391 The Villagers
After walking for over 50 minutes, Chu Ning finally saw a house at the foot of a mountain.
Many villagers from Laoshan Village had already gathered at the entrance. They had all come to offer their condolences after hearing about Chu Ning’s grandfather’s death.
Other than the chatting at the door, Chu Ning could hear the faint sound of crying coming from the room.
Just as Chu Ning and the others were about to enter the house, Mr. And Mrs. Chu walked out with sorrowful expressions on their faces. When they saw Chu Jing, Mr. Chu knelt down on one knee while Chu Jing spread out his hands and helped Mr. Chu up.
Then, Mrs. Chu repeated the same action to Chu Jing.
Following that, the couple bowed to their four children in turn.
Although Chu Ning and the others were the couple’s children, it was their first time paying their respects as guests, so it was necessary for them to follow the etiquette.
When Mr. And Mrs. Chu bowed to Chu Ning, Chu Ning only said softly, “My condolences.”
After the ceremony, Chu Ning walked into the house.
There was a coffin in the room, and a black-and-white photo frame was placed on the wall above the coffin.
The black and white photo in the frame was of Chu Ning’s grandfather.
There was a futon in front of the coffin. Chu Ning put her hands together and bowed before leaving the central room.
“You’re second brother Chu’s daughter? You’re so good-looking?” Just as Chu Ning was about to go outside for some fresh air, she saw a middle-aged woman walking towards her with a cup of hot tea.
The second son she was talking about was naturally Chu Ning’s father, Chu Ming.
“Thank you, Auntie.” Chu Ning took the hot tea and said with a smile.
After Chu Ning’s grandfather had passed away, some of the Laoshan villagers came to help out by receiving guests and preparing food.
Their conversation instantly attracted the attention of the other people at the front desk. There were villagers of all ages. When their eyes fell on Chu Ning, they couldn’t help but light up.
Even though Chu Ning did not put on much makeup this time, she was still the focus of the crowd.
It was already seven o’clock in the evening and the lights in the village were not that bright, but Chu Ning was still dazzling and attracted the attention of the people around her.
“You’re welcome, young lady. Are you married?” The middle-aged woman continued to ask.
“My sister is still studying. Auntie, she’s still young.” Chu Jing suddenly walked to Chu Ning’s side and said with a smile.
“Which child of second brother Chu’s are you?” The middle-aged woman was not displeased after being interrupted by Chu Jing. Instead, she looked at Chu Jing with a surprised expression.
“I’m the second child. I lived with my Big Brother and my grandparents for a period of time when I was young,” Chu Jing spoke again.
“Ah! In the blink of an eye, more than ten years have passed. You’re already so big. Where’s your child? Why didn’t you bring him along?” the middle-aged woman continued.
“I’m still single.” Chu Jing felt helpless, but he knew that in this place, a man in his twenties like him would already have been married and have a family.
This was the difference between undeveloped and developed areas. Although Chu Ning was only 18 years old, in the eyes of these people, she was already eligible for marriage.
On the other hand, Chu Jing naturally should have a family.
“Alright, you guys continue chatting. I still have to prepare dinner for you.” The middle-aged woman smacked her lips somewhat regretfully before leaving the house.
“Second brother, when will Big Brother and Third Brother arrive?” Chu Ning asked after the middle-aged woman left.
“Big Brother should be here tonight. As for Chu Zhuo, he should be here tomorrow.” Chu Jing thought for a moment. They had already told him about their itinerary before they arrived.
“Alright.” Chu Ning nodded.
There were many who had come to offer their condolences; dozens had come, and there was an endless stream of people coming and going. A large shed was built on the empty field outside the house. There were many tables, and on them were melons, fruits, and tea leaves, etc. The elderly sat around and chatted.
Most of them had mournful expressions as they discussed Chu Ning’s grandfather’s past deeds. Some children who were only a few years old ran around and played. They were not old enough to comprehend what had happened.
They only knew that there were a lot of people there and it was very lively. They would even joke about why the elders of their own families or other families were crying. They did not know what kind of scene they were experiencing at that moment.
After Chu Ning left, she did not stay idle.
Other than returning home to pay her respects, as a woman of the Chu family, she was also responsible for taking care of the guests.
Chu Ning quickly adapted to the environment.
Whether it was an adult or a child, she was able to chat with them.
“Young lady, I think your father is the most filial. Your grandfather has passed away, and your father is the first to come back. When your grandfather was alive, he always talked about how good your father was to him…”