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Zhang Lan’s encouragement undoubtedly boosted Mingyuan’s confidence, helping him overcome the inner turmoil caused by Zuo He’s success.
Taking the account book handed over by his daughter, Wang Zhenhe and her began reconciling the accounts. Seeing the sales figures from Wang Xuan’s ventures in the capital, even he couldn’t help but admire her success.
“Daughter, you’re really capable. Your sales figures surpass mine. I guess this year’s bonuses will be quite substantial.”
Wang Zhenhe was surprised by how well his children managed both studying and business. He felt a bit aged, realizing that he couldn’t match the younger generation’s productivity.
After finishing the accounts, Wang Xuan produced a remittance receipt from the post office. “Dad, please check if this money has arrived in the city tomorrow. I sent the money through the post office to avoid any risks while traveling with a large sum. Once you withdraw the money, distribute it to Yang Nuo and the others. It’s almost year-end, and they are probably eager to know how much they’ll receive.”
Wang Zhenhe accepted the remittance receipt. “Alright, we’ll go into the city tomorrow. You and your brother take care of things at home.”
While the family conversed on the heated brick bed, Wang Zhenjiang strolled into the courtyard in a casual manner, which amused Wang Qian.
“Dad, look at Uncle Zhenjiang. He seems like he’s searching for something, as if something of theirs was stolen by our family,” Wang Qian remarked humorously.
At that moment, Zhang Lan suddenly remembered something and slapped her forehead, “Zhenhe, I completely forgot after lunch. I didn’t send the pork dishes over to your Second Brother’s house. Do you think he’s here now because of that?”
The siblings nodded in agreement, suspecting that was indeed the reason. Wang Qian teased, “Dad, look at your good brother. Even if we didn’t send it, he shouldn’t be showing up like this, demanding it. It’s quite unusual.”
Wang Zhenhe expressed some doubt, “It’s unlikely. He’s a grown man. I doubt he’d show up in person just for a meal. There might be another reason.”
Wang Zhenhe wasn’t entirely sure; it was unusual for his Second Brother to visit their house.
Quickly getting up to greet him, Wang Zhenjiang walked slowly in the courtyard, showing interest in how much meat the Third Brother’s family had prepared for the day. He thought about peeking through the window, but Wang Zhenhe came out just in time.
“Second Brother, what wind blew you over here? Come inside and have a seat,” Wang Zhenhe warmly welcomed him.
Wang Qian and Mingyuan watched from the window, feeling a bit uneasy as they observed Wang Zhenjiang’s actions. “He looks like he’s here to visit casually. I can’t shake the feeling that he’s looking for something.”
Mingyuan nodded in agreement, “Yeah, let’s see how he explains it later.”
Wang Zhenhe ushered his Second Brother into the house, where Wang Zhenjiang, seeing the children and his siblings, jovially engaged in small talk with Wang Zhenhe.
“Third Brother, you never invite me to help with the pig slaughter. Every year, I end up eating from your household. I feel embarrassed. By the way, when the eldest brother and his family left, I noticed they took quite a lot of things. Your pigs must be quite fat this year, right?” Wang Zhenjiang said, prompting some suspicion from Wang Qian and Mingyuan. It seemed like their Second Brother couldn’t hold back anymore.
Wang Zhenhe calmly responded, “Oh, our pigs aren’t that big this year. We started late. We’ve been relying on the eldest brother and his family to feed them. Otherwise, we might not even see a pig around. I heard your pigs are quite large this year. The butchers are saying your place is one of the best in the village. I admire your wife’s capabilities. We’ve been busy trying to save for our children’s education. Without my wife, our house would probably be deserted by now.”
Wang Zhenhe wasn’t naive. He understood the implication behind his Second Brother’s words—they were envious of what the eldest brother’s family had, something they lacked.
In previous years, Zhang Lan would always have the children send some food over to their relatives, but today she was so busy that she forgot. Wang Zhenjiang’s persistence on this matter, taking a bite here and there, was usually not a big deal for Wang Zhenhe. However, today he felt a strong aversion. Could it be that he owed them something? Oh, by not sending food over, they had the audacity to come and demand it.
Wang Zhenjiang smiled awkwardly, thinking he could sneakily get more by visiting. Regretfully, it seemed he didn’t check the almanac before leaving the house today.
“Our pig wasn’t even enough for our own family. It’s a shame you weren’t home at the time; otherwise, you could have tasted your sister-in-law’s cooking. Honestly, it’s incredibly delicious. Your sister-in-law’s culinary skills are remarkable,” Wang Zhenjiang praised his wife endlessly, leaving everyone at the table with goosebumps. Wang Qian, who had never interacted much with Wang Zhenjiang, now understood his nature—a man who highly respects and admires his wife, a trait that she found rare and intriguing.
Mingyuan innocently remarked, “Second Uncle, I envy you so much, getting to eat such delicious food every day. Second Aunt is so skilled. I’ll definitely need to try it in the future. By the way, after the New Year, I heard that Brother Shanyue will be proposing soon. Your Second Aunt should definitely cater for the wedding.”
Wang Zhenjiang chuckled, “Haha, Mingyuan, your Second Aunt has back issues; she shouldn’t strain herself. We can manage it ourselves. When we have something delicious, I’ll invite you all over to enjoy it.”
Wang Qian thought to herself, “This Second Uncle is as cunning as a fox.” She decided to avoid dealing with such people in the future. Wang Zhenjiang’s calculating ways made even her feel inadequate in comparison.
With a smile on her face, Wang Qian raised her head and said, “Second Uncle, you probably didn’t know. We practically finished all the blood sausages and pork for lunch today. My mom wanted to save some for you all, but with so many guests over, we had to fill their stomachs, leaving nothing behind. My parents felt guilty about it. Since your family slaughtered a pig today too, it works out well that we don’t need to exchange food back and forth. Let’s each enjoy our own meals. Unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to taste the blood sausages prepared by Second Aunt. You’re truly fortunate to have such a talented wife.”
Wang Qian’s words left Wang Zhenjiang speechless. It was clear he wouldn’t be able to ask for some meat now. Sensing the shift in the conversation, Zhang Lan intervened, “Second Brother, I apologize. The remaining food from the pig slaughter was taken by the guests to enjoy. It’s rare for city folks to have a taste of food cooked in a large pot, so nothing was left at home.”
Zhang Lan’s explanation left Wang Zhenjiang with no room for further excuses. Realizing the futility of the situation, he made a brief excuse and left.
Watching Wang Zhenjiang’s departure, Wang Qian and the others burst into laughter. “Mom, Dad really attracts some extraordinary relatives. If they want to eat, they should just ask straightforwardly. Why beat around the bush and act like everyone else is clueless?”
Wang Zhenhe was exasperated with his Second Brother’s behavior. Someone of his age should know better than to constantly seek small advantages.
Wang Qian, munching on a mango, teasingly suggested, “Dad, let’s treat this Second Uncle as a guest from now on.”
Mingyuan chuckled mischievously, “Dad, how about that,we guessed right this time? Second Uncle really has a way with words, praising his wife like a flower. That’s a skill not many possess.”
Zhang Lan simply smiled at her husband, “Forget it, Zhenhe. If you feel uncomfortable, we can send something over. After all, they’re adults coming all this way. It wouldn’t hurt to offer them something. Otherwise, they might start complaining again in the evening.”
However, Wang Zhenhe shook his head, “Let them be. When the cicadas start chirping, it’s time to plant. Let them say what they want; we’re not relying on them for our livelihood. Taking a bite or two doesn’t matter, but his behavior today was really unacceptable. We shouldn’t indulge this kind of behavior.”
The next day, Wang Zhenhe took his youngest daughter and the account book into the city. Displaying the tropical fruits he brought back in the midst of winter was no small feat. Those selling electronic watches eagerly approached Wang Zhenhe, requesting to sell some of the fruits.
Without hesitation, Wang Zhenhe agreed. With plenty in his space, they could sell some themselves and wholesale the rest, ensuring they recouped all their expenses before the New Year.
The fresh fruits caused a frenzy in the market, with people clamoring for them even more eagerly than they did for fresh vegetables in winter. Those visiting friends and giving gifts found it prestigious to present such fruits.
At noon, Wang Zhenhe went to the post office with his youngest daughter to withdraw all the money sent by his eldest daughter. The staff at the counter, seeing the modest attire of Wang Zhenhe and his daughter, were surprised to see them withdrawing such a substantial amount. However, upon verifying their identification thoroughly, they had no choice but to proceed.
Thanks to Wang Qian’s precious space, after withdrawing the money, Wang Zhenhe had her store it in the space in a secluded place to ensure its safety. Wang Zhenhe couldn’t help but glance back frequently as they walked, prompting a smile from Wang Qian, “Dad, don’t worry. It’s safe with me, like having it in a safe deposit box. No one can steal it from there.”
After ensuring no one was following them, Wang Zhenhe spoke again, “Darling, did you notice all those people in the hall earlier? I’m not afraid of thieves stealing, but I am concerned about them getting ideas. It’s best to be cautious in such matters. Keep a low profile with money matters, and remember that for the future.”
Wang Qian couldn’t help but admire her father at that moment. His thoughtful mindset, especially concerning potential threats, was truly commendable, something she hadn’t considered before. While thieves might not steal the money, the concern was about them causing trouble.
Giving her father a thumbs up, Wang Qian expressed, “Dad, you always think ahead. I truly admire that.”