Zhu Yanyi listened to Xie Xinlian’s words, a hint of joy in her eyes. Xie Xinlian had truly transformed. She had gone from being illiterate to using idioms with ease, which showed how hard she had studied on her own.
"I remember, Mama. You don’t need to worry about me," Zhu Yanyi said.
"Parents always worry when their children are away. But it is good that you are safe here," Xie Xinlian said with a relieved smile.
"Mama, please don’t worry. I am doing well here," Zhu Yanyi said. She missed modern communication. In twenty or thirty years, people could just video call each other. No matter the distance, they could see each other. Now, having a phone or pager was already lucky. Most people still used letters and telegrams. "Mama, I will call home every week. Besides, aren’t you coming next year?"
Zhu Shunyao put the packages away and walked over with a smile. "Wife, don’t be sad. Don’t worry about the children. They have grown up and can fly on their own. Besides, Little Yan is in the capital. You don’t need to worry about them."
Zhu Yanyi glanced at Zhu Shunyao. She wanted to tell her that the 'Little Yan' she trusted was actually a wolf. But she decided against it. She didn’t want her father to act like a stubborn child.
Zhu Yanyi nodded with a smile. "Father is right. Brother Yan is here."
"What are you saying about me?" Yan Aohan entered, carrying two roast ducks.
Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow slightly. "One duck is enough for four of us. There are other dishes too. Why did you buy two?"
Yan Aohan smiled. "Of course, to eat. We don’t care about time today. We will eat slowly. Uncle Shunyao and Auntie’s train tickets are for ten o’clock tomorrow morning. I will take you to the station at eight-thirty. On the way, we will stop at Quanjude to pick up two more ducks for the journey. I have already ordered them."
"You child, you worry too much," Xie Xinlian said quickly.
"It is what I should do," Yan Aohan said with a smile. "Uncle Shunyao and Auntie rarely visit. I naturally want to take good care of you." He was trying his best to please his future parents-in-law.
Zhu Shunyao said, "I have given the keys to Ani. Little Yan, remember to take Ani to check on the house regularly. Make sure to air out the small villa. If we are fast, we will arrive in March or April. If slow, maybe after the mustard greens are harvested in May."
"Okay. Uncle Shunyao, don’t worry about things here. I promise everything will be stable and ready for you and Auntie Xianlian," Yan Aohan agreed immediately. "Auntie likes to make clothes. When you arrive, you can decorate a storefront and continue your own business."
"Good, I have that idea too," Xie Xinlian said. Before she could finish, Zhu Shunyao laughed. "When your aunt arrives, she will definitely open a clothing store." Zhu Shunyao patted Yan Aohan’s shoulder with a satisfied look. "I leave the rest to you, Little Yan. I also entrust Ani and her two siblings to your care."
"Uncle Shunyao, rest assured. I will take good care of them," Yan Aohan said gently. Only he knew how relieved he felt inside.
Zhu Yanyi rubbed her forehead secretly. She really couldn’t tell Zhu Shunyao that she was creating opportunities for Yan Aohan.