Chapter 757: Tell the Truth!
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“After dinner, having a smoke feels heavenly. Ever since we landed, your Third Aunt has been reminding me not to smoke because Xiao Li is pregnant. I managed to resist all morning today, but it was quite uncomfortable!”
At this moment, Third Uncle was sitting on the sofa in the backyard with Zhou Chao and Lin Wu, leisurely smoking cigarettes.
A smile appeared on Zhou Chao’s face as he knew his uncle had been a heavy smoker for decades, easily going through one or two packs a day. Asking him not to smoke was like asking Zhou Chao to eat only one dish every day, making life dull!
Taking advantage of the time when Jiang Li took Third Aunt out for a walk, Third Uncle also managed to smoke several cigarettes.
Seeing his uncle relaxing, Zhou Chao’s eyes lit up as he said, “Uncle, why don’t you and Third Aunt move to Jingdu to live? I’ll arrange everything for you. This way, it’ll be closer, and Third Aunt can come to visit Xiao Li more often!”
Hearing this, Third Uncle stop smoking, and a hint of hesitation flickered in his eyes. After a brief silence, he said, “Zhou Chao, I understand your intentions, but Third Aunt and I are not young anymore. We don’t want to move around. Besides, all our relatives and friends are in Fuzhou, and life there is more relaxed and comfortable!”
Zhou Chao also understood that his uncle and aunt had spent half their lives in Fuzhou, and they were not young anymore. They didn’t want to leave their hometown.
Although Jingdu was indeed much better than Fuzhou, they didn’t know anyone here. It wouldn’t be enjoyable to come to Jingdu and just stay at home.
People, when they reach a certain age, tend to be nostalgic, especially those of his uncle and aunt’s age!
“How about this? I’ll buy a house nearby for you. Whenever you want to come over to play or when Guo Yan graduates, you can come to live in Jingdu directly. This way, it’ll be much more convenient!”
Just as Third Uncle was about to refuse, a voice came from not far behind him, “What are you guys talking about?”
Looking over, they saw Third Aunt and Jiang Li walking out of the house, and it was Third Aunt who spoke.
“Third Aunt, you’re back. Didn’t you go out for a walk?” Zhou Chao said, quickly extinguishing the cigarette in his hand.
Third Uncle and Lin Wu followed suit, throwing their cigarettes into the ashtray, and Lin Wu even poured some water into it.
None of their movements escaped Third Aunt’s eyes, especially when she saw Third Uncle’s action, her face changed instantly. “Guo Qing, didn’t I tell you not to smoke here? How come you’re smoking again!”
Seeing himself caught, Third Uncle quickly glanced at Zhou Chao, as if saying, “Why are you still silent? Don’t you know how to help out?”
Seeing the pleading look from his uncle, Zhou Chao hurriedly explained, “Third Aunt, I gave these cigarettes to Uncle. Don’t blame him.”
Third Aunt gave Third Uncle an angry look. “I know exactly what kind of person he is. Even before he farts, I know what he’s going to say!”
“Third Aunt, don’t be angry. It’s just a couple of cigarettes. Calm down!” Jiang Li quickly interjected, trying to pacify the situation.
Hearing Jiang Li’s words, Third Aunt’s expression softened slightly.
Zhou Chao quickly invited them to sit down.
“Brother Chao, what were you guys talking about just now?” Jiang Li was also good at conversation, and after sitting down, she changed the topic from earlier.
“Oh, I just suggested buying a house for Third Aunt and Uncle so they can move to Jingdu. It would be more convenient, and Third Aunt can come to see you more often. What do you think?”
Being a couple, Jiang Li understood Zhou Chao’s intentions before he even finished speaking.
“Great! I totally agree. Let’s buy a house nearby. Third Aunt, what do you think?” Jiang Li hooked her arm around Third Aunt’s and began to act coquettishly.
Third Aunt was stunned when she heard this, not knowing how to respond. Logically, she should refuse, after all, she was unfamiliar with Jingdu, and she wouldn’t feel comfortable there.
But when she thought about moving to Jingdu, where she could take care of Jiang Li and the soon-to-be-born baby more often, and since Zhou Chao was the only child in the Zhou family, as the closest elder, she should put more effort into continuing the family line.
For a moment, the atmosphere became quiet.
Zhou Chao and Jiang Li also sensed Third Aunt’s hesitation. They exchanged glances, ready to strike while the iron was hot and finalize the matter.
“Third Aunt, think about it. If Jiang Li is due to give birth in a few months, what if none of our family is around? People might get the wrong idea about me!”
“Exactly, Third Aunt, you know Zhou Chao is always busy. I’m often alone at home, and I’m starting to feel a bit depressed,” Jiang Li’s expression turned a bit gloomy.
Upon hearing this, Third Aunt became nervous. “Is everything okay with you, Xiao Li?”
“I’m fine for now, but I’m afraid it will be hard to continue like this for a long time… Sigh!” She ended with a pat on her round belly.
Third Aunt glanced at her husband, wanting to hear his opinion, but her husband seemed oblivious, staring straight ahead as if protesting against the smoking incident just now.
“Third Aunt, don’t overthink it. It’s decided. Lin Wu, call the person in charge in Jingdu and arrange this. Get the paperwork for the house done by tomorrow!”
Lin Wu immediately stood up. “Got it, boss!”
With that, he briskly left, not giving Third Aunt any chance to object!