"Madam, thank you."
Aunt Zhang accepted the red envelope and wiped away her tears of gratitude.
If you had to say what the best thing she ever did in her life was to work alongside the lady of the house.
Back then, she was beaten half to death by her ex-husband, her unborn child died in the womb, she was divorced, and then carelessly abandoned in an alley.
It was the kindness of the lady and the master that led them to take her in, provide her with medical treatment, and give her a job so she could survive.
Otherwise, she would have been a pile of bones long ago, and she wouldn't be living such a good life today.
She was willing to spend her whole life repaying this immense kindness.
"Alright, alright, don't cry during the New Year."
When Zhang Ma cried, Liu Sanmei's eyes also welled up with tears.
Having spent so many years with Zhang Ma, Liu Sanmei had long regarded her as a sister.
"Okay, I won't cry."
Zhang Ma smiled, said a few words of blessing to Liu Sanmei, and then went home.
"Xiao He, there are a lot of people at home these days, so I'll have to trouble you to help take care of the children."
"This is your first Chinese New Year with our family, so I don't have much to say. Just accept this red envelope and use it to buy yourself some food or clothes you like."
Liu Sanmei took another, thinner red envelope and went to the newly recruited aunt He Xia.
Right now, He Xia is sewing bibs for her two children.
Both children are now eating on their own. Following the pattern drawn by Ruan Qiushui, He Xia made several bibs for the children to wear during meals.
"Mrs. Liu, you're too kind."
He Xia rubbed her hands together, unsure whether or not to accept the red envelope.
This red envelope was meager for Liu Sanmei, but for He Xia, it was a considerable sum.
This was the first time He Xia had ever received a red envelope from her employer during the Chinese New Year.
Her previous employer wasn't this generous.
At most, I'd give her some unwanted rags and leftovers, like treating a beggar.
They frequently beat and verbally abuse people, showing absolutely no human rights.
This was the first time she had felt human warmth and respect from her employer.
It seems she made the right choice coming to the Ruan family this time.
"Don't mention it."
Liu Sanmei had a kind face.
"I'm a little sorry that I couldn't let you come home for the New Year because I was taking care of the children."
Both children need care, so it's really impossible to leave them alone.
"Mrs. Liu, please don't say that. Anyway, I'm homeless, and it'll be more lively if I can spend the New Year with you."
After Liu Xia finished speaking, she felt a pang of sadness.
Her parents died during the Great Famine, and she was adopted by her uncle.
Unfortunately, her uncle, who had been supporting her for five years, also passed away due to illness. Left with no one to rely on, she grew up on the charity meals provided by the villagers.
Because of malnutrition since childhood, she was physically weak and unable to conceive, so she remained single.
"And I also really like Da Bao and Xiao Bao."
He Xia's expression softened considerably as she thought of her two clever and adorable children.
If she could get pregnant and give birth, the child would be this big by now.
pity.
"I'm glad you don't mind."
Liu Sanmei said a few words to He Xia and then left.
Around noon, Ruan Hengzhi and He Ruyi returned.
"Dad, Mom."
Hearing the commotion, Ruan Qiushui and Gu Changfeng left the bedroom.
Gu Changfeng stepped forward and helped his father-in-law carry the luggage into the house, while Ruan Qiushui took He Ruyi's hand and walked towards the living room.
At this moment, Shen Yongjun, whose red marks on his ears had faded, also came out and excitedly hugged his son.
"Where's the boss? Wasn't he supposed to be back today?"
Ruan Hengzhi was puzzled when he didn't see Ruan Shiping and Wang Xinyue.
"Dad, my eldest brother and sister-in-law went to the Wang family's house for the New Year today."
Ruan Qiushui thought her older brother had told their parents beforehand.
"Oh, are you coming back for dinner?"
Ruan Hengzhi looked slightly disappointed, and He Ruyi patted him on the shoulder to comfort him.
"I doubt it."
Gu Changfeng said.
I just called, and from what my older brother said, he has no plans to come back.
"Alright then, let's have some fun together."
"By the way, have your in-laws arrived yet? Should we pick them up at the train station?"
Ruan Hengzhi was thinking about his in-laws whom he hadn't seen for several years, and he missed them quite a bit.
When it comes to wine, he and Gu Guangrong are rare kindred spirits.
"We've arrived. My in-laws are resting inside right now."
Liu Sanmei pointed to the room next to Gu Changshu's.
"Then Ruyi and I will go change our clothes first."
After finishing their mission in the middle of the night, he and He Ruyi rushed home without even having time to wash up or change their clothes, looking rather disheveled.
"Go ahead, there's hot water in the kitchen."
Knowing that her son, daughter-in-law, and in-laws were coming, Liu Sanmei prepared a large pot of hot water in the kitchen.
They even filled five thermos flasks as a backup.
By the time Ruan Hengzhi and his wife finished getting ready, Gu Guangrong and his wife had also gotten some sleep.
"Just put it here."
The staff from the Imperial Kitchen brought the dishes to the living room.
Gu Changshu helped out and quickly arranged the dishes.
Actually, Yu Shan Fang doesn't offer delivery services. If it weren't for the owner himself needing delivery, Yu Shan Fang would have refused outright.
"Mr. Ruan, we'll head back now."
The staff at the Imperial Kitchen looked at Ruan Qiushui with great admiration.
This is the legendary person who single-handedly founded Snow Skin and Ancient & Modern Auction House, as well as the head of the Imperial Banquet Cuisine.
It's rare to see someone like this on ordinary days, but I finally got to see them today.
"good."
Ruan Qiushui nodded and saw him off.
It was a joyful family lunch, and everyone ate with smiles on their faces.
Taking advantage of the good weather, Ruan Qiushui and Gu Changfeng drove Gu Guangrong and Xie Xiuying to Beijing for a stroll.
"Wow, this capital city is really big and prosperous."
"We were able to see Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City. This trip was definitely worthwhile."
"The third brother's wife even took pictures of us. We'll get a few printed and take them back to the brigade, frame them, and hang them in our living room so that any guests can see them at a glance."
"It's the Great Wall. Our old arms and legs just can't go any further. What a pity."
On the way back, Ruan Hengzhi and Xie Xiuying were very excited and kept talking.
"Big brother, why are you and sister-in-law back?"
Ruan Qiushui carried the local specialties she bought for Xie Xiuying and her husband into the courtyard, and just then she saw Ruan Shiping taking a walk in the courtyard with Wang Xinyue.
Didn't they say that my elder brother and sister-in-law were spending the New Year at the Wang family's house today? How come they came back this afternoon?
"Girl, go and ask."
Ruan Hengzhi approached Ruan Qiushui, winking and making faces at her.
When his son and daughter-in-law first arrived, their faces were as black as the bottom of a pot, and they wouldn't say anything even when asked.
They are closer to their daughter, so let her try to get information out of her.
"Brother and sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
Ruan Qiushui put down what she was holding and helped Wang Xinyue to sit down in the living room.
"fine."
Ruan Shiping waved his hand casually.
After all, she's my wife and family; there are some things I'd better not say.
"Let me explain."
Wang Xinyue was holding back her anger, and she felt uncomfortable if she didn't speak it out now.
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