy. Stay away from me tonight."
"Can't. There's only one bed." Zhou Qing Bai placed little daughter in the crib made for her and began to undress.
In a short moment, he took his wife into his embrace. Lin Qing He gave him a light hammer: "Old uncultivated."
Zhou Qing Bai laughed and went to bed with his wife in his arms.
That was how the beautiful 1985 passed.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 616: Year 1988
The world was forever changing like the cloud against the deep blue sky. While time was fleet as a white pony's shadow flashing past a crevice.
The two years, 1986 and 1987, passed in a flash. This year hads entered 1988.
Many things have happened in the past two years.
For example, in 1986, Xu Sheng Qiang went to jail. He had fought with others once again. This time it was because the other party came to collect protection fees. He fought with those ruffians and had beaten one of the ruffians into a fool.
Although it was settled semi-public and semi-privately with a sum of money, Xu Sheng Qiang still had to go behind the bar. That was because he ran into a bad time. He was used as an example and sentenced for three years.
This year was the third year. Almost time to come out.
When this incident happened, everyone in old Zhou family frowned. But apart from frowning, there was no other reaction.
Because they were in the capital, Xu Sheng Mei had came over to beg. It was impossible to hide it from Mother Zhou.
So Mother Zhou knew.
But this time Mother Zhou was unexpectedly resolute. After letting this side help get it settled half-public and half-private, it ended. She didn't ask Wang Yuan to find connections.
Because this wasn't the first time for this kind of thing. Although this time it was the ruffians who started it first, but he was the one who beaten up the other into a fool. There was that sentence, being in the right turned to being unreasonable.
So in the end he was sentenced to three years. Let him stay inside. It was heard that it was a good place. No matter how bad the person was, he will be obedient after going in and coming out.
Because of this incident, First Sister and First Brother-in-law specially rushed over from their hometown and came here to plead. They wanted to find connections.
Mother Zhou put her heart into talking sense to her eldest daughter. Saying that it can't do to let him keep going like this. Without a lesson, he would cause even greater disasters in the future.
However, First Sister couldn't stand her son being imprisoned. His reputation was going to stink.
First Sister was far away in their hometown and couldn't possibly know about it. Xu Sheng Mei had called back to get the rescue. She got her mother to come and ask Zhou Family to save her brother.
Even if First Sister came, it was useless.
Old Zhou Family won't interfere any more. In fact, even Zhou Qing Bai felt that it wouldn't hurt to let this nephew stay inside for a few years.
In the end, First Sister was so angry that she put down cruel words. Saying that old Zhou Family was heartless and allowed their biological grandson and nephew to go to jail without any intervention. From then on, she don't have such relatives!
It was equivalent to cutting off all relationship. Mother Zhou was so angry that she entered the hospital for two days again.
In the end, Xu Sheng Qiang got three-year imprisonment. This year, he was about to come out.
The fact that he went in to eat prison food basically had no effect on old Zhou Family. They went about their life.
In the past two years, Lin Qing He had developed rapidly. Her tea shop business started in 1986. From 1986 to this year, 15 tea shop branches had been opened. The branches were in various regions.
The tea business was very good. Its income covered 60% of the total household income. The remaining 40% of the income came from the rest; clothing shops, dumpling shop, beverage shop, dry good shop and cigarette shop.
Because of the large number of shops, the large purchase volume was high too. Lin Qing He had cooperated with more than a dozen tea shops in the south. Since last year, Zhou Gui Lai, the youngest, had been responsible for supplier management.
After he graduated, he had already begun to take on these businesses from his family. As for the Second, he continued his studies. This year he will become a PhD student.
Lin Qing He intended to let him aim for a postdoctoral fellowship. If he can, it will be the representative of the family facade.
"Mom, Eldest Brother called back and told me to send a few kilograms of dried sea cucumbers." Third said when he got home.
"Mei Jia want to eat?" Lin Qing He was in the middle of translating. She responded without raising her head.
"Probably giving some to Brother Guo Liang. Isn't his wife pregnant?" Third poured himself a cup of chrysanthemum tea. While he was at it, he turned on the stereo and listened to popular classic tunes.
"Then send. This year, it should be your eldest brother's turn to get married. The two Weng brothers married one after another each year. Your eldest brother has bared with them for a long time." Lin Qing He said.
He had endure for a long time, no? Originally, Zhou Kai planned to get a promotion in 1986, so he instantly submit a marriage report and marry Weng Mei Jia.
But because the iron tree, Weng Guo Dong bloomed, he can only let him and Zhou Si Ni get married first.
He thought it would be fine, since it was only pushing it back one year. Unexpectedly, Weng Guo Liang and his partner was also getting married. In conclusion, he and Weng Mei Jia still haven't married yet.
"It's possible to tie the knot this year. Still, my eldest brother's love path can be regarded as troubled and difficult." Zhou Gui Lai grinned.
"Your dad is sleeping inside. Turn down the speaker and don't disturb him." Lin Qing He warned.
It was currently March. The '88's New Year hadn't passed too long ago. The weather was still cold.
Zhou Gui Lai turned the stereo down and said: "What time is it now? Why is dad sleeping? It's nearly time to pick up little sister from school."
Going by year, little Mi Mi was two and half year old. If she went by nominal age, she was considered four years old.
Originally, Zhou Qing Bai was reluctant to let his little girl go to the kindergarten. But he couldn't hold back his little girl when she wanted to go.
The kindergarten wasn't far away. Only five minutes by car. It was a very good kindergarten. It wasn't just little Mi Mi going, Zhou Er Ni's twins and Zhou San Ni's Pang Pang attended too.
Though the three of them were older than little Mi Mi, they all had to call Aunt when they meet each other.
As for Wang Yuan's twins, they thought Mi Mi's name was 'Gu Gu'.
Because she was young and only two and half years old, Zhou Qing Bai was worried that she'll be bullied. He asked Pang Pang and the twins to protect their little aunt.
Lin Qing He had a wooden look throughout the whole process. It was really over-salting the radish due to worry of blandness. She was only going in to play. Even if there was bullying, what strength can toddlers children have?
As the mother and son were talking, Zhou Qing Bai got up and punctually grabbed the car keys to pick up his daughter.
"There is still half an hour. You really don't mind the wait." Lin Qing He disgruntledly said: "Make me a cup of lemon honey."
Zhou Qing Bai made a cup for her, then made a cup for himself, and spoke, "Wife, should we go out for a trip."
His wife had long-planned a trip to Hainan. They can probably go this year.
Lin Qing He drank as she answered, "Do you want to take your daughter?"
"Definitely must." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
Zhou Gui Lai spoke "Mom and Dad, where are you going? There are so many businesses at home."
"Aren't you here." His dad glanced at him.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 617: Not easy to bully
After graduating, Zhou Qing Bai ordered this son more and more smoothly. Whether it was the tea shop in the south or the dried seafood in Yangcheng, Zhou Qing Bai had brought him there.
After going there once, the next time was him taking the employees over by himself. All the transactions with the boss on the phone was handed over to him.
Zhou Gui Lai managed it beautifully.
Now he was in charge of the family's business. He found Ma Cheng Min to complete most matters. For the next six months, Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai won't have anything to worry about it.
So if they want to go to Hainan, all the family affairs will be left to Third.
Zhou Gui Lai was twenty this year and still wants to act cute. But it was useless. He was past the age of acting cute. Mother Zhou won't fall for this act, let alone the strict father, Zhou Qing Bai.
It was just that his strict father facade melt away when it came to his precious little girl. There was no dignity at all.
He drove over to pick her up, took the twins over to Wang Yuan's clothing factory and sent Pang Pang to the dry good shop to San Ni. Only then, he drove the little girl back.
"Dad, I played on the slide today." Little Mi Mi carried her cute little schoolbag as sat in her father's strong arms. She shared the project she played today with her father.
"Is it fun?" Zhou Qing Bai asked.
"It's fun. I have to play tomorrow." Mi Mi replied.
"Are you hungry?" Zhou Qing Bai asked.
"A little hungry." Mi Mi told.
The father and daughter conversed while climbing the stairs. Once home, Zhou Qing Bai grabbed a piece of steamed egg cake for his little girl.
Little Mi Mi ran over and hugged her mom first. Then she was held by her third brother with A cake in her hand. She offered, "Brother, do you want to eat?"
"Eat," Zhou Gui Lai answered.
Little Mi Mi broke a piece and gave it to him. Under his dad's piercing gaze, Zhou Gui Lai ate the cake without hesitation and said, "Thank Mi Mi! The egg cake is delicious. Brother likes it very much."
Little Mi Mi was very delighted. She got out of his arms, went to her dad and broke a piece for her dad: "Dad, eat too."
Zhou Qing Bai complyingly ate and thanked her. This made little Mi Mi grin.
Lin Qing He was doing her translation. She looked over and said, "Why doesn't Mom have any?"
"Mom is working. I'll save it for you." Little Mi Mi answered. She broke off a piece and put it on the table.
Lin Qing He told, "Bring it over to Mom."
Little Mi Mi brought it over, watched her mom finished eating, and expectantly watched her. Lin Qing He affirmatively replied: "En. It's delicious."
So the little girl was satisfied and started to eat her own egg cake. Then she watched TV with her feet swinging.
Zhou Qing Bai poured a glass of milk for the little girl and said, "Drink some milk."
"Don't want to drink milk." The little girl didn't like to drink this kind of pure milk.
"Just two sips," Zhou Qing Bai urged.
Zhou Gui Lai can't stand the sight of his dad being a daughter-slave and stated, "Dad, it's time to open the dumpling shop."
"I'll go with you," little Mi Mi declared.
Zhou Qing Bai fed her a few mouthfuls of milk. When she finished her egg cake, he took her to the dumpling shop.
"Mom, when we were little, was my dad like this?" Zhou Gui Lai asked.
"No." Lin Qing He gave a clear cut response.
"I knew it. If there is, we must have some impression. I can't stand it." Zhou Gui Lai uttered with disgust.
"You're envious of what you can't have." Lin Qing He said.
"Envy? Impossible. I have to thank my dad for having mercy." Zhou Gui Lai responded. If his dad raised him this way, he guessed that he would have to become a little white face now.
Spoiled with no limit. Even though he was generous with this little sister, he still paid great attention to education.
For example, sharing. He won't refuse when his sister offered him something to eat. Although it wasn't a big deal, it was also part of education.
Of course, he always said no at first. It was his mom who said to accept it when she gave. Just say thank you was fine.
Lin Qing He grinned. It was impossible for Zhou Qing Bai to treat his son that way. He basically did not govern his sons. As long as they didn't cause trouble, whatever was effortless was however things went.
His tenderness was only toward her and this little girl. These sons were all here to collect debts.
Not long later, Zhou Er Ni came over.
She brought up this month's end-of-month bill. The business cooperation with Wang Yuan's Garment Factory was settled monthly.
Now that the twins had grown up a lot, Zhou Er Ni can free up her hands. Although she was the chief accountant of the garment factory, she also had a position on Lin Qing He's side. She usually stays at Lin Qing He's side to take care of the tea shop's business.
"Talk with Third." Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Gui Lai took the month-end bill from his sister Er Ni and read it as he spoke, "I heard that Second Brother-in-law has recently got two new accountants. They are all female college students applying for the job?"
"En." Zhou Er Ni confirmed.
"Sister Er Ni, pay more attention." Zhou Gui Lai jollily advised.
Although he was grinning, he was obviously giving a reminder. Zhou Er Ni smiled and responded: "I recruited them two. One is married and the other has a boyfriend."
"Still have to be on guard," Zhou Gui Lai maintained.
"I warned your second brother-in-law. He knows," Zhou Er Ni assured.
Lin Qing He smilingly glanced at her and spoke, "Giving him such a large amount of trust. Are you sure it's okay?"
In the past two years, Wang Yuan's development had also been extremely rapid. The original factory had now increased to nearly a thousand people. This goes to show how the scale had grown.
And according to Wang Yuan's age, this was definitely considered young and promising. Now that the times were more open, there were a lot of those coquettish and bewitching kinds. The temptation had increased a lot.
"He has to resist it by himself. If he wants me to stop, I can stop it once and twice. Can still stop it the continuous line behind?" Zhou Er Ni stated.
Compared to before, Zhou Er Ni had obviously grown up a lot. Toward Wang Yuan, she naturally trusted him. But she also knew that the temptation he had to endure was great. So twins were basically left to his care. When he can't resist the temptation, just think about this pair of children.
As for herself, it was really impossible to watch him 24/7. Even if he wouldn't be tired, she would.
Zhou Er Ni had thought about it. If that day does happen, she would want the children and nothing else.
Lin Qing He merrily said: "It's not that serious. I still know Wang Yuan. Although he has developed rapidly in the past two years, his eyes won't be been dazzled. He's not a poor lad who turned his position over by himself."
Zhou Gui Lai scanned through the performance table and commented: "Our old Zhou Family isn't easy to bully."
After these two years of development, his old Zhou Family wasn't the previous old Zhou Family anymore.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter
Chapter 618: I also want to go
In the past two years, the development of old Zhou Family wasn't only in business, but also in connections.
One of them was due to his eldest brother's obvious potential. He was promoted the year before and will get a raise this year.
This year's promotion was estimated to become a major.
How old was his eldest brother now? He was only twenty-four. Who would dare to underestimate such potential?
Second was his second brother. His second brother had a girlfriend last year. Once Eldest gets married, then it should be his turn. That girl was deeply obsessed with his second brother.
Her dad was a part of political commissar. She was a veritable young miss. However, she had no temper at all in front of his second brother. When she came over during the New Year, she was especially polite and virtuous.
Of course, his second brother had also been a guest to the other party's house. The other party was also very satisfied with his second brother. Maybe in the future, his second brother won't necessarily go into teaching and take over his father-in-law's connection. Might get into politics.
With the two promising elder brothers in front, who would dare to underestimate old Zhou Family now? Even a high positioned family like Wang Family, had to pondered before wanting to do something out of line.
Of course, that was how it was said. In fact, Wang Yuan hadn't changed much because of his huge profits in the past two years.
Although the bearing was greater than before, Wang Yuan treated Zhou Family the same as before.
Zhou Gui Lai looked at the ledger and said, "Tomorrow I will go and find my second brother-in-law to clear the account."
Lin Qing He directed at Zhou Er Ni, "How is Si Ni?"
Zhou Si Ni married Weng Guo Dong in May of '86. It wasn't until the end of last year when she got pregnant.
Of course it wasn't because she couldn't give birth. But because Zhou Si Ni wanted to attend school. So she discussed it with Weng Guo Dong and took precaution.
She finished studying last year. So, she was pregnant now.
However, her pregnancy could be compared with Lin Qing He's last one. It was really hard. Vomited so much that she couldn't eat.
Zhou Er merrily answered, "Only got morning sickness. Everything else is fine."
"From what I see, she might not be able to go to work this year. Let her properly rest and don't think about work." Lin Qing He stated.
"Si Ni said to wait until the first three months pass and it'll be better. Then she would continue to come to work." Zhou Er Ni smiled.
She had experienced it before. She didn't go to Wang Yuan's garment factory when she was pregnant. However the days of pregnancy were very boring. It was best to wait for delivery while working.
She knew Si Ni's personality. She can't sit still. In fact, since she got married, she would work whenever she wasn't idle. Of course, she had always taken good care of the three meals a day.
Father Weng and Mother Weng didn't need to cook for themselves. When Zhou Si Ni finished, she would get Weng Guo Dong put the food in a box and send to the clothing store. It wasn't far away.
It can be said that after Zhou Si Ni married in, Mother Weng didn't have to cook anymore. Zhou Si Ni took it on.
Mother Weng often praised Zhou Si Ni in front of Lin Qing He. And occasionally sending clothes back to Eldest Sister-in-law and Eldest Brother.
Eldest Sister-in-law was naturally delighted. As long as her daughter had a good life with her in-laws, it was fine.
She had told Zhou Si Ni off a few times for not planning to have a baby soon. It only ended when she mentioned Mother Weng and said Mother Weng had agreed.
Lin Qing He didn't say anything when she heard Er Ni say that. She understood Si Ni's thoughts. Only when one have a job can you feel safe. Especially now that the wages were quite high. The wages of the workers under Lin Qing He's hand had risen to 170. It was a very high salary level.
Weng Guo Dong's salary wasn't low. He was 200 or so yuan. If the two work together, they earn nearly 400 a month, which was considered a high-income family.
Zhou Er Ni went back after finished talking about the business. Lin Qing He saw that it was nearly time and came to the dumpling shop for dinner.
Zhou Xuan didn't have to come back to eat. The rest including Gang Zi was here.
Hu Zi and Chen Shan Shan were married in 1986. Since then, the two of them opened their own stove. It was worth mentioning that Chen Shan Shan became pregnant not long after they got married. Their child was now over one year old.
The child was minded by Chen Shan Shan's mom. Hu Zi was hawking. He obviously worked harder after getting married. Chen Shan Shan still worked in her clothing store.
"Godmother, Third Brother." Lin Qing He and Third came to the dumpling shop to have dinner and was greeted by the godson, Jiang Geng.
Jiang Geng came over to attend university last year. He got admitted through own his own ability.
"How come you have time to come over?" Lin Qing He merrily spoke. Today was Wednesday. Jiang Geng usually come over to stay on Friday evening. And usually stayed until Sunday afternoon before returning to school.
"It's boring at school. So I ran out. I just need to caught the bus back tomorrow morning." Jiang Geng grinned.
"Then you're in luck today. I bought a big rooster this morning. We got an extra dish in the evening." Zhou Gui Lai said.
Jiang Geng jollily mentioned, "Third Brother, are you still going to the south to source tea this year? Bring me."
He had heard his third brother's bragging. He had travelled all over the country. It made him envied him. The farthest place for him was to come to the capital. And that was because he recognized his godfather and godmother. If not, it was certain that he'll never step out of Hai City.
"I'm going for business. What's more, aren't you going back to Hai City for the summer vacation. If I take you to the south, I'm afraid that a beautiful lady will scold me." Zhou Gui Lai said.
In the past two years, the relationship between the two families got closer. Zhou Gui Lai had visited Hai City at the beginning of this year to take back his dad's shops. This year, they will open the tea business in Hai City. Those shop's location were all good, so they planned to open a tea shop.
"Why would my mom scold you? She told me to learn more from you, Third Brother." Jiang Geng responded.
"Don't deceive me. Uncle Jiang wants you to follow his path. Once you graduate, you'll enter the military academy. Eldest Brother give you a recommendation." Zhou Gui Lai spoke.
"I don't want to do that." Jiang Geng sighed.
"Didn't Eldest Brother say that you are quite suitable for it last time? You want to punish the evil and promote the good? I think it's suitable for you." Zhou Gui Lai smilingly pointed out.
"It's a good idea to take Xiao Geng out to explore," Lin Qing He remarked.
"I want to go too." Little Mi Mi hugged her third brother's leg and declared.
Though she was two and half, her expressive ability was particularly strong. She knew what she wanted and what she didn't.
"Alright. As long as Dad agrees, I can take you. Go ask Dad." Zhou Gui Lai laughed.
Mi Mi went over to pester her dad. Zhou Qing Bai ordered: "Third, come and cook."
He picked up his little girl.
"Xiao Geng, you go." Zhou Gui Lai said.
"I'll make dumplings." Jiang Geng insisted. He was scared of burning things.
So Zhou Gui Lai cooked. Lin Qing He washed her hands and joined in dumplings making. She asked her godson about his studies. Jiang Geng told everything.
Dear BTTS Readers,
It's another year with Covid19. It felt long and short. I have enjoyed this year to best I could. I hope you did too. I hope my projects bought delight to days during this hectic time.
I must thank you all for reading them and supporting me!
Special thanks to patrons on and all those who bought me snacks.
2022 is here.
P.S. BTTS Readers, I need your help!
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 619: Enjoy a good and prosperous life
It was only when they were about to eat, Gang Zi came back on a tricycle.
"Wash your face and hands. Then eat." Lin Qing He said.
"Okay." Gang Zi grinned.
The family ate together. Occasionally guests came in to eat dumplings. Zhou Gui Lai went to cook it for them.
"This rooster is really delicious." Jiang Geng commented.
"It's really delicious. Uncle fried it?" Gang Zi asked.
"I did." Zhou Gui Lai responded, "You two drink?"
Jiang Geng expressed his desire for a bit. Zhou Gui Lai poured him a small shot glass of it. He poured it for himself as well as a shot glass for his dad.
Paired with the rooster, it was so refreshing.
"Not drinking. I will go to set up the stall later." When he was about to pour a little bit for Gang Zi, Gang Zi shook his head.
"Why are you working so hard?" Zhou Gui Lai said.
It wasn't only Hu Zi going all out. Gang Zi too. They worked from morning to night.
"Not resting today?" Lin Qing He chipped in. Whether it was Hu Zi or Gang Zi, these two nephews were really motivated.
"Not very tired. It's just watching a stall. No need to rest." Gang Zi smiled.
His elder brother has already settled down here in the capital. He had a house, a wife, and a daughter. Can't describe how happy he was.
While he still didn't have anything. Of course, he had asked his fourth cousin-in-law to transfer his household registration for him. So he had spent a lot of money. Now it was time to settle the house. It won't be as small as his elder brother's. Everything else costed a lot of money.
Except for those sent to his parents, he currently accumulated more than 10,000 in saving.
Although it was quite a lot, his elder brother's mother-in-law had found him a house last time and had costed from ten thousand. It wasn't very big and was also relatively shabby. He didn't take a fancy to it.
His aunt told him to continue to save. There was no rush. The commercial houses were already getting rebuilt. She told him to wait for the sale of commercial houses.
However, a lot of money was needed. Gang Zi didn't mind. He felt listening to his aunt can't go wrong. So he planned to buy this commercial house.
So it was time to work hard now.
Now the business was better than before. Just work hard and one can get over a thousand each month.
For now, got to wait until the spring starts. The new season clothes will come out. When the time comes, they will be very popular.
Lin Qing He didn't dissuade him. Just said: "There is still a pot of chicken soup. Drink more later."
"Okay." Gang Zi grinned. Twenty yuan a month for living expenses. There was really nothing to complain about this food. Extremely wonderful.
Accommodation cost nothing. He now lived on the second floor of the dumpling shop. All by himself.
"I heard that Brother Hu Zi is looking for a shop recently." Zhou Gui Lai chatted.
"Yes." Gang Zi nodded.
"Have he found one? The shops aren't cheap now." Zhou Gui Lai said.
A shop started from ten thousand. If the location was good and area was spacious, it would cost more.
"Found one. The location is okay, but it costs 18 hundred. My third brother said forget it." Gang Zi responded.
Eighteen hundred! That was truly expensive.
"If the location is good, tell Hu Zi to buy it." Lin Qing He advised after hearing these words.
"Too expensive." Gang Zi remarked.
"The price isn't too expensive for a good location. Recently, it has risen rapidly in the past two years." Lin Qing He told.
In fact, the house price wasn't growing too fast right now. What was truly fast is later on. It can double overnight. That is the real increase. It had increased by a bit in the past two years. Still, not too expensive.
Of course, for the salary earner, it was undoubtedly sky-high price. The dead expensive kind.
Nowadays, the salary had increased a lot, but it was around 100 or so. For example, Li Ai Guo and Zhou San Ni, who worked in the dry good shop. Lin Qing He paid the couple 300 yuan. Minus the living expenses, there was only so much that can be saved in a year.
This was considered a dual-income family. Many were single-income.
However, when this year is over, Li Ai Guo and Zhou San Ni will be able to pay off their debts. The debt from buying the shop. Now the shop was still rented out. They haven't started their business yet. Still their lives weren't bad.
It was just they weren't developing as fast ast Hu Zi and Gang Zi.
Lin Qing He had asked. However, Zhou San Ni's response was no rush. Take their time. There will be more opportunities in the future, so don't be anxious for now.
There were indeed many opportunities behind. Certainly no need to worry too much. So Lin Qing He didn't say anything.
The shop was bought. A house will be bought in the future. Then it'll be enjoying a good and prosperous life. There were plenty of opportunities.
Putting aside Zhou San Ni and Li Ai Guo's matter, Lin Qing He felt the shop that Hu Zi liked could be bought.
When Gang Zi set up the stall, he told his elder brother about this: "We talked about this when we were eating. Aunt said, if the location is good, buy it. Don't hesitate."
When he went home at night, Hu Zi brought it up to Chen Shan Shan.
At present, Hu Zi had a lot saved. However, 18 hundred was a high price. This was almost enough to empty the family.
Of course, there will be some left. The two of them got a daughter. They gave Chen Shan Shan's mom, Li Yu Feng 30 yuan a month for the hard work of minding the child.
What was left was from Hu Zi's hawking and Chen Shan Shan's own salary. Of course he would send some home for his parents, which needn't be much. So a lot was saved.
Still, 18 hundred was very expensive.
"How about buying it? Aunt's eyesight is the best. Listening to Aunt's opinion is the right way." Chen Shan Shan said.
Hu Zi smiled bitterly: "I know that it can't be wrong to listen to Aunt, but it's too expensive."
"Though it is expensive, you can't keep setting up a stall like this. It's more important to have your own shop in the future," Chen Shan Shan persuaded.
She helped Lin Qing He watched the shop. Once she had her own shop, she could open the door to do business. Then she could ask her two cousins ??to watch it. She'll be the manager. Then she'll mind Aunt's shop too. It isn't a big problem.
"Buy the shop. We'll do our own business in the future. When the business is good, the money would be returned." Chen Shan Shan continued.
Finally, Hu Zi gave the nod and went to find the landlord of the shop the next day. 18 hundred. Not a penny less was given.
Hu Zi transferred the deed with gritted teeth. This time, the original saving had shrunk by nearly 90%. Especially when the shop had to be refurbished by himself. It cost two to three hundred yuan.
Hu Zi and Chen Shan Shan bought the shop and came over to let them know.
Lin Qing He beamed: "It's right to buy it. You can help keep an eye out for Gang Zi. If there is a suitable one, Gang Zi buy one too."
"I don't want to. I want to buy a house. Don't have a house yet. Must save and buy a commercial house." Gang Zi stated.
He had heard his aunt's description and felt that the commercial house was like a presidential suite.
So there was no rush for a shop. However, he wanted to buy this commercial house first!
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Lin Qing He laughed when she heard him say this: "There's no rush for the commercial housing. You are a bachelor and have no wife. Why are you anxious to buy this house? Is the second floor of the dumpling shop not enough for you to live in? If there is a good location, you should buy it first. Don't want to do business and want to set up a stall, then you can rent it out."
Hearing the words, Gang Zi felt that it sounded logical. So he turned to his third brother: "Third Brother, can you ask Auntie to keep an eye out for me then?"
"Sure." Hu Zi nodded.
"If your auntie finds one for you, you have to give your auntie a red envelope. It's not easy to find a shop in a good location." Lin Qing He advised.
"That's a given." Gang Zi grinned.
Chen Shan Shan hurriedly said: "No need. We're all one family. No need to share this."
"One family is one family. This is still necessary. Ask Elder Sister Feng to help find it. If there is a good one, introduce it to this kid." Lin Qing He said.
Chen Shan Shan's mom, Li Yu Feng was older than Lin Qing He. So Lin Qing He called her Elder Sister Feng.
What's more, Lin Qing He was very satisfied with Chen Shan Shan's mom, because she was willing to help her daughter to mind granddaughter. She had told her nephew to give his mother-in-law some hard work fee every month.
After all, his mother-in-law was generous. So as the son-in-law, he had to express himself, no? Because some mother-in-laws were idle and not willing to help watch their grandchildren.
But sometimes it's really funny. Some old ladies weren't willing to take their grandchildren from son, but were willing to dote their grandchildren from daughter. Grandchildren from daughter were like precious, while grandchildren from son were like picked up. Don't know what kind of mentality this was.
However shops in good locations weren't so easy to find. Can only take it slowly.
Lin Qing He had a rare free time, so she called Eldest Sister-in-law.
Have to mention, when they were in Hai City, it was the right choice to get Second and Third to install this phone.
Whether it was calling her former classmate, Wang Li, or to their hometown, or for business, having this phone was really much more convenient.
Last year, Wang Li brought her two sons to the capital to play. Lin Qing He acted as a guide for them.
She hadn't call Eldest Sister-in-law for a while now. So she called now. After a while, she called again. Eldest Sister-in-law had came over to answer.
"I was saying you haven't been calling for a while and you would probably call soon." Eldest Sister-in-law merrily spoke."Yang Yang is going to get married this year. I got to call back and ask, no?" Lin Qing He smilingly said.
Zhou Yang had graduated long ago. Now he was studying in the county city. He used to have a girlfriend at the provincial city side. Later, they broke up. At the county city, he dated a teacher. Both of them found each other suitable and will get married this year.
Naturally, a merry heart makes Eldest Sister-in-law have a cheerful countenance.
Eldest Daughter and Eldest Son-in-law were now doing well with raising ducks. It was needless to say about Second Daughter and Second Son-in-law. Third daughter had married well as well. She was pregnant this year.
Now it was Eldest Son's turn to get married. Younger son was still studying. He won't be off any worst.
It can be said that Eldest Sister-in-law had nothing to regret.
Wasn't all the children being happy the most satisfying thing in life?
Lin Qing He could hear the happiness in Eldest Sister-in-law's voice over the phone and jollily said: "Eldest Sister-in-law, out of all the sisters-in-law, only you got no more burden now. Just Tu Dou is left."
Eldest Sister-in-law happily laughed: "Da Wa and the boys are all promising. Can't be compared." Then she asked about Si Ni's pregnancy.
"There is nothing wrong with the rest. Only the morning sickness is serious. Almost the same as me back then." Lin Qing He told.
"This girl. Neither of her first two sisters was like this. Now it's her turn, it happens." Eldest Sister-in-law helplessly commented.
"It's because of individual physique. Still, it not a big problem." Lin Qing He said.
Eldest Sister-in-law chatted about some events in the village. Now that the conditions were good, she didn't care about the few yuan phone bill. So it was fine to talk more.
"Xia Xia's hasn't given birth yet?" Lin Qing He asked.
"It's going to be a while." Eldest Sister-in-law replied.
Zhou Xia's wife, Ma Miao Miao hadn't gotten pregnant since the last miscarriage. It wasn't until last year when she got pregnant. Now she was almost five months along. There were still a few months left.
"Child's second aunt is about to turn into her slave," Eldest Sister-in-law commented.
Although her relationship with Second Sister-in-law wasn't great, but she still can't stand Ma Miao Miao's act. What's with her. While despising her mother-in-law, she enjoyed her mother-in-law's service.
"There's always one thing conquering another. If it's another person, they might cause a scene." Lin Qing He amusedly responded.
Lin Qing He had some admiration for Second Sister-in-law. Really. Wonder if she killed her daughter-in-law's whole family in her previous life and caused a life debt. Such a strong and unreasonable person can do nothing when it came to her daughter-in-law.
If another married in for so long and didn't get pregnant? See how it'll go. They would definitely fall out.
However her eldest daughter-in-law was different. On most days, she would get Third Brother, who went to the countryside to collect goods, to carry the chicken over to nourish her body. She dared not utter a single word of complaint.
Although there was the incident of Zhou Liu Ni's pushing, she still acted like a slave.
When the mother-in-law reached this point, there was nothing to say. The villagers often chewed on Ma Miao Miao's bone in the background. While in the city, the neighbors praised Ma Miao Miao's good marriage.
Because Second Sister-in-law often got Third Brother to send over chickens and eggs. Apart from this, common countryside's produce like the soybeans, peanuts, and sesame were often delivered.
As a mother-in-law, doing to this point was good enough?
Putting aside the neighbors, even Ma Miao Miao's mom told her to be polite to her mother-in-law.
However, Ma Miao Miao didn't take it seriously. She didn't want to give her countryside mother-in-law any good face. Or else, what to do when she stick her nose into the sky? What should she do when she want to live in the city?
She couldn't disdain her enough. She didn't even wash her feet. She was nausea to death when she went back to live with her for two days during the New Year. The smell was so stinking that the whole house smelled like feet!
Lin Qing He chatted with Eldest Sister Zhou for a long time before hanging up the phone.
Zhou Qing Bai asked, "When will we leave?"
Lin Qing He replied: "Next month." In fact, there was no need to rush too much. From the beginning of this year to the next three years, until to '91, those with actual potential were very big. She remembered that it only exponentially increase in 1992.
This year, Lin Qing He intended to do some research. In the past two years, she had saved a lot of money as a reserve.
"I saw a piece of land. It seem it will cost a lot of money." Zhou Qing Bai told.
"How big is it?" Lin Qing He couldn't help but asked.
"The whole plot is about 80,000 square meters." Zhou Qing Bai said.
"That big?" Lin Qing He got a startled. This cost a lot of money. Her family now had a lot of fortune. The monthly income was about 150,000 yuan. Absolutely one of the highest income.
But over the past two years, plus the previous, the saving had reached several million. If one want to buy such a piece of land, there was really some strain!
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