Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 83: Hu Family Members

"The buildings in the provincial capital are so tall." It was Anmin’s first time in the provincial capital, and his eyes couldn’t take it all in. Squinting in the light, his mind was constantly buzzing. Indeed, Ding Anguo’s demeanor was just like his, and Yi Roujing felt that the resemblance of this pair of twin siblings was only now truly showing.

Although Yi Roujing thought this way, she herself was also unable to remain idle. Although it wasn’t as bustling as times to come, this was indeed a genuine old city area, at least the place most similar to her past life.

The truck drove straight towards the provincial government compound, with Hu Zhishu in the passenger seat giving directions to Chen Jia Shang.

"Teacher, is it this way?" Chen Jia Shang felt his heart race as they approached the Jiang Province government compound.

"Yes, Jiashang, stay at my place for the night," Hu Zhishu replied.

"I’m afraid I can’t. I have to head to Su Province tonight." Chen Jia Shang apologized before promptly hitting the brakes and turning off the engine.

Hu Zhishu took out a small notebook from his pocket, jotted down a string of numbers with a pen, and tore out a page. "This is my exact home address. Feel free to visit when you have the time. You know my phone number too. Call me anytime if you need anything."

Chen Jia Shang nodded with a smile, "Sure."

The security guard on duty at the government compound approached as soon as he saw the large truck, and when he recognized Hu Zhishu, he stood to attention, greeted him, and helped move the luggage.

Within the government compound, there were two types of housing: five-story dormitory buildings and two-story homes with independent courtyard gates. Yi Roujing noted it was reminiscent of later-built townhouses and low-rise communities. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

The landscaping within the compound had received much attention, with camphor trees lining the path, neatly trimmed lawns, and floral arrangements.

Hu Zhishu led the group for five minutes until they reached a small two-story residence. Yi Roujing wasn’t surprised; Hu Zhishu had said they could all stay at his home, indicating the place was spacious enough.

However, Yi Roujing had underestimated it, because the small residence nearby opened its courtyard gate from inside, and a woman in her forties emerged, cheerfully calling out "Son-in-law" when she saw Hu Zhishu. Then, Hu Heping emerged with a round pregnant belly, supported by Hao Zhixin, looking emotional.

"Dad, are you okay? You scared us." Hu Heping’s eyes were swollen, clearly from crying.

"Didn’t I tell you I was fine? See, I made it back safely," Hu Zhishu said affectionately, patting Hu Heping’s shoulder.

"Roujing, thank you." Ignoring her rounded belly, Hu Heping hugged Yi Roujing tightly, "You truly are a blessing to our family."

Yang Cuihu stood tensely at the side, looking anxious.

Yi Roujing gently touched Hu Heping’s belly, shifting her own waist back to avoid pressing on it. She understood Hu Heping’s feelings, softly reassuring her, "Yes, so we’ll be relying on you these few days, Sister Heping."

"It’s nothing, really." Hu Heping said with a smile, happy to see Yi Roujing’s friendly approach.

"Old Hu, are you alright?" Out came a middle-aged woman with short, neat hair and a competent air, draped with a thin silk scarf.

"Zhen, I’m fine." Hu Zhishu’s expression softened upon seeing his wife, and a light shone in his eyes.

"Roujing, this is your aunt, Zhu Lanzhen." Hu Zhishu introduced his wife, Zhu Lanzhen, to Yi Roujing and the others.

Yi Roujing was inwardly moved, gazing at Zhu Lanzhen, whose face was adorned with a smile and her eyes full of sincere gratitude.

The book described Zhu Lanzhen as such: even if time has passed quickly, etching marks of life’s trial onto her face, Zhu Lanzhen’s sharp and detached eyes remain, her speech plain.

Zhu Lanzhen started her career as a small clerk at the provincial foreign affairs office. Behind her illustrious career was a tragic life of losing her mother in childhood and then her daughter later on, and her daughter passed away in a tragic incident. Over a month later, her husband fell ill and passed away on a train, without a chance for a final farewell.

Zhu Dangting, her father and once the president of Jing University, was greatly affected and soon died of depression; her parents-in-law, from a genteel literary family, also passed away successively in Beijing after their only son and granddaughter.

Only Zhu Lanzhen remained from the Zhu and Hu family. Zhu Lanzhen never remarried, dedicating herself entirely to the country.

The book introduces Zhu Lanzhen because she is the aunt of the second female lead, Yuan Xiangyu. The Yuan family was the maternal family of Zhu Lanzhen’s mother-in-law.

"What’s the matter?" Yi Roujing asked, as Hu Heping gently tugged at her upon seeing her in a daze staring at Zhu Lanzhen.

"Your mom is really graceful," Yi Roujing whispered.

"My mom may seem stern on the outside, but she’s soft inside," Hu Heping whispered, "and she cooks wonderfully. Tomorrow, you’ll get to enjoy her cooking."

"Cuihu," Zhu Lanzhen spoke to Yang Cuihu in a relatively gentle manner, "enjoy your time in Jiangcheng these few days."

Right now, the head of the Yang family, which is on good terms with the Hu family, used to be a subordinate of Hu Zhishu’s father. Yang Cuihu’s recent behavior wasn’t intentional, and since Hu Zhishu was alright now, Zhu Lanzhen would not get mad at a girl younger than her own daughter.

"Teacher, Madam, Sister Heping, I’m sorry." Yang Cuihu bowed deeply, her face full of regret, "I will be more cautious in the future."

"Cuihu, really, it’s alright," Hu Zhishu kindly said.

Yang Cuihu’s eyes reddened, "Luckily, Teacher is okay."

"I had contacted my aunt earlier, and this time I came to attend her wedding. She will come to pick me up later. Teacher, thank you for your care along the way. I will teach in the provincial capital in the future, so I might have to trouble you all then."

Hu Zhishu shook his hand with a smile, gesturing it was no problem.

A few minutes later, Yang Cuihu’s aunt arrived, taking her away after greeting and apologizing to Hu Zhishu and his group.

After a day’s journey, Yi Roujing and Ding Ancheng settled down at Hu Zhishu and Zhu Lanzhen’s residence, while Ding Anmin and Ding Anguo stayed next door at Zhu Dangting’s house.

Yi Roujing and Ding Ancheng were married, so it’s only natural Hu Heping arranged a room for them. The bedroom was on the second floor; the master bedroom was on the first floor, and the second floor had two guest rooms, a study, and a bathroom.

In the bathroom washing up, Yi Roujing felt so overwhelmed she wanted to cry. Anywhere in the Dingping Production Team was fine, she could endure the hard work, but the absence of bathrooms and flush toilets was her most challenging ordeal.

The provincial capital was wonderful. When commercial housing could be bought and sold, she would certainly seize the opportunity.

Yi Roujing stayed in the bathroom for over half an hour, emerging with wet hair and rosy skin, most importantly feeling utterly satisfied.

"Do you like it that much?" Ding Ancheng asked, entering the room after freshening up, finding Yi Roujing still humming an unknown tune.

"Huh?" Yi Roujing snapped out of her reverie, momentarily not understanding what he meant.

"The bathroom," Ding Ancheng said, taking the towel from Yi Roujing’s hand to help wring out her hair.

"Yes, clean and comfortable. When houses like this can be bought and sold, we’ll buy a few sets for Dad, Mom, Anmin, and all of them," Yi Roujing imagined, "and also for my parents and brother."

Ding Ancheng’s touch was gentle, and his heart softer still, smiling as he quietly agreed, "Alright."