Chapter 39: The Gift

Xu Muzhou was the most accomplished young man in the alley. When people heard he was home for the New Year, nearby families started scheming a bit.

If their daughters could marry into the Xu family, wouldn’t they inherit the parents’ jobs? Nowadays, jobs were a one in one out deal, Xu Muzhou wouldn’t use those positions, so passing them to the in laws seemed perfectly reasonable. Besides jobs, their courtyard house was quite spacious. If the young couple stayed in the Northwest, the Xu parents wouldn’t need the whole place, and they could either live in the Northwest themselves in retirement or consider what to do with the courtyard it was obvious.

So, from the very first day of the New Year, many people came to their home to visit.

Xu’s mother wondered if their doorstep would be worn down by all the visits.

“Where’s your Xiaozhou? I haven’t seen him around,” one neighbor asked.

“Oh, he went out to mail a letter.”

“On holiday and still so busy?”

“You know young people he’s writing to a girl he likes. He writes a letter every day and goes to mail it on time. I haven’t seen him so serious, even back when he was studying.”

“What? Xiaozhou’s got a girlfriend? How come I never heard of it?”

“It’s a recent thing, but at first, she didn’t want to date him.”

The neighbors were shocked. What kind of high standards must this girl have to turn down Xu Muzhou? After all, the Xu family was prime.

Not only was Xu Muzhou tall and handsome, but he had an exceptionally attractive face how could someone turn him down?

“And now, she’s willing to date him?”

“Seems like it.”

“Looks like we’ll be toasting at your family’s wedding next year!”

“Thank you for the blessing.”

Xu’s mother’s words spread, and soon everyone knew Xu Muzhou was interested in someone. Their schemes thwarted, fewer people visited over the next few days.

Near the end of the holiday, Xu Muzhou made a trip to the Friendship Store before heading back to the Northwest. He had heard that in Beijing, some people gave chocolate as a romantic gift, so he paid a premium to trade for some foreign exchange coupons to buy a box of imported chocolate for Xiao Qingru.

Holding it protectively, he wondered if Qingru would like it.

He also bought three roast ducks one to leave at home and the other two to take to the Xiao family.

The weather was cold this season, so they’d keep well for a couple of days.

“Just two roast ducks to bring back for her family?” His mother looked at him, perplexed. How could her son be so stingy?

“Two roast ducks really? That’s all you’re giving?”

“There’s no need for more, or Qingru might feel pressured. I can bring more next time.”

Mrs. Xu patted her forehead, “I must be getting old and forgetful. Then, after it’s all settled, I’ll send her some specialties from Beijing.”

“Alright, go back now.”

Goodbyes are always bittersweet. On the way to the station, Mrs. Xu teased him, telling him to hurry back to the Northwest and win over her future daughter in law.

But now she couldn’t hold back her emotions.

Nose tingling, her eyes began to tear up.

“Why are you crying? Once he’s back in the Northwest, he might bring our daughter in law home soon. That’s something to celebrate.”

She wiped her eyes. “You’re right.”

“Son, we’ll be waiting for good news at home.”

Xu Muzhou waved, saying nothing. All feelings left unspoken.

After he disappeared from view, Mrs. Xu’s tears fell again. Even Mr. Xu felt a pang of sadness.

When their child was little, they had to work long hours to make ends meet, and he would sit by the door, waiting for them. Now he was grown, and it was their turn to wait for him to come home.

After standing for a long while, Mr. Xu said, “Let’s go home.”

“Yes, let’s.”

Back at home, Mrs. Xu began tidying up Xu Muzhou’s room from his short stay.

She planned to put away the bedding so it could be aired occasionally and reused next year.

As she rolled up the blankets, she found a wad of cash hidden underneath exactly 2,000 yuan.

“Did he empty his pockets leaving so much behind?”

“Pilots have different allowances. That 2,000 is about half a year’s allowance. Since he left it for you, just keep it.”

“Alright. I’ll give it to our daughter in law when they get married.”

Two thousand yuan was a hefty sum. Since they both worked, they couldn’t keep it at home, and taking it to the factory wasn’t an option. The safest place was the bank.

So Mrs. Xu made another trip to the bank to deposit the money for peace of mind.