Given that itâs already the end of the year and the twelfth lunar month, Qi Taiguo taking leave at this time is awkward, and this time, after taking leave for the New Year, he probably wonât be able to go back. If Qi Taiguo doesnât go back for the New Year, then I have to consider whether to return for the New Year myself. So, Cheng Su decided to simply take the New Yearâs gifts and go back.
In a rush, Cheng Su got up early in the morning to go to the city and bought a big pile of New Yearâs gifts, hurried home to pack, and made phone calls everywhere to arrange matters. When Qi Taiguo returned, the two hurriedly went to the bus station to catch the bus.
Now in the middle of winter, with short days and long nights, by the time they returned to Huangtian Village, it was already completely dark.
Qi Taiguo took all the things, not forgetting to hold Cheng Suâs hand, and said, "Be careful, thereâs snow and ice on the ground; itâs very slippery."
Cheng Su looked and indeed saw a thin layer of ice, with the surroundings covered in a blanket of white snow.
"So cold." Cheng Suâs teeth chattered, and she hissed, blowing hot air into her hands.
The hometown is colder than Qing City; sitting in the car didnât feel it, but as soon as they got off, the chill came from all directions, making them shiver uncontrollably.
"It might snow soon," Qi Taiguo looked at the sky, pulling her along, "Letâs hurry!"
"Youâre holding so many things, no need to pull me; go ahead, Iâll follow behind!" Cheng Su said.
"Then be careful!"
They chatted as they walked forward, and it wasnât long before it started snowing indeed. Passing by some households with dogs, the dogs barked as they walked past.
At the Qi family home, a sense of desolation loomed.
"...Oh, Dad, Big Brother is back!" Qi Fengping jumped up.
Father Qi listened intently and indeed heard Qi Taiguo calling at the door; he quickly stood up, and Mother Qi, with quick steps, had already gone out to open the courtyard door.
With a creak, the door bolt opened, and seeing her eldest son, Mother Qi was overjoyed.
"Mom, weâre back!" Qi Taiguo shouted.
"Good, good, come in quickly."
Cheng Su followed behind Qi Taiguo, calling out to Mother Qi, "Mother!"
Mother Qiâs smile stiffened, and she said, "Come inside; why so late?"
"A bit of a delay!" Qi Taiguo said as he entered the house.
The family greeted each other upon meeting, and when Father Qi saw Cheng Su had also returned, his smile grew wider, and he repeatedly instructed Qi Fengping to get some hot water for them to wash their faces.
"Is it snowing outside again? Taiguoâs wifeâs face is turning purple from the cold; come over here next to this brazier to warm up." Father Qi pointed to the brazier under the table, where a cloth was wrapped around it, so sitting there, one could warm their hands and feet and definitely not feel cold.
Seeing Cheng Su indeed did not look good, Qi Taiguoâs heart ached, and he quickly pushed her over.
Cheng Su herself indeed felt unbearably cold, her hands and feet placed inside the cloth, feeling the warm heat; she finally felt like she was coming back to lifeâit was really too cold.
"Old lady, make another brazier, put it in Taiguoâs room, and also warm their bedding; otherwise, after not sleeping for so long, moisture will accumulate, and it wonât be warm!" Father Qi instructed Mother Qi again.
"Need you to say it? I took it out to bake in the sun during the day today." Mother Qi snorted.
Only then did Father Qi smile with satisfaction.
Cheng Su listened and said, "Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mother!"
"Why thank family? Your mother-in-law usually cleans your room too; itâs not dirty, rest assured and stay!" Father Qi, intending to create a bond, wanted the daughter-in-law to feel comfortable and said some nice words.
Cheng Su still said thank you.
Mother Qi glanced at her and didnât say anything, only fussing over her son; she managed their room only for her son, not anyone else.
"Where is the big sister?" Qi Taiguo glanced around but didnât see Qi Fenglian.