FID – Chapter 663

Chapter 663: Spending Big Brother’s Money

“Brother Zhiqiu, Sister-in-law gave birth. What kind of gift should we give?”

Since hearing the news from someone in the prefectural city, Liu Muqiu had been troubled by this question.

When she was with the Li family, she had given gifts before, but those were just for formalities.

Now, since it’s family, they should be more thoughtful and give something meaningful.

The problem was, her pockets were a bit tight.

In contrast to her anxiety, Liu Zhiqiu appeared calm. “Why are you in such a hurry? Tomorrow, when we go to Yunzhou, just buy some pastries along the way. Brother and sister-in-law have everything they need, and besides, whatever needed preparation has already been taken care of by grandpa and grandma. We don’t need to worry about it.”

“Giving a gift is about the thought, it can’t be so casual. What grandpa and grandma prepared is for them, but we should prepare something as well.”

Liu Zhiqiu clicked his tongue, flicked her forehead with his finger, and said, “Look at you, all worried. Fine, I’ve got something ready, and tomorrow, I’ll be sure to bring something that Sister-in-law can actually use!”

“What have you prepared?”

“It’s a secret.”

“……”

Looking up at the sky, it was nearly evening. It was time for dinner. With one hand on the girl’s shoulder, Liu Zhiqiu nudged her out the door. “Forget about that for now, come with me. I’ll take you out for a meal!”

“Are we going to Aunt Guihua’s house or to Dabao’s place tonight?”

“We’ve eaten at both of their places recently. Let’s change it up tonight. Let’s go to Gouwa’s house. His dad hunted a wild rabbit on the mountain today, it’s so fat, the grease is dripping. He stewed it in an oil pot, and the smell… tsk! It’s mouth-watering!”

“We’d better hurry, or it might all be gone by the time we get there.”

“No rush. Their mealtime is still at least a quarter of an hour away. We can take our time.”

After the elders of the Liu family had left, this was how Liu Zhiqiu and Liu Muqiu spent their days.

Eating at everyone’s house.

There was no need to cook at home, saving rice, vegetables, and firewood.

Over the past few days, Liu Muqiu had gone from being reserved to now feeling more at ease and natural.

You see, with enough practice, one’s sense of shame could thicken.

And the neighbors in Xinghua Village were just as hospitable as the elders of the Liu family.

When they arrived at others’ houses, there was no need for politeness. They just picked up bowls and chopsticks and started eating, as if they were at their own home.

After finishing the meal, they would even invite others to come again.

Everyone knew that the elders had gone to the prefectural city, and only the younger generation was left at home. Liu Zhiqiu knew how to make a fire but couldn’t cook. Liu Muqiu had once been someone who never touched anything related to housework, but now she was learning from the old lady. She had only learned a little so far.

Aunt Hong could cook, but her dishes were… not that great.

So, in Liu Zhiqiu’s words, those dishes were best left for Uncle Lan and Elder Jiu, who could handle it by cooking for themselves.

This ‘small kitchen’ was set up in someone else’s kitchen.

After the meal, Liu Zhiqiu pulled Gouwa aside and muttered something to him. After a moment, Gouwa went back inside and brought out a jar, handing it to Liu Zhiqiu.

On the way home, Liu Muqiu was extremely curious about the jar. “Brother Zhiqiu, what’s in this jar?”

“Good stuff, tomorrow’s gift will be this,” the man said with a mysterious smile, slightly lifting the jar lid. A rich, sweet fragrance immediately wafted out.

“Honey!”

“Wild honey. It’s a rare and good item not often seen in the market. It’s got enough quantity, right?”

“Such a good thing, how come Gouwa just gave it to you?”

“I owe him money. This little jar costs ten taels. When my big brother comes back for the New Year, I’ll have him pay me back.”

Liu Muqiu’s mouth twitched. She held back for a while but couldn’t stop herself from bursting into laughter.

His ability to save money was unbelievable.

She wanted to learn.

She needed thick skin to be worthy of Brother Zhiqiu.

The next morning, the two of them got into the carriage and headed straight for Yunzhou.

Back at the Liu family courtyard, only three were left to watch over the house.

Elder Jiu tried to tag along, but Wei Lan settled him with a pot of wine, ensuring he stayed at the main base.

At the Yunzhou government office, carriages were lined up in rows outside, and inside the courtyard, people were coming and going, all from the city’s noble families and wealthy merchants, here to offer congratulations and gifts.

Everyone was looking for opportunities to build relationships with the governor.

Liu Zhiqiu led Liu Muqiu in, without needing any announcement, directly heading to the main hall.

“Brother Zhiqiu, aren’t we going to the main hall?”

“No need to go. At this time, the hall is definitely full of strangers, and at most, only my brother will be there socializing. Grandpa and Grandma are in the main courtyard,” Liu Zhiqiu said.

“You know that?”

“Grandpa and Grandma don’t like socializing. For occasions like this, they usually avoid them if they can. Plus, the first great-grandson has been born, so they’re eager to be nearby watching over him,” Liu Zhiqiu explained, just like when Nannan was born.

“Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle and Aunt like kids?”

Liu Zhiqiu glanced at the girl, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “They do.”

Liu Muqiu felt her face heat up inexplicably and couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze.

A sweet ripple spread through her heart.

As they approached the main courtyard, they hadn’t even entered the living room before hearing cheerful voices inside, with the unmistakable sound of laughter from Grandma and Grandpa.

“Grandpa, Grandma, we’re here,” Liu Zhiqiu called out before entering.

As soon as Liu Zhiqiu’s voice was heard, Liu Yusheng couldn’t help but laugh. “I told you, Second Brother would definitely come.”

“He just loves to join the fun,” Du Juan scolded, then raised her voice toward the doorway. “If you’re empty-handed, don’t come in, just turn around and go back.”

“Tsk, do you think my little nephew could come empty-handed? Look at what you’ve said!” Liu Zhiqiu immediately revealed the jar of honey.

Liu Muqiu, following behind him, discreetly shielded her face with her hand, not daring to meet the family’s gaze.

She couldn’t help feeling a little nervous.

This jar of honey was bought with big brother’s money.

Liu Yusheng took the jar, opened it, and sniffed. “Wild honey, this is nice. Where did you get it?”

“Don’t you know your second brother’s abilities? There’s nothing I can’t get, only things you can’t think of,” Liu Zhiqiu grinned, looking around. “Where’s my little nephew?”

“In the house, he’s nursing right now. I’ll bring him out to play later.” When talking about the great-grandson, Grandma Liu couldn’t help but smile broadly. “Our family is now four generations under one roof. Your big brother’s branch has sprouted, and Zhiqiu, you should hurry up too. Don’t dawdle and end up getting old. You might be able to drag it out, but the girls can’t.”

Her words were pointed, and Liu Muqiu felt a little embarrassed, linking arms with Liu Yusheng. “Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, I’m going to check on Sister-in-law and my little nephew.”

“Go ahead, they’re in the back courtyard, in the side room.”

As they walked towards the side room, Liu Yusheng clicked her tongue at the girl’s flushed face. “You’re being shy? Not possible. After all this time with my second brother, your skin should have thickened by now.”

“My skin still has room for improvement. I need to catch up to your thickness so I can stay calm,” Liu Muqiu retorted, forcing down her embarrassment.

“Sharp-tongued,” Liu Yusheng smirked, giving her a little nudge. “Hey, should we turn back? I bet as soon as we leave, Grandpa and Grandma will give Second Brother another round of advice.”