A growing mix of the aroma of fried fish, stewed meat, mushrooms, and the scent of wheat gradually wafted from the kitchen, floating in the courtyard.
Before the team whistle sounded for the end of work, Zhang the Second’s voice came from outside the courtyard: "Mom, we’re back."
As his voice fell, the two sisters Zhang Meili were the first to enter the courtyard and saw Mother Zhang coming out to greet them, so they hurriedly approached. The eldest, Zhang Meili, said with a smile: "Mom, may you live a long life."
"Mom, I wish you and Dad happier days ahead, always smiling, healthy, and everything goes well..."
Before her youngest daughter finished speaking, Mother Zhang beamed with joy, nodding repeatedly.
Following them were Zhang Guofu and his brother, Zhang Chunming and Chen Xiaobin, the two brothers-in-law, each of them came in smiling and carrying gifts, seeing Mother Zhang, they joyfully wished her a happy birthday.
"Isn’t this weather terribly hot? Come inside and sit down. This isn’t some big day, don’t buy gifts next time, people coming is better than anything."
Zhang Guoqing stood at the main house door, greeting them and waving them over. Behind him stood Mr. Zhang, with a long pipe in his hand, smiling as he watched his children.
Zhang Meili looked at the open kitchen door and said with a smile, "We sisters came to eat what’s ready. Mom, why don’t you and Brother go in first, I’ll go check on sisters-in-law."
"Go ahead. Tell the three of them not to fuss, we’re all family. Just arrange something quickly for the meal."
"Alright, I know." Zhang Meili pulled her sister along and they quickly headed to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, the three sisters-in-law had been busy until now, nearing the end. At this moment, Lin Juhua had just finished preparing the last dish of stewed meat, while noodles in another iron pot were boiling.
Zhou Jiao handed each rough bowl to Lin Juhua, who then took it to fill small bowls with noodles and passed them to Huang Cuilan, who scooped in soup and meat slices. Soon, rows of rough bowls were arranged on the dining table.
When the Zhang Meili sisters arrived, seeing the three sisters-in-law busy circling around, they wanted to help but didn’t know where to start.
"Are all the people here, First Sister and Second Sister?"
"All have returned. Is the table in the main house set up? Want me to bring them out first?"
Lin Juhua took the remaining bowls from Zhou Jiao’s hands and put them on the stove, "Jiao Jiao, why don’t you take First Sister and them inside. We’re done here."
Zhou Jiao nodded with a smile, and followed Zhang Meili sisters with a few wine dishes to the main house. Upon returning, she noticed Huang Cuilan had served the soup and placed two bowls of noodles on a tray, handing it to her, "Big Sister-in-law, these are for Mom and Dad, you take them over first. Leave the rest to us."
This was clearly an opportunity to please the in-laws, how could Huang Cuilan not understand? She joked with a smile: "If Mom asks, I’ll just say I prepared it myself."
Everyone laughed heartily, nodding repeatedly.
With Huang Cuilan carrying the two bowls of noodles outside, the remaining people also carried bowls of noodles on wooden trays and boards to the main house.
"Dad, Mom, please eat first. Wishing you a long life and smooth sailing in everything."
Mother Zhang smiled and said, "This is my eldest daughter-in-law’s filial piety, your dad and I must have a good taste. We have been busy since early this morning, thank you, three of you."
"We’re not tired, it’s what we should do."


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