Chapter 244

“I'm back because I have a mission. If nothing unexpected happens, I should have the chance to come back often in the future,” said Pei Jing as he patted her shoulder to remind Zhi Xia, who had excitedly thrown herself into his arms, “Someone is coming. Let go first and we can hug more when we get home, okay?”

Zhi Xia suddenly realized they were still in the alley, with people passing by from time to time.

She hurriedly let go and stepped back from his embrace.

Looking up, her eyes met his meaningfully.

His gaze instantly made her annoyed. She poked a finger on his chest, “You’ve become naughty!”

Pei Jing held her soft little thumb and caressed the back of her hand. His voice was a little hoarse, “Let’s go home first.”

It wasn’t that he had become naughty, but that after being apart for so long, on the way back, his heart and eyes were full of only her and the children. His previous nonchalance was long gone.

With people hurrying by in the alley, some of whom they knew, Pei Jing could only let go of her hand to push the bike.

With his long legs straddling, he could just support the height of the bike.

He stopped in front of Zhi Xia, looking at her gently, “Let’s go, we’ll talk more when we get home.”

Zhi Xia sat on the back seat, putting her arms around his waist, breathing in the familiar scent.

“Second brother got married today. What a pity you didn’t come back half a day earlier or you could have had the wedding wine,” said Zhi Xia. Then she suddenly remembered, “Oh yes, the two kids are still at my mom’s. We were quite busy at home today so when they didn’t want to leave and wanted to stay and play with Wenqing, I let them. Should we go get them? If they knew you were back, they would probably be eager to return instead of staying there.”

“Let’s pick them up tomorrow. It’s not early now. We can go over early tomorrow, visit dad and mom, then take the kids out for a nice day,” said Pei Jing.

“Okay, I’ll listen to you.” When they got home, Sister Zhang had already prepared dinner.

Zhi Xia went to check on the children and found they were all asleep before coming out.

“Sister Zhang, thank you for all the trouble today. I brought back some candy for you. It’s on the table in the living room. Take it with you later and give the kids some too to sweeten their mouth,” said Zhi Xia.

Old Pei had gone to the lunch banquet so he only came back later. Zhi Xia had only just returned home now. Sister Zhang had been taking care of the three kids the whole day.

The candy she brought back was no mere few pieces, but a full half a jin of White Rabbit milk candies, showing her sincerity.

“Oh my, I must not stand on ceremony then. This will let me share in the joyous occasion too,” said Sister Zhang with a laugh, not taking sole credit. “But I can’t claim all responsibility for looking after the kids today either. Sister Zhou also came to help out. Shall I go over later and share some of this candy with her too?”

Looking at the candy on the table, Sister Zhang laughed with mouth agape.

The candy looked worth one or two yuan. With her occasional help watching the kids this past month, what Zhi Xia had openly and discreetly given her was easily worth several yuan.

Giving things like this now was more rewarding than money, since some things couldn’t be bought even if you had money, and needed ration tickets on top.

“Granny also brought some back for Sister Zhou, so you don’t need to worry about her. This is specially for you,” said Zhi Xia. At lunch, Old Madam had told her to ask Sister Zhou to come help here so she didn’t have to worry about the kids. She also took the same gift to pass on to Sister Zhou through Old Madam.

At this time, Old Pei spoke, “Little Zhang, just take what Zhi Xia gave you. Don’t decline it. Come eat quickly while the food is still hot.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you, Sir,” Sister Zhang answered cheerfully.

After the meal, Sister Zhang went to wash the bowls and chopsticks while Pei Jing sat in the living room talking with Old Master.

He briefly updated Old Pei about why he came back this time, saying a few things he could disclose but not asking too much about things he couldn’t.

After exchanging just a few words, Old Pei chased him off, “You don’t need to keep me company. Go back to your room. It’s not easy for Zhi Xia to take care of three kids alone all this time. You should also be more considerate and spend time with your wife and children when you have the chance. Go next door with Zhi Xia to visit, then get some proper rest.”

As an old fogey, he could enjoy some peace and quiet.

In fact, the older one got, the more one craved liveliness, but Old Pei understood it was difficult for the newly married couple after their separation. It was better to give the young ones more chances to bond.

“I’ve already gone to visit granny and grandpa,” Pei Jing informed him. “Then go back and rest,” said Old Pei.

Pei Jing knew Old Master meant well. He had just stood up smiling when he heard Old Master’s and Old Madam’s voices outside.

Pei Jing hurriedly went to greet them. Old Madam laughed as she headed straight for Zhi Xia’s room.

“Granny...” said Zhi Xia softly, for the kids were sleeping.

Old Madam made a sound of acknowledgement and turned to look at the children.

They were truly their own flesh and blood. She was happier each time she saw them.

“Zhi Xia, bring the kids over to my place later. Pei Jing doesn’t get to come back often. You two should nurture your relationship too,” said Old Madam. It would be a pity if they didn’t get intimate after reuniting with difficulty, spending the whole night just taking care of kids instead.

Hearing the implication behind Old Madam’s words, Zhi Xia instantly blushed. “No need for that, Granny. We can handle things ourselves, and he wants to spend more time with the kids since he rarely gets to come back.”

Old Master and Old Madam were quite advanced in years. Taking care of one kid was exhausting enough, let alone three. If she let them take the kids, they might really collapse from exhaustion!

Luckily, with kids just three to four months old who slept less and played more now, bringing them along would indeed be quite tiring. But since she didn’t carry them much usually, even if they woke up, they would still stay put in bed.

According to Old Madam’s plan, one night’s sleep and they could play with the kids tomorrow without issue.

“I know you’re consideration for me, Granny, but I’m also worried about you,” said Zhi Xia, hugging Old Madam’s arm coquettishly.

Old Madam tried persuading her a few more times without success before having to give up.

After sending off Old Master and Old Madam, Zhi Xia returned to the room.

Pei Jing followed right after into the room and pulled her into his embrace against the door.

Feverish kisses ensued as he reached out a hand to plug the door.

Their breathing gradually grew ragged. Zhi Xia was placed on the bed and tried to push him away, “You were on the road for days and haven’t washed yet.”

“I washed as soon as I got back.” Pei Jing was always very hygienic, which happened to align with Zhi Xia’s preference.

When he returned earlier to find Zhi Xia not around, all three kids were awake. He first cleaned himself up, played with the children for a long time, then timed it to go pick her up after.