The minibus finally pulled up to their family's courtyard gate. Fifth Auntie and Eighth Aunt had already thrown the gates wide open, waiting at the entrance with several of their daughters-in-law and some children. That morning, when Secretary Mo and the others went into town, he had instructed them to prepare food and drinks for everyone's return.
Seeing Mo Jiabao and his family, the aunties were overcome with emotion. Fifth Auntie grasped Grandma's hand, a mix of laughter and sighs in her voice. "Thank heavens. I can't believe I've lived to see this day. All the hardship and suffering we endured in the past—it was all worth it!"
Grandma beamed and nodded. "It's all thanks to you. With our relatives helping us in so many ways over the years, we were able to pull through, despite being just the old and the young."
"We're all one family. It's only right that we look after our own!"
