This deep winter night, not only was Mr. Zhang’s courtyard filling with conversations between grandfather and grandson, but also several other small households were quite restless. More than a hundred meters away in Zhang Guofu’s house.

In the bedroom, Huang Cuilan nudged her husband beside her, "Are you asleep?"

"Hmm."

Even in the darkness, unable to see her husband’s expression, Huang Cuilan sensed a strong reluctance to communicate. She pouted in grievance and reached out to grab his hand.

Zhang Guofu sighed silently. Seeing the situation, if he didn’t say something, he probably wouldn’t have a good night’s sleep tonight. Ultimately, he spoke up, "Are you worried about Xiao Zuo and Xiao You?" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"I’m not worried about those ungrateful sons. They’ve been back for so long and couldn’t bother to say a few more words to me. Look at Little Stone, he’s constantly asking about how things are at his mother’s family, and whether Xiao Miao and the others have caused any trouble at home."

This sour tone made Zhang Guoqiang giggle, "I think the sons did well; they even knew to bring gifts for you and Mai Miao when they returned."

Seeing him smile, Huang Cuilan felt relieved, "It would’ve been better if they hadn’t bought anything, saving some money. Those two brothers really don’t understand; can’t they see you’ve lost so much weight from being busy all day long?"

In the darkness, Zhang Guofu didn’t know how to respond. Even wanting to praise himself a bit doesn’t necessarily mean stepping down his sons. Which family’s sons or daughters can rely on foraging to earn tuition?

"This time, the kids made Xiao Wu spend quite a bit of money. Before coming back, my sister-in-law asked me to buy some things to send over. What do you say?"

It’s necessary, and we must buy more, send more things over, so Xiao Wu can be respected. Zhang Guofu suppressed his inner thoughts and asked quietly, "What do you want to buy to send over?"

Huang Cuilan paused, really buying, huh? If only she hadn’t brought up this topic. But if she hadn’t, it wouldn’t do either, when Old Zhang the Second’s couple sends things, who wouldn’t know?

"My sister-in-law said if the weather’s good recently, she’ll return to the village and see who still has stock."

Zhang Guofu glanced sideways at her; how could he not understand her little thoughts after being married for so many years? He chuckled, "What? Can’t bear to part with it?"

"How could I? Listen to the dishes they talk about at the table; I reckon Jiao Jiao doesn’t have any stock now. But this time we can’t send those dried vegetables again; as for meat, us women can’t find the right channels."

"Do you think it’d be great if Xiao Wu were at home? When did our family ever buy meat? Xiao Zuo said his uncle hasn’t hunted in a long time, it’s a pity."

"If only the children’s father had learned some skills from our grandpa when he was young."

"Haha..." Zhang Guofu didn’t know how to continue the conversation. If he had the strength like Xiao Wu, maybe he wouldn’t have become her husband.

How many years older is he compared to Xiao Wu? If he had that strength, would his parents still have to work themselves to the bone in the fields all day? Back in those years, there were more wild animals on the mountains, and business was more casual.

What’s so great about having Xiao Wu at home? No matter how good you are at hunting, accidents can still happen. Now Xiao Wu is so capable, there’s no need to care about those insignificant concerns!

Zhang Guofu sighed, "Sleep, I’ll handle this with Old Zhang the Second tomorrow."

"Tired? I still have things to say."

"Exhausted, let’s talk later." Avoid getting angry from hearing too much! Zhang Guofu turned his back to her, closed his eyes, and made a childish snoring sound on purpose.

Huang Cuilan: "..." She hasn’t even mentioned the kids’ work yet. At home with food and drink, can’t let her sons go into the army, can she?

A few hundred meters away at Zhang Guoqiang’s house, at this moment, Zhang the Second was listening to his wife grumbling. Her meaning was almost similar, but Lin Juhua’s words were much more graceful.

Listen...

"Child’s father, now I finally understand why people care about matching families when marrying. Although Uncle Zhou won’t mind whether we give gifts, nor will he care about what we give, it would indeed be embarrassing to send dried vegetables and cheap stuff every day."

Zhang the Second patted his wife in his arms and laughed silently. Of course, his Xiao Wu isn’t a rabbit, only munching on greens.

Lin Juhua glanced at his expression, "I think, since Shi Tou went there, Jiao Jiao’s side probably doesn’t have any stock left either. She’s always generous, and the city is not like the village; supply is limited. Now going to the Black Market is dangerous, and she’s always been careful, surely won’t let Xiao Wu go to those places."

Zhang the Second nodded, indeed! Xiao Wu had already told him and his big brother personally, the outlook isn’t good, everyone needs to get through the days with tightened belts.

He didn’t dare to doubt his brother’s judgement. Even though that kid seems foolish, countless instances have proven that this foolish kid’s foresight is astonishing.

"These days, I reckon things are challenging on her side too. But if we send something really nice, like cured meat, after the New Year when food becomes scarce, no household would be willing to sell. Even if it’s expensive, I’m reluctant to part with it.

I’ve thought about it; I still need to go find those hunters in Kaoshan Village. I won’t use money to buy it; those tickets accumulated recently can truly come in handy."

Zhang the Second laughed heartily. Women can be so petty, he understands. Apart from his parents and brothers, he doesn’t want to spend big money either.

"I’ll handle this, I’ll go discuss with big brother tomorrow, don’t need to tell big sister."

Lin Juhua seemed unhappy, men’s work isn’t as meticulous as theirs, spending money lavishly, she could haggle for a better price.

"Don’t be stingy. Look at how much Xiao Wu has supported our family over the years. I’ll go find Mr. Wang with big brother. His grandchildren can hunt; they won’t lack for wild game or nice things. If I say it’s for Xiao Wu, given Xiao Wu’s relationship with Mr. Wang, maybe aside from a cheaper price, he might send some to Xiao Wu."

"Child’s father, you’re really smart!"

Zhang the Second boasted with a grin, "That’s right! Of the three brothers, don’t be fooled by Xiao Wu being the most accomplished; the smartest one is truly your husband. If he had my brains, he wouldn’t need Uncle Zhou, he’d have been successful ages ago."

Lin Juhua laughed heartily upon hearing this. This man, given a bit of praise, starts a dye house, but her husband truly is clever, knowing to find Mr. Wang.

Poor Mr. Wang is currently deep in slumber, oblivious that someone has their sights on this old man. But even if he knew, he’d be willing to endure some loss. That’s Zhang Guoqing, not to mention his close friendship with the late Old Zhang, he deeply admires the child.

"Our family Shi Tou really takes after you, knowing to have his uncle take him to visit Mr. Wang and Mrs. Wang at the Zuo Family from such a young age. Dad was genuinely pleased, gulping down such a large bowl of wine."

"Just don’t cause trouble for Xiao Wu. Do you think people would think Xiao Wu is using the child to establish connections?"

Zhang the Second burst into laughter. What connections! Seems his wife truly believes Uncle Zhou doesn’t compare to the Zuo Family. This works too; let her live contentedly with their little peaceful days.