Zhang Guoqing saw off Mr. Zhang and his nephews. As he returned home, even before entering the room, he heard bursts of laughter inside, and surprisingly, his father-in-law’s voice was among them.
Mother Zhang came out holding the child, pointed inside, and whispered, "Jiao Jiao and her dad have been chatting in there for most of the day; I don’t know where they have so much to talk about. Once your mother-in-law went in with a basket of things, they haven’t stopped laughing. I didn’t feel comfortable going in. It’s almost noon; go in and see how to arrange things?"
Zhang Guoqing pulled his mother, "Come on, it’s okay. Let’s go in and see; there must be something funny going on. Let’s check it out together. Ping’an needs to be fed."
Mother Zhang followed him inside while holding the child, and saw his young daughter-in-law wearing a sheepskin coat and boots, her big eyes peeking out. Oh dear, she just talked about military coats and boots being heavy last night, and this morning rushed to buy them. She sure moves fast in spending. Thinking of those villagers wearing thin clothes in the big cold winter, what a contrast.
"This is nice. Did mom buy it? Where did she find such a style? It looks so unusual. When Jiao Jiao wears it, it’s like she’s wrapped in a small house." As soon as Zhang Guoqing finished speaking, they all laughed heartily together. No wonder they grew up together.
Mother Zhang put the grandson on the bed and fondly touched Jiao Jiao. "It’s so warm. Must be expensive! Xiao Wu’s dad has a coat that’s been worn for decades, can’t part with it every winter. You can’t find such a good one within four villages. It can be passed down as an heirloom. No wonder they’re so happy laughing."
Zhou Jiao didn’t bother to explain and nodded with a smile in agreement.
"Dad, Brother Zhou ran into me on the road just now, saying that the old man invited us all to the guesthouse for a meal. Li Aiguo and others are waiting for you there. Why don’t you and Mom go for lunch? I’ll stay at home to take care of Jiao Jiao."
Zhou Xiaozheng shook his head, "You must go. This meal is a chance for you to meet everyone. Jiao Jiao doesn’t need to go; it’s too noisy there, and she doesn’t like it."
After speaking, he packed up and picked up the basket, saying to Mother Zhang, "Second sister-in-law, I’ll take Xiao Wu over, so no need to prepare lunch for the old man and others. Jiao Jiao’s mother will keep you company and help you here. I won’t ask you to come along."
Mother Zhang quickly waved her hand, "No, you two take Xiao Wu and go together. I’ll take care of Jiao Jiao here. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything."
Zhou Jiao thought of Mr. Zhang taking the kids, and couldn’t let them eat at the eldest sister-in-law’s place. Her mother wasn’t much help either. She pushed her father forward, "Dad, don’t worry. My mother-in-law is here. Let your mom go with you to accompany Auntie and Godmother. I’ll have Xiao Wu call his sister to come over and help with lunch. Remember not to drink too much wine. Make sure to come here before heading back."
"No need for Xiao Wu to go to his elder sister’s; I know the way; I’ll call them myself. You all go early and come back early."
Zhou Xiaozheng looked at his wife’s hands, not suited for housework. Better to take her along, to avoid jokes. Seeing Mother Zhang urgently pulling her away, he quickly told Zhou Jiao, "You rest with the child first. Dad will talk to you before leaving. If you find anything missing, note it down, and I’ll send it to you later."

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