CHAPTER 449: CHAPTER 449: THE HOUSE COLLAPSED

"Mama, look, the doll..." Zhao Xiaoqi, still young, absolutely adored the cute doll. Her dark, thin face beamed with its first smile as she proudly showed off the doll to her mother, Wei Dafang. The way she hugged the doll and tilted her little head back gave Xu Xiuxiu, who had given the gift, a great sense of accomplishment.

After all, giving someone a gift that moves them is indeed a rare achievement.

"Yes, the doll is beautiful," Wei Dafang nodded and patted her daughter’s head. "Your Aunt Xu gave you a gift, shouldn’t you say thank you to her?" Despite being from a rural area, Wei Dafang was not like those old-fashioned rural women who shamelessly take things without expressing gratitude. To maintain good relationships between co-sisters-in-law, they don’t need to be close, but politeness is essential.

"Thank you, Aunt Xu," Zhao Xiaoqi fully understood what her mother meant and immediately turned to thank Xu Xiuxiu.

"Thank you, Aunt Xu," Song Tianxin also held the doll. Although her expression of liking was not as obvious as Zhao Xiaoqi’s, her gentle, grateful eyes revealed that she too cherished the doll. She was glad her efforts in choosing the gift had not been forgotten.

"You’re welcome, as long as you like it."

A small gift suddenly made the atmosphere much more harmonious. Xu Xiuxiu and Mrs. Song sat in the main hall and chatted, sharing some of the specialty products and foods she had brought back from the Imperial City. Mrs. Song was all smiles as she conversed with Xu Xiuxiu. Meanwhile, Wei Dafang returned to the kitchen to continue preparing dinner, and soon it got dark, with Song Yuantao and his brother Song Yuanming returning just in time for dinner.

When Xu Xiuxiu arrived at the house earlier, she didn’t see the Song brothers and had inquired about their whereabouts from Mrs. Song. It was then she learned from Mrs. Song that this year’s winter had been particularly harsh. The heavy snow earlier this winter posed no problem at the time, but the weight had possibly contributed to a house collapse in the village just yesterday.

"A collapse?" A house just collapsed out of nowhere? Such bad luck right before New Year’s!

"Yes! It was Old Lady Feng’s house—the one whose son got involved with Jingjing and is now in prison!" Mrs. Song spoke in a hushed voice, casting a glance at Father Song who occasionally puffed on his big cigarette: "As an elderly lady, it’s really pitiful to see her suffer like that. With the New Year approaching and it being midwinter, the villagers have decided to rally people with manpower to help by building a temporary shack for her to survive the winter, otherwise, she could actually freeze to death." Mrs. Song lamented the situation, feeling sorry that such an event had occurred so close to year’s end. It seemed like bad karma for their misdeeds, otherwise, why couldn’t they have a peaceful New Year?

At first, Xu Xiuxiu could hardly remember who Mrs. Song was referring to as Old Lady Feng. After thinking for a moment, she vaguely remembered—wasn’t she Song Scumbag’s mother? Her house collapsed? Thinking about it, Xu Xiuxiu felt speechless but also sensed a feeling of belated karma.

But the issue with Jingjing had been resolved years ago, and she was living well now. Although Xu Xiuxiu occasionally thought of these people, she didn’t plan to dwell on it. During the New Year, it was enough for her own family to be happy and joyful.

Wei Dafang, the new sister-in-law, had impressive cooking skills. The dishes she prepared for the dinner table were a feast for the senses. Once everything was served, the family gathered happily around the table to start their evening meal.

Xu Xiuxiu, despite feeling under the weather due to a cold, made an effort to keep up. After all, it was her first day back home and such gatherings for a family meal were rare. She didn’t want to dampen the spirits.

"Our family hasn’t been this lively in a long time," Mrs. Song said cheerfully, her words carrying the exciting atmosphere, "If only Yuanyao wasn’t so far along in her pregnancy, we could have filled an entire table!"

"Grandma, Little Baby wants some meat," as soon as Mrs. Song finished speaking, Little Baby, sitting beside her, cooed sweetly.

"Alright! Grandma will get you some meat," Mrs. Song immediately nodded and picked up the chopsticks to serve Little Baby some meat. To be fair, she quickly served meat to the other children as well, including the timid Zhao Ziqi.

"Thank you, Grandma," the children thanked Mrs. Song in a lively chorus, all smiles, which delighted her immensely.

Song Yuantao, seeing the children getting along harmoniously and having a woman taking good care of him, was in high spirits. He lifted his glass along with Father Song and his two brothers for a little drink. Song Yuanming, now a university student, didn’t have any restrictions at home about drinking. The four men enjoyed their drinks immensely.

"Come, second brother, younger brother, it’s been a while since we brothers drank together. Let’s drink a bit more," Song Yuantao was in high spirits, continuously offering wine to Song Yuanhuan and Song Yuanming.

"Alright!" Song Yuanhuan didn’t refuse. Since he had brought back many seafood delicacies from Imperial City, and the table was abundant with crabs, a little drink seemed perfect for the occasion. Song Yuanming, having previously dined with clients under Xu Xiuxiu’s guidance, knew that drinking was inevitable at such meals and had started to drink more freely. He could now easily keep up with Brother Song.

Song Yuanhuan and Song Yuanming both wore expressions of gallant comradeship, which pleased Song Yuantao, who happily poured more drinks.

"Last time Niuniu went to Z City, she caused some trouble for my brothers and sisters-in-law," Song Yuantao suddenly brought up the past incident while drinking. "Here, I want to express my gratitude. Second brother, younger brother, I know you are capable, and I remember your kindness. It almost went wrong for Yuanyao, ah! I’ll definitely treat Yuanyao much better in the future. I won’t hesitate to help whenever needed."

Although Song Tianxin’s trip to Z City seemed like a minor issue, Song Yuantao often thought about it and felt fortunate to have his siblings there. Otherwise, if it had been only him, who knows how things might have turned out. That’s why he brought it up again at the dinner table.

"Helping each other among siblings is natural, it was just a small matter. Brother, you shouldn’t worry about it," Song Yuanhuan replied, lifting his glass, clearly not intending to dwell on the matter further, also easing Song Yuantao’s burden, fearing he might worry too much and feel distressed.