In the hot summer, Zhang Laoer, who was thousands of miles away, was so happy when he received a call from Zhang Guoqing and his son and learned that his nephew was going abroad to study.

As soon as he arrived at the tube-shaped building assigned to his unit, he said hello to Lin Juhua, and without even having time to eat dinner, he hurried to the county town overnight.

When Mr. and Mrs. Zhang heard the news, they were surprised and happy.

What shocked them was that their grandson, who was only 20 years old, could go abroad alone. It was such a long way, when would he get there?

Fortunately, they naturally understand how great an honor it is to study abroad. Haven't you seen the envious eyes of those in the provincial capital when they talk about going abroad?

The world has really changed.

If this had happened a few years ago, anyone with overseas connections would have suffered.

"Dad, Xiaowu was supposed to come back on May 1st, but I heard that he still needs to prepare some materials and won't be back for a while. He wants you and my mom to stay there for a while."

Father Zhang nodded repeatedly, "That's right. We can't delay the child's important matter. It's better for your mother and I to go. We can visit your brother and his family."

"Dad, should I pack my things?"

Father Zhang waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, get the kids something to eat first. They'll definitely be rushing back home as soon as they get off work. Stay here tonight and we'll leave tomorrow morning."

When Zhang's mother heard what he said, she patted her clothes with both hands and walked out immediately. "You two stay here, I'll be fine soon."

"Mom, just order whatever you want." Zhang Laoer pulled his father to sit on the kang. "Dad, are you happy? This is the first one in our family. No, the first one in the whole county."

"Hahaha..." Father Zhang slapped his thigh, "Can we catch the bus tomorrow? Your mother and I have to rush over early and spend a few more days with the child."

"The day after tomorrow, Xiaowu has already made arrangements. You and my mother won't have to travel all the way to the capital." Zhang Laoer thought for a moment, "Do you want Juhua to accompany you?"

"No need! I've been taking that train a lot, so I know all the comrades on it." Father Zhang paused and continued, "How's your wife doing with learning to cook?"

Zhang Laoer laughed when he heard this. "She's quite good at it. The little one has been enjoying his mother's cooking since he was on vacation recently. Mai Qing is also clamoring to go and learn, always saying she can't study on her own. I was wondering if I should follow her."

Speaking of this little granddaughter, Father Zhang is also quite troubled. It's not that she is not good at studying, but the child is obsessed with becoming a middleman to make money as soon as possible.

Otherwise, three of the second eldest brother’s four children were able to get into college, so why couldn’t she?

"We have to force her to study. Look, Shitou will be able to get a job at the Petroleum Bureau as soon as she graduates, and Mai Sui is also at the Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. What a great thing! If she goes to school, she really won't be able to get into university, but at least she graduated from high school, which will make it easier to find a job."

"good."

"I'm not worried about you and Xiaowu anymore."

Zhang Laoer's eyes flickered when he heard that, and then he smiled and said, "Dad, you don't have to worry about my eldest brother. He can control that guy now, and Xizi and the others are doing well at work. There's nothing to worry about."

"I'm not worried about him. He's already in his fifties. Why should I worry about him?"

Zhang Lao Er smiled noncommittally and changed the subject, "I rushed back and didn't have time to say a word to Big Brother, but I already asked Juhua to go to his house."

"That's fine!" Father Zhang subconsciously picked up his long pipe and took a sip. "Do you want to sell your yard?"

The yard that Zhang Dad was referring to was Zhang Laoer's yard in the county town. Because of its good location, many people had come to him recently to inquire about news.

"What do you think we should do?"

"If you ask me, just sell it! After all, there's a yard in the village. Living in the tube-shaped building allocated by the company in the provincial capital is too small. We might as well pool some money to buy Xiao Tao a yard too."

"Dad, the price of the courtyard in Beijing has risen again."

"That's why I told you to prepare early. When Xiao Tao graduates, he'll probably work in Beijing just like Shitou. You bought it for his brother, so you have to treat him equally."

Zhang Laoer glanced outside and lowered his voice, "Dad, I just won't sell this place. The money is enough."

Zhang's father narrowed his eyes in understanding and asked quietly, "Did you give all the money that Shitou earned?"

"Yes. He made a lot of money on May Day, and he gave it all to me."

"Didn't his wife tell you?"

"No, that girl is a good person. She said that she had to hand over the money on May Day for my sake."

"Hehe..." Father Zhang muttered in admiration, "This girl..."

"I won't let Shitou and the others suffer. I also told Xiao Tao that his elder brother has recently helped him find a yard. I also didn't hide how much money our family has or where it came from."

"Mai Sui has never treated my brothers and sisters unfairly, so remember to mention it."

"I understand. I also told you that her dowry will have to be generous in the future."

"How's that boy I mentioned last time? He's graduating this year, so if he succeeds, we have to hurry up and get married."

"I was just about to tell you this. The eldest girl plans to bring him home for me to see during the New Year, but I've asked Shitou and the others, and they all said boys are good."

"That's good." After talking about this matter, Zhang's father put it aside and changed the subject.

Zhang Laoer listened quietly to his father's tales of trivial matters in the village and county, occasionally replying with a few words. In his heart, he understood that the old man was lonely.

After he finished talking about being tired, Zhang Laoer persisted in persuading him again, "Dad, you and Mom should go to the provincial capital. I'm very busy with work now, and sometimes I can't come back to see you on weekends."

"I'm not used to it."

"Why wouldn't I be used to it? The yard Xiaowu bought is in a great location. It's close to Uncle Dashan's house and less than five minutes away from Uncle Chen's house. There's a big movie theater right outside the door, and the park is also very close."

Father Zhang hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I can go to the village whenever I want. It's also convenient for me to visit you. If I go to the provincial capital, your uncles will have to wait until the next day to contact me."

"What do they want from you? They miss their old buddies, so why not let them stay over there for a few days?"

"You don't understand."

Father Zhang was reluctant to admit that there was another reason why he didn't want to leave. All his family assets were in the basement. Besides, if he went to the provincial capital, his friends would all be working, so why would he join in the fun?

"Okay, let's talk about it later." Zhang Laoer sighed helplessly. "How long will you stay this time? From what Xiaowu said, he and Jiaojiao don't plan to let you come back."

Father Zhang burst out laughing. "Don't listen to him. Your mother and I will stay over there. What will happen to our hometown? He does whatever he wants. Just ignore him."

"You've been writing to me a few times wanting to hire someone to take care of me and your mother. We're not incapable of doing anything, so why would we hire a nanny? I think this silly boy has some money and is starting to make a fuss."

"I think hiring someone is a good idea. When the weather gets cold, we won't be with you. What if my mother falls outside? We three brothers don't need this little money. How much is it if we split it up?"

Zhang's father glared at him and said, "Stop joining in the fun."