Aunt Jin only found out today that Xiao Wan was going to move. She hurried to Grandma’s place to understand the situation and learned what had been happening at home these days.
"Your grandma said her legs are not convenient, so she asked Uncle Jin and me to move with you and see your new place. Oh... once you move, we won’t see each other as often," Aunt Jin had always treated Han Yi as her own godson, and since Xiao Wan came, she treated Xiao Wan like her goddaughter. Now with them leaving, she felt reluctant.
"Aunt Jin, it’s very close. I’ll come back every now and then to see you guys, don’t be sad."
"That’s right, Sister-in-law Jin, Xiao Wan will also visit often in the future." Shen Qing felt very grateful towards the Jin Family as her Xiao Yi had received much care from them over the years.
Two pieces of furniture were stacked together, a few people stood on either side, slowly pushing them to Xuefu Road.
When packing furniture, Lin Wan didn’t want the stuff in the master bedroom, thinking that if she was truly moving later on, it could just be placed in the new house.
Once everything was set, Grandma and Aunt Jin wandered around the yard.
"I must say, the yard here is indeed big, much more grand than the one in our neighborhood, with the foundations higher." Aunt Jin laughed as she walked around.
"When we were young, we loved coming here to play and admired the rich kids. Often, we would see those kids holding pastries and snacks in the alley. Visiting here was like ’gaining insights’," Shen Qing spoke sincerely; the wealthy area’s streets were not only wide but also clean.
"Xiao Wan, you bought this house at a good deal. Nowadays, this area has more houses for sale, only the prices are high. Some years ago, quite a few people died here, so there’s hesitancy about it, which makes locals rarely willing to buy property here. But I think it’s great; I heard from an elderly fortune teller back then that this area has good feng shui. It brings prosperity and wealth. Although those years had some impact, it’s not just here; who among us hasn’t gone through it? You and your mom’s family made the right choice; Aunt Jin likes these grand mansions."
"If Aunt Jin likes it, feel free to come often."
"I love hearing that. When Aunt Jin comes, don’t kick us out!" Aunt Jin joked.
"There are plenty of rooms; don’t worry about not fitting. Aunt Jin, Uncle Jin, stay any time you like. My mom’s been busy looking for a house lately; I’ve already told them to stay here first, but my mom isn’t willing."
"The house may be big, but it’s for you and Xiao Yi. Mom doesn’t want to impose on you, or she’d feel even worse. Staying at Grandma’s side is fine; Aunt Jin’s place has rooms, just let Lijuan stay a few days. I’ll go to work tomorrow and ask my colleagues, more people means a wider network, we’ll surely find something," Shen Qing spoke firmly, not wanting to inconvenience Lin Wan.
"Your mom is right; our two families are close, no need to run back and forth," Aunt Jin understood Shen Qing’s thoughts and agreed while advising Lin Wan.
In the end, Lin Wan didn’t say much.
After Lin Yinghui set up the furniture, Lin Wan had him take Hu Dong out on the bike. They came back half an hour later.
There was a small cartload of coal balls on the tricycle, and there were some rice, flour, and vegetables.
During the time, Lin Wan took Grandma Aunt Jin and went to Mom’s house, bringing back some plates and bowls.
Today marked the official move, and according to tradition, friends and family needed to have a stove-warming gathering, to make the place lively.
Uncle Jin was slaughtering chickens by the water well, while Brother and Hu Dong used wood to light the coal balls. With Grandma and Aunt Jin there, along with Lijuan, four women busied themselves in the kitchen. Despite the kitchen being large, it seemed somewhat crowded.