Chapter 61 - 50: Visitors from the Lin Family (Part 6)

Chapter Fifty: Visitors from the Lin Family (Six) "Grandpa, Great Uncle, Uncle, we’re back from Grandma’s house." Even before the kids entered, their loud cheers echoed from afar. Knowing the kids had returned home, Mr. Zhang was very happy. The house had been quiet without them for the five days they were away at the in-laws, and he wasn’t used to it. A large group of people walked towards the door, including the two sons-in-law. It seemed today’s events had stirred even the county town, making the kids uneasy enough to come back and check. Smiling broadly, Mr. Zhang looked at them, "Why are you all here? Aren’t you supposed to be at work? That matter is over. Since our two daughters have come, go to Xiao Wu’s room and find your mother. Help her and your sister-in-law tidy up the house. Jiao Jiao’s grandpa and mother will be here soon. Chunming, remember to go home and check on your dad; he was mentioning you yesterday. Xiao Bin and your brothers, go inside and see what you can help with." After saying this, Mr. Zhang walked leisurely behind Uncle Zhang to get some venison from his house. Everyone watched and followed the eldest inside to listen to what’s going on with Xiao Wu. The children’s cries brought out Mother Zhang and Zhang Guoqing, knowing guests would arrive soon, everyone started preparing for their tasks. Zhang Meili asked Zhang Chunming to greet his father-in-law first, saying she wouldn’t go today but would bring the kids tomorrow to check on them, to discuss the new courtyard house and choose a date for the housewarming. As her husband went out, she took her sister to the west wing to see Jiao Jiao. Zhang Chunming and the others hurried back without bringing much, as they still had to pick up the kids; their daughter Yaya was still at the nursery. Seeing the courtyard was busy, without much need for him, he greeted everyone and headed to the old family home. His father lived with his eldest brother, just a few steps away from the village entrance. His brother’s nephew had seen him earlier, and he was eager to discuss house-buying, thinking it might lift his father’s spirits. Gossip about the powerful "golden baby" buzzed through the county. They said Zhou Jiao’s words alone had quieted thousands, and how had they never realized his younger sister-in-law had such talents? Zhang Chunming’s brother, Zhang Chunjiang, also lived in a blue-brick house, much larger than Old Zhang’s except for the backyard, already quite prominent in the village. Chunming’s father had built the old house years ago. Entering the yard, Chunming saw his dad drinking tea, so there was no need to find him at the field. "Old man," truly, wasn’t afraid of the cold, sitting outside even though the yard had no cover. "Dad, aren’t you working today? We heard about the big noon incident at the county, so I took leave. What’s going on? I haven’t had a good chance to ask while there." As he spoke, Chunming snatched his father’s tea for a drink. His dad loved tea, often seeking good leaves, but Chunming couldn’t taste much except bitterness, preferring sweet water instead. Chunming’s father looked at his youngest son, smiling. His son wasn’t like others; the first in the village to work in town, not needing to labor on the land, and married a well-known girl. Both spouses worked in the city, regularly visiting them, with understanding and well-mannered grandsons making everyone envious. His youngest son and daughter-in-law were most filial and genuine. His wife often worried they might be bullied in the city. But he believed there was no need to worry. Despite the Zhang brothers all being in the fields, it wouldn’t be surprising if they all worked in the city eventually. Especially Xiao Wu, with a wife like that, wouldn’t lack a job, and ordinary ones wouldn’t even impress. Among his sons, Xiao Wu was the most fortunate, the youngest well-educated, married a beloved wife, moved to the city, and had three sons and a little girl without hardship. "Chunming, your sister-in-law is truly something. I completely underestimated her. We thought the tiger was sick. You weren’t there, but it was crowded at the North Mountain Foot, even busier than a village movie night, all gathered at the Zhang family’s gate. Even I felt chills, it made my hands and feet go numb. Do you know about Xiao Wu’s wife? Quietly standing with a stern face, just staring at Zhou’s fool cursing, calm and silent. Her presence was stronger than the party secretary’s. Eventually, she said two lines, and everyone was listening. Imagine a thousand buzzing flies silent, yet it quieted. Everyone fell silent, impressed by her. This young lady isn’t afraid; how didn’t we notice her being this formidable before? Xiao Wu can’t compare. In all my years, never saw a tiny daughter-in-law this strong. Every word was sharp, nothing wasted. She says she never uses foul language; her upbringing doesn’t allow it. But not using coarse words, she could influence people. If she handles things lightly, the village owes her a favor. Zhang family lucked out with such a daughter-in-law, remarkable!" Curious, Chunming asked, "Dad, you know Jiao Jiao’s grandpa and mom are coming? You’re right; once they arrive, people will indeed fall. I heard they’re coming in the afternoon. I always knew she was capable, or Xiao Wu wouldn’t have given up his army quota for her. My brother-in-law seems agreeable, but he’s very self-confident with his own ideas. Only when Jiao Jiao speaks does he listen." Annoyed, the old man kicked Chunming lightly, pointing a finger, frustrated, "You silly boy, don’t understand me? How would I know about her grandpa and mom coming? I mean if she handles this lightly, the village owes her; it’s a profitable deal. The army spot is rare, yet Xiao Wu and his wife didn’t care. Xiao Wu, such a smart fellow, why would he join the army? He doesn’t need military service. Go to the army to get a wife like her? She wouldn’t even consider a soldier. Her grandpa’s a general, and even if he didn’t visit, she could get favors with a word. Only shallow-minded fools like Old Zhou’s family seek money and goods behind her back; Jiao Jiao already knew and never cared about such trivial stuff. She values the future, Xiao Wu’s future, do you understand? Today her words showed she’s deep-thinking. Old Zhang’s really fortunate; with such a daughter-in-law backing Xiao Wu, you might all benefit someday. Only Zhou family fools treat her like a simpleton. Instead of currying favor, find a job – what’s a watch or bicycle compared to a city job? She doesn’t care about material possessions; they value reputation and future. They’re smart for Xiao Wu’s future. Power is valuable and she’s wise. Discuss matters with them; your dad’s called wise but can’t compare with her. She understands the upper echelon’s playground." "Dad, haha, I understand you. But I’m like this; learning more is useless. However, they’re genuine and righteous, treating me as family. This time there was a courtyard for sale at Mei Hao, and without enough money, even before saying anything, Xiao Wu heard from Mei Hao and brought 300 yuan to the factory for me to use to secure it. Told me if in need, seek him, as they don’t rush repayment, even in two or three years is fine, as long as his nephew isn’t wronged. Considerate. Next is to tell you about the house, large enough for future marriage for my kids, transferring the title in two days, and moving this week. Not much to move; the place housed two elders who left for the provincial city, leaving everything else behind. Decide on the housewarming; we’ll gather everyone then." "Good lad, lucky inadvertently. I’ll find someone, then inform you when in the city. Go help your in-laws since you have to rush home. Isn’t Yaya at daycare?" The old man was happy, reassured by Xiao Wu helping his son buy a big courtyard. Last year, his wife’s hospital care costs were all covered by his youngest son, with his daughter-in-law tirelessly caring inside and out, without siblings mentioning paying back. Planning to deduct at year’s end is fair; they raised them all, why should the youngest bear costs and burden? Although his daughter-in-law is deemed aggressive, he sees her strength. Against outsiders, aggression isn’t wrong, but those who sow discord within are the real problem. Who expected his daughter-in-law to stay tirelessly caring for his wife’s two-month hospital stay, thinning herself with help from the in-laws? Chunming glanced at the time, realizing it was late, "Dad, I must go now. When the city house is ready, I’ll bring you along. Little Wu’s son’s coming in three days; we must return. I won’t bother Mom; explaining to those ladies is troublesome." His father shook his head, "We’re fine, don’t need anything. Take care of yourself, tell your father-in-law I said hi. Deal with your matters, and come to me if needed."