Chapter 181: Chapter 180: Clinging and Refusing to Leave (Part 2)
Chapter 182 Revision (2)
Liu Xiue had never mentioned these things to him before, and tonight was the first time Zhao Dazhuang heard about it.
With just a few words, Shi Yang helped them solve their employment issues. Despite the huge favor, he made sure to consider their feelings, saying it was to share the burden.
Zhao Dazhuang gripped Shi Yang’s arm, feeling truly grateful and trusting from the bottom of his heart.
Zhao Dazhuang said, "Our whole family owes you a great debt of gratitude. I won’t say any insincere or overly sentimental words of thanks. We’re not into any of that. Today, I’ll tell you directly, from now on, our two families are one family. I’ll let Meimei recognize you as her big brother."
Shi Yang became anxious upon hearing this and hurriedly refused, "No, please don’t. Having Meimei as a sworn sister is enough for me. Even if she’s not my sister, I’ll still love her dearly all my life."
At the time, Zhao Dazhuang was too emotional to recognize the hidden meaning in Shi Yang’s words.
In the darkness, Shi Yang furtively wiped away a cold sweat. He narrowly avoided having his wife turned into a sister by his father-in-law’s words. He let out a small sigh, feeling genuinely startled.
The next day, finding an opportunity when no one was around, Zhao Dazhuang sought out Liu Xiue, and the couple had a heart-to-heart talk.
Zhao Dazhuang recounted what Shi Yang said last night to Liu Xiue and asked, "Why didn’t you mention this to me earlier?"
Liu Xiue was quite surprised: "He mentioned it to me briefly at the time, but I didn’t take it seriously. Later, I got busy taking care of our mom and simply forgot about it."
Zhao Dazhuang asked, "What do you think?"
Liu Xiue was somewhat undecided: "Our family definitely needs to go back, if only to be with Meimei until she finishes her college entrance exams. However, high school is expensive. The money we left for her is probably spent. If it weren’t for the money from selling the pavilion, I’d consider sending some money back."
Zhao Dazhuang said, "So I’m thinking that when we go back, we can first try working under him. If it works out, we continue; if not, we can then look for other jobs ourselves."
Liu Xiue hesitated, "Working for him, is it really okay? Originally, our families were friends, and suddenly this changes to an employer-employee relationship. Working for relatives can be troublesome; too much involvement is bad, too little isn’t good either. I wouldn’t want any conflicts to hurt our relationship in the future."
Zhao Dazhuang raised his head confidently: "It definitely won’t happen. Yangyang is a smart kid, capable of great achievements. Even if he doesn’t succeed, Old Shi is his support, and the business is bound to flourish. His career is just transitioning now, and it’s a tough climb. Us helping him out now is like giving him coal in the snow; he’ll remember our kindness."
Liu Xiue was suddenly astonished: "I didn’t know you thought this way."
Zhao Dazhuang looked out at the bright sunlight outside the window, golden rays illuminating a glimmer of hope in his eyes: "I’ve spent so many years in the factory, sitting in the office drawing blueprints. You haven’t ventured out either. We’re at this age, with no connections or skills, and finding a new job isn’t easy.
"Moreover, we’ll be working diligently for a fair wage, as a way to repay their family for taking care of Meimei for this half year. No matter what happens later, at least we can be true to our conscience now."
Liu Xiue nodded in agreement, and the decision was made.
The day after burning offerings for Zhao Meimei’s grandmother’s first seven days, the entire family gathered for a lively reunion lunch at noon. In the afternoon, they sent the old man to a senior residence.
As they walked out the senior residence door, the siblings couldn’t help but have teary eyes, knowing clearly in their hearts that the old man insisted on living there to avoid being a burden to them.
Meimei’s second aunt sighed, "If we weren’t busy with work during the day, and the children had to attend school, I really wouldn’t want him to stay here."
The oldest aunt said, "In the future, whenever we have time, let’s visit dad frequently. We’ll save mom’s funeral money to spend on dad. Whenever there’s a chance, let’s give some money and gifts to the attendants at the residence. If they benefit, they might treat dad better."
The old man moved into the senior residence, and the siblings agreed not to sell the house, keeping it as a place to gather during festivals and holidays.
Zhao Dazhuang shared his thoughts about going back to accompany Zhao Meimei during high school, and Meimei’s aunts all agreed. Before parting, Meimei’s oldest aunt discreetly gave Zhao Dazhuang an envelope containing ten thousand in cash.
The oldest aunt said, "Take this money. Since you two have been delayed for half a year, where would you suddenly find work when you go back? This money will help you for a few days; when my workplace grants bonuses, I’ll send you more."
Zhao Dazhuang hesitated but did not take it.
The oldest aunt glared at him: "Put it away quickly! Do you want others to see it? This money is what I saved up to honor our parents. Now I’m most concerned about you. Taking it will ease my worries. Come on, listen!"
Zhao Dazhuang stared blankly at his eldest sister. Being an emotional person, hearing his sister’s heartfelt words brought tears streaming down his face.
Because of what Meimei’s oldest aunt did, Zhao Meimei’s family always remembered her kindness. Even though later Zhao Meimei’s family only occasionally returned during New Year, they stayed at the old man’s house when he was around, and went straight to Meimei’s oldest aunt’s home when he was not.
Among the siblings, Meimei’s oldest aunt had the closest and deepest relationship with their family.
The airplane soared over the clouds, the pure sky blue as the sea, immaculate.
Shi Yang booked the tickets for a row of four seats, with Zhao Dazhuang by the window, Zhao Meimei sitting between her mom and Shi Yang.
It was Zhao Dazhuang and Liu Xiue’s first time flying, and they were excited throughout the journey, full of anticipation for a new beginning in life.
After returning home, Shi Yang’s parents arranged a restaurant meal, and the two families gathered warmly for dinner. That night, Zhao Meimei packed her belongings and moved back to her own house.
During the first two days at home, Liu Xiue busily cleaned up the house. Having been vacant for half a year, there was a thick layer of dust on everything visible. She washed clothes, aired the bedding, shopped for groceries, and visited familiar neighbors to announce their return.
After the pavilion at home was transferred, it changed hands once more, now operated by an elderly couple selling fruits.