After having their own yard, everyone's spirits have become more fulfilled.
It's really amazing, a yard, a home, can make a person feel confident and justified in doing anything.
On the afternoon of the fourth day after checking in, Mao Huimei received a call from her second uncle, saying that he was about to board the train and would arrive in Yan City the next morning.
But the Mao sisters were overjoyed.
The next morning was Saturday, and the whole family went to the train station to pick someone up.
The old green trains were slow and often delayed. They waited for more than an hour before they heard the train arrive at the station.
Everyone stretched their necks and began to look for Mao Zhishan in the crowd.
It was Mao Huizhu who was held in Xia Wenyue's arms who first saw him, "Dad! Over there, I saw Dad."
Xia Mian looked in the direction her finger pointed and saw a moving mountain of luggage.
Mao Zhishan was alone, carrying luggage taller than others on his back, with several large bags hanging on each hand. His body was almost bent at a right angle, and his dark and thin face was flushed red.
Xia Wenyue hurried over to help him unload his luggage while saying distressedly, "Why do you bring so many things? You've already checked them in once. It doesn't matter if you check them in again. Why do you have to suffer so much?"
Mao Zhishan said with a smile, "It only costs more than ten yuan to check in the baggage. The money saved is enough to buy a set of books for Huilan."
To his wife, being nice to her is like being poor at home and rich on the road, but to himself, he saves as much as possible.
Mao Huilan opened his shirt and took a look. She saw that his shoulders, which were almost skinny, were indeed rubbed raw. She said angrily, "Dad, you only know how to save money. But you're exhausted. Isn't it going to cost you a lot of money?"
Mao Zhishan pulled up his shirt and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Dad knows what to do."
Mao Huizhu couldn't wait to throw herself into his arms, but Mao Zhishan pushed her away and said, "Wait for Dad to go back and wash up, you stink."
Mao Huizhu didn't care. Mao Huimei handed him the wet towel she had prepared, "Dad, wipe it first."
Mao Huilan also handed over the kettle, "Have a drink of water, we'll be home soon, it's not far."
Mao Zhishan smiled happily. He looked up and saw Xia Mian and Xiao Feng. He said a little embarrassedly, "Mian Mian, you must be Xiao Feng, right? You're so handsome."
Xiao Feng had never met Mao Zhishan, but Xia Mian and Mao Huizhu had introduced him to him in advance. Xiao Feng looked at him curiously and greeted him in a low voice, "Hello, uncle."
"Okay, okay." Mao Zhishan obviously liked children very much. He rummaged in his pocket for a while, took out some candies and shared them with Huizhu and Xiaofeng.
They still hired a tricycle to bring the luggage back. The driver probably didn't think much of them and was very perfunctory. When they arrived at the door, he didn't help and just unloaded the things and left.
The family members firmly refused to let Mao Zhishan do anything, so Mao Huizhu dragged him to the yard and said, "Dad, hurry up and wash up and have a rest. It's tiring to ride in the car."
Xia Wenyue also urged him, "We are already at the door, we can just move slowly."
Mao Zhishan had no choice but to pick up a small bag and go in.
Xia Mian carried things with Xia Wenyue and the others.
Mao Zhishan probably packed his luggage according to the specifications for moving. Each of the five or six luggage bags was extremely heavy. No one knew how he carried them on and off the car.
Xia Mian and Mao Huilan originally wanted to lift it together, but it was still very heavy, so they were thinking of asking Mao Huimei to help.
A big hand suddenly reached out and picked up the bag.
Mao Huilan looked up and saw the person coming. She said embarrassedly, "Doctor Ning, if it's dirty, we can just carry it ourselves."
Ning Shaobai remained calm and asked, "Where should I put it?"
Xia Mian said, "Just put it in the west wing."
Ning Shaobai simply picked up one in each hand and walked twice to put the things into the yard.
Xia Mian took him to wash his hands and they happened to meet Mao Zhishan. Ning Shaobai looked at Mao Zhishan's expression and gradually frowned.
Mao Zhishan lowered his head awkwardly, not daring to speak. The man in his forties was like an awkward child, as if he had lost an adult.
Xia Mian knew that he was very sensitive to the gazes of outsiders, so she hurriedly introduced him, "Second uncle, this is Doctor Ning."
Ning Shaobai said calmly, "I see that you don't look well. Go to the hospital for a checkup when you have time."
Xia Wenyue, who followed in, was shocked when she heard this, "Doctor Ning, what happened to him?"
Ning Shaobai said, "Don't worry yet. It may be due to malnutrition and overwork. If you want to be safe, you'd better go to the hospital for a check-up."
Xia Wenyue said immediately, "Let's go. We'll go the next day."
Ning Shaobai said to Xia Mian, "I'll make an appointment for you guys when I get to work tomorrow. Wait for my call and bring your uncle over when I'm done."
Xia Mian asked curiously, "You have already started working? Which hospital?"
"Yenchi University Hospital."
"Wow!" It seems that Ning Shaobai's medical skills are really amazing and he can be successful wherever he goes.
Xia Wenyue thanked Ning Shaobai profusely. Ning Shaobai felt uncomfortable for a while and pulled Xia Mian out to talk.
"How did you and Zhou Qianqian buy the house?" Ning Shaobai asked.
Xia Mian was puzzled. "Didn't Brother Rong tell you? The down payment is 20,000, and the final payment is 50,000 in two months."
"Wouldn't it take some time to sell the stamps? And I don't have the money for the time being."
Speaking of this, Xia Mian hesitated a little, "Do we really want to buy this row of yards?"
She felt that she had passed the time of being angry, and after calming down, she felt that it would not be a bad idea to give him a way out. "After all, he is Chenchen's grandfather.
"
"Chenchen's grandfather?" Ning Shaobai's eyes suddenly turned cold. "Do you think that Chenchen's situation could have been arranged perfectly by Fan Xiuzhi without the cooperation of the Huo family?"
Xia Mian was shocked, "How come there is still information about the Huo family?"
"My sister and Chenchen seemed to be suddenly angry and left, but the human traffickers happened to be waiting there." Ning Shaobai said, "Fan Xiuzhi couldn't have contacted them at the last minute."
"Chenchen is safe and sound because he is lucky. If you hadn't reminded him, or if he hadn't met you at that time..." When Ning Shaobai said this, his face turned cold and a hostility emanated from him.
Xia Mian thought of Chenchen's experience in the original book. When he was only six years old, he had several fingers cut off and his legs were broken.
After he was rescued, his fingers were completely broken and there was no more room for improvement. His broken legs also left him with sequelae because he did not receive timely treatment. For more than 20 years, he was in excruciating pain every time it rained.
Ning Shaobai and Ning Shaoyun spent many years trying to make him live like a human being, but that shadow accompanied him for most of his life, and what he eventually grew up to be was a gloomy, cold, unkind and paranoid man.
When I read the novel, I felt that the character's setting was very appealing, and the mutual redemption and healing between him and the protagonist was very beautiful.
But looking at the cheerful and happy Chenchen now, Xia Mian couldn't treat him as a paper man. When she thought about the hardship that Chenchen might encounter, she wished she could tear that man into pieces.
She was an outsider and was treated the same way, let alone Ning Shaobai, who was related to her by blood.
"Just because Chenchen is dead doesn't mean those people who did bad things can be dead." Ning Shaobai's eyes were cold, "I won't let anyone go."
"What does it have to do with Mr. Huo?" Xia Mian frowned, "Didn't Mr. Huo and Zhou Qianqian do it?"
Ning Shaobai laughed sarcastically, "Chenchen almost blocked the way of everyone in the Huo family."
Xia Mian blinked, totally unable to understand, "Including Mr. Huo?"
"Yes. Including Huo Pengyi."
"Huo Xuewen is not the biological son of the Huo family at all." Ning Shaobai casually revealed a big secret.
"Lao Hu was able to marry Huo Pengyi because she took advantage of someone in distress. But she was lucky and got pregnant right away. Huo Pengyi's father, Grandpa Huo, was sent down to work on a farm, so Huo Pengyi was not well-off and had no room to resist Hu Cuihua's family, so the two got married."
"Later, Master Huo was rehabilitated, and Huo Pengyi followed Master Huo back. He found that the Huo family was dwindling in numbers, and Master Huo was dying. The only thing he hoped for was the baby in Master Huo's belly."
Xia Mian quickly figured out the key, "So the old man's biological daughter is actually Zhou Qianqian?" It all made sense now, why the old man was so good to Zhou Qianqian.
"I checked. The old lady and Zhou's wife accidentally fell while collecting firewood and gave birth at the same time. When the two families received the news and rushed over, they had already given birth."
Although I don't know how the old lady did it, the result is that she exchanged her own body for the body of Zhou's daughter-in-law.
So, thanks to the fact that the Huo family had a successor, she followed Huo Pengyi back to Yan City, squeezed out Huo Pengyi's childhood sweetheart, and secured the position of Mrs. Huo.
"No wonder she insisted on bringing together Huo Xuewen and Zhou Qianqian," Xia Mian said, "If they get married, the child born will be a real child of the Huo family."
"Life is really full of drama." Xia Mian suddenly thought of the whispers Ning Shaobai had said to Mr. Huo that day, "So you are using this to threaten Mr. Huo?"
"Should I tell Sister Ning and Huo Xuewen?" Xia Mian was puzzled. "How did you find out?"
"After you reminded me that Mr. Huo had an illegitimate child," Ning Shaobai said, "I checked my sister and Chenchen's lives in the Huo family and found out that they were not living well. I felt suspicious and realized something was wrong. When I went to see Mr. Huo that time, I was just guessing and there was no definite evidence."
"Is everything confirmed now?" Xia Mian said.
Ning Shaobai nodded, "It was just confirmed not long ago, and everything has been checked."
"You said Chenchen blocked everyone's way..." Xia Mian was puzzled, "In other words, Mr. Huo actually knew about this incident?"
Ning Shaobai laughed sarcastically, "The Huo family is dwindling, so they value offspring so much. But you have met Huo Pengyi, do you think he values Huo Xuewen and Chenchen?"
Xia Mian's eyes widened. "So he really knew? He just asked Huo Xuewen to work for the Huo family before the illegitimate child grew up?"
Ning Shaobai sneered, "His illegitimate son... I'm afraid he himself knows that he is hopeless."
"Is that why you didn't expose him and just kept squeezing Huo Xuewen?"
Xia Mian thought, isn't Huo Xuewen really miserable
No wonder she felt that the Huo family was cold and indifferent. It turned out that both Mr. Huo and Mrs. Huo were just treating Huo Xuewen as a tool.
Xia Mian frowned. If Huo Xuewen was miserable, wouldn't Ning Shaoyun and Chenchen be even more miserable
The Huo family took advantage of Huo Xuewen's marriage to Ning Shaoyun and gained benefits, but they never wanted to keep them from the beginning to the end.
Mr. Huo still has to support his biological son in the end, and Mr. Huo wants his biological son to return, so whether Chenchen is dead or useless, they are happy to see it...
Xia Mian recalled the original book, where Huo Yuchen was abandoned by the Huo family in such a miserable situation...
I couldn't help but clench my fists.
"They each have their own selfish motives. Why should they sacrifice my sister and Chenchen?" Ning Shaobai's expression was indifferent, but Xia Mian felt as if there was a volcano pressing on his chest.
"Do Sister Qingning and Huo Xuewen know about this?" Xia Mian asked, "What are you going to do? Do you want to tell them directly?"
"I'll tell her in person after a while." Ning Shaobai said, "As for Huo Xuewen, our Ning family has nothing to do with him anymore. It's better for him to find out by himself."
Xia Mian interpreted the big boss's meaning, which was that it was not appropriate for Ning Shaoyun and Huo Xuewen to know now, and they didn't know what big conspiracy he was brewing.
"Anyway, just wait for the yard to be cleaned up." Ning Shaobai said.
"Zhou Qianqian," Ning Shaobai asked, "what did you say when you paid the balance?"
Xia Mian thought about Zhou Qianqian's personality, "Oh, she asked me what to do if I couldn't pay it back, and I said at the time that if I couldn't pay it back, I would return the yard as it was."
"Why are you asking..." Xia Mian reacted and blinked, "So Zhou Qianqian is starting to have evil ideas? She wants me to return the yard to her as it is?"
This is something Zhou Qianqian would do.
Xia Mian frowned, "What can she do? Mr. Huo has been dealt with, Mr. Huo..."
"Ah, didn't you say that Mr. Huo knew?" Xia Mian suddenly said, "He knows that Zhou Qianqian is his mistress, right?"
"Then why do you think the old man was able to transfer the yard to Zhou Qianqian so easily?" Ning Shaobai asked, "Although Huo Pengyi didn't care, the old man made quite a noise when he was cleaning the yard for Zhou Qianqian."
Therefore, there is nothing wrong in giving your own children a yard.
"Then why didn't he let Zhou Qianqian and Huo Xuewen get married?"
Ning Shaobai sneered, "Because Zhou Qianqian is of no value."
So in the final analysis, Mr. Huo values the family business more than the people. It doesn't matter if he gives some benefits appropriately, but when it comes to the family business, he thinks that using Huo Xuewen to form an alliance with the Ning family can bring the greatest benefits...
Xia Mian could understand very well why the bookkeeper Huo Yuchen would bankrupt the Huo family. Just for their own selfishness, they ruined the lives of both Huo Yuchen and Ning Shaoyun. If she were in his place, she would have to do the same.
It's so damn abominable.
"Since Mr. Huo has no intention of recognizing her, Mr. Huo is not worthy of her, and Huo Xuewen also hates her." Xia Mian asked, "What kind of waves can Zhou Qianqian make?"
"There is also the Fan family." Ning Shaobai said.
"Fan family?" Xia Mian couldn't figure out which one it was.
Ning Shaobai seemed to be completely unwilling to say anything. Xia Mian looked at his disgusted expression and suddenly realized, "Your stepmother's family!"
Ning Shaobai nodded.
Whether it's framing Ning Shaobai or colluding with criminals to kidnap Chenchen, you can tell from the other party's behavior that he is not a person with bottom line.
Xia Mian suddenly remembered, "Alas, I was led astray by the Huo family's emotions. Didn't you control Chenchen's emotions? We called the police at that time. Is she in jail now?"
Ning Shaobai's face turned cold and he was about to say something when his cell phone suddenly rang.
He looked at the caller ID and said to Xia Mian, "I have to go. Anyway, if anyone comes to see you or my sister in the near future..."
When he said this, he looked at Xia Mian and suddenly smiled, "You are stupid too, do I need to tell you?"
Xia Mian said speechlessly, "I know my limits, okay? If it affects you and Sister Ning, I will restrain myself a little."
"No need to restrain yourself," Ning Shaobai tapped the brim of her hat, "Whatever you want to do, I'll take care of it for you."
"Wow!" Xia Mian exclaimed, "That's really the nicest thing you've ever said."
With Ning Shaobai's words, Xia Mian no longer had anything to worry about, and she calmly decorated her new home.
The next day, Xia Wenyue handed the information about the stall to Mao Huimei, and she personally accompanied Mao Zhishan to the hospital.
Yanda Hospital was not far away, and the two returned before noon.
"My dad is okay, right? Mom." Mao Huilan asked hurriedly.
"It's not a big problem, it's just that my body is very weak." Xia Wenyue said, "The doctor told me to rest well, not to do heavy work all the time, eat well and drink well, and I will be fine in a few months."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and then Mao Zhishan was forced by the Mao sisters to take a good rest for two days.
Xia Wenyue would cook different kinds of food every day to nourish him.
Speaking of this, Mao Zhishan was used to being laughed at, he was sensitive and had low self-esteem, after coming here, he was afraid of bringing shame to Xia Wenyue's mother, and was almost unwilling to go out.
He was especially afraid to go to Ning Shaoyun's house. He only visited her once out of courtesy on the first day, but he just kept his head down and ate, not daring to speak a word.
Xia Wenyue also felt sorry for him, so she simply cooked and brought the meal to him.
But it still seems impolite.
Fortunately, market day was coming soon, and as long as they had all the pots, pans, and stoves, they could move in completely.
Speaking of going to the market, in Xia Mian's time, most people would go to the temple fair market during the Chinese New Year. The stalls at the market mainly sold snacks and fun things.
But now the market is much more interesting, with all kinds of things, food, toys and daily necessities, as well as various lost acrobatics.
Especially for children, every market day is like a festival.
You can tell from Huizhu and Huilan that they are almost counting the days.
Mao Huimei and Xia Wenyue made a long shopping list, adding to it from time to time, waiting for that day to make their big move.
On the market day, everyone got up early again.
Xia Wenyue reminded everyone, "You must hold Xiaofeng tightly. The gathering is lively and there are many thieves and beggars. Huilan will be responsible for holding Huizhu. Don't let go at any time. Do you understand?"
Xia Mian took out a rope made of a sheet, tied one end around Xiao Feng's waist, and held the other end in her hand, "Don't worry, Second Aunt, look at me, I'm doubly prepared."
Xia Wenyue laughed, "Okay, as long as it's useful."
Mao Huizhu was older and more experienced. She said cautiously, "I don't want to be tied up. I can walk on my own."
Then he ran out quickly and shouted to the door opposite, "Chenchen, are you ready? We are leaving!"
Because Mao Huizhu and Xiaofeng were going to the market, little Chenchen naturally didn't want to be left behind and also wanted to go. Ning Shaoyun hesitated for a long time, but finally agreed.
However, she was deeply traumatized by Chenchen's kidnapping, so she also asked Ning Shaobai to join in.
As soon as Mao Huizhu called out, Chenchen ran out excitedly. He also had a red cloth wrapped around his waist, but it was much more beautiful than Xia Mian's. He held the other end in his own hand, and the excess rope dragged behind him.
Like Xiao Feng, he was wearing a striking red sweatshirt. After he came out, he shouted to the next door, "Uncle, uncle, hurry up, let's go!"
After a while, Ning Shaobai also came out leisurely. Chenchen ran over and put the other end of the rope in Ning Shaobai's hand, "Uncle, you have to protect me today."
Ning Shaobai was confused for a moment while holding the rope, then he looked at Xia Mian and Xiao Feng who were wearing the same style over there, and he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It must be the girl's idea again.
In those days, not many people kept pet dogs, so Xiaofeng and Chenchen were lucky not to encounter similar ones along the way. They just thought it was very fun to run out like flying a kite and then be stopped by a rope.
The two of them were running one after the other, and Xia Mian really had the illusion of walking a puppy, which made everyone laugh.