As night fell, Xu Mengyao lay in bed, her mind replaying Jin Liang's words. She thought she had to quickly find a way out for her uncle and her younger uncle's families, so that everyone could be self-reliant and live a more comfortable life. Otherwise, living under someone else's roof would be a psychological burden for everyone.
The next morning, Huang's father, carrying the fruits and other gifts prepared by Huang's grandmother and his aunt, accompanied the mother and daughter on the bus to the city. When they arrived at Qi's house, their grandmother and grandfather were picking beans in the yard to prepare lunch. Seeing their youngest daughter and her family arrive, they quickly stood up to greet them.
Grandpa and Huang's father talked about the past few months. Huang's mother and grandmother were busy in the kitchen preparing lunch, and asked the three sisters to go out and buy some braised vegetables and white wine. At the dinner table, Grandpa patted Huang's father on the shoulder:
"Son-in-law, if you are willing to let Fengxia and her daughter take us old couple to live here at this time, your mother-in-law and I will remember your kindness in our hearts."
"Dad and Mom, don't say that. Just stay here peacefully. Fengxia will be relieved, and the children and I will be happy too."
Mr. Huang and Grandpa became happier and happier as they talked, and drank the whole bottle of white wine. Both of them were slightly tipsy and were helped into the house by their wives to take a nap. Soon, snoring sounds came from the house one after another.
Huang's mother and Xu Mengyao were busy washing dishes, Huang Wenrong was sweeping the floor, and the three of them were talking in low voices with occasional chuckles.
"Mom," Xu Mengyao said, "Uncle and his two families won't be able to return home for a while. What are your plans? Or will you continue to live with them?"
Huang's mother put down the bowl in her hand and sighed:
"Alas, I also know that this is not a long-term solution. Ever since I married your father, we have been living alone. Now there are so many people in the house, and everything we do is uncomfortable. But I can't let them move out, otherwise your father and your grandmother will blame me."
Xu Mengyao couldn't help feeling distressed when she saw her mother's appearance.
"Mom, have you ever thought about moving out on our own?" she suggested.
Huang's mother was stunned for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "What did you say? We move out on our own?"
Xu Mengyao nodded. "Well, my eldest brother is in the army now, so we sisters usually live with Grandma Qi. If you really feel it's inconvenient, you can move here and live with us."
"This..." Huang's mother was obviously moved by this proposal.
"Of course I'd like to live with my parents and children. But your dad wouldn't agree. Although we have Shaozi and his family to help look after our snack bar, the breakfast stall at the school gate is all run by me. If we move to the city, what will happen to the business?"
Xu Mengyao smiled and reminded, "Mom, don't forget, we still have six shops that haven't opened yet. If you want to do business, you can do it in the city, and there will be more people flowing in, so business may be better. Let them do the business in the mining area. Of course, you need to have a good talk with Dad about this matter."
Huang's mother nodded and fell into deep thought.
In the evening, Huang's father woke from a nap. The sun was setting outside the window. His wife and mother-in-law were picking vegetables and chatting in the yard. Seeing him awake, his father-in-law offered him a glass of boiled water and warmly invited him to stay overnight and return the next morning. His youngest daughter excitedly pulled him aside, saying that the city was bustling at night, with lights on everywhere, and they could go out for a walk together.
Huang's father saw that his wife was in no hurry to go home, so he agreed to let her stay. After dinner, the family took a walk nearby. The three daughters greeted the neighbors familiarly, and Wenxia excitedly chased a Pekingese dog.
Everyone walked to the entrance of the union, talking and laughing, and happened to come across a free open-air movie. The small square was already full of people, and everyone stopped to watch.
Father Huang saw a small stall selling popsicles not far away and suggested buying some popsicles to help everyone cool down.
Huang's mother followed suit and said, "I'll go with you."
On the way, Huang's mother hesitated and said, "Actually... I have something I want to tell you."
Father Huang turned around and smiled, "What's wrong? Why are you hesitating? Just tell me what you want to say."
Huang's mother took a deep breath and said, "I want to move to the city."
Huang's father stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Huang's mother: "What are you going to do?"
"Don't be angry, listen to me. Our house isn't big to begin with, and now with so many people crammed in, we have to queue every day just to use the restroom. Jinliang and Yinliang are still living in the living room, and winter is coming soon. I'm sure they won't be able to bear sleeping on the floor."
It's not that I can't tolerate them. I've been married to you for over a decade, and I understand the importance of family support. But you feel uncomfortable meeting your brother and sister-in-law every day after taking a shower, and my younger brother, my two nephews, and I are even more uncomfortable." She tried to keep her tone calm.
Huang's father listened to his wife's words, and his anger gradually subsided. He opened his mouth, wanting to refute but not knowing what to say, so he said stubbornly:
"You can't just move away! What will they think if you leave? What will mom think? And what about the snack bar business? You can't just abandon it, right?"
Huang's mother shook her head:
"We can continue our business in the city! Uncle Qi's yard is big enough for our family to live in. Wenjuan bought a shop here. She said there's a lot of traffic here, and maybe business will be even better. Our mother is here with the mining business, so she can lead them."
Huang's father put his hands behind his back and walked around in circles, looking very anxious:
"What am I going to do if you leave? Don't you even think about me? I finally brought you all out of your hometown to reunite with your family, and now you think you can make money? You don't want to live with me anymore?"
Huang's mother was hurt by Huang's father's words. She argued softly:
"I never thought so! I just wanted us to live alone. You can come here by bike or bus on your way to work, and I thought of you, so I thought we should live together. You said it's been a long time since your brother and his family came here. Aren't you afraid that someone will hear you holding it in at night?"
Huang's father became angry and said, "What are you talking about? I just don't agree! Don't follow me! I'll buy it myself." After saying that, he strode away.
Huang's mother sighed and returned to her family. A while later, Huang's father bought some popsicles and distributed them to everyone. Xu Mengyao and Huang Wenrong both noticed that the atmosphere between their parents was not right.
On the way home, Huang Wenrong whispered to his mother, "Mom, what happened?"
Huang's mother shook her head and said, "Your father doesn't agree with us moving to the city."
"Why don't you agree?"
Huang's mother conveyed the gist of her husband's words to her daughter:
"He said it's not appropriate for me to move out. He's worried your grandma and his family will think we're despising them. He also said that now that I can earn money, I don't want to live with him anymore."
Xu Mengyao thought for a while and said, "Mom, let's not rush. Dad may feel that this is sudden and he needs time to accept it. I'll find a time to have a good talk with Dad and slowly convince him."
Huang Wenrong also agreed: "Yes, Dad might be worried that grandma and the others will feel uncomfortable after we move out. We just need to explain it to grandma clearly."
After hearing this, Huang's mother felt a little relieved: "You are right. Let's find a chance to talk to him after we get home."
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