Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 447 - 337: Return to the Village (Part 2)

The Old Captain knew that National Day was generous, but there were still some things he needed to make clear.

"I’ve arranged for your second great-uncle’s family to stay with you. They’re close to your parents and there’s no mess in the family. However, they’ll be staying for at least three months. Do you want to discuss this with your wife first?"

National Day shook his head with a smile, "Jiao Jiao has no problem with it. My parents can make the arrangements. We originally planned for Fifth Master to stay with us, but unfortunately, he just won’t budge. I’ll go see him later."

National Day described Mr. Zhang as a solitary old man. His grandfather had always been close to this cousin and used to joke that Xiao Wu would take care of him in his old age.

The Old Captain shook his head with a smile. That stubborn old fellow insisted on staying in that dilapidated house. He knew that normally it was Xiao Wu who took care of the old man.

"You should go see him; he should be at the pig farm. His temper is so odd, only you can handle him. During the year’s ancestor worship, I saw him by your grandfather’s grave muttering endlessly. In that freezing weather, he carried a jug of wine, not afraid of catching a cold."

Speaking of this cousin, the Old Captain was at a loss. Others had a huge family with children and grandchildren, while he was single because of a woman he never married, and now who knows if he regrets it.

National Day remembered something and quickly asked, "How did the adoption of Fifth Master’s nephew go? I forgot to ask my dad when I got back."

The Old Captain laughed heartily, "It’s done. This time, your Fifth Master only agreed after being scolded by the clan leader. But he’s still the same as before, wanting to live alone, not letting his nephew move in. His temper, right? He really thinks someone is eager to live with him. We all indulge him; as long as he’s happy."

National Day couldn’t help but laugh along with everyone.

In his heart, he cheered for Mr. Zhang. Living alone is great; there’s no need to get tangled up with his nephew. Adoption to Mr. Zhang is just a title; he really doesn’t care about such things. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stayed unmarried all this time.

That deeply affectionate man clung firmly to that old house to cherish the memory of his deceased wife. How could he let outsiders live in his home?

After chatting for a while and seeing that there was nothing else, National Day said goodbye to the Old Captain and headed towards the pig farm.

"Don’t move! Be careful not to dirty your clothes. Come inside with me." Mr. Zhang, seeing him, beamed with joy and quickly stopped him to help carry the bamboo basket.

National Day smiled and didn’t refuse. The two of them went inside the straw-roofed hut at the pig farm, where he took out four boxes of snacks and two bottles of wine and placed them on the kang. Seeing only a bowl of pickles on the kang table, he frowned. He guessed the other person had nothing more than corn porridge and pickles for lunch again.

"Why are you bringing things again? Your dad sent a lot over before the New Year. The new cotton-padded jacket and pants your little wife made for me fit well; remember to thank her for me. How was your trip away this time? Are the kids okay?"

"Why aren’t you wearing them? Jiao Jiao worries about you getting cold. There’s my father-in-law when I’m away, so everything’s fine. The kids aren’t here today; why don’t you come back to the county with me to see them?"

"Ha ha... These kids, what cold? You tell her not to worry. Don’t send things over in the future, too conspicuous! Old people don’t need to wear new clothes."

Seeing that he avoided the topic each time, National Day didn’t continue persuading Mr. Zhang to go to the county town. They then talked about his trip.

Mr. Zhang laughed heartily at his stories. After less than half an hour, he urged him to go back early to be with the kids.

Leaving the pig farm, National Day smacked his forehead with annoyance. How silly! Why send snacks? How did he forget to bring some dried goods? The dried goods he gave last year were probably all eaten by now.

After visiting the clan leader and several elders’ homes, he happily walked back empty-handed—finally, everything was done.

Returning to his yard, he looked around and saw that during the days he was away, his parents must have often come to tidy up, but they hadn’t moved in. The rations and game left before the New Year were untouched.

With outsiders coming to stay in a few days, there were some things to prepare, so National Day quickly went to find Mr. Zhang.

Leaving the yard, he saw Mother Zhang waiting at the old courtyard gate. Seeing him, she happily called for Mr. Zhang to come out. Her call soon gathered the three Zhang family households at the old courtyard.

Seeing the situation, National Day realized it wasn’t right. It was almost noon, and he hadn’t planned on having the eldest family host—separation makes for more formal occasions now.

He quickly greeted Uncle Zhang and the others, letting them sit first. He then took Zhang the Second to move the rations, game, and wine.

Zhang the Second followed him back to the yard, rolling his eyes as he saw him moving things.

He quickly went forward to stop National Day, taking two smoked meats and two jars of wine, and told him to follow along, whispering to National Day not to be foolish. He warned about how being careless could lead to others eating the food with nothing gained.

National Day smiled at his words and let him take charge. His second brother now had a big opinion about the Huang family. When it comes to handling family relations, it was his second brother who was the cleverest. His in-laws were managed to be obedient and cautious, not daring to come often. No one was like his eldest brother’s in-laws, the Huang family, who demanded a lot based on previous small favors.

The two brothers wisely avoided mentioning the troubles with the Huang family. Over the past few days, the Huang family was as frantic as ants on a hot pan, still not understanding what went wrong.

They were waiting for the return of the wise Huang Laoer, Huang Yaoguo, from his business trip.

Back at the old courtyard, National Day ignored Sister-in-law Huang Cuilan wanting to speak, indicating that the Huang family’s matters were none of her business. He didn’t decline or argue about the items given.

In the main room, National Day and his brother chatted with their uncles and cousins, happily sharing stories about the big cities and discussing village matters.

After lunch, everyone returned to their own homes. National Day took his parents back to his home. After speaking about the temporary stay arrangement and letting Mr. Zhang handle it, he started organizing the rations and items.

By a bit past three in the afternoon, National Day had finished moving the study in the East Wing. Once the hired cart arrived, he hurriedly bid farewell to his parents, not even waiting for Eldest Zhang, Zhang Guofu, to return before departing with a full cart of goods.