Zhou Qinglan didn't go back to her parents' home. There wasn't much going on at home today, so after breakfast, Zhang Shuzhen urged her son and daughter-in-law to go out for a stroll.
In the afternoon, in the open space opposite the bureau building, actors from the Forestry Bureau's cultural troupe performed various artistic programs, creating a lively scene.
Wash what needs to be washed, chop what needs to be chopped, and put some in the stew pot in advance so that you can add the side dishes when people arrive.
Um, Yucheng just called and said they're in Meihekou right now and will be coming to our house tomorrow morning.
"Happy Chinese New Year, Uncle Wu! Happy Chinese New Year, Grandpa and Grandma! Happy Chinese New Year, Uncle Wu!"
When Sheng Xikang got married a couple of years ago, Wu Yuqing came. Sheng Xinhua is so old now, he already remembers people, so he recognized her when they met.
However, Wu Bingzhong and his wife had never been here before, so Sheng Xinhua didn't recognize them. He only guessed from their age and called them grandpa and grandma.
"Hey, Happy New Year, Happy New Year! You little rascal, you're quite clever."
Wu Bingzhong chuckled and reached out to pat Sheng Xinhua on the head. "Are your grandparents home?"
“Here I am, Grandpa. Come with me.” Sheng Xinhua stepped forward, took Wu Bingzhong’s hand, and led him into the Sheng family’s gate.
As for the other kids, they automatically made way when they saw that the Sheng family had guests.
As soon as Wu Bingzhong and his party entered the Sheng family's gate, before they had even taken a few steps inside, they heard a series of hurried footsteps. Then, the four Sheng brothers came out.
"Oh, Uncle and Aunt, what brings you here? Happy New Year, Uncle! Happy New Year, Aunt! Happy New Year, Big Brother!"
When the two met, Sheng Xiping was taken aback at first, then stepped forward to greet them and wish them a Happy New Year.
Sheng Xikang was also dumbfounded. Before they left the capital, they went to the Wu family's house, but they hadn't heard that their father-in-law was coming to the Northeast. What was going on?
"Dad, Mom, Happy New Year? When did you arrive? Yuhua and I didn't even know."
Sheng Xi'an and Sheng Xitai also came forward to greet them and offer New Year's greetings. Then the four brothers accompanied the Wu family to the front yard.
"Yucheng, you're something else. Why didn't you say your parents were here when you called last night? If I had known, I would have driven to Meihekou to pick you up this morning!"
Sheng Xiping was furious and glared at Wu Yucheng. This unreliable guy couldn't even explain such a big thing over the phone.
"Oh, I told him not to say it," Wu Bingzhong chuckled upon hearing this and quickly explained.
"Why are you making such a fuss during the Chinese New Year? We have a car to pick you up."
We flew to the provincial capital the day before yesterday and had a chance to meet up with our old comrades-in-arms here.
I just left the provincial capital yesterday afternoon, stayed overnight in Meihekou, and only arrived here this morning.
Someone of Wu Bingzhong's status would be greeted wherever he went.
He was still keeping a low profile and didn't attract much attention; he only met with a few old comrades. If he had been more high-profile, it's uncertain whether he would have been able to reach the Sheng family even in a week, let alone two days.
As they talked, they walked from the backyard to the front yard.
At this moment, Sheng Liancheng and Zhang Shuzhen hurriedly came to greet them, followed by Sheng Xinhua.
It turned out that the little guy had taken advantage of the adults' inattention and rushed into the yard to warn his grandparents.
"Happy New Year, in-laws! I never expected it would be you all here." Sheng Liancheng was particularly excited to see the four members of the Wu family.
"Happy New Year, in-laws! Haha, I have some important business to attend to this time, so I came here specifically."
It was a last-minute decision, and I didn't inform you beforehand. My dear in-laws, I hope you don't mind my abruptness?
Wu Bingzhong shook Sheng Liancheng's hand and asked with a smile.
"Oh dear, what are you saying? Our in-laws are honored guests we couldn't invite even if we tried. Please come inside, please come inside."
"Daughter-in-law, hurry up and boil water to make tea! We have a rare guest!" Sheng Liancheng excitedly shook Wu Bingzhong's hand and shouted loudly into the house.
Sheng Liancheng and his wife invited the four members of the Wu family into the east room to sit down.
At this moment, Wu Yuhua, who had just finished feeding her child, came from the west room and was taken aback when she saw her parents and her two older brothers.
"Dad, Mom, Big Brother, what brings you here?"
Yu Wenlan took her grandson from her daughter's arms and held him in her arms, playing with him.
"Isn't this all because of your second brother's marriage? That good-for-nothing only told us on New Year's Eve that he's taken a liking to your sister-in-law."
"Your grandfather got anxious as soon as he heard that and sent us over to propose marriage right away." Yu Wenlan whispered to her daughter.
"Huh?" Wu Yuhua was dumbfounded.
What's going on? Her second brother and her sister-in-law are dating? When did this happen? This sounds like a dream.
Yu Wenlan reached out and tugged at her daughter's clothes, signaling her to be quiet. The mother and daughter sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) and teased Sheng Xinze.
On the other side, Sheng Liancheng and his son Wu Bingzhong sat on the sofa, and Zhang Shuzhen and Zhou Qinglan hurriedly served tea, melon seeds, fruit and other things.
The two young soldiers who were driving put the things down next to the coffee table and then saluted Wu Bingzhong.
Wu Bingzhong nodded to the two young soldiers, "Xiping, arrange a place for them to rest."
They must be tired from driving us all this way. Let them go back tomorrow.
Upon hearing this, Sheng Xiping hurriedly got up to make arrangements, but the two young soldiers saluted again.
"Thank you, sir. We won't rest here. If we head back now, we should be able to reach the provincial capital tonight."
The unit still has missions to complete; we can't afford to linger outside.
They were ordered to escort the leaders to Songjianghe Town. Now that the mission was completed, they had to return to their unit immediately. How could they linger outside?
Despite Sheng Xiping and the others' various attempts to persuade them to stay, the two soldiers refused to budge. Left with no other option, Sheng Xiping could only bring them some snacks, fruit, and hot water, and see them to the door.
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