Chapter 1375: Did My Mom Go to Tanze Temple?

After a few snowfalls, Beijing’s weather has entered the coldest period of the year, dry and cold, with the winter north wind slashing at the face like a knife.

The water in the moat has frozen over, covered by a thick layer of snow, with both the sky and the earth blanketed in white, and West Mountain is even more covered in snow, blanketing the autumnal red leaves.

In the Big Courtyard, two figures in green military uniforms stand straight, shoulder to shoulder, occasionally whispering a sentence or two, and occasionally nodding in greeting to passersby.

The only ones who can wear this military uniform with such charisma without being bundled up like a bear in the harsh winter are Brother Ping’an and Liu Yi.

Before reaching the doorway, they saw two graceful silhouettes from afar.

Seeing Qu Shengmei and Yi Tangtang waiting together for them to return home did not surprise them at all. Surely, during the winter break, these two would replace them in fulfilling family responsibilities.

The two brothers exchanged a meaningful smile. There was relief, and there was also comfort.

Qu Shengmei quickened her pace to Ping’an’s side and looked up with a charming smile, “You’re back?”

Ping’an grabbed her hand, laughing as they walked inside, “Why not go inside? It’s pretty cold out here.”

“We just ran out.”

By coincidence.

On the other side, Liu Yi also grabbed Yi Tangtang’s little hand, following behind Ping’an and the others, “Who’s at home?”

“Godmother and the others are at work, Grandma Chen is cooking noodles for you, Brother Liu Yi, why are you so thin again? Godmother will worry when she sees you.”

Ping’an pinched Qu Shengmei’s hand through his gloves, indicating for her to listen to the young couple behind them.

Qu Shengmei gave him a sideways glance in mock reproach, “You’ve lost quite a bit of weight too. Work is work, but don’t overdo it. Even if the elders don’t say it, they still care.”

“And you?”

Surprised, Qu Shengmei inadvertently glanced back, then nodded at him with a pursed smile.

Ping’an cleared his throat with a smile, having no intention of teasing her more, “I heard my mom recently went to Tanze Temple. Anything going on at home?”

“Probably worried about us younger ones. How many days off do you have this time? Spend more time with Aunt Zhou. I notice that although she’s busy with work, once she has free time, she just does embroidery. She probably has something on her mind.”

Hearing Qu Shengmei’s words, Yi Tangtang nodded repeatedly at Liu Yi, the fluffy pom-pom on her hat bobbing up and down.

Liu Yi reached out one hand to pinch it, arching an eyebrow, “Is Dad very busy lately? Otherwise, why would he leave mom feeling uneasy?”

“Godfather, yes, I heard from my dad he doesn’t have time for gatherings recently. But I secretly observed that as soon as he gets off work, he still returns home on time.”

Liu Yi tapped her head, “Clever girl!”

“Brother Liu Yi, the family needs more hands. It seems Grandma Chen is busy by herself. I saw Godmother washing sheets herself.

When we offered to help, Godmother said there is a washing machine and chased us off to play. And over at Master’s, we go every weekend.”

“Little Tangtang is right. As winter deepens, Aunt Zhou is even less inclined to go out in her spare time. We just have to occasionally drag her out for a walk.”

“Grandma seems more energetic than Godmother. She used to like quietness, now she prefers silence even more, except when the phone rings, she will run a few steps.”

As they spoke, Yi Tangtang rolled her eyes at Liu Yi in mild reprimand, “You and Brother Ping’an are too unfilial, can’t you call home more often?”

Yi Tangtang dared to say this, while Qu Shengmei didn’t dare to speak directly, but still nodded in agreement.

Ping’an and his brother quietly listened to their words, entered the living room, and sat down, exchanging glances with furrowed brows.

“Hasn’t May 1st called home?”

“Of course he calls whenever he has time, but who’s like you guys? You’re the closest, yet you call the least. If I were Godmother, you sons would be raised in vain.”

Liu Yi glared at her, “Bro, how about we cook tonight?”

“I’ll go pick up mom, and you go pick up grandma.”

“You two brothers go then, Little Tangtang and I will cook.”

Ping’an glanced at the clock, nodded with a smile, and stood up again. It was almost time to get off work; he wasn’t sure if he’d make it in time to pick up his mom now.

With Qu Shengmei around, he was relieved. This girl might not have much going for her, but when it comes to housework, she’s a pro, not to mention she’s got everyone’s tastes down pat.

“Bro, you pick up grandma, and while you’re at it, drop by Dad’s and say hello. Last time Dad called me, asking what you’ve been busy with lately?”

The longer he was away from his mother, the more Liu Yi missed her dearly. Even before finishing his sentence, he snatched up the blanket from the sofa and was out the door.

Thinking back to how his mother went to Tanze Temple alone in this cold winter month made him even more anxious. He wondered whether the youngest’s affairs had been exposed?

Their mother always advised the three brothers not to overthink things to the point of hurt. Yet, conversely, weren’t they always the most worried about her?

Liu Yi’s expression darkened, making his ordinarily stern face appear even more serious, and especially when he didn’t see their motorcycle, he pursed his lips tightly.

In such cold weather, only his mother would stubbornly brave the biting northern wind!

After graduating, the three brothers never went to pick up Zhou Jiao at the planning commission as often as before, especially the weathered Liu Yi who often arrived in a flurry.

Pushing open Zhou Jiao’s office, Liu Yi seemed to change demeanor completely, raising his lips to smile brightly at her as she worked.

“Mom, it’s already after work!”

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhou Jiao quickly looked up, “Son, are you on break? No wonder my heart has been leaping for joy nonstop, turns out my son is here.”

Liu Yi watched her beaming with happiness and dashed to the desk, surveying the documents as he said with a smile, “Mother dear, shouldn’t we head home first?”

“Yes, let’s hurry, I’ll be ready soon.”

With her son coming to pick her up, what importance did work have? Zhou Jiao hurriedly stuffed a few files into her bag, sweeping the rest into her drawer.

“Why didn’t you call in advance, so I could head home early and cook you some of your favorite dishes.”

“Mom, you can’t just spoil me. My brother also came back today. He wanted to pick you up, but I got here first. He’s gone to pick up grandma.”

Zhou Jiao chuckled, “Quite a pleasant surprise. It’s a pity your younger brother can’t come home for the New Year again this year, otherwise, you three brothers could reunite for a few days.”

Liu Yi discreetly observed her expression, “Really? The youngest is the stingiest, probably reluctant to spend on airfare. It’s okay if he doesn’t come back, finish his studies sooner and come home.”

“Yes, he also said that after returning to school from the New Year’s break, his professor kept him busy without end.” Zhou Jiao grabbed her bag and his hand before heading out.

“Busy is good. We’ll call him tonight. Is he available?”

In the hallway, some colleagues were still working late. Zhou Jiao gave her son a knowing look, “We’ll talk at home.”

Liu Yi’s heart skipped a beat immediately. This was either to avoid speaking with others around or his mother dearly was already aware of everything.

True, once his mom grew suspicious, who could really hide anything from her?

But what if she questioned him, should he confess the truth?

That troublemaker of a youngest brother was making the elder brothers take the blame again!