Early in the morning, the sunlight was hiding lazily behind the clouds. After finishing breakfast, Tian Sangui began to pack his things.
Tian Lao Er entered the room and gave instructions to Tian San Gui, who was busy at work.
“I’ll have Xiao Li take you back. Ox carts are hard to drive, and it’s not safe on the road without an experienced person with you.”
Yesterday, she wouldn't have listened to any of this and insisted on taking the train herself.
Having suffered a great loss on the road, Tian Sangui was no longer stubborn this time. "Thank you, Second Uncle. Has Xiao Li arrived? I'm all packed and ready to go."
"Take this with you, it's a plum cake made by your second aunt, take it back for your mother to try!"
"I'll go get Xiao Li!"
Tian Sangui stared blankly at the plum cake that Tian Lao Er had stuffed into his hand.
This was the first time she had received a gift from a relative. Since giving birth, her second aunt's personality had changed drastically, and she treated her family, especially Zhang Shi, like a sister.
When Xiao Li came running over with a smile, he greeted Tian Sangui and then went up to pull the oxcart out the back door.
After Tian Sangui finished getting ready, he got into the car. Xiao Li skillfully cracked the whip, and the ox, in pain, flicked its tail and slowly moved its limbs, causing the car to start moving.
Although they walked slowly, the oxen were honest and obedient along the way, unlike Tian Sangui who let the oxen do whatever they wanted, so their speed was still relatively fast.
When we arrived at the entrance of Tianjia Village, it was already afternoon. As usual, people were sitting and chatting under the locust tree.
As the oxcart slowly approached from afar, the women all raised their heads, swaying from side to side, trying to get a clear look.
Unfortunately, my old eyesight is failing, and I always see double images when I look into the distance.
It wasn't until the oxcart got closer that they recognized it. "Oh my, it's San Gui! What a rare guest!"
"San Gui has been away for a long time. She finally has some free time today, so she's come home to see her parents?"
The women greeted him warmly, and Tian Sangui returned their smiles in return.
"Yes, Auntie, I'm back for a couple more days this time, and I also need to take care of some things!"
"What's wrong? San Gui, could you tell the aunties about it? Maybe they can help you!"
Hearing that Tian Sangui had something to do, the woman hurriedly followed him, afraid of missing a good opportunity to make money.
Now, thanks to Tian Sangui, every family in the village is living a good life with no worries about food and drink. The village headman is holding a village meeting, and first of all, he expresses his gratitude to Tian Sangui and tells everyone not to forget his kindness.
When Tian Sangui saw her following him, he decided to chat with her for a bit.
"It's not that the restaurant is expanding and the business is growing; the chickens we raise on the small hill are almost not enough to supply the market, so we're thinking of buying another big mountain this time we come back."
Auntie, could you please ask around for me if anyone has any mountains they want to sell? Come find me anytime!
After listening to Tian Sangui's story with a smile, the woman said, "Haha, what a coincidence! My family owns two mountains. I'll take you to see them when you have time. If you like them, then we can make a decision!"
"Okay, my aunt will come to my house tomorrow, and we'll go together to see her!"
"Hey, go back and spend some quality time with your mother. Your aunt will come over again tomorrow!"
The two happily went their separate ways home.
The news of buying the mountain spread throughout the village in less than fifteen minutes.
"That girl, San Gui, is quite capable now!"
"We'd love for her to become even more capable, so we could benefit from it too!"
"That's right! Before, I would get so envious watching other people eat meat. Now, we can eat big chunks of fatty meat every day. I never would have dared to dream of that before!"
"Hahaha!"
"Hey, isn't Chunyan's family looking to hire a cook for their daughter's wedding? Wouldn't it be perfect if Sangui came back?"
The woman holding the child patted the child's back and made a suggestion.
The old woman, basking in the warm sun, suddenly opened her old eyes.
"What kind of status does San Gui have? Unless she is willing herself, who can persuade her to do it?"
"Besides, Chunyan and Sangui have no connection whatsoever!"
The woman, cracking melon seeds, joked, "It all depends on whether Chunyan invites him or not. San Gui may be a bit temperamental, but Zhang Shi is a kind-hearted person. If we can win Zhang Shi over, San Gui will surely listen to his mother!"
The group laughed and chatted for a while before dispersing and going home.
Some people quickly ran to Chunyan's house and told her about the discussion.
"I'm not saying this to be mean, but when it comes to cooking, who can compare to San Gui's skills? Hiring San Gui will make your daughter proud, won't it?"
"Listen to your sister-in-law, don't be stingy with the money in your hand. What good things haven't other people seen?"
You should prepare some presents that people will appreciate in order to express your sincerity, right?
As long as Zhang agrees, that girl San Gui won't have anything to say!
Everyone knows that Zhang Shi was someone Tian Sangui had protected since childhood, and Zhang Shi is also soft-hearted, so it's not hard to manipulate her.
Chunyan stood at the door, pondering the woman's words again and again, and realized they made perfect sense.
"Okay, I'll listen to you, sister-in-law. I'll go to town to stock up on the goods tomorrow!"
"Oh, that's right, your wife is waiting for your invitation at home!"
The woman licked her lips and happily bid farewell to Chunyan.
Looking forward to a sumptuous and delicious feast in a few days.
Back home, Tian Sangui jumped off the carriage and brushed the dust off his clothes.
Arriving at the gate, he reached out and knocked: "Knock knock knock!"
Who is it?
"They're here! They're here!"
It was Zhang's voice immediately. Tian Sangui hid under the door, covering his mouth and chuckling.
As soon as Zhang opened the door, Tian Sangui suddenly stood up and protected her.
"Haha, Mom, I'm back!"
Hearing her daughter's playful laughter, Zhang's eyes instantly welled up with tears.
She hugged his thin, weary back with both hands in disbelief.
"My dearest Sangui, you're finally back! I've been waiting for you so long my eyes are practically blurry!"
Zhang's words made Tian Sangui feel a pang of pity. He let go of her hand and looked at the many gray hairs that had appeared at Zhang's temples.
Reaching out to wipe away Zhang's tears, he said, "Mother, I've come back to see you perfectly fine. Let's go inside quickly. I bought you a lot of gifts. Come in and see if you like them!"
Tian Sangui pulled Zhang Shi into the house, and Xiao Li cleverly tied up the oxcart and carried the things into the inner room.
On the way, Zhang complained to Tian Sangui, "Why are you wasting money again? Your mother is getting old, what kind of gift does she need!"
Tian Sangui felt a sweet warmth in his heart as he listened to Zhang's nagging.
Where is Dad?
"I'm busy in the fields, I'll be back tonight!"
"Have the brothers finished work yet?"
Tian Sangui felt quite lonely seeing that the house was empty, as if Zhang Shi was the only one at home.
"They came back a long time ago and went to the fields with your father."
"The fourth and fifth children won't be back until tomorrow!"
Zhang added a sentence.
Tian Sangui nodded, and seeing that Xiao Li was carrying something, he quickly directed him to put it on the table.
"Mother, this is Xiao Li, a waiter from our restaurant. Second Uncle was worried about my safety driving the oxcart, so he asked him to bring me back!"
"Xiao Li, there's hot water on the table. Help yourself to it, just like you're at home. Don't be shy!"
"Madam, you're too kind. I won't stand on ceremony. There are things outside, so I'll have to go now!"
Feeling embarrassed, Xiao Li ran out of the house and moved all the things from the cart into the yard. Then he separated the oxcart and drove it into the yard.
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