Chapter 330 - 329: New Year’s Goods
Chapter 330 - 329: New Year’s Goods
The family got into the car and headed towards the village. Zhuangzhuang got out of the car, ran around a few people, and then dashed down Dayan, running wildly towards the village.People in the countryside generally eat early, and by this time most had finished their meals. Although it was winter, there were still folks out for a stroll. Seeing a military jeep drive in, they couldn’t help but glue their eyes on it, curious about whose family it belonged to.
The car stopped at the alley entrance. The alley was too narrow for the car to enter, so they had to park there. Luo Xudong wasn’t worried; who would dare damage a military vehicle?
The back seat was already loaded with many items, and the not-so-large trunk was stuffed to the brim. The two felt both distressed and happy as they discussed the journey.
Because there were so many things, Luo Anguo came forward to carry two bags. Luo Xuping, not to be outdone, also picked up a bag and huffed and puffed his way home.
For little Ping’an, the alley suddenly seemed to stretch endlessly. It felt like ages before they finally reached home and relievedly placed the items on the kang.
Seeing the kang covered with New Year goods, Mrs. Qin was momentarily at a loss as to where to place them all.
"Mom, these are for Uncle and Director Xu." Beisitian separated a few bags and smiled as she spoke.
The gift for Director Xu was mainly to ensure he looked after Luo Anguo and his wife, given that they lived in Anding City and couldn’t always rush back in time if anything happened.
Even after distributing some of the gifts, there were still many left.
"Ping’an, here’s something Sister bought for you." Beisitian smiled as she pulled out a large bag filled with snacks.
Luo Xuping cheered loudly and carried the bag to the west room.
"So many New Year goods, they must have cost a lot!" Mrs. Qin was truly worried.
Beisitian laughed, "Mom, both of us earn a salary, and Dad is a boss. Why worry?"
Mrs. Qin chuckled. "It’s odd, you know. The art shop used to barely break even, but recently there’s been a surge of customers, many from out of town, asking for specific calligraphy that I don’t quite understand."
"Flower-Pinning Small楷!" Luo Anguo added, looking at Beisitian. "You wrote those, didn’t you? They specifically asked for your work!"
Beisitian wasn’t surprised, but it did give her an idea. In the future, she could provide several pieces to the art shop on a set schedule. Surely more people would come, and business would flourish.
And if that’s the case, she would need more fame.
As they weren’t sure when they would return, Mrs. Qin had prepared everything but left it uncooked. Now that everyone was back, she quickly started cooking.
Beisitian helped, and the two swiftly prepared a table full of dishes.
On the large table, Luo Xuping dutifully set the chairs before sitting down to wait.
Luo Anguo was very pleased with his young son’s behavior but didn’t notice any changes in him.
Beisitian, however, did notice. The child seemed less lively, although he had always been sensible yet lively before.
She wondered if the child had concerns he hadn’t voiced. She decided to find a chance to ask him.
Around the dining table, father and son exchanged toasts.
Luo Anguo, looking at his accomplished eldest son, suddenly shed tears. Influenced by the alcohol, he began recounting old stories from those years when Luo Xudong had first left, and how much they missed him.
Mrs. Qin threw him a disapproving glance. Why must he make the atmosphere so heavy during a good meal?
Beisitian gently pressed Mrs. Qin’s hand and shook her head, signaling her not to stop Luo Anguo, letting him speak his mind.
Mrs. Qin sighed. She didn’t want to dwell on such matters. Now that the eldest son was back and life was better, it was time to let the past be the past.
Beisitian understood that Luo Anguo still harbored some resentment. Even if they understood and knew that Luo Xudong was doing it for the country, they still bore the brunt of the consequences. No matter how much they understood, it wasn’t easy to let go of the hardships endured; venting was only natural.
Luo Xudong listened quietly, not saying a word. His greatest regrets were his family and Sitiang.
Feeling the mood turn heavy, Luo Xuping quickly finished his meal and went back to his room. Sister had not only bought him snacks but also many toys he’d never seen before.
Among the toys Beisitian bought for him were many educational ones, suitable for children around five or six years old. Now that they had money, they couldn’t possibly let the child continue to suffer.
Luo Anguo, being understanding, felt much better after airing his grievances, and the resentment faded.
Seeing that they’d had enough to drink, Beisitian decided it was time for Luo Anguo to stop.
"Dad, you’re fine. You’re in good health now!" Luo Anguo chuckled, though his eyes were still red.
"Dad, I know your health best. You’re not a total teetotaler, but excessive drinking isn’t suitable for you. Let’s call it a night." Beisitian took away his empty glass.
She wasn’t worried about Luo Xudong; he could hold his drink and was robust enough that ordinary alcohol had little effect on him.
Seeing Luo Anguo about to speak, Mrs. Qin’s face darkened immediately. "Just listen to Little Tian’er. What good is there in drinking so much?"
In front of Mrs. Qin was a glass of blackcurrant juice. She had never had a drink in her life, so she found it unfamiliar at first, but after a few sips, she found it quite delicious. Apparently, it came from the Capital City.
Once the table was cleared, the four of them went to the east room to chat. Since it was still early, there seemed to be endless topics to talk about.
In the west room, Luo Xuping felt a bit down. He was still troubled by his insecurities, feeling particularly worried whenever he saw his outstanding elder brother. He feared that if he couldn’t match up in the future, his parents and sister might not like him.
But in the end, he was still a child. Upon discovering a pile of toys and snacks, his worries vanished to the winds, and he began to play with Zhuangzhuang.
In the east room, upon hearing that Beisitian had found relatives from her mother’s side, Luo Anguo and his wife were genuinely happy for her. No matter how well they treated her, they couldn’t replace blood relatives.
Beisitian didn’t say much about the Tian Family, nor did she mention past grievances.
Later on, it was mentioned that Luo Xuhua would also return home for the New Year this time, bringing along his wife and children. This news made Luo Anguo and his wife even happier, but they still sighed, wondering what drama might unfold next.
"This time there shouldn’t be any drama; Brother is not really in a dire state." Beisitian had previously explained the matter of the two thousand yuan to Luo Anguo and his wife, so they had no doubts.
"Qin Hongmei doesn’t dare act up anymore. She’s being submissive at home, afraid that Uncle will kick her out," Mrs. Qin said.
In those days, who bothered to get a marriage certificate? Even Mrs. Qin and Luo Anguo never got one; having a wedding banquet was considered married. So, when Luo Aiguo had such intentions, Qin Hongmei was scared to death.
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