ALL NOVEL
Chapter 36
An MeiYun was too decisive in her actions. Since it involved secret agents, the policy at that time was better to wrongly kill than to let go.
The evidence was immediately found when An Family's home was searched on the scene, and there was simply no room for maneuver.
Old Pei was also depressed for not being much helpful, and he passed away not long after.
As the older generation passed away, the relationship of the younger generation was also precarious, and it was difficult for An Family to survive in such stormy times as they moved step by step towards destruction.
At that time, Pei's young son Pei Jing had actually done a lot, but he was in the army when An Family got into trouble. By the time he came back, things had become fait accompli.
Although An Family's case was later redressed, with some family members dead and some fled, the only one alive, An Zhiang, was also imprisoned for hooliganism.
The compensation after An Family's redress, however, all fell into An MeiYun's hands, adding bricks and tiles to the splendor of her life journey.
"This kid is really sensible, he actually bears no grudge against me for beating him in the past." Old Pei praised An Zhiang with a smile, and then chatted with the old master about An Zhiang's childhood anecdotes.
"Grandpa, where is my grandma? Didn't you two always look forward to me coming to live here? I specially brought clothes, planning to stay with you for a few days. Don't dislike me, okay?" ZhiXia raised the package in her hand, and said some coy words.
Of course the old master would not dislike her. "You are always welcome here. The room has been tidied up for you, just waiting for you to come and live. She must be busy making clothes for you in the room now. Go find her inside."
Then the old master called Mrs. Zhou, "Mrs. Zhou, do we have meat at home? Let's make dumplings for lunch, with pork and spring onion stuffing, and prepare two side dishes to go with the wine. Ask Old Pei to stay and have a few drinks with me."
"Yes, yes, we do have meat. You asked me to line up early in the morning to buy it." Mrs. Zhou was in her 30s and had been taking care of the old master for over 10 years. Even the man she married was introduced by the old master.
ZhiAng had just arrived with Pei Jing shortly after ZhiXia went inside.
When entering the door, ZhiAng was still asking him, "Young uncle, aren't you going home?"
He was about to answer that he just dropped by to see the old master when he saw his own father accompanying Old An to play chess in the yard. So he changed his words, "My dad is here, so I'm here to see him too."
ZhiAng happened to see Old Pei and his grandfather playing chess, thinking Pei Jing already knew about it.
Hearing the old master asking Mrs. Zhou to make dumplings, he hurried to add, "Mrs. Zhou, make more dumplings. I'm here to freeload a meal too."
"This kid is so greedy, like a little mouse, can't resist anything delicious." Hearing his voice, the old master looked up and complained to Old Pei on purpose. But seeing Pei Jing was also there, he asked "Little Jing is here too. How is your health recovering? Much better?"
"It's much better now. Just some internal injuries left. After recuperating for a while longer I can return to the army." Pei Jing replied while secretly looking around, not seeing the person he was looking for.
"Grandpa is so biased. As soon as he saw young uncle he forgot I exist, right?" ZhiAng deliberately acted like a spoiled child. "By the way grandpa, did ZhiXia come?"
"She did, went inside to find your grandma." The old master looked at him with disdain. "If you want grandpa to not be biased, in the future you should be at least half as decent as your big brother and Pei young uncle. At least don't get into trouble all the time."
ZhiAng dissatisfiedly snorted, "Just you wait and see. Sooner or later I will make you look at me with new eyes, so you won't always think I just fool around."
"This old man looks forward to that..." The old master laughed.
ZhiAng immediately ran into the house, just in time to see the old madam sewing clothes for ZhiXia.
The old madam's sewing skills were quite good in her youth. But now that she was older, she hadn't sewn for many years and was a bit rusty.
Mrs. Zhou was supposed to do the sewing. There was a sewing machine at home and Mrs. Zhou knew how to use it. With the fabrics cut and prepared, two pieces of clothing could be finished in less than an hour.
But the old madam insisted on doing it herself. On top of her poor eyesight, her hands were also not as agile. Mrs. Zhou let her sew one piece herself, and used the sewing machine for the other.
ZhiXia believed what Zhou Nan said, that the old madam wanted to make up for her regrets towards her young aunt through her.
But she didn't mind. The old madam treating her well sincerely was already enough.
Zhou Nan had just thought of making two thick clothes for her, yet the old madam was already one step ahead, having started working on them.
Feeling someone caring about her so much warmed ZhiXia's heart, but also made her somewhat sour. ZhiAng shouted ZhiXia's name before even entering the room, earning disdain from the old madam for his rashness.
ZhiAng was unhappy, saying he was disliked wherever he went, making the old madam laugh.
In fact, seeing ZhiXia's calm expression, showing no sign of anger, ZhiAng finally felt relieved.
He had chased here all the way from home. On the surface he looked carefree and artless, but was actually quite worried.
As long as little sister is not angry, everything will be fine.
Knowing they were having dumplings for lunch, ZhiXia took the initiative to offer help with the wrapping.
Otherwise Mrs. Zhou would be busy until who knows when by herself?
She didn't expect Pei Jing to come along as well, so was startled when she went out to the yard. She quickly hid in the kitchen, hoping the people outside would leave soon.
She didn't know who he was or his relation with the family. But since he was here, it meant he was an acquaintance.
But it was almost meal time, surely he wouldn't stay for lunch?
Unfortunately, ZhiXia guessed right again. Pei Jing did intend to stay.
ZhiAng also followed her into the kitchen, anxiously asking "Little sister, mom was indiscreet today. Don't be mad at her, okay? Don't get so angry that it hurts yourself."
"I'm not angry." At the moment, ZhiXia's mind was preoccupied with Pei Jing outside. She basically ignored what ZhiAng was saying, simply agreeing "By the way, fourth brother, who is that person who came with you? He looks rather fierce. Is he staying for lunch too?"
She had seen him sitting on a stool next to the old master, watching their game of chess. It looked like he had no intention of leaving anytime soon.
"You mean him? That's Pei Jing, Old Pei's youngest son. We have to call him young uncle." ZhiAng was quite happy to hear her say Pei Jing looked fierce.
Since young, Pei Jing had been the leader of their neighborhood kids, and the model child praised by the parents, good-looking, good at studying, and exceptionally capable at fighting.
In comparison, ZhiAng was the counter-example.
What he heard most often growing up was An JingZhi saying, "Can you make something of yourself? You don't have to be as outstanding as your big brother and Pei young uncle, at least don't get into trouble all the time."
ZhiAng's feelings towards Pei Jing were admiration mixed with some resentment. But due to Pei Jing's seniority, whenever they met he still had to greet him cheerfully, or else he would be lectured by both families' parents.