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After finishing a series of tasks, more than a week had passed. During this time, Hu Ruoyun, who was "coordinating work" in Annan, had been staying at the county hotel. Occasionally, she would rush home with Mao Weiguo, but it was always a quick in-and-out affair, leaving no time for meals together or any intimate moments with Mao Na.
This situation left Comrade Mao Na quite dissatisfied, and she often showed her displeasure in front of Mao Weiguo. Recently, he had been preoccupied with this issue and hardly paid attention to her feelings. Now that things had finally reached a satisfactory conclusion, he felt a sense of relief.
Mao Weiguo arranged for Zhang Qiang to cancel the hotel room booked for Hu Ruoyun and instructed driver Xiao Wang to pick her up and take her home.
That evening, the family sat around the dining table. The dishes were almost ready, but they hadn’t started eating yet. Frustrated, Mao Na protested, “We’re starving here! Why aren’t we eating yet?”
Mao Weiguo moved aside the Jiangbei Science and Technology News that featured news about Annan County and replied leisurely, “What’s the rush? Two guests haven’t arrived yet!”
Mao Na retorted, “If you’re hosting guests, can’t you do it somewhere else? What’s with having it at home?”
Mao Weiguo remained unbothered. “Today’s guests are special; it’s more appropriate to have them here…”
Zhang Xiuzhen brought in the last dish and said, “They should be arriving soon. Mao Na, why don’t you go downstairs to greet them?”
Mao Na was even more annoyed. “What is this? Why should I go greet them?”
Just then, someone knocked on the door. Seeing that Mao Na didn’t move, Mao Jie ran over to open it.
At the door were Zhang Qiang and Hu Ruoyun.
Mao Jie gestured for them to come in and called back to Mao Na, “Sister, look who’s here!”
Only then did Mao Na turn around; her face flushed red as she realized her parents were teasing her.
After seating the two guests, Mao Weiguo said seriously, “Zhang Qiang and Xiao Hu have been busy these past few days. Zhang Qiang can rest at home tomorrow and spend some time with Ouyang Xiaxue and the kids. Xiao Hu will stay over tonight, and tomorrow Xiao Wang will drive you to Laogu… Xiao Na, do you want to go along?”
Mao Na picked up her bowl angrily and stormed off to her room. “You’re just messing with me! I’m not eating with you!”
At everyone’s urging, Hu Ruoyun followed her inside. Soon after, they both returned to the dining table to eat.
The next morning, driver Xiao Wang arrived early at their courtyard. Mao Jie helped Hu Ruoyun and Mao Na carry down the bags prepared by Zhang Xiuzhen.
Having a car made things much easier; they set off at eight o’clock and reached Hu Family Village before nine. Driver Xiao Wang helped them unload their things from the trunk before leaving in case County Chief Mao needed the vehicle.
A group of neighbors chatting at the alley greeted the two women playfully. Aunt Kui remarked, “Oh look, isn’t that Sister-in-law Ruo Yun? Here to visit your mother-in-law again…” Sister Jie let go of the child she was holding and said, “Go ask Aunt Hua for some candy…”
Hu Ruoyun took out cigarettes from the pack that Mao Jie had given him for Second Master Kuei, Woodzi, Brother Jie… The men dispersed while Mao Na handed out a large bag of candy to women and children.
In the mill nearby, Second Uncle and Second Aunt peeked out from a cloud of flour dust to say hello while the grinding machines roared inside, making it hard to hear anything else.
The house was empty; her parents were likely busy at the feedlot in Southern Region. Xiao Feng and Xiao Hu must have gone to school (rural children didn’t have summer vacation back then). Just as they were about to put down their things and head to Southern Region for a visit, Brother Jie rushed in from outside calling for Hu Ruoyun: “Hurry! Someone is looking for you!”
When they stepped outside, they saw a brand-new Santana parked at the alley entrance with Chai Hongmin waiting there with a smile.
Hu Ruoyun invited him to sit at home, but he waved his hand and said, "Let's go to the Village. Township Head Feng asked Secretary Zhang and learned that you are back, so he is waiting for you in the Village!"
Without further ado, he ushered the two into the car. In less than three minutes, they arrived at the Town Government compound. Upon getting out of the car, they saw not only Township Head Feng but also Gao Hongshan from Niu Huahua was there.
After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, they all entered Township Head Feng's office, where Chai Hongmin poured tea for everyone.
Gao Hongshan said, "Brother Xiao Hu, today at our restaurant in the venue, I’ll make some arrangements... You don't need to refuse. No need to say thank you, but you should show a little appreciation..."
Niu Huahua's headquarters fully acknowledged and highly praised Gao Hongshan's crisis management efforts!
Township Head Feng smiled and added, "I have nothing to do today; I'm just here at General Gao's invitation to accompany the guests..."
After finishing a cup of tea, everyone hopped into Township Head Feng's Santana and Gao Hongshan's Santana and quickly drove into the office area of Niu Huahua’s venue.
In the small restaurant, more than a dozen dishes were served on the table, and the food was even more exquisite than what was prepared in the Town's restaurants.
After finishing the meal, as they were about to leave, Gao Hongshan had someone carry over two pieces of Xifeng beef and a fresh large beef joint. "Brother Xiao Hu, you don’t need to refuse. Given how much you've helped Niu Huahua, any form of gratitude is justified..."
After sending them home, Hu Qihua and Zhao Meirong were already waiting. As for the wine, that went without saying; however, seeing the hefty large beef joint weighing around fifty kilograms made them worry. "It's so big; how can we possibly finish it?"
They called over Second Uncle and found a big knife to cut it into several portions. Second Uncle took one piece, Uncle Shuang Yun took another piece, and then Hu Ruoyun’s uncle took two pieces.
While the men divided the meat, Zhao Meirong pulled Mao Na aside and said with concern, "Na, have you lost weight...?"
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