The next day, after Lu Yichen and the kids had left, Luo Qiao packed her things and prepared to depart to pick up Elder Rong and Rong Daniang.
When she arrived at the station, the train hadn’t arrived yet. Seeing that there was still ti, she simply bought a platform ticket.
It didn’t take long before the train slowly pulled into the station and ca to a halt. Luo Qiao located their carriage, and Rong Daniang quickly spotted Luo Qiao, who stood on the platform with her effortlessly elegant deanor.
Having not seen her for months, Rong Daniang grew a little emotional: "Old man, look quickly, it’s Qiaoqiao! She’s co to pick us up."
Elder Rong followed Rong Daniang’s pointing finger and saw Luo Qiao peering toward their carriage from outside, smiling brightly.
This ti as they returned, it was lucky they had Qi Ling with them; otherwise, they weren’t sure whether they could have properly restored the cetery.
Elder Rong had already told his wife that unless there was sothing major, they wouldn’t return to Changzhou again—no need to endure those petty and aggravating people.
When Luo Qiao saw them stepping out, she greeted them warmly: "Elder Rong, Rong Daniang, Qi Ling, you’ve finally returned!"
Rong Daniang chuckled and replied: "We could have managed on our own to co back. You’ve made another trip—won’t this affect your work?"
Luo Qiao took the items from her hands and said, "It’s no problem; nothing is more important than picking you up. Over the past few days, those little ones have been asking non-stop about when Grandpa Rong and Grandma Rong are coming back. My ears nearly grew calluses from hearing it."
Rong Daniang laughed heartily: "We missed the kids too. As soon as our business wrapped up, we had Qi Ling book tickets for us to rush back."
As they chatted, they followed the crowd out of the station. Just as they were about to get into the car, they noticed a familiar figure in the distance.
Luo Qiao quickly loaded the luggage into the car and then ran ahead, calling out to the person walking in front of her: "Shen Juan."
Shen Juan, walking ahead, thought she was hearing things—how could soone be calling her?
Just as she was about to keep walking, she heard her na again. Turning around, she saw Luo Qiao running toward her.
Her eyes widened as she realized it truly was Luo Qiao: "Qiaoqiao, what are you doing here?"
Luo Qiao bead and gave her a big hug: "I’m here to pick soone up. It’s been so long—why are you in Capital City?"
Shen Juan forced a smile and replied, "Just here to have fun for a few days."
Being old friends and close like sisters, Luo Qiao imdiately sensed sothing was off: "What happened?"
Shen Juan turned away, and tears began flowing uncontrollably.
Luo Qiao patted her shoulder: "Alright, I won’t ask for now. Co ho with first."
Shen Juan shook her head: "Not today. I just called my second brother, and my sister-in-law and the others are waiting for at ho."
Luo Qiao nodded: "Fine. Once you’re settled, give a call. It’s been ages since we last t. In a few days, Ji Lin will be back from abroad, and we can gather Miao Shuang and have a little reunion."
Shen Juan agreed, and just then a taxi pulled up. She waved at Luo Qiao, got into the car, and left.
Luo Qiao returned to the car, where she saw Qi Ling seated in the driver’s position, Elder Rong and Rong Daniang already in the backseat. She opened the passenger door, climbed in, and they headed ho.
On the way, Rong Daniang recounted everything that had happened during their trip back.
Not only did Rong Daniang’s cousins and nephews stir up trouble, but so of Elder Rong’s relatives also started making moves—they all wanted a share of the pie.
If Qi Ling hadn’t been there, it would’ve been difficult for them to extricate themselves, let alone restore the cetery.
During this trip, they had chosen a new location, repaired their own gravesite for eventual burial, moved the tombs of their two sons over, and ensured that when the ti ca, their family would remain reunited even in death.
Perhaps having fulfilled these wishes brought them so inner peace. Despite losing weight during the trip, the elderly couple seed to be in good spirits.
Recalling the events, Rong Daniang added, "The county militia and village cadres ca to visit us and even spoke with the local officials. Thanks to Qi Ling, everything went smoothly."
Luo Qiao smiled: "As long as everything’s sorted, now you can finally stop worrying."
She didn’t ntion that Lu Yichen had specifically made a call to help with matters in Changzhou—so things were best left unsaid.
Rong Daniang smiled contentedly: "Exactly. Elder Rong and I think the sa. We’ve done what we wanted to do; as for what happens after we’re gone, that’s out of our hands."
Luo Qiao quickly interjected: "Spit, spit, spit! Don’t talk about dying. Our family can’t do without you two."
Rong Daniang slapped her thigh lightly: "I misspoke! I misspoke! Elder Rong and I will live well. Life is so comfortable right now—we must hold on and see Yanyan and her siblings get married, and watch Xiao Rui Brothers find their wives."
Luo Qiao laughed: "Now that’s more like it."
Looking over at the driving Qi Ling, she said, "Tomorrow’s Sunday. I’m giving you leave—go ho and see your family. It’s been months since you last visited."
Qi Ling smiled gratefully: "Thank you, sister-in-law."
Luo Qiao teased him: "Go back, and if there’s soone suitable, settle down soon. Don’t let work delay your life plan."
Qi Ling, slightly embarrassed, flushed red and smiled without responding.
That evening, after the kids finished school, they were brought straight back to the courtyard. Upon entering, they rushed excitedly toward Grandma Rong and Grandpa Rong: "Grandma Rong, Grandpa Rong, you’re finally back! We missed you so much!"
The elderly couple felt sweetness in their hearts, their faces lighting up with joy.
Rong Daniang laughed and embraced the kids: "We missed you too. We even brought back so tasty treats for you all. Today, I made your favorite dishes—for now, let’s wait for your parents to co back, then we’ll have dinner!"
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