Chapter 480: 480 meet
"That's right, there's nothing better than having the family together. My wife and I are happy to be here. Our son and daughter are both here as well.
In-laws, my Xiao Li has a bit of a temper. If she ever does something wrong, please teach her gently."
"In-laws, Xiao Li is a good girl. My wife and I really like her.
My partner is at home watching the kids. I'll go back and then she'll come over."
Zhao Tian quickly waved his hands, "No need, no need. We'll come to see the baby later."
The youngest daughter has already had a baby. In such cold weather, we must not let the baby catch a cold.
"Come over to my house for dinner tonight, let's have a drink together."
Since the in-laws are here, they must be well taken care of.
First thing in the morning, I'll take the day off; it's a must.
Zhou Yongbing watched as his wife cried while hugging her mother-in-law, feeling helpless.
"Xiao Li, don't cry. Your mom feels upset too."
Only then did the mother and daughter gradually stop crying.
Zhao Yanli looked at Zhao Tian, "Dad, I was wrong."
Zhao Tian couldn't hold back and shed tears.
"No, you did nothing wrong, it was me. You kids are all good."
Zhou Yongbing saw that they were about to cry again and quickly tried to comfort them.
"Xiao Li, don't cry. Go lay down with your parents, and I'll go outside to see the others."
At this moment, Mrs. Zhang interjected, "Xiao Bing, don't go. Stay with your father-in-law and his wife. I'll go out and take a look."
"Aunt, there's no need. I'm just about to set the table."
Outside, Zhao Yanping and the others had almost finished cooking. They made pancakes, sauerkraut stewed with meat, and added vermicelli and frozen tofu.
They also fried some eggs. The food, with its oily sheen, looked very appetizing.
Zhang Fusheng, who was up, said, "Mom, you sit. Xiao Bing and I will set the table."
They set up two tables, and Mr. Zhou stayed as well. They had all already had lunch, so they simply kept Zhao Tian company at the side.
Zhao Yanli sat between her parents, serving them food.
After eating, it was Zhao Qingxiang who went to buy the train tickets. They were really in a hurry to get back.
At this side, Zhao Tian and his wife were already dressed up, intending to visit the nephew no matter what.
Thus, the old couple each held Jianhua and Hai Yan's hands and went together to the Zhou family's home.
Inside, Mrs. Zhou was at home, taking advantage of the baby's nap to soak some meat and soybeans. Even if they couldn't have tofu today, they would have it tomorrow.
Hearing the commotion outside, she immediately got off the kang. It was the first meeting of the two sets of parents, and as the groom's parents, they surely had to show more enthusiasm.
She came out and met the Zhao family's couple in the hallway.
She also held Han Lixia's hand, "In-law, I've been waiting for you. Quickly come in and see your grandson; he's such a good-looking child."
Han Lixia smiled and agreed. Behind, Mr. Zhou also invited Zhao Tian to come inside.
Little Lei was sleeping soundly, and even with the talking, he didn't wake up.
The couple sat down on the kang. Mrs. Zhou had already arranged everything, with peanuts and sunflower seeds laid out on the table.
"In-law, have some peanuts. These were brought by Little Lei's eldest uncle and second aunt, they're delicious."
Han Lixia quickly gestured, "No, no, I just ate, can't eat any more now."
Zhao Tian just kept staring at the sleeping baby. This little guy looked good, resembling Xiao Li a lot. He was very likable.
Zhou Yongbing brought in tea and poured it for his father-in-law and mother-in-law.
Mrs. Zhou, holding Han Lixia's hand, said, "In-law, we finally meet. I have so much to tell you."
Han Lixia felt a twinge of worry, wondering if Xiao Li had done something wrong. You can't blame her for thinking this way; in her mind, her youngest daughter was always a bit rebellious.
"In-law, if there's anything Xiao Li doesn't do well, please guide her. She's just a bit hasty."
"Not at all! I adore Xiao Li. My husband and I have led an honest life. Our children take after us, and I really like Xiao Li's personality. There's nothing bad about her."
Seeing that the in-law wasn't making things difficult and genuinely smiling, Han Lixia felt relieved.
"In-law, this young woman has been this way since childhood. If she does something wrong in the future, please be patient with her."
"No, no. Xiao Li is wonderful in every way."
Mrs. Zhou indeed felt very satisfied with her daughter-in-law. She was naturally a forgiving person, and no matter the relationship, it comes down to fate. She and Xiao Li's mother just had a special bond.
Mr. Zhou and Zhao Tian also had a great conversation, both thinking of building a good relationship with the other so their children could be accepted by each family.
"In-law, please sit down. You'll be having dinner with us tonight. I'll make arrangements shortly. Also, you'll stay with us tonight. I'll go start the fire."
The Zhou family had a lot of rooms, having had three daughters before. Knowing they went to pick up the in-laws, the old couple had already cleaned everything up.
"In-law, no need to fuss. Our luggage is at Xiao Ping's place. We should go there."
"We've got everything here at home, in-law. Don't hesitate with me."
Han Lixia wasn't one to refuse, so she looked at her husband.
"Xiao Bing, go over to your eldest sister's place, and invite them all over for dinner tonight, and have your two brothers-in-law's families stay with us."
Zhou Yongbing immediately got up and dressed.
Zhao Tian thought about it; in truth, their eldest daughter's house had many rooms as well. Staying anywhere was just for a couple of days.
"Alright, we'll stay here then."
Zhou Yongbing went to the Zhang family and spoke with Zhang Fusheng.
The two brothers-in-law didn't mind, as their father-in-law could stay wherever he preferred.
Both Zhao Qingxiang and his brothers had no objections either, as they listened to the elders.
Mrs. Zhang had already brought out some vermicelli, some seaweed brought back, and a dried fish for Zhou Yongbing to bring back.
That evening, there were two tables again. With plenty of cooks, it wasn't a problem.
Zhao Tian found a chance to call over his two daughters.
He took out two handkerchief bundles from his pocket and handed them over, "This is for your weddings, from your mom and me. We couldn't make it to your weddings, but this money is meant for you."
After Zhao Tian finished speaking, he pressed the money into his two sons-in-law's hands. "Keep it; all your siblings have something. Your mom and I can afford this much."
Zhang Fusheng and Zhou Yongbing both looked at their wives. This decision was up to them.
"You two should keep it. I have prepared for all your siblings. This is yours, and your mom and I are still in good health and can earn more money."
Zhao Yanping and Zhao Yanli both had tears in their eyes and nodded at their husbands, "Keep it."
They knew it was their parents' intention, and also a form of compensation for their siblings.
Both families were bustling with activity. Two days later, the Zhao family went to the train station, and the two sons-in-law saw them off onto the train.