Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22 - 12: Eldest Sister Buys a House

Zhang Meihao hummed a tune, smiling as she walked home. There was a cart parked in the yard, just as her father-in-law and mother-in-law returned. The living room still had grain that hadn't been taken to the kitchen yet; the old couple, one tidying things, the other sitting and drinking tea, reading the newspaper.

Seeing her daughter-in-law smiling, her mother-in-law joked, "Oh my, something good happened this morning, did our little daughter-in-law pick up some money? Tell us so your father and I can hear too."

"Hehe, Mom, National Day came over earlier to say her wife gave birth to a big fat boy last night. They want the whole family to attend the 'washing the third,' and my mom is probably overjoyed." Zhang Meihao tidies the tableware on the table and takes it to the kitchen.

"That's great news, no wonder you're so happy. Your mom's wish has come true. She doesn't prefer sons over daughters. Last time your mom was here, she said if a son was born, the young couple should wait two or three years to have another child; your sister-in-law is too young, and after separation, it might be hard to manage the child. If it's a girl in the countryside, there'll be gossip if she doesn't have another one soon." Her mother-in-law also carries a cloth bag to the kitchen.

Zhang Meihao agrees with her mom's idea, as she feels the couple are still kids themselves, "Yes, Mom, I worry too. You know, these two grew up under my watch, and I always feel they're still kids, having kids like playing house, it's quite amusing. Haha, today seeing Xiao Wu with a son, he seems to have matured, speaking all serious now."

"I don't think so, your dad always praises Xiao Wu, saying he's loyal, steady, and has the goods in mind. If he gets a chance to work in the city, it'd be great; it's a pity he's in the countryside.

Last time, he even asked Uncle Zuo if there were any openings at the police station. Look at the kid next door, also 18 like Xiao Wu, just loafing around all day, not working. I don't know what his parents are thinking, just going along with him.

Their two daughters started working early to support the family. Someone introduced a match last time, guess how much they asked for? Bride price 800 yuan, plus the three spins and a sound; half of the monthly salary must be given to the girl's family.

Who would dare to marry her? Their girl isn't made of gold. People in the neighborhood gossip behind their backs. Not a golden baby, haha. Your family does have a golden baby."

"Old woman, you shouldn't talk like that. It's fine to speak at home; now we're eliminating all superstitions, smashing landlordism. Our family must be firm proletarian soldiers, Chairman's good children.

Hehe, but the daughter-in-law's family does have a golden baby, indeed worthy of Xiao Wu. I was thinking of introducing Uncle Zuo's granddaughter to him in a few years, didn't expect him to marry so early." Her father-in-law put down the newspaper and said to the mother-in-law who just came in.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law burst into laughter; the old man really knows how to think, Uncle Zuo's granddaughter is still in school. It's just jealousy that his old friend has a granddaughter; who's letting him tease about our kids every day.

"The kids' father, we're not envious of him, we have a grandson, why worry about not having a granddaughter? With our Meihao's looks, she'd sure have a beautiful daughter, you can show her off then." She wiped her eyes and softly advised, "Now Xiao Wujia has a son and 'washing the third,' we as elders must bring things to them. That day, we'll go, you two with the child."

"It's important to prepare well. Over the years, this kid hasn't stopped sending wild game. My grandson's meat mostly comes from his uncle, without it, the family's monthly meat would only be enough for sandwiches. They've helped with heavy work in the village; people are envious.

Meihao, you prepare things, if it's not enough later, we can find someone to help; we'll exchange it next month."

"Okay, Dad, Mom, no need to be that polite. I haven't thanked you for asking Uncle Zuo for Xiao Wu's sake. And siblings should help each other; no need to find someone, I'll see what big sister prepares, should match previous times. I don't want the two sisters-in-law feeling bad. I'll take the baby to the nursery first, then talk to my sister about what to prepare."

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