"Uncle, what are you saying? Longlong's father and his family aren't your sons, but they've brought you honor too," Qin Xiaoyu quickly tried to smooth things over.
"Longlong's father is where he is today thanks to your help, sister-in-law?" the cousin's wife quickly added.
"Alright, that's enough. They're all great! None of my kids are bad!" The wife was even happier to see them all getting along so well.
"Sigh, you've all worked so hard these past few days. I just got back, so I'll do more work during the New Year. You all should take a rest," Tang Hu's mother, who had been standing to the side with her head down, suddenly spoke up.
She watched the loving family, overwhelmed with mixed feelings. Years ago, her mother had fallen ill and been hospitalized, and the seven sisters nearly became enemies over care and hospital fees. Now, seeing the Tang family emerge unscathed from a major crisis, she felt both envious and jealous.
No one could see the reason for her sadness; they only assumed that she was genuinely upset about not having contributed.
"Your family has something going on, so it's not your fault. There are many women in the family, and each of them can help out and get the work done. You should also take a good rest. You'll be going back to work after the Spring Festival."
Grandma Hanhan was originally the most calculating and fault-finding person, but now Qin Xiaoyu has taught her a lesson, and she rarely says such magnanimous words. The lady was surprised, but also delighted, and her eyes softened considerably when she looked at her.
“Madam is in good spirits, let’s eat first, and then let her go to sleep.” Qin Xiaoyu arranged for the table to be set up.
"Mom, you're absolutely right, you're such a good mother-in-law." Qin Xiaoyu secretly praised Hanhan's grandmother. This is a psychological reward mechanism, and it will motivate her to work harder to change in the future.
"What are you saying? I'm so embarrassed. I'm just learning from you little by little. Nobody is born wanting to be a bad person." Grandma Hanhan blushed, like a primary school student being praised by her teacher.
"That's more like it. Don't always give your wife a hard time," Grandpa Hanhan added.
"Old man, you watch me every day, afraid I'll upset your daughter-in-law! Is this your own daughter?" Grandma Hanhan teased angrily.
"She's closer than my own daughter." Grandpa Hanhan stubbed out his cigarette and quickly scurried into the house. He was afraid that the person expressing his feelings had said something that startled even himself.
Qin Xiaoyu also had places to visit for the New Year, one of which was Zhou Xingjia's family.
She hesitated for a long time about whether or not to visit Zhou Xing's family. In principle, she was not qualified to pay a New Year's visit to Zhou Xing's family; in other words, she was not worthy. However, having received such a great favor from the Zhou family, it would seem heartless and ungrateful not to go.
In the end, she gritted her teeth and brought two cans of tea to the door. This was something she had prepared in advance. Tea is a good thing; it's both common and elegant, and it won't cause any problems.
At the guard post at the entrance, she was stopped; even offering New Year's greetings wasn't something anyone could just walk into. The guard made a phone call, and it took a long time before Zhou Xing finally came to pick her up.
Zhou Xing's mother remained indifferent. Zhou Yue was not home; she had gone to her husband's house to celebrate the New Year and hadn't returned.
Qin Xiaoyu delivered the gifts and then took her leave. Staying at the Zhou family's house for even a short while made her feel extremely uncomfortable, like sitting on pins and needles.
She was stopped at the guard post. Just as she was about to ask why, the guard pointed behind her, and Zhou Xing came chasing after her, panting.
"My mom is giving your child a New Year's red envelope." Zhou Xing handed over two red envelopes.
"Please thank Auntie for me." Qin Xiaoyu was surprised that Zhou Xing's mother was so thoughtful, giving her two red envelopes. But she didn't remember saying she had two children. Could it be Zhou Yue who said that?
Zhou Xing handed over the red envelope and turned to leave without saying another word.
After dinner on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Qin Xiaoyu left the two children in her cousin's room, put on her coat, and went out.
She was worried about the hairdressing school and wanted to take a look. It contained all her belongings, and if it was stolen, it would be difficult for Da Liu to put together another set.
No one could guess how much money she made this month before the new year. All they saw was her spending money like water, but little did they know that she was also making money like water.
In just one month, the hairdressing school's revenue reached nearly 8,000 yuan, and after deducting expenses, it still had more than 5,000 yuan left.
Qin Xiaoyu felt that she was working in the right direction. If things continued like this, and she gradually opened more branch schools, she could make a fortune.
The streets were deserted, freezing cold; who would dare to come out? As she walked, she felt a chill run down her spine. She wanted to turn back, but dared not.
I heard from the old folks that the two lamps on one's shoulders are a sign of divine protection, and they go out when one looks back.
She vaguely heard footsteps behind her. If she rushed, they rushed; if she slowed down, they slowed down – someone was following her. The hairdressing school was just ahead, completely empty. If she unlocked the door and went inside, and the person behind her followed, she'd be left helpless.
Anyway, there's always another light if you turn off one, Qin Xiaoyu comforted herself, and suddenly turned around.
It was empty; there was no one there. She wondered if she had misheard.
But as she walked further, she heard footsteps again. This time, she timed it perfectly and turned back quickly.
A tall man was standing not far behind her. Qin Xiaoyu's head spun, and she turned to run away.
"It's me, your fourth brother," the man said, his voice tinged with the smell of alcohol.
Qin Xiaoyu breathed a sigh of relief; it was Qi Si. But then she thought, something's not right. Shouldn't she be even more scared if she ran into a gang leader while walking at night?
For some reason, she felt more curiosity than fear towards Qi Si.
"Fourth Brother, are you out for a walk after having your reunion dinner?" Qin Xiaoyu greeted him with a smile, patting his pockets. He thought he had about a hundred yuan, enough to make a red envelope.
"Where am I supposed to have a reunion dinner?" Qi Si was a bit drunk, swaying unsteadily, still holding a wine bottle in his hand.
"Where are your brothers?" Qin Xiaoyu remembered that Qi Si seemed to have no home. She regretted asking the question as soon as she finished. A brain is a good thing, and you should at least have one. Why did she start talking nonsense?
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