Chapter 411 The Couple in Charge of the House

Chapter 411 The Couple Looking After the Home

The eldest brother's family was thriving. Although they had bought an apartment building in the county town, everyone still lived in the big courtyard.

It was quite spacious and suitable for children to play.

Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan put their luggage in the room, then washed up for dinner.

"Is Changjun really getting married too?"

"Yes, but the date for the banquet hasn't been set yet." Ye Changqing glanced at the two of them. "You might not be able to attend this time, but you can at least meet him."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Great. My third brother also said that if Brother Jun is holding a wedding, I should help him with the gift money first."

Ye Changqing: "Don’t worry about that. If you really can’t make it back, I’ll include your names on the gift for you."

Ye Xiaoxiao could have attended, but considering what Lu Hanchuan had said about being transferred elsewhere, if she accompanied him on his military transfer, she might not be able to return.

She could only explain it to her eldest brother first. "Alright, if we can’t make it back, we’ll have to trouble you, Big Brother."

This was Lu Hanchuan’s first time visiting Ye Changqing’s home.

The big courtyard was indeed more comfortable to live in, and the temperature was just right.

In the evening, they could even sit in the courtyard, drinking tea and chatting.

Ye Baocheng sat in the courtyard studying his lessons, looking very diligent.

"How’s Baocheng’s academic performance?"

Although Ye Baocheng was still in elementary school, he was about to graduate soon.

"His grades are only above average in his class. He doesn't seem to have inherited your academic brilliance at all."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "He’s still young. Don't be so dramatic. If he’s struggling in school, maybe we can ask if any teachers are willing to tutor him."

Academic performance was still very important, and the Ye family wasn’t short on money now. We can easily afford a tutor.

Zhang Xue carefully considered the suggestion. Her time for taking care of the children was limited, as she still had night school classes.

Even picking up the second child and making dinner were tasks delegated to the nanny, let alone tutoring the children.

If they could really find a reliable tutor, that would be great.

"Alright, I’ll ask around to see if any teachers are willing to tutor him."

Ye Baocheng had no idea his free time was about to disappear.

Hearing this, Lu Hanchuan shot the boy a sympathetic glance.

Poor little guy.

Early the next morning, Ye Changqing took Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan back home.

It had been a long time since Ye Xiaoxiao returned to Baishi Village, and the village had changed dramatically—many new houses had sprung up.

Moreover, the road leading into the village had clearly been repaved, making it much smoother.

But if they took a shortcut, they’d still need to climb that steep dirt slope.

When Ye Xiaoxiao returned to the village, Miao Cuifang was holding a child and chatting with someone at the door.

"Ye Xiaoxiao's back!" Miao Cuifang was the first to spot her son's car, then saw Xiaoxiao stepping out.

Lu Hanchuan and Ye Changqing unloaded the luggage.

"That must be your daughter and son-in-law—they make quite the handsome couple!"

"The Ye family never disappoints. Look, their son even drives a car now. Who else in our village can top that?"

"Cuifang, I heard Changqing’s mine is in need of workers. Could you arrange for our Ah-Zhuang to get a job there?"

Miao Cuifang was eager to see her daughter, but she had to respond first: "He can go, but working in the mines is still a bit risky. Honestly, ever since our eldest got into this mining business, I’ve been a nervous wreck at home."

Everyone still remembered the last mining accident. After that incident, everyone warned their children against taking mining jobs.

But Ye Changqing’s mine seemed reliable, and since he was a familiar face, the neighbors trusted him more.

Miao Cuifang had her own reservations—if something really happened at the mine, even by accident, she wouldn’t know how to face the villagers.

Besides, ever since their third son took Wang Sheng out with him, Wang Sheng hadn’t even returned home. Old Man Wang and his wife kept coming to vent, and it was hard to listen to.

Not wanting to dwell on it, Miao Cuifang gave the others an apologetic smile before walking away with the child.

The neighbors whispered as she left, "Have you noticed how much younger Cuifang looks now?"

"Must’ve been from living in the city. Their boy’s making good money—can’t blame us for being jealous."

"Mom, what kept you? You were ages."

Ye Xiaoxiao had been waiting at the door for a while.

Miao Cuifang: "Oh, just catching up with the neighbors."

"Is Dad not home?"

Ye Xiaoxiao remembered her eldest brother saying he should be home these past couple of days.

"He went to the back mountain with your uncle to chop firewood. He’ll be back any minute."

Miao Cuifang waved them to sit down while she went to pour tea.

Lu Hanchuan: "Mom, no need to trouble yourself. We’ve got it, thanks."

Ye Xiaoxiao went to hold Ye Yijia—the little one was an adorable bundle.

Not even one yet, but already crawling around.

The moment she was placed on the kang (a heated bed), she pawed at everything, curious.

Miao Cuifang doted on the baby, keeping her clothes neat and clean.

Lu Hanchuan moved the teapot out of the baby’s reach after entering the room.

"First time meeting Jia Jia, huh? Go on, take her."

Ye Xiaoxiao passed the baby to Lu Hanchuan.

Lu Hanchuan took the baby from Xiao Xiao, not as awkward as Xiao Xiao’s first time holding a baby.

"You actually know how to hold a baby?"

Ye Xiaoxiao stared in surprise, expecting Lu Hanchuan to fumble but he didn’t.

Lu Hanchuan chuckled lightly, "It’s easy—just cradle her bottom and back."

The two little boys in Ye Changqing's family were a little scared of Lu Hanchuan, but Ye Yijia, too little to tell who’s scary, giggled, cozy in his arms.

"She’s such a cutie."

Lu Hanchuan couldn’t help thinking how nice it’d be if Xiao Xiao had his baby girl.

Miao Cuifang came in and took the child back. "Oh dear, careful—she might pee on you!"

Lu Hanchuan: "No worries."

"Mom, did big brother say you’ve got the banquet ready?" Ye Xiaoxiao asked.

Miao Cuifang: "Auntie and I have it all set. We even asked Uncle Wu, who’s good at preparing village feasts, to help. We’re just throwing a feast for the whole village."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Great. We don’t need to prepare anything else, right? I didn’t bring anything."

Weddings these days aren’t fancy. She could just wear something red for the occasion.

"No need, no need. You two just need to show up and toast everyone."

That put Ye Xiaoxiao at ease.

The banquet was scheduled for the day after tomorrow. After dinner that evening, Miao Cuifang and Ye Jianguo went to spread the word about the banquet.

Ye Changqing also had matters to attend to, leaving Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan to look after the child at home.

"If she’s too much for you, just go to the front yard and ask your aunt or grandma for help," Ye Changqing reminded before leaving.

Neither of them had much experience, and Ye Changqing was a little worried.

"Got it, big brother. I’ve got this."

When Ye Xiaoxiao said this, the baby was still in Lu Hanchuan’s arms.

Ye Changqing could only shake his head. If it were just Xiao Xiao alone, he definitely wouldn’t have left the house at this time.