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As the meal was served, everyone’s mouths watered. There was a noticeable difference between the big and small fish, especially the fatty fish belly. Zhang Lan gave Zuo He a piece of the fatty fish belly and said, “Zuo He, eat more. After we’re full, we’ll take the meal to Grandpa.”
After the siblings finished their meal, Zhang Lan packed the meal for Grandpa Zuo and asked Mingcheng to carry the basket with his siblings. She stayed behind to help Zuo He pack his things.
She picked some tomatoes, cucumbers, bok choy, and spinach from their vegetable garden and tied them with a hemp rope for Zuo He to take home. Seeing the fish in the bucket and the large piece of fish left behind, Zuo He understood what was happening. He placed the fish beside the basket, planning to take it out when they were ready to leave, so it wouldn’t spoil on the way home.
Upon seeing the items they brought, Grandpa Zuo noticed that the meal was different that day. Not only was there a large piece of fish, but there were also about ten roasted water buffaloes on the side. Even Zuo He couldn’t help but admire his aunt’s thoughtfulness.
“Grandpa, I caught this fish in the morning. It weighed over twenty pounds. Please try it and see if it’s different,” Zuo He said proudly.
As Grandpa Zuo ate from the plate, he couldn’t help but praise, “This water buffalo is really good. I haven’t had it in decades. I must taste it today.”
After taking a bite, he seemed to be savoring the flavor, evoking memories. “Yes, it’s delicious. It tastes just like it did back then.”
After another bite of the fish caught by his grandson, he nodded in approval. “Yes, the big fish is still delicious and fatty. Well done, Zuo He.”
Excited to hear Grandpa’s praise, Zuo He said, “Grandpa, now that you’ve eaten, you won’t be hungry tonight.”
The realization of hunger was a new experience for the children who had been pampered in the past. This made Grandpa Zuo feel a little uncomfortable, but he still patted his grandson’s face. “Zuo He, with you, Qianqian, and the others here to take care of me, I’m already feeling much better. You and Grandma should take care of yourselves in the city, so I can be at ease.”
Zuo He’s mindset had changed since he first arrived. He understood the meaning behind Grandpa’s words and nodded in understanding.
After the meal, Grandpa Zuo returned the way they came. The siblings and Zuo He followed suit, preparing to take him to the bus stop after stopping at their house.
On their way back, the siblings saw Wang Zhi leading a middle-aged woman and a young girl home. When they noticed the siblings, they didn’t even bother to acknowledge them. The siblings also ignored the heartless young girl as they passed by.
Wang Xuan found it strange. She had never seen this relative before.
“Sis, I think that’s the girl being introduced to Wang Zhenguo. But did you see the look in her eyes? If they end up together, I’ll be very interested to see how it turns out,” Wang Xuan said.
The others understood after hearing her explanation. They realized that this was the woman who had been introduced to Wang Zhenguo a few days ago.
While others may not have noticed, Wang Qian had a clear view. She could tell that the woman was not a kind-hearted person. Her eyes revealed too much, and even though she appeared calm on the surface, Wang Qian was certain that the days ahead for the Wang family would be eventful.
Wang Xuan was worried and had a concerned look on her face. “Brother, I hope she’s not here to cause trouble for our family again.”
The siblings were wary of Wang Zhenhe’s family and Mingcheng’s tone was resolute. “If he dares, we’ll just have to endure. He won’t be able to lay a finger on us. He’s taken advantage of us for too long. It’s time to put an end to it. Let’s tell Mom when we get home, so she can be prepared.”
Zuo He, unafraid of causing trouble, chimed in, “Mingcheng, count me in if there’s a fight. I want to teach those bad guys in your family a lesson too.”
Zuo He had heard some details about the Wang family from Mingyuan, so he was eager to avenge his sister, Wang Qian.
“Good brother, I won’t forget your help,” Mingyuan said, embracing Zuo He. He also had a strong desire to fight. The previous incident had left a mark on his young heart, and he had been blaming himself for not being there with his brother.
After returning home, Mingcheng told his mother about what he had seen outside. Seeing the children’s worried expressions, Zhang Lan comforted them, saying, “It’s okay. Their family’s affairs have nothing to do with us. We just need to take care of ourselves. I don’t know what your father is thinking, but he won’t be able to take advantage of me in the future. With you all here, I’m not afraid.”
Zuo He cleverly said, “Auntie, even if there’s a fight, I’m not afraid. My grandpa is here, and he’s really good at fighting. With me here, they won’t dare to bully you.”
Zuo He’s words greatly pleased Zhang Lan, and she embraced the child tenderly. “Yes, Auntie is not afraid. With you here, I’m not worried. Look, I’ve prepared everything for you. Later, Mingcheng and the others will take you to the station. Qianqian, make sure to tell the ticket seller to take good care of Zuo He.”
After taking care of Zuo He, the four siblings escorted him to the station. The bus arrived shortly after, and it was the same woman as before. Wang Qian easily made a request, and the young woman readily agreed, even arranging for Zuo He to sit next to her.
Upon their return home, they unexpectedly saw Wang Zhi approaching. She had been sent by the elderly lady to have Wang Zhenhe and his wife meet Wang Zhenguo’s potential partner and discuss some matters.
Wang Zhenhe, with a stoic expression, said, “Wang Zhi, don’t come to our house again. I don’t have such a ruthless sister. Leave now, before I lose my temper.”
Wang Zhi was taken aback by his attitude. Her brother had always been obedient, and although he had lost his temper last time, it had never been like this. She felt like she was losing control.
Her face immediately showed a look of distress. “Brother, you’ve scolded and yelled at me, and your anger should be gone by now. I’m your own sister. You can’t treat me like this.”
Wang Zhenhe’s impatience was growing, and his cousin’s words and what he had heard that day were still fresh in his mind. “Wang Zhi, get out of this yard right now, or I’ll take action,” he said, picking up the bamboo broom that was leaning against the window and gesturing to strike. Wang Zhi, always being who she was, had already fled the scene. She couldn’t bear such a situation.
The four siblings couldn’t help but cheer on their father. “Dad, well done. That’s how you deal with people who have no shame,” they said.
Wang Zhenhe looked at his children somewhat helplessly. “You little rascals, you seem to enjoy fighting. Am I the kind of person who forgets easily? I know why your aunt came today. I don’t want to get involved in their family affairs anymore. Let them do as they please. With you all here, I’m content.”
At this moment, Wang Zhenhe truly didn’t want to experience the pain of losing his wife and children. Once was enough. He had dragged his wife so far away, what else could he expect? There was no place for family affection in the hearts of these people, so what was there to worry about?
“By the way, wife, do we have any money? I want to buy some alcohol and cigarettes for the work team. That way, Grandpa Zuo can relax a bit. At least it will allow him to get some fresh air. It’s not good for him to keep busying around the production team’s courtyard all the time,” Wang Zhenhe said.
Wang Zhenhe finally understood that no matter how good he was to his own family, it was not as good as the treatment received by these two families. Seeing the items Zuo He had brought for them, he couldn’t help but make comparisons in his mind.
He had bought so many things for his siblings over the years, but he hadn’t seen any return. Instead, they had intensified the torment of his family. Amidst his heartache, he felt that the old man was someone worth befriending. He didn’t have any other thoughts, but he felt that the kind old lady was worth visiting.
Zhang Lan got up to get some money. She and her daughter had made quite a bit of money on their last trip to the city. If they went a few more times and received their dividends, their family wouldn’t be far from overcoming their hardships. So, she didn’t object to helping Grandpa Zuo, especially considering the old lady and Zuo He. She felt they deserved some extra care.
Buying two bottles of alcohol and two packs of cigarettes wouldn’t cost much, so Zhang Lan took out five yuan for her husband. This amount would be enough for the purchases.
Wang Zhenhe took the money and went out to make the purchases. The women sat in the warm sunshine, enjoying their conversation. Wang Qian wished this warmth could last forever.
However, this peaceful atmosphere was soon disrupted by the arrival of Wang Juan. “Sister-in-law, why aren’t you there?” she asked, seeing Zhang Lan and the children basking in the sun.
“Come and sit with us. Why would I go? I don’t want to see them. I’ve seen through those people. By the way, did you go there or did you not bother at all?” Zhang Lan asked.
Wang Juan smiled and said, “Why would I go and join the fun? What does their search for a daughter-in-law have to do with us? They woudn’t listen to what we say. So, I didn’t bother at all. Your elder brother went, but I doubt it’s anything good. Tell me, after so many years of marriage, has the old lady ever invited us over for anything good? I’ve learned from your experience. I’ll keep my distance in the future. They are all a bunch of hypocrites. I won’t trust those wolves in sheep’s clothing. By the way, I came to tell you that my mother’s family has gosling and duckling for sale. Do you want any?”
“Yes, I was just thinking of buying some, and now I’ll buy from your mother’s place. Sister-in-law, please prepare ten geese and ten ducks for me. They should be females. They can lay eggs and we can sell them, and it will also improve the situation for the children,” Zhang Lan replied.
After finalizing the purchase of the ducks and geese, the sisters-in-law chatted in the yard for a while before heading off to work together. The siblings went about their tasks, collecting firewood and wild vegetables. In order to provide some extra nutrition for the family’s chickens, the sisters also caught some small fish in the river.