Chapter 168 - 165: Preparing to Return to the Capital City
Zhou Kun looked at his smiling son-in-law and cursed inwardly, ’Sly fox.’ He then glanced at his three sons, nodded, and said, "What do you all think? Is what your brother-in-law proposed feasible?"
The three Zhou brothers nodded frantically. Feasible? It was more than feasible! What their brother-in-law said was brilliant. None of it required much capital, except for the eldest brother, but his family could afford it!
"Then let’s do that. We’ll listen to your brother-in-law," Zhou Kun said lightly. "But let me be clear: this is your decision. Whether it turns out good or bad, you’ll have to bear the consequences yourselves. Don’t come blaming heaven and earth later!" ’My three sons really can’t compare to this son-in-law,’ he thought. ’The gap is just too obvious. Thankfully, he’s my son-in-law.’
Leaving his in-laws’ house, Li Xiu smiled triumphantly. The Yue Family’s affairs were thus perfectly resolved. His wife wouldn’t have to worry about them every day anymore. Besides, he had spoken privately with his father-in-law about the younger generation of the Zhou family. This was an era of rapid development, and it was essential for his brothers-in-law’s children to get a good education. They were relatives, after all. If they did well, it would be good for everyone.
When he got home, Grandma Li had already taken Nuonuo out to show her off. Li Xiu sighed, packed a few things, and carried them over to the old family house. Everyone was there, including Li Hua’s new wife. They all stared eagerly as Li Xiu walked in with the items, but no one dared to say a word. They had all witnessed his fierce temper before and were now too afraid to provoke him. Moreover, the aura he exuded this time was even more intimidating, and in the old house, Li Xiu made no effort to hide it.
"Dad, I’m heading back in a couple of days. I bought these for you and Mom," Li Xiu said calmly, placing the items on the table as he looked at Second Brother Li.
"Oh. Why didn’t Nuonuo’s mother come back with you this time?" Second Brother Li asked softly, looking at his eldest son, whose presence felt increasingly imposing.
Li Xiu glanced at him, then at the expressions on the others’ faces, and said with a ghost of a smile, "My wife is pregnant. The ride would be too difficult for her."
"Why is she so fussy? It’s just a car ride..."
"I’m the one who spoils her, Mom. I can’t bear the thought of my wife suffering on a long car ride. You have a problem with that?" Li Xiu cut Ge Er Ya off, retorting impolitely. He glanced around at his blood relatives filling the room, then turned and stalked out, saying as he went, "The gifts are for Mom and Dad. I have other things to do, so I’m leaving!"
’At this moment, Li Xiu detested the very concept of "reputation." What the hell was all this? Again and again... What sins did I commit in my past life to be stuck with a mother like this? No, that’s not right. She was my mother in my past life too. So how many lifetimes of bad luck did it take for me to be reborn as their son?!’
"Aren’t you tired?" Second Brother Li asked Ge Er Ya softly. ’Is this what a real mother is like?’ he wondered. ’She treats her son like she’s meeting her father’s killer. She’s even led the younger children astray. What has this all become? Is this even a family anymore?’
"What?" Ge Er Ya asked, looking at Second Brother Li in confusion as she unwrapped the things Li Xiu had brought.
"Every time you see our eldest, you just have to make things difficult for him. If you can’t stand him so much, then don’t touch the things he brings!" Second Brother Li had finally had enough. Every time he wanted to exchange a few words with his son, this old woman would chase him away with her anger.
Ge Er Ya slammed the table, her eyes wide as she yelled, "Why shouldn’t I touch them? I gave birth to him! It’s his duty to give me things!"
Watching Ge Er Ya throw her tantrum, Second Brother Li shook his head. "You should be glad you’re the one who gave birth to him. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be standing here peacefully, slamming the table at me. I’m warning you for the last time: stop provoking him. Do you even care about Li Yong and the others anymore? If you truly piss off our eldest, and he takes his anger out on the younger ones, let’s see what you do then!"
"He wouldn’t dare!"
"He absolutely would. It’s not like he hasn’t done it before. You know this. You gave birth to him; I don’t believe you don’t understand him. You’re dancing on the edge of his patience right now. If you accidentally push him too far one day, I’d like to see what you do. You know his temper. Pissing him off will do you no good!" Second Brother Li said faintly. ’That eldest son of mine... trying to control him with blood ties is just a dream. I’m old. I can’t control him, and I can’t be bothered to try anymore. A grown son is beyond his father’s control, especially one like him—a wild horse without a bridle. This old woman truly won’t give up until she hits a wall!’
Watching the old couple argue, Li Hua and the others just observed, each lost in their own thoughts. Seeing Li Xiu’s confident air and powerful presence, Li Hua was filled with envy, jealousy, and hate. But he also knew the gap between him and his older brother was only growing wider. Now, he couldn’t hope to catch up to his brother even if he rode a galloping horse.
After visiting all the important families in the village in one go, the sky was nearly dark by the time Li Xiu returned home. Seeing his grandmother in the courtyard coaxing Nuonuo to eat grapes, Li Xiu smiled and said, "Grandma, I’m back. You play with Nuonuo for a little while. I’ll go make dinner!"
The next day, Li Xiu went to the county town. He checked in with Wang Yuan, then went to the store to buy some things. He planned to host his first uncle’s and third uncle’s families for dinner at his home that evening. He had already bought the train ticket back to the Capital City for the following day. He’d been back for several days now, and he missed his wife.
That evening, the first and third branches of the Li family gathered in Li Xiu’s small courtyard. After dinner, Li Xiu explained the current policies and the general economic climate to everyone. He also had several married sisters, and he wanted to help them out a bit where he could. Both his first aunt and third aunt were astute women; they would understand his intentions. He made a special point of telling Li Bao to wake up early, as they had to catch the train tomorrow.
After coaxing Nuonuo to sleep, Grandma Li took Li Xiu’s hand and said softly, "You’ve been so busy these past few days. Tell me in detail, how are you all doing in the Capital City? Will Li Bao really not be a bother to you? Don’t lie to your grandma. I’m just worried about you."
Gently squeezing his grandmother’s hand, Li Xiu smiled. "Grandma, don’t worry, we’re doing very well. I’m running my own business now, and I can make enough to support the family. Bao’er is pregnant, so she’s taking a leave of absence from school for the second half of the year. After the baby is born and she finishes her postpartum confinement, she’ll go back to school next spring. We have our own house in the Capital City now, and our household registrations have been transferred there too. Things will only get better and better for us. Please don’t worry!"
Seeing his grandmother’s tearful smile, Li Xiu whispered, "Grandma, I met an old comrade-in-arms of my master, Uncle Ge, in the Capital City."
Grandma Li’s eyes lit up. ’Ge Xingzhi was no simple man; his old comrade-in-arms must be quite something as well!’
Nodding at her, Li Xiu whispered, "Very powerful. The old gentleman had been asking around about my master, and by a fortunate coincidence, he found me. When he learned I was the apprentice taught by my master, he started looking out for me. So, Grandma, don’t worry. As long as we keep our heads down and behave ourselves in the Capital City, no one will dare to bully us!"
"That’s good, that’s very good," Grandma Li said softly. "You are a blessed child. You married a good wife, and you met a good master. Even though he’s gone, his legacy can still protect you. You must never forget him!" ’My dear grandson,’ she thought, ’your hardships are finally over and the good times are beginning.’
"Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ve told Bao’er before: as long as my bloodline continues, there will always be offerings at my master’s grave. A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime. He doted on me and cared for me so much; how could I ever forget the debt I owe him for giving me a new lease on life!"