After everyone finished eating, the red paper was laid out, and it looked festive no matter how you looked at it. Especially with the occasional sound of pigs being slaughtered coming from all around, even if you didn't remember the date, you could tell from the sound that the New Year was coming.

Jiang Weihan's family had just slaughtered a pig, and now the old man was bringing them some meat to eat.

"Oh my, writing couplets! Haha, I'm so lucky! You guys should write a few for our family too. No, I have to tell the men, young and old. You'll have to do some work. Before, you always made us two do it, but this year, we're finally free. You just wait—"

The old man put down the meat and ran out. Soon, Jiang Xiuqi's voice came through the village loudspeaker.

"Attention everyone! If you need couplets or the character '福' (good fortune), hurry up and take red paper to Ma Liu's house. Someone will write couplets for us. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Soon, people from all the households came out, some carrying red marks under their arms, and some even carrying meat in their hands, and headed towards Jiang Qiao's courtyard.

The families who slaughtered pigs today all brought some, and those who hadn't slaughtered yet had already planned to send some over to Jiang Qiao and the others after they slaughtered their pigs.

This year's harvest is exceptionally good, resulting in a large dividend. Compared to the surrounding brigades, their team is definitely the envy of others.

This year's income is more than all the previous years combined. How could everyone not be happy? With extra money in hand, people naturally won't be stingy.

Besides, the Gu family's pig was slaughtered ahead of Jiang Qiao's wedding, so giving them some meat during the slaughter is really nothing compared to the help the Gu family has given them over the years.

Although Gu Hanting's family background is problematic, he has the backing of people like Qiao Jie. If Qiao Jie gets the benefits, then Gu Hanting will naturally be able to get them too.

In an instant, the Gu family compound became lively. Jiang Qiao received the meat and, not wanting to eat for nothing, returned some dried goods. Although they declined each other's offer, this is how people in the countryside interact—giving and receiving, which makes it lively. This is how relationships between people develop little by little.

Qiao Jie invited everyone into the house from the courtyard. “If you want to write something, you should tell them in advance. Let me tell you, these two are cultured people, and they write very well. Take them home and put them up. Maybe every family will produce a college student in the future.”

This is a phrase that people of all ages love to hear. Regardless of whether they can get into university now, in the hearts of these ordinary people, getting into university is like a fish leaping over the dragon gate.

Don't underestimate these people just because they aren't very educated. In everyone's heart, they deeply admire and envy those who are educated. They may not say it, but they all understand it.

"Oh, old man, I appreciate your kind words. If a college student really does come out of the family in the future, just tell me whenever you want to eat meat, and I'll have my wife kill a chicken for you."

Qiao Jie waved his hand with a smile, "Forget it, my old teeth can't chew chicken anymore. I'll save it for the kids to strengthen their bodies. If the kids are healthy, they'll have more energy for their studies. Come inside and sit down, it's cold outside—"

Jiang Qiao brought tea, roasted melon seeds, and peanuts to everyone, asking them to keep the old man company while she busied herself in the kitchen. Although they didn't slaughter pigs at home, there was plenty of meat delivered, enough for her to do some tampering with.

Anyway, she's in charge of the kitchen, so who knows how much meat there is?

Jiang Qiao finished tidying up and started steaming bean buns in the kitchen. Jian Ling and Dong Kaizhen returned at this time. They were a little dumbfounded when they saw the lively scene in the yard. However, after seeing what they were doing, they understood what was going on.

Jian Ling was even more bewildered when she saw Jiang Qiao busy in the kitchen.

"My God, my ancestors, get out of my way right now! What time is it? You're still doing this. Go back to your room and rest. We don't need you here anymore. We'll take care of you. Don't you even look at your own body? What time is it? You're still acting tough."

Dong Kaizhen smiled and took Jiang Qiao's hand, looking her up and down. "Our little Qiao is going to be a mother soon, that's wonderful. Girl, you have to be careful when you're pregnant, especially with your first child. Even though you're a doctor, you still have to be careful. Your body isn't fully recovered yet. Hurry up and listen to your aunt, go back to your room and rest. Your Aunt Jian and I are here."

"Auntie, Aunt Jian, I'm fine. I'm still young."

Jian Ling sighed and turned Jiang Qiao's shoulder. "Girl, you know what's going on between your aunt and me. We want it but can't have it. All our hopes are on you. Whether you feel it or not, just stay put. We'll take care of the housework from now on."

"Auntie, have Junhua and the others left?"

Dong Kaizhen smiled and nodded. "Let's go. Your brother-in-law's vacation is limited, so he can't stay here for long. Your sister's postpartum period is almost over. I'll find a ride to take them away. Now, I manage the restaurants here, so I can also lend a hand with things at home. Go back to your room and rest."

Jian Ling first carried their two bags into the house, greeted everyone, and then quickly went into the kitchen to help.

Jiang Qiao was fine, so she didn't go to the old man's room. They were all grown men who smoked, so it was best to avoid them.

With nothing to do, I packed some things and a few packages. Zuo Xiangnan is leaving tomorrow, so I had to give him something to take with him.

After all, they didn't come empty-handed. Although the gifts weren't many, they were heartfelt. I guess this guy isn't having an easy time over there.

After packing up the things for Zuo Xiangnan, she thought of meat again. To be honest, there was a shortage of meat in the capital, so she had to go there.

After packing up a basket of things, she called Zuo Xiangnan over to help. If she carried it out, Jian Ling and the other woman would definitely give her a lecture.

Where to?

Jiang Qiao smiled and said, "You really can't go to the places I'm going to. But I can tell you that I'm going to the back mountain. Outsiders aren't allowed in there. You can talk to your grandfather, and he'll explain it to you."

I need to go get you some meat, fresh meat. I can't mail it to you, so take some home for your family while you go back tomorrow, and wait for me to come back.”

Zuo Xiangnan felt a little regretful. He wanted to go with Jiang Qiao, but since Jiang Qiao said she couldn't take him, he believed that she wasn't lying to him. So, he could only watch Jiang Qiao leave.

Zuo Zhankui and Cheng Baichuan, having had enough of sitting inside, strolled out and saw their grandson standing at the entrance of the street, looking towards the intersection.

"What's wrong? What are you looking at?"

Upon seeing his grandfather, Zuo Xiangnan's curiosity was piqued. "Grandpa, Jiang Qiao went out, saying she went to get me some meat. What kind of place is that? It's so mysterious, and ordinary people aren't allowed in?"