Chapter 40 When to Leave
Xu Fengying and Cheng Aiguo changed into clean and presentable clothes. They came out of the yard when they heard their grandchildren's voices and stood at the gate, watching Xiang Ming drive the tractor over.
The tractor was full of people, and I immediately spotted the man sitting next to the little girl, holding Xiaoxiao in his arms.
The tractor stopped, and the children quickly jumped off.
Da Ni, Er Ni, and Niu Niu hadn't seen their grandma and grandpa for a while, so they all came up to call out to them.
Cheng Cheng and Zhou Yue lagged behind. After their older sister and brother-in-law got off the bus first, Zhou Yue jumped down, took his daughter from the car, and carefully lifted the little girl down onto the ground.
Little Lingxiao ignored his parents and ran towards Xu Fengying and Cheng Aiguo with his short legs, calling out in a sweet little voice, "Grandma, Grandpa, Xiaoxiao's here~"
Xu Fengying patted her granddaughter's head, but her eyes were fixed on the tractor.
Zhou Yue lifted his daughter off the tractor and turned to extend his hand to his wife.
Cheng Cheng glanced at the man. Actually, it was unnecessary. She could jump down too. Don't underestimate her!
However, since someone offered to lend a hand, she couldn't refuse. The corners of her mouth involuntarily turned up, and she jumped down, holding onto the man's arm.
Xu Fengying did not step forward, but watched her son-in-law and daughter standing together, her gaze fixed on her son-in-law.
The man looked almost a head taller than his daughter. The daughter was already quite tall, considered tall among girls, but the son-in-law was a head taller than her, looking at least 1.85 meters.
He is tall with long arms and legs, broad shoulders, a high nose, and a broad chin. He looks like a capable and reliable person who can handle things steadily.
A relaxed and open-minded demeanor indicates a broad-minded and tolerant nature. Thick, dark eyebrows and a full head of hair suggest good kidney health, indicating a healthy and robust man.
Xu Fengying nodded in satisfaction, then continued to scrutinize him. Her son-in-law was quite good-looking, but his face wasn't very fair, especially when he stood next to her daughter.
My daughter's skin has been fair since she was little, like rice, so fair and beautiful!
But a son-in-law like this is fine too. He's fairer than the average man. Besides, men who are too fair-skinned aren't good-looking. They look weak and irresponsible. A pretty boy is no good!
I've heard that the wind and sand in the Northwest are terrible. If my son-in-law can still grow up like this, without a stubble or a weathered face, Xu Fengying should be grateful.
It's obvious to everyone that my daughter likes pretty boys, and my son-in-law's face definitely meets the standard, and he's much more handsome than those pretty boys!
With a son-in-law already in the picture, why did the daughter fall for that pretty boy?
Suddenly, a question popped into Xu Fengying's mind: Could it be that she had eaten too much rich food and wanted to change her taste?
Trying a simple vegetable porridge doesn't feel right either. Xu Fengying unconsciously frowned. Her daughter never even had the chance to eat meat and fish.
Ultimately, it's because the couple hasn't lived together for a long time that their relationship is prone to problems. They really need to find an opportunity to talk to the son-in-law alone.
Xu Fengying smiled and looked at her youngest daughter and son-in-law as they approached, her tone filled with concern: "Xiao Yue, was working in the Northwest tough? Now that you're back, take a good rest, and Mom will make sure you get some nourishment!"
Zhou Yue called them "Dad" and "Mom," seeing his wife's shadow in his mother-in-law and father-in-law.
"Alright, let's go inside and talk. Don't block the doorway."
The things brought on the tractor were carried back into the house by the two brothers, Cheng Xiangguang and Cheng Xiangming.
Once inside the courtyard, there was another lively scene. The Cheng family was large and prosperous, and it took quite a while just to recognize everyone.
Everyone's face beamed with joy, just like during the Chinese New Year.
Cheng Weihong hid in the crowd, secretly observing her cousin-in-law.
After looking at her for a while, he cast a suspicious glance at his cousin. How could she have fallen for that scumbag Chang Wenbin?
Oh, I forgot that her cousin isn't very bright, and it's normal for her to have poor eyesight; she understands that.
Zhou Yue was a very handsome man, with striking features, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and a cool and outstanding temperament. In the words of today's young people, he was a very handsome man with striking features that perfectly fit the Chinese aesthetic.
Although Cheng Weihong was reluctant to admit it, to be fair, her cousin's face also belonged to this type of strong, striking features. Could it be that strong, striking features don't click?
That's true. If someone with a strong face likes this style, they can just look in the mirror. Maybe someone with a strong face prefers styles that are different from their own, like the pure and delicate style.
Thinking of this, Cheng Weihong felt even more confident. Qi Zhiqing was the type of cousin-in-law, and maybe he liked her just the way she was!
After introductions, Xu Fengying and Cheng Aiguo led their young daughter and son-in-law to the old house to see the elders, while the others stayed home to do their own things and prepare lunch.
The children weren't in this group; there was a whole bunch of little rascals, including eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The eight little ones ran ahead, chattering away, making quite a scene!
Little Lingxiao ran ahead with her older brothers and sisters. Zhou Yue looked at his daughter's happy smiling face, and his eyes softened.
This was the first time he had ever experienced such a lively large family. In his memory, his parents had never been around since he was a child, as they were always very busy. He and his older brother and sister were raised by their grandparents.
No wonder such a lively and harmonious family has raised a wife with such a lively and mischievous personality; even the daughter seems to have become much more lively since coming here.
"Let's have a race to see who gets to Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma's house first!"
After saying that, Dapeng dashed out and got there first!
Niu Niu chased after Da Peng, shouting, "It's not fair! Da Peng, you cheated! This competition doesn't count!"
Xiao Xiao, with her short legs, was at the very back of the pack, but she still waved her little legs and tried her best to catch up with her older brothers and sisters.
Su Ninghua heard the voices of her great-grandchildren from afar. Cheng Deshun also put down his tools. The elderly couple came out of the yard and saw their eldest son and daughter-in-law leading a large group of people toward them.
Over the years, Su Ninghua's eyesight has deteriorated, and he can only gradually see people clearly when they are right in front of him.
"Grandma, Grandpa, Zhou Yue is back."
Cheng Cheng smiled brightly and sweetly, and pulled the man's sleeve forward.
"Grandma, Grandpa."
Zhou Yue nodded to his parents and his grandmother held his hand.
Su Ninghua looked at her grandson-in-law with loving eyes, her gaze filled with longing, as if she were thinking of an old friend. She held his hand tightly with her dry, warm hand and said gently, "Child, you look a lot like your grandmother."
It's not about physical appearance, but rather the overall aura and the feeling one gets from others.
"Mom, let's go inside and talk," Xu Fengying said from the side.
"Okay, let's go in."
The usually quiet courtyard was instantly replaced by a lively and noisy atmosphere as Su Ninghua cooked a large pot of brown sugar, longan, and eggs for the children.
The granddaughter, grandson-in-law, and great-granddaughter Xiaoxiao each had two round eggs in their bowls, while the other great-grandchildren each had one round egg in their bowls. The children were naturally overjoyed, chattering excitedly around their great-grandparents.
The local custom is that when important guests arrive, the host will always cook a bowl of brown sugar and eggs to entertain them. If the family is better off, they will also add longan and red dates.
Xiao Lingxiao ate with gusto, holding his bowl. Cheng Cheng ate one round egg but couldn't eat anymore; she didn't like round eggs.
The little guy ate one round egg, gave the other egg to his father, and then held the bowl and ate all the longan and brown sugar water inside.
Cheng Cheng watched as Zhou Yue ate three eggs by himself, and guessed that he couldn't possibly eat any more, so she looked to her mother for help.
Xu Fengying took it and finished it in a few bites.
After a brief and lively meeting, Su Ninghua and Cheng Deshun were surrounded by children and led to the main room.
The main room presented a completely different scene. It was getting late, and the chickens and ducks were already being stewed.
In the main room, Xu Fengying brought out melon seeds and peanuts. Everyone sat and chatted, mainly about their new son-in-law, and the conversation mostly revolved around him.
Zhou Yue picked out what he could talk about and described his life and experiences at the base, talking about the Gobi Desert, deserts, poplar forests, camels, grasslands, and more in Northwest China...
The children loved listening to him, and they all sat on small stools around their uncle, looking at him with admiring eyes.
Little Lingxiao was held on his father's lap, listening intently. His big, dark eyes shone brightly, curving into cute little crescents, and his two dimples sparkled with a happy smile.
Her little face was filled with pride and joy, and all traces of her former timidity and unease were gone. This was her father!
Her dad is the best!
Her older siblings have a father, and so does she, and all her older siblings love her father!
"I heard you guys don't shower for ten days or half a month, don't you smell bad?"
Chen Meiling was quite curious about this question, and whether it really happens that sand falls from the sky in Northwest China?
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yue nodded slightly and explained, "What Second Sister-in-law is saying is in winter. Winters in the Northwest are extremely cold, sometimes dropping to tens of degrees below zero. If you want to take a bath, you have to go to a public bathhouse."
"My goodness, won't that person freeze into an icicle?"
Chen Meiling exclaimed in surprise. She couldn't imagine how cold it was at tens of degrees below zero. She only knew that the river would freeze over if it got a little cold in winter here.
Everyone laughed when he said that.
Cheng Xiangming was speechless. He couldn't bear to look at his stupid wife. If she said that, then all the people in the North would be doomed.
In winter, everyone turns into an ice pop?
I heard it's even colder in Northeast China, but everyone there is doing just fine, isn't that right?
As soon as she said it, Chen Meiling realized she had made a fool of herself. She laughed, not at all embarrassed, but laughing openly, "I was just curious! How do people in the Northwest survive in the winter? It's so cold!"
Zhou Yue explained, "In the north, there are heated brick beds and floor heating, so it's cold outside but warm inside."
Of everyone in the room, only Niu Niu focused on the important point. Suddenly, he slapped his thigh and looked at his uncle with bright eyes: "Wow, that's great! They won't freeze to death, and they'll have an endless supply of popsicles in winter!"
Theoretically speaking, the conditions are indeed there. Even if you put a glass of water outdoors, it will freeze quickly and you can make popsicles.
So he nodded.
The children became even more excited and started chattering excitedly.
Wow! Kids in Northwest China are so lucky! They can eat popsicles every day without spending any money!
"Exactly! Why isn't it this cold here? I want a free popsicle too."
"I want a free popsicle too!"
"Uncle, Uncle! Can Niu Niu come with you?"
This kid will go to any lengths to get a bite to eat, even abandoning his parents.
Cheng Cheng glanced at Zhou Yue, chuckled, and pinched his chubby cheeks, offering him a rosy picture: "Sure, as long as your parents agree."
Upon hearing this, Niu Niu was overjoyed and was about to turn around to find his mother and father when he saw his mother smiling at him in a terrifying way. His runaway mind immediately returned.
He sat obediently on the bench, too scared to move.
Seeing this, Cheng Cheng chuckled.
Cheng Weihong was eating sunflower seeds the whole time, her lips moving so smoothly that she could spit out the shells as soon as the seeds were in her mouth.
Cheng Cheng watched in amazement from the side. After sitting in the main room for a while, her mother called her to the kitchen to work.
The atmosphere in the kitchen was no less lively than in the main room. Cheng Cheng sat in front of the stove, tending the fire, and took turns adding firewood to the two stoves.
Rice was being cooked on the stove inside, vegetables were being cooked on the stove outside, and there was another stove next to it, simmering chicken soup.
After a while, Cheng Weihong came in while eating sunflower seeds and said to her aunt, "Aunt, Qi Zhiqing will also be coming to eat in a little while."
Cheng Weihong liked Qi Jinyuan, and she made no attempt to hide it, taking a very open and honest approach, as she didn't care what others thought.
"OK!"
Xu Fengying readily agreed. It was just a matter of adding one more pair of chopsticks. Her eldest niece was a year older than Cheng Yatou, and since Cheng Yatou had taken a liking to him, she, as the eldest aunt, naturally hoped that her eldest niece could get what she wanted.
They were talking inside when they heard a noise outside; Bai Sisi had returned.
Before Bai Sisi even stepped into the courtyard, she could hear the lively noise coming from inside the house. Today was the day Comrade Cheng's husband was coming to visit, so they must have already arrived.
Bai Sisi washed her face in the yard, then went straight into the kitchen without approaching the main room.
She's been in the countryside for a while now, and she's gotten a shade or two darker than when she first arrived.
After greeting everyone in the kitchen, he came over to help Xu Fengying with her chores.
Xu Fengying had just stir-fried chicken and duck offal and washed the pot. She was about to pour the water outside.
Xu Fengying turned to her and said, "You don't need to. Go sit down and rest for a while."
Then he called to his eldest niece, who was eating sunflower seeds and was the least busy person in the whole kitchen, "Wei Hong, pour out the dishwater."
Cheng Weihong leaned against the wall, and inwardly complained when she heard her aunt's words: Who is the real blood relative, her or Bai Sisi?
Although that's what I thought, I still went there in person.
Cheng Cheng hadn't been back for a while. Seeing that Bai Sisi had gotten a shade darker, she asked with concern, "Are you tired? Are you adjusting well?"
As she asked, she took out some candy from her pocket and handed it to Bai Sisi. It was a kind of sweet candy with a filling, very delicious and sweet. Cheng Cheng treated it like chocolate to replenish her energy.
Bai Sisi didn't stand on ceremony; she took the candy, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.
tasty! !
I was so moved I almost cried. It was sweet, and I really miss this taste!
As expected, Comrade Cheng understands her best. Comrade Cheng is so good to her. Ever since she met Comrade Cheng, she feels that her luck has become exceptionally good!
She met such kind people as Comrade Cheng and his family. Although she had to work in the fields every day, compared to other educated youth, she had her aunt and her family to take care of her. Sister Yufang and Sister Meiling also often helped her integrate into the local life.
I work with everyone every day, chat about everyday life, and listen to their gossip about the village. My days are very fulfilling.
Therefore, Bai Sisi felt that life in the countryside was not so difficult. Although she was physically tired, she was spiritually fulfilled. Apart from occasionally missing home, she could get by and persevere.
Although there was no other way but to persevere, she was still grateful for her aunt's family's help and care; otherwise, she couldn't imagine how she would have gotten through those days.
Bai Sisi nodded, chewing on the candy, a look of happiness on her face. This candy is so delicious!
"Tired! Of course I'm tired! Farm work is so tiring!!"
"Every day when I come home from work, I'm so tired I can't even lift my arms!"
Hearing this, Chen Meiling chimed in, "Things are still pretty good now. You educated youth were lucky to be born in such a time. The work in the fields isn't too busy yet."
"When September comes, it's the busy farming season, and that's when things get really tough. Not to mention you educated youth, even we people who are used to doing farm work will be so tired that we can't lift our arms after we finish work at night!"
"Oh? You're so tired?"
Bai Sisi's face immediately fell. Just thinking about how it would be a hundred times harder than it was now was like a bolt from the blue!
Cheng Cheng also shuddered. She didn't dare to think about it. Life was too bitter. She wanted something sweeter.
She popped a piece of candy into Bai Sisi's mouth and comforted her, "It's okay, it's still early until September, there's still more than a month to go."
Bai Sisi nodded, her mouth full of candy, "Give me some more time, I'm sure I can adapt!"
Difficulties are not scary; they are just paper tigers. She will bravely overcome them and defeat the paper tiger!
Bai Sisi may appear gentle and weak, but she is actually very resilient.
Just then, a commotion came from outside.
The Cheng brothers, Weibei and Weidong, brought Qi, the educated youth, to the main room to greet them.
Qi Jinyuan followed the two brothers into the house, habitually observing the surroundings and people without making a sound.
My gaze suddenly stopped.
His gaze fell on the man who stood out from the crowd, lingering on his face for a few seconds, a look of disbelief appearing in his eyes.
Just then, Zhou Yue also looked up and looked over.
Their eyes met through the crowd and noise, then simultaneously looked away in perfect unison.
Both sides greeted each other casually.
"Clear the table, dinner's almost ready!"
Xu Fengying's voice came from the kitchen, and the adults and children in the main room all sprang into action, some moving tables and chairs, others sweeping the floor.
Zhou Yue led the children outside to wash their hands, and Qi Jinyuan also stepped out.
Her gaze remained fixed on the man, following his every move.
After the children finished washing their hands, they were all drawn to the kitchen by the aroma, leaving only Zhou Yue and Qi Jinyuan in the yard.
Neither of them asked the other why they were there.
Qi Jinyuan wanted to speak, but when he saw the other person suddenly lift his foot and walk in a certain direction, he looked over.
Comrade Cheng has come out.
Cheng Cheng was holding a large basin in both hands, which was filled with bowls and chopsticks.
Zhou Yue strode over and held out his hand to his wife: "Give it to me."
There was no need to hesitate, so Cheng Cheng handed the basin to the man.
A man who is focused on his work is even more handsome!
Qi Jinyuan found it hard to connect the Zhou Yue who was now squatting on the ground washing dishes with the arrogant and proud young man he used to be.
Qi Jinyuan's emotions fluctuated wildly. He was both incredulous and deeply shocked. Should he believe that time can change too many things?
Perhaps he should change. Ever since the rumors started, he has been intentionally trying to change and adjust himself, but it seems he hasn't changed enough.
The road ahead is unclear, shrouded in mist. I don't know which way the path under my feet will lead. The only way out is to change and keep trying.
In the face of the turbulent times, even those caught in the vortex are often powerless to resist. Only by constantly adjusting themselves, actively responding to changes, and adapting to them can they break free from this storm.
What he really didn't expect was that the country girl the Zhou family married a few years ago was actually Comrade Cheng. After thinking it over, Qi Jinyuan thought of Grandpa Cheng's identity and Grandma Su's demeanor and temperament.
Perhaps he shouldn't underestimate anyone, and he shouldn't have preconceived notions.
The meal was held in the main room, which was spacious and had two tables. The children didn't sit at the tables, but there were nearly twenty adults, so there weren't enough seats and everyone had to squeeze in.
Cheng Aimin arrived late, just before lunchtime.
The dinner table was very lively. Cheng Cheng and Zhou Yue sat at the main table with Xiao Xiao. Today, the three of them were the main characters.
The elderly couple, Su Ninghua and Cheng Deshun, sat in the main seats, looking at their large family with smiles on their faces. Four generations lived together, and their descendants were thriving.
Xu Fengying stood up, put a chicken leg on her granddaughter's plate, and then stuffed chicken and duck into her son-in-law's bowl. She would put whatever looked delicious on her son-in-law's plate.
Zhou Yue's bowl was almost full of food piled up by his mother. Cheng Cheng glanced at it and wondered if this was what it meant for a mother-in-law to become more and more satisfied with her son-in-law.
After the meal, my second aunt helped clear the dishes before going home.
After everyone had left and the guests had departed, Xu Fengying took her daughter to her room to test whether the girl was behaving herself.
Cheng Cheng was called to her room by her mother, looking confused: "Mom, what's wrong? Why did you call me?"
"I asked you to write a letter to your son-in-law. Is that why he came back?"
"Oh, that's what it is."
Cheng Cheng thought for a moment and nodded, then dropped a bombshell.
"Mom, I want to go to the Northwest with Zhou Yue to join the army."
What?
Xu Fengying had wanted to test her daughter's honesty, but she turned out to be very honest. Cheng Cheng, unaware that she had escaped a disaster, continued, "I'll leave in a few days."
Why didn't you say so sooner, you silly girl?
Xu Fengying glared at her daughter. Why didn't she say something so important earlier? If she hadn't asked now, when was her daughter planning to tell her?
Cheng Cheng was truly wronged about this. The atmosphere was so good, and she suddenly said that in a few days, the three of them were packing up to go to the Northwest. Was that appropriate?
When are you leaving?
Sunday morning.
Xu Fengying fell silent immediately. They had been talking about this matter that morning, and she had truly hoped that her daughter and son-in-law could reunite as a family of three. Now that she knew her daughter was really leaving, a feeling of reluctance suddenly welled up inside her.
When Xu Fengying went out and told the whole family what had happened, the originally happy and joyful atmosphere suddenly turned silent.
"Don't do this, don't do this. It's not like I'm not coming back."
Cheng Cheng tried to lighten the mood by counting on her fingers, "Winter is too cold, so we definitely won't be coming back for the New Year. I'll definitely bring Xiaoxiao back to see you next summer vacation."
There's still a year left!
Children's minds are simpler than adults'.
Although Niu Niu, Jia Hui, and the others were reluctant to part with Xiao Xiao, they were even more envious of Xiao Xiao being able to go to the Northwest and eat lots and lots of free popsicles!
"Alright, alright, go do what you're supposed to do, you still have to work this afternoon."
Xu Fengying made the final decision; since the matter was already settled, there was no point in them being sentimental.
It's not like we'll never see each other again. As long as they know that everyone is doing well, their feelings for each other will not change no matter where they are.
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Author's Note: My darlings, the title has been changed back! The data is even worse after the new title; I feel the original title was more successful. When will I stop worrying about the data? I hope the original title brings me good luck! Amen [green heart][green heart][green heart] Green brings me good luck!!!
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