Chapter 179

In the afternoon, someone came to find Pei Jing. He told Zhi Xia before leaving with that person.

When he came back, it was already after dinner. His complexion was slightly flushed, apparently having had some alcohol. There was also a faint smell of tobacco on him.

Without anyone urging him, he went to the bathroom on his own to wash up clean before daring to hug the child.

The package he brought back was placed on the table. Zhi Xia asked, "What is this?" While speaking, she had already opened it, revealing a pack of cigarette inside along with two bottles of Moutai liquor.

Zhi Xia looked up at him. She did not expect that he would bring back these things.

Pei Jing explained, "A friend helped get them. Tomorrow is also the first time you return home after getting married. We can't look too shabby. There is also meat. Mom left early so Dad being an old man can’t think of these things. I thought you had them over there so I didn't buy any."

What made Zhi Xia more curious was, "Where did you get the money to buy these?"

This was not an interrogation, she just felt it was a bit strange. After all, she was holding all the money and he didn't ask her for any.

"I haven't paid yet because I wasn't sure if I could get them beforehand." Pei Jing pinched her nose, "So your husband is currently in debt. I have to wait for your approval here before I can take money to pay it back."

"Hehe..." Zhi Xia laughed at his teasing. "I'll let it go this time, but if something like this happens again, you have to tell me first."

"Okay, okay, so can we sleep now, stingy girl?" Pei Jing kissed her forehead. Their son saw it and also pursed his lips to come over for a kiss.

Zhi Xia quickly brought her forehead over to meet his little mouth, letting him kiss it. Only then did he grin gleefully with laughter.

Because Zhou Nan knew from the old lady that Zhi Xia would come over today, she got up early in the morning and prepared all the dishes needed for today. Liu Ling also had to return to her maternal home. There was no one who could help prepare.

The old master and old lady also changed into new clothes to go out. Wang Caixiang came running out, "Grandpa, Grandma, can I go back home with you?"

She had been staying here these past few days, with even less chance to interact with An Zhiren.

Although she used to live alone in her room on the floor mat back home, even so, An Zhiren was still unwilling to stay with her, choosing to sleep in his younger brother's room every night instead.

At least back then, she could still find opportunities to talk to him a few sentences, even if she was disgusted every time. She always harbored a kind of hope that he only temporarily hated her, and over time, he would eventually see her true feelings.

The old lady now felt disgusted just seeing this woman. She had never disliked anyone so much in her life, not even Gao Meiyun back then.

"Today is the day the married daughter returns home. Zhiren is also busy and has no time to accompany you. If you don't want to stay here, you can go back to your maiden home." After the old lady finished speaking, she left with the old master.

Wang Caixiang stood in place with tears streaming down her cheeks.

She didn't dare to go back after failing to get 200 yuan from the An family. Going back to her maiden home would only mean getting beaten.

The sister-in-law was given a day off today. The food and grains in the kitchen were all locked up in the cabinet. This was not originally a habit in the family, but it started after Wang Caixiang came.

It was also destined that while everyone else gathered as a family, Wang Caixiang would inevitably starve for a day.

The sister-in-law had also never seen the old lady dislike someone so much before. But she was the nanny, having taken care of this family for so many years, and even received grace from the old master in the past. Naturally, she understood what she should do.

The inexplicable sympathy would only make herself upset. Obviously, between her own distress and Wang Caixiang’s distress, the sister-in-law chose to feel better off.

Although the old lady hadn't said anything, she had been very generous to her these past few days. This let the sister-in-law know that she was doing the right thing.

Pei Jing and Zhi Xia came over around noon. When paying respect to An Jingzhi and Zhou Nan again, no one would probably feel more awkward than Pei Jing.

The people who used to call them sister-in-law and brother-in-law had now become his parents-in-law. The meaningful looks in the eyes of the two elder brothers at the side made him feel even more uncomfortable.

Zhou Nan took over the gifts and put them aside, busy taking out red packets.

Pei Jing accompanied the old master and An Jingzhi to chat at the side. By comparison, they were more familiar with each other and would not lack topics.

Zhou Nan said she was going back to Zhou Village to pay New Year visits tomorrow, and asked if there were any other arrangements for her tomorrow.

Zhi Xia also understood her meaning and nodded in agreement. Zhou Nan smiled very satisfied. "Good, then accompany your grandma to chat. Mom will go to the kitchen to prepare food. Your sister-in-law said not to rush back this afternoon. She took Wenqing to the Liu’s home for lunch and will be back later."

Considering it would be quite difficult for Zhou Nan to prepare meals for so many people alone, Zhi Xia got up, "Let me go help in the kitchen."

Zhou Nan pressed her to sit down, "No need for you to help, mom can handle it. Just sit here and chat with your grandma."

Looking at her hurried figure, Zhi Xia thought that without Gao Meiyun as a contrast, she was really a good mother.

She also thought that if Zhou Nan had not been replaced back then, she would have definitely gotten along with her better than Gao Meiyun.

The old lady looked at Zhi Xia's expression and sighed, "In fact, over the many years, our family has been well thanks to your mother. When she first entered the family, I always felt that she was not worthy of your father and didn’t treat her well. Later when things happened in the family, those who should leave left, those who should disperse did. Your father had a pampered life since he was young and was not diligent. Up until now, other than still being able to earn some wages, I can’t find any other merits in him. You and your four elder brothers grew up relying entirely on your mom alone toiling. Your grandma was no better than your dad, needing someone to wait upon me instead of helping out... "

Even until now, it would absolutely not count as very fond of Zhou Nan.

But her contributions to this family over so many years, the old lady would not deny. Therefore, even if just for the sake of this family, she hoped that Zhi Xia could get along well with her parents.

People's interests were always mutual. This would benefit all of them, so there was no need to always be stubborn.

The old lady felt that the reason why Zhi Xia cared so much was because she was still young. When older and more open-minded, she would understand that those things she once cared about were not actually a big deal.

Just like her. Her maternal family insisted on going abroad back then and she also felt as if she was abandoned. But looking back now, she still could not bear to leave her large family behind to follow them.

Now when thinking back, she only felt fortunate that they left quickly. Otherwise, her maternal family was not as accomplished as her husband’s family and would have definitely sunk into that whirlpool, and who knows might have even dragged them down instead.

The old lady was also worried about them. With this parting for many years without any news, she didn’t know whether they had safely gone abroad or if they were dead or alive now.

She also didn't know if there would still be a chance to meet again in this lifetime.

Zhi Xia held the old lady's hand with just a smile without replying.

She understood the meaning behind grandma’s words, but she was clearer that she truly no longer cared in her heart, for better or worse.

The unwillingness once harbored deep inside had long faded away with the accompaniment of a happy and peaceful life.

At this point, she was thoroughly free from resentment towards An Jingzhi and Zhou Nan.

For the rest of her life, as long as they did not dislike her, she was also willing to maintain the current harmony. But the feelings they wanted from her, she could no longer give.