CHAPTER 302: CHAPTER 232: THOUGHTFUL LITTLE SWEETHEART (PART 2)

Zhang Guoqing hurriedly walked towards the living room, "It’s nothing, it just makes me laugh when I think about it. Just now, Jiao Jiao said she tried on the military boots and found them really heavy, afraid she wouldn’t have the strength to lift her feet and walk. I think her small frame is quite delicate. She then asked me to imagine if she could move around wearing the military hat, coat, and boots. Oh, the more I think about it, the funnier it gets."

Zhou Xiaozheng watched everyone laugh heartily, but he didn’t laugh, instead feeling worried, "Have you come up with a solution? This child needs more nourishment, her body is too weak."

Zhang Guoqing nodded, "We’ve figured it out. We’ll have a shoemaker make a few pairs of boots. The hat can be knitted with wool, and we can line it with fur to keep it warm. The military coat can be worn when going out."

"Yeah, once the confinement month is over, make sure she exercises by running. I see those new recruits couldn’t run in the beginning either, but they improved later. I’ll go back and see if there are any lightweight warm clothes. In Xinjiang, there are sheepskin boots and gloves. You can make do for now until I go back and find someone from Xinjiang to bring them back for you with some money."

Zhang Guoqing shook his head, "There’s really no need. I can find someone local to make them quickly. It’s too much trouble for you to find someone, and it incurs a favor. There’s no shortage of materials here, and we can even choose ones she likes."

Lin Lishan frowned and thought for a long time, finally realizing a solution, "Leave it to me. I can find someone to send them directly. Jiao Jiao didn’t mention this, I wouldn’t have thought of it myself. I also found it heavy when I wore them then."

"Mom, you should go see what Jiao Jiao has done, then you’ll know there’s no need to find someone. She’s very skillful."

Lin Lishan, Mother Zhang, and Old Mrs. Cheng went into the bedroom and saw Zhou Jiao, her face blushing with embarrassment, smiling at them. She must have heard the conversation from outside.

Old Mrs. Cheng saw two jackets on the table as soon as she entered the room. Judging by the style, they seemed to be prepared for her dad, with fabric scraps on them and the sewing kit still on the table.

"You’re still in confinement, there will be time for needlework later. Don’t do it next time. Hmm, this craftsmanship is really good. It’s made of mink, very warm," Old Mrs. Cheng nodded in satisfaction as she touched the inside.

Zhou Jiao quickly nodded, "I know, I don’t do complicated work that’s tiring for the eyes. This is simple, just a few stitches and it’s done. It’s just right for my dad to wear inside."

Old Mrs. Cheng smiled as she fondled the cloth-covered buttons on the outside, secretly nodding. This child is meticulous in whatever she does, "Your dad didn’t dote on you for nothing. Good child, you deserve your dad’s affection. Having a daughter is better; sons can’t compare. When your dad puts these on, he won’t stop smiling happily. Besides your dad’s, who else are you preparing for?"

Zhou Jiao noticed Old Mrs. Cheng glancing towards Mother Zhang, and immediately understood, "I initially wanted to prepare for both my parents and my in-laws, but firstly, the materials aren’t enough, and secondly, I’m still in confinement. I’m afraid they would blame me for not taking good care of myself. Xiao Wu and I are planning to collect materials during this period so that once I’m out of confinement, I can make them for them to wear for the winter."

With a smile in her eyes, Old Mrs. Cheng continued, "That’s how you should think. You need to take proper care during your confinement. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to show filial piety to them in the future."

Mother Zhang waved her hand quickly, "Don’t prepare for us. Your parents often work outside, they need it. We stay indoors during winter, we don’t need these. Don’t bother with these things. After your confinement, if you have time, you can knit sweaters and trousers for your dad. Your mom is busy with work every day, she surely doesn’t have time. Since you’re good with needlework, you can do it if you’re idle."

Zhou Jiao smiled and playfully complained, "Mom, you forgot again. You should say, ’Then I’ll wait for you to send the clothes over, and I’ll happily accept them.’ Be careful with your words, if you keep saying that, I might take it seriously and not remember you in the future."

Mother Zhang laughed heartily and said happily, "Alright, I’ll listen to you. I’ll make them in the spring. You focus on your dad’s for now. Jiao Jiao, your mom will have Xiao Wu take me to your eldest sister’s house, you stay and chat with your aunt and grandma. I’ll be back in a bit."

Zhou Jiao got up quickly, watched her leave, breathed a sigh of relief, and made a playful face at her mom. She took a scarf out of the wardrobe and handed it to her mom, "Mom, this is for you, do you like it? I couldn’t make a jacket for you because I ran out of materials, so don’t be mad, okay? Don’t think I’m not close with you.

I’m worried dad hasn’t been doing well when he’s away, afraid he’ll catch a cold, so I prioritized him. He’s wearing it to keep his chest warm. Otherwise, during winter exercises without a coat, he’d probably freeze. As for dad’s sweater and pants, don’t knit them, I’m faster. Once I finish, I’ll send them to you. Make sure to check him, see if his stomach’s okay, he must be mindful. They say badger oil fried with egg can treat stomach issues, I’ve prepared some for him.

Also, don’t save the ginseng, stew it with chicken. When I get a chance, I’ll buy two more, Aunt Cheng needs nourishment as well. Things were rushed this time, you’re leaving tomorrow, and I haven’t prepared much."

Lin Lishan affectionately touched the scarf while listening to her chatter continuously, and complained, "Got it, housekeeper. I’ll certainly take good care of your dad. But you’re so young, minding all these things yourself."

Old Mrs. Cheng nodded in agreement, "You’re still young; don’t worry about these things. Aunt Cheng isn’t an outsider, we don’t lack them at home. Sending things back and forth is bothersome. I’ll make sure your dad goes for check-ups and that he gets his nourishment. If you need anything, write to Aunt Cheng, don’t worry about us. Aunt Cheng has personal savings and earns a good salary each month, so we can easily buy whatever we need in the Big Courtyard. If you’re short of anything, just let me know, and I’ll send it to you. You don’t need to buy baby formula or anything like that."

"Oh my, no need for baby formula, there’s more than enough. My mom brought some last time, and Xiao Wu bought even more. I even gave a pack to my mother-in-law for their kids to drink. We have plenty of brown sugar at home, more than we can consume, and the cabinets are stuffed full with fabrics and such. Aunt Cheng, whatever my mom buys comes in truckloads. Our family is well-off; there’s truly nothing we lack. You and my mom really don’t need to send any more, when we’re out, I’ll ask you."

Lin Lishan laughed heartily, giving her a look, "You silly girl, anyone who hears would think you can’t fit all your stuff. Just a few bolts of fabric, not even enough for a few pairs of underwear, yet you say it’s overflowing.

Aunt, don’t listen to her, don’t send anything yet. If I can’t buy it, I’ll ask you. This girl always keeps an eye on me when I buy things, frowning. Mom, be more low-key. Mom, save a bit.

Look at yourself, so skinny you could be blown away by a gust of wind. You haven’t rested well this confinement period, your complexion is still sallow and skinny. You’re still worried about your dad; take care of yourself first. If you can stay in the county, don’t foolishly go back. Here, if you don’t want to cook, just go to Master Fatty’s place to eat, it won’t cost much.

Don’t let the stove in the kitchen go out, keep making stews. You have a small appetite, if you’re hungry, just head to the kitchen to eat. Have all the clothes and sheets at home washed by someone else. I’ve arranged with Aunt Cheng, she’ll help find someone. If it weren’t for concerns about your in-laws having opinions, your dad would have hired someone to take care of you. This time, take good care of yourself. Close the door and ignore everything else. Once Ping’an’s one-month old, you should immediately come over, I’ve instructed Xiao Wu, and he agreed. Remember?"

Zhou Jiao smiled pleasingly, "Mom, don’t get more worked up as you speak. Your daughter is smart, you’ll see me turn into a plump girl."

Lin Lishan sighed and said helplessly, "You’re smart, but your nature makes it easy for you to suffer. You’re always thinking of others, with a soft heart. Remember that you’re only 17, you can be spoiled, you can be unruly, it’s not necessary to be so sensible. Do whatever you want. No need to wrong yourself for others."

Zhou Jiao laughed heartily, winking secretly at Old Mrs. Cheng, "Mom, fortunately, it’s just Aunt Cheng here, anyone else would be scared hearing that. Don’t worry, I won’t suffer losses. If I do, I’ll write to you, and you can help me get even."