The daughter-in-law is willing to let the old couple go to the city, Zhao Lanziās face lit up with a smile, which indicated that the daughter-in-law was filial and had a good relationship with her son.
"We wonāt be bothering you, will we?"
"What are you saying, Mom? Iāve already taken leave from the General Union. This period is for taking care of Qigang, and itās perfect timing for you to visit so I can show you around."
"Thatās good!" Zhao Lanzi beamed, "My daughter-in-law is really filial."
Sheng Ning felt quite embarrassed by the praise, anyone would want to be a bit nicer to such a sensible mother-in-law.
Zhao Lanzi turned to discuss with Xu Xianxiong, "The daughter-in-law says Qigang is injured, suggesting we go to the city for some time, just right to visit Qigang."
Xu Xianxiong, already anxious from listening on the side, now learned that his son was indeed injured and worriedly asked, "How bad is the injury? Did he damage any important parts?"
At that, Zhao Lanzi burst out cursing, utterly infuriated, "Xu Xianxiong, get out of here."
Sheng Ning heard it over the phone, rubbing her temples, she suddenly felt very sympathetic towards the Living Yama. Growing up in such a family, not turning out wayward is simply a miracle.
Zhao Lanzi didnāt want to deal with Xu Xianxiong; she made up her mind over the phone, "Ningning, weāll head over in three days. Is there anything you still need? We have it all in the old home, and itās very cheap. Iāll bring some over."
"Mom, you donāt need to bring anything, we have everything. Just having you both come is enough."
"Alright!"
"Oh right, Mom, thereās something Iād like to ask you for." Sheng Ning was still concerned about the situation at home, wondering if Dadās health had improved since spring and when Anāan would come over; these matters needed father-in-law to personally run over.
"Go ahead! Are you asking about the situation at your maternal home?"
"Yes, I havenāt written home in ages and donāt know their situation. I also mentioned before that Iād have my younger sister come to the city after the New Year to find me. I havenāt heard from her; please ask Dad to check. If possible, Iād like my sister to come with you, so Iād feel at ease."
"No problem, Iāll have your dad go over right away."
"Then Iāll give you a call the morning after tomorrow to confirm the train time, so I can pick you up at the train station."
"Okay, okay, okay..."
******
Spring in the countryside is busy everywhere, and the locals are busy planting seeds. Shengās third family is also quite occupied; in the afternoon, the three of them were in the field planting corn. Sheng Laosan dug holes, Anāan was in charge of putting the corn in, and Shen Luhua followed up by covering them with soil.
The three of them could plant an acre in one afternoon.
Sheng An wore a straw hat on her head, donned long-sleeved clothing, and moved very swiftly.
"Anāan, are you tired? Why donāt you take a break?" Shen Luhua asked with concern.
Sheng An kept on working, and after emptying the basket of corn kernels in her arms, she refilled it. She completely ignored Shen Luhua throughout; to be precise, she hadnāt spoken to Shen Luhua for half a month.
This set a record since she was a child. When upset, Anāan would also ignore Shen Luhua, but usually couldnāt hold out more than a day. This time sheās genuinely angry because Shen Luhua firmly refused to let her go to the city.
Sheng Laosan couldnāt take it anymore and said voluntarily, "Anāan, Iām tired too; shall we take a break?"
"Sure!" Sheng An put down the basket and walked shoulder to shoulder with Sheng Laosan to the field ridge to rest, not forgetting to take out the enamel cup from home and pour water for Sheng Laosan to drink.
"Dad, have some water. Are your legs still hurting?"