Arriving in the city, Lin Han first stopped at the state-run restaurant to pack some good dishes for his parents and eldest brother. They definitely hadn't had a good New Year, so today he would make it up to them all at once.
Even if Lin Guozheng couldn't eat, it would be good for him to at least smell the delicious food.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Lin Guozheng and Fan Shuting were overjoyed to see Sizhe and Siqi. The two children also took turns wishing their elders a happy New Year.
The two children gathered around the hospital bed to greet Lin Guozheng, Grandpa, is your wound getting better? Does it still hurt? Big brother and second brother wanted to come too, but the car couldn't fit that many people.
Lin Guozheng felt much better after the surgery than when he was at home. At the very least, he could endure the pain now. Back at home, he had even thought about drinking rat poison to just end it all.
Grandpa is fine. The doctor said I can go home after staying for another half a month. How are you doing at home? Did you eat anything delicious for the New Year?
Qiqi replied, We ate! Grandma made so much delicious food, we couldn't even finish it all!
While the four grandparents and grandchildren were chatting affectionately over there, Lin Han and his two brothers also gathered together.
Eldest Brother Lin said, Why did the third brother come too? The hospital can't hold that many people, there's no place to sleep.
Third Brother Lin rubbed his head, feeling a bit embarrassed, I heard the surgery costs a lot of money. Knowing I couldn't contribute much financially, I came over to help take care of Dad.
Lin Han told them they didn't need to pay, We brothers don't need to calculate things so clearly. Those with money contribute money, those with energy contribute energy. I'll cover the surgery fee by myself this time, but we'll have to rely on you to take care of Dad when he gets home.
Eldest Brother Lin disagreed with his idea, That's not right. It's a son's duty to take care of his father. We can't just pay nothing because of that. We'll give as much as we have. The third brother's financial situation is a bit tight, so a token amount from him is fine.
After discussing it, the three finally reached an agreement, just as Qiqi called everyone over to eat.
Lin Guozheng usually ate the food from the hospital cafeteria, while Fan Shuting and Eldest Brother Lin just made do with whatever they could get. Seeing such a sumptuous meal now, their stomachs immediately started rumbling.
Having just had surgery, Lin Guozheng couldn't eat many of the dishes, but lying in the hospital bed watching everyone eat made him feel comfortable all the same.
Lin Han mentioned that his family had to return to Kyoto tomorrow, so they needed to head back tonight. Eldest Brother Lin told them to take Fan Shuting home with them. The old lady couldn't sleep well in the hospital, and they didn't want her collapsing just as Lin Guozheng recovered.
Taking this opportunity, Lin Han also told his parents about his plan to take his father-in-law to Kyoto.
Dad, Mom, you're getting older now. If you're willing, come live with me in Kyoto. The family courtyard over there is empty all year round, so there's plenty of room to stay.
Lin Guozheng and Fan Shuting had never considered letting Lin Han provide for their old age. Although his family was well-off, they were too afraid of their second daughter-in-law's temper.
We're not going to Kyoto. It's perfectly fine in the village. When we can't move anymore, we'll let your eldest brother farm our land and have him take care of us. When that time comes, the third brother will also have to give us a monthly allowance.
Eldest Brother Lin was willing to take care of his parents. Third Brother Lin knew his parents looked down on him, but he was also willing to provide pension money. Lin Han, of course, was fine with either providing care or money; he hadn't stopped giving the old couple money to spend all these years anyway.
Alright then. If you change your minds, just give me a call. I can come back and pick you up anytime!
After staying at the hospital for about two hours, Lin Han drove back. He had Fan Shuting sit in the front, as the view was better and it was more comfortable.
Second Son, maybe you should just take me back to the hospital. Can those two grown men really take good care of your father?
Don't worry, Mom. Even if the third brother is a bit unreliable, the eldest brother is still there. Besides, Dad is doing much better now and will be discharged soon.
Fan Shuting had indeed been working very hard at the hospital. Not long after getting in the car, she fell asleep, and even Qiqi and the others talking didn't wake her up.
Brother, when are you going to find a sister-in-law for me?
Sizhe rolled his eyes in annoyance. Even Mom isn't rushing me, yet here you are. If you're in such a hurry, you get married first. I don't mind!
Ever since Sizhe returned to Rongcheng, people had been constantly introducing him to potential matches. Art troupe soldiers from the military district, teachers, nurses, and the children of various leaders, it was enough to make him terrified of marriage.
Lin Han joined in the fun, Get married whenever you want. Anyway, your mom has already bought the matrimonial homes. One for each of you. When the time comes, you can buy whatever furniture you want yourselves!
Sizhe didn't react much, but Qiqi was quite unhappy. Dad, can't you just find a live-in son-in-law for me? I don't want to leave home!
Hearing her say this, the two men laughed. While other families worried about their grown daughters being tricked by some punk, they only worried that this girl would never get married and they'd have to support her for the rest of her life!
It was already very late when they got home. Lin Han personally escorted Fan Shuting back to her house. Just as he lit the heated brick bed, Sizhong heard the noise and came over. He told Lin Han to go home early, saying he would take care of his grandmother.
When Lin Han got home, Nan Sheng had already cooked the noodles. There was meat, eggs, and green vegetables, it looked very appetizing.
Wifey, have your parents packed their things? Can we leave together tomorrow?
They're all packed. Actually, there isn't much to bring. The clothes and stuff are packed up, and Mingli will mail them all over. The chickens and ducks here at home have all been slaughtered; half for Mingli to take, and half for us to bring back. We'll just ask the neighbors on both sides to help keep an eye on the house.
Today was particularly funny. When Nan Sheng went to her parents' house to see if they were ready, Uncle Zhong and his wife were also there. Except for Nan Sheng and Nan Feng, everyone else was crying their eyes out, with Mingli crying the loudest of all.
Zhong Yanyan even said that once she opened a shop in Kyoto, if she was too busy, she would have her younger brother's youngest son go help out.
Did Uncle really cry? Qiqi was full of curiosity.
Would I lie to you? He said it was already hard enough for me to come back for a visit, and once I took our parents away, I'd be even less inclined to return. He cried so hard he even blew a snot bubble, and Nan Feng laughed so loudly when he saw it.
And then what happened? Qiqi eagerly asked.
Then your uncle stopped crying, but he gave Nan Feng such a miserable beating, which amused everyone.