Chapter 640: 640: These People

Qiao Changshun’s words resonated with Qiao Xiaomai’s thoughts. She nodded, the sarcasm finally fading from her small face. “Mom, now that you’re feeling better, you should prepare a small feast tonight and invite grandfather to tell him you’re back,” she said.

Zhuang Luhe “…”

She looked up at Qiao Xiaomai, stunned.

Qiao Xiaomai cast a sidelong glance at her, “What? Planning to hide at home forever?”

These past few days, Zhuang Luhe had been bedridden. She managed to get up only yesterday. Upon hearing the news, Qiao Qinghe, Zhu Cuiying, and Wu Yinfeng, and even neighbour Aunt Chen and people who had good relations with her came to visit.

At that time, Zhuang Luhe was unconscious, so the onus of attending to them fell on Qiao Xiaomai and Qiao Changshun.

Judging by this trend, no one in the village should be gossiping.

With this in mind, Qiao Changshun also persuaded, “Luhe, they’re all family. Invite them over.”

Hearing this, Zhuang Luhe bit her lip and hesitantly nodded.

A smile spread across Qiao Changshun’s face. “I haven’t had your cooking in quite a while. I’ll be your sous-chef tonight.”

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Luhe struggled to muster up a smile.

The thought of facing outsiders filled her with fear and embarrassment.

Qiao Xiaomai noticed her expressions and couldn’t help but purse her lips in disapproval.

Qiao Changshun and Zhuang Luhe, these two were a match made in heaven, just like two naive steamed buns. If she had to be the antagonist, Sun Family, she would also choose to take advantage of these two.

Qiao Changshun had not fully recovered yet, and now Zhuang Luhe was also like this. It was enough to infuriate her.

Tong Sanlang had been watching her the whole time. Seeing that she had finished her prawns, he quickly asked, “Would you like more? I could help peel them.”

“No need.” Qiao Xiaomai gave him a stare. “Eat quickly. We have to study after.”

Tong Sanlang quickly nodded his head. “Okay.”

And so, silence fell upon the dining table.

After lunch, while Tong Sanlang went back to their old courtyard to study, Zhuang Luhe, Qiao Changshun, and Qiao Dami went back to their rooms to nap.

As for Qiao Xiaomai, she went to Qiao Family’s old courtyard to discuss with Qiao Qinghe about dinner.

Now, only Qiao Qinghe was left in the old Qiao Family courtyard. Qiao Changfu’s family had moved to their new house while Qiao Meipan had been taken away by Sun Junyan to care for the Sun Family.

After hearing Qiao Xiaomai’s words, Qiao Qinghe responded, “Alright. I’ll come over once I finish work in the fields.”

He was pleased that Zhuang Luhe was back. As long as she had returned, that was all that mattered.

Looking at his elderly face, Qiao Xiaomai said, “Grandfather, it’s too hard for you to take care of these dozens of acres of land by yourself. I’ll hire someone to help tomorrow.”

“No need, no need.” Qiao Qinghe quickly waved his hands in dismissal.

“Mom’s back now. You don’t need to push yourself so hard, grandfather.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Qinghe paused, then gave a bitter smile. “This is my way of finding peace.”

“If you act like this, my parents and I will feel guilty.”

Always, people choose to punish themselves after making mistakes.

The guilt could be overwhelming.

But what was the use of feeling guilty?

The mistake had already been made. This kind of self-punishment… didn’t make her happy at all.

Qiao Qinghe was not the Sun family; seeing him work hard day after day didn’t make her feel the slightest vindictive satisfaction.

“Grandfather, it’s settled then. Tomorrow, I’ll hire someone to help you. You don’t need to refuse, or else I’ll have my father help you. If you can bear seeing him limp around while working for you, then go ahead and keep refusing.”

Qiao Qinghe “…”

He helplessly rubbed his face. He truly felt guilty, as if he had let down his second son’s family.

“I’ll consider that as a yes. Come for dinner tonight. I have to go back now as I have matters to attend to.” Seeing that Qiao Qinghe had not refused, Qiao Xiaomai excused herself.

These people around her… sigh.