Chapter 217: It Seems Tonight Will Not Be Peaceful

Liu Chuxue set down her back-basket: "Mom, everything we bought is in the basket. We couldn't get much cotton; I've made arrangements with an older lady to go back in a few days so she can exchange some cotton coupons for us."

"If that doesn't work, we'll just make a few quilts first; anyway, we won't need thick blankets in summer, and it will be time enough to make more once we have cotton later."

"As for the fabric inside, see which family in the village has a sewing machine, pay them a processing fee, and get the clothes made as soon as possible; on the day of our housewarming, our whole family will dress neatly in new outfits."

Mother Liu worried slightly: "Xue, won't that be too conspicuous?"

Liu Chuxue smiled: "We'll only be conspicuous this once; everyone already knows I have money, and as for the coupons, just pin it on Fu Yan Cheng—say he asked a comrade-in-arms to help exchange them."

Mother Liu knew her daughter was right; living in such a fine house, if the whole family showed up in ragged clothes on the housewarming day, they would surely become a laughingstock.

Nowadays, she was gradually getting used to following her daughter's arrangements.

Liu Chuxue shifted the back-basket aside: "Mom, I'm going to the new house to pick up Dad; I'll be back shortly. You all just wait at home; don't wander outside."

Thinking Liu Chuxue wanted them to avoid people from the eldest branch, Mother Liu obediently replied: "All right, we won't go out. Bring your father back quickly; dinner will be ready soon."

Liu Chuxue gave a soft assent and headed out.

Chunxiao chased her into the courtyard: "Second Sister, I'll go with you."

Liu Chuxue did not agree: "Stay home and keep Mom company; be good. Dad and I will be back shortly."

With that, she walked out of the yard, not forgetting to call: "Zhui Feng, let's go."

Until they figured out what those two sneaky individuals were doing in the village, it was better to keep the others from going out too much.

Earlier, she had felt those two were tailing the Liu family, but what could the Liu family possibly be worth tailing? They couldn't be after her money, could they?

She wasn't afraid for herself, but she feared they might target other members of her family; she couldn't guard them every single moment, so this hidden danger had to be eliminated as soon as possible.

By the time she reached the new house, the lights in every room had already been installed.

Father Liu was sitting in the courtyard, chatting with the village electrician.

As soon as Liu Chuxue entered, she greeted: "Dad, Uncle Xinmin."

Seeing his daughter arrive, Father Liu asked: "You're just back now?"

Liu Chuxue nodded: "Mm, the bus broke down halfway; it took a long time to repair, so I got back late."

Liu Xinmin looked at Liu Chuxue: "Brother Shanliang, your Chuxue is getting more and more beautiful; she studies well and looks lovely too. By the way, I heard she's found a fiancé in the army—you can look forward to enjoying life soon."

Saying this, he stood up and began packing away his tools.

Father Liu smiled: "Whether I enjoy life or not is secondary; as long as my sisters and daughters live well in the future, that's what truly matters."

Liu Chuxue laughed: "Dad, you've really improved."

Hearing Liu Chuxue's words, Liu Xinmin chuckled: "Look how eloquent your father has become; if you three sisters live well, then naturally their lives will be good too—there's nothing wrong with that statement."

Father Liu watched them laugh, his own face brimming with smiles.

He no longer obsessed over having a son; after all, if fate decrees you have something, you will eventually have it, and if fate decrees you don't, there's no point forcing it—better to let everything take its natural course.

Zhui Feng made a round through each room, then went to Father Liu to act cute and coax affection for a while before curling up in his exclusive doghouse; it seemed the little fellow knew it was time to go on duty.

After locking the door and coming out, Liu Chuxue kept a close watch on the road; as they neared the old residence, she discovered those two were still lying in wait behind the Li family's latrine, confirming that matters were not simple—it seemed tonight would not be peaceful.

(End of Chapter)