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After finishing a series of tasks, more than a week had passed. During this time, Hu Ruoyun had been staying at the county hotel while "coordinating work" in Annan. Occasionally, she would rush home with Mao Weiguo, but it was always a quick in-and-out affair, leaving no time to share a meal together, let alone indulge in any romantic moments with Mao Na.
This situation left Comrade Mao Na very dissatisfied, and she often showed her displeasure in front of Mao Weiguo. Recently, he had been preoccupied with this matter and hardly paid attention to her feelings. Now that things had finally reached a satisfactory conclusion, his heart felt more at ease.
Mao Weiguo arranged for Zhang Qiang to cancel the hotel room booked for Hu Ruoyun and instructed driver Xiao Wang to pick her up and take her home.
That evening, the family sat around the dining table. The dishes were nearly ready, but they hadn’t started eating yet. Frustrated, Mao Na protested, "We're starving here! Why aren't we eating yet?"
Mao Weiguo moved the Jiangbei Science and Technology News article featuring news about Annan County out of his way and replied leisurely, "What’s the rush? Two guests haven’t arrived yet!"
Mao Na retorted, "If you’re hosting guests, can’t you do it somewhere else? Holding it at home feels so unprofessional!"
Mao Weiguo remained calm. "Today’s guests are quite special; it’s more appropriate to have them here..."
Zhang Xiuzhen brought out the last dish. "They should be here soon, right? Mao Na, why don’t you go downstairs to greet them?"
Mao Na was even more annoyed. "What is this? Why should I go greet them?"
Just then, someone knocked on the door. Seeing that Mao Na didn’t move, Mao Jie ran over to open it.
At the door stood Zhang Qiang and Hu Ruoyun.
Mao Jie gestured for them to come in and called back to Mao Na, "Sis, look who’s here!"
Mao Na turned around and her face flushed red as she realized her parents were teasing her.
After seating the two guests, Mao Weiguo said seriously, "During this time, both Zhang Qiang and Xiao Hu have been extremely busy. Zhang Qiang can take a day off tomorrow to spend time with Ouyang Xiaxue and the kids. Xiao Hu will stay over tonight and tomorrow Xiao Wang will drive you to Laogu... Xiao Na, do you want to join them?"
Mao Na picked up her bowl angrily and stormed off to her room. "You’re just messing with me; I’m not eating with you!"
At everyone’s urging, Hu Ruoyun followed her inside. Soon after, both of them returned to the dining table to eat together.
The next morning, driver Xiao Wang arrived early at their home. Mao Jie helped Hu Ruoyun and Mao Na carry down the bags prepared by Zhang Xiuzhen.
With a car available, it was much more convenient. They set off at eight o'clock and arrived at Hu Family Village before nine. Driver Xiao Wang helped them unload their things from the trunk before leaving in case County Chief Mao needed the vehicle.
A group of neighbors gathered at the alley entrance chatted casually as they saw the two women arrive. Aunt Kui joked, "Oh look, isn’t that Sister-in-law Ruo Yun? Here to see your mother-in-law again..."
Sister Jie released her child’s hand. "Go ask Aunt Hua for some candy..."
Hu Ruoyun handed out cigarettes from what Mao Jie had given him to Second Master Kuei, Woodzi, Brother Jie... as the men dispersed. Meanwhile, Mao Na pulled out a large bag of candy to distribute among the women and children.
In the mill nearby, Second Uncle and Second Aunt poked their heads out covered in flour dust to greet them while the grinding machines roared inside, making it hard to hear anything clearly.
There was no one at home; her parents were likely busy at the feedlot in the Southern Region. Xiao Feng and Xiao Hu must have gone to school (rural children didn’t have summer vacation back then). Just as they were about to put down their things and head over to Southern Region for a visit, Brother Jie rushed in from outside calling for Hu Ruoyun: "Hurry! Someone's looking for you!"
When they stepped outside, they saw a brand-new Santana from Laogu Township government parked at the alley entrance with Chai Hongmin waiting there with a smile.
He invited him to sit at home, but he waved his hand and said, "Let's go to the Village. Township Head Feng asked Secretary Zhang and knows you’re back. He’s waiting for you in the Village!"
Without further ado, he ushered the two into the car. In less than three minutes, they arrived at the Town Government compound. Upon getting out of the car, they found not only Township Head Feng but also Gao Hongshan from Niu Huahua was there.
After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, they all entered Township Head Feng's office, where Chai Hongmin poured tea for everyone.
Gao Hongshan said, "Brother Xiao Hu, today at our restaurant in the venue, I’ll make arrangements... Don’t refuse. You don’t need to say thank you, but you should show a little appreciation..."
The headquarters of Niu Huahua fully recognized and highly praised Gao Hongshan's crisis management!
Township Head Feng smiled and added, "I have nothing to do today; I’m just here at Gao’s invitation to accompany our guest..."
After finishing a cup of tea, everyone hopped into Township Head Feng's Santana and Gao Hongshan's Santana, speeding off to the office area in Niu Huahua’s venue.
In the small restaurant, over a dozen plates were served, and the dishes were even more exquisite than those at the Town's restaurants.
After the meal, as they were about to leave, Gao Hongshan had someone bring over two pieces of Xifeng and a fresh large beef joint. "Brother Xiao Hu, you don’t need to refuse. Given how much help you’ve given Niu Huahua, it’s not too much to show some gratitude..."
After sending the two back home, Hu Qihua and Zhao Meirong were waiting. The wine was already prepared, but seeing the hefty beef joint weighing around fifty kilograms made them worry. "It’s so big; how can we possibly finish it?"
They called over Second Uncle and found a big knife to divide it into several portions. They let Second Uncle take a piece, Uncle Shuang Yun take another piece, and gave two pieces to Hu Ruoyun's uncle.
As the men divided the meat, Zhao Meirong pulled Mao Na aside and remarked, "Na, have you lost weight...?"
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