"Fortunately, the children at home are a bit older now. Leaving them with my father-in-law for a day or two is manageable."
Li Zhuzi had thought it through. Although his father-in-law's eyesight wasn't good, as long as the food was prepared, he could manage to feed the two children.
"That sounds fine. I'll get everything ready here and give it to your sister-in-law when she arrives," said Qi Liangying.
Since they couldn't keep it at their place for long, the time needed to be as short as possible.
But Li Zhuzi said, "Second sister-in-law, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to teach her as well."
Li Zhuzi felt a bit embarrassed saying this.
But learning was essential. He had been watching these past few days, and it was important to learn both the weighing of ingredients for braised meat, eggs, and vegetables, as well as the business aspect.
His wife had always been a farmer and had no experience with these things.
"Sure, what's the big deal? When sister-in-law comes, I'll have someone to help me!"
After all, Li Zhuzi's shop was in the county town, so it wouldn't compete with her business. Qi Liangying was quite generous about it.
"Then I'll trouble you, second sister-in-law," Li Zhuzi said, expressing his gratitude.
He would be doing business outside and couldn't attend to matters at home.
Since the shop was already tidied up, they couldn't afford to delay.
He could only let his wife bear more of the burden.
Su Xiaotian nodded, "Fourth Uncle, your considerations are very thoughtful!"
"Fourth Uncle, for this trip, we'll first go to Rongcheng to get the goods. You can observe what kind of goods sell well, and then we'll go to Huaicheng to sell them. One trip will be about right," said Su Shouwen.
"Shouwen and the others are going back to the capital to study. I don't have to. Will I run the business with Fourth Uncle from now on?" Li Mumu said opportunely.
He had been worried about how he would manage the business alone if Su Shouwen and the others went to school. He hadn't expected an opportunity to present itself so conveniently.
"That would be wonderful!" Li Zhuzi didn't object either. The two of them hit it off immediately.
Yang Shulin stood by, contemplating his own path. Would it be good to join them in the business?
But his family's wishes were for him to find a proper job and settle down.
However, due to his lack of education and his age, finding a job wasn't easy.
He had originally thought that the money he earned this time could be used for some "greasing the wheels," and perhaps he could find a stable job.
But now, seeing Li Mumu and Li Zhuzi, he was tempted.
This business was truly fast-making money. Even a stable job, with bonuses, would only bring in seventy to eighty yuan a month at most.
After leaving a batch of seasoning packets, Su Xiaotian boarded the southbound train with Su Shouwen and the others.
Their train was in the evening, and Qi Liangying even closed her shop early to see them off.
At the train station, they exchanged many reluctant words before parting.
Su Lao Er found it all too drawn out and complained, "What are you all doing? You'll see each other again in at most half a year."
Su Lao Er's words earned him a big glare from Qi Liangying.
Only when the train was out of sight did Su Lao Er and his wife return to their shop.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Grandma Su sighed every day, missing her dear granddaughter.
Su Xiao Liu and the others' ears were practically ringing from her constant lamentations.
"Grandma, why does it feel like only Xiao Tian is your granddaughter, and we're all adopted?" Su Xiao Qi couldn't help but ask.
Grandma Su glared at Su Xiao Qi and scolded, "How can you speak like that? Your sister has been gone for so long, and instead of missing her, you say things like this!"
As she spoke, Grandma Su grew increasingly angry, almost picking up a rolling pin to hit Su Xiao Qi.
What a jinxed child! How could he speak like that?
He wasn't likable at all. If her darling treasure were here, she certainly wouldn't speak this way.
"Grandma, no, no, I just saw you were in a bad mood and wanted to cheer you up?" Su Xiao Qi said, showing extreme survival instinct.
His grandma hitting her granddaughter was probably just for show, but if she hit her grandson, it would be for real.
Su Xiao Liu rolled his eyes speechlessly at Su Xiao Qi, who was practically begging to be beaten. He deserved it!
He was so stupid. Why pick a fight over anything but to challenge Xiao Tian's position in their grandma's heart?
Su Xiao Ba and Su Xiao Jiu also looked speechlessly at their seventh brother, who was clearly asking for trouble.
"Seventh Brother, some things, you need to learn to face!" Su Xiao Jiu said earnestly.
Hearing Su Xiao Jiu's words, Grandma Su couldn't help but chuckle.
These rascal boys weren't so bad after all!
"What do you all want to eat? I'll cook for you!" After scolding, Grandma Su, still a loving grandmother, immediately offered to cook for her grandsons.
"Grandma, can you make braised pork ribs?" Su Xiao Qi asked tentatively.
He didn't have much hope, as his grandma was a bit stingy.
Perhaps his grandma would say, "My darling treasure isn't here, why eat ribs!"
But to his surprise, Grandma Su readily agreed, "Then let's have braised pork ribs! I'll make a big pot of white rice for you."
After saying that, Grandma Su hurried to the kitchen to cook.
The boys, seeing Grandma Su like this, were momentarily stunned.
"Actually, I think Grandma isn't *that* biased!" Su Xiao Qi suddenly added.
"What are you rascals talking about?"
Just then, Director Li from the Education Bureau entered.
"Director Li, you're here?" Grandpa Su stepped forward to greet the guest. "Are we having a banquet today, or is it a family meal?"
"Old man, I'm not here to eat today. I'm here to deliver good news!"
Director Li's face was beaming, and he looked at Grandpa Su with the warmth one would show a long-lost relative.
Grandpa Su was momentarily confused. What good news could their family have?
But at this moment, Su Xiao Liu and Su Xiao Qi both realized.
The only good news that would warrant a visit from the Education Bureau was likely their participation in the college entrance examination.
The two immediately composed themselves, not daring to say a word, quietly waiting for Director Li to speak.
"What good news?" Grandpa Su asked, still not understanding.
"Old man, it's that your two grandsons' college entrance examination results are out, and their admission notices have arrived."
Director Li had expected Grandpa Su to be overjoyed. To his surprise, Grandpa Su appeared rather indifferent.
"How did it go? Did they disgrace us?"
This reaction was a bit off!
Director Li was momentarily bewildered. He had been in the Education Bureau for many years, had delivered good news before, and had seen many people weep with joy at work.
But this was the first time he had seen someone like Grandpa Su.
"Old man, aren't you curious about how your two boys performed?"
Director Li asked tentatively.
"How else could it be? Probably just so-so. As long as they didn't shame us!" Grandpa Su said casually while pouring water for Director Li.
Listening to their conversation, Su Xiao Liu and Su Xiao Qi grew anxious!