Zhang Guoqing was cycling, planning to first take a look around the county town to see if there was anything needed at the supply and marketing cooperative. Then he had to notify Second Sister before work started at eight, and drop by Grandpa Zhou's house with some things. The old couple was probably anxiously waiting this time.
Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao went to middle school in the county town. As he rode towards the supply and marketing cooperative, he bumped into a few acquaintances and exchanged greetings before each went on with their business.
Zhang Guoqing was warm-hearted and would try to help whenever he could, never splitting groups into cliques. He was too shy today to announce he'd just had a big, healthy son — otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to get away without stopping for a chat.
The supply and marketing cooperative hadn't opened yet, so he headed towards the textile factory. Luckily, the two older sisters lived nearby — if not, it'd be tough.
Eldest Sister lived in a dormitory building allocated by her work unit, just one big room divided into two. The outer room doubled as a living room and dining room, and they slept there at night. Rumor had it they were looking to buy a house; he didn't know how much they were short, but he planned to ask if needed?
The hallways were bustling with people making breakfast early in the morning. Someone sharp-eyed spotted Zhang Guoqing and called out, "Meili, your younger brother is here."
Eldest Sister Zhang Meili hurriedly ran downstairs. The 28-year-old looked very young, a natural beauty even by 21st-century standards. She had become a full-time worker, earning 22 yuan a month, while her husband, a mechanic, earned 36 yuan, supporting their four children. The eldest was 11, and the three older ones were already in school, with a precious 4-year-old daughter. They still sent 5 yuan a month to her in-laws for support and often bought things for her family. It was tough, especially with their children still young — they couldn't live without buying a house when the kids grew older.
Zhang Guoqing smiled at those around him and then said to Zhang Meili, "Eldest Sister, Mom sent me to share the good news. Last night, Jiao Jiao had a big, healthy boy, haha."
"Oh my, well done, Little Brother. I'll come by after the baby's bath ceremony." Zhang Meili was delighted too.
Zhang Guoqing nodded, "Alright, I won't go up and cause a fuss. Let's chat later. Just tell Brother-in-law I won't be going up, and remember to bring the kids home. I'm in a rush to relay the news to Second Sister."
"Sure, be careful on the road. Get home early and don't dawdle." Zhang Meili waved as she watched her little brother ride away before heading upstairs.
Her husband was helping their precious Yaya dress, wondering why his brother-in-law didn't come up.
"Why didn't Xiao Wu come up? You seem so happy this early. Could it be his wife had the baby?"
Zhang Meili gave Zhang Chunming a thumbs-up, praising him, "You're so smart, Zhang Chunming. Your name wasn't wasted on you. Last night, Jiao Jiao had a big, healthy boy, and he hurried to give the good news to Little Sister. We'll all go back for the baby's bath ceremony and visit the child's grandparents."
Zhang Chunming laughed heartily and called out to their three sons still in bed to get up. It's getting late; they'd be late for school.
Zhang Guoqing cycled past two streets to the eastern outskirts of the county town, where the county public security bureau and high school were. The environment was good, and security wasn't a problem. Most residents here were families of the public security bureau and women's federation, plus some old residents. The area was all small courtyard houses, no tall buildings.
Second Sister Zhang Meihao lived in this bungalow area. The courtyards here were all standalone. Second Brother-in-law's family had only one son, living with his parents after getting married. With four people earning wages, their living conditions were the best.
Her parents-in-law were sensible and easy to get along with, very satisfied with Zhang Meihao. She was pretty and not abrasive like her eldest sister, speaking softly. She was also handy with housework, and since she entered the family and had a son, the in-laws treated her like a daughter.
Zhang Guoqing parked his bike at Zhang Meihao's gate and knocked. The main door wasn't locked and opened easily. He called out, "Uncle, Aunt, Second Sister, are you home?"
Zhang Meihao thought she heard Little Brother Guoqing just now and immediately came out from her room. Indeed, it was this fella.
"Xiao Wu, why are you in town so early? Did something happen? Are Mom and Dad okay?"
"Sis, I'm here to share some good news. Last night, Jiao Jiao had a big, healthy boy, and Mom asked you all to come over for the baby's bath ceremony. Where are Uncle and Aunt? The courtyard gate wasn't closed; I pushed it open and came in."
Zhang Meihao pulled her brother into the living room, poured him a cup of malted milk, and hurriedly brought out a plate of dumplings from the kitchen, urging Zhang Guoqing to eat first. She figured he hadn't had breakfast coming out so early, maybe just two vegetable pancakes. She knew exactly what her family ate three times a day.
"The child's grandparents just went out with the food stamps after buying breakfast dumplings. Today, they can collect grain. Your brother-in-law went to wait in line early, heard there's fish and tofu. Why don't you stay for lunch?" Zhang Meihao softly suggested.
Zhang Guoqing finished two dumplings and drank the malted milk, finally having time to talk with Second Sister. He was still worried about Eldest Sister's house situation from last time, unsure if they had enough money. It wasn't a good time to ask at Eldest Sister's with so many people around.
Zhang Guoqing shook his head and said, "We're family; I won't be formal with you. I still need to go to the Zhou Family to share the good news, don't want to delay. I just wanted to ask you about Eldest Sister's house deal last time. Is she short on money? I can help a bit so they can buy first. They have three boys, it's tough to live like that."
Zhang Meihao smiled with relief. Only Xiao Wu in their family had such a kind heart. Eldest Brother and Second Brother didn't have money; even if they did, there was none for lending. Their mother had it, but since their family separated at the end of the year, it wasn't good to borrow now.
Zhang Meihao smiled at Zhang Guoqing and said, "Eldest Sister found a place not far from mine. The owner is moving with her son to the provincial city; the house is bigger than mine, asking for 950 yuan. Eldest Sister plans to borrow from colleagues; she only has a bit over 500 on hand, still short of 450. My husband and I together only have 200. You know we can't ask the child's grandparents to lend. Still short of 300, originally planned to borrow from our mom, but since the family's separated after New Year, it's awkward. Do you have personal savings? Didn't you give all to mom?"
Zhang Guoqing shook his head at Zhang Meihao, glanced around stealthily, then said, "We have a golden baby at home, haha..."
Zhang Meihao playfully hit him a few times, knowing he'd tease his sister, but indeed, their family had a golden baby. Both sisters thought of asking Zhou Jiao but couldn't bring themselves to do it.
"Alright, loan 200 yuan first. After Eldest Sister gets paid, she can repay you. But she needs to agree; otherwise, forget I mentioned it." Zhang Meihao wasn't entirely reassured. If the couple had differing thoughts, as sisters, they couldn't act this way.
Zhang Guoqing stood up, stretched, and waved his hand, saying, "No worries, Jiao Jiao isn't like that. You and Eldest Sister can go talk with the homeowner today, and pay the day after tomorrow. Money isn't the issue; we have over 500 on hand, nothing urgent to spend on. Lend Eldest Sister 300 yuan, don't leave yourselves tight for 200. If they're in a hurry, have someone come tonight to get it. I'll be off now, you tell Eldest Sister when she goes to work. I'm in no rush for the money, whenever you have it, even in a year or two is fine."
Zhang Meihao walked him out, using the chance to show him the house. "It's this one, bigger than ours, right? When the kids marry and grow up, there's enough in the east and west wings. Plus, it's close to me, easy to contact if needed."
"Alright, you guys settle it soon. This place is great; it'd be a shame if someone else bought it. Come take the money anytime; if 300 isn't enough, I can scrape together an extra 500." With that, Zhang Guoqing rode off lest the Zhou Family start complaining why he hadn't shared the joy with them yet.