Chapter 939: Returning to the Large Compound to Celebrate New Year Together

On the afternoon of New Year's Eve, Xiao Fu returned from his work unit and, as soon as he entered the courtyard, called out: "Lamei, are you ready yet?"

Xiao Mu emerged from the kitchen: "Ready, ready, we were just waiting for your return."

Having said that, she didn't forget to turn and instruct the two daughters helping in the scullery: "Chuxue, pack some of both types of meatballs for us to take along."

"Chunxiao, put the stewed ribs into that clay pot; they'll just need reheating once we get there."

Chunxiao took the clay pot: "Mom, should I pack it all, or leave some behind?"

After a brief moment of thought, Xiao Mu said: "Pack it all; there will be many people today, and besides, this is our first year celebrating New Year with your grandfather and eldest uncle's family, so we must not appear too stingy."

Xiao Fu took the items off the bicycle handlebars: "These are the New Year benefits issued by the work unit; do you think we should take some along?"

Xiao Mu examined each item: "Let's keep these; besides the beef and mutton, Chuxue's work unit also distributed apples and tangerines—the apples are large and juicy, and tangerines are hard to come by, so taking those will save face."

Glancing at the items in his hands, Xiao Fu joked: "Such fine goods, yet you're turning them down?"

Xiao Mu gave him a light slap: "What nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever turned them down? I just thought Chuxue's items would make a better impression; moreover, keep these red dates for when I'm confined after childbirth, as their quality is quite good, saving us from having to buy more later. As for this white flour, Father's side doesn't lack that, so let's leave it."

Their home was not too far from the large compound, but since some snow had fallen yesterday, Xiao Fu absolutely dared not ride the bicycle with his wife; if the wheels slipped and she fell, it would be far more serious than a simple tumble.

Thus, he went out and made a trip to borrow a flatbed cart from the neighboring Cheng family: "Chunxiao, go inside and lay the quilt we brought over earlier onto the cart, so your mother won't be too jostled or cold when she sits."

Today, Chunxiao was diligent, doing exactly as directed.

She quickly carried it out and neatly spread it over the flatbed cart at the main gate: "Dad, I've laid it out."

Coming out, Xiao Mu felt somewhat embarrassed upon seeing the cart: "Perhaps I should just walk; going like this might invite ridicule."

Xiao Fu, however, disagreed: "If it hadn't snowed, walking would be fine, but given your current special condition, safety must come first above all else."

Liu Chuxue felt Xiao Fu was right: "Mom, listen to Dad."

Saying this, she called to Chunxiao: "Give us a hand; let's load everything we're bringing onto the cart."

Seeing that they all insisted, Xiao Mu rubbed her pregnant belly and agreed.

After Liu Chuxue and Chunxiao arranged everything else, they helped their mother onto the flatbed cart: "Mom, hold on tight; I'll lock the door, and then we'll go."

Sister-in-law Cheng from next door came out to dump the slops: "Oh, are you leaving now?"

Smiling, Xiao Mu greeted her: "Yes, we ought to arrive a bit early; it wouldn't do to just wait around for the meal. We should see if there's anything we can help with. Besides, my husband hasn't had a day off recently and hasn't been over to visit my father-in-law and the others, so we wanted to get there early to keep them company and chat."

Sister-in-law Cheng waved to them with a smile: "That's right, off you go then; be careful on the road. Your husband is quite thoughtful, knowing to let you ride on a flatbed cart; he truly knows how to care for people."

When the family arrived at the large compound, they saw Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao standing not far away, talking with someone.

Chunxiao spoke first: "Grandfather."

Seeing it was their family, Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Xiao's face broke into a wide smile: "Ah, I figured you'd be arriving soon, so I came to the main gate to welcome you; I happened to run into your Grandfather Guo, so we were just chatting a few words."

As Liu Chuxue approached and Xiao Xiao Laoyezi Guo got a clear look at her, he said: "Ah, girl, it's you."