It's the start of another school year.
Jianshu welcomed a friend whom I hadn’t seen for a long time.
"Sister Xiufang, when will you and Tiedan arrive? I'll pick you up at the station then."
Wu Xiufang's cheerful voice came from the other end of the phone, "No need, we'll come find you when we're settled."
"Yes, I have. I have already prepared all the rooms at home and am waiting for you to come. I will take you to climb the Great Wall and see Tiananmen Square."
I don't know what was said on the other end, but Jianshu finally smiled.
The two chatted for a while before hanging up the phone.
A few days later, Jianshu got up early in the morning to make preparations. Knowing that her friend was coming, Aunt He used her best skills to prepare a table full of delicious dishes.
The soup was cooking on the stove. Seeing that the time was almost up, Jianshu drove to the train station to pick someone up.
"Oh, what are you carrying? Why are they so heavy?" Looking at the large and small bags at the feet of the mother and son, she went over to help, but she couldn't lift them.
Wu Xiufang smiled and said, "It's nothing special. I just brought you some local specialties from home. They're all our favorites, so don't be disgusted."
"That's being too polite." Jian Shu shook his head helplessly.
Seeing Tiedan carrying things on his shoulders and holding them in his hands, he quickly called out, "Hurry up and put them on the car. They are growing at this stage, don't crush them."
"He's already tall enough, but he shouldn't grow any taller."
"The last time I saw him, he was only up to my chest, and now he's already a head taller than me."
"Of course I do. Now I have to look up when I talk to him."
We chatted and laughed all the way back home. Although we hadn't seen each other for a few years, we didn't feel unfamiliar with each other. It was very gratifying to meet old friends again.
Aunt He heard the noise and came out of the house. "You're back. I'll go cook first. We'll be eating soon."
Jianshu introduced both parties and said hello. Then Aunt He gave some space to the people who had reunited after a long time and went into the kitchen to get ready.
Jianshu took Wu Xiufang's hand and walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa.
"Tiedan, stop working so hard. Leave the things there and clean them up later. Come over and rest for a while." Seeing Tiedan sweating profusely, Jianshu waved at him.
Comrade Wu Xiufang brought a lot of things with her, and it looked like she was tired because of the children.
"Hey!" Tiedan responded, piled the things in the corner, and walked over.
Wu Xiufang looked around and asked, "Where's Yiyi? Why can't I see her?"
Jianshu pushed the fruit plate towards Tiedan and said, "She went to class. She had lunch at her teacher's house and will be back in the evening."
"Isn't it summer vacation? School starts so early."
"No, she's learning violin with her teacher. She gave up for a while a while ago, and she's a lot less skilled this time. She's been dragged into making up for it."
"She's so patient at such a young age. The one at my home, when asked to learn some talents, it's like going to the execution ground. She comes back after learning for two months." Wu Xiufang couldn't help but complain.
"Mom, be careful that my sister might hear you and make trouble again." Tiedan said while trying to hold back his laughter.
Wu Xiufang raised her eyebrows. "Did I lie? Isn't this the truth?"
She was overwhelmed by the thought. Her daughter had been overbearing since she was little, more like a son than a son. She had no talent or skills, but was adept at fighting and causing trouble. It really made her wonder if there was something wrong with her upbringing.
"Children have different personalities and like different things. It's not bad for Yaya to be like this. At least she doesn't have to worry about being bullied in the future." Jianshu comforted with a smile.
Over the years, when she corresponded with Wu Xiufang, she would mention Yaya eight out of ten times. Even though they were not together, she still had some understanding of the little girl's deeds of standing up for justice and being brave and righteous.
"I'm not afraid of her being bullied, I'm afraid of her bullying others. What should I do if she beats up her son-in-law in the future and someone comes to me to return the goods?" Wu Xiufang looked worried.
With her daughter like this, she was really afraid that she wouldn't be able to get married.
In her area, everyone knows about her domineering daughter.
"Pfft—not really." Jian Shu wiped his mouth. "Outsiders may not know, but you don't know. When has Yaya ever deliberately caused trouble? If she really beat someone up, it must be because the other person did something bad."
"That's right, if we really need to return the goods, we should be the ones to do so!" Tiedan nodded in agreement.
Although he often quarrels with his sister, he is the only one who can bully his sister.
Wu Xiufang glared at him, "And you said that she's like this now because of you! You always help to conceal it, afraid that I will teach her a lesson. So you will spoil her for the rest of her life!"
"It's a good thing for brothers and sisters to be harmonious. It's much better than those families fighting each other like black chicken eyes. Just look at other families and be happy." Jian Shu stuffed a piece of cut watermelon into her hand.
"Harmonious? I think they are in cahoots with each other!" However, having said that, Wu Xiufang's expression softened.
Tiedan next to her lowered her head as if she was being scolded, but when her mother wasn't paying attention, she secretly winked at Jianshu.
It’s so funny to read Jianshu, this family!
Although the mother was not polite, she actually agreed in her heart.
It has been four or five years since we last met. Wu Xiufang looks a little healthier, and it's obvious that she has been doing well in recent years.
The children are getting older, and I no longer have to worry about them every day like I did when they were little. Captain Zhao's career is flourishing after his retirement, and Wu Xiufang is respected by everyone she goes out to.
With the help of Jianshu, she used her family savings to buy several houses and opened a small shop in front of the school, earning a lot of money every month.
I can’t say I’m extremely rich, but I do have a lot of money.
"Are all the kids doing well? Calculating the time, Shitou will graduate next year. What are your plans?"
The Zhao family has four children. The eldest was admitted to university a few years ago, but his scores were not high, so he chose a school in his own province. The second child took the exam for two years but failed, so he joined the army directly.
The third child, Yaya, was the only girl in the family. Originally, Wu Xiufang wanted to keep her by her side, but the child was very independent and secretly applied for a school in the south. This made Wu Xiufang very angry at the time.
Fortunately, this child has loved wielding swords and guns since he was young, and his fighting skills are not low, so his parents can feel a little more at ease.
The youngest is the fourth child Tiedan. He has been smart since he was young and likes acting. Jianshu once said a joke: If this child goes into acting when he grows up, he will definitely be a best actor.
Now the joke has half come true. Tiedan has enrolled in the Film Academy in Beijing and will be an entertainer in the future.
Wu Xiufang was delighted. "That's great. Shitou has a girlfriend at school. I've seen her. She's a good girl, and her in-laws are also very nice. We've agreed that they'll get married after graduation. If you have time, you can come to the wedding."
"Is Shitou dating someone? That's great. I'll definitely go there and give a big red envelope to the two kids." Jianshu was also happy for her.
Starting a family and building a career is a great joyous event. Who knows, in two years we might have a new baby in the family.
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