Chapter 1572

" How is your father?" Xie Zhong had already learned about Zhu Xinfu’s condition when Zhu Shunyao returned previously to attend Zhu Enfu’s funeral.

"He has undergone his first surgery, a bone-setting operation for both legs. It was very successful. He can stand for short periods now. Ani says his recovery is excellent. At this rate, he will be walking again soon. However, since he hasn’t walked properly in over forty years, he needs to relearn how to walk."

Zhu Shunyao never hid anything from Xie Zhong.

Xie Zhong nodded. "Come pick me up tomorrow. I want to see your father."

"Okay." Zhu Shunyao agreed.

After arranging everyone’s accommodations, Zhu Chanyao came out of his temporary resting room to find Zhu Shunyao.

Seeing such a large courtyard house, Zhu Chanyao was startled. While it was nice to stay there, he had come to Beijing to settle down, not as a guest. He knew he couldn’t stay long-term, so he sought out Zhu Shunyao.

"Brother Shunyao, this place isn’t suitable for our family to live in," Zhu Chanyao said seriously.

Zhu Shunyao smiled. "You are only staying here temporarily because you all came together. The house isn’t mine, and I won’t let you stay long-term. I have already found a house for you, provided by my son-in-law. You can rent it first. It’s only one hundred yuan a month. When you are able to, you can buy it. It’s a three-bedroom apartment, enough for your family."

Even if Zhu Chanyao was inexperienced, he knew that renting a house in Beijing for one hundred yuan a month was a huge favor. He wouldn’t be pretentious and refuse, but he felt a bit embarrassed. "Brother Shunyao, is this not too much trouble?"

"It’s fine." Zhu Shunyao pointed to the courtyard. "Both that rented house and this courtyard belong to my second son-in-law. He has nothing else but plenty of houses. Rest well today. If you are free tomorrow, I will take you to see your new house. If you like it, we can move you in the day after tomorrow. How does that sound?"

Zhu Shunyao understood Zhu Chanyao’s feelings well.

"Agreed. Let’s do that," Zhu Chanyao accepted immediately.

"Isn’t it better if you move after I leave?" Zhu Leiyao said speechlessly. "Otherwise, I’ll be the only one from our Zhu family left here. It will be too lonely."

Zhu Chanyao chuckled. "We have to move anyway. It’s a good chance to get familiar with the surroundings in these few days. Besides, I’m still living here before moving. It will take two or three days to clean and organize, even if the new house is good."

Zheng Xiangju and Hu Sen came out after settling in, smiling. "We’ve never been to Beijing before. This trip has opened our eyes. Just seeing this house makes the trip worthwhile. Only people with power and status used to live in places like this."

"Sister-in-law Xiangju, Brother Hu, are your rooms comfortable?" Zhu Shunyao asked with concern.

"Comfortable, very comfortable." Before Zheng Xiangju could answer, Hu Yuanyuan jumped in, her face full of joy. Her brother, Hu Hao, followed behind her. "I heard not just anyone can live in a courtyard house like this."

Zhu Shunyao laughed. "I’m glad you like it. Rest well today. Tomorrow, I’ll take you out for a stroll."

"Okay." Everyone nodded seriously.

Xie Zhong and Qi Qiaoer had arrived, along with Cheng Baokun, Chen Ailian, and Cheng Chen. The Hu family came as a group of four. Aunt Qiao came alone, as did Zhu Leiyao. Although there were many people, the courtyard was large enough that it didn’t feel crowded.

Originally, Zhu Yanyi had planned for Xie Zhong and Qi Qiaoer to stay with her. However, since Cheng Baokun’s family also arrived, the small courtyard didn’t have enough rooms, so they were arranged here.

With Cheng Baokun’s family present, Zhu Yanyi didn’t worry about Xie Zhong and the elders lacking care when she was away.

Knowing everyone had arrived, Zhu Yanyi specifically made time to come over after work with Yan Aohan.

Mainly, they came to arrange dinner. Everyone in the family was busy. Zhu Zhibin had returned that night but was called back temporarily; after the banquet, he would be sent back to the military camp. Zhu Yanli was confined to her room for postpartum recovery. Taishu Yuanxiang was arranging various banquet details. Xie Xinlian was caring for Zhu Xinfu, his wife, and Zhu Yanli. Although Zhu Shunyao had squeezed out time, he couldn’t host everyone alone, so Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan came to help.

There were many hotels nearby. Yan Aohan had already booked two round tables for dinner. As long as everyone was in Beijing, they could eat there every day. The restaurant owner was a relative of one of Yan Aohan’s subordinates, so they could put the bill on account. Yan Aohan would settle the payment uniformly after everyone left.

At dinner, only Zhu Yanyi, Yan Aohan, and Zhu Shunyao accompanied them. Xie Xinlian was caring for Zhu Yanli, and Zhu Zhibin was delivering meals to Huang Meiying and Zhu Xinfu, so they couldn’t attend.

"Ani, I didn’t know you were so amazing," Hu Yuanyuan said, looking at Zhu Yanyi. She knew of Zhu Yanyi’s reputation. News, newspapers, and spirit projection often featured her, especially her two public announcements. Hu Yuanyuan never imagined that the little girl who had read comic books with her over ten years ago was now so accomplished. Her world was beyond the understanding of ordinary people like her.

Zhu Yanyi smiled slightly. "It’s okay. I just didn’t want to waste my life. Enjoy your time in Beijing."

"Since we’re here, we will definitely have fun," Hu Yuanyuan nodded seriously. "I even plan to climb the Great Wall with my brother."

Yan Aohan said, "Tomorrow, I will have Zhang Haifeng take you around. You are already familiar with him. Don’t worry; he will prepare all transportation and arrangements for you."

"Will this trouble him?" Aunt Qiao asked.

Yan Aohan shook his head slightly. "He is quite free these next few days. Don’t worry." He added, "The most important thing is that everyone has fun. For dinner tonight, come here. We have already booked it. Just order whatever you want to eat and drink. We will handle the bill."

"Then we won’t be polite," Zhu Leiyao said.

Zhu Leiyao knew that Zhu Shunyao’s two sons-in-law were not ordinary people, which is why he spoke this way.

"Of course, don’t be polite. Consider it an apology from Ani and me. Ani has two patients undergoing surgery these days, and I have some matters to attend to, so I cannot come every day. Please forgive us," Yan Aohan apologized with a smile.