Chapter 250
Happy days are always fleeting. Nan Sheng had only been back for a few days before the government announced the annual New Year holiday. When seeing his wife and children off, Lin Han was genuinely unhappy.
With so many people going home, what difference would one more make?
However, thinking that Sicheng couldn't go home either, he felt a bizarre sense of balance. At least he had a family member to keep him company, right?
Seeing Lin Han in low spirits, Nan Sheng softened her tone and coaxed him, "I'll call you when I get to town. We'll be back right after the New Year, and I'll bring you some delicious food!"
Lin Han forced himself to cheer up. "Thank you, dear wife. Son, take good care of your mother and sister!"
Sizhe patted his chest, making a man-to-man promise!
After two days of bumpy travel, Nan Sheng and the two children finally got off the train. The Yu family was her first stop. Yu Feng and his wife had stayed behind, not returning to town to reunite with their daughter after the holidays, just to wait for her.
At the entrance of the train station, Yu Feng picked them up and said, "Your aunt is cooking at home. Why didn't Regiment Commander Lin come back?"
"He's busy with work, so I brought the kids back myself."
Yu Feng was exceptionally glad to see Nan Sheng. "You should come back. Your parents and brothers have been looking forward to it. We'll head back to town together tomorrow!"
Yu Feng was in a particularly good mood. During dinner, he pulled Nan Sheng over to drink fruit wine with him, brewed from their own grapes.
"Niece, the compound fertilizer developed by the experts is amazing. We've already submitted an application, though we just don't know how much will be approved for next year."
"Don't worry, Uncle Yu. The state has already recognized the effectiveness of this compound fertilizer and is ramping up production. It's just that nationwide supply might be a bit difficult next year. By the way, is your work at the Agricultural Bureau going smoothly?"
For a career-driven man like Yu Feng, a demotion was definitely hard to adapt to, but over the past year or so, he had already adjusted his mindset and worked just as enthusiastically at the Agricultural Bureau.
"It's going well. I must say, after working non-stop for the past two years, suddenly having more free time has made my body feel much better, and I also have time to chat with your aunt."
Mrs. Yu didn't interrupt her husband and the others; she focused entirely on taking care of the three children during the meal. This included her own grandson, who was now very close to his grandparents and had been taught to be sensible.
After dinner, Nan Sheng helped Mrs. Yu clear the table. While Mrs. Yu washed the dishes, Nan Sheng stayed by her side to keep her company.
"Ever since Luotong married into your family, she has lived an even more carefree life than when she was a girl in her maiden home. How could there be such reasonable parents-in-law like your parents!"
Nan Sheng smiled and said, "Auntie, you're exaggerating!"
Mrs. Yu continued, "How is it an exaggeration? So many mothers-in-law can't stand seeing their daughters-in-law do well. Scolding is considered light; the severe ones even encourage their sons to hit their wives. Unlike your parents, who only tell Mingli to take good care of Luotong. Now that the young couple lives in town, Mingli does almost all the cooking."
After her daughter got pregnant, Mrs. Yu went back to town every half month to bring her some good things. She saw how well Mingli treated her daughter and often sighed with emotion that Lao Yu had truly chosen a good marriage for her!
After staying at the Yu family's house for one night, Nan Sheng and the Yu family returned to Huaishan Town together. They first went to the government office to call Lin Han before heading home.
Originally, Mingli, Xiao Yi, and the others wanted to ride their bikes to drop her off, but she didn't agree. The black market was bustling with people and at its busiest; making money was the most important thing at this time.
Xiao Yi then found an ox cart. After retrieving the things mailed to the post office, they loaded them all onto the cart. Only after everything was properly arranged did they let her leave.
Over in Xiangyang Village, Fan Shuting had already prepared the food. Lin Guozheng and the eldest son's family were waiting at the village entrance to pick them up!
Zhou Wei had a premonition when she saw the ox cart. Walking a bit closer, she saw that Nan Sheng and her two children were indeed on it.
She said excitedly, "They're back! Sister-in-law is back!"
Lin Guozheng and the others hurriedly went up to help move the luggage. They first moved the things to Nan Sheng's house, then took them to the old house for dinner. Strangely, the third son's family didn't come over.
Sizhong's daughter, Zhuzhu, was currently in the toddler stage and could only say simple words. She was quite good at pleasing people, though; the first word she learned to say was grandma.
Zhou Wei definitely preferred boys, but her granddaughter was just too good at acting cute. Over time, she grew incredibly fond of her. See, she was even holding her in her arms during dinner.
Zhuzhu peeked at Nan Sheng and the two children from time to time, looking a bit shy around strangers, yet curious.
The meal Fan Shuting prepared was exceptionally rich. Two months ago, Lin Han had written a reply, and after reading it, she and her old man stayed awake for half the night again.
Lin Han was a man of few words, and they didn't know what to say to him either, so their letters were always very brief. They hadn't expected their daughter-in-law to mind this so much. They reflected on it later and felt that they had indeed been in the wrong.
Afraid that Nan Sheng was still angry, Lin Guozheng and Fan Shuting acted very cautiously throughout the entire meal, flattering her whenever they spoke.
Zhou Wei was the same. "Every time Sicheng writes back, he says that his second uncle and aunt take special care of him. My husband and I can't express how grateful we are. Don't worry, sister-in-law, when Sicheng makes something of himself in the future, he will definitely honor you and my second brother as if you were his own parents."
Lin Jianguo was the same. He raised his wine glass to toast Nan Sheng. He wasn't good with words, so he could only use wine to express his gratitude.
"We are all family. If we can help, Lin Han and I definitely won't stand by and do nothing. Brother and sister-in-law, you don't need to treat us like outsiders. I think that child is quite smart. When he becomes successful in the future, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable life too!"
Sizhong and his wife exchanged a glance, feeling much more at ease. Sicheng's willingness to go out was mainly because he felt there wasn't enough room at home. He wasn't used to sharing a room with his parents, and he couldn't stay at his grandparents' house often, afraid that his third uncle's family would be unhappy.
Everyone says being a soldier leads to a promising future, but being a soldier is so tiring—just look at his second uncle. Fortunately, Sicheng had his second uncle and aunt looking after him.
After dinner, the village chief also came over. He had guests at his house today, otherwise, he would have eaten together with them.
"The years go by so fast. Sizhe and Siqi have grown so big, and we are getting old."
Lin Guozheng deeply agreed. Who could say otherwise? He wasn't as agile at working this year as in previous years. Once you reach a certain age, you have to admit you're getting old.
"Uncle Feng, you must be joking with me. You barely have any white hairs on your head and you call yourself old. I think you just deliberately want me to praise you for looking young."