Before returning to the village, Xushu had already made all necessary arrangements. He planned for Xuhaitao and the others to drop off their luggage at his home as soon as they arrived at the Red Star Courtyard. Afterward, he would take them to the Neighborhood Office for registration. Although the Rolling Mill had already allocated the rooms to Xuliang and the others, they still needed to be officially recorded at the local office. Furthermore, since their residency status had been converted to urban, they needed to apply for new household registers. If time permitted, they could also take care of their grain ration booklets on the same trip. As for dinner, Xushu intended to take them to Donglaishun for Mongolian hot pot.
Regarding sleeping arrangements, Xushu’s kang could not be heated since there was no kitchen attached, but it was spacious enough. If they squeezed in, the five grown men could manage for the night. Initially, Xushu suggested that Xufeng stay at a guest house, but Xufeng firmly refused, insisting that crowding together was fine and there was no need to waste money. Xushu couldn’t sway him, so he had to agree.
Meanwhile, back in the Middle Courtyard, after Xushu and his group had left, Mrs. Jia assumed she was safe from scrutiny. She began grumbling and cursing toward the Back Courtyard in a low voice. Qin Huairu had no heart left to finish her laundry; Xushu’s fierce slap still left her face burning with pain. More than anything, she felt humiliated. Afte…
Chapter 118