Watching the departing car, the large group of Zhang Family members walked towards the courtyard, with Mother Zhang leading the women to Zhou Jiao’s room.
Upon entering, Zhou Jiao burst into laughter once more.
Zhou Jiao looked at everyone and asked Mother Zhang, "Mom, have they all left?"
Mother Zhang sat on the kang, nodding her head, "They all left, your mother took Xiao Xizi along, they’ll come back tomorrow. Did Xiao Wu’s clothes get taken along?"
"All prepared. If not, I’ll have him buy it. All the tickets are brought along. The provincial city should be pretty convenient. Following my grandpa, there’s no worry about having no place to sleep or eat. Eldest Sister and Second Sister, you’re not going back tonight, right?"
Zhang Meili looked at her sister, "Not going back. We’ll leave early tomorrow morning, brought all the kids over."
Zhou Jiao looked at Mother Zhang and sweetly smiled at her, "Mom, you see, it’s rare for Eldest Sister and them to stay a night. How about we have lamb soup for dinner as a family tonight?"
"Okay, I’ll have the mutton noodles ready for you. Your dad also says eating lamb warms you up, and there’s still quite a bit at home. There’s a lot of dishes at home tonight, no need to cook more."
"Mom, we should at least stew a small chicken. You can’t treat your son-in-law like this when he visits." After speaking, she winked at Mother Zhang with a smile.
Mother Zhang chuckled contentedly, "Just right, the small chicken stew is ready but untouched, we’ll have it for my son-in-law this evening."
Zhou Jiao looked at everyone, "What do you think, Eldest Aunt and a few of the cousins went over to help today. What should I prepare to send over? Mom, you have to teach me; I don’t understand these things."
Everyone exchanged glances and all focused on Mother Zhang, who thought for a moment, "It’s okay not to send anything. Normally, the leftovers are saved for those who help, and today I packed the unused leftovers from the kitchen for them. If you’re worried, when Xiao Wu returns, buy some candy for their kids. Giving too much isn’t good; then when we help them next time, they’ll feel embarrassed. Have your eldest uncle and youngest uncle over for drinks tonight, that’s about it."
"Okay, I don’t know these things, so Mom, remind me if I do something wrong. Also, could you bring the bunch of eggs outside to the kitchen when you have time? Tomorrow, I’ll send some with the two elder sisters to take back home for the kids to eat."
Huang Cuilan looked at Lin Juhua and Zhou Jiao, "Did Eldest Sister buy a house? When did that happen? We had no idea. When’s the move? Let the family help. Have the dates for the housewarming been set? We need to prepare too."
Zhang Meili laughed and said to her, "Just paid the deposit, once the full payment is made tomorrow, we’ll get the deed. No rush, there’s nothing much to move. The other party is leaving all their furniture, just taking clothes and food. We’ll wait for Xiao Wu to return to hold the housewarming, and I’ll let you all know. You don’t need to prepare anything, just come and have fun."
Huang Cuilan looked at the other in-laws and nodded, "Listen to Mom. Handle it according to city habits, don’t follow village ways and make Eldest Sister’s neighbors laugh."
Zhang Meili glared and put on a stern face, "You three better not cause trouble, whether city or village customs, just stick to the village standards. Don’t make it seem like we’re flaunting with the move. If the neighbors have shallow views, we’ll just avoid them. Mom, don’t listen to them. The family isn’t well-off, relying on work credits, be thrifty and leave some resources for my brothers. A married daughter like spilled water shouldn’t make a fuss for appearance’s sake that burdens our family. Otherwise, I won’t be responsible."
Everyone nodded with laughter, agreeing to follow her lead, but still thought to ask around. Nowadays, they wondered how things were arranged. Mother Zhang knew she wouldn’t make everything grand, but she wouldn’t let her daughters be embarrassed. The eldest daughter had the worst of it for those years and couldn’t afford a dowry, so she received a gold ring. This time she’ll discuss it well with her husband. Everything at home requires money. They wished every penny could be counted as two.

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