Chapter 1164: Pig Slaughtering Feast

Chapter 1164: Pig Slaughtering Feast

Gu Zi had just been thinking it was time to buy the kids a few new outfits—perhaps something cozy for the colder days ahead. She called out for them to get ready for a quick shopping trip.

But before they could even get their shoes on, someone knocked at the door.

The sound of little feet pattering across the floor echoed through the house. “Da-da-da”—that was Su Le, the youngest, rushing to answer it. She pulled the door open with a sense of occasion that only a child could muster and asked, quite seriously, “Granny, who are you here to see at our house?”

Gu Zi came up behind her, curious. Standing at the doorway was a woman in her early fifties, bundled up against the wind, cheeks red from the cold.

Gu Zi recognized her immediately. She was from the Zhao family that had moved in just two days ago. Everyone around here already called her Aunt Zhao, the way small towns always bestowed familial titles to newcomers they liked.

Seeing Gu Zi, Aunt Zhao beamed. “Ah, Gu Zi, dear! We’re having a pig slaughter feast at our house today. Come over with the whole family! Also… is your husband home? We could use an extra hand to help with the butchering.”

As she spoke, Aunt Zhao glanced around, half-hopeful. She’d only seen Su Shen once, but once was enough. That man was tall, broad-shouldered, and gave off the unmistakable aura of someone who could lift a full-grown ox without breaking a sweat.

Their family pig, which they’d bought earlier in the year, weighed over five hundred jin—it was practically a baby bear. They’d planned to send it to the slaughterhouse, but a snowstorm the night before had sealed the roads like something out of a movie: no one could get in, and no one could get out.

So now, the pig had to be dealt with at home.

Unfortunately, the Zhao household was short on able-bodied men. That meant borrowing some help from the neighbors—something of a tradition here, really. Besides, it was the perfect excuse to host a feast and further settle into the community.

Aunt Zhao had done her homework. Word on the street was that the Su family had become something of local celebrities ever since their dog helped crack a decade-old case. Peace had returned to the area, and it was all thanks to them—quite the heroic reputation.

Not to mention, Su Shen had apparently arranged for the road outside to be paved and even had the alleyways redone. Everyone spoke highly of them. Of course, if you were going to host a feast, how could you not invite the Su family?

Gu Zi chuckled inwardly. This was practically Su Shen’s old profession calling. How amusing. She wondered if Su Shen was out of practice—hadn’t wielded a butcher’s knife in so long, maybe he’d forgotten which end was which. But, alas, he wasn’t home yet.

“Is it today?” she asked politely. “My husband hasn’t returned. If it’s today, I’m afraid he won’t be able to help.”

Su Shen’s company was in a year-end crunch, working overtime to wrap up accounts. He’d been coming home later and later. Helping with a slaughter would be out of the question.

Aunt Zhao simply laughed it off. “Yes, it has to be today—we had someone pick the date. It’s the best time to slaughter the pig. But don’t worry about it. I’ll find someone else. Just make sure to come eat. Bring the kids too.”

Gu Zi found herself a little amused. They’d even consulted a fortune-teller for the auspicious timing of pig slaughter? How traditional. But it was all part of the charm of rural life. Since the invitation had been extended so warmly, it would be impolite not to accept.

“Alright,” she smiled. “I’ll have the kids change and we’ll come over shortly. You go on ahead.”

She actually enjoyed this sort of neighborly bustle.

After Aunt Zhao left, Gu Zi ushered the children into their rooms to change into fresh clothes.

The Gao family, who lived nearby, had gone to visit relatives for the holidays, so they wouldn’t be attending. Aunt Zhao hadn’t been able to invite them.

Just as Gu Zi was helping the children into their coats, the front door swung open with a gust of wind, and in came Su Shen, dusted in snow.

“You’re back early today!” Gu Zi exclaimed, moving toward him and brushing the snowflakes from his coat. “We were just about to head out. Someone came by to invite us to a pig slaughter feast. They were even hoping you could help with the actual butchering.”

Su Shen instinctively took a step back, worried the chill from his coat might freeze her to the bone. He quickly shook off the snow and explained, “We’ve all been working too much lately. I gave the staff a day off today—everyone’s exhausted. Who’s slaughtering a pig?”

Gu Zi raised an eyebrow. “The Zhao family. You know, the ones who moved in a few days ago. Since you’re back now, come with us. Let’s see if your old skills are still sharp.”

He laughed, that deep, unhurried kind of laugh that always made her heart flutter. “If you’re going to supervise me, I’d better not embarrass myself. But the snow’s thick out there—you need to wear your scarf and hat.”

As he said it, he was already reaching for her things and gently bundled her up, as if dressing a porcelain doll.

Gu Zi let him. She had long since resigned herself to being completely spoiled by this man. Sometimes, she wondered if he was deliberately making her so dependent, just so she couldn’t live without him.

Once she was snug, Su Shen turned to the kids, zipping up jackets and looping scarves, turning the three of them into waddling little puffballs. Gu Zi couldn’t help but smile. They looked too adorable for words—especially Su Le, who had definitely put on a bit of weight by year’s end. Her round cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, making her look like a plump little apple. Irresistibly cute.

The whole family headed out together into the winter wonderland. The wind was fierce, and flurries danced in the air.

Gu Zi held tightly onto Su Shen’s arm. The children, on the other hand, bolted from the house like wild puppies—laughing, shrieking, and hurling snowballs in every direction, utterly delighted by the world in white.

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