Chapter 443: Gift

Xia Qiu finished tidying up and came out to find Liu's mother had prepared the meal: "I made porridge, and using the leftover oil from frying things at noon, I baked a few flatbreads. Have a taste."

Xia Qiu was actually a bit hungry now: "Mom, I've been getting hungry before mealtime lately."

Hearing this, Liu's mother laughed: "It's normal. After all, you're eating for two and nourishing two now. Try these flatbreads. If you like them, I'll pack some for you to take back; they'll be perfect to fill your stomach if you get hungry at night."

Xia Qiu felt a bit embarrassed: "No, please don't. Taking food and also taking things away... what would that look like?"

As she spoke, she glanced around the courtyard: "Mom, where's Dad?"

Liu's mother handed her a bowl of porridge: "He went to the breeding yard to borrow a mule cart."

After saying that, she called out to her son-in-law: "Shaofeng, stop cleaning up and come eat. Your father should be back soon."

Qiu Shaofeng didn't stand on ceremony with his mother-in-law: "Coming."

But as he sat down, he asked: "Mom, where are Chuxue and Chunxiao?"

While busy with her hands, Liu's mother replied: "I sent them to Uncle Liangzi's house to deliver something. The pork used for today's cooking was reserved for us through his brother-in-law."

Remembering something, Xia Qiu spoke up: "Mom, Chuxue won't get married until after the New Year. You must keep a close eye on those three major items—the bicycle, the sewing machine, and the watch. Besides, many people in the village probably have their eyes on them. You absolutely cannot be soft-hearted; once you open the door, everyone will come asking."

Qiu Shaofeng chimed in: "Right, those are Chuxue's betrothal gifts. You should also tell the Fu family that they are to be taken back with her."

Liu's mother understood their meaning and said seriously: "Don't worry. Such valuable items, no matter who comes, it's all in vain."

The two sisters, on their way to deliver the items, met Liu Zhiyuan at the main gate of the Party Secretary's house.

After congratulating Chuxue, Liu Zhiyuan said: "Chuxue, I have something to give you."

Chuxue looked puzzled: "Give it to me?"

Liu Zhiyuan nodded: "I specially begged my uncle to make it for you. I just don't know if you'll like it."

Chuxue glanced at Chunxiao: "You go home first and tell Mom. I'll be back in a moment."

Chunxiao nodded: "Okay, I'll head back first then."

Chuxue followed Liu Zhiyuan into the room and saw her take a small box out of her own cabinet: "Take a look and see if you like it."

Chuxue understood immediately upon seeing it; it was the most popular dressing box of the times. Upon opening it, a mirror was included inside: "Zhiyuan, this thing is too precious. Besides, there's another one in your cabinet; these should be a pair."

This must have been made for Liu Zhiyuan by her uncle; how could she take what belonged to someone else?

Liu Zhiyuan hurriedly explained: "I'm telling the truth. Ever since your fiancé's family proposed, I've been thinking about what gift to give you for your wedding. Just recently, when I went to my grandmother's house, I saw my uncle making dressing boxes for others, so I asked her to make two for me—one for you and one for me."

Just then, Liu Zhiyuan's mother, Jiang Zhenzhi, walked in: "You two have been close since childhood. This is Zhiyuan's sincere wish; just accept it."

With things said to this extent, she couldn't bring herself to refuse again: "This dressing box clearly shows care was put into it, polished so meticulously. Then I really will accept it. Please thank Uncle Jiang for me."

Seeing Chuxue leave, Liu Zhiyuan's face was full of smiles: "Okay, I'll tell my uncle when I see him next."

Coming out of the Party Secretary's house, Chuxue walked home holding the dressing box. Passing a collapsed old house, she heard someone talking inside.

At first, she didn't pay it any mind, thinking it was just some children playing there. But as she drew closer, she heard her own name mentioned and couldn't help but stop in her tracks.