Lin Shui and Lin Ershui finally understood.
Lin Shui disapprovingly looked at Lin Sanshui, "Old Third, are we not living our days? Just buy some meat for the kids to enjoy, why call us over? Are we big men that greedy for a few bites of meat?"
It's just that in a moment of impulse, I bought too much, and with the hot weather, I'm afraid it will spoil by tomorrow!
However, Lin Sanshui didn't dare to speak these honest thoughts out loud. Instead, he smiled and said, "Big brother, second brother, it's already bought, and it's not even good meat. As long as you don't mind, the main thing is for us three brothers to have a good meal together. Ever since mom passed, it's only during holidays that we can gather and have a drink."
As he spoke, Lin Sanshui sighed.
Being the youngest in the family, while the parents were still alive, he received a lot of favoritism. He knew that his two elder brothers always had grudges in their hearts.
But back then, life at home was tough, and he had four sons to raise. Even if he didn't want to take advantage, he didn't have the confidence to refuse.
So, Lin Shui always felt guilty towards his two brothers.
Upon hearing this, Lin Shui and Lin Ershui also felt quite emotional.
"Big brother, since Old Third is already prepared, let's have a good drink today. Besides, the cucumbers and greens I've grown at home are ready to eat." With that, Lin Ershui said to his wife, "Xiangdong's mother, go pick some vegetables to bring over."
Mrs. Wang, the eldest Lin brother's wife, quickly chimed in and asked her husband, "Since Third Brother's family is providing the meat and Second Brother's family the vegetables, let's bring out some wine. Don't we still have two pounds of liquor under the bed? Let Jing'er bring it over today, so you three brothers can have a good drink!"
"Alright." What else could Lin Shui say?
It was only fitting.
Lin Shui's family had two sons and two daughters, the eldest already married with a grandson one year old. Lin Ershui also had two sons and a daughter. With these three families, there were easily a dozen or more people, and it wouldn't be right for them all to eat and drink at Old Third's house.
They're all brothers. It doesn't matter who gives more or less; each family contributing a bit is a gesture of goodwill.
Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Zhu were both diligent people. Seeing only Dahu and Sanhu busy in the kitchen, they wanted to help.
Mrs. Jiang blocked them, "Dahu already said today's meal is his responsibility. Let's just help wash some vegetables and chat."
Mrs. Jiang's words earned her lots of praise from the two sisters-in-law.
Taking the opportunity when the children weren't around, Mrs. Wang asked Mrs. Jiang, "Sister-in-law, what's your and Third Brother's plan? Are you really going to adopt that girl?"
In fact, in the first couple of days, Lin Shui and Lin Ershui had already advised Lin Sanshui privately. Given their family wasn't well-off and they already had several children, under such circumstances, who would go out of their way to adopt someone else's child?
But Lin Sanshui was determined. Since they were already separated into their own households, Lin Shui and Lin Ershui couldn't interfere too much in their younger brother's affairs.
It was easier for women to discuss such matters together, so Mrs. Wang wanted to test Mrs. Jiang's thoughts.
Mrs. Zhu was also full of curiosity about this matter, so she perked up her ears to hear what she had to say.
"Both of you have daughters, so you don't know the hard part of me not having a daughter. When busy, I work all day in the fields and at night have to come back to wash clothes and cook, plus take care of the chickens, ducks, and two pigs in this yard. I'm overwhelmed and can't manage it!" Mrs. Jiang sighed and said, "Niannian is also a pitiful child. Her family has many daughters, and they don't value them. They want to send one away. I thought, bringing this child back, she's already so grown up. I just need to give her some food, and without much trouble, she can slowly start helping with housework. I won't lose anything, right?"