Nansheng's eyes darted around, and then she knew how to deal with her in-laws. "I'm very busy with work right now, and I can't get away from my duties at the government office. If we have a child, who's going to take care of it? My mother certainly can't follow me to Rongcheng. Or are you saying, Mother-in-law, that you're willing to come live with us in Rongcheng for a few years? If that's the case, I'd be willing to consider having one."
Fan Shuting's mouth opened and then closed. Other families' daughters-in-law have children, and the mother-in-law just helps during the postpartum month. How did it become, in her case, about leaving her hometown behind? Besides, how could she possibly abandon her home and her students, go so far away, just to look after her son and daughter-in-law's child? She has her own home and job too.
But it wasn't something she could say outright. So, she cast a glance at her husband, signaling Lin Guozheng to step in and say something. Lin Guozheng didn't have much confidence facing Nansheng either these days, but he certainly didn't want Fan Shuting to go to Rongcheng. They say a couple in youth are companions in old age; wouldn't life lose its spark without someone to talk to at home?
So, he could only try to smooth things over. "Old woman, say less. Let the young couple decide when they want to have children. We shouldn't interfere."
Lin Han glanced at his wife and swallowed all the words he had wanted to say. He realized that often, his wife always found the best solution, much more suitable than him bluntly stating his support for her not wanting children. Now, he figured his parents were probably more afraid that his wife might suddenly change her mind and want a baby.
Nansheng was somewhat satisfied with her father-in-law's words. She thought mischievously that since this tactic worked so well, she'd have to pull it out again in the future.
For now, she knew when to stop. "Is the food ready? I'm starving."
Sicheng immediately stood up upon hearing this. "Aunt, I'll go check in the kitchen."
Eldest Brother Lin also got up. Even though it was his own family home, it wasn't his place to comment on his brother's family matters. He might as well go to the kitchen and help bring in the dishes.
Within minutes of Eldest Brother Lin and the others leaving, they started carrying dishes back into the room. Zhou Wei and her daughter-in-law obviously knew what had happened in the room, and their attitude towards Nansheng was a bit odd.
Nansheng: "Sister-in-law, are you staring at me because you're afraid I'll eat too much?"
Zhou Wei quickly forced an awkward smile. "Of course not! I made plenty of dishes, absolutely enough to fill you up."
If her husband hadn't told her not to say too much, Zhou Wei would have loved to ask this sister-in-law what she was thinking. How could such a smart person be so muddled about having children?
Although the earlier topic was awkward, once the delicious food was on the table, everyone's attention was diverted. There's no trouble that a couple bites of meat can't solve; if there still is, add a sip of liquor.
Although Lin Han drank with his father and eldest brother today, he rarely raised his glass. Lin Guozheng and Eldest Brother Lin drank merrily, while Sizhong and the others ate happily.
Nansheng had eaten a lot at lunch and wasn't very hungry now. She didn't touch the rice, just took a small plate and occasionally picked at some dishes. Someone had made braised pork with dried beans, and it was incredibly fragrant. She ate several pieces of meat.
As she ate, she felt a bit melancholy again. The in-laws' side was easy to handle, but what about her own family? The same excuse wouldn't work with the Nans. If she dared mention having a child, her parents might even volunteer to go to Rongcheng to help raise it.
Halfway through the meal, Third Brother Lin also showed up. He had originally intended to sit with his parents for a while, but seeing the crowd at his eldest brother's place, he came straight in.
Making himself at home, he went to the kitchen to get a bowl and chopsticks, squeezing in to sit next to Lin Han. "So unfaithful! Having a feast and not calling me? Are we still brothers?"
Lin Guozheng glared at his youngest son. "Talk less. Can't the food shut you up?"
It turned out it indeed could. From the moment he sat down, he didn't stop eating, taking big mouthfuls. He even shamelessly took a bowl of good food back for his daughter afterward.
Lin Han's family wasn't in a hurry to go home. The Sizhong brothers were responsible for cleaning up, while the rest stayed in the room chatting.
Yuting thanked Nansheng, "Aunt, I've been recovering quite well. Why did you send so many eggs? It's really too kind."
"They were all gifts from the villagers of Xiaoling Village. We're only home for a few days; we can't possibly finish all the food. Consider it helping me out."
Zhou Wei also seized the chance to ask Nansheng how to best cook the local specialties she had sent. Without Lin Xue and Third Brother Lin's family around, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
When Nansheng was leaving, Zhou Wei specially packed up the leftover braised pork with dried beans from the pot for her. "I noticed you liked it. Take it back. Tomorrow I'll look in the storage room and have Sicheng bring you more dried vegetables."
Her younger son would undoubtedly need Second Brother's family's help in the future. Zhou Wei was willing to give anything now, just hoping Sicheng could make something of himself and let her enjoy some good fortune too.
After Nansheng took the food, her son immediately took it from her hands. He and Siqi walked swiftly home, while Lin Han and the others ambled slowly behind.
"Wife, do you really not want to have a child?"
"Mhm, not having one."
Lin Han sighed. "Mingli even suspects there's something wrong with me. He's been talking about getting me some deer blood wine to drink."
Nansheng burst out laughing upon hearing this. Lin Han was perfectly capable! To be doubted about that... no wonder sometimes his brother looked at Lin Han a bit strangely.
"Just bear with it. Things will be better once we're back in Rongcheng. My parents won't be so easy to fool. If they find out I don't plan on having children, we won't have a peaceful New Year."
What could Lin Han do? He could only listen to his wife. But he always felt a heavy weight on his back, as if carrying a huge black pot.
Mingli was probably quite busy today. He didn't come to Nansheng's place to get the local specialties in the evening. The next day, Lin Han got up early and, after breakfast, made a special trip to his in-laws' house.
When he returned home, there wasn't a soul in the house. He looked towards the windowsill—the spinning tops that had been there were gone. He immediately headed for the riverbank.
The ice was covered with village children. Most were sliding around, and some parents with skilled hands had made simple ice skates or sleds for their kids.
Nansheng was mixed in with the group of children playing with spinning tops. Lin Han spotted her immediately. She had bundled herself up tightly but had taken off her right glove, surely finding it cumbersome and affecting her top-spinning.
"Ah! It stopped again!"
Nansheng's performance wasn't much better than her daughter's. Unlike Sizhe, who had been playing since yesterday—his top kept spinning rapidly on the ice, making both mother and daughter envious.
Lin Han then picked up the top he had made for his wife. Using a deft motion with his left hand, he set the top spinning on the ice. Then, he took hold of Nansheng's little icy hand that held the whip.
He began guiding her to whip the top. The top, which was about to stop, suddenly stabilized. If you didn't look closely, you might even think it was motionless.
Siqi also came over with her top, hugging his leg. "Daddy, teach Qiqi! I want to play too!"
And so, Lin Han taught both of them, one person managing two, until both mother and daughter had had their fill.
After their family left, many children envied Sizhe and Siqi, thinking their family had such a wonderful bond!
