As they spoke, Second Brother Huo and the others stepped forward and deftly took all the luggage bags from Father Lu, Mother Lu, and Eldest Sister-in-law.
The weather outside was cold, so the group didn't linger on pleasantries. After exchanging greetings, they quickly got into the cars to head back.
Having only spoken on the phone before, it was inevitable that both sides felt a bit reserved at this first meeting. However, because they all held a heart full of love for the children, they were making an effort to reach out to each other.
With Meng Yuan and Eldest Brother Huo occasionally lightening the mood on the side, by the end of a lively and heartwarming reunion dinner, Mother Huo and Mother Lu were already holding hands, as affectionately as old sisters who hadn't seen each other for years.
The dinner was held at Eldest Brother Huo's siheyuan (courtyard house), precisely to make it convenient for them to rest early after the meal.
So, after dinner and tidying up the dishes, Mother Huo and the others prepared to leave.
"Big sister, you've been on the train for several days. Rest early tonight. We'll head back now."
Father and Mother Lu weren't ones for empty formalities either. Knowing the two families lived close by, with plenty of opportunities for future visits and catching up, they didn't insist on them staying.
Instead, they rummaged through a bag and pulled out a flashlight. "Let us see you out."
"Alright now, big brother, big sister, no need to see us off. It's cold outside, hurry back inside," Mother Huo quickly stopped them. "I'll be back tomorrow anyway. I'll take you around to familiarize yourselves with the neighborhood then."
"Ah, yes, yes."
Even so, Father and Mother Lu insisted on escorting the whole family to the entrance of the hutong alley. They watched them walk into the distance before finally supporting each other on the way back.
During dinner and conversation, Father Lu, Mother Lu, and Meng Yuan hadn't had a chance to properly look at their new home.
Seeing this, Eldest Brother Huo took them to see each room.
Father and Mother Lu would stay in the east wing of the main house, while the young couple would stay in the west wing.
The two children were used to sleeping on their own, so they could choose between the east or west side rooms as they liked; the furnishings inside were the same anyway.
"This little courtyard is really nice," Father Lu, a man of few words, finally managed to say after looking at the house for a long while.
Mother Lu, being more thoughtful, reminded the couple, "Tomorrow, you must properly thank Old Third and his wife. They put a lot of thought into this house."
As she spoke, she had Father Lu bring out the things they had prepared.
For this move, the elderly couple hadn't brought any large items from home besides their luggage.
Mainly because the military district was quite far from Urumqi, and it wasn't worth the freight cost for a few old pieces of furniture.
The livestock they raised at home had been taken care of a month prior.
Some were air-dried, some were cured, and they also traded with nearby familiar herders for quite a few hides and cotton to bring along.
"They are good to you, and you must remember that in your hearts," Mother Lu said earnestly. "Even among blood brothers, you can't take others' kindness for granted. Affection is built through interaction."
Father Lu nodded. His wife always had a way with words.
After a pause, he said, "Take these things over to them personally tomorrow, you two. And see what else is missing, buy it tomorrow."
"Dad, I know. Don't worry," Lu Zhankai nodded solemnly.
Even if Father Lu hadn't said it, he understood in his heart.
Truth be told, he felt rather ashamed. This house, including everything in it, had been arranged by family members.
Even the winter supplies like cabbage, radishes, and coal briquettes were bought with their help.
After chatting a bit more about daily matters, seeing it was really getting late,
Lu Zhankai said, "Dad, Mom, you should get some sleep early. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you to the local police station first to handle the household registration procedures."
Policies varied from place to place back then.
In Capital City, the allocation of supplies and ration coupons was entirely based on household registration, distributed quantitatively per capita.
Only after registering could they obtain the grain booklet, coal booklet, non-staple food booklet, and industrial goods purchase certificate.
Father and Mother Lu nodded. "Alright, we'll follow your arrangements."
Their son had already explained these matters over the phone, so they were aware.
All the necessary certificates had been properly issued by the military unit as well.
They were keeping them close at hand.
"Oh, right, Mom, there's one more thing." Lu Zhankai glanced at Meng Yuan before continuing. "Yuan and I have discussed it. We plan to have the two children attend school here from now on. We'll have to trouble you both to help with picking them up and dropping them off."
Picking up and dropping off their own grandchildren was no trouble at all for Father and Mother Lu.
But Mother Lu was a bit puzzled. "Didn't you say before that you wanted the children to go to school with you in Tong County?"
Seeing Mother Lu ask, Meng Yuan took over to explain.
"Mom, regarding this matter, we really have to thank Third Sister-in-law."
Meng Yuan was genuinely grateful to her sister-in-law. "Third Sister-in-law said that since we two have just arrived in Capital City and aren't settled yet, we probably won't have much time to take care of the children. Rather than that, it would be better to have the children attend school in the city center. This way, Mom and Dad will have company in their daily lives, and having something to do won't leave them feeling bored."
Hearing this, Father and Mother Lu fell silent.
These two children were practically raised by the elderly couple. Previously, when they heard their son and daughter-in-law planned to take the children to the suburban county for school, they didn't say anything, but in their hearts, they were very reluctant to part with them.
But reluctance was no solution. The tank regiment was assigned apartment blocks with limited space.
The children were growing up and needed their own independent space.
If the grandparents went along, there really wouldn't be enough room.
Of course, that was only one reason.
Meng Yuan continued, "Third Sister-in-law also said that the schools near the old house have much better teaching standards and security compared to those in the suburbs."
At this point, she looked at her husband.
"Everything Zhankai and I strive for is for the children's sake."
As for the couple themselves, they could come back to see the children whenever they weren't busy.
The military unit had direct supply trucks to the city center.
On weekends, they could also stay at home and spend good time with them.
After hearing this, Father and Mother Lu's last bit of concern was dispelled.
Yes, in the end, it was all for the children.
And so, the matter of where the children would attend school was happily settled.
Just as Lu Zhankai and Meng Yuan stood up, ready to return to their own room to rest, Mother Lu suddenly said, "Zhankai, Xiaoyuan, sit down for a moment. Your father and I have something to say to you."
"Mom, what is it?" Lu Zhankai asked.
Mother Lu looked at him, then at Father Lu. "Zhankai, your father and I have discussed it. Taking advantage of this household registration process, you should change your surname... back."
Lu Zhankai was visibly stunned. "Mom—"
