The family sat down and the first thing they did was eat. Although Jiang Qiao had left a lot of food at home, the family's cooking skills were not very good. Qiao Jie was good at cooking, but Gu Hanting was embarrassed to let the old man serve them. So, even during the New Year, they ate relatively simply. It was easy to make, and they also couldn't be too outrageous.

However, everything changed when Jiang Qiao arrived. Not only did she bring mostly cooked food, but with her there, Gu Hanting and the others no longer felt embarrassed or awkward. Since it was their granddaughter and the child could take care of things, they could eat it.

Gu Zhengkai, however, was filled with emotion after eating, saying, "I feel like I've gone back to my younger days—"

Gu Hanting chuckled and patted his son lightly. "You brat, you can only say things like that at home. People who don't know the truth might think you're nostalgic for your old life. You'd better watch your words in the future."

However, our Qiao'er's cooking is just delicious, even better than our previous cook."

Qiao Jie said with a proud look, "That's right, who is Qiao'er? She's my granddaughter. She's learned all my secrets."

Jiang Qiao casually asked about the house in the city, something she had already discussed with her uncle.

“I rented it out. As for the money, I gave it to your two grandfathers. That place was too big and not suitable for just the two of us. It would be more suitable if our whole family moved in. Besides, my work unit allocated me an apartment. It's not very big, but it's close to your older brother's school, so it will be more convenient for him to go to and from school.”

Jiang Qiao nodded knowingly. "Okay, renting it out is fine. You can take care of things from now on. I'm busy studying right now."

Qiao Jie did mention, "Girl, did you bring any sea cucumbers? We're out at home. We two old men can't afford to eat big fish and meat all the time, so we can't run out of these things."

Jiang Qiao nodded. "I brought it. I was worried you wouldn't have enough to eat, so I put it in the cupboard. You can make your own food later."

"Grandpa Qiao, aren't you coming back with me this time?"

The old man shook his head. "No, you can do whatever you want at home. I'll go back when your sixth grandpa comes back. That guy is really something. He's recovered from his illness, but he keeps causing trouble. He didn't even come back for the New Year. I'll have to give him a good talking to later. I've never seen anyone like him."

Gu Zhengkai had heard his father mention Ma Liu before, and he was really curious about this man. He had seen eunuchs before, but most of the ones he had seen were poor and destitute. He didn't expect Ma Liu to be doing so well. Of course, this was on the premise that he had his niece and Qiao Jie. Otherwise, this old guy would have a hard time.

Jiang Qiao glanced at her cousin, "Zhihong, why don't you come to the city to study with your sister? The three of us can keep each other company."

The little girl shook her head. "No, sister, I want to stay here with Grandpa and Grandpa Qiao. I'll come to find you when I go to high school."

Gu Zhixuan said with a bitter face, "Little brother, by the time you go to high school, your older brother will be going to college."

Gu Zhihong chuckled, "Isn't my older sister here too? The two of us will keep each other company."

Gu Zhihong understood perfectly well. His grandfather had already told him that although he envied his older brother and sister for having parents, he was born without the fate of having parents, and he couldn't blame anyone else for that.

Moreover, his uncles treated him very well, buying him food, clothes, and other necessities, and sending him things by mail. Other children in the village didn't receive such treatment, which made him very content.

Even without parents, he had a loving grandfather, protective older brothers and sisters, and the care and love of his elders, so he didn't feel jealous of his older brothers and sisters.

This is all thanks to Gu Hanting's usual efforts to talk to his grandsons. You know, neither of his grandsons had ever been loved by their parents before. Now that his eldest son has suddenly come back, he's worried that his grandson might have some thoughts or feelings of estrangement. Wouldn't that be a loss?

The Gu family only has these few children. The old man hopes that these children can love each other and support each other until old age. They will all leave one day sooner or later, and these brothers and sisters will have each other's company. Therefore, he has to instill a more correct outlook on life in his children from an early age.

After dinner, Jiang Qiao took Gu Zhengkai out for a walk. Gu Hanting didn't know what was wrong with his granddaughter. Why did she insist on taking her eldest son out for a walk? It was so cold, what was there to do?

However, she wisely kept quiet, since it was a good thing that the child was close to her uncle.

But when she saw her son come home, her eyes were a little red. "What's wrong?"

Gu Hanting had noticed the changes in his son. He was not young anymore, and under normal circumstances, he would not let his child turn out like this.

Gu Zhengkai gave a wry smile, pulled his father to sit on the kang (a heated brick bed) in the cowshed, and while taking things out of his pockets, he told his father about what his niece had said to him.

The old man patted the child's shoulder with a smile, looking at his eldest son, whose face was already weathered by time, and felt a pang of emotion. His son had grown old without him even noticing.

"What's wrong, are you touched?"

Gu Zhengkai nodded, and the old man sighed, "Since the child gave it to you, just accept it and use it when you need to. The child is just worried that you will be wronged at work. I believe in your character and conduct. Since you can do underground work, I'm sure you can handle interpersonal relationships very well."

Gu Zhengkai was also curious, "Dad, how come Qiao'er is so capable? Where did she get the food?"

Gu Hanting did know about this, but because he knew, he felt even more sorry for his granddaughter. No one could be bolder or more hardworking than this child.

I'm afraid this girl has probably gone to smuggle things again this time. I put my arm around my son's shoulder and said earnestly, "Eldest son, just remember this: Qiao'er has no selfish motives towards our Gu family. This child doesn't ask for much. She just wants a harmonious and warm home and wants everyone in the family to live well. Don't ask about anything else, because the child is definitely not doing these things through normal channels."

To be honest, this child has had a tough time. She's so young, yet she's already supported our family. If it weren't for you, my niece, I don't know when I would have seen you again, let alone been able to restore your reputation.

The children are working hard, so we adults should provide them with even more support. We can't rely too much on Jiang Qiao right now, as that can easily lead to laziness. Don't forget, you're also a father; Zhixuan and Zhihong will need your guidance in the future.

Gu Zhengkai nodded. "Dad, I understand all of this. Don't worry. I can't go all out for now, but give me time and I won't let you down."