Since Qiao Jie has already said so, there's nothing for everyone to worry about. The old man doesn't care about this matter, so why should they get involved?

It's just that Jiang Qiao and the others aren't home. Otherwise, upon hearing this, they would definitely scoff and think, "How bored are these people to even care about this?"

Right now, the girls and Gu Zhengkai are visiting some elderly people to wish them a Happy New Year. They've all been recognized as grandfathers, so they should at least meet and say hello to these elders in the village.

Actually, everyone already knew about it last night, even if we didn't say it. Some people had wondered about it before, but since they've already acknowledged each other, they couldn't say anything more.

Moreover, in recent years, both Gu Hanting and his daughter Gu Zhengfeng have been very helpful to them, and most people are quite happy for them.

Especially since Jiang Qiao came to visit, she didn't come empty-handed, so these elders were too embarrassed to say anything in front of Gu Zhengkai and could only offer their congratulations.

"It would be great if we could find her. Your family was missing a girl. Now, you'll have both a grandson and a granddaughter."

Some of the elderly people still remembered the kindness shown to the Gu family and kept telling Jiang Qiao about the past.

Jiang Qiao listened patiently to these elderly people. The old folks preferred this kind of girl. Their own children and grandchildren didn't want to listen to their stories, but Gu Hanting's granddaughter was quite nice. She had a smiling face and didn't seem impatient at all.

The children at home felt embarrassed and could only apologize to Gu Zhengkai.

"Oh dear, that's how old people are. It's just that I don't have time. Otherwise, I would also like to hear about the past. Our Jiang Qiao is so lucky. This child loves to listen to other people's stories."

"From now on, let Qiao'er visit your homes whenever she wants, so she can keep the elderly company and chat with them. That's just how it is when people get old, isn't it? It's alright, it's alright."

After leaving these elderly people, Jiang Qiao was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. "Oh my god, I can't stand hearing this anymore. They've said it over and over again."

Gu Zhixuan said with emotion, "You're lucky. Some people, even old men and women, don't want to chat with. They have nothing to talk about with a child. I guess they like you because you're good-looking."

Jiang Qiao looked at her two older and younger brothers beside her and said, "You two are quite good-looking. To be honest, I only started to look different last year. Before that, I really didn't realize I was good-looking. Even when I went to my parents' house, the kids called me 'Black Monkey.'"

However, I've changed now; otherwise, having the reputation of being a "black monkey spirit" would be really unpleasant.

Gu Zhengkai laughed along, "Before, it was just right, and no one could tell that you were our child. You don't look like your parents, so it's understandable that we didn't recognize you."

Haha, now it's all good. You can change however you want; you'll definitely get better and better looking. Back when your parents got married, they were the most handsome couple in the whole area. Your maternal grandfather's family was well-off, and your mother had the kind of background that countless women dreamed of.

Jiang Qiao gave a wry smile. "I guess nobody wants my mom's family background anymore. My maternal grandfather was a capitalist, and his reputation isn't good these days."

Gu Zhixuan sighed, "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, fortunes really do change."

Gu Zhengkai put his arm around his son's shoulder and said, "You're so young, why are you sighing? You're just wasting your good fortune. Whatever, fortunes change, the greatest blessing is that our family is safe and healthy. Don't worry about anything else."

"Uncle, are we going to treat them to lunch again?"

Gu Zhengkai shook his head. "Let's forget it. Other families are having a reunion. Besides, the timing isn't right. Every household is short of food, and so are we. Alright, let's walk around one more time, and then we'll go home to be with your grandfather."

Actually, Qiao Jie and his friends weren't lonely at home. The old friends who usually sunbathed with the old man would come over one after another to have a cup of tea, chat with the old man, and share in his good fortune.

They're all approaching eighty, but their hearing and eyesight are still good, and they have no other health problems. I wish they could be half as good as them.

Gu Hanting would definitely not stay in this place at this time. Although this is his home, the team has taken it back after all. Moreover, staying in the cowshed at this time would give outsiders a better impression.

"Grandpa, Grandpa, come home for dinner!"

After Gu Zhihong and Gu Zhixuan took a stroll, they were responsible for calling for help, while Jiang Qiao was responsible for going back to cook.

Gu Hanting was inside offering incense to the deceased members of his family. Everyone in the family, adults and children alike, had lived well this past year, some going to school, others working. Although there had been many troubles, thankfully, everything turned out alright. He had to tell his loved ones in the afterlife to bless them with peace and safety.

"grandfather--"

Seeing the old man offering incense, the two children automatically came over to offer incense to their own relatives, and then knelt down and kowtowed in turn. They had done this habit before, but this year they were so happy that they forgot themselves.

"Mom and Dad, I'm so sorry, I almost forgot about that. I've gone to study in the city and am living with my older brother and uncle. Grandpa is doing well, so you don't need to worry about me. I'm doing well too, I have enough to eat and drink, and my older brother and sister are taking care of me. You should also take good care of yourselves down there—"

Gu Zhixuan knelt down and kowtowed to his mother and ancestors, and then talked about his recent situation and his father's condition.

The old man patted his two grandsons' heads. "Alright, your parents know you're doing well. Your grandma and great-grandpa can rest assured now. Help Grandpa feed the livestock, and we'll go back in a bit."

When it comes to assigning chores, Gu Hanting is absolutely uncompromising. Although the family's living conditions have improved a lot and the situation has changed a lot, he will not let his grandson stand idly by when it comes to chores. He still holds the same mindset as the grandfather and grandson in the past: spoiling a child is like killing a child, especially in their family, where strict discipline is even more necessary.

The two brothers quickly helped cut the grass, mix the feed, and then put the feed into the livestock troughs one by one.

Gu Hanting poured water for the two children and told them to wash their hands quickly. Then he put away the memorial tablets, and the three of them locked the door and went back to eat.

When Gu Hanting returned, there were still a few elderly people chatting at home. Since no one else was coming, and they didn't need to do any chores or worry about anything, they might as well keep Qiao Jie company while they drank tea.

The key is that the house is warm, the kang (heated brick bed) is cozy, and there are plenty of snacks. They don't really care about the food; they just enjoy sitting and chatting there. The atmosphere is nice, there's food and drink, and there's no conflict of interest. They won't complain about anything they say that might be inappropriate.

"Oh, everyone's here—"