Chapter 39

The In-Laws Visit

Hu Xiu, the most considerate of them all, prepared a large feast.

When the three returned home, a delicious meal was already on the table.

Hu Xiu smiled and said, “Go wash your hands; it’s time to eat.”

Grandma’s cooking was excellent. The rich aroma made Lin Ting sniff involuntarily, and her hunger grew stronger.

She went to the kitchen to fetch water and said, “Mom, sit down. I’ll serve the rice.”

Hu Xiu smiled and went to settle the children.

As the family ate, they talked about the changes in their hometown over the past one or two months.

Most of the conversation was between Hu Xiu, who asked questions, and Lin Wei, who answered them.

After eating, Hu Xiu sighed. “It’s been less than two months since we left, but so much has changed back home. It feels like a long time has passed.”

Lin Ting paused while wiping a child’s mouth.

Huo Xiaoze, who was clearing the dishes, asked, “Mom, do you want to go back with Second Brother when he returns? I can arrange for someone to take you.”

Hu Xiu was touched by her son’s thoughtfulness but quickly waved her hands. “Forget it. The car ride is too long. I was just talking.”

Huo Xiao, as a regimental officer, had three rooms allocated to him. Since Hu Xiu slept with the children, one room remained empty.

However, there was no spare bed.

So, after cleaning up, Huo Xiao went out to borrow a folding bed.

Hu Xiu, understanding that the siblings might want to talk privately, took the twins out for a walk.

A few minutes later, only Lin Ting and Lin Wei remained in the room.

Lin Ting took the chance to ask about their eldest sister.

Lin Wei sipped his tea and replied slowly, “The Zhao family has a labor camp^[1]a forced labor facility for re-education or punishment. prisoner. He made trouble for a few days, but now he’s hiding. No one will bother us again.”

What he didn’t mention was that the Zhao family had been intimidated into silence after his visit to “reason” with them.

For example, he asked whether the Zhao family’s complaints meant they were dissatisfied with the organization’s judgment. That alone was enough to frighten them.

After all, Zhao Kai had already been publicly humiliated—paraded through the streets with a half-shaved head before being sent to labor camp. That was enough of a warning.

The Zhao family had originally hoped to leave him a son to care for him in old age. But after this warning, they knew better than to cause more trouble.

Lin Ting wasn’t naïve. Even if her brother didn’t say everything, she could guess what had happened.

But since he didn’t elaborate, she pretended not to know. Still, she reminded him, “The world outside is chaotic, and Eldest Sister is very beautiful. I’m afraid she’ll attract unwanted attention.”

Lin Wei shared her concerns.

In past years, it wasn’t a big issue, but after traveling the country, he had seen many things. Many beautiful women had drawn the wrong kind of attention.

For now, their eldest sister had stayed home, but that couldn’t last forever.

After hearing Lin Wei’s worries, Lin Ting also felt uneasy. She knew this period of turmoil was only just beginning.

One reason she had quickly accepted her marriage was because Huo Xiao was a soldier.

And fortunately… Huo Xiao was a good man.

With no better solution, Lin Ting sighed and said, “Let me know if anything happens.”

Lin Wei smiled. “Of course. By the way, Secretary Wang is planning a trial program for rabbit farming.”

Lin Ting had been thinking about this for a long time. “Which brigade is the trial in?”

Lin Wei answered, “Xiangyang Brigade. But they haven’t decided who will manage it yet. We’re waiting for the rabbits to arrive from Huacheng.”

“That’s good,” Lin Ting said in relief. “I’ll be going to Shengli Brigade later. Secretary Wang agreed. If our parents are interested, they can sign up. Dad can read, so he could be a record keeper.”

Lin Wei smiled. “I know.”

While the siblings chatted about family matters, Hu Xiu, who had just stepped outside, was surrounded by military wives.

The reason? They were fascinated by the handsome newcomer.

It wasn’t that they had never seen attractive men. Captain Huo was a rare beauty himself.

However, Huo Xiao always maintained a serious and cold demeanor in front of others, making him seem unapproachable.

Lin Wei was different. His sharp features, fair skin, and perpetually smiling peach blossom eyes made women blush and their hearts race.

Who wouldn’t want to steal a second glance?

Seeing Hu Xiu now, I had to ask him about her.

I wanted to know what the guy does, how old he is, and whether he has a partner.

Hu Xiu was confused by all the questions and only managed to answer a few. In the end, he chuckled, “Xiao Lin is just visiting Tingting. He’ll leave in four or five days. Are you trying to be a matchmaker?”

A military family member disagreed, “What’s the big deal? We have to return to our parents’ home every few years anyway. Marrying far away isn’t that different. As long as the man is excellent, distance doesn’t matter.”

This statement received a lot of agreement.

Hu Xiu…

Night.

Lin Ting returned to her room after showering.

She thought she would fall asleep quickly, but every time she closed her eyes, she recalled her mother-in-law’s sigh during dinner.

When Huo Xiao entered after his shower, he saw his wife rolling around on the bed.

He laughed, “What’s going on?”

Lin Ting’s eyes lit up. She sat up cross-legged and asked, “Did you use hot water?” She reached out her hand to check.

Huo Xiao smiled and let her feel his arm. With his other hand, he pulled a thin blanket over her. Although it was already April, mornings and evenings were still chilly, and it was easy to catch a cold.

After confirming the warmth, Lin Ting was satisfied and reminded him, “Use hot water from now on.”

“Okay, I’ll listen to you.” Huo Xiao took off his shoes and lay down beside her. He hugged her, kissed her a few times, and then asked, “Did Second brother say how long he’s staying?”

Lin Ting nuzzled against his neck, making him laugh from the tickling. She adjusted her position and replied, “Four or five days.”

Huo Xiao thought for a moment. “Tomorrow is Sunday. Let’s take the kids to the city and show Second brother around Tianjin.”

Lin Ting liked the idea but hesitated when she considered the traffic conditions.

Noticing her reluctance, Huo Xiao reassured her, “Don’t worry about the car. You can ask the brigade commander to borrow one. We’ll pay for the gas.”

“Will that be a problem?”

“No. People do it all the time. It’s fine.”

Lin Ting smiled. “Great! The kids will love it… Oh, let’s take some pictures of the twins.”

Thinking of the twins’ biological grandfather, who was exiled somewhere, she added, “Why don’t we take two photos every year from now on?”

Huo Xiao immediately understood her reasoning. His heart softened, and he kissed her forehead. “Okay. We should also buy gifts for your parents and have my second brother take them back.”

“Good idea! I’ll use my salary to buy something for my mom too…” Lin Ting suddenly recalled her mother-in-law’s sigh at dinner.

“Are you sleepy?” Huo Xiao asked, noticing her pause.

Lin Ting shook her head, looked at her husband, and hesitated before saying, “Should we help Mom find a job?”