Chapter 798: Return to the Village

Xiao Jiangjiang knew it was wrong to agree without consulting his wife, but at the time, the old man had asked him directly—he couldn't say he needed to go home and discuss it first. He pulled out a passbook from his pocket: "This is Father's compensation to us. He said the half that belongs to us, he's converted into cash."

Zhang Haitang, seeing the three thousand yuan on the passbook, felt considerably better: "Since it's already settled, objecting now would only make things awkward, especially since the old man has offered compensation."

Xiao Jiangjiang patted his wife's hand: "I was thinking—instead of both families living in the same courtyard, why not use Father's compensation to find a smaller courtyard nearby?"

Zhang Haitang thought this idea was good too: "Alright, I'll inquire around these few days. If I find a suitable courtyard, we'll buy it."

With that settled, he thought of the newly returned younger brother's family: "I never expected Liu Chuxue's fiancé would be from the Fu family."

"You're talking nonsense—Liu Chuxue isn't just beautiful, she has a respectable job, and clearly she's capable. She's more than worthy of their fourth son."

"But come to think of it, the Fu family must be secretly rejoicing right now. Our two families are evenly matched."

Xiao Jiangjiang laughed, even poured himself a cup of wine, took a small sip, and said: "If Xiao Di found his way back, you're partly to blame—of course, without Liu Chuxue, this wouldn't have gone so smoothly. But no matter what, we've found Xiao Di at last. We've finally fulfilled my dream and Father's."

The meaning in these words was unmistakable: from now on, she would be the pillar of the second son's family, and also the pillar of her niece, Liu Chuxue.

When Xiao Changsheng's family returned to Willow Village, villagers who had heard the news all gathered around: "Shanliang, did you really find your biological parents?"

"Shanliang, are you and your family moving to the city now?"

At that moment, someone shouted: "The Party Secretary and the Village Chief are coming—make way!"

The Party Secretary pushed through first: "Back already?"

Xiao Changsheng nodded: "Yes."

"You're..."

The person who had brought them back spoke first: "Are you the village cadres?"

The Party Secretary and the Village Chief both nodded.

Only then did the man say: "I assume you know—this former comrade Liu Shanliang has had his household registration changed. His new name is Xiao Changsheng, second son of our Comrade Xiao, the veteran leader. Please don't misaddress him from now on."

The onlookers erupted in shock, all turning to stare at the Party Secretary and the Village Chief.

The Party Secretary nodded: "It's true. A few days ago, someone came to handle the household registration and name change for them. Not just Shanliang—no, now it's Changsheng, Xiao Changsheng—not just him, but all three of his daughters' surnames have been changed to Xiao."

Xiao Changsheng, mindful of his wife's health, said: "Party Secretary, Village Chief, aunts and mothers—Limei can't stand for long. We'll head home now."

He had wanted to invite the village cadres to dinner, but with so many villagers watching, he decided against it.

Someone had brought them back; though those two wore civilian clothes, their aura made it clear they weren't ordinary people—no one dared block their way.

As soon as they left, the crowd erupted: "Do you think they'll stay or leave?"

"With a father that powerful, they'll never stay in the village."

Originally, Xiao Changsheng hadn't planned to move to the city—he only decided to go after considering how much gossip there would be, so his wife wouldn't have to face it anymore.