Chapter 388

"Wow, in-laws, your family's living's pretty good—this spread beats even New Year's Eve!" Hao Jinlong stepped inside and saw the dishes laid out on both the kang and the floor tables, then turned to Zhou Zhigang, whose mouth hung open in awe: "You're going too far—I'm embarrassed to eat! This is way too extravagant."

Wang Yan saw clearly, though he showed no expression; he was somewhat displeased. This was normal—life was still very hard, and Hao Jinlong knew it well. A table like this outshone ninety-nine percent of households nationwide. Cadres of this era, especially those like Hao Jinlong who had marched twenty-five thousand li, might lack other virtues, but their dedication to country and people was unquestionable. Still, Wang Yan found the display wasteful and suspected the Zhou family was trying to curry favor.

"Not extravagant at all—not at all," Zhou Zhigang laughed. "We've all finally come home together after a long time, and who knows when we'll gather again like this? These days, our family celebrates New Year every day. Today we've added two extra dishes just because you're here—whether you eat them or not, we had to prepare them. Sit down, sit down, let's all sit and talk."

He didn't catch the hidden meaning in his in-law's words, but what he said was perfectly reasonable. The meals these past few days had truly been excellent—daily fish and meat, not specially prepared just because Hao Jinlong arrived. Only two dishes were made after asking Hao Dongmei what they liked; the rest were just their usual fare. Ticket rationing hadn't been abolished yet, but Wang Yan had plenty of tickets and plenty of money. And Zhou Bingkun, eager to please his parents, was happy to spend. Li Suhua had given all their household savings to Zheng Juan, telling her to manage the meals without worrying about cost.

"Good, everyone sit, sit down," Hao Jinlong said, taking a seat beside Zhou Zhigang, after which everyone gathered around the table.

Hao Jinlong and Jin Yueji had arrived with their secretary and driver, and of course they couldn't let them go hungry. At the Zhou family's enthusiastic invitation and with Hao Jinlong's approval, they joined the table where Chen Jing, Zheng Juan, Zhou Rong, and Zheng Guangming sat with their children.

As soon as he sat down, Hao Jinlong glanced around the table, then at the women and children on the kang, and smiled: "Looking around, there are quite a few of you—your family's really lively, in-law."

Zhou Zhigang laughed heartily: "Heh, when I came back and saw this whole clan, I got dizzy myself. Never thought after nine years, the family had tripled in size."

Hao Jinlong nodded: "More people is good—vibrant households thrive."

Jin Yueji, sitting beside him, also smiled and nodded: "Yes, unlike our family—on holidays, it's just the two of us, so quiet. In the future, we should visit more often—we'd love to soak up some of this warmth."

Zhou Zhigang instinctively wanted to say something about frequent visits, but the words turned in his mouth and he swallowed them—after all, they'd come to meet at all was already more than enough; what right did he have to ask for more visits? Li Suhua sat quietly smiling, afraid she might say the wrong thing.

Zhou Bingyi's voice chimed in just then: "Mom and Dad, let's stop just talking—let's eat, eat while we talk."

"Yes, yes, eat, eat," Zhou Zhigang chuckled. "In-law, you must eat plenty—my youngest son's wife is an excellent cook. Uh… how about a little drink?"

Huang, the secretary seated beside the kang, quickly spoke up: "Uncle Zhou, Comrade Gao's health is poor—the doctor forbade him alcohol." He was not only a work secretary but also a personal one, handling every detail of Hao Jinlong's household. Whether Hao Jinlong wanted to drink or not, he had to say this. If Hao drank, it was a gesture of respect to the in-laws. If he didn't, his poor health gave him a valid excuse.

Hao Jinlong waved his hand: "No problem, no problem—a little won't hurt. Besides, this is our first meeting—on such a special day, I'd be rude not to have a couple of sips. Hahaha…"

"In-law, you mustn't be careless," Zhou Zhigang said solemnly. "You're the leader of Jiangliao—your health isn't yours alone; it belongs to all the people of Jiangliao, and to the nation." He then turned with a cheerful smile to Wang Yan, who was opening the bottle, and said to Hao Jinlong: "In-law, we have a doctor here—let him examine you. If he says you can drink, have a little. If he says no, don't touch a drop—we won't miss it. What do you say, in-law?"

"Good, I've heard of him already. People say he's the number one doctor in Northeast China—he's cured many difficult cases, truly remarkable. Back when we were in Jiangxi, your daughter-in-law gave us that prescription through Bingyi—it worked wonders. My wife and I still take it daily. Thank you."

"Yes, thank you, Wang Yan, and thank you all—without you, Old Hao's health wouldn't be this good," Jin Yueji said, her gratitude clearly directed at Wang Yan, carrying an unspoken meaning: it was for Hao Dongmei's infertility, a matter Hao Jinlong didn't yet know.

She knew some things about Wang Yan—after all, when her daughter sought treatment, she'd investigated thoroughly. She understood him well enough to know he was clever and grasped her meaning.

Zhou Zhigang waved his hand: "Family doesn't speak in two tongues—this is only natural. Everyone grows old with ailments—pay attention to your health. Xiao Yan, give Dongmei's father a checkup, and also Dongmei's mother—prescribe them some tonic herbs."

Wang Yan nodded, rose from his seat, walked around the table to Hao Jinlong and Jin Yueji's side, asked them to breathe steadily, then casually took their wrists to feel their pulses, asking about their physical sensations.

After the examination, Wang Yan nodded: "Their health is actually fine—both have high blood pressure, Dongmei's father has mild asthma, and a few minor issues, nothing serious. Drinking is fine—a couple of liang won't hurt; occasional sips even benefit health. Go ahead and eat—I'll write two prescriptions."

"Good! With your word as a great doctor, we're all reassured," Hao Jinlong said. "Then I'll have two liang."

Zhou Zhigang called to his youngest son, who had been grinning silently: "Bingkun, what are you standing there for? Pour the wine!"

"Yes, right away!" Zhou Bingkun replied, quickly opening the bottle and pouring for Hao Jinlong, Zhou Zhigang, Zhou Bingyi, Feng Huacheng, and Wang Yan, finally pouring for himself. At the same time, Jin Yueji, Li Suhua, and others poured themselves drinks.

"In-law, I toast you," Hao Jinlong raised his cup, speaking with polished grace. "Bingyi and Dongmei have been married so long, and we've only just met—it's our fault."

Zhou Zhigang beamed: "No need for that—we're real in-laws. Your troubles these past few years, and how busy you are now—just coming here is more than enough. We understand. Drink, drink!"

Hao Jinlong took a sip; Zhou Zhigang drained half his cup…

After writing the two prescriptions, Wang Yan handed them to Huang, who was wolfing down his food, gave him a few brief instructions, then returned to his seat and settled in to eat and drink calmly.

He didn't steal the spotlight, nor was he expected to liven up the table—he sat quietly, eating and drinking, speaking only if asked.

Of course, others were much the same. Though Hao Jinlong and Jin Yueji smiled warmly, everyone present knew their status and dared not speak freely. This in-law dinner had essentially become a leader's grassroots visit.

He spoke of the Third Front construction, briefly outlined Jiangliao's current situation, praised Li Suhua for raising the children well and giving them bright futures, praised Zhou Bingkun for managing the household so well that others could focus on study and work, praised Feng Huacheng as a fine poet who should shoulder greater responsibility for nurturing the nation's cultural spirit, praised Wang Yan's superb medical skill and countless lives saved, praised Zheng Juan for her delicious cooking and her virtue as a devoted wife and mother.

He praised Zhou Rong as a modern independent woman, cultured and spirited; praised Chen Jing for her gentleness and beauty as a good wife; praised Zheng Guangming for his good fortune and urged him to study hard and bring light to more people; praised the children for their good looks and told them to study hard and build the motherland.

Interspersed with stories from Zhou Bingkun about Guangzhi Village, the meal ended.

At the Zhou family's gate, Hao Jinlong held Zhou Zhigang's slightly unsteady hand: "In-law, thank you for your hospitality—we've disturbed you."

Beaming, Zhou Zhigang waved him off: "It's nothing—go slowly, take care of your health. Bingkun, ride ahead on your bike and guide them out."

After a few more pleasantries, Hao Jinlong and Jin Yueji got into the car. The driver started the engine and followed Zhou Bingkun, who pedaled ahead.

Watching them disappear into the distance, Zhou Zhigang let out his signature "Heya!": "Bingyi, Dongmei—you two should leave too. It's so late, the road's not safe."

Zhou Bingyi worried: "Dad, you drank so much—are you okay?"

Zhou Zhigang waved him off: "Just a bit dizzy—I'll sleep it off. Besides, Xiao Yan's here—he hasn't said anything, so there's nothing wrong."

"I know you're happy, but one time's fine—don't drink like this again, Uncle-in-law. They sip, you gulp half a cup—you're lucky you're still standing. Your tolerance's gotten good."

Zhou Zhigang had drunk over a jin of liquor—today, because his official in-law came, he was happy and in good spirits; otherwise, he'd have collapsed long ago.

"Xiao Yan, I'm not bragging—when I was young, I could drink two jin. Ask your aunt—she knows. Back then, I even drank my father-in-law under the table."

"This old man's impossible when drunk—get him inside," Li Suhua snapped, giving her husband a light slap. "Bingyi, you and Dongmei go on—no need to fuss."

"Alright, Mom, watch Dad—he's old and drank so much. Don't let him fall getting up at night—I'll take Dongmei and leave now."

"Go, go—you've had your share too, ride slowly," Li Suhua called after him, then turned and followed the others inside, seeing her husband already dozing on the kang. "Bingyi says he might get up at night? He'll barely move."

Zhou Rong, helping Zheng Juan clear the dishes, laughed: "Dad's just happy."

"Your dad's wanted to meet them for ages—he never mentioned it. With Dongmei's parents being such high officials, coming to our home? Of course he's thrilled. Just watch—tomorrow, people will start coming by. That old man's mouth will be grinning from ear to ear."

She knew him best—Wang Yan shook his head with a smile: "That's normal, Auntie. Don't just tease Uncle-in-law—I don't believe you're not smiling."

Li Suhua burst out laughing: "Of course I'm smiling! Everyone loves to hear praise. Didn't you see people lingering outside during dinner? Tomorrow will be bustling. Don't bother cleaning—let Juan and the others handle it. You've had your share too—go home with Jing. You've got work tomorrow—don't delay patients."

"I'll leave after cleaning—it won't take long."

…

Back at the Provincial Party Committee compound, Hao Jinlong and Jin Yueji sat on the sofa, resting. After nodding to Huang, the secretary who had just finished instructing the nanny about tomorrow's herbal decoction, Jin Yueji smiled at Hao Jinlong, who leaned back with eyes closed, relaxing: "Old Hao, what do you think of your in-laws' family?"

"I think they're good—genuine people."

"Mm, I think so too—everyone's simple and down-to-earth."

"Old Jin, their living conditions are better than I imagined—much better."

"They have talent—Wang Yan's medical skill isn't fake. Given Chinese customs, a bit more wealth is understandable," Jin Yueji nodded with a smile, then hesitated before adding: "Old Hao, Wang Yan treated Dongmei."

"What illness?"

"Infertility."

Hao Jinlong opened his eyes and sat upright: "What happened? Was it cured?"

"Back when Dongmei went to the countryside..." Jin Yueji spoke slowly, recounting: "Before, Dongmei told me that if it couldn't be cured, Bingyi said to tell our in-laws it was his own problem. It was Wang Yan who treated her—three months after she returned to university last year, the hospital checked and said there was no issue. Your attitude toward Bingyi these past two days has been a bit harsh; I've held back, but they've both been trying hard. Dongmei is getting older; the later it gets, the more dangerous it becomes. You need to show some understanding—Bingyi isn't having an easy time either."

She had seen how well her husband viewed the Zhou family and seized this chance to lay out her daughter's situation, hoping to soften her husband's attitude toward her son-in-law. She had always known Hao Dongmei struggled deeply. But they too struggled, afraid of getting entangled. This time, meeting the Zhou family, she found they weren't as she'd imagined—and they had Wang Yan. Minor troubles would never reach them. Wang Yan's silence at the dinner table also revealed his stance, and that was reassuring. True, their social standing was far inferior; otherwise, she would have visited the in-laws long ago. Why wait until now?

But now that they'd reached this point, and after meeting them, they seemed acceptable—so she accepted it. What else could she do?

Hao Jinlong exhaled deeply, pushed himself up from his knees, said, "Understood," and walked away with his hands behind his back.

Jin Yueji sighed, picked up a book, and began flipping through it...

The next day, Li Suhua was right: after breakfast, the Zhou household buzzed with activity. Neighbors came by to inquire, to chat, to build connections. Of course they knew—before, even trying to reach Wang Yan was useless, let alone a high-ranking official now. Still, they couldn't help themselves; they came to socialize, just in case they might help.

Zhou Zhigang grinned ear to ear, genuinely delighted. It was vanity—his son had married the daughter of a high official, and now the official's family had come to their shabby Guangziping home. No other household in Guangziping could match it; he was proud. He accepted their flattery, and anyone who dared come by to ask for favors without proper sense got two words: Get lost. Listening to free praise, he got drunk again that night, and Li Suhua scolded him soundly.

Seeing his father so happy, Zhou Bingyi was even happier—it was because of him, after all. And since meeting his in-laws, the atmosphere at their home had improved greatly, becoming much more harmonious. He was immensely grateful for Hao Dongmei's understanding, and his way of repaying her was to give it his all—working tirelessly for the sake of the next generation.

As for others, nothing changed—they carried on as usual. But Zhou Bingkun felt uneasy watching his own father, drunk with joy. After all, they were all children—he too wanted his parents to be proud of him.

On Wednesday, Zhou Zhigang left his hometown smiling, boarding the southbound train to continue contributing his strength to the nation's construction. This homecoming had been fulfilling—though tinged with parting sorrow, it was normal in his life. Reunions were rare; laughter was the right response.

On the same day, Cai Xiaoguang arrived at the Zhou household with special Jingcheng gifts. He was a man who knew how to handle people—he came to thank Zhou Bingkun for his help and to maintain this relationship.

Originally, Cai Xiaoguang had met them at the station as Zhou Bingyi's group departed. This showed clearly that Zhou Bingyi's family hadn't stayed home long. Now, about Zhou Rong—she had merely shed a few tears before Li Suhua, who lay paralyzed on the kang, then turned and cheerfully took Feng Yue out to enjoy mother-daughter time...

On Sunday, Zhou Bingyi, his group, Chen Jing, and—though she shouldn't have left—Feng Yue boarded the train to Jingcheng. Feng Yue didn't want to go; she cried as if her heart would break. Zhou Rong couldn't bear it and nearly decided to keep her daughter back—but Feng Huacheng, heart aching, firmly pulled her onto the train.

Feng Yue's departure unsettled the household. With her childhood companion gone, Zhou Jianhua, Zhou Jianbang, and Wang Jianye—the three brothers—gathered and caused chaos.

Children don't understand parting; their world holds little space for sorrow. Their sadness lasted only two days, then they ate, drank, and played as before. Occasionally they mentioned her, but the frequency would inevitably dwindle—until, when they grew up and met again, they stood in silent mutual recognition.

Perhaps they remembered the laughter of childhood—but when they met again, they'd realize: the other was no longer that runny-nosed girl, no longer that crybaby, no longer that shadow, no longer that he/she. Perhaps then, for the first time, they truly sensed time—and understood what "growing up" meant.

Thus, the messy affairs between the former Zhou Nan, now Zhou Jianhua, and Feng Yue were over. Without daily childhood closeness, with so much time lost between them, they'd find new friends, new experiences—and when they met again, silence would be all they had.

Of course, not only the children were sad. Li Suhua, accustomed to parting, was unhappy too. The house, once packed with people, now felt hollow. When would it be full again? Even though she was used to it, she still needed time to adjust.

They were all gone. Wang Yan brought the child back to live at the Zhou household, eating hot meals daily, worrying about nothing—perfect. Mostly, it was the child's issue: he was only four, didn't like staying at the hospital with him, but here, at the Zhou home, he had Zhou Jianbang, a younger playmate, and other kids from Guangziping—company. Wang Yan was too lazy to pick him up every night, so he just moved in permanently for convenience.

That day, after dinner—hand-rolled noodles with eggplant and pork sauce—Wang Yan, as usual, smoked a cigarette while carrying two buckets of water, strolling out the door beside Zhou Bingkun, who carried the trash bin.

"Brother, didn't you say after the big reunion, it'd be my turn to get rich?"

"Didn't I also say there was risk? What, after months of thinking, have you finally figured it out? Not scared anymore?"

"Scared? Of course I'm scared," Zhou Bingkun laughed. "But Brother, I know you'd never lie to me or harm me—I trust you. All these years, whatever you said came true, never wrong. And now you've seen how Dad is—I want to do something to make him happy."

"That's risky. This is borderline—technically illegal. Your dad's temperament? He'd never be happy. You know your dad—he's old-school."

"But you said the country will change, and you told me to do it—that means the future's bright. Brother, can you find a way to preserve my soy sauce factory's official position? I don't want money. I just need a safety net—if things go wrong. Originally, I could've asked Old Lady Qu—she could've fixed it with one word. But that old lady's stubborn. If I don't explain it right, she might even turn me in."

"Hmm, good. You're thinking clearly, covering all bases," Wang Yan nodded. "As for preserving your position—suspension with pay retention. I can arrange it. But she's still the factory's former party secretary. You said yourself she wanders around. As your leg-saver, do you think she won't pay attention? You won't escape notice."

"Then what do I do?"

"What else can you do? I'll handle it for you first. If she asks later, say I told you to do it—and repeat everything I told you. She's a senior cadre; Ma Shouchang's even a provincial official. Any hint of trouble? They'll know first. She's stubborn, yes—but at the right moment, with the right approach, she'll understand. Otherwise, how did she become an official? As for flexibility, she's better than you. If you can't convince her, tell her to come talk to me—I'll handle it with her."

"Alright, Brother. When do I start?"

"I'll explain the details to you now. Tomorrow, I'll get your suspension with pay sorted, and give you a letter of introduction. The day after, you go straight there."

"What about Mom?"

"How many times have you fooled her these years?" Wang Yan slapped him on the shoulder. "Say you're on a business trip..."