Chapter 194

A week later, Wu Tong and his family moved out as scheduled. Before leaving, he repeatedly apologized and thanked Su Xiaoxiao and her family. Throughout the week, Wu Tong had been studying the review materials provided by Su Xiaoxiao, and now he was completely impressed by Su Xiaoxiao’s family. He promised to work hard to pass the college entrance examination; otherwise, he wouldn’t be worthy of the materials she had provided. He also promised to return them on time after the exam.

Su Xiaoxiao urged him not to put too much pressure on himself, to relax, and to do his best.

The renovation of their courtyard continued with the help of everyone. It was identical to the Su Xiaoxiao family’s, right down to the wall paintings. Xiao Doubao even painted a self-portrait of himself and the twins on Zhuzi’s kang. Apart from his sister’s slightly longer hair and a bigger smile, everything looked like a copied and pasted version of the Han family’s courtyard.

Life in the capital remained the same, mundane yet busy day after day. The two families hadn’t gathered for a long time.

On this particular day, the owner of “Three Meals, Four Seasons” decided to close for a day, and everyone went to Zhuzi’s housewarming party.

When the Han family arrived, Grandpa Zhang’s expression looked strange as he called Su Xiaoxiao and Han Cheng into a room.

“You may need to be mentally prepared,” Grandpa Zhang said.

Su Xiaoxiao and Han Cheng exchanged a glance, wondering what they needed to prepare for.

Grandpa Zhang didn’t beat around the bush and said directly: “Recently, a woman in her forties or fifties has been frequently visiting your old house. I suspect your uncle may be preparing to remarry.”

Su Xiaoxiao was stunned, and neither she nor Han Cheng had ever considered this possibility.

Grandpa Zhang continued, “I’ve asked him to come over. When he arrives, maybe you can inquire about his situation?”

He sighed, “When people get old, they will feel lonely. Finding a companion is understandable. If you feel uncomfortable discussing this with your elders, I can do it for you. It’s also important to investigate the background of this woman. See if she also genuinely wants to find a companion or has other hidden motives. I don’t need to say more; your courtyard has caught many people’s attention over the years.”

Su Xiaoxiao thought to herself that if people knew there was gold buried at the bottom of the pond, there would probably be even more people who would covet their land.

But Grandpa Zhang didn’t get a chance to ask, as Han Songbai directly brought the person over.

As the saying goes, “Three days apart will allow one to see the difference.” Compared to when he first returned to the country, Han Songbai seemed much more confident and energetic now. In just a few months, he looked several years younger.

“Han Cheng, let me introduce you to you. This is your Aunt Jiang Qiulan. Qiulan, that’s my nephew, Han Cheng, and my nephew’s wife, Su Xiaoxiao. They are both high-achieving students from Peking University and have a bright future ahead of them.”

Su Xiaoxiao blinked in surprise. Uncle’s wife? Had they already gotten married?

Han Cheng remained expressionless. “Not yet.” 

Han Songbai touched his nose. “Aren’t you about to start preparing for the graduate entrance examination? Uncle has confidence in you; you’ll be starting soon.”

Han Songbai shifted the topic to the cubs, introducing Fantuan, Zhuzi, and the other kids one by one, praising them non-stop. When he mentioned Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan being twins, he seemed even prouder; it was like he was talking about his own grandchildren.

Jiang Qiulan lived up to her name, with a demeanor as gentle as an orchid. No matter what Han Songbai said, she always listened with a gentle expression, nodding occasionally and offering a few words. Su Xiaoxiao even understood why Han Cheng married her. When seeking a wife, one looks for virtue and grace. At Han Songbai’s age, when she encountered such a gentle and decent woman, it was only natural to seek a second spring.

Su Xiaoxiao chuckled. “Uncle, why didn’t you invite us to celebrate such a big event? When did this happen? Why have we never heard you mention it before?”

Han Songbai’s face was full of spring light, and he gently patted Jiang Qiulan’s hand. “Qiulan is a distant cousin of the Jiang Family. A few days ago, Old Jiang invited me over for a game of chess, and Qiulan happened to be there. After chatting for a while, we found that we got along well. Since she was alone, we thought it would be good to support each other. With Old Jiang as the witness, we decided to get married. We’re not planning anything extravagant considering our age; we just want to pick a day to have a meal with you and Jiang’s family, as a form of celebration.”

Su Xiaoxiao hadn’t expected Uncle Han Songbai to go for a flash marriage at his age. But who is this Old Jiang?

Su Xiaoxiao glanced at Han Cheng.

Han Cheng said, “Jiang Xue’s father, Jiang Huai, strictly speaking, is also considered a family friend, but we haven’t been in contact much since we lived in different places.”

Su Xiaoxiao understood. Suddenly, she remembered how Jiang Xue chased Han Cheng to Qingfeng Town years ago and waited for him there for several years.

The housewarming meal was prepared by Bai Lan and Uncle Yang, and Zhao Xinmei also came to help. They basically followed the standards set by Su Xiaoxiao’s previous housewarming dinner. Because Xiao Tangyuan wanted to eat tangyuan, Bailan added an extra dish of tangyuan, symbolizing a family reunion, which was very fitting. After a few rounds of drinks, Yali and Su Xiaoxiao shared many intimate conversations. Xiao Doubao, accompanied by the two kids and Tiantian, enjoyed the meal enthusiastically. Fantuan and Zhuzi whispered to each other in a voice only they could hear. “Zhuzi, don’t you think Auntie Qiulan is acting strange?”

Zhuzi calmly glanced over there and shook his head. “I didn’t think so. What’s so strange about her?”

Fantuan said, “I just feel it’s odd. She keeps staring at my mom.”

Zhuzi said, “Aunt Su is beautiful. Isn’t it normal to look at her? I like looking at Aunt Su too.”

Fantuan said, “…”

Xiao Roubao bit off the pig’s nose of the roast suckling pig, his mouth oily. “Big brother, Zhuzi, what secret conversation are you having that Xiao Roubao can’t hear?”

Fantuan wiped his mouth disdainfully. “Big brother and Zhuzi are discussing how to steal a bite of your barbecue.”

Xiao Roubao quickly covered the pig’s nose with his chubby hands and pointed to the barbecue on the table. “I only have a little bit left. There’s plenty there for you guys to eat.”

Xiao Roubao had a peculiar taste; he loved eating meat and all sorts of odd scraps, especially pig ears, pig noses, and pigtails.

Fantuan pinched his brother’s cheek disdainfully. “I won’t eat your saliva.”

Xiao Roubao changed the subject, and Fantuan didn’t continue on that topic either. Everyone had their own thoughts during this meal.

Grandpa Zhang was happiest living with his grandson. Zhang Hongtu and Yali had to leave after staying overnight, and the couple felt guilty about leaving Zhuzi. They had been absent for so many years during his childhood, and now they would continue to be absent.

Zhuzi: “Mom, Dad, you don’t have to worry about me. Aunt Su often says that when we grow up, we can have our own space. You’ve invested so many years in your careers, so it’s natural to be busy now. I will take care of myself and also take care of Grandpa. Don’t worry.”

Yali hugged her son and said, “Aunt Su and her family are all here. When you’re hungry, you can go to ‘Three Meals and Four Seasons’ for dinner. I’m not worried that you won’t take care of yourself. Mom and Dad just feel guilty for not spending enough time with you.”

Zhuzi replied, “Mom and Dad, you really don’t have to feel guilty. Even if you were home, I wouldn’t have time to spend time with you because I’m at school during the day and reviewing my homework at night.”

Zhuzi is truly the best gift from heaven to Zhang Hongtu and Yali. They are very satisfied and grateful.

After the old man moved over, he became even more energetic. He spent his days at “Three Meals, Four Seasons,” eating all three meals there. The kitchen at home remained untouched. Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t resist his insistence on paying for meals, so she let him be. As long as Grandpa Zhang was happy, she could save up the money and buy him something nice for the holidays

When the store was busy, Grandpa Zhang would help greet the customers. When he had nothing to do, he would write a few words next to the children’s wall paintings. Seeing his grandson and the cute children every day and being around young people so often, he felt himself getting younger again.

When Han Cheng went to play chess under the sycamore tree, he also gained a few more sprightly traits. He always came back humming a tune after winning, and his days were incredibly comfortable.

Mu Xiaocao’s “Halal Small Restaurant” was conveniently located next to “Three Meals, Four Seasons.” When she saw the yard available for rent, Mu Xiaocao, being a go-getter, didn’t hesitate to sign a three-year contract without even negotiating the price.

When she presented the rental contract to Su Xiaoxiao, Su Xiaoxiao didn’t know what to say.

At that time, there weren’t as many Hui people in the capital, but the halal beef noodle restaurant also served regular customers. The beef noodles were prepared following halal practices, so they didn’t violate the taboos of the Hui people. They didn’t worry about lack of business. However, as the weather got hotter, selling only beef noodles wouldn’t suffice. Su Xiaoxiao suggested selling green bean soup, silver ear fungus soup, and other sweet soups during the summer. ^[1]The Hui people are a Chinese ethnic group, recognized as one of the 56 official ethnic groups in China. They are predominantly Muslim and are characterized by their practice of Islam and their … Continue reading

Both of them are action-oriented, and after a few months of getting used to the free labor provided by the kids, they became quite adept at their tasks. “Halal Small Restaurant” was designed similarly to “Three Meals, Four Seasons,” with lifelike food paintings and various creative inspirations adorning the walls. The kids’ painting skills improved day by day, and it seemed they had made quite a bit of progress in just a few months.

One day, some strange guests arrived at “Three Meals, Four Seasons.” They had been coming every day, waiting for almost half a month to get a chance to dine in the restaurant. However, when they finally entered, they weren’t in a hurry to eat. Instead, they were very interested in the decoration and wall paintings.

A polite male comrade wearing glasses asked Uncle Yang while he was serving food: Excuse me, who designed the decor of this restaurant?”

Old Uncle Yang didn’t respond verbally but gestured quietly. “The children of the owner did it themselves.”

The male comrade wearing glasses exclaimed in surprise, “Did the children really draw it? How old is the child?”

Uncle Yang remained silent, just staring at him quietly.

The gentleman wearing glasses realized he had been abrupt and quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. We came here because we heard the decor of your restaurant was special. We are compatriots returning from overseas. The government supports us to invest in opening shopping malls, the kind that combines several floors of goods, shopping, and dining. We wanted to meet the owner of your restaurant or the children who painted these murals. Is that possible?”

Uncle Yang was now communicating through lip-reading. It seemed he hadn’t heard of those words before and didn’t understand their meaning.

At that moment, the hungry kids returned from school. Xiao Roubao, who had been starving since morning, rushed in, patting his little belly like a small cannon. “Uncle Yang, I’m hungry! I want to eat three portions of rice today!”

The regular customers were already familiar with Xiao Roubao’s appetite, especially Zhou Qilin, who frequented the restaurant every day and knew the kids very well. He teased Xiao Roubao, “Didn’t you say you’d only eat a little bit today?”

Xiao Roubao shook his head. “I’m not eating a little bit today. I want to eat a lot!”

Zhuzi came in carrying Xiao Tangyuan: “Xiao Roubao, slow down next time. We almost couldn’t catch up with you.”

Xiao Roubao definitely had the potential to be a sprinter. Since he started exercising with them, he had been running so fast that he disappeared in an instant.

Fantuan grabbed the collar of Xiao Roubao’s shirt from behind. “If you run so fast again next time, Big Brother will spank you!”

Xiao Roubao struggled as his collar was tightened, his hands tugging at it with a wrinkled nose. “Big Brother, let me go. I’m really hungry today.”

Fantuan let go of him and rubbed his hair, saying, “Let’s not do it again.”

Xiao Doubao is the most refined cub out of all of the children. He held Tiantian’s hand and helped Xiao Roubao carry his schoolbag, naturally walking at the back. He handed the schoolbag to Xiao Roubao when they arrived and said, “Don’t run so fast next time; Brother won’t help you carry your schoolbag anymore.”

Xiao Roubao always listened to his second brother. He held his hand, and he started to act cute. “Second Brother, you’re kind. You will definitely forgive me, right? I will definitely hold my second brother’s hand tightly like Tiantian next time and not run around.”

Xiao Doubao reached out to tidy up Xiao Roubao’s hair that Fantuan had messed up, saying impatiently, “You’ll forget it when you wake up tomorrow.”

Xiao Roubao bounced around. “I won’t forget, won’t forget.”

Uncle Yang brought over the food prepared early in the morning, and the cubs washed their hands one by one and gathered around the table to eat properly. Even Xiao Roubao, who had just shouted so loudly, did not wolf down food in front of him. He ate it in big gulps and enjoyed it well, but his way of eating was still very polite.

The man wearing glasses didn’t need to ask; a table was already reserved for him. The other tables were full, except for one in the corner that everyone tacitly avoided. If the murals on the wall were indeed painted by the children, it was clear that one or several of these children had done it.

“Excuse me, little student, did you paint the murals on the wall?”

Xiao Roubao usually automatically blocks out external sounds when eating seriously. Fantuan, Zhuzi, and Xiao Doubao glanced at each other and followed the source of the sound.

“Uncle, why are you asking this?” Fantuan asked.

The man wearing glasses adjusted his glasses and smiled as he walked over to them.