The Wei family arrived at the door around 10 a.m. the next day, carrying eggs and their rooster.
As soon as she entered the door, Wei's mother greeted Zhao's parents, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, we're so sorry to have troubled you!"
Mr. Zhao quickly ushered the guests inside, and Mrs. Zhao said with a smile, "We're all family, why be so polite? Come in and let's talk inside."
Mother Wei sighed a few times and said with a smile, "Thanks to your family for taking care of us these past few years, my daughter and I have survived unharmed. There's an old saying that the poor don't visit relatives, and the poor in spirit don't make friends, so I've never come to thank you before! But I'm truly grateful to you. Please forgive me for coming here today!"
Zhao's mother glared at Wei's mother, feigning anger. "Your younger sister can't speak properly at all! I don't care for your pretense! We're all honest people, let's stop with the nonsense. Come inside!"
Mother Wei smiled and said, "Anyway, I'm truly grateful to you all! And to my father-in-law for giving my daughter-in-law this opportunity, I don't know how to thank you enough!"
Zhao's father smiled nonchalantly and said, "It's just a coincidence. Let's not put so much pressure on the child." Then, looking at Liu Taohua with a smile, he said, "Just work hard and don't embarrass me! If you need anything, just come to your uncle!"
Liu Taohua quickly nodded and agreed. As the others walked into the house, Liu Taohua and Wei Xigun handed over the things, and Zhao Dahu carried them to the warehouse.
Zhao's mother had to interrupt Wei's mother's words of gratitude. Taking Wei's mother's hand, she said earnestly, "Sister, we're all real relatives, no need for formalities. My husband and I only have one son, Dahu. During those years of fleeing disaster, many relatives died or scattered. Since Shuqing came into our family, I've always treated her like my own daughter. To put it bluntly, isn't she just like my own child? There's no need for distinctions between our families. If we can help each other, so the children are doing well, we can support each other in the future. When we get old, we'll definitely be the first to pass away, and then we can rest in peace in the afterlife, right?" Wei's mother nodded repeatedly. ...
When she returned, she found everyone sitting around a round table on the ground. Wei Shuqing was pouring tea and then sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) listening to their conversation.
Zhao Aiguo and his two older sisters were playing with the toys their father had brought them on the kang (a heated brick bed). Apples, oranges, candy, melon seeds, and other snacks were also laid out on the kang table, and the three little ones were eating and playing at the same time.
Seeing that it was almost time, the Wei family said goodbye. As they saw them off, Zhao's mother said, "Come back with the children when you're not busy!"
Mother Wei nodded readily and agreed, "Come on, come on, you should go back quickly, it's so cold!" Once outside the alley, she refused to let anyone see her off, saying she would come directly to find Father Zhao for work on the sixth day of the new year.
Then they got on the bus, and as they headed home, they were still looking forward to the future. Wei's mother kept reminding them, "You two, from now on, just sit in a small pot on the stove for meals. This year, I'll clear some more furrows by the wall and plant some cabbage and radishes. Just like yesterday, render some fat or pork belly in the small pot to make oil, then throw in the cabbage, vermicelli, and tofu. Oh, and before you leave, take some chive blossoms, pickled vegetables, scallions, and garlic from home. When you're away from home, everything costs money!"
Liu Taohua said worriedly, "Mom, don't overwork yourself while we're not home. Pick some light work to do, even if it gives you fewer work points. Da Ni and Er Ni, do you hear me? Keep an eye on Grandma and don't let her do too much heavy work. I'll bring her my wages back every month!" The two children nodded and said they understood. They were very sensible. Although they were reluctant to be separated from their mother, they were happy that their mother wouldn't have to work so hard. Besides, their aunt had lent their place to their parents, so they would go visit them when they had some free time.
Mother Wei nodded, "I understand. Why would I tire myself out? My daughter, son-in-law, son and daughter-in-law have all made something of themselves. My days of enjoying life are yet to come! I want to live a few more years! Don't worry about the family. A poor family needs to be comfortable on the road! How could the three of us go hungry at home?"
Liu Taohua felt uneasy listening to Wei's mother's words. Life was hard for every family. Although the famine was over, it was still tough. When she and her three children were at home, they always reported good news and kept the bad news to themselves so that Xigun could rest assured. If it weren't for Shuqing and Zhao Dahu's help all these years, who knows what would have become of them! She secretly made a decision in her heart: she and Xigun would save every penny. She didn't know how much they could save, but she had to bring all her wages home.
Wei Xigun said sincerely, "Mother, just wait two years. Peach Blossom does a good job. Once you're officially hired, I'll bring you to the city!"
Wei's mother smiled, her face full of wrinkles. "Just think about it. Your mother has been a country old lady all her life, and she can't live like a city person."
Liu Taohua smiled and said, "Mom, your good fortune is yet to come! We're all city people now, aren't we?" She then turned around and went to do chores and cook.
The Wei family was living in harmony, and the Zhao family was even more so, with kind elders and filial children, their lives sweet and promising.
The situation is not so good for the Qi family. Wang Fang sent a letter saying that they are still stuck in the same place, without being criticized or struggled against, but now they have no money or food.
Qi Zhifang couldn't sit still any longer. She made a phone call, which was transferred several times to their brigade. The person on the other end said they were going to find someone and to call back in half an hour. When the time came, she transferred several more times and called back, "Fangfang!"
"Mom, it's me!" The voice on the other end was weak and feeble. Qi Zhifang said with heartache, "Fangfang, I received your letter. How much money do you have left?"
"I only have 2 yuan, and no coupons! Mom, can you mail me some money and coupons quickly? I haven't worked in the fields much for the past six months and haven't earned any work points. I only got 20 jin of grain, and this isn't enough to last me until next year, let alone the New Year!"
Qi Zhifang immediately said, "Okay, okay... You haven't been taking good care of yourself, your health will collapse. In the next few days, borrow some money and grain from the brigade. No matter what, you can't let your health suffer. With the two yuan you have, go to the chicken farm in the countryside and buy some eggs. Mom will go and get you some money coupons. Just hold on for a few more days!"
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