Zhang Meihao hummed a tune, smiling as she walked home. There was a cart parked in the yard, just as her father-in-law and mother-in-law returned. The living room still had grain that hadn't been taken to the kitchen yet; the old couple, one tidying things, the other sitting and drinking tea, reading the newspaper.
Seeing her daughter-in-law smiling, her mother-in-law joked, "Oh my, something good happened this morning, did our little daughter-in-law pick up some money? Tell us so your father and I can hear too."
"Hehe, Mom, National Day came over earlier to say her wife gave birth to a big fat boy last night. They want the whole family to attend the 'washing the third,' and my mom is probably overjoyed." Zhang Meihao tidies the tableware on the table and takes it to the kitchen.
"That's great news, no wonder you're so happy. Your mom's wish has come true. She doesn't prefer sons over daughters. Last time your mom was here, she said if a son was born, the young couple should wait two or three years to have another child; your sister-in-law is too young, and after separation, it might be hard to manage the child. If it's a girl in the countryside, there'll be gossip if she doesn't have another one soon." Her mother-in-law also carries a cloth bag to the kitchen.
Zhang Meihao agrees with her mom's idea, as she feels the couple are still kids themselves, "Yes, Mom, I worry too. You know, these two grew up under my watch, and I always feel they're still kids, having kids like playing house, it's quite amusing. Haha, today seeing Xiao Wu with a son, he seems to have matured, speaking all serious now."
"I don't think so, your dad always praises Xiao Wu, saying he's loyal, steady, and has the goods in mind. If he gets a chance to work in the city, it'd be great; it's a pity he's in the countryside.
Last time, he even asked Uncle Zuo if there were any openings at the police station. Look at the kid next door, also 18 like Xiao Wu, just loafing around all day, not working. I don't know what his parents are thinking, just going along with him.
Their two daughters started working early to support the family. Someone introduced a match last time, guess how much they asked for? Bride price 800 yuan, plus the three spins and a sound; half of the monthly salary must be given to the girl's family.
Who would dare to marry her? Their girl isn't made of gold. People in the neighborhood gossip behind their backs. Not a golden baby, haha. Your family does have a golden baby."
"Old woman, you shouldn't talk like that. It's fine to speak at home; now we're eliminating all superstitions, smashing landlordism. Our family must be firm proletarian soldiers, Chairman's good children.
Hehe, but the daughter-in-law's family does have a golden baby, indeed worthy of Xiao Wu. I was thinking of introducing Uncle Zuo's granddaughter to him in a few years, didn't expect him to marry so early." Her father-in-law put down the newspaper and said to the mother-in-law who just came in.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law burst into laughter; the old man really knows how to think, Uncle Zuo's granddaughter is still in school. It's just jealousy that his old friend has a granddaughter; who's letting him tease about our kids every day.
"The kids' father, we're not envious of him, we have a grandson, why worry about not having a granddaughter? With our Meihao's looks, she'd sure have a beautiful daughter, you can show her off then." She wiped her eyes and softly advised, "Now Xiao Wujia has a son and 'washing the third,' we as elders must bring things to them. That day, we'll go, you two with the child."
"It's important to prepare well. Over the years, this kid hasn't stopped sending wild game. My grandson's meat mostly comes from his uncle, without it, the family's monthly meat would only be enough for sandwiches. They've helped with heavy work in the village; people are envious.
Meihao, you prepare things, if it's not enough later, we can find someone to help; we'll exchange it next month."
"Okay, Dad, Mom, no need to be that polite. I haven't thanked you for asking Uncle Zuo for Xiao Wu's sake. And siblings should help each other; no need to find someone, I'll see what big sister prepares, should match previous times. I don't want the two sisters-in-law feeling bad. I'll take the baby to the nursery first, then talk to my sister about what to prepare."
"Alright, take your time. Be careful. We'll bring the baby later, let him sleep a while. There's still plenty of time, no rush, we'll wait for Xiao Bin to come back, then we'll all go to work."
"Hehe, I'll head out first, don't clean up the house, I'll come back early after work."
Zhang Meihao first goes to Zhang Meili's house, smiling and greeting familiar factory colleagues along the way. She heads upstairs, just as her elder sister and brother-in-law are home, and the kids are probably at school. She enters, quickly closes the door, startling them, thinking something urgent happened.
Zhang Meihao realizes she startled them and apologizes with a smile. Her sister glares at her jokingly. To save time, she quickly explains National Day visiting, mentions the house, says money is secured, no need to worry, and to confirm it soon since that area isn't easy to find, and the other party urgently needs money to go to the provincial city.
The worker's salary is high these days, but everyone has rural relatives; those with siblings in the countryside have more burdens, supporting both sides. In customs and people's eyes, it's expected. If you don't support your old home, they'll criticize you for forgetting your roots.
If you're the younger sibling, you'll remember your parents raised you, and without them, you'd not have achieved anything. If you're the eldest, congratulations, parents won't divide the family, you bear the big family, might even support nephews and nieces. Thus city folk avoid marrying into the countryside to avoid trouble. Some families are open-minded, but with hungry kids back home, you can't help but ask city relatives. No choice, money makes you stand tall.
Her brother-in-law's family is open-minded, marrying splits the family, with his dad as the village accountant, siblings are capable and independent. Parents raised five siblings, drained savings and lived with the eldest.
Siblings' kids have grown and married; lending money is beyond them. Besides, living with a house in the city, borrowing money for a bigger house seems excessive. Various concerns kept them from mentioning it.
"Sis, brother-in-law, this is the situation; confirm it, and let's pay the deposit before work. Xiao Wu liked the house too.
He said if 300 isn't enough, he can scrape together 500. No worries about money, it can be done tonight; just take it. Plus, he said no rush repaying the loan, even a year or two's fine. What's to worry? I'm here too, I have over 200 yuan, we can pool it."
Zhang Chunming thought for a moment, "Little sister, don't rush. Can Xiao Wu decide Jiao Jiao's matters? It's no small amount; if they're unwilling, we can't burden our younger brother.
We do want that house; we have 480 yuan, planning for 450, keeping 30 spare. Your 200, plus Xiao Wu's 300, is enough. I wanted to borrow from colleagues.
But no one has that much; been worrying about that. No issue repaying. We can rent part out for 15 monthly, add our salaries, and repay in a year."
Zhang Meihao checks her watch and quickly says, "Regarding Jiao Jiao, there's no problem; if needed, I can borrow from my mother-in-law. Just confirm the house, we can go now, and it'll be ready before work—we'll pay the deposit and sign the contract by Wednesday."
The three hurried to the city east, as the seller was packing up. They discussed as agreed, got the price down to 920 yuan, furniture staying, only taking clothes and grain. Paid the 100 yuan deposit, remaining 820 yuan after getting the property papers Wednesday. Both sides eager, wrote the agreement, exchanged money, and rushed off to work.
Zhang Meihao and her husband happily adjusted to the price drop; the house is almost theirs, waiting to move in this weekend.