CHAPTER 922: CHAPTER 623: PROVOCATION?

Just past eight o’clock, the car drove into City A. It was unlikely that the Zhang family would arrive so early, so Zhou Mikang first drove the car back to the Zhou family home.

At home, there were only Old Madam Zhou, Old Master Zhou, Lin Yanqiu, and Zhou Huakang. Liang Xiaohong and Zhou Gangping had taken Zhou Zhongkang and Mei Xiaofeng back to Liang Xiaohong’s parents’ home, while Zhou Shanping and Wang Lei went to visit Wang Jing and her father.

After some warm greetings, Old Madam Zhou urged everyone to quickly head to Luo Gangshun’s place, reminding them that a promise made should not be broken.

"Mom, I’m sorry that we couldn’t accompany you back to Grandma’s house." Chuxia apologized to Lin Yanqiu with a look of regret. Originally, on the third day of the Lunar New Year, she and Zhou Mikang were supposed to accompany Lin Yanqiu back to her parents’ home. In their absence, Lin Yanqiu could only take Zhou Xikang and Yu Tao with her, which according to local customs, was a bit embarrassing, considering she had two sons and two daughters-in-law.

Chuxia only found out about this custom during a chat at the Lin family, when Jiang Xinwan mentioned it. As a native of City A, Jiang Xinwan was well-versed in these customs.

Apparently, she brought it up intentionally as a reminder for Chuxia, to let her know when to express her apologies to the Zhou family.

Thus, when Lin Yanqiu and her mother mentioned that Liang Xiaohong had taken Mei Xiaofeng and Zhou Zhongkang back to her parents’ home, Chuxia quickly spoke up.

"Chuxia, have you become estranged from Mom after a visit to Grandma’s?" Lin Yanqiu laughed as she ruffled her hair. "If Mom cared about these things, she wouldn’t have let you leave on the third day, right?"

"I know Mom doesn’t mind, but I didn’t know about this custom before. Now that I do, of course, I have to apologize to Mom." Chuxia smiled embarrassedly. "It seems my uncle and aunt probably care a lot about this sort of thing."

"You might as well just say they like to nitpick, but don’t worry about them. I went back to see Grandma, and as for others, they can think what they want." Lin Yanqiu said, nudging her out the door. "Don’t dawdle. Come back and talk to Mom in the evening."

Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe were also eager to see how the Luo family was doing, so without further ado, they quickly took their daughter and son-in-law to the guesthouse, of course, with Lin Wenbin accompanying them.

"Uncle Baohe, Aunt Yulan, you’re finally here!" As the car stopped, Luo Xiaoqiong ran over, calling out and greeting Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe, before tugging tightly at Chuxia’s arm. "I’ve been waiting here since early morning, afraid that you might not make it back."

"We promised to come back, so we definitely would. Do you know what time Second Sister’s parents and grandmother will arrive?" Chuxia asked.

"We got a telegram the day before yesterday saying they’d arrive around ten in the morning. My brother and Second Sister were worried they’d arrive early, so they’ve already gone to the train station." Luo Xiaoqiong greeted Lin Wenbin, who was getting out of the car. "Happy New Year, Big Brother Lin."

"Happy New Year, Xiaoqiong." Lin Wenbin smiled at her. "After the New Year, Xiaoqiong looks even prettier."

Luo Xiaoqiong bashfully thanked him.

Before they reached the room, Luo Gangshun and Fat Auntie came out to greet them. Upon seeing Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe, their expressions noticeably relaxed.

The room where Luo Gangshun and Fat Auntie stayed had obviously been tidied up, looking cleaner and more orderly than usual, and the table was already laid out with plenty of sunflower seeds and candy.

Noticing the clothes Fat Auntie was wearing, Zhao Yulan nodded in satisfaction. "Cha Xiang, your outfit really suits you well. Now that you’re out and about, who would dare say you’re not a city woman?"

"Is it really nice?" Fat Auntie laughed shyly. "I wouldn’t have bought it myself. It was Hongqi who insisted, saying it made me look lively.

His father’s outfit was also just purchased. This kid, he must really fancy Second Sister; otherwise, there would be no need for such fuss, buying two sets of ready-made clothes. He spent all his saved-up cloth coupons and money."

Luo Gangshun was wearing a dark blue terylene suit, which looked quite smart.

Luo Xiaoqiong shook Chuxia’s arm. "Don’t my parents look stylish all dressed up?"

Chuxia nodded. "Certainly, they look very stylish."

"It’s thanks to Teacher Jing. Without him, even with cloth coupons and money, we couldn’t have bought these clothes. By the way, did you see him when you arrived?"

"No, did Big Brother come by this morning?"

"Yes, he came over with Captain Zeng, saying they had some errands to run but would be back shortly. They’re also worried you might not get back in time and have been helping to keep an eye on things."

Chuxia nodded, feeling very grateful to Jing Zhe.

She believed that even if they couldn’t make it back, Jing Zhe would certainly have arranged everything properly. Although his personality wasn’t as straightforward as Lin Wenbin’s, he was equally meticulous in thought.