Chapter 168: Xu Mo’s Mischief

There were too many mosquitoes by the creek, so after standing there for a while, the three of them decided to head back, carrying Niu Pi Tang.

Li Na and Xu Ning walked ahead with the kids, while Xu Yang followed behind with Niu Niu.

Li Na smiled and said, “Xiao Ning, I absolutely love the sheets and duvet cover you sent me last time! It must have taken quite a bit of effort to get those.”

“Sister-in-law, a friend of mine brought them from the south. It didn’t take much effort at all. I’m just glad you like them,” Xu Ning replied. “Actually, those items were sent on behalf of our parents. They feel guilty for not being able to help with your wedding since they can’t go out right now.”

Li Na quickly reassured her, “I understand everything your brother has told me. My parents and I completely understand.”

Xu Ning looked at her and smiled, saying, “Sister-in-law, you and Uncle and Aunt are all such understanding people.

My brother often mentions in his letters how well you treat him. That really puts our parents’ minds at ease.”

Li Na felt flattered by the praise and replied with a shy smile, “Your brother is great too.”

After saying this, she sneaked a glance at Xu Yang.

Xu Yang, walking behind them and enjoying their conversation, lifted his head just in time to see his wife looking at him. He smiled back at her.

Li Na quickly turned her head away again.

Watching their little interactions, Xu Ning thought to herself, How wonderful! Her brother has found a good partner.

That evening, Father Xu, Mother Xu, and Xiao Mo all arrived together.

Knowing that it had been a long time since the family had seen each other, Uncle Lu and Aunt Lu decided not to come over tonight, understanding that there would be plenty to catch up on.

Xu Yang and Li Na bowed to Father Xu and Mother Xu, but Mother Xu quickly stopped them, saying, “No need for that! We don’t do things like this. Sit down quickly.”

Mother Xu took Li Na’s hand and helped her sit on the heated bed. She smiled and asked, “Xiao Na, you must be tired from sitting on the bus for so long, right?”

“Mom, I’m not tired at all. There weren’t many people on the bus, so it was quite spacious. I’ve been wanting to come and see you and Dad, along with my younger siblings. I’m sorry it took me so long; I hope you don’t mind!”

“Xiao Na, how could we mind? You married into our family, and we feel like we’ve put you at a disadvantage. Your wedding—your dad and I couldn’t help with it, which is a regret we have as parents.”

After speaking, she took out the two hundred yuan that Xu Ning had prepared earlier and said, “Xiao Na, take this two hundred yuan as a little gesture from your dad and me. You can use it to buy a couple of outfits.”

“This pair of wolf pelts is a gift for your parents. It gets cold over in Jishi, so you can make a coat for them,” Xu Mom said.

Li Na quickly declined, saying, “Mom, I can’t accept this. Both Xu Yang and I have salaries. You don’t have any income here, so it should be us giving you money instead. How can I take your money?”

“You and Dad can make something nice for yourselves with these wolf pelts. My parents don’t lack for clothes,” she added.

Xu Ning chimed in with a smile, “Sister-in-law, just take it. It’s a little gesture from Mom and Dad. If you don’t accept it, they’ll feel even worse.”

Li Na glanced at Xu Yang, who smiled and nodded, saying, “Just take it. This is a gift from our parents to you.”

Reluctantly, Li Na accepted the money. She then looked at the two wolf pelts, their shiny fur glistening and feeling smooth and soft to the touch.

Li Na thought for a moment and said, “Mom, I’ll accept the money for now, but you and Dad can keep the wolf pelts for later. You can use them when my two younger brothers get married.”

Before Mother Xu could respond, Xu Mo chimed in with a grin, “Sister-in-law! Just accept them! These are the wolves my brother shot in the mountains; we all got some.

Grandpa Qi said that each of us three brothers gets two pelts, and the remaining two will be used to make a coat for my little nephews and niece in winter.

But Second Brother said he doesn’t want a wife, so he doesn’t need his, which means I get his two. I’ll use them for my future wife!”

Outside in the courtyard, Xu An overheard and couldn’t be bothered to reply. This kid’s mouth was like a machine gun; there was no winning an argument with him.

Li Na found it amusing to watch her little brother-in-law go on and on about his future wife.

Mother Xu playfully swatted him with a fan, laughing as she scolded, “You little rascal, you’ll get in trouble if your second brother hears you talking like this.”

Xu Mo pouted defiantly, “Mom, why are you hitting me? Second Brother said it himself! He even called me and Big Brother ‘wife-chasers’!”

“I already made an agreement with Grandpa Qi! If he doesn’t marry, then I’ll take his two wolf pelts later,” Xu Mo said confidently.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu An couldn’t sit still anymore and walked in, covering his mouth.

As he dragged Xu Mo outside, he said, “What are you talking about? When did I ever say that Big Brother is a wife-chaser? I clearly said it was you!”

Xu Mo wriggled free like a little monkey and retorted angrily, “Second Brother, you’re really not a real man! You dare to say things but can’t own up to them. You clearly said Big Brother is a wife-chaser!

I even told you not to speak ill of him and not to create conflict between us; Sister was right there listening, and you still won’t admit it.”

Xu Yang draped his arm around Xu An’s shoulders as they walked outside, saying, “Little An, come on, tell your brother how I’m a wife-chaser!”

Xu An glanced helplessly at Xu Mo.

Xu Ning watched the earnest family reunion scene turn into a comedic skit thanks to Xu Mo’s antics, feeling both amused and exasperated.

Mother Xu was furious, chasing Xu Mo around the house with a fan, ready to swat him.

Li Na looked at the two brothers heading outside and then glanced at her little brother-in-law, who was still stirring the pot, feeling that the atmosphere at home was truly delightful.

Guess who??? (❀´ ˘ `❀)