Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
They lived like that until the end of the year.
As the year drew to a close, everyone busied themselves with getting ready for the new year. People were usually busy all year and only relaxed for a few days at the end of the year.
So things were very lively just now.
New Year’s Day in the ’80s was very lively!
The Gu family was also preparing for the new year.
Next year, there would be two babies in the family, and the entire family was delighted. As a result, they bought many things to celebrate the new year.
Not just food and toys, but also new clothes for everyone.
The servants in the family all received new clothes to be worn on New Year’s Day.
The entire Gu house was filled with festive joy.
The only one who did not participate in the festivities was Zhou Ping.
At the moment, she had almost no money. She had scrimped and pinched and saved about 10 yuan or so. When her mother asked for money, she hurriedly sent it back to the Zhou family.
But what could this 10 yuan do for the Zhou family?
Nothing!
Grandma Zhou had been very anxious lately. She called Zhou Ping almost every day. There was usually no one in Third Uncle’s house during the day. They were either at work or at school, so Zhou Ping was alone at home. This made it especially convenient for her to talk on the phone.
“What on earth is the matter with you? The new year is almost here, and we need to buy things to prepare for it. Your nephews and nieces all need new clothes. Also, your older brother is still in prison? Hurry up and get him released. Do you expect him to spend the new year in prison?”
Grandma Zhou sounded especially impatient over the phone. The Zhou family had been completely humiliated in their hometown lately.
They used to be so superior!
Their daughter had married into a noble family and was very powerful. She often sent money and supplements back. The entire Zhou family had basked in the reflected glory of this.
Eldest Uncle Zhou and Zhou Yaozhu played and drank but never grew short of money. During the new year or festivals, her daughter would send money and gifts in advance.
For so many years, Grandma Zhou had been a very respected old lady in her area.
But everything had changed suddenly this year. Her oldest son was in prison, and her grandson had been detained. He still had not been released. It was almost the end of the year, but her daughter still had not sent her any money. Everyone was saying that the Zhou family was finished, and it must be because her daughter had fallen from grace.
As speculation grew rife and Oldest Uncle Zhou remained in prison, others grew increasingly convinced that the Zhou family was on the decline.
Then the mocking began. Grandma Zhou had not experienced so much humiliation for a long, long time.
As she called Zhou Ping, she grew increasingly impatient.
Zhou Ping said helplessly, “Mother, Mother, wait a little longer. I’m already thinking of solutions. I can’t help it if my family doesn’t give me money! It’s almost the new year, and I’m sure they will give me money to buy things for the new year. Then I’ll certainly send it to you, all right?
“Don’t worry, there are plenty of nice things in the capital! I’ll be certain to send some supplements to you to build up your health, and you can have a long life!”
“Don’t make empty promises. Hurry up and send me some money.” Grandma Zhou’s patience was worn out. She was tired of hearing Zhou Ping’s promises. She only wanted to see cash as soon as possible.
“You had better find a way to send me ten thousand yuan tomorrow. Your older brother is still in prison.. You have to think of a way to get him out! The new year is almost here. If he still isn’t released, the Zhou family will be utterly humiliated!”
