In the end, Jiang Qiao practically fled home. Every house she visited would ask her about her boyfriend, which left her somewhat overwhelmed.
Qiao Jie returned with a beaming smile, a stark contrast to Jiang Qiao's embarrassed expression.
Seeing his granddaughter like this, Gu Hanting asked curiously, "What's wrong? Did someone say something to you, or did something embarrass you?"
Jiang Qiao waved her hand. "Don't even mention it. I'm still so young, and everyone's trying to play matchmaker. I'm really scared. They're all so incredibly enthusiastic; I don't even know how to refuse or explain myself. Oh my god, let me have some peace and quiet—"
As soon as Qiao Jie entered the house, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Girl, don't be nervous. A family with a daughter is admired by many. It's okay. It just means you're very outstanding. Besides, those elders like you. Otherwise, they wouldn't be willing to get involved in this matter."
Not everyone is willing to act as a matchmaker. If it ends up as a miserable couple, the matchmaker will suffer too, won't they? It's alright, it's alright, everyone means well, they didn't mean anything by it—"
Gu Hanting smiled knowingly. "No wonder. I was wondering why Qiao'er seemed to be being chased away. It turns out it's because of this."
"That's true, when children grow up, they naturally become a source of worry. However, our child is still young, so there's no rush."
Gu Zhengkai teased, "Now you know what it feels like to be pressured to get married, right?"
Jiang Qiao shook her head helplessly. "My goodness, it's quite scary when these old people start to care about someone. Oh well, I'd better hurry up and eat. I'm starving, but I was too embarrassed to say so because I was afraid they'd ask us to stay for dinner. The little bit of food we brought isn't even enough to cover our expenses."
"Come on, come on, it's time to eat! We've been waiting for you to come back. There's plenty of mutton soup, so don't be stingy."
Gu Zhihong happily helped get the bowls and chopsticks, while Gu Zhixuan brought up a basket of steamed buns made from two kinds of flour.
"Eat it while it's hot. Grandpa Liu said this is very nutritious."
The thick, white broth, sprinkled with bright green cilantro and scallions, looked so appetizing that Jiang Qiao urged everyone to hurry up and eat on the kang (heated brick bed).
Qiao Jie took a sip of the soup and smacked his lips in satisfaction. "Mmm, it's delicious. It's pure goat meat. I haven't had such authentic goat soup in a long time."
Ma Liu nodded as he drank, "That's right, look who made it. Kids, drink up, there's still some left in the pot."
While they were eating, Wang Datou and Yu Deshui arrived. The two of them estimated that Jiang Qiao should be back by the end of the year. The girl hadn't shown her face for almost a year, and they had asked Gu Hanting about her, who said she had gone on a long trip.
So the two brothers decided to come over before the New Year and bring some dried fruit for the old men.
The Gu family is much better off than them now, so the two of them didn't force themselves. They just got some rare and cheap things as a token of their appreciation.
"Oh my, look who's here, my two brothers. I haven't seen you in so long. Come in and sit down. Have you eaten yet?"
We're having mutton soup at home, let's have some together.
Yu Deshui was still embarrassed, but Wang Datou was a straightforward person and smiled at Jiang Qiao first.
"We've eaten, but we're not full. Perfect, let's have another meal at your place. The mutton soup is good; I haven't had it in ages. Come on, brother, let's not be shy with Jiang Qiao and the others; we're all friends."
Gu Zhixuan and his brother quickly went to the kitchen to add bowls and chopsticks for them, and then took a basin to the kitchen to ladle up some more mutton soup.
Ma Liu invited the two young men to sit on the kang (heated brick bed) and eat. "Don't be shy, this soup is made by me. Whether it tastes good or not, drink more and give me face."
Wang Datou scratched the back of his head and smiled at Ma Liuzi, "Grandpa Liuzi, your cooking must be delicious, Skinny. Don't be shy with Grandpa Liuzi."
Wang Datou started eating, and Yu Deshui didn't stand on ceremony either. Everyone ate and chatted, and Jiang Qiao took the opportunity to inquire about their work.
Yu Deshui first shared the good news with Jiang Qiao: "This guy is benefiting from your success; he's now the head of the security department."
Jiang Qiao, you've made quite a stir. Not just in our commune, but everyone in the surrounding villages knows you're such a heroic figure.
Even when we go out, we hold our heads high; it's really different from before.
Jiang Qiao smiled and said, "Don't talk about me. Big Head Brother got promoted. What about you? Don't tell me you're still stuck in the same place."
Yu Deshui glanced at Wang Datou apologetically. "I can't compare to Datou, but I'm doing errands for the militia, so it's a decent job, which is better than just messing around all day."
Now I'm a father of two, I can't afford to be careless anymore, I have to support my family.
Qiao Jie patted Yu Deshui on the shoulder. "Well said, young man, you should have some drive. Twins, no one is as lucky as you. Just for these two kids, you, as their father, can't be a bad father."
"By the way, Big Head, how's your wife? Is she pregnant yet?"
Speaking of this, Wang Datou nodded excitedly, "I've got it! I'm waiting for you to take a look. When are you free? I'll come pick you up."
Jiang Qiao, I've already made an appointment with you. If you're not available, have Grandpa Qiao come over. He'll have to keep an eye on things for me.
Qiao Jie readily agreed, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. As long as the child is born healthy, that's better than anything else."
Remember, always prioritize your wife when it comes to the best food. It's for two people, so don't fight with her for food. This is a crucial time; the baby in her womb also needs nourishment so that the baby will be healthy and intelligent when it's born.
"Big Head Bro, congratulations! You're going to be a dad! Wow, time really flies. You guys are all fathers now, and I haven't even done anything yet, and Auntie is already a father."
Oh, by the way, I have something to tell you guys. I think I'll be taking exams this summer, but I'm not sure where I'll be able to study yet.
Please take good care of things back home. If anything happens that you can't handle, write to me. I'll leave my grandfather's address here.
Without hesitation, Wang Datou and Yu Deshui agreed, "Don't worry about it. Not to mention that we two brothers are here, with a heroic figure like you, no one would dare to be disrespectful."
Gu Zhengkai patted the two brothers on the shoulders, "Don't just talk, hurry up and drink it while it's hot, and eat more. This stuff is rare, you can't usually buy it."
While eating, Gu Zhengkai inquired about the situation of Wang Datou and his family.
"This year is much better than last year; at least the weather has been favorable..."
When facing Gu Zhengkai, Wang Datou and his companion were much more cautious and careful in their speech.
Gu Zhengkai, although he had been to prison before, he was fine. Now he's a high-ranking official, and he's even in the provincial capital. The two of them were much more reserved in front of their leader.
After Jiang Qiao finished eating, she quickly went downstairs to tidy up some things.
Since these two people haven't forgotten her, she can't just accept their kindness for nothing.
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