Chapter 1376: Who’s This Handsome Young Man?

“Hey, who’s this handsome young man?” Zhang Guoqing grinned at Ping’an, “Is it vacation time? Why are you out here to pick up your old man?”

Ping’an put an arm around his shoulder, “Dad, stop pretending. You got the news beforehand, didn’t you? You didn’t even tell Mom; aren’t you afraid she’ll be mad?”

“Surprise, you know? A surprise!” Zhang Guoqing glanced at his son, then gave his chest a gentle punch, “Glad to see you’re alive and kicking.”

“How come Secretary Chen told me Mom went to Tanze Temple? Was May 1st annoying her? Or is she upset we’re not back?”

Zhang Guoqing whispered in his ear, “Listening to the sounds of Zen in the ancient temple, the pure snow clears the dust. Got it? Your mom said she needs a change in mindset, don’t spoil it.”

“Is she upset enough to become a nun? Dad, did you upset Mom?”

Zhang Guoqing slapped his head lightly, “If anyone did, it’s you bunch of brats. How could your old man, such a good man, upset your mom?”

Ping’an laughed and wrapped his arm around him, “Right, right, my dad is the greatest guy.”

“Your mom’s fine, you guys on missions shouldn’t worry about it. With your old man at home, don’t worry. The only ones who stir her feelings are you three brothers. When you’re safe, she’ll be at ease.”

“Yeah, next up Liu Yi and I will take turns on vacation to come home and keep you company. Dad, I’m sorry.”

“Silly son! Never say those three words to Dad.” Zhang Guoqing sighed quietly, “Take the chance to advise your two brothers, don’t work too hard.”

“We understand, Dad, no worries. We want to stay with you till old age.”

“Hahaha… You are a good son!”

Ping’an shook with laughter and hugged his father tightly. His dad was way too easily satisfied. Shouldn’t he be seizing the moment to voice more opinions and vent a bit?

The soldiers passing by secretly laughed: if you didn’t know them, who would guess they were father and son? They get along just like two brothers!

At the crossroads.

The good buddies were walking leisurely with briefcases, one glanced back and saw the “two brothers” coming slowly from behind.

Yi Jiefang suddenly turned and stood there, waiting for the father and son to approach.

“Uncle Yi, are you always enjoying the scenery?”

“Scenery, my foot!”

“Right, buddy, did you spot anything interesting?”

“Of course, I’m guarding the rabbit,” Yi Jiefang chuckled as he gave the two unscrupulous father and son a look, “I say you’re enough; it’s not like only you have a son.”

Zhang Guoqing looked at him sideways, “Do you have a twenty-year-old son?”

Yi Jiefang was choked by this remark, and laughed in exasperation, “You shameless one, can you really compare like that?”

“Why not?”

“I won’t stoop to your level; where is Liu Yi?”

“He just went to pick up my mom. We two won’t disturb you.” Ping’an hugged his dad, deliberately lifting his leg to walk away, “Take your time, have fun.”

“Keep teasing Uncle Yi, he’ll lay hands on you.” Zhang Guoqing pulled Yi Jiefang over, laughing heartily, “Let’s go, I was just looking for you.”

“Even if you didn’t say, I was also planning to visit you. Since Liu Yi is back, my daughter should be returned to me, right?”

“Between us brothers, who’s who?” Zhang Guoqing firmly avoided responding directly, “This wind is really strong. Brother, should I give you a coat since your constitution is weak?”

“Don’t start, you’re getting old too, be careful not to catch a cold.”

“You’re better, quite brotherly.”

Even if not brotherly, it has to be; who let his son take the other’s precious thing? “What do you want to eat tonight? How about sticky rice steamed crab, spicy shrimp, and a health soup?”

The foodie was successfully distracted, “Sounds perfect! Add more ham to the steamed crab, and spice up the shrimp. Stop dawdling, let’s walk faster.”

“Why rush? Let’s first enjoy the Northwest wind.”

…

When Zhou Jiao and her son stepped into the house, the air was filled with a rich aroma, and as they heard the laughter from the living room, they shared a knowing smile.

“My grandma is really happy today.”

“She misses you both; as the weather gets colder, she thinks about sending clothes for you brothers.” Zhou Jiao nudged her son, “Go in and chat with Uncle Da Yi for a bit first.”

“Mom, you should go in and relax too.”

“No need, you’ve taken good care of me. Bring the quilt in, I’ll head to the kitchen. You big men stay out of there.”

Liu Yi put his arm around her and pulled her inside, “Got too much to say; it’s faster to act.”

“Oh, son.” Zhou Jiao smiled and gave him a light slap, “These days, spend more time taking Little Tangtang out, don’t just focus on me and your grandma, okay?”

Liu Yi burst into laughter.

Zhou Jiao listened to the sounds coming from the kitchen with a smile in her eyes, “It’s time to add an aunt to the housework; can’t always have the two girls do it when they come home.”

“Okay, pick an aunt you like.” Liu Yi lifted the curtain, “Oh? Grandpa’s back too.”

“Your dad wanted to surprise me; they all got the heads-up.”

“You guessed it again.” Behind the door, Zhang Guoqing pulled her over, gazing at Liu Yi with a scrutinizing look, “Hmm, not bad, you get to rest a few more days at home this time.”

“Dad, Mom got so cold.” Liu Yi hurriedly pushed his parents inside, “She rode that tricycle to work again.”

“What’s going on? It’s so cold!”

Seeing his dad’s attention shift, Liu Yi quietly let out a breath. His mom’s eyes were sharp; how could he not be anxious?

Loyalty and filial piety are hard to balance.

He already failed to be filial and can’t be by his mom’s side, also not wanting her to worry. Thinking of this, Liu Yi looked at his parents’ back with apologetic eyes.

“Grandpa, Grandma.” Liu Yi approached Miao Lishan who was waving, sat down in the middle of them, and looked at Yi Jiefang, “Uncle, I’ll join you for a couple of drinks later.”

“I heard you’re representing at the award ceremony at the end of the year again? Another achievement?”

Liu Yi quickly coughed to interrupt him, “Why didn’t my aunt come?”

“I just called.” Ping’an, who was pouring tea, quickly picked up the conversation, “Aunt said there are guests at home, so she won’t come. Uncle, have a couple more drinks tonight, and let Liu Yi take you home later.”

Miao Lishan touched Liu Yi’s hand, “Wearing so little, aren’t you cold? Did you eat the things grandma sent over? They’re all cooked by your mother personally.”

Liu Yi reassured with a smile, “Grandma, I’m strong, not afraid of cold. As soon as things arrived, they were snatched by everyone; they all said my grandma cares for me.”

“So everyone’s easy to get along with? That’s good. I just worry you’re the youngest, might not command respect. Bring your comrades over during the holidays to visit.”

“Okay.” Liu Yi nodded decisively. Just agree first, nothing beats family.

As for scaring the comrades?

Paper can’t cover fire. Not to mention the Jiangbei guys might give it away, probably some savvy folks have started getting suspicious.

Ping’an looked at him with pity-filled eyes: truly difficult brothers! Still, their youngest brother is the happiest, living a colorful life abroad.