Chapter 127: Niece’s Surprise

Chapter 127: Niece's Surprise

At the Zhang family home, Zhang Xiuping was in the living room trying to persuade her father. Having married into the Deng family, she was now living a life of luxury she had never imagined before. However, she was acutely aware of the struggles her parents' family faced, having lived there for 19 years.

Now that her father-in-law had shown her brothers a path to escape poverty, she didn't want her father to hesitate and miss this opportunity to turn their fortunes around.

Hearing his daughter's earnest persuasion, Zhang Zhenfa hesitated for a moment before turning to his son-in-law, Deng Yuntai, and asking, "Yuntai, what do you think?"

Deng Yuntai, who firmly believed in his father's judgment, replied, "I agree with buying the house. Even if we don't end up using it for business, we can always sell it later. As for the bicycle, I also think it's worth buying. It's impossible to run a business without one."

Seeing both his daughter and son-in-law in agreement, Zhang Zhenfa finally made up his mind. "Alright, I'll buy the small house after the New Year. As for the bicycle, I'll ask around to see if I can find a used one first. Once the business starts making money, we can always buy a new one later."

Zhang Shouguo and Zhang Shoumin, the two eldest brothers, were thrilled by their father's decision. They had long wanted to start a business but lacked the funds and were hesitant to take out loans. Their father's indecision had been the main obstacle, but now, with their sister and brother-in-law's support, the matter was settled in just a few words.

Mrs. Zhang and her daughters-in-law, who were busy nearby, were also quietly pleased. Though they were women with limited foresight, they understood that continuing to rely solely on farming would never lift the family out of poverty. They didn't know if opening a shop in Dragon Lake would be profitable, but they recognized it as a potential way out—a chance to change their destiny.

With her father's agreement secured, Zhang Xiuping didn't press the matter further.

Soon, Mrs. Zhang finished frying the ash water dumplings, hair dumplings, and big dumplings. She and her daughters-in-law then set about preparing lunch, killing chickens and cooking.

In the past, Zhang Xiuping would have helped with the cooking, but now, as a guest, it would be inappropriate for her to jump into the work. Instead, she stayed in the living room, sipping tea and chatting with her father and brothers.

Meanwhile, in Deepwater Village, Deng Changfu was also enjoying tea and conversation with his father-in-law, Guan Dewei. The table was laden with various fried snacks, candies, biscuits, and melon seeds.

"Afu, have you reclaimed all the lychee hills at home?" Guan Dewei asked.

Deng Changfu nodded. "We just finished reclaiming the lychee mountain before the New Year. The tree pits are dug, and after the New Year, we'll bring back the lychee seedlings to plant."

Guan Dewei nodded thoughtfully. "Your Uncle Jiu knows more about lychee planting than we do. You should ask him for advice. When he brings back the seedlings, we'll plant them together."

Deng Changfu smiled. "I've already discussed this with Uncle Jiu. We'll hire a truck to bring back the lychee seedlings."

Guan Dewei hummed in approval, then turned to his daughter. "Yongying, how are you feeling now?"

Guan Yongying, now more than four months pregnant but not yet showing, smiled warmly. "Dad, I'm in good health. I eat well and sleep well."

Guan Dewei nodded. "You need to take extra care during pregnancy. Avoid heavy work and be careful when walking."

Guan Yongying chuckled. "I know, Dad. My mother-in-law won't even let me help light the fire these days. And I'm always careful when I walk."

Seeing his daughter's happy expression, Guan Dewei felt reassured. His daughter had been married to Deng Changfu for half a year, and Guan Dewei had come to appreciate the character of the Deng family. He had to admit, Uncle Jiu had a keen eye for people, and the match he had made for his daughter was truly a good one.

In Eastern Village, Deng Changwang was also sharing a meal with his father-in-law, Dai Chunqing, and brother-in-law, Dai Zongze.

Across Bobai County, countless sons-in-law were undergoing their "annual review" by their in-laws on this day.

Nowadays, it was customary to visit relatives in the morning. By the time guests arrived, it was usually around ten o'clock. They would enjoy rice dumplings and tea, followed by lunch. After eating, it would be around two in the afternoon, which was typically the time to head home.

Of course, if the journey was long and an overnight stay had been planned, that was a different matter. But for most relatives living nearby, an overnight stay wasn't necessary.

After lunch, Deng Shirong's two brothers-in-law soon left for home. Seeing this, Deng Shirong's third sister, Deng Shilan, and her family also prepared to leave.

Before they left, Deng Shilan asked her brother, "Brother, you mentioned last time that after planting the lychee trees, you'd hire someone to help take care of them. Have you decided who to hire yet?"

Deng Shirong shook his head. "Not yet."

Deng Shilan pressed, "What do you think of Ah Hu?"

Deng Shirong glanced at his nephew-in-law, Jiang Dehu, and said, "Ah Hu, everyone's getting into planting and breeding these days. If you do the same, you might earn more than you would helping me with the lychee mountain. Have you thought about it?"

Before Jiang Dehu could respond, his wife, Bu Dafang, jumped in. "Uncle Jiu, what does he know about farming? He's never even raised a chicken at home. As for planting, we don't have much land, so we can't grow many fruit trees. It's better for him to come and help you, Uncle Jiu!"

Jiang Dehu nodded in agreement. "Uncle Jiu, Ah Fang is right!"

Deng Shirong considered this and said, "It's fine if you come to help me. You can eat here, and I'll pay you 30 yuan a month. But what about your family's land? Who will take care of it?"

Bu Dafang quickly replied, "Uncle Jiu, I can handle it. He can just go back and help during planting and harvest seasons."

Deng Shirong shook his head. "No, it's too much for you to take care of the children and the land at the same time. It's too hard."

He thought for a moment, then suggested, "How about this? You can lease your family's land to others to farm, and take a share of the harvest each year. You can also ask your mother-in-law or sister-in-law to help with the children. If they're unwilling, you can pay them a small amount. Then both you and your wife can come and help me take care of the lychee mountain. I'll pay you 60 yuan a month."

Bu Dafang's eyes widened in surprise. "Uncle Jiu, are you serious?"

Deng Shirong smiled. "Of course I'm serious. How could I stand by and watch you struggle so much in your husband's family?"

Hearing this, Jiang Dehu couldn't help but look ashamed.

Deng Shilan, however, felt the need to interject. "Brother, the wages you're offering are too high. Besides, there isn't that much work on the lychee mountain. One person should be enough. Hiring two people would just be an unnecessary burden for you."

(End of this chapter)