Chapter 54: His Flesh Is More Than Enough

Halfway through the meal, Zhao Dongkui returned home on his bicycle, carrying a large woven bag on the rear rack. Liu Dongju walked over and opened it, only to find the clothes she had left in their old house, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Zhao Dongkui laughed, “Don’t just stand there! Dad has already sent over all the things from our wedding with the tractor. They’re on the road right now.”

“He’s also given us a calf and two half-grown pigs. As for the farming tools, the tractor is bringing those as well.” Zhao Dongkui handed the woven bag to Liu Dongju. “I need to go meet them. If you see the tractor arrive, remember to light some firecrackers!”

“Would he really be so generous?” Liu Dongju could hardly believe it.

Just as doubt lingered in her heart, the chugging sound of a tractor echoed from the street. Liu Xing, seeing this, put down his chopsticks and went inside to fetch firecrackers. After all, Village Chief Zhao had said Zhao Geng would come, and although it seemed like shutting the stable door after the horse had bolted, Zhao Geng was still his brother-in-law’s father and his eldest sister’s father-in-law. To avoid unnecessary trouble, he figured it was best to welcome them first.

Whether it would be as his brother-in-law said—a calf and two pigs delivered—remained to be seen. After all, he knew well how harsh his brother-in-law’s parents had been with his eldest sister.

He had barely taken the firecrackers outside, not yet lit them, when he noticed his eldest sister was crying.

Liu Xing glanced down the street and was dumbfounded. Good heavens, on the tractor were indeed a calf and two half-grown pigs. And the lean, weathered man standing on the tractor—who else could it be but Zhao Dongkui’s father, Zhao Geng?

“Silly girl, why are you crying? You should be happy now,” Zhou Qiuxiang, seeing the neighbors gathering to watch, quickly wiped the tears from Liu Dongju’s face. She understood well why Liu Dongju cried: for Zhao Geng, her father-in-law, to admit his mistakes today was no small feat.

Truth be told, Zhou Qiuxiang herself nearly wept. She wanted to cry for the moment justice was finally served for her eldest daughter. But she held back, and after regaining her composure, hurried forward with Liu Dazhao.

Village Chief Zhao stroked his beard and smiled. He exchanged a glance with Chief Nie, and together they rose to follow.

With a crackling sound, Liu Xing’s firecrackers went off, scattering the hens nearby in every direction. Sunflower and Little Dot clapped and cheered, delighted. Zhao Jing was happy too but worried she might miss out on the braised pork, so while everyone was away from the round table, she discreetly snatched a piece with her chopsticks. The rich, non-greasy flavor nearly made her bite her tongue.

Liu Xing saw all this but pretended not to. Seeing many neighbors coming to congratulate Zhao Dongkui, he quickly went inside and brought out a plate of fried dough twists and White Rabbit candies, placing them on a wooden stool nearby.

Liu Dongju gave him an approving smile for his thoughtfulness, then joined her mother, Zhou Qiuxiang, in the kitchen.

With so many neighbors arriving, and direct relatives of the Zhao family too, proper hospitality was called for. The river snails and river crabs Liu Xing had brought from home proved invaluable.

As for the pork belly, there were still over two pounds left in the kitchen, but it couldn’t all be used for braised pork. It would be sliced for other dishes. For a rural household in the 1980s, this was already remarkable—no, it was downright luxurious. But Liu Dongju and Zhou Qiuxiang weren’t worried. They knew that Liu Xing’s ventures always brought in money for meat.

Outside, two more tables were set up on the grass. Many neighbors didn’t sit but chatted with Zhao Dongkui nearby. After all, today marked Zhao Dongkui’s moving day, deserving congratulations. As for gift money, such customs didn’t exist in Old House Village. Most people left after a few words, though some stayed—Zhao Dongkui’s close relatives—since sharing a meal and a drink was no trouble.

Before the meal, Village Chief Zhao instructed them to pen the calf and pigs in the backyard and carry everything else inside. Once the moving was done, Zhao Geng, after a brief word with Zhao Dongkui, took up his pipe and prepared to leave.

“Grandpa, aren’t you going to stay and eat with us?” Little Dot, seeing Zhao Geng’s departing figure, hesitated but finally mustered the courage to call out.

Zhao Geng froze. He wanted to turn back and embrace Little Dot, but didn’t dare—for his eyes were already filled with tears. If he turned around, the relatives would surely laugh at him.

But Little Dot didn’t care. Carrying her bowl, she ran over on her short legs. “Grandpa, I know you haven’t had braised pork in a long time. I’ve got some here—will you have a piece?”

“Mm, mm!” Unable to hold back any longer, Zhao Geng broke into loud sobs, picking up Little Dot as he cried.

“Grandpa, why are you crying? Did Grandma bully you again?” Little Dot tilted her head, puzzled.

“Grandpa’s not crying, and Grandma didn’t bully Grandpa!” Zhao Geng wiped his tears. “Grandpa is happy—happy that you’re doing so well after moving out.”

“You’re talking nonsense. You’re just surprised Little Dot cares for you so much!” Village Chief Zhao refused to spare Zhao Geng’s dignity, laughing and scolding him in front of everyone.

Zhao Geng relished the teasing. Holding Little Dot, he looked at Chief Wang. “I truly never imagined Little Dot would care for me like this. From now on, anyone who calls her a money-losing girl will have me to deal with, got it?”

“That talk all came from your son’s mouth, not anyone else,” Team Leader Nie retorted.

“Yes, none of us ever looked down on Little Dot, much less your daughter-in-law,” a relative chimed in.

Only then did Zhao Geng realize he had been blinded by his own foolishness, leading to his current predicament.

At that moment, Liu Dongju emerged from the kitchen, startled to see Zhao Geng holding Little Dot. She hesitated before calling out, “Dad! Why are you standing in the middle of the road? Come eat—don’t worry, there’s more than enough food at our house.”

“There’s plenty of meat, too.” That was Zhao Jing’s voice.

At her words, everyone burst out laughing.

Zhao Geng laughed as well. Seeing Liu Dongju’s sincere invitation, he didn’t stand on ceremony, sitting down with Little Dot and Liu Dazhao.

Village Chief Zhao poured Zhao Geng a cup of white liquor. “See? Your in-laws are so welcoming. As for your own family... Well, after this meal, go home and think it over.”

“I know. I also know what to do next.” Zhao Geng raised his cup, looking apologetically at Liu Dazhao. “In-law, I’ve offended you many times—please forgive me. I’m not much for words, so everything I want to say is in this cup.”

“Cheers!” Zhao Geng drained it in one gulp.

Village Chief Zhao wasn’t pleased. “Zhao Geng, you rascal, are you just here to mooch drinks? That cup costs a lot, you know!”

“Hahaha…” The relatives laughed again, making Zhao Geng a bit embarrassed. “Uncle, please stop ribbing me—let’s just drink and forget those unpleasant things.”

“All right, all right!” Village Chief Zhao nodded.

Seeing Liu Dongju bring up a tray of steamed river crabs, he quickly grabbed his chopsticks. “Don’t just stand there! If you don’t finish the dishes Dongkui’s wife made, it’s a waste of her efforts. Otherwise, don’t come here for meals again.”

“Don’t worry, I came hungry!”

“Me too—I haven’t had braised pork in two years.”

Encouraged by Village Chief Zhao, the relatives eagerly picked up their chopsticks and raised their glasses, eating and drinking heartily. While some felt a bit awkward, most were deeply impressed by the prosperity of Liu Dongju’s maiden family. In ordinary households, having cabbage was a luxury—let alone braised pork and river crabs.

This time, Liu Dongju didn’t sit at the table but watched the lively scene from the kitchen door. For reasons she couldn’t explain, she felt truly happy. Her happiness didn’t stem from loving parents or a dutiful husband, but from having an extraordinary younger brother, Liu Xing. Every time he appeared after her marriage, he displayed wisdom and talent beyond the ordinary. This visit was no exception: with a few packs of Baisha cigarettes, he resolved her feud with her in-laws and earned her the respect of all her relatives.

Honestly, she couldn’t have managed it herself. Even their parents couldn’t compare. With such a brother, she felt immense pride.

Zhou Qiuxiang shared that pride. Yet the more impressive Liu Xing became, the more guilt she felt. Had she not hidden Liu Xing’s high school admission last year, he would have grown even more formidable with greater knowledge.

“Ah, it’s all my fault!” To avoid feeling upset, Zhou Qiuxiang hurried back to the kitchen to busy herself.

...

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