Zhuangzhuang widened his eyes, “Wow, will Auntie Three make Uncle Three stand in punishment? Like if Uncle Three does something wrong, will she make him stand against the wall? I saw Auntie Three punish her students like that at school. My classmates said she’s got a good temper, never hits anyone, just makes them stand as punishment. Other teachers in other classes hit students instead. I got 82 in math this time, and the teacher hit my palm 17 times. The teacher said, if you don’t score 100, every point less means a hit on the hand. Just look at my hand, it’s still swollen.”
Qin Jianye grabbed his little hand and examined it carefully, “Looks okay to me, your two hands don’t look any different. Your hands are naturally chubby.”
“Really?” Zhuangzhuang seemed unconvinced, examining his hand closely, “I still feel the pain, it hurts when I touch it.”
Ningning timidly spoke up, “If it’s one hit for every point less, why did you get hit 17 times? 82+17=99, there should be one more hit missing.”
Zhuangzhuang lifted his head abruptly, eyes wide in disbelief, “The teacher miscalculated, right, it should’ve been 18 times. But I clearly remember she hit me 17 times. Teachers can make mistakes too. What should I do? Should I remind the teacher when school starts?”
Ningning nodded seriously, “You should remind her, a teacher shouldn’t miscalculate. What if she teaches all the students that 82+17=99?”
Qin Jianye thought for a moment and said, “Maybe don’t tell her. If you really tell the teacher, won’t she just hit you one more time? Do you really want to make it 100?”
Zhuangzhuang shook his head vigorously, his little head shaking like a rattle, “I don’t want any more hits, but I also don’t want the teacher to teach the students wrong. What should I do?”
The little guy was so anxious that he scratched his head, which made Lin Chuxia laugh out loud.
These little kids are really amusing when they’re together.
Niuniu couldn’t understand what they were talking about, so she stood by, blinking her big eyes. She nodded after each spoke, as if agreeing with everyone, though she hadn’t said a word, she still seemed part of the conversation.
She was so sweet that Lin Chuxia’s heart melted.
She quickly took out her little snacks: calcium milk biscuits, White Rabbit candies, chocolate cookies, peach shortbread, cakes, and invited the kids over to eat, specially giving Niuniu a handful of White Rabbit candies.
Niuniu’s cheeks were stuffed with biscuits, yet she didn’t forget to mumble, “Thank you, Auntie!”
…………
The next morning, after breakfast, Qin Yang drove the jeep to the city.
He returned before noon.
Qin Jianye was the first to get off, having dressed up specially for the New Year’s visit to the village.
He wore a navy long cotton coat, black pants, and shiny leather boots.
Standing at almost six feet tall, slim and lanky, he cut quite a striking figure.
He greeted Mr. Qin and Mrs. Qin, and then turned to help Old Sir He out of the car.
At the same time, the passenger seat door opened.
Jia Liang, wearing a black cotton hat, long black cotton coat, black trousers, and black shoes, with only a gray scarf breaking the all-black, stepped out.
Lin Chuxia pursed her lips; add a pair of black sunglasses to him, and people might avoid him on the street.
She glanced at Mrs. Qin, who indeed appeared a bit uncomfortable, while Mr. Qin seemed cheerfully unfazed.
Qin Juan and Qin Yang also got out of the car.
Jia Liang waited for Qin Juan a step behind, carrying big bags and small, approached respectfully, nearly bowing ninety degrees.
“Dad, Mom, Happy New Year!”
His booming voice startled not only Lin Chuxia but also Zhang Guilan nearby.
Mr. and Mrs. Qin were left speechless.
Though they knew he was here to propose, they hadn’t agreed yet, so how could he already call them mom and dad?
Qin Juan blushed bright red, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.
Qin Han kicked Jia Liang instantly, “You punk, how long have you been hiding this intent? This ’mom and dad’ of yours is smoother than my 30-plus years of saying it.”
Jia Liang finally realized he had blurted out his heart’s desires accidentally.
No wonder the two elders looked shocked, and everyone else seemed scared.
His face flushed red, stammering, “No, I didn’t mean that, Uncle, Aunt, let me explain…”
Qin Han put an arm around his shoulder, “Explain what? Regretting calling them mom and dad? If you really do regret it, you don’t need to explain. The door is behind you, feel free to leave.”
Despite his age, Jia Liang had thick skin, and Old Mrs. Jia often nagged him about marrying, telling him to be shameless in pursuit of a wife.
After his brief panic, he collected himself and smiled sheepishly, “No way, I’ve been wanting to call them that, just worried they won’t respond.”
Turning around, he solemnly addressed Mr. and Mrs. Qin, “Uncle, Aunt, I’m here today to propose. I know I’m not much, not worthy of Juanzi. I’m not good with words either, can’t speak pretty words, but from the moment I saw her, there’s been a feeling taking root and sprouting in my heart. I want to protect her, care for her, and support each other through life. When she’s cold, I’ll build a wall for her; when she’s hungry, I’ll bring her a bowl of porridge. When she’s happy, I want to watch her smile, and when she’s sad, I’ll quietly stay by her side. I…I want to make a home with her. Uncle, Aunt, please grant us this!”
After finishing, he bowed deeply once more.
Qin Juan had already teared up by now.
Zhang Guilan and Lin Chuxia also looked on with pleased faces.
Qin Han patted his shoulder, “And you say you’re not good with words? You’ve been learning these fancy lines in the city, sounding like your lips are coated in honey.”
Mr. Qin stepped forward to help him up, eyeing the young man in front of him with satisfaction, “It’s cold outside, let’s go talk inside. I heard you have an elderly mother at home. You came alone, what about her? Next time, bring her along. It’s much livelier with everyone together.”
Jia Liang understood immediately.
He nodded firmly, “Got it, Dad.”
Qin Han already took over the gifts he held. Jia Liang followed the couple inside, attentively helping Mrs. Qin on the steps, “Ma, watch your step, I’ll help you.”
Mrs. Qin felt a bit out of place.
Zhang Guilan and Lin Chuxia kept exchanging knowing looks at Qin Juan, making her blush deeply.
“Oh, I just got back from the market, from a distance, I saw your jeep and guessed everyone was back. Juanzi, it’s been half a year, and you seem to have gained a little weight. Look at this fresh face of yours, not at all like a mom’s, more like a young girl.”