Zhang Cai, Guo Sufi, and Zhang Xiaolong and his wife all came out to greet him. Earlier, a neighbor's child had brought word that their youngest son, whom they had not seen in years, had returned. Guo Sufi had not taken it to heart, since Zhang Xiaohua had long since come home; he merely came and went from on high, so others did not know. But when she heard that Zhang Xiaohua's face was pale and that he seemed to be injured, Guo Sufi could no longer sit still.
When she saw that Zhang Xiaohua truly looked wan and sickly, her heart ached terribly. Even when she saw Zhang Bairen calling "Master, Master" as he ran past her, she merely patted his head. Her eyes remained fixed on Zhang Xiaohua's face, and her steps quickened.
Seeing his mother's worry, as well as the faint reproach and reluctance on his father's face, Zhang Xiaohua hurried forward, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Mother. Greetings, Father."
Then he winked and saluted Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian as well. "Greetings, Elder Brother. Greetings, Sister-in-law."
Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian were startled, then immediately understood. With delighted expressions, they said, "Xiaohua... why did you suddenly come back?"
But Guo Sufi paid them no mind. She seized Zhang Xiaohua's hand and asked anxiously, "My son, you... where are you hurt? Didn't you say..."
Zhang Xiaohua hurriedly said, "Mother, I'm fine, truly. I'm just tired. I rushed for several days because I wanted to get back as soon as possible..."
"You..." Guo Sufi glared at him, then looked at the villagers nearby. She could not bear to even pinch him, and merely said, "It's good that you're back. Your mother would rather you came home a few days later than see you like this!"
Warmth filled Zhang Xiaohua's