Chapter 387

This holiday was long: students like Zhou Bingyi were given half a month off, and Zhou Zhigang took additional leave to ensure this big family reunion, staying home for ten days. The Zhou household was lively, filled with laughter every day. The only slight regret was that Wang Yan and Zhou Bingyi had to work daily and couldn't gather together all the time.

For several days, Zhou Zhigang and Li Suhua chattered nonstop—talking about their children or about Wang Dashan in Shancheng, with endless topics. Zhou Bingyi and Hao Dongmei were utterly absorbed in trying to conceive; within just a few days, Zhou Bingyi visibly lost a little weight, alarming Li Suhua, who had Wang Yan take a look.

Zhou Bingyi shook his head with a wry smile at Wang Yan: "You're seeing me in a bad light." Wang Yan smiled silently, merely advising against rushing things, and prescribed a formula to consolidate the root and nourish the origin.

Meanwhile, Zhou Rong and Feng Huacheng took Feng Yue out to play every day, aiming to bridge the gap with their daughter. A five-year-old child was indeed young and easy to win over. After four or five days, their relationship had noticeably improved, and everyone was delighted.

After returning after two years, without needing Zhou Zhigang to say a word, Wang Yan personally arranged a banquet at the state-run restaurant, inviting his in-laws to join the Zhou family for a meal together.

Wang Yan's conduct was beyond reproach: not only did he maintain close ties with his in-laws even when they weren't promoted, but during Chen Jing's six months of schooling, he regularly visited his in-laws with the child, checking on the health of the elderly couple and keeping tabs on his brother-in-law's studies. He didn't need to help his sister-in-law, since she had already been admitted to Jichun University—merely giving her money to buy things she liked, regardless of cost.

His father-in-law was shrewd too, showing no special favor toward Hao Dongmei. Given their different positions, he understood exactly how much influence his precious son-in-law wielded; he didn't grovel to Hao Dongmei's father, since he had no need to beg favors. Moreover, he was already quite old—his career would likely cap out at bureau director before retirement, with no further advancement possible.

In any case, they got along well, and the meal was delicious.

During the meal, Zhou Bingyi watched his father, beaming and speaking loudly, and couldn't help but think: perhaps it would be better if his father met his real in-laws. But he dared not voice this thought…

When the two entered and their spirits intertwined, Hao Dongmei naturally sensed her husband's unusual mood—but she said nothing, knowing true surprise must come unexpectedly.

Another Sunday morning arrived. The entire Zhou family had returned after a full week, and today was Wang Yan and Zhou Bingyi's day off from work. They had already planned: today, with everyone present, they would go to the photo studio for a family portrait.

Early that morning, neatly dressed and groomed, Hao Dongmei came downstairs: "Mom, good morning. Reading the paper?"

Jin Yueji nodded: "Where's Bingyi? Why isn't he moving?"

"He's still getting ready—he'll be down in a bit." Hao Dongmei sat beside her mother. "Oh, by the way, Mom, you don't know Bingyi's address, do you?"

"Right, right, we don't know. Here, take a pen and write it on the newspaper—your father will go over this afternoon." Jin Yueji watched her daughter leaning over to write the address and added: "When your father goes, he'll also take the chance to do some field research—visit the Guangzi District in person. He won't stay long at Bingyi's place. The exact time isn't set yet, but he'll definitely go today. Tell Bingyi's family not to wait around or prepare anything special—just carry on as usual, understood?"

"I know, but how could Bingyi's dad really just 'carry on as usual'?" Hao Dongmei shook her head with a smile. Just as she was about to continue, she saw Zhou Bingyi coming downstairs: "Alright, Mom, we're off."

Jin Yueji smiled warmly at Zhou Bingyi: "Aren't you two going to eat breakfast first? It'll be ready soon."

"No, Mom. We already agreed yesterday—we're eating at Bingyi's place this morning, then heading to the photo studio together."

"Alright, then hurry off."

Zhou Bingyi stood at the door, smiling: "Mom, we're off now."

"Go, go."

Outside, Zhou Bingyi mounted his bicycle and carried Hao Dongmei toward Guangzi District.

It was only seven o'clock, not yet hot, and the morning breeze stirred the hem of Hao Dongmei's skirt and lifted the strands of hair at her forehead—it felt wonderfully refreshing.

They chatted aimlessly until suddenly Hao Dongmei spoke: "Bingyi, this afternoon, my parents are coming to visit your home."

"Huh?" Zhou Bingyi froze, braking hard and turning back to look at the woman behind him: "Really?"

"Do you think I'm joking?" Seeing his delighted expression, Hao Dongmei laughed. "Ever since you came back, I told Mom. Dad agreed too. Mom consulted her secretary, and since everyone was free today, they decided to come over—also to do some field research in Guangzi District. The day before yesterday, when Wang Yan hosted the banquet at the state restaurant, I saw your expression when Dad talked to Wang Yan's father-in-law."

Zhou Bingyi burst out laughing: "I did have this idea, but I didn't dare ask—your dad's so busy. Dongmei, you're truly the considerate, virtuous wife. When I tell Dad, he'll be overjoyed."

"Enough, enough, hurry up—it's getting hot."

"Alright, alright, got it. Let's go!" Zhou Bingyi replied, pedaling hard toward home, even humming a tune…

At the Zhou household, everyone held bowls of food, sitting or standing around the table, eating steamed buns with pickles and last night's leftovers, sipping the millet porridge Zheng Juan had boiled early that morning.

Zhou Zhigang taught his grandson how to sip hot porridge in circles, laughing heartily: "Heh, the last time we took a family photo was Spring Festival in '69. Since then, we've never all been together. Nine years have passed—our family's grown three times over, ha! More people mean more liveliness—our old Zhou family is truly thriving."

Zhou Bingyi interjected: "Not 'truly thriving'—it is thriving."

"Right, right, it is!" Zhou Zhigang laughed. "Where's Bingyi? We waited so long just to catch the cool morning—if we wait till the sun rises, it'll be unbearable."

No sooner had he finished than the sound of a bicycle being parked echoed in the courtyard. Zhou Rong smiled: "Here they come."

"That's called saying Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives," added Zhou Jianhua, who was in preschool.

Everyone in the room burst into laughter, saying he hadn't wasted his schooling.

"What are you laughing about?" Zhou Bingyi and Hao Dongmei entered, lifting the curtain, puzzled by the merriment.

Zhou Rong smiled: "It's because you've arrived—Jianhua just said 'saying Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives.'"

Patting Jianhua's grinning head, Zhou Bingyi said: "Good job, kid. You haven't wasted your schooling—you've learned proverbs already. Study hard. One day, you'll get into Tsinghua or Peking University and contribute to our motherland."

"Did you hear that? Your big uncle says: study hard, go to China's best university like them, and help build the nation." Zhou Bingyi turned and called: "Juan, bring bowls for your brother and sister-in-law."

"Why do you have to tell her? Juan already brought them." Li Suhua shot a look at her youngest son. "Always ordering Juan around."

"You've found your protector, haven't you?" Zhou Bingyi looked at Zheng Juan, shaking his head helplessly.

Zheng Juan smiled: "Then I'll stick with Mom."

Zhou Bingyi looked around the room: "You all saw it, right? My family status is the lowest now. That's the Empress Dowager, those are the little emperors, and this one's now the boss."

Zhou Zhigang chimed in: "Of course. Zheng Juan? Everyone sees how good she is—she's more than capable of leading you."

After another round of laughter, Zhou Bingyi said: "Dad, I've got something to tell you."

"Go ahead."

Glancing at his smiling wife, Zhou Bingyi said: "This afternoon, Dongmei's parents are coming over to visit, to meet the in-laws."

Zheng Juan blinked, then asked: "Will they eat here?"

Hao Dongmei shook her head: "No, no, they're just coming to meet, to get familiar with the place."

Zhou Bingyi said: "Even if your parents won't eat, we've got over ten people here—we still need to eat. Juan, after the photo, let's go buy some vegetables. We already have over ten people—whether Dongmei's parents eat or not, we're cooking the same amount."

"Bingyi's right. Cook normally—we already make plenty for this many people." Zhou Zhigang, who had been stunned, snapped back to attention: "Alright, hurry up and eat. Afterward, we'll go take the photo. When we come back, clean the whole house inside and out. Oh, don't even bother cooking dinner—just serve the pastries and fruit we already have. Cooking will make too much smoke—it's bad. Also, sweep the street outside, clean the toilet…"

Hao Dongmei felt awkward: "Dad, no need for all this. They're just coming to sit for a bit and leave."

Zhou Bingyi nodded: "Yes, Dad, no need."

Zhou Bingyi also objected: "Right, Dad. Our home's fine—everything's tidy. Why clean the toilet? It's so far away. And the street? It's always like this—why sweep it?"

"What if they want to use the toilet? You know what it looks like—can you let them see that?" Zhou Zhigang glared. "What, can't I even command you anymore?"

Wang Yan, who had been silent until now, spoke: "Uncle-in-law, really no need. We understand you want to leave a good impression on Dongmei's parents. But think: someone of his rank, even if he doesn't know the details, must know the general conditions. Didn't Dongmei say her father already visited before? We should let him see the real Guangzi District—see how it's changed since over a decade ago."

Don't feel ashamed or think you're bringing shame to Guangzi District. Uncle-in-law, our family doesn't represent Guangzi District—we're just the old Zhou family within Guangzi. Guangzi got to this state not because of us, and we lack the power to change it."

Perhaps after seeing it, Dongmei's father will hold a meeting and address Guangzi's problems. After all, Jichun isn't the only city with a Guangzi District—many other areas are just as bad. Dongmei's father will surely have thoughts, right? After all, this is the provincial capital of Jiangliao—it's Jiangliao's face. He must have considerations."

And Uncle-in-law, you know Guangzi District as well as anyone: no matter how much you clean or tidy, it'll still be dirty, messy, and chaotic. It's better to leave it natural. I know you're thinking of Dongmei's parents' status, but I believe they just want to meet their future in-laws normally—without pressure. Just be yourself."

Besides, my father-in-law has been here before—he's not a big official, but he's still an official. You're treating us differently, and I don't mind, but Chen Jing won't be happy about it.

Chen Jing gave Wang Yan a light punch, annoyed: "You talk, why drag me into it? Uncle-in-law, I never said I was upset. Do whatever you want. How high-ranking an official is Dongmei's father? My dad can't compare."

Zhou Zhi shook his head and laughed: "Hey, you little rascal, you're putting me on the spot. If you say that, I'll have a hard time explaining myself when I meet Chen Jing's father."

Hao Dongmei smiled: "Dad, Wang Yan's right. My mom told me that this time, your main purpose in coming is to meet Grandpa and Grandma, and get to know our whole family. Also, you're just casually visiting Guangzipian to do some field surveys—truth matters most."

Li Suhua, sitting cross-legged on the kang, waved her hand decisively: "Enough already. Just clean up the house and yard. Don't make such a big fuss—it'll make Dongmei's parents uncomfortable. They came to see us, not to have us go through all this trouble. Right, Dongmei?"

She didn't know much else, but she fully trusted this nephew. Her good nephew had never failed in anything all these years; if he said it, it must be fine—she believed him. And she also felt, as her old man said, that going all out was inappropriate. They weren't begging for anything—just tidying the house was enough. Why sweep the whole street and the toilet? Even if they're not as good as the other side, they don't need to beg. Doing too much makes you seem weak.

"Mom, you're absolutely right. That's exactly it. Otherwise, they'll feel awkward staying here."

Zhou Zhi said: "Alright, alright, I overreacted. Let's just do it this way. Hurry up and eat. We need to get the photos done quickly, then come back and cook. When there are so many people, cooking takes forever. Zheng Juan, you've worked hard."

"Dad, I'm not tired at all. Sister-in-law Chen and my sisters and brothers-in-law all helped. Besides, you all love my cooking—that makes me happy too."

……

Zhou Zhi's original plan to go all out—now abandoned—Wang Yan could fully understand. It wasn't vanity or flattery; it was just that such a special in-law, a high-ranking official, left an ordinary citizen like him utterly at a loss. The gap between the two families was too wide. The family's status couldn't be changed, but cleanliness and order could be achieved. He wanted to show the very best he could, so this high-ranking in-law wouldn't find fault, and so his eldest son wouldn't be embarrassed.

Actually, it wasn't right of him to bring up his own father-in-law. Back in 1976, when Zhou Zhi returned home and hosted his father-in-law for dinner, they'd still cleaned up the house—just not to this extent. Chen Jing was absolutely right: there was no comparison. It was just normal in-law visits—tidying up was enough. Besides, they'd come before; Li Suhua knew them well. The situation couldn't be compared to now.

But no matter what, having a high-ranking official as an in-law—put yourself in any father's shoes, no one could truly remain calm. That's why Zhou Zhi suggested meeting Wang Mou's father-in-law, yet never once asked Zhou Bingyi. Of course, one must also consider personal capability. Wang Yan's abilities were well known—he was in charge wherever he went. Clearly, Zhou Bingyi wasn't like that.

Honestly, Hao Dongmei's parents weren't impressive at all. No matter how high their rank, it was wasted. Hao Jinlong held an official position, but Jin Yueji was retired at home, bored out of her mind every day. It's been this long, and they're not far away—yet they've never once suggested meeting Li Suhua. Morally and logically, they should have. Even if they didn't visit, they should've invited Li Suhua over for tea. After all, someone who's weathered the storms of officialdom wouldn't be unable to connect with ordinary people…

The matter was settled. After breakfast, the whole family of fifteen marched out into the street. Four little brats ran back and forth nonstop. Zhou Zhi and Li Suhua walked in the middle, others chatted and laughed in clusters, the whole way filled with giggles.

Zhou Zhi beamed as he greeted passersby, occasionally stopping to chat—everyone praised him, all from the neighborhood, nothing stayed secret. Zhou Zhi loved hearing it; no one could refuse polite good wishes. Especially at his and Li Suhua's age, it was all about whose children were more accomplished. Clearly, in Guangzipian, no one could match the Zhou family— they were proud.

At the photo studio, at Wang Yan's suggestion, they took a series of group photos. Though photos were expensive then, such occasions came only every few years—so spending was justified. There was the big fifteen-person group photo, the original five-person Zhou family photo, photos with spouses, photos with children, and other small family combinations. They kept arranging and rearranging, photographing nonstop from 8:30 a. m. until noon.

Wang Yan, the richest, waved his hand: since he suggested it, he'd pay. Four kids, each family unit got five prints of every photo to mail later. So many photos meant a big job—developing would take time. And since they had so many, they couldn't delay others' smaller orders. All pickup dates were set for half a month later.

After the photos, Zheng Juan and Zhou Bingkun went to buy groceries. The rest returned home to clean inside and out, determined to make every surface gleam and spotless.

When Zhou Bingkun and his wife returned, the whole family enthusiastically helped sort vegetables and prepare ingredients.

By four p. m., when they finished preparing the food, Hao Dongmei said: "Dad, Mom, we don't know when Dad and Mom will arrive. Cooking for so many won't be quick. Everyone's been busy all day and is hungry. Let's not wait for them. Let's sit down and eat. I gave them the address—they'll find their way. Besides, they're in-laws; we shouldn't delay our meal. No need for formality. If they arrive on time, fine. If not, too bad."

Feng Yue, lying listlessly on the kang, opened her mouth: "Cook already, Grandpa. I'm starving."

"You've been talking nonstop all day and still complain of hunger?" Zhou Zhi looked around at everyone, especially the four little brats slumped on the kang, then chuckled and waved his hand: "Alright, go cook. We can't let our little ancestors starve."

Besides Li Suhua, he himself trusted Wang Yan. After a whole day of thinking, he'd realized: if he'd gone all out as originally planned, it really would've seemed like groveling. So now he'd let go—he no longer insisted.

After teasing the kids a bit, he added: "Hey, Bingyi, Guangzipian's full of illegal additions now. Even if your in-laws know the address, they won't find it easily. They're coming by car—this road will be a nightmare. I don't know when they'll arrive. Go wait for them at the Guangzipian square, so they don't get lost."

"Alright, Dad, I'll go wait right away."

Zhou Bingkun stood up: "Brother, I'll go with you. You've been away so long—you'll get lost again. This Guangzipian? If a stranger comes in, it's like a maze."

"Fine, come with me. I was bored just standing there anyway—we can chat."

Cooking for so many wasn't simple. Especially Zheng Juan, wanting everyone to eat well, didn't just make a few dishes relying on quantity. She fried, stir-fried, steamed, boiled—eight dishes, four side plates—quite a task.

To be fair, over the years, Zheng Juan's cooking had improved greatly. In Wang Yan's assessment, she was on par with him—both Level 3. That kind of skill, capable of running a restaurant, was more than enough for home cooking.

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With two houses and four stoves blazing, Zheng Juan and the other five worked until six p. m., finally arranging two full tables of dishes.

Zhou Zhi waited all day without seeing anyone. The food was ready—time to eat. He sighed, got up from the kang: "Go call the kids back. Time to eat!"

At that moment, Zhou Jianhua and the other little ones dashed into the room: "Grandpa, Grandma, the car's here! The car's here!"

Zhou Zhi paused, then laughed: "What a coincidence! Just as we finished cooking, they arrive. Suhua, get up quick—we'll go welcome them."

Hao Dongmei stepped forward to help the old lady up: "Indeed, Dad and Mom picked the perfect timing."

Wang Yan smiled, put down the newly opened bottle of wine, and stepped back two paces, following the others outside.

Outside, Zhou Bingyi stood smiling in the center: "Dad, let me introduce you—this is my father-in-law, this is my mother-in-law, and this is Secretary Huang."

Hao Jinlong stepped forward with a smile, extending his hand: "Hello, in-law, in-law."

Zhou Zhi quickly clasped his hand with both of his, and when he felt the other hand join, his smile widened: "High Official Hao, Jin…"

Zhou Zhi froze—he didn't know how to address Jin Yueji, retired at home.

Hao Jinlong sensed the awkwardness. As soon as Zhou Zhi paused, he cut in as if gently scolding: "Hey, in-law, you're being too formal. There are no high officials here—only in-laws. Call me 'in-law,' call my wife 'in-law mother.' Just the same title."

"Ah, yes, yes, yes—in-law, in-law mother." Zhou Zhi laughed heartily, nodding toward Jin Yueji.

Jin Yueji was no less gracious. She stepped forward with a smile, warmly shaking Li Suhua's hand. A scene of warm in-law reunion unfolded at the Zhou family's doorstep.

"Mom and Dad, don't stand at the door—come inside and eat," Hao Dongmei hugged her mother. "You arrived at the perfect time—we were just about to eat. Come in, quickly. Zheng Juan's cooking—oh, she's Zheng Juan, Bingkun's wife—her cooking is amazing. If it cools down, it won't be as good."

Jin Yueji looked at Hao Jinlong beside her: "Oh? Really? Since we're here, let's eat together."

Hao Jinlong nodded: "Good. We haven't eaten yet either. Perfect chance to chat properly with you, in-law and in-law mother."