"Xiaoya is the granddaughter of your grandfather Yuan, who lives in this compound. She was often brought to our house by her grandfather when she was little."
Grandma Chen's tone held a hint of regret: "I used to just think she was a bit spoiled by being raised like this..."
But after hearing some things about her in the village, I discovered that she, like Xiao Shu, was spoiled rotten by her family!
At this point, Old Mrs. Chen recalled what she had heard from Song Sanhe—the entanglement between Song Lan, Chen Dongze, and Yuan Xiaoya.
Suddenly, she felt sorry for Song Lan and said, "Xiao Ya once paid people to spread rumors and slander you. I heard your father mention this before."
If your Grandpa Yuan were still living in the compound, I would definitely go to his door and have a serious talk with him, telling him to put more effort into disciplining Xiaoya.
Lest she grow up to be crooked and end up making a big mistake later!
At this point, Old Mrs. Chen suddenly thought of something and said, "If we're talking about a major setback, isn't Xiaoya just experiencing one right now? Otherwise, how would she have ended up in the hands of kidnappers?"
I suspect she probably offended someone, which led to them plotting against her and setting her up.
Upon hearing this, Qinglan almost gave Old Mrs. Chen a thumbs up.
It was because all sorts of things were happening one after another in the village's educated youth compound, with Yuan Xiaoya and Song Jiaojiao being the main focus.
Then there are Yang and He, two educated youths. In the entire Shisong Village, there is probably no one who doesn't know their names.
They didn't work properly every day, and then suddenly they would cause a scene, making the educated youth compound a topic of conversation among the villagers.
“Those educated youth in our village were indeed quite troublesome.”
Song Lan said softly, "Actually, I really don't understand. Since they are responding to the country's call to shine in the vast countryside and contribute to the country's development, why can't they focus their efforts on labor?"
They have to scheme against each other, stirring up trouble every now and then, so the villagers can watch the spectacle and talk about them all the time.
"Those are all bad habits that come from having too much free time!"
Grandpa Chen said, "If they don't have enough to eat for a few days, let's see who still has the energy to cause trouble!"
Upon hearing this, Grandma Chen nodded: "That's right."
Clearly, he strongly agreed with what Mr. Chen said.
Song Lan gave a soft "hmm," agreeing with what Old Master Chen had said.
"plum."
Grandma Chen called out to Li Jumei, and seeing that Li Jumei had looked around, she asked, "Since your father and I left the village, how is your Uncle Xiao's family doing?"
"I'm fine!"
Li Jumei responded, and then said, "Mom, you and Dad asked the brigade leader, and not only is Uncle Xiao's family fine, but Lanlan and the other teachers are also fine."
"That's good!"
Life in the countryside was tough, and Old Mrs. Chen was really worried about Old Mr. and Mrs. Xiao, as well as Old Mr. Shen and the other veterans who had made many contributions to the country.
She believes that the current situation will change sooner or later.
I only hope that Grandpa Xiao and other veteran comrades can persevere until they leave Shisong Village and return to their original jobs.
"Grandma, let me hug my little nephew."
Chen Dongxu then sat down next to Old Mrs. Chen. He reached out and, without waiting for Old Mrs. Chen's response, hugged the little dumpling who was staring at him with her big, dark eyes.
“Eeya… Eeya ya…”
"Little one, are you talking to your uncle?"
"Eeya~"
"So you're really talking to your uncle?!"
"Eeya ee~"
...
The uncle and nephew were talking like chickens to geese. They clearly couldn't understand what the other was saying, but they were chatting away and making everyone else in the living room laugh.
"Mom, is everything ready for Lunar New Year's Eve?"
Li Jumei felt that it wasn't right to just sit in the living room like that, so she casually asked Old Mrs. Chen.
"We have prepared plenty of ingredients, and they are all kept in the kitchen."
As soon as Old Mrs. Chen finished speaking, Chen Dongxu said, "Second Aunt, I brought home all sorts of good things. Let's have a proper New Year's Eve dinner tonight!"
"become!"
Li Jumei readily agreed.
“I reckon my uncle and aunt will be back in about an hour, along with my dad and my older brother. They should be able to get in a little earlier than my uncle and aunt.”
These words were spoken by Chen Dongxu to Old Master Chen and Song Sanhe. Upon hearing this, Old Master Chen replied, "Whenever they come back, it's always at that time."
He snorted and continued, "This year, your second uncle's family will be spending New Year's Eve with me and your grandma. Whether your eldest uncle and your father come back or not, this old man doesn't care!"
Chen Dongxu laughed out loud, as did the others.
"But not all of my second uncle's family members are here. Can this be considered as my second uncle's family having a reunion dinner with you and my grandmother tonight?"
Chen Dongxu deliberately tried to provoke Old Master Chen.
"Dad, I was just about to tell you and Mom that my eldest son's wife is pregnant, but she's only two months along and is experiencing severe morning sickness."
Meizi and I were worried that something might happen to her on her way to Beijing, so we didn't let them come along. We hope you two won't blame us.
Then there's Xiao Si. He fell ill earlier this year, suffering from fever, cough, and runny nose. Even though his condition improved somewhat before Meizi and I left, he still lacked energy.
He didn't come to Beijing with us either. He asked me and his mother to give our regards to you and my mother, and also to say sorry.
"What's the big deal? The children's health is the most important!"
Grandpa Chen waved his hand casually, not taking Song Sanhe's words to heart.
Grandma Chen said with a smile, "The family will be able to sit down together for a reunion dinner sooner or later. Besides, New Year's Eve is not just this year. Your father and I are in good health now, and there will be plenty of opportunities for our whole family to get together for the New Year."
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