Zhang Guoqing sped along the way, quickly delivering the return gifts to several families, and immediately headed to Zhao Dashan’s house.
Regarding Aunt Fen’s situation, he needed to have a good face-to-face discussion with the other party, no matter the standpoint. He estimated that Zhao Yuanyuan had been home long enough by now, and whether Zhao Dashan had heard the gossip or received news, he should know everything by now.
"Xiao Wu, come on in." Zhao Dashan heard the roar of an engine outside and guessed it could only be Zhang Guoqing coming, so he immediately called out.
Zhang Guoqing entered with his usual smiling face, greeted the couple, and said with a smile, "Uncle, I’m quite embarrassed to come over. Did Yuanyuan tell you? I plan to have Aunt Fen return home tomorrow. Do you think that’s okay?"
"Of course, it is! I should be the one feeling guilty. We’ll go with you, and see if she wants to return to her hometown directly or go to the provincial city to see her son? Hongli, remember to bring some things." Zhao Dashan quickly replied.
"Hehe... sure. I just couldn’t discuss some things at work today. Uncle, I brought a lot of good stuff this time. Come on, let’s go have a few drinks at my place early." Zhang Guoqing said.
Cheng Hongli followed the two men out and noticed her youngest daughter sneaking behind her, making her cry and laugh at the same time. This child had been with Jiao Jiao all day and hadn’t been home for even two hours.
Zhao Yuanyuan quietly tugged at her mother’s clothes and whispered, "Don’t shout. I’ll go see what’s going on. I’ll take some sesame candy for Jiao Jiao too."
Cheng Hongli rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. Watching her daughter giggle as she wrapped her arm around her own, she patted her head. She knew her daughter loved excitement, so she let her be.
Entering the Zhang Family house, they saw the kitchen lights on, and Zhao Dashan led Zhang Guoqing to the kitchen.
Cheng Hongli and her daughter went straight to the main room. She wasn’t worried about her husband’s ability to handle a cousin. She happened to have something to discuss with Zhou Jiao and took the opportunity to chat without the men around.
"Aunt Cheng, what brings you here? Is it because of Aunt Fen? I’m embarrassed to see you." Zhou Jiao quickly came out when she heard Zhao Yuanyuan’s voice in the courtyard.
Cheng Hongli pulled her inside, smiling, "What’s there to be embarrassed about? I just wanted to see you. Was your trip back fun? I heard from Yuanyuan that you guys went to the South? Had I known, I would’ve taken Yuanyuan too."
"I was going to send a telegram to Yuanyuan. Later, decided the weather wasn’t good, so we’ll wait for summer and go together then. Let’s wait until you have vacation, and we’ll go out together. Come in quickly and have a seat."
The three of them returned to the living room, and Cheng Hongli quickly asked quietly, "Did Yuanyuan bring home small clothes from S City? Were they expensive?"
Zhou Jiao saw her blushing with embarrassment and laughed, "My mom asked me to bring them for you. She bought a lot, even Aunt Zuo has two sets. She said if the size doesn’t fit, she’ll bring them for you next time."
"They fit quite well. Write her a letter and say thank you." Cheng Hongli said, then swiftly changed the topic, "Is Xiao Wu starting work tomorrow? Can you manage everything alone? Do you need to hire someone?"
Zhou Jiao quickly shook her head. She was managing to take care of the kids and cook at home, which were tasks that conserved energy. She didn’t plan on hiring anyone; she thought about getting a job once the kids were grown and sent to daycare.
Cheng Hongli nodded at this. She then mentioned that Zhang Guoqing’s eldest brother had already bought a house in town. She felt that, since Jiao Jiao’s parents-in-law would definitely be living with the eldest, they might occasionally help with the kids once they moved to town.
Zhou Jiao looked at her in surprise. She hadn’t heard Mother Zhang mention this yesterday. That was strange. Knowing her mother-in-law, she shared even village gossip with Zhou Jiao, so why wouldn’t she mention family matters?
Seeing this, Cheng Hongli sent the mischievous Zhao Yuanyuan off to take care of the children. She spoke quietly with Zhou Jiao about Zhang Guofu buying a house.
Zhou Jiao smiled, nodded, and led Zhao Yuanyuan to the kitchen, letting the men discuss business in the living room. Once in the kitchen, with Aunt Fen’s help, they quickly set the table with food and drinks.
Everyone insisted that Aunt Fen sit down as well, turning it into a farewell banquet for her.
After the meal, they saw Zhao Dashan’s family off. Zhou Jiao prepared two months’ salary and a package of things for Zhang Guoqing to take tomorrow morning when he was sending Aunt Fen off to work.
Before going to bed, Zhang Guoqing recounted to Zhou Jiao what Zhao Dashan had talked to him about, sighing continuously. The couple discussed strategies and had no regrets.
’Rain falls, and mothers remarry’—who can stop it? As long as it doesn’t threaten their own safety and family members don’t tell them, they’ll act as if they don’t know.
As for the clown Huang Yaozong, Zhang Guoqing decided to teach him a lesson. Otherwise, if anyone dared to use his name to swagger and deceive in the future, that would be intolerable?
Zhou Jiao repeatedly praised his plan. She agreed wholeheartedly with Zhang Guoqing’s thinking. If they were to live in the town, if anyone could easily take advantage, and they did not fight back, how would they stand firm?
Early the next morning, Aunt Fen, carrying two packages, reluctantly left with Zhang Guoqing.
Zhou Jiao watched her take a few steps and turn back thrice, twitching at the corner of her eyes. She quickly waved to Zhang Guoqing and closed the door. Finally, the trouble was gone, and she happily spun around in the living room.
As for the extra two packages from the other side, no matter the reasons they gave, she didn’t believe it was her son’s doing. But she was now too lazy to bother—leaving early was best.

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