Chapter 531 Returning to the Village for New Year

Chapter 531 Returning Home for Chinese New Year

The night Su An and Ren Shan arrived, the phone rang.

It was Zuo Zuying calling from Yangcheng. "Didn’t I say to call as soon as you got home? Seems like everything I said went in one ear and out the other, huh?"

For once, Su An felt slightly guilty. Zuo Zuying’s usual nagging didn’t seem so annoying this time. "Sorry, I forgot. The trip went smoothly. Tell Aunt Hou and Jing Huan not to worry about us."

Zuo Zuying’s voice softened. "Alright, as long as you’re fine. Now that it’s easy to call, just reach out if anything comes up."

"By the way, about the money—I’ll give it to you when you come back to Yangcheng after the New Year."

Su An’s voice softened. "No rush. We agreed on a year, so just make sure to give it to me by March 26th."

Zuo Zuying snorted. "Not in a hurry, huh? Yet you remember March 26th perfectly." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, give my best to Mr. Luo and Eldest Master Cai. When you pay them New Year’s visits, include a gift from me. Also, give Mr. Luo my phone number—tell him to call me if he needs anything."

After hanging up, Su An’s lips curled into a faint smile, a flicker of warmth in her chest.

After just one day of rest at home, Su An dove back into the shop. Business was still thriving, with customers not only from City A but also from neighboring towns. Some locals even bought goods to resell in distant places, just like Wang Yongzheng, so the shop was flourishing.

Before, when Su An was still in the city, Ren Shan would stop by now and then to check on things, so the shop only had two employees. But now that Su An had started school and Ren Shan couldn’t oversee things as often, Liu Guojuan returned after maternity leave, and Liu Guozhen was also kept on. He Manxia was promoted to store manager.

The Liu sisters were diligent and hardworking, especially Liu Guozhen, who feared not doing enough. She not only warmly greeted customers but also actively promoted products, like a born salesperson.

After Tang Wenhao tricked her into having a child, Liu Guojuan became even more cautious and withdrawn. She got sterilized and cut her hair short, swearing off men for life. Her only goal now was to work hard and raise Hui Hui.

Chen Panpan had married Liu Guomao. Knowing Chen Panpan didn’t think highly of her, Liu Guojuan avoided causing trouble. She gave them a red envelope stuffed with a month’s pay and kept her distance.

All she hoped for was that Chen Panpan would treat her brother well and be kind to their mother. As for herself, she didn’t care—even she couldn’t stand herself.

Time flew, and soon it was the end of the year. This was Li Yulan and Zhang Shuangshuang’s first New Year away from home. Though they’d all settled elsewhere, the three siblings discussed it and unanimously decided to return to Ninety-Three for the holidays.

Zhang Shuangshuang’s parents and brothers were still in her hometown, and she wanted to visit them. With work piling up after the New Year, it might be another year before she saw them again. Her parents weren’t getting any younger, and they couldn’t meet as often as before, so she planned to spend quality time with them during the holiday.

Even Wang Yongzheng felt guilty toward his in-laws. Zhang Shuangshuang had been doted on as a girl, only to become his wife, caring for his mother Li Yulan and bearing children, costing her health. Back when times were tough, he hadn’t been able to provide much for them. Now that things were better, he was happy to spend time and money to make them happy—and to see his wife smile.

Liu Xiaomei missed Wang Xuanying, while Wang Xiaocui’s family had built a new house this year. By local tradition, someone had to stay in the new house for the first three New Years to ensure future prosperity.

But the one who missed home the most was Li Yulan. She’d spent her whole life in Ninety-Three, she knew every inch of home. Though her family was with her now, she still longed for her hometown after being away for over half a year.

Thanks to Wang Yongzheng’s truck, they skipped the crowded trains. Once they decided to return, he began modifying the vehicle.

A metal frame was installed on the truck bed, covered with thick, waterproof canvas. To ensure Li Yulan and Wang Yongshun’s comfort, benches and two small sofas were placed inside.

The Good Fortune Restaurant closed on the 23rd of the lunar month, and Su Ping took a rare two-day leave.

On the morning of the 22nd, Su An bought New Year’s gifts and paid visits to Ms. Wei, Mr. Luo, and Eldest Master Cai. She handed out year-end bonuses and wages to He Manxia, Liu Guojuan, and the others, leaving the shop in He Manxia’s care. That afternoon, the group set off for Ninety-Three.

In the driver’s seat, Wang Yongzheng took the wheel, with his brother-in-law Zhang Daibing—nine years his junior—riding shotgun.

"Brother-in-law, you’re amazing! When we get home, drive through our village so I can show off a little," Zhang Daibing said, admiration shining in his eyes.

Inside the tightly covered truck bed, Su An turned on a flashlight, lighting up the cheerful banter inside.

Zhang Cuihong, Wang Damin, and Wang Yongzheng's childhood friend and follower A'Nai, Liu Xiaomei and her family of three, Zhang Shuangshuang with her children, and Su An's family crammed into the massive truck bed.

Everyone chatted and laughed, boasting about the gifts they had brought for their families, the new items they planned to add at home, and all the New Year's supplies they had bought—their voices full of hope for a better future.

Almost all of Su An's closest loved ones were on this truck. Listening to the cheerful laughter, Su An quietly sat in the corner, holding the flashlight, her heart overflowing with happiness.

It was wonderful.

The truck caused a stir when it entered Jiushisan Village. Wang Yongzheng had driven it back once before to pick up Zhang Shuangshuang and the others, so most villagers recognized it.

The villagers, who had been hunkered down indoors to avoid the winter chill, all came out to see the commotion.

Younger Uncle Wang Lihua and his eldest son and daughter-in-law had also gone with Wang Yongzheng. Before the truck fully stopped, Wang Lihua and Zhang Sheju were already waiting with their family.

A'Nai’s wife helped an elderly woman as they headed toward the community hall—the only place where the truck could park.

A bunch of curious villagers had gathered at the entrance of the hall.

As soon as the truck stopped, Wang Yongzheng stepped out of the cab, and many greeted him.

"Wang Yongzheng, you're back?"

"You’ve really done well for yourself! Even when you were little, Uncle knew you’d go far."

"Wang Yongzheng, where’s Sister Yulan?"

Wang Yongzheng gave a big grin as he greeted everyone. "Good, good, everyone’s doing well. We’re back, all back—they’re all in the truck."

With that, he moved to the rear and began untying the tightly secured canvas cover.

Zhang Cuihong and her husband were the first to climb out of the truck. Their two younger brothers hurried forward to take their bundles, their faces alight with joy.

"Brother! Sister-in-law!"

Several children crowded around the truck, shouting excitedly.