Jiang Qiao sighed, "I really can't guess where this woman is hiding. Let's try to mobilize the masses. It's probably unlikely that she's hiding deep in the mountains."

The only advantage she can leverage is her ability to disguise herself, and even then, it has to be in places and with people we wouldn't expect.

You guys keep thinking about it in this direction. I can't figure it out right now either. Maybe it's in our county, or maybe it's far away. Who knows?

Liu Zhanyu waved his hand and said, "Forget it, it's too much trouble for you to think about it. Go home and have a good New Year."

After chatting with the old man for a few minutes, Jiang Qiao packed some more things and came out.

"A friend recently mailed this to me. I'm taking it home to my wife and kids. I can't help with anything else. Let's keep in touch if you need anything else."

Liu Zhanyu left carrying a large package. When he got back, he saw what was inside. To be honest, he thought, "This half-daughter was definitely worth it. Look at what she prepared for me. My wife and kids will be so happy when I get back."

Jiang Qiao took the old man back home. Gu Hanting learned that his granddaughter was pregnant. The old man was so excited that he drank with Qiao Jie at noon. He was so happy that the Gu family finally had another happy event.

"Your older brother said he'll bring his girlfriend over during the Chinese New Year holiday. Girl, remember to prepare plenty of New Year's goods so there won't be enough to eat."

Your sixth grandfather and the others wrote to us, telling us not to worry, that they are spending the New Year away from home, and that it's uncertain when they will be able to return.

Oh, by the way, your Grandpa Zuo's grandson wrote. He said he'll arrive in half a day. Prepare plenty of food for dinner tonight—"

As soon as she finished speaking, someone outside called Jiang Qiao's name. Through the glass, she glanced at the young man outside. Although many years had passed, Jiang Qiao could still vaguely make out the appearance of that young man from back then. He was darker and thinner, but much more robust than the person she had met back then.

"Hehe, this guy just can't help but keep repeating, 'Grandpa, Zuo Xiangnan is here, Grandpa Zuo's grandson—'"

Gu Hanting threw down his chopsticks, quickly jumped off the kang (a heated brick bed), and ran out to greet them while putting on his shoes.

Qiao Jie shook his head with amusement. "Look at your grandpa. This guy is more excited than if his own grandson had come back. He's lost all his composure."

Jiang Qiao smiled and stood up as well. "I understand. It's been so long since Grandpa Zuo's family last visited him. I guess my grandpa is happy for him. I'll go see him—"

Jiang Qiao and Zuo Xiangnan had met once before, and when they met again, they were both filled with emotion.

"Brother Zuo, I really didn't expect you to find this place. But I admire you; you're quite capable to have found it."

Zuo Xiangnan sized up Jiang Qiao. "I never imagined that the little girl in the car back then would be married now. Time really flies. Who could have imagined that so much has happened since our last meeting—"

Jiang Qiao sighed, "That's right. Nobody expected it. It really feels like a lifetime ago. But thankfully, we're still alive, which is already good. Come on, let's go inside and talk."

Gu Hanting called out to his granddaughter, "Qiao'er, hurry up and cook two more dishes. I'll go call your Grandpa Zuo."

Jiang Qiao nodded. "Okay, take your time, don't rush."

Both the east and west kitchens had food, and Jiang Qiao was quick and efficient. By the time Zuo Zhankui arrived, the dishes were already cooked.

Zuo Zhankui and the others had actually already eaten. Jiang Qiao and the others had sent some over before they ate. However, seeing his eldest grandson arrive, Zuo Zhankui was happy and naturally sat down with his grandson and ate another bowl.

Zuo Xiangnan was really hungry. He didn't dare to delay along the way, just wanted to see his grandfather as soon as possible. He hadn't eaten anything after getting off the train and came straight here by car.

Judging from Zuo Xiangnan's clothes, Jiang Qiao couldn't guess what he did for a living. However, since he was eating, she felt embarrassed to ask.

Moreover, Zuo Zhankui talked more, mainly asking about the situation of other family members.

After Jiang Qiao, Qiao Jie, and the other two finished eating, they went to the next room, leaving the room for the grandmother and grandson to have a good chat.

Gu Hanting knew some of the details. "Your grandfather Zuo's grandson was cut in line. The others aren't doing too well either. However, we can't contact your grandfather Zuo for the time being."

Jiang Qiao nodded knowingly. "I knew it. His clothes didn't match up. I thought he had changed into casual clothes. I guess he's not having an easy time either."

Qiao Jie sighed, "It's not just that life is hard. Among those kids who were sent to the countryside, how many of them can get enough to eat? You know, kids who grow up in the city don't know anything, and with a grandfather like Zuo Zhankui, their treatment is definitely not much better."

However, he's a good kid; it's not easy for him to come all this way.

Jiang Qiao agreed, "It's not easy. The little money they earn isn't even enough for their food, so it's not easy for them to save up for their return trip."

Meanwhile, Zuo Zhankui, who lived next door, touched the thick calluses on his grandson's hands, and the old man couldn't help but shed tears. "Grandpa was wrong. I should have let you join the army earlier."

Zuo Xiangnan held the old man's hand and wiped away his tears. In fact, his own tears were also streaming down his cheeks.

"Grandpa, why are you bringing this up? Back then, I didn't want to join the army, but nobody expected things to change like this."

However, I'm fine this way. At least I can be self-reliant. Didn't you all say I couldn't do anything? Now, I can not only farm, but I can even mend clothes.

So you can't look at me with old eyes anymore. Your grandson is smart, not lazy or greedy, and knows how to manage a household well—”

Zuo Zhankui held his grandson's hand and nodded repeatedly. "Our Xiangnan has made something of himself. Back then, Grandpa was worried that he would get used to a life of luxury and not take the right path."

He can grow crops and mend his own clothes, just like his grandfather did back then. He's my grandson.

"Good child, tell Grandpa, is life very hard where you are?"

Zuo Xiangnan wiped away her tears, her cheeks pressed against his shoulder. "It's not as difficult as you think. Everyone gets through life like this."

If others can do it, why can't I? We're all the same kind of people. If others can do it, so can I. A little hardship is fine, as long as there aren't too many problems.

Zuo Zhankui also inquired about his children's situation. Their circumstances were not good, but they were all still stubbornly alive, which was already considered good.

"Alright, eat quickly, or it will get cold."

When Jiang Qiao and the others arrived, the food on the table was almost completely gone.

“Good, not wasting food, that’s great. Brother Zuo, what would you like to eat? Just tell me. I’ll be in charge of the meals at home for a while. Don’t be shy. I can tell you, I can hunt, so there’s no shortage of meat at home. I also have a salary, so buying something isn’t a problem.”

Zuo Xiangnan nodded with a smile, "I think that's a good idea. I'm craving meat. Let's make some meat sometime. Jiang Qiao, I need to take a shower. Can I shower at home? I've gotten so dirty on the way here."

"I've prepared the bathwater for you, Grandpa Zuo. Why don't you go and take your grandson for a bath?"