Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 742 - 617: In-Laws Singing Each Other’s Praises
At quitting time, Zhang the Second and Zhang Meili, the two sisters and their husbands, gathered in the small courtyard. Except for Zhang Guofu, who was in the provincial city, Old Zhang’s family was reunited.
Today, Mother Zhang was in high spirits and, with her three daughters-in-law, steamed two large pots of white steamed buns. Of course, no matter how happy she was, there was no compromise on mixing cornmeal with the white flour.
She specially cooked a large pot of thick white rice porridge and stir-fried four seasonal vegetables, one potato stewed with dried wild rabbit, and one stewed fish. These six dishes were served in two plates each, two tables crowded in the living room, and the aroma filled the air. It made the children shout that today felt like celebrating the New Year.
Before the meal began, Mr. Zhang went to call the in-laws from his two sons-in-law’s families, and everyone gathered in joyful laughter. The lively atmosphere was no less vibrant than the New Year’s celebration.
Zhang Guoqing was still standing at the men’s table pouring wine, filling the glasses of the three elders. He toasted them, wishing that their brotherly friendship would last forever, as close as family.
Uncle Chen laughed heartily, "Well said!"
Accountant Zhang remarked, "Who would have thought that as we get older, we become more flavorful. Xiao Wu, fill them up for us again. Old Second, today I offer you a toast, borrowing flowers to worship the Buddha, to thank you for raising such a good daughter!"
Uncle Chen also raised his bowl, "Mei Hao is not only caring and filial, but she also gave our Chen Family two grandsons. No need to say more, thank you, Brother Zhang, for a wonderful daughter."
Mr. Zhang cheerfully raised his bowl and laughed, "Stop with the courtesy. I haven’t even thanked you for raising such a fine son to be my son-in-law. Come, come, let’s three old guys finish this cup." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
Zhang Guoqing smiled happily at his two sisters, seeing their flushed faces, and felt happy for them. A woman loved by her husband and fond of her in-laws, with a harmonious family, is already enough. Whatever remains, this brother will help them handle it. Especially the eldest sister, he is determined to let her have a good life.
Mother Zhang enthusiastically helped the two in-laws by serving meat, "Eat more. I may be not good with words, but I am grateful in my heart that the sisters-in-law treat the daughters-in-law like their daughters."
Mrs. Liu, who had a stroke, was gradually recovering and could occasionally take a few steps. Apart from not speaking fluently, her daily life and toilet needs were no longer a problem. Compared to Gu Ruyi, this elder is fortunate to have a long-time supportive husband, a thoughtful eldest son, and a filial younger daughter-in-law.
"Meili is filial."
"Mei Hao is also very caring to me."
Mother Zhang modestly said, "That’s because you all understand. Let’s not talk about formalities, enjoy the food, enjoy the food..."
Zhou Jiao watched from the side, laughing secretly. Her mother-in-law was truly overjoyed this time, and she estimated that her mood would be excellent these few days.
Compared to the embarrassment of Zhang Meili and her sisters, Huang Cuilan felt slightly uneasy. Watching the bustling scene in front of her, she always felt out of place, like an outsider.
Lin Juhua saw her only eating buns without touching the dishes and nudged Huang Cuilan’s leg. She was worried for her elder sister-in-law, hoping she wouldn’t embarrass her mother-in-law, or it’d truly cause anger.
With Xiao Wu around, whoever made his mother unhappy might find themselves in trouble. Don’t be fooled by his constant smiles; when it comes to action, he won’t go easy. Worst of all, Jiao Jiao would protect her man without asking questions.
How did her husband put it? Don’t offend anyone, especially not his mother. She has three sons and three daughters, yes, even Jiao Jiao counts as a daughter. Anger his mother, and any of them could rip into you.
Oh my, if the sister-in-law doesn’t hurry to build goodwill, Xiao Wu and his wife might not help, and tomorrow, even if Big Brother causes a divorce scene, no one would assist.
Huang Cuilan smiled at Lin Juhua, holding up her chopsticks but seeing Zhou Jiao already serving her a piece of food in her bowl. Watching her continue to serve food to everyone to cover it up, her heart warmed.
At this moment, Uncle Chen at the men’s table also mentioned Zhang Guofu and asked Zhang Guoqing, "Have you visited him?"
"I went to his school before coming back."
Huang Cuilan focused her attention on listening to their conversation.
"...Does your eldest brother have any plans after studying abroad?"
Zhang Guoqing glanced at his second brother, the two brothers exchanged a look, and he laughed, "I didn’t ask. Knowing my eldest brother’s nature, he surely prefers to follow the leader’s arrangements."
"Your eldest brother is doing well now. I heard he even won a big prize for some data statistics project last time, otherwise he wouldn’t have had the chance to study further this time."
Zhang Guoqing laughed, "Each of our three brothers has our strengths. My eldest brother is excellent at math. He’s steady in nature, does things with patience and diligence, and has found the right direction this time."
Accountant Zhang praised, "That’s true. As soon as I’ve calculated with the abacus, he’s already silently figured it out. Even if he didn’t work in the city, he’d have succeeded as the team accountant."
Zhang Guoqing shifted the conversation, laughing, "Speaking of the village, I plan to go back home tomorrow. When I’m out here and don’t see Daqing Mountain, I feel uneasy."
Accountant Zhang sighed, "Daqing Mountain is not the mountain it used to be."
Zhang Guoqiang explained to his confused younger brother, "A lot of trees on the outskirts have been cut down. From the foot of the mountain to halfway up, you can’t even see a chicken feather now."
"Is Grandpa’s wooden shed still there?" Zhang Guoqing had anticipated that once food became scarce, many people would flock to the mountains, but he hadn’t expected it to be so severe.
"That spot is too deep inside, so no one dares to tear it down. You often hear wolves howling, and apart from the old hunters, no one dares to go there. Our side is still better off; the mountains in the neighboring county are completely bare. The dense forest there was stripped clean."
Zhang Guoqing glanced at his father upon hearing this.
Mr. Zhang nodded, "According to Mr. Wang, those wolves regrouped after not being eradicated before. It was hard to catch any wild animals in the mountains since last year; fortunately, the weather was favorable this year, or else your third uncle would have been really worried."
Over there, Lin Juhua nudged Zhou Jiao, quietly saying, "I heard Xiao Wu talking about taking Ping’an up the mountain this afternoon. You must stop him this time, don’t let him mess around."
Zhou Jiao nodded with a smile, teasing, "Aren’t you worried about not having meat to eat, Second Sister-in-law?"
Lin Juhua rolled her eyes at her, "You have such a big heart." After speaking, she chuckled, "I must say, ever since you two haven’t been at home, I haven’t had a good meat feast in ages."
"It’s like this all over the country. I haven’t had stir-fried pork belly in ages."
Lin Juhua, seeing her regretful look, laughed secretly. She saw that Zhou Jiao wasn’t craving meat; she was missing the lively atmosphere.
She caught a glimpse of her sister-in-law about to speak but hesitated. She immediately understood and softly asked, "What was the eldest brother doing when you guys went there?"
Zhou Jiao, a little thoughtful, glanced at the two, smiling, "What else could he be doing? We went there, and he just happened to be in class, waiting outside for half an hour."
Lin Juhua glanced at her mother-in-law at the head of the table, wanting to ask a few questions but then decided to keep quiet. She thought she’d ask later in private, but she wasn’t sure if this sister-in-law would tell the truth given her personality.
