Chapter 200 - 200: Treating Uncle Generously
Zhou Wan harbored no doubts. He firmly believed that his sister should lead an upright and prosperous life.
“Little sister, I’ve heard life in the city is really good. Have you found any opportunities there?”
Zhou Wan had heard that his sister and brother-in-law went to the city to live a better life. It was said that they stayed there for only two days, but their home had already changed dramatically. He discussed it with his wife, and she said that everyone in the city was wealthy.
He had never visited the city and yearned for its rich life.
“Are you exaggerating?” Zhou Lan laughed lightly, then briefly recounted their city journey to Zhou Wan.
Jiang Xia was listening attentively. When her mother concluded, she quickly chimed in, “Uncle, life in the city isn’t easy either. City folks don’t grow crops, they have to buy from us.”
She said this to console her uncle. Now, those who have jobs in the city no longer worry about basic needs, and they can occasionally receive grain and meat tickets.
“Yeah, we’ve just been scared by our poverty these years.” Zhou Wan sighed upon hearing Jiang Xia’s words.
His wife had health problems, and they had considered seeking medical help in the city. Word had it that city doctors were highly skilled and could surely cure her.
Hence, his wife was always curious about life in the city.
Seeing Zhou Wan in low spirits, Zhou Lan probed him with a few questions.
Out of desperation, Zhou Wan shared their situation with his sister.
Jiang Xia felt a pang of sympathy after hearing this. A woman’s life is often shaped by childbirth.
“Uncle, don’t worry. My mom has a plan.”
“Haha, stop kidding. What could your mother possibly do?”
Upon hearing her uncle’s words, Jiang Xia signaled Zhou Lan. Grasping her daughter’s intention, Zhou Lan quickly replied, “Don’t worry, elder brother, leave it to me. 1 will find out more for you.”
Jiang Xia had originally planned to bring some quality medicines back from the city for her aunt, given that most miscarriages these days were due to poor health.
However, having just acknowledged him as her uncle, she couldn’t fault her mother for being slightly cautious.
“Alright, then I’ll trust you this once,” Zhou Wan said with a smile, agreeing to their plan.
Of course, he only agreed verbally, not truly taking the matter to heart.
On Zhou Lan’s side, the meat was already prepared, and they were discussing how best to enjoy it.
Jiang Xia also agreed with Zhou Lan’s plan to treat their uncle generously today.
Their kindness reminded Zhou Wan of his parents’ advice, “Sister, mom and dad planned for you to sell this meat to make some money.”
His parents intended for Zhou Lan to sell the meat and keep the pig’s offal for themselves to eat for now.
Usually, people would sell the meat they had for money. So, when Zhou Lan planned to stew all the meat for a single meal, Zhou Wan was reminded of this.
Hearing Zhou Wan, Zhou Lan felt a pang of sadness. Their parents had planned everything for their family’s welfare.
“Elder brother, let’s have a feast today. If mom and dad ask, just tell them everything I said. They’ll be reassured.”
Zhou Wan had already evaluated Zhou Lan’s home.
The house was newly built, and there seemed to be a new square table in the living room. The kitchen was fully equipped.
Even both nieces had their own rooms.
Witnessing the comfortable life his sister was leading, he decided to share this news with their parents to make them happy, regardless of whether Zhou Lan brought it up or not.
Jiang Xia remained oblivious to Zhou Wan’s thoughts. Had she known, she would probably have told him that this was just the beginning, and better days awaited their family.
With Zhou Wan’s visit, they certainly couldn’t serve the mutton soup.
It wasn’t that Jiang Xia didn’t want to offer the sheep, but she feared startling her uncle by abruptly bringing out an entire sheep.
Nevertheless, it was okay to save it for later. When the time was right, she would serve it and treat her grandmother and the rest of the family to a fine meal.
While Jiang Xia contemplated future plans, Zhou Lan and Zhou Wan were chatting merrily.
They discussed everything, from their childhood to the present, even including everyone in the village.
Jiang Xia could clearly feel that her mother was genuinely happy today!