Chapter 132: The Yan Grandfather and Grandson

"I am grateful for your consideration, Comrade Zhong." Hao Nan said, feeling truly touched.

"It is nothing, just a small gesture," Zhong Yuxiu replied with a wave of her hand. "I will have to trouble you to make one more trip to the Yan residence later to deliver some mutton soup to them."

Hao Nan nodded without hesitation. "Of course, I will."

Once the mutton soup was ready, Zhong Yuxiu instructed Gou Dan to fill a small iron basin, about twenty centimeters wide. It was filled to the brim; fortunately, Gou Dan had stewed a generous amount, and there was still more than half a pot left, enough for their own household of three.

She covered the basin with a small pot lid and wrapped it carefully in clean cotton cloth to ensure it would not cool down on the way. The weather outside was biting; if one were to step out with even a drop of moisture on their skin, it would freeze solid within fifteen minutes.

"Come straight back after you deliver it. Comrade Xinian is coming over for dinner later, and we shall eat as soon as he arrives," Zhong Yuxiu reminded him.

Hao Nan nodded in acknowledgment, picked up the basin, and stepped out into the night. He encountered few people on his way; in the dead of winter, even the children were reluctant to play outside, let alone the adults.

Upon arriving at the Yan residence, he found the front gate wide open and the lights in the small villa already glowing brightly.

"Comrade Yan, Comrade Yan."

Hearing the commotion, Yan Rushan walked over. "Oh, it is you, Comrade Hao Nan! Come in and sit."

"No, no, that is quite alright," Hao Nan said, stepping forward to hand him the basin. "Comrade Zhong asked me to bring this to you specifically. I must be heading back now. You can return the basin tomorrow."

Hao Nan left in a hurry. Yan Rushan watched him walk away for a moment before looking down at the iron basin, a suspicion forming in his heart.

Yan Guofeng came down from upstairs and glanced at him with a puzzled expression. "Dashan, why are you standing at the door? Is it not cold?"

"Grandfather." Yan Rushan turned and walked back inside, holding up the item to show him. "Comrade Zhong sent this to us."

Yan Guofeng stepped down the stairs and unwrapped the cotton cloth, revealing the small iron basin. "It is food. It smells like mutton."

"That is exactly what it is. Gou Dan from Comrade Zhong’s house made mutton stew. I was originally supposed to have dinner at her place," he explained, noting that he had returned early instead.

"She is very thoughtful. Treat her well in the future," Yan Guofeng said. He took the basin from his grandson, walked to the dining table, and sat down. He then called out, "Go get two sets of bowls and chopsticks. I am actually quite hungry."

Yan Rushan shook his head, went to the kitchen to wash two sets of bowls and chopsticks, and placed one set in front of the old man. He sat down opposite him, and both grandfather and grandson reached for the mutton at the exact same time, showing a silent, synchronized understanding.

Yan Ruhai returned home just in time to witness his grandfather and older brother sneaking a meal without him. "Grandfather, Big Brother, you are eating something delicious and did not wait for me!"

Yan Guofeng looked up and glared at him. "Are you the grandfather, or am I? You expect me to wait for you? Have you no shame?"

It was a devastating trio of questions. For Yan Ruhai, who was accustomed to being scolded, these remarks were like water off a duck's back.

"You are the grandfather, of course! But please, save some for me! It smells so good; I will be right there." Yan Ruhai tossed his things aside, ran to the kitchen to grab a bowl and chopsticks, and dove into the mutton. After taking a bite, he nodded repeatedly. "Delicious, and no gamey smell at all! Grandfather, who sent this?"

"Your sister-in-law," Yan Guofeng said casually. Yan Rushan smiled, while Yan Ruhai’s eyes widened. "My sister-in-law? Since when do I have a sister-in-law? Big Brother, did you get married behind my back?"

Yan Guofeng tapped him with a chopstick. "Stop spouting nonsense. They are not married yet."

"Oh, so it is a future sister-in-law!" Yan Ruhai realized. He paused mid-bite and asked, "Grandfather, is Big Brother’s partner that Comrade Zhong? The one who does research? Did Big Brother finally win her over?"

"Is that any way to talk?"

Yan Ruhai looked confused. "Then how should I say it?"

"Your big brother has not fully won her over yet," Yan Guofeng said with a look of utter exasperation. Yan Ruhai chuckled after a moment. "Well, they have defined the relationship, right? It is only a matter of time. Big Brother’s conditions are excellent; he is a university graduate, handsome, tall, and his family background is impeccable. Who would turn him down?"

Yan Rushan slapped him on the back. "What are you talking about?"

"Alright, alright, I misspoke. It is that my sister-in-law has a keen eye for talent and surely would not be able to bear letting you go." Yan Ruhai changed his tune naturally, clearly well-practiced in this art.

As the youngest child, he had always been favored; his temperament was less steady than Yan Rushan’s, and his emotional growth had been slower because he had the luxury of being allowed to stay that way.

"How did Sister-in-law make this mutton? There is no gamey smell at all, and it is exceptionally tasty. The broth does not look oily either; it must be wonderful." Yan Ruhai filled his bowl with a small ladle of the thick, milky white soup, which was dotted with only a few tiny, translucent beads of oil.

Yan Guofeng quickly poured himself a bowl as well. "You brat, your grandfather hasn't even had any soup yet. Why are you rushing?"

"I am not rushing," Yan Ruhai said, finishing his soup with satisfaction before sitting beside Yan Rushan. "Big Brother, how does Sister-in-law stew this mutton? It is so delicious. It lacks that pungent odor and is incredibly sweet and refreshing. I want another bowl."

"She adds sugarcane when stewing the mutton; I noticed that in the pot," Yan Rushan said, pouring himself half a bowl. He took a small sip and added, "I am not sure if there are other steps."

Yan Ruhai curled his lip. "That tells me nothing!"

"Enough, eat your food and talk less," Yan Guofeng scolded. Yet, he did not slow down, and the three of them competed for the mutton and radishes. Even without side dishes, they ate with great satisfaction. "Dashan, your parents will be back by tomorrow at the latest. They will have time off during the New Year. When will you bring Comrade Zhong over to formally meet them? You have been seeing each other for half a year now; if you can settle things, do so."

Yan Ruhai pricked up his ears.

"Grandfather, I have already discussed it with Comrade Zhong. We are coming over tomorrow to meet you and Mom and Dad," Yan Rushan said, setting down his bowl and sitting upright.

"Sister-in-law is coming tomorrow? Then we must prepare some good food to make her feel at home. Who knows? Maybe she will like our family so much she will agree to the marriage!" Yan Ruhai became excited. "Girls look at the family when choosing a marriage partner, and family harmony adds to the appeal."

Yan Guofeng agreed. "That is true. Perform well tomorrow, especially you, Yan Ruhai. Do not cause any trouble, or I will have your father beat you."

Yan Ruhai felt disgruntled but nodded dejectedly.

"Grandfather, I understand." He knew better than to act out in front of the head of the family.

"Tomorrow morning, I will go to the state-run restaurant to buy some meat and vegetables. I will ask Mom to cook a few dishes, and I will also prepare the seafood I brought back today—Yuxiu likes seafood," Yan Rushan said, a smile reaching his eyes. He did not mention that his sweetheart had already agreed to marry him.

A lady should be cherished, and his beloved was no exception; he did not want her to feel as though she were easily attained.

Whether in the city or the countryside, he had seen many young women suffer after marrying into other families. Often, when a bride was won too easily, the husband's family failed to treasure her or even looked down upon her.

Of Yan Rushan’s careful considerations, Zhong Yuxiu remained entirely unaware.