After bidding farewell to Zhou Granny, I returned, covered in mud and water.
Having had lunch, relatives started leaving one after another.
The funeral was held at my eldest uncle's house. Second aunt helped tidy up and returned borrowed items to their owners.
Eldest uncle and second uncle had been busy for two days, but now they finally had some free time to discuss the hardships of this year with An JingZhi.
Approaching the harvest season, heavy rain had been pouring continuously for half a month, causing numerous crops to collapse. If Zhou Granny hadn't been worried and gone to the fields alone, she wouldn't have met with that accident and lost her life.
Although we had anticipated that this year would be difficult, the actual hardships hadn't reached us yet. Life must go on.
"There are fewer people at home today, and there's room for everyone to stay. I suggest you leave tomorrow and wait for the road conditions to improve," proposed my eldest uncle.
An JingZhi felt uncomfortable staying for another night and said, "No, look at us. Some of us have to go to work, and some have to go to school. There are still a few children waiting at home. Let's leave now. When you have free time, come visit us again. And Jianwen and Jianye, if they're free, bring the children over to visit your aunt."
"Well, if that's the case, it's better to leave early rather than late. Let me walk you out," my eldest uncle said as he got up to find an umbrella. Although it was sunny now, the weather had been unpredictable this year, and it could start raining in no time.
I quickly declined with a hoarse voice, "Brother, there's plenty to do at home. We don't need you to accompany us. You have to come back on your own later, and it's not safe to walk on slippery roads in the dark. It really doesn't put our minds at ease."
It was still bright outside now, but it might not be when we returned.
After much insistence, they finally left.
My eldest aunt sighed as she watched them depart and complained to my eldest uncle, "I told you to talk to our second sister-in-law earlier and ask her to help find a good family for Zhizhi in the city. But you didn't want to. Look at how things have turned out for Zhizhi. When Zhi Xia came to our house, she wasn't as good as Zhizhi. But now, they both seem like they belong to different generations. And Sucun, since she moved to the city, she has changed so much. She even looks younger after giving birth."
There is no pain without comparison. The obvious contrast right in front of her eyes made it impossible for her not to feel heartbroken for her daughter.
My eldest uncle's face darkened. "Zhizhi already has children. Why are you bringing up these things now? Do you think it's easy to find a good family in the city for our daughter? If it weren't for our mother's mediation and the fact that they are relatives, do you think Zhi Ren would have chosen Sucun? Let's look at it from another perspective. Even if she managed to marry into the city, with our family's background, would they treat our daughter well?"
Appearances can be deceiving, and only the person experiencing the suffering knows the true extent of it.
Sucun is truly enjoying a good life, and it's also a stroke of luck.
Her younger sister's situation only improved in recent years when the children grew up. When she first arrived at the An family, she would cry every time she came back, just like a tearful person. Even the servants would gossip behind her back, looking down on the country girl who became the young mistress. Yet, this is still considered a good treatment for someone who married into a family of educated and well-mannered individuals.
Now, things have taken a turn for the better. Her husband is getting older, and he occasionally lowers his head. All the children are making progress.
They didn't have that kind of luck, so it's best for them to just stay grounded and not think too much. Overthinking will only trouble themselves.
When An ZhiAng came back, it was already three days later. His left arm was fractured, and he had a cast on his neck, which needed some time to heal.
As soon as Zhi Xia returned from school, Sister Zhang informed her about the news. An ZhiAng had come over as soon as he arrived and left after learning that Zhi Xia had gone to school, taking the triplets and Xiao Liu with him.
As Zhi Xia rode her bicycle, planning to go to An's house, she saw him coming out of Grandma's house. "Little sister, where are you going?" he asked.
"I was just about to come and see you, Fourth Brother. Is your arm serious?" Zhi Xia asked with concern.
"It's just a minor injury, don't worry. It'll take some time to heal, but it's also a good opportunity for me to rest." An ZhiAng said playfully. Perhaps only he knew how dangerous the scene was when he was hit by a stone while rescuing the dam at the reservoir.
The two siblings chatted and laughed as they walked inside, where all the children were playing.
"By the way, Fourth Brother, what about Jing? We haven't been able to contact him these past few days. Is he okay?"
There was a note left in the room, saying that he had gone to the countryside to help with water diversion and river dredging. He mentioned that he would be busy during this time and asked her not to worry.
"He's doing fine, busy with the river dredging and leading a team," An ZhiAng replied impatiently.
Hearing their conversation in the yard, Su Ying unexpectedly came out of the living room and greeted Zhi Xia.
The fact that she could appear here meant that it was when Fourth Brother came back on the first day. Grandma probably hadn't given up on the idea of matchmaking them.
Zhi Xia immediately looked at An ZhiAng's expression, but it remained the same, and she couldn't tell anything.
Grandma also came out of the house and said, "Zhi Xia, I've asked Sister Zhou to prepare some food. You and the children should stay here for dinner tonight. Fourth Brother will be staying on this side during this time, making it convenient for you two siblings to visit each other."
"Alright, I'll listen to Grandma. I'll go and tell Sister Zhang to go back," Zhi Xia naturally wouldn't refuse, but at the same time, she understood that their sibling interaction was just a side effect, and the main goal was to match Fourth Brother with Su Ying.
Zhi Xia was actually happy about An ZhiAng's love life.
He wasn't young anymore, and having someone who knows his coldness and warmth by his side is much warmer than being alone.
There was also beer on the table, and Grandma suggested that Zhi Xia and Su Ying have a drink, clearly implying her intentions. Zhi Xia naturally complied.
After dinner, Grandma pulled Zhi Xia and Su Ying aside to talk, while An ZhiAng boredly sat in a chair, suggesting to Grandma, "Grandma, why not get a television for the house? Let my dad find a way?"
Grandpa had a radio, and Grandma had a record player. Each had their own hobbies.
Since An ZhiAng rarely had a chance to rest, Grandma didn't want him to go out and get into trouble, drinking and fighting with his group of friends.
As he listened to their conversation, he had no interest in the topic at all. It was all so boring.
"Fine, if you want to see it, go ahead." The old lady glanced at him with annoyance, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. She turned to Su Ying and said, "This boy has been spoiled by me since he was little. He's straightforward and dares to make any demands."
"Brother Four is truly genuine." Su Ying smiled subtly and stood up. "Grandma An, it's getting late. I should take my leave."
"You're leaving already? Let Brother Four accompany you back. It's not safe for a young girl to walk alone at night. What if she encounters a bad person?" The old lady found an excuse and instructed An ZhiAng, "Brother Four, get up quickly and escort Su Ying back."
"Okay, as you wish. I'll accompany her," An ZhiAng reluctantly got up and leaped over the stool, directly approaching Su Ying. "Let's go, Su Ying."
"This troublesome child always worries me. How come such a good girl doesn't know how to make a move on him?" After the two left, the old lady sighed.
"Grandma really likes Su Ying."
"I've watched this child grow up. I know him inside out. But the main problem is your Brother Four. If I don't put some pressure on him, he'll probably end up being a lifelong bachelor even if he wants to find a wife. It's a pity that Su Ying is interested in Brother Four, but he's not responsive enough."
