Chapter 41: Uncle

Hearing his wife, Han Zhizhong nodded. “Okay, you should take your daughter-in-law to thank her properly. Be more careful next time you look after Xiaolei.”

“I know. I was scared.”

Qian Manzhu, remembering her grandson’s purplish face, was still terrified. “But Commander Shen’s wife is really great. Although she’s from the countryside, she’s poised and skilled. She’s a perfect match for him.”

“Shen Huaixu is responsible. He adopted Xiaoliang and Xiaoyan. His new wife is also good. She knew she’d be a mother immediately after marrying Huaixu, but she took on the responsibility.”

“Yes, she’s really good.”

Qian Manzhu praised Tang Xiaorou.  Remembering the rumors, she felt they needed to be more cautious. “Some people are just idle. They gossiped about Commander Shen’s wife and her mother on the first day. Our ideological awareness needs improvement. I’ll hold a meeting to discuss this.”

Han Zhizhong only knew Shen Huaixu had married.  After hearing his wife’s account of Tang Xiaorou’s words, he exclaimed, “Huaixu’s wife is extraordinary!  Those words don’t sound like someone from the countryside.”

“Yes, except for being a little thin, there’s nothing to criticize.”

The next morning, Qian Manzhu and her daughter-in-law, Weng Hongjuan, went to Shen Huaixu’s place.

Weng Hongjuan was from the art troupe. She only learned about her son’s incident last night and was terrified.  After hearing her mother-in-law’s praise of Tang Xiaorou, she was curious about this new military wife.  However, they didn’t see Tang Xiaorou.

“Huaixu, where’s your wife?”

“Auntie, we’ve cleaned the house, so she went shopping.”

Qian Manzhu was disappointed. She gave Shen Huaixu the gift. “When your wife returns, thank her for me.  She’s excellent. Don’t look down on her because her parents are divorced. 

Leaving that father was the right choice.  Taking care of two children after marrying you is hard work. Don’t mistreat her, or I’ll be angry!”

Shen Huaixu smiled slightly.

He didn’t expect Tang Xiaorou to gain everyone’s approval so quickly. He was happy for her.

“Auntie, don’t worry. I’ll treat Xiaorou well.”

On their way back, Weng Hongjuan was slightly disappointed. “I haven’t seen Huaixu’s wife. I wonder what she looks like.”

“She’s a bit thin, but she has good features. With proper care, she’ll be beautiful.”

Qian Manzhu sighed. “She must have been mistreated at home. Otherwise, she’d be a stunning beauty.” She had good judgment and noticed Qin Xueqiong was also pretty.  With better nourishment, they’d be even more beautiful.

Meanwhile, Tang Xiaorou didn’t know about the visit. She was shopping with Yao Bingcheng.  Almost finished, she suggested, “Bingcheng, since we’re here, let’s go see your Grandma’s house.”

Yao Bingcheng was eager to see what kind of house his great-grandmother had left for his grandmother.

After storing their purchases, they went to the old street. “This is the address on the deed.”

Seeing the ancient and imposing gate, Yao Bingcheng’s eyes widened. “This… is this Great-Grandma’s house? The wall seems endless!”

Tang Xiaorou nodded. “Yes, it’s endless. The inside must be huge. Let’s go in.”

Before they could enter, someone went inside, carrying furniture.

“Wait…”

Yao Bingcheng rushed forward. “Who are you? Why do you have the key?”

The people glared at Yao Bingcheng. “Kid, this is private property. Get lost.”

Yao Bingcheng’s face turned red. “It’s private property, but it’s my grandmother’s house! Leave!”

The people looked at each other, unimpressed by the boy.

“Don’t talk big. Just because you say it’s your grandmother’s doesn’t make it so. I could say it’s mine!” He spat and tried to enter.

Tang Xiaorou stepped in front of Yao Bingcheng. “Sir, is this house occupied?”

The man glanced at Tang Xiaorou. “It’s not occupied yet, but it will be soon.  Leave before you get hurt.”

Yao Bingcheng wanted to go forward but was stopped by Tang Xiaorou.

“Sister?”

Yao Bingcheng looked at Tang Xiaorou, confused.

“Don’t rush. Let’s find out what’s going on.”

Yao Bingcheng nodded and didn’t press further.

At the land registry, they inquired about the house’s ownership. “Comrade, this is the deed to our house. We were out of town and just returned to find it occupied. Can we report this to the police?”

The clerk looked at the deed and frowned. It was that garden.

He said after a pause, “This property is no longer in your name.”

“Impossible! It’s my grandmother’s house! The deed is here! How can it not be in her name?!” Yao Bingcheng was agitated.

The clerk said coldly, “It’s not in your grandmother’s name. Leave.”

Yao Bingcheng tried to argue, but Tang Xiaorou stopped him.  “Bingcheng, calm down. Let’s go outside.”

Yao Bingcheng knew they shouldn’t act rashly, so he calmed down and followed Tang Xiaorou.  But before they left, they saw a familiar face.

Everyone in the office stood up.

Tang Xiaorou noticed this and stepped forward. “Uncle, you’re here!”