Chapter 24: Fatherly Love as Vast as the Sky
Zhu Yanyi knew better than anyone that when certain state-owned units were sold off to private ownership due to poor management, Zhu Shunyao had been a formal employee of the local supply and marketing cooperative. This position allowed her to receive inside information ahead of others. She had pooled together funds to auction off a commercial shop. In later years, that shop would be worth a million yuan, but at the time of the auction, it had cost her only sixty thousand yuan. However, her brother-in-law, who contracted engineering projects, died in a fall from a height after stepping into empty space while working. At the time, she had left behind debts of nearly two million yuan. Zhu Shunyao acted decisively, selling the shop and an apartment valued at six hundred thousand yuan to raise over 1.5 million yuan, helping her sister pay off the majority of the debt. Seeing their family’s earnest efforts to repay, the remaining creditors did not press for immediate payment. Later, her sister drove a taxi, repaying over one hundred thousand yuan annually until all debts were fully cleared.
Therefore, when Zhu Shunyao grew too old to move around, his two daughters were willing to give up their own jobs to stay by his side and care for him. Even so, locals still envied Zhu Shunyao for having such good daughters. After all, as the times changed, the distinction between sons and daughters had largely faded. Aside from physical strength, their social status was practically equal. Two good daughters were far better than four bad sons in other families.
Most importantly, young Zhu Shunyao had keen insight for his era. Whenever it came to benefiting his daughters, he never stinted on money. Similarly, regardless of how many children he had, he liked both boys and girls, though privately, he still hoped for a son, as sons still held the dominant position in society at that time.
“You and A-Lian already have two children. How can you still be unfamiliar with A-Lian’s condition? And A-Lian, haven’t you noticed anything yourself? If you’re really unsure, just go to the hospital for a check-up.” Xie Zhong was speechless, his expression tinged with dissatisfaction. Zhu Shunyao seemed incredibly foolish at this moment. Thinking about it, Xie Zhong felt he had made a bad deal—how had such a foolish man become his son-in-law? Xie Zhong absolutely refused to admit that his own daughter was equally foolish.
“Well, I originally planned to go to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow,” Xie Xinlian said. “Tomorrow is Tuesday, my day off.” The factory where Xie Xinlian worked operated on a rotating shift system. Her turn to rest fell on Tuesdays. This was not comparable to the later double-weekend system, but having one day off per week was still considered a decent welfare benefit.
“Hmm, Shunyao has to work tomorrow, right?” Xie Zhong asked.
“Yes,” Zhu Shunyao nodded. “My day off is usually Sunday.” The unit where Zhu Shunyao worked did not have a rotating schedule; employees generally rested on Sundays.
“Then let your mother accompany you to the hospital tomorrow,” Xie Zhong said to Xie Xinlian.
Xie Xinlian thought for a moment and did not decline. “Alright. I’ll come over early tomorrow morning and go to the hospital with Mother.”
Dinner was eaten at the Xie family home. The Xie family did not have many delicacies, but they did have sesame salt and fried pine nuts. Zhu Yanyi still ate with great relish, her mouth full of flavor. Zhu Yanli also loved these snacks, and the two sisters ate with particular delight. After the meal, Xie Zhong asked Zhu Shunyao and her wife to take Zhu Yanli back home. She had initially considered taking Zhu Yanyi back as well, but then remembered that the couple would have to work and go to the hospital the next day, meaning they would need to bring the child back here anyway. So, she decided against it. Moreover, according to Xie Zhong’s plan, Zhu Yanyi would be taken home on the second and fourth days of the week. Since today was Monday, they simply left Zhu Yanyi at the Xie house.