Chapter 1343 - 1215: What’s Up with That Little Jiu?

Chapter 1343: Chapter 1215: What’s Up with That Little Jiu?

Mr. Zhang subconsciously reached for his side again, but still didn’t pick up his pipe, "All three kids are good kids. You just let the three brothers do what they want. Your mom and I are just saying it casually. When we’re gone, we won’t be able to manage the younger generation."

Regardless of whether his words were sincere or not, Zhang Guoqing felt a pang of sadness as he realized his parents were getting older by the day, "Dad, don’t say things like that. It makes me feel sad. You and Mom will live long and healthy lives. I still want to take you both traveling across the country when I have the chance."

"What a silly boy! Traveling across the country? How does that compare to our Northeast? I’ve heard the South is so hot it’s unbearable. Your mom and I aren’t interested in moving around."

"I don’t want to either. Taking a train is such a hassle, and everything is inconvenient on the road. By the way, Xiao Mi didn’t catch the train to Beijing, did you know?"

Zhang Guoqing nodded, "Her two sisters still keep in touch with Jiao Jiao through letters. Last year, Xiao Mi moved to the South with her husband; she even sent us some items."

"These two girls are good. They even invited your dad and me to visit the South when we have the time. If we wanted to visit, we would’ve reached out to them by now."

Zhang Guoqing chuckled and didn’t bring up the topic again. Saying there’s a chance to take the elders on a long trip might be a luxury; maybe only after retirement.

Mother Zhang, worried that her youngest son would dwell on the matter, changed the topic and asked the question she had been holding back: "What’s the story with that Little Jiu?"

This time, coming over, she noticed a strange little girl in the family, who was a bit darker and thinner, but her features were delicate. But what’s the deal with the scars on her face and neck?

Could it be that her youngest son’s family hired a young maid again?

She had to speak up. No matter how pitiful the little girl is, it’s not appropriate at home. Though her grandson is abroad, there are still two older grandsons here.

With so many people around, she couldn’t just blurt it out, but she kept glancing at Little Jiu and quickly sensed something was off.

This little dark-skinned girl, though diligent and eager to do any kind of work, when Little Tangtang pulled her to sit down together, well, that meant she wasn’t just some young maid.

She wondered at the time: the Old Zhou Family doesn’t have any relatives, and the only Cheng Family doesn’t have such a young girl. Whose child is this?

"Mom, Little Jiu is an orphan of a martyr, very pitiable. She was originally fostered with her dad’s comrade..." Zhang Guoqing explained everything to them straightforwardly.

"Such a poor child," Mother Zhang sighed, "A child without a father or mother needs more help. Since fate has brought you together, then take extra care of her."

"Understood."

"18, you say? Why does she look about 15 or 16 to me?"

Father Zhang glanced sideways at his wife, "So you’re saying she’s going abroad with our May 1st too?"

"Yes, to the same country."

Mother Zhang chimed in, "They really are destined."

Father Zhang glared at his wife, "What did your father-in-law say? Helping her is one thing, but if she latches onto our May 1st, it will be bad. Have you checked her character?"

Mother Zhang hesitated, glancing at her son and husband, mumbling, "I think she’s quite good; she’s very deft at housework. With her around, we don’t have to worry about our grandson going hungry overseas."

"How can she be a match for our May 1st? So dark-skinned."

"That’s because she’s been treated harshly. With a little care, she’ll blossom. This child is so impressive, being able to go abroad. Can she really be much worse? Besides, with no parents, she won’t have any messy in-law issues."

Father Zhang hesitated, looking at his wife, "You’re just thinking she can take care of our May 1st abroad, aren’t you?"

Mother Zhang nodded decisively, "Of course. I noticed our May 1st seems quite fond of this girl, and she listens to him very well."

Zhang Guoqing watched his parents debate with a grin.

Father Zhang couldn’t win against his wife and rolled his eyes at his son, "What did your father-in-law say?"

"He didn’t say anything." Zhang Guoqing chuckled, "As long as the child is happy, I suspect my father-in-law would fight to get one for him."

Everyone else says our family is strict with rules. That’s just on the surface; behind the scenes, the whole family is quite laid-back, especially my father-in-law.

The evening glow fades, night falls, and with a new cycle, the dawn shows a hint of light. This marks the arrival of Qu Shengmei, making her first appearance as the eldest daughter-in-law.

Unlike when the kids usually come around to visit, for the cherished girl of our son, Zhou Jiao gave her utmost respect.

Given Ping’an’s personality, without absolute certainty, knowing her completely, he wouldn’t easily decide on a future partner.

The Qiu Family girl, stepping into the old residence, her identity shifts from being a playmate to officially taking the first step toward becoming a daughter-in-law.

To welcome the cherished guest, that morning, listening to the magpies chirping, Zhou Jiao stayed in the kitchen, going over the menu with a smile.

How could she not be friendly first to the girl who could give her grandchildren? Whether later she would be disrespectful or scheming to fight for the family estate is yet to be seen.

After all, she is not dead yet!

Entering the Zhang, Zhou family, whether a dragon, she will have to coil properly, whether a worm, she must learn properly.

The helpful Mai Sui couldn’t resist, "Little Aunt, isn’t this too grand?"

Zhou Jiao glanced at her with a smile but said nothing. What do you know? It’s because of this grandeur that you people won’t dare disrespect my daughter-in-law!

Especially Ping’an’s wife, as she will represent the Zhang Family, she cannot let the Old Zhang Family neglect her. What eldest grandson of Old Zhang Family, in her heart, Ping’an is the eldest grandson of the Zhang Family!

Liu Yi is the eldest grandson of the Zhou Family, and as for her May 1st, even if the child does not want to change his surname to Gu, he will still be the eldest mainstay.

As the mother, if she doesn’t support her sons, would she be brainless enough to entertain outsiders with a display of authority? If she needed to suppress a daughter-in-law, she’d do it discreetly.

Seeing through his daughter’s little thoughts, Zhou Xiaozheng, on this weekend, had also canceled all official duties early in the morning and didn’t remind his wife that her happiness was plain for all to see.

The grandson he personally raised finally understood what to do at what age. Without any prompting, he knew he should bring someone home.

What could make one happier than seeing one’s offspring succeed and move forward step by step?

"Brother Zheng, do you think this maroon suit is inappropriate?"

"It’s beautiful, very appropriate."

Miao Lishan grinned widely, touching her hair, "I’m actually quite nervous."

Zhou Xiaozheng couldn’t help but laugh silently.

"You’re really not giving a meeting gift today?"

Zhou Xiaozheng nodded slightly, "Let’s wait until she comes over; if she’s a good kid, we’ll follow the ancient engagement ceremonies when the time comes. There will be time to give her things."

"Alright, whatever you say."

"Our Jiao Jiao is already prepared. For the first visit, regardless, she has prepared to give back some pastries, so we won’t be rude."

"Yes, the child mentioned this to me last night." Miao Lishan checked her face in the mirror, nodding with satisfaction.

"Do you think the Qu family knows their girl is coming over? A few days ago, I ran into Old Lady Qu from the Qu family; she greeted me with a smile but didn’t mention this at all."

Zhou Xiaozheng shot her a speechless look and went back to reading his newspaper.

Isn’t that obvious! Such a grown girl, if she visits without informing her parents, how thoughtless would she have to be, to be worthy of his eldest grandson?

From the time Ping’an started dating that girl, the two families had already reached a tacit understanding. Everyone is quietly waiting for the two kids to get used to each other, and when the matchmaker sets the date, the announcement will naturally be made.