Chapter 517: Chapter 353: Farewell Banquet

The first watch of the night has arrived.

————————–

“Chuxia, you must tell the truth. Your mother and I are so anxious that we’re beside ourselves. If you lie to us, we’ll be even more worried,” Lin Baohe emphasized again, following his wife’s sentiment, fearing that their daughter would deceive them.

“Dad, Mom, it’s just that they’ve been gone for a longer time. Don’t worry, everything’s all right,” Chuxia said while serving food to her parents without making an effort to lower her voice.

“Baohe, Yulan…” Zhou Jingping lifted his glass toward Lin Baohe and Zhao Yulan, “You’ve taken care of Xiaomi like your own son, and for that, I thank you.”

“It’s the least we could do,” Lin Baohe said excitedly, raising his glass and drinking it all in one gulp.

Zhao Yulan held her glass in hand, glancing at her husband, then at Zhou Jingping, with a face full of confusion. Chuxia was also defeated by her own father. Although they had become in-laws, in the presence of Zhou Jingping, the “high-ranking official,” her dear father was still as nervous as ever…

When Lin Baohe emptied his glass, Zhou Jingping quickly finished his own drink as well, laughing and trying to smooth things over, “My in-law truly is a forthright person.”

After the drink, Lin Baohe chuckled along with Zhou Jingping’s remarks, only then realizing the ridiculous mistake he had made. His face turned beet red. He wanted to pour another drink to offer one in return, fearing others might think him greedy for liquor, but not returning the gesture, after all, what was that he had just done…

“My in-law…” Zhou Jingping approached with his glass in hand, placing a big hand on Lin Baohe’s shoulder, “I really like your straightforwardness, direct and without any unnecessary twists and turns, easy to get along with.

In the future, could you just consider me a relative, a brother? I am a few years older than you, so I’ll brazenly take a bit of advantage, is that alright?”

“This…” Various emotions intermingled on Lin Baohe’s face—nervousness, excitement, emotion, elation—all flickering across his expression. His lips quivering, he was at a loss for words.

Lin Yanqiu tugged at Chuxia, signaling her to switch seats, and sat next to Zhao Yulan, warmly taking her hand: “Sister, let the old brothers make a fuss. Let’s chat amongst ourselves.”

“Yes, yes,” Zhao Yulan replied repeatedly, her expression a mirror image of Lin Baohe’s.

“Sister, we are one family, a real family. You have only one darling daughter, Chuxia, and she’s bound to live together with the young couple in the future. As for us, when we get old, we’ll want to live with our children. So, when we are old, we are sure to live together. Isn’t that closer than blood siblings?”

“Right, right,” was Zhao Yulan’s emphatic echo, unable to find any other words.

“Blood siblings get married and separate, but we can stay together in our old age. That is great fate, isn’t it?” Lin Yanqiu continued, “So our way of getting along definitely needs to change, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, yes,” Zhao Yulan reflexively repeated, still in a state of perplexity.

“So, from now on, you two should consider the Zhou residence as your own home. When getting along with us, treat us like you would your own brothers and sisters. For the younger members of the household, treat them like your other nephews and nieces. That way, the kids can work hard and not worry about us, right?”

“Right, right.”

Chuxia helplessly touched her forehead, her mother was now going along entirely with her mother-in-law’s train of thought, or maybe she didn’t even realize what she was agreeing to, but she surely thought what the mother-in-law said made sense.

As for her father, after a hearty talk with Zhou Jingping, he had already begun acting chummy with the other man, addressing each other as brothers. Of course, the influence of alcohol might be a factor, or maybe he would be completely back to Qidian by tomorrow.

“Chuxia…” Old Madam Zhou, who had been smilingly watching everyone bond, gently touched Chuxia’s hand and whispered, “Your friends, they all look uncomfortable. Why not go sit with them?”

Chuxia quickly glanced at the foreign guests: Zhou Hanliang and Yun Doudou were fine, as they were familiar with the younger Zhou family members, and were currently talking softly with Zhou Huakang. Luo Xiaoqiong and Zhao Qiliang were just sitting stiffly, like two wooden figures, not moving at all. Second Aunt Liang Xiaohong was talking to them, but they were responding robotically by simply nodding or shaking their heads…

It was their first time at the Zhou residence, so their nervousness was understandable. Chuxia hurried over, taking the seat next to Second Aunt Liang Xiaohong.

“Chuxia…” prodded by Chuxia, Luo Xiaoqiong suddenly relaxed, “I’m not coming over again. I’ve been so nervous, surrounded by important people, it’s impossible for me to relax.”

“Yeah, Chuxia, I really won’t come back again. Seeing the commander, my calves started cramping…” Zhao Qiliang looked admirably at Lin Baohe, who was rubbing shoulders and drinking with Zhou Jingping, “Uncle-in-law is impressive. I’ve just realized that uncle-in-law really keeps his light under a bushel.”

“Today, sitting here, there are only elders and youngsters, no division commanders or soldiers. You two, relax a bit,” Chuxia glared at them and casually served them some food, “Not all the Zhou family members have arrived yet. In a bit, Little Aunt Zhou and Division Commander Xu’s family, Zhou Zhongkang and his partner, and even Zhou Nanping might come back. What will you do then?”

“What?” Luo Xiaoqiong panicked, “Chuxia, I regret it. Why did I agree to come back with you all? Maybe we should leave now, is that alright?”

“Chuxia, let’s go to Elder Wan’s place, alright?” Zhao Qiliang said as well. “Here, I really don’t know what to say. I’m just left feeling nervous. It’s too embarrassing for you.”

“Sooner or later after we’re married, I’ll be the one frequently interacting with everyone here. You’ll have to get used to it eventually, so why not start getting used to it sooner rather than later, right?”

It was Grandma who noticed something off with you guys and sent me over to accompany you. You’ll find out after spending more time here that Zhou family members are particularly easy to get along with.” She lowered her voice slightly, “Of course, there are some who aren’t so easy to get along with, but they hardly ever come back anyway.”

With her reassurance, Luo Xiaoqiong felt less tense and whispered back, “You mean the one who married the eunuch Xiao?”

“You can’t be so mean with your words.” Chuxia pinched her lightly, “Just say eunuch, why add ‘little’ before it?”

Luo Xiaoqiong: “…” Who’s being mean? She clearly said Xiao; she didn’t believe Chuxia hadn’t caught that, plus calling him ‘little’… It’s just someone whose JJ got damaged, but still, it’s not right to make fun of others!

Zhao Qiliang could vaguely hear their whispering and his face turned green. How could they discuss such a topic in public like this?

He couldn’t allow this. He had to teach them a lesson later. Girls shouldn’t behave like this. Yet, he then realized that since his sister was now married, he really couldn’t reprimand her about such matters. As for his fiancée, well, he felt a bit embarrassed discussing this with her… What to do? He felt like he was losing his composure…

Shortly before eight o’clock, Little Aunt Zhou and Division Commander Xu arrived with their son, Xu Yan, and daughter, Xu Shuxian, explaining that they should have come earlier but it was Old Lady Xu’s birthday, so they celebrated her birthday first before coming.

However, judging by Xu Shuxian’s covertly curling lips, this probably was just one of the reasons, and there might be other factors as well.

Zhou Zhongkang and Mei Xiaofeng arrived shortly after Little Aunt Zhou’s family, and this time, the couple was polite and greeted the elders before sitting quietly to the side, just eating without saying a word.

Luo Xiaoqiong quietly nudged Chuxia, “Do they have something against you? I’ve noticed the way your sister-in-law looks at you; there’s something odd about it. Plus, it seems like she’s deliberately trying to get close to your elder sister-in-law. Could it be that she’s trying to win her over and isolate you?”

“You’re thinking too much. Eat.” Chuxia put some food into her bowl, “Don’t worry about what you shouldn’t worry about.” Then she turned her gaze to Zhao Qiliang, “Brother, have you written to Eldest Uncle and Eldest Maternal Aunt?”

“Yes, I mentioned the mission. They should have received it by now. I guess they’ll definitely ask Little Aunt and Little Uncle. As long as they handle it well, our relatives will be at ease.”

“I’ll do my best to prevent my parents from finding out the truth.” Chuxia said.

Yet, this matter couldn’t be kept secret for too long. The border was showing signs of unrest, and even in an era without television or internet, news spread quickly.

Let’s just hope that when the time comes, everyone stays strong.

The next day they were to set off, and since the newlyweds were still in their honeymoon phase, dinner ended at eight-thirty. Luo Xiaoqiong and Zhao Qiliang followed Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe over to Elder Wan’s place, while Zhou Hanliang and Yun Doudou were settled at the Zhou residence.

Zhou Mikang accompanied Chuxia to send Elder Wan and the others back home. After sitting for about fifteen minutes, they were chased back by Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe.

Lin Baohe had thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s drinks and was still in high spirits; he pushed his daughter and son-in-law to the doorstep, and without waiting for them to say goodbye, he slammed the door with a “bang!”

Chuxia nearly banged her nose on the door and looked helplessly at Zhou Mikang, “I’m seriously beginning to doubt whether my dad will be completely swayed by you one day.”

“That just proves I’m a good guy, and your jealousy is useless.” Zhou Mikang took her by the shoulders, “Let’s go. Why do you think Mom and Dad were so eager to send us home? You understand, don’t you?”

“Understand what?” Chuxia glared at him, “What dirty thoughts are you having in that mind of yours? It’s disgusting.”

“How would you know what I’m thinking unless you’re the worm in my belly? Or it could be that you’re thinking the same thing as me.”

“Could you possibly have any thicker skin?” Chuxia looked at him in disbelief, “I can’t be bothered with you.”

Zhou Mikang teased her with a laugh, “Why the rush? Oh, I get it; every moment of the spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. My little wife is in a hurry, haha…”

“Shameless!” Chuxia stopped in her tracks, stomped fiercely on someone’s foot, and ground her heel in, “You’re just asking for a beating!”

“You did the same thing the first time we met.” Zhou Mikang wore an expression of enjoyment, “Is this your way of making me relive our first meeting?” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)