Chapter 1214: 1087: Because Your Sister Is Smart

"Second sister, were those people just now from the same school as you?"Mai Sui looked at Xiao Wu with amusement, "They say they’re from your school. We didn’t let it slip on the road; they must have seen you thinking hard."

Xiao Wu smiled noncommittally. Just as his mother said, going to the station so noisily really did attract some attention.

"When does your school start?"

"Same day as you. My brother has to get to school earlier, but I don’t mind. I’ll accompany you for school registration."

Mai Sui shook her head repeatedly, "You’d better not go."

"Hmm? Dislike me?"

"Hehe, your big sis just wants a low-key life."

Interesting! Xiao Wu looked at her playfully, "Sis, are all the young men in the county blind or what? How come none of them have noticed this treasure?"

Mai Sui lifted her chin proudly, "Because your big sis is smart."

"Being smart alone isn’t enough in Beijing. In a few days, I’ll take you to meet some friends."

Zuo Li immediately laughed upon hearing this, "Why wait a few days? Isn’t everyone gathering tonight?"

Xiao Wu shook his head, "Rest first."

"Really not going? Tonight there’ll be the most people."

Xiao Wu smiled silently, continuing to ask Mai Sui, "How did the educated youths in our brigade do on the exams?"

"More than half left. Those remaining will continue the exams this year, but most have gone home to prepare." Mai Sui added after speaking, "Just Brother Dajiang left in the village."

Xiao Wu teased, "Then aren’t you famous in and out of the village?"

"Not as famous as you! Especially you, putting pressure on us brothers and sisters. I ask, what’s the rush? Why not play a few more years before taking exams?"

Upon hearing, Xiao Wu replied seriously, "University campuses are bigger than high school departments."

Mai Sui rolled her eyes, "Indeed, the world of geniuses is beyond us mortals’ understanding."

The car drove along quickly reaching the gate of Zhou Family’s courtyard.

Yes, later when Zhou Jiao learned the number of attendees over the phone, she immediately packed grains and winter quilts into the mansion—treating it as a family vacation.

Miao Lishan and Zhou Jiao were already waiting hand in hand, having heard the news.

"Big sister, you finally decided to come over? Quickly, let’s go in."

"Young sister, changed places again?"

"It’s spacious here, convenient to come and go. The old lady knows you’re coming, she’s inside now. The weather’s too cold, I didn’t let them come out."

"Then let’s hurry."

Zhou Jiao watched the two mothers take off without a word and quickly approached Mr. Zhang, "Dad, why don’t you come when I write? This time you can’t escape."

Mr. Zhang nodded repeatedly, laughing heartily, "Alright, Xiao Wu hasn’t bullied you, has he?"

"He wouldn’t dare, I’ve got my parents backing me."

"Right, you’re the daughter, he’s my son-in-law."

Zhou Jiao smiled proudly at Zhang Guoqing, "Heard that? Second brother, long time no see, you still look young as ever."

"Look, my sister knows how to talk."

Zhou Jiao laughed happily, "Thanks for the compliment second brother. Why isn’t my second sister-in-law here?"

"She’s already been here once, now it’s my turn. Next time, I’ll let her come."

Zhang Guoqing pushed him inside, "Talk inside."

"Little brother, you’re still as petty as ever. Dad, you won’t help your second son?"

"Dad can’t help you, who made him compete with my father-in-law for a daughter. Hahaha... Dad, let’s go, Mr. Cheng and Mr. Hu are waiting for us inside."

Over there, Mai Sui suddenly brightened up as she got off the truck, happily darting in front of Zhou Jiao, "Aunt, why haven’t you aged?"

Zhou Jiao patted her shoulder, "Aged, long aged. You’ve become a big girl; I can’t stay young. You’ve grown so well, whenever your mom says you can’t find a match, I see she’s definitely boasting. Such a good daughter, even I want a daughter like that. Yue’er, don’t recognize your auntie?"

Zuo Xinyi grinned, holding her hand, "Even if I forget others, I won’t forget you. Just stunned at first sight. Auntie, what’s your secret?"

"Haha, you should call me Aunt."

Zhou Jiao laughed shaking her head, "It’s okay, call me whatever you like. Never thought the little girl from back then would be my niece-in-law now. Regret I didn’t attend your wedding?"

Zuo Xinyi blinked, smiling, "Didn’t I receive a generous gift?"

Indeed. Unlike other nieces-in-law, with Zuo Lin’s connection and this little girl often sneaking over in the past, Zhou Jiao prepared an additional gift.

"Hello, Aunt Wu."

"Is this Zuo Li and Zuo Cheng? Get inside quickly, it’s cold out."

After some pleasantries, the group finally met in the larger living room of the front courtyard. Luckily they changed venues; otherwise, even Mr. Cheng’s juniors and Zhang the Second’s family couldn’t all fit.

Aunt Chen and Aunt had been busy since noon, and seeing Zhou Xiaozheng hadn’t returned, they first served small bowls of noodles to welcome them.

Zhou Xiaozheng was late, arriving home at dusk.

Even Doctor Hu was kept overnight this day.

Three full tables filled the dining room; though not abundant, the sheer quantity was impressive.

Zhang the Second secretly clicked his tongue. Tonight he must probe his little brother—exactly how much salary do you earn a month? Are you and your wife broke at month’s end?

After the drinks and meal ended, everyone returned to their rooms to sort luggage; Zhang the Second pulled Zhang Guoqing, "Find a quiet place."

Quiet? Zhang Guoqing mischievously dragged him towards the backyard. What’s quieter than a winter garden?

"Wow, how many assets does your father-in-law have? This place can fit everyone in Zhang Family Village. Oh wow, why so many dogs?"

"Xiao Wu, don’t tell your brother-in-law that it’s so easy for officials to make money. Seeing Uncle Zhou being so proper, he doesn’t seem that type. Maybe it’s you?"

Zhang Guoqing shook his head with a smile, "You’re overthinking. This house was exchanged for a Zhou Family rental property."

"Oh, what about these dogs? Raising so many must cost quite a bit."

Zhang Guoqing knew his concern and didn’t hide, "Ping’an brothers earned some money, plus they hunt often—it’s their responsibility to raise them."

"Good, don’t foolishly ruin good days with mistakes."

"Rest assured, I won’t break the law."

"Indeed, it’s not easy for our family to reach where we are. Just reminding you, I often recall the days working the land."

"Those days were tough. Not only exhausting labor, but even when asking for work, sneaking in breaks at the main house brought all sorts of insults."

"Now life is good, you can dream. It mustn’t be ruined. You should’ve seen how many big officials fell in recent years—such a pathetic sight..."

Zhang Guoqing showed a relieved smile, secretly exhaling in relief. He hadn’t misjudged his second brother—sometimes, not fearing anything is true manliness compared to a careful, everything is harmonious attitude like the eldest brother.