181: Shopping with family

"Xiao Yuan, you don't need to help with this work; your Godmother can handle it alone.

Go wait outside with your Goddad and the others. Once I finish cleaning the kitchen, we'll head out."

"Godmother, I've known how to do housework like this since I was a child. Wouldn't it be faster if I helped you?"

"A daughter really knows how to care for people. That elder brother of yours never even steps into the kitchen."

"My big brother is a man of great affairs. He's already a county magistrate at such a young age, how could he be bothered with these miscellaneous little chores!"

Such a conversation between mother and daughter echoed from the kitchen.

Sitting in the living room, Lin Jiahua whispered, "Zifeng, this sister your mother and I recognized for you is well-behaved and sensible—sometimes so sensible it makes one's heart ache.

Moreover, her academic performance is among the best in this year's freshman class.

In the future, as her older brother, you must show her plenty of love and care."

Lin Zifeng nodded and said, "I know, Dad. When you get a chance, please remind Mom to give Xiao Yuan more nutrition.

Xiao Yuan is almost sixteen, but she's as thin as a bean sprout and much smaller than other children her age.

She's at the age where she's growing; we can't let her height be stunted."

"Mm, you have a point. When we go out today, remember to buy some milk. Since Xiao Yuan is living at home now, she should have a glass of milk every morning and night."

Lin Jiahua nodded in agreement.

Zhang Chunhua and Li Yuan walked out of the kitchen, tidied up briefly, and the family of four headed out.

The family of four arrived at the largest mall in Yushu County, and Zhang Chunhua began picking out clothes with Li Yuan.

It's often said that women have a natural talent for shopping, and it's absolutely true; they spent the entire morning in the mall.

Both father and son felt a bit tired, yet Zhang Chunhua and Li Yuan were still full of energy.

They bought two outfits and two pairs of shoes for Li Yuan, and the other three each got one new outfit as well.

There was a dedicated dining area in the mall, so the four of them had lunch there. It wasn't until after four in the afternoon that they finally walked out of the mall carrying numerous bags.

Just as they stepped out of the mall, Lin Zifeng ran into an acquaintance. This person was none other than the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, Qiao Zhenyu.

Qiao Zhenyu was with his wife and child, also there to shop for clothes.

Qiao Zhenyu's wife looked to be in her forties and was dressed quite fashionably, while their daughter appeared to be only eighteen or nineteen.

Upon seeing Lin Zifeng, Qiao Zhenyu was slightly taken aback before quickly walking over to greet him.

Extending his hand, he said with a smile, "county magistrate, I didn't expect such a coincidence, meeting you here.

Are you also here shopping with your family?"

Lin Zifeng quickly set the things in his hands on the ground. While shaking hands with Qiao Zhenyu, he said, "It really is a coincidence, Secretary Qiao. Are you also accompanying my sister-in-law shopping?

You're the rational one! Coming at this time means it'll close before you can spend too long.

I miscalculated today; I've been here since early morning. Shopping until now is more exhausting than a week of work."

"Hahaha, county magistrate, you don't have as much experience as I do in this regard. Let me introduce you.

This is your sister-in-law, and this is my daughter, Qiao Yue. Xiao Yue, quickly say hello to your Uncle."

Qiao Zhenyu introduced his family to Lin Zifeng.

"Hello, sister-in-law. Hello, Xiao Yue."

"Hello, county magistrate. My Old Qiao often mentions you at home, saying you are the most outstanding young Cadre in the entire province.

Seeing you today, you truly are extraordinary! You look much younger than you do on television.

If one didn't know better, they'd think you were a fresh university graduate! Xiao Yue, hurry up and greet him."

Qin Fang let out a string of flattering compliments.

The reason Qin Fang said this was because every time Lin Zifeng appeared on camera, he deliberately dressed in a mature and steady manner and wore black-rimmed glasses.

With that look, he appeared to be in his thirties. Now, without the deliberate disguise, his true age was apparent.

"Mom, Dad, the county magistrate is so young, only a few years older than me. How can I bring myself to call him 'Uncle'?

County Magistrate Lin, can I call you 'Brother' instead?"

Qiao Yue said with a playful look.

Qiao Yue's words drew light laughter from the group. Qiao Zhenyu said somewhat helplessly, "county magistrate, I'm sorry! We've spoiled this child."

"It's fine, Secretary Qiao. Xiao Yue has a point. Let's not get hung up on this; it's just a title. We'll each use whatever address we're comfortable with!"

After saying this, Lin Zifeng introduced his family to the three members of the Qiao family.

After some pleasantries, Secretary Qiao said with a smile, "I didn't expect the county magistrate to have such a young sister. Is she still in middle school?"

"This is my parents' goddaughter; she's no different from a biological sister to me."

Lin Zifeng explained.

The three Qiaos then understood the relationship, and in their hearts, they all envied Li Yuan's good fortune to be recognized as kin by the Lin family.

The two families chatted for a few minutes before bidding each other farewell.

Watching the Lin family of four leave in a taxi, Qiao Zhenyu's family of three turned to head into the mall.

Qiao Yue whispered to Qin Fang, "Mom, this County Magistrate Lin is really handsome, exactly like a Prince Charming.

He's both capable and good-looking. I wonder what kind of girl could become his girlfriend?"

"It's a pity you're too young, only nineteen and just a freshman. By the time you graduate, such a good man will surely be taken."

Qin Fang said with a look of regret.

"Mom, I'll be twenty after the New Year, only seven years younger than County Magistrate Lin. If there's a chance, it's not impossible for us to be together."

Qiao Yue said defiantly.

"Xiao Yue, you mustn't act recklessly. Although Lin Zifeng is young, he is the dignified county magistrate and my superior.

If you act out and cause some trouble, it will be embarrassing for everyone."

Qiao Zhenyu said with a serious expression.

"I was just speaking casually. I'll listen to you and won't date before I graduate from university.

But if I graduate and County Magistrate Lin is still single, you can't stop me from pursuing him anymore."

Qiao Yue pulled on Qiao Zhenyu's arm, swaying it as she spoke.

Hearing Qiao Yue's words, Qiao Zhenyu breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself that in over three years, Lin Zifeng would surely be married already.

Thinking of this, Qiao Zhenyu didn't say anything more, fearing it would ruin the mood for shopping.

The Lin family of four returned home by taxi. Only after putting away all the shopping bags did the father and son breathe a sigh of relief.

"Mom, Dad, you're going to Xiangyang Town and Miaoshan Town tomorrow. Do you want me to accompany you and drop you off?"

Lin Zifeng asked.

"No need for all that back and forth. Your mother and I can go back together. Transportation is convenient now; if the bus is inconvenient, we'll just take a taxi. You focus on your work!"

Lin Jiahua flatly refused.

"Your Father is right. As long as you can come back to Miaoshan Town for the New Year, our whole family can spend it together."

Zhang Chunhua added.

"Mom, Dad, I have to be on duty at the office on New Year's Eve. I won't be able to return to Miaoshan Town until New Year's Day."

"That's fine. Your work is important. We can just have the New Year's Eve dinner on New Year's Day instead."

Lin Jiahua said understandingly.

"Brother, I'll only be able to call you to give my New Year's greetings then. Give me your phone number! Godmother bought me a cell phone, so I have a way to communicate now."

Li Yuan took out her phone and said happily.