Chapter 162: A Parting Gift
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Wife, come out and see who’s here!” Second Uncle joyfully called out as he entered the house.
“Who’s the reason behind your joy?” A middle-aged woman with a touch of gray in her hair but still in good shape appeared.
“Second Aunt!”
“You boy, finally decided to visit, huh? It’s been years. Is this your girlfriend?” Second Aunt inquired, eyeing Jiang Li, who stood behind Zhou Chao.
“Yes, she’s my girlfriend! Jiang Li, this is my second uncle and second aunt.”
“Hello, second uncle, second aunt.”
“Alright, alright, come on in and take a seat. Your brother and the others went to the town to buy some things; they’ll be back soon!” Zhou Chao carried a few boxes and walked inside.
“In the past few years, you never came to see us, not even a phone call. We know the past events had a great impact on you. We didn’t expect you to be gone for so many years,” Second Aunt lamented with a hint of regret in her words.
“I’m back now, right?”
“Yes, it’s good that you’re back.” Second Uncle and Second Aunt looked at Zhou Chao with relieved expressions.
“You guys enjoy yourselves for a bit. Your second uncle and I are still preparing dinner!” Zhou Chao looked around and didn’t see his Second Brother inviting them in.
Curiously, he asked, “Where did Second Brother and the others go? I haven’t seen them.”
“Oh, they went to the town for shopping!” Second Uncle replied before heading into the kitchen.
Zhou Chao chatted with Jiang Li, sharing stories from his childhood.
“Dad, whose fancy Benz is parked outside our place?” The voice carried even before the person’s arrival. Zhou Chao recognized the voice belonged to Second Brother, prompting him to rise and step out of the house.
“Second Brother!”
“Xiao Chao? Haven’t seen you in years, and you’ve grown so handsome! Is this your wife? Not bad, you found such a beautiful one! Unfortunately, today, your sister-in-law took your nephew to visit their grandma.”
“Brother, you got married? How old is your child?”
“At my age, if 1 don’t get married, I’ll get too old! The child is almost 5 years old now. Speaking of which, when are you two getting married?”
“Not so soon!” Zhou Chao said and discreetly squeezed Jiang Li’s hand.
Second Brother came out of the house with two chairs and soon everyone was seated, catching up on the changes that had happened in the past year. They learned that most of the uncles were either working out of town or hadn’t returned in the past two years due to work.
“It’s time to eat!” After chatting for over an hour without realizing it, Jiang Li hurried into the kitchen to help Second Aunt serve the dishes.
The group took their seats, and Zhou Chao glanced at the dishes on the table. There were his favorites, sweet and sour spare ribs and tomato rib soup. The rest of the dishes were mainly meat and vegetables, with only one vegetable dish.
“Happy New Year!” Everyone raised their glasses, filled with drinks, to celebrate the New Year.
Normally, Zhou Chao wasn’t much of a talker during meals, but on this special occasion, he shared some basic details about his current situation. Of course, he didn’t brag about how wealthy he had become. He simply mentioned that he was doing business with friends in Modu and had earned some money.
“You’re doing well, not bringing shame to your parents,” Second Uncle looked at Zhou Chao with pride and affection.
“So, you’re planning to leave after a few days at home?”
“Yes, my childhood friend is getting married in a few days, and 1’11 return to Modu after that,” Zhou Chao hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully.
“Well, when you’re young, it’s natural to focus on your career. Besides, you’ve already found a girlfriend. We just don’t know when we’ll get to drink your wedding wine.”
“We’ll aim for this year!” Zhou Chao looked at Jiang Li and said to Second Uncle.
“When the time comes, don’t forget to give us a call!”
“I definitely won’t forget you!”
In this warm and conversational atmosphere, they spent almost an hour before finishing their meal.
“You all can go rest! I’ll clean up!” Second Aunt told everyone.
Jiang Li, who had been relatively quiet, suddenly said, “Aunt, let me help you!”
With that, she rolled up her sleeves and began to help tidy up the table. When Zhou Chao saw her, Jiang Li gave him a warm smile.
A few older men sat in the courtyard, smoking and chatting. Zhou Chao listened to Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law recount their journey from meeting to getting married and the joy of their child’s birth. These were moments Zhou Chao had always longed for.
Soon, the kitchen was tidied up, and Jiang Li took a small stool and sat down next to Zhou Chao, listening to everyone’s conversation.
“These days, our hometown has seen a decline in its population. Many folks have left to find work and establish their homes elsewhere. Even during the New Year, there are noticeably fewer people around.” It seemed that Second Uncle’s words touched on something melancholic, as he began to smoke more often.
After dinner that evening, Zhou Chao proposed that they should return to Fuzhou. Second Uncle and Second Aunt didn’t try to keep them for too long, just reminding them to drive carefully.
“Jiang Li, could you bring down the bag 1 brought this morning?”
“The whole bag?” Jiang Li knew what was inside and asked casually.
“Yes, all of it.” In no time, Jiang Li brought the bag down, and Zhou Chao took it from her.
“Second Brother, you’ve tied the knot, and a little one has joined the family, but 1 missed all of it. It’s something I’m determined to compensate for. Please, don’t turn it down.” Zhou Chao then passed the bag to Second Brother. As he took it, he noticed it had some weight to it.
“Second Uncle, we’ll head back now. If there’s anything, give us a call!” Zhou Chao greeted everyone while sitting in the car and then drove away. He had exchanged phone numbers with them during their chat in the afternoon, making it easier to keep in touch in the future.
“Do you think he’ll come back?” Second Aunt watched the Mercedes-Benz speeding away and asked Second Uncle beside her.
“Perhaps,” Second Uncle lit a cigarette, took a couple of puffs, and slowly replied.
“Dad, Mom, come in quickly!”
“What’s the rush? Why are you so surprised?” Second Uncle and Second Aunt walked in and saw the table covered with gold jewelry, including a gold bar.
“What’s he up to?” Second Uncle immediately called Zhou Chao.
Zhou Chao, who was driving, heard the phone ring and gestured for Jiang Li to answer it. Jiang Li picked up the phone and saw the contact name, so she understood what was happening.
“Hello, Second Uncle, Zhou Chao is driving. What’s the matter?”
“Xiao Li, ask Zhou Chao if he brought the wrong things?”
“Second Uncle, he didn’t make a mistake. Just accept it with peace of mind. Besides, it’s a gift from Zhou Chao to his nephew as a token of their first meeting. You can relax about it.”
There was silence on the other end for a while before a voice came through, “Please thank him for me!”
Jiang Li realized that they had understood Zhou Chao’s intention and replied softly, “Second Uncle, 1’11 convey your thanks to him.”
“Alright, you two drive safely. I’ll hang up now.” Jiang Li looked at the disconnected call and then at Zhou Chao driving. She couldn’t help but smile inexplicably..