The wedding banquet was lively and lasted all day, ending in the evening.
The next day was the Little New Year, and Qin Jian was certainly going to take An Hao back to the city. An Shuchao had picked a lot of fresh vegetables and packed quite a bit of meat from the greenhouse in advance, insisting that Qin Jian take them back with him.
On the night before their departure, Qin Jian and An Hao made a trip to the Qin Family home, also bringing with them many things.
Upon hearing that Qin Jian was returning, Li Junping filled a bag halfway with millet and cornmeal from the big jar at home, firmly telling Qin Jian to take it back for his parents: "Our house doesn’t have much to offer, but take these back for your mom and dad. Millet porridge is good for the stomach, especially this millet from our home, which we hardly ever have enough to indulge in. Take it to them."
Qin Jian knew they felt guilty, so they wanted to do something, and he did not stop them.
If this made them feel better, then he let them do it.
After packing the grains, Li Junping handed Qin Jian the photo album he had brought back: "Take this to your parents!"
Qin Jian was puzzled but casually flipped open a page of the album, only to see it was filled with pictures of himself.
"Your parents surely want to see what you looked like when you were young. Almost all your photos are here. I selfishly kept a few so that I can look at them when I miss you," Li Junping choked up a bit, then turned away to quietly wipe her tears.
..............................
Qin Jian and An Hao sat at home for a while before leaving.
Early the next morning, after Qin Jian and An Hao got up and washed, they were ready to leave. An Hao said her reluctant goodbyes to her father, An Shuchao, and younger brother, An Ping.
"An Ping. As I’ve always said, when you grow up and dad gets older, you can’t always think about being lazy and playing around. You have to take responsibility for everything at home and take good care of dad!"
"I know, sis. Last time, I got mad at you. Don’t take it to heart, okay! Once my stubborn temper flares up, I’m just like a mule... and then... heh heh, you know what I mean!"
"I know. You should work on that mule-like temper. And no bullying your brother-in-law! Do you think he can’t beat you or handle you? He just doesn’t bother with you, that’s all."
An Ping laughed heartily: "I know. My brother-in-law is the best to me! Don’t worry, I’m his most loyal follower!"
Having said that, An Ping whispered something in Qin Jian’s ear, then left with a mischievous smile.
It was snowing, and the weather was cold. An Shuchao’s legs hurt too much to go see off his daughter and son-in-law, so he had An Ping help carry their things to the village entrance.
From afar, Qin Jian could see the guard standing in the snow waiting for them.
The two of them got into the car and waved goodbye to An Ping. The car set off smoothly towards the city.
In the car, An Hao leaned her head on Qin Jian’s shoulder and asked softly, "What did An Ping say to you? Why were you both laughing so sneakily?"
"Nothing!" Qin Jian refused to tell.
"If you keep this up, I’ll ignore you. And don’t expect to hear anything from me in the future," An Hao threatened him.
Seeing that his little wife was getting anxious, Qin Jian said, smiling, "Don’t be mad, I’ll tell you. An Ping said, after I go back I should work hard! He’s hoping you’ll give him a little nephew this year! He wants to be an uncle!"
"I knew he wouldn’t say anything nice," An Hao murmured.
"Isn’t that a nice thing to say?" Qin Jian teased, nibbling on her ear, "I think he’s right. After the New Year, I’ll be going to the Northwest. Let’s put in a little extra effort during this time to try and get you pregnant with our baby soon."