Chapter 31 Cooking pig fat
She saw tangerine over at the county city's supply and demand cooperative last time and none at the community's supply and demand cooperative. At that time, she did not think about this as there were apples, pears, and grapes in the space and end up not buy it.
Now she regretted it.
Since she was all day at home, the sweater knitting was naturally fast. At night they ate seaweed and shrimp congee. She worked overtime on the knitting for a while and finished knitting Er Wa's sweater.
The next day, she got Da Wa and his brothers to stay at home. The Kang was heated and they were fully-fed. They just need to babysit San Wa. She will return as soon as possible.
She walked faster because there were three children alone at home. Once she arrived, Mei Jie handed it over. She also gave Mei Jie a piece of soap.
Her space contained a few boxes of it. There were ten pieces of soap in a box. She got both of the laundry and bath ones.
At a glance, Mei Jie knew that the soap must have been bought from the county city, otherwise, it wouldn't be so pretty and fragrant.
Naturally, she dare not accept such a good thing from her. Lin Qing He said to her: "Jie, please accept it. Don't be polite with me. Just for the bones you got for me, I must thank you."
For two yuans, Chen Mei brought her half a jin of fatty meat and half a jin of lean meat. On top of that, three ribs, two large bones, and a half pair of pig ears.
This was definitely enough.
In addition to these, she also gave two jins of kerosene.
She did pay, but this quality soap was a token of goodwill for Chen Mei, because she could see that Chen Mei was a good person even though she was a little proud when she first met her.
Seeing that she was really sincere in giving it, Mei Jie accepted it. This kind of soap was very good to use. Without two yuans, one can't buy it. She whispered: "There isn't much kerosene this time. Next time, there's a new batch, I'll set aside more for you. "
"Thank you, Mei Jie." Lin Qing He nodded.
Bidding goodbye to Mei Jie, Lin Qing He put everything in the basket, covered it with a cloth, and returned home.
Once she got home, she took out the fatty meat in the space as well to prepare for oil extraction.
"Send it over to your grandfather." Lin Qing He gave them a white bun. As for the brothers, she gave no more.
The brothers showed no hesitation when they heard that they would send it to their grandfather.
They wrapped it in oil paper, placed it in his arms, and delivered it to old Zhou's house.
These days were too cold, Father Zhou had been on the kang. He smoked a big cigarette and felt comfortable.
"Grandpa, we came." Da Wa and Er Wa grinned.
"Why are you two brothers here?" Father Zhou asked with a smile.
"Grandpa, this is for you to eat." Da Wa took out the oil paper from his arms and gave it to their grandpa.
"What is this?" Father Zhou paused for a moment and asked.
"Grandpa will know when you look at it." Blinking, Er Wa declared.
Father Zhou received it and then saw this was a hot white bun. Stunned, he blurted: "Where did this come from?"
"Our mother bought it," Da Wa said.
"Yesterday, Grandma ate it, but Grandpa hasn't eaten it yet. So Mother went to buy meat and bought it back. Grandpa, eat it," Er Wa explained.
Father Zhou approximately understood. Because they had eaten yesterday and he hadn't, so his two grandsons brought it up. With that, their mother had bought it back for him.
"Grandpa doesn't need to eat, you guys can eat it." Father Zhou felt very comforted on inside. He thought that Fourth's wife was a good role-model.
"We have eaten." Da Wa shook his head.
"En, we ate yesterday." Er Wa nodded. Although he was also greedy, he never of eating their grandpa's.
So Father Zhou ate his second white bun in his life.
It was as delicious as he remembered. It was so delicious that after he finished eating it, he immersed himself in the aftertaste for a long time.
When he regained his wits, he saw his two grandsons staring at him. Father Zhou was a little embarrassed. Such a big bun, he didn't leave any leftover.
"Grandpa, is it yummy?" Zhou Da Wa asked.
"It must be very yummy," Er Wa said.
"It is." Father Zhou nodded. "Thank you Da Wa and Er Wa for letting Grandpa eat such yummy white bun."
Da Wa and Er Wa beamed, and the brothers went back in a very good mood.
Father Zhou continued to reminisce about the taste. This white bun was more delicious than what he remembered. It was really flavourful.
When Mother Zhou came in, she said, "Eldest's wife said Da Wa and Er Wa came over."
"En, they sent me a white bun." Father Zhou replied.
Mother Zhou froze for a moment: "They really delivered it over?"
"They said I didn't have one yesterday, so today their mother bought it to make it up." Father Zhou said.
Hearing this, Mother Zhou was in a much better mood and said, "Fourth's wife isn't so unreasonable."
"The white bun is really fragrant." Father Zhou felt a little sleepy, smacked his lips, and expressed.
Mother Zhou had no comment because she had eaten one. It was so delicious that one swallowed their tongue.
On this side, Lin Qing He started to cook pig fat.
She took five pounds of pig fat out of the space, and with the ones brought back from Mei Jie, it was enough to extract a pot full of lard.
In the current weather, it will solidify on its own and not go bad. Estimating the time, it shouldn't be long before Zhou Qing Bai comes back. He will come back at the end of the month. She naturally had to stock up more things at home.
As soon as he comes back, she had to be cautious, otherwise, with his sensitivity, 8 or 9 out 10 times she would be caught. Once he comes back, she did not plan to take things out of the space.
So extracting more oil was a must.
Of course, the peanut oil jar at home was full, too. There was still a lot left in her space.
Cooking pig fat had a strong fragrant odor. But it won't be conspicuous now, because meat distribution was not long ago and many people were cooking pig fat. So far, many people haven't finished their meat yet. They will consume it slowly. So it was normal to have a meaty smell.
A full jar of lard was extracted from five jins of pig fat. And for the rest, Lin Qing He used another jar. It filled a small half of the jar.
As for the fat residue, she put it away on a plate.
When frying, she can add a little bit in. She can fry something fragrant, even without oil.
The three kids also like to eat fat residues. Lin Qing He didn't stop them, but she also didn't let them eat too much. Each got three pieces. Even then, it was satisfying.
They had millet porridge for noon. It was served with soy sauce ribs stewed by Lin Qing He, as well as fried vegetables mixed with fat residues. All three brothers were content. Lin Qing He was the same. She felt life was pretty good.
Now the mother and sons only knew to eat all day, every day. What will they eat today? What will they eat tomorrow? The mother and sons were all foodies.
The cheerful days didn't last a few days. After the last autumn rain, there was another autumn rain. This autumn rain also fell for a few days. This was really cold then. The temperature was probably around 4 or 5 degrees. Cold and icy.
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Chapter 32. Villains' father had returned
Because it was too cold, Lin Qing He was too lazy to cook. She usually made congee- shrimp skin congee, pork rib congee, sesame congee. Or folded up some dumplings to eat. In one go, she made a lot and cook many times.
Lin Qing He intended to make meat buns. The fat residue was a good filling ingredient, and there was cabbage in the backyard.
She planned to make more in one go. Whenever she wants to eat it, then steam some. It won't go off at this kind of day.
But she didn't make the buns immediately. She got to knit San Wa's sweater first. Only then she got the free time.
And on this night, the snow began to fall. It was only October 18th. This snow was half a month earlier than the ones in her memory.
But then again. It seems to be one night at the end of this month when Zhou Qing Bai returns home during heavy snow.
Now only Zhou Qing Bai's sweater was left to knit. He wasn't back yet, so no rush. Lin Qing He was indeed a woman of action, said she'll make and did make.
On October 19th, she started to make big buns stuffed with cabbage, egg, and fat residue with Da Wa Er Wa and also San Wa.
The mother and son busied for the whole day and made more than thirty white buns.
Because a lot of dough was made, there were still some left after thirty plus buns. So Lin Qing He made some fillings again. She grabbed some pork belly out of the space, then chopped it, and wrapped it with cabbage to make cabbage and pork belly stuffed dumplings.
Since she was making it, she might as well make more. This weather was really cold. She didn't want to go anywhere except Kang. Cooking was also troublesome.
So more than one hundred dumplings were made in one go.
She felt it was too much.
Her intake was average. She didn't have to go to the field to do farm work and the oil content was a lot, so there was no need to eat so much.
As for Da Wa, he can consume eight dumplings in one meal. At most six for Er Wa. However, she didn't let them eat too full. So seven for Da Wa and five for Er Wa. As for San Wa, three was enough for him. For herself, an intake of seven or eight dumplings.
With a bowl of shrimp skin soup made from cooking dumplings, then they'll be full. The children were still very young. She preferred to be a bit hungry rather than overstuffing them.
A hundred dumplings can also be last for a day or two. After all, there were buns.
It was all steamed, but still, needed to be taken out to let it cool. If she wants to eat it, she can just fry, steam or boil it.
After making so much at one time, Lin Qing He became idle.
Normally, it was some white porridge served with white buns or shrimp skin soup accompanied by dumplings.
Lin Qing He started knitting a sweater for Zhou Qing Bai. This was who they depended on. She didn't plan to go to the field. It was definitely going to be Zhou Qing Bai who works in the field to earn work points.
So she can treat anyone badly, but definitely not this person. Even if he didn't necessarily lack this sweater to keep warm, she must display her attitude (T/N: of gratitude? XD).
She'll manage the inside, and let him handle the outside.
She was the most afraid of farming. She was fine with managing the household. She wasn't going to work outside and don't even think about making her.
This morning, the mother and sons were eating boiled sweet potatoes accompanied by salted pork and a plate of fried onion and fungus next to it on the Kang table. It was also delicious.
"Don't know when your father will be back." Lin Qing He commented.
Counting the days, it was October 25th now. Zhou Qing Bai should be returning, which meant any day now. Somehow, she was still a little nervous.
"Is there no money more to spend?" Da Wa asked.
Lin Qing He: "..."
"Definitely no money left to spend. We have been eating good things for a while." Er Wa followed up.
Lin Qing He: "..."
When these two heard her mention their father, their first reaction was that she didn't have any money to spend. They were really ... clear-sighted. (T/N: These kids )
The original owner was like this. Every time she missed their father, it was the day when the allowance was about to be sent back. She had not received the remittance form sent by post from that side in the middle of this month. This was within her expectation.
"Don't talk nonsense. Your father hasn't come back for a long time. I was thinking, will he come back this year for the New Year. When he's back, don't know if he can recognize you three brothers." Lin Qing He said.
Da Wa was a lot sturdier. Er Wa's little face was rounder. As for San Wa, he was now completely fed by her into a little chubby.
He became rounder. And because he was good looking, he looked so robust and adorable. No need to say how cute he was.
Of course, Er Wa was also the same. It was only Da Wa, who looked sturdy. He didn't get fat at all, only his height increased a bit.
Because all the three boys were treated well, even if she knew that she was a waster, Mother Zhou did not say anything.
"We are Father's son. How can Father not recognize us." Da Wa uttered without care.
"That's right." Er Wa also affirmed, but still continued: "Will Father come back this year?"
"I don't know. Mother also hopes your father will come back." Lin Qing He said it like this.
"I know. Mother must have missed Father, right?" Zhou Da Wa grinned.
"She definitely misses him. I have forgotten what Father looked like," Er Wa nodded.
Human ah, to discuss like this nonstop. During the day, the mother and sons were talking about the head of their family.
Around ten o'clock in the evening, someone knocked on the door.
Lin Qing He slept relatively lightly these past few days. There was no way. She knew the plot ah. She knew that Zhou Qing Bai's return was any day now, so she didn't dare to sleep too deep.
As soon as the door sounded a bang, she almost instantly woke up.
The three children were still asleep. Lin Qing He put on a cotton coat and came out. It was really cold these days, especially tonight. It was really freezing.
"Who's there? Is it a petty thief from somewhere? If you dare to come to my old Zhou's place to run wild, then you have to inquire about who my man is!"
Zhou Qing Bai, who was outside the door, estimated that the mother and sons had fallen asleep, so he planned to go over the wall to enter. At this time, these words came from inside.
Zhou Qing Bai: "..."
These words made him, who walked all the way and got stiff feet due to the cold, raised the corners of his mouth. Then he was a little gloomy. Had anyone ever harassed the mother and sons?
"I'm warning you thieves, my man is Zhou Qing Bai. He's outside keeping our country safe. If you dare to target his home, it wouldn't be a problem to be caught and receive a gun execution!" The woman inside fiercely declared.
"It's me." Zhou Qing Bai said. Thinking that she might have forgotten his voice, he uttered: "Zhou Qing Bai."
"Zhou Qing Bai?" The woman inside was relieved as soon as she heard it was him.
Lin Qing He wasn't pretending. She was the only one at home, and her three sons were still young. If she was not sure that it was Zhou Qing Bai outside the door, then she would never open the door.
But when she heard his unique deep voice, which was registered in the original owner's memory, and he revealed his identity, it was clear that the villains' father had returned.
Lin Qing He knew he had walked all the way. And the snow was so heavy tonight, it must have been particularly freezing.
So she hurried over to open the door.
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She was ready. When she saw Zhou Qing Bai standing at the door, she can keep up her stance.
Even if this one-meter-eight-five-year-old man's aura couldn't be underestimated.
She voiced out: "How come you come back at this time. Quickly come in, this weather is freezing to death. Go into my room and stay there. Kang at this side hasn't been heated."
Zhou Qing Bai just darted a glance at her, and then came in. There was a big bag behind him.
Lin Qing He got him to stay in her room and went to the kitchen to smash ginger. When the fire started in the stove, she boiled him a bowl of intense ginger soup.
Inside the room, Zhou Qing Bai watched his three sons who were sleeping soundly. His three sons were obviously taken care of very well, especially San Wa. So round and chubby. Clean Too. Da Wa and Er Wa was the same.
Completely different to what he saw when he came back last year.
If he met them on the road outside, he may not be able to recognize them, even if Da Wa looked like him.
What was more unexpected, was that she could cook ginger soup for him.
Seeing the three sons who were taken care of very well, and listening to the sound from the kitchen, Zhou Qing Bai's cold brows finally softened thirty percent.
Soon Lin Qing He finished cooking the ginger soup and brought it in. She urged, "Quickly drink it while it's hot."
After saying this, she went out again. When she re-entered, the ginger soup had been drunk by Zhou Qing Bai.
Lin Qing He came in with a foot basin. Looking at Zhou Qing Bai, who was sitting on the kang, she said: "What are you sitting there for? Quickly take off your shoes and soak your feet to fight the chill? Don't think because you are young and strong, you can be headstrong. That's how the root cause of the illness is gained. In such heavy snow, you can actually come back carrying the snow. "
Although she was nagging, Zhou Qing Bai wasn't bothered at all. When she was nagging, she looked very pleasing.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't act shy. He took off his shoes and socks and started to soak in his feet.
After a large bowl of ginger soup, he was almost better and sweated a little. As this was her good intention, he wouldn't refuse it.
Soaking his feet, Zhou Qing Bai, who became warm all over, dropped his gaze on Lin Qing He.
Even though he didn't say anything, he still made Lin Qing He a little uncomfortable. Her brain lit up, and asked, "Are you hungry? There are ready-made dumplings and buns at home. What do you want to eat?"
Honestly, Zhou Qing Bai was hungry after walking all this way. If she had to make it from scratch, then forget it. However, if there were ready-made ones at home, he would readily accept.
"Bring some of each over." Zhou Qing Bai answered.
"Then wait a bit," Lin Qing He stated and turned around.
Watching her figure that busied away from the moment he came back, somehow, Zhou Qing Bai's initially uneasy heart calmed down.
In fact, he was a little worried before coming back, because he knew very well what she had always wanted to be an official wife. Otherwise, she wouldn't have married him, who stay outside and could not take care of his family all year round.
But now he can't complete her dreams, how could she agree? He reckoned that she would quarrel with him once she knew the truth.
But now it seems that there may be a chance of not arguing.
Lin Qing He estimated that his appetite should not be pretty big. After all, his size was so big, and he was trained all year-round. He will definitely eat a lot.
So she steamed four white buns and boiled a large bowl of dumplings in shrimp soup.
Then brought it in together. Zhou Qing Bai had wiped the plate. Judging by his expression, it seemed that he still wasn't full.
Lin Qing He: "..."
Such a big size made her a little flustered. Is the food at home enough for him to eat?
"It's pretty late. Go brush your teeth and sleep." Lin Qing He tidied up the bowl and chopsticks. She didn't plan to wash them. Leave it for tomorrow.
"Ok." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Lin Qinghe poured some hot water from the thermos for him. Mixed with the cold water, it was just right, and then she called him to brush his teeth.
Zhou Qing Bai silently went to brush his teeth. He knew that she always loved being clean, but he never noticed that cleaning teeth were a must at night.
Because Kang next door wasn't heated, Lin Qing He did not intend to abuse the patient. If she remembered correctly, he still had injuries. Although it wasn't life-endangering, it still needed to be nurtured for a while.
So she let him sleep on the Kang at side tonight.
The Kang was pretty big. The three children slept in the middle, while she slept on the inner side. He can sleep on the outer side. She'll be separated from him by the three children. Although she felt self-conscious, she was still his wife. But like this, it was fine.
"This quilt is good." Zhou Qing Bai commented when he saw the seven-jin quilt.
"That goes without saying! I wasted a lot of money to buy it back." Lin Qing He responded as she raised her eyebrows.
But for this weather, this seven-jin quilt wasn't enough. There was a four-jin quilt covering on the top. It was a total of two, and a new mattress underneath, which was also very warm.
It can be said that it was very warm. They don't need to be afraid of freezing at all.
Zhou Qing Bai, who traveled for a day, was indeed tired. So he got on the Kang and with his wife and children, he fell asleep.
He never expected to be so comfortable when he returned tonight.
Welcomed with ginger soup, ginger foot bath, big white buns, and shrimp skin dumpling soup. His whole body warmed up.
He thought about finding a time tomorrow to tell her about his retirement. What kind of scene it be tomorrow, can be left for tomorrow.
He didn't want to ponder so much tonight.
Shortly after Zhou Qing Bai laid down, he drifted to sleep. The bed was too warm and too comfortable, and his wife and children were there, so he slept more deeply.
As was anticipated, Lin Qing He had insomnia.
Although she told Zhou Qing Bai to sleep on the kang, as his wife and having three children in the middle, she still wasn't able to adapt in the end.
Zhou Qing Bai was obviously tired. Not long after lying down, she could feel that he was asleep, and slept really deeply.
Lin Qing He didn't know when she fell asleep. In short, she slept in the next day.
It was almost eight o'clock when she woke up.
As for the children, none were there. Lin Qing He panicked for a while, and then remembered that Zhou Qing Bai was back.
What's more, Zhou Qing Bai, Mother Zhou, and Da Wa could be heard from the outside.
Lin Qing He was at ease then. She tidied up, and then she got off the Kang. It was pretty late at this time.
Even in the winter. She didn't know if the three children had eaten or not.
She assumed that after sleeping so late and Mother Zhou was her, she would get despised. Unexpectedly, she received a gaze of approval from Mother Zhou.
"Last night was hard on Fourth's wife," commented Mother Zhou.
With this, Lin Qing He understood. Zhou Qing Bai had told her about the things she got up to take care of last night. She responded, "It wasn't much. Have you eaten yet, Mother?"
"I had," Mother Zhou answered: "You should quickly go eat."
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Mother Zhou's tone rarely sounded so nice.
Indeed, it was because she heard her youngest son said about last night's return. Naturally, she was worried, because of the heavy snow last night.
How freezing it must be walking all this way?
Her youngest son said that his wife got up and cooked ginger soup for him, and heated ginger foot bath to soak his feet. And also fed him steamed buns and dumpling soup, before letting him sleep.
After listening to this, Mother Zhou felt much more at ease. This big spending daughter-in-law, Lin Qing He, looked more appealing to her eyes.
At least she can take good care of her youngest son. This alone was enough to make Mother Zhou treat her with civility and cheerfulness.
Lin Qing He swept a glance at Zhou Qing Bai. Zhou Qingbai was also looking at her and they meet each other's gaze. She was still a little shy, so she switched her gaze to Da Wa and his brothers. "Have you eaten?"
"Yes." Da Wa and Er Wa answered.
Then Lin Qing He left them alone and entered the kitchen by herself. The pan was still hot in the kitchen. The father and sons had steamed buns.
The buns were made a few days ago, because it was frozen in the snow, it won't go bad. If they want to eat it, they just need to take a few and steam it. Since they didn't always munch on the buns, there was some left.
Of course, this was the last few.
Lin Qing He wasn't starving, so one was enough for her. The quantity she made was sufficient.
At this time, San Wa came in.
Lin Qing He picked him up: "San Wa, have you eaten enough?"
"No eat." San Wa shook his head.
This meant he had eaten. If you haven't eaten, he'll want to eat.
Lin Qing He carried him out. Mother Zhou was still there, mainly because she hadn't seen her youngest son for so long. She missed him dearly.
Out of the four sons, she favored her youngest son the most. In her heart, the youngest son was number one. All other sons and daughters can sit on the side.
Lin Qing He brought San Wa back into the room. Both Da Wa and Er Wa followed.
Zhou Qing Bai watched her back.
Mother Zhou whispered: "Da Wa's mother cares about these brothers more these days. Their clothes and footwear were all personally managed by her. She's afraid of freezing their brothers. She also bought meat and buns over for me and your Father."
Last time she made white bun, Lin Qing He also got Da Wa and Er Wa to bring two over. Just said it was for Father Zhou and Mother Zhou. Nothing for the others.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou didn't give away Fourth's wife's filial piety toward them. If they did, what would Fourth's wife think when she find out?
What's more, there were so many grandchildren in the old Zhou's house. Either all get it or none at all.
How were they supposed to divide the two buns? So the old couple simply ate it themselves. That way no one can say anything. If they do say something, then it was Fourth's wife was showing filial piety toward them old couple.
Zhou Qing Bai nodded, indicating that he knew.
"Other things, Mother won't say much. But your wife's habit of spending money must change. Da Wa and his brothers are growing. When the time comes, they will need money for everything. With her spurlging, not a penny will be saved," proclaimed Mother Zhou.
Zhou Qing Bai had noticed this matter.
The house gained a coal stove, half a bag of coal, and an iron pan made of stainless steel. And the two large quilts were brand new. Also the children's clothes.
As for others, there were a lot. The food in the room was full. The rice and flour were all excellent quality.
It must have cost a lot of money.
However, Zhou Qing Bai didn't think this was a bad habit, because she took good care of the household and the children were very well raised.
As long as she takes care of the household, he will be the one managing outside.
"I know." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Mother Zhou watched him constantly gazing at the inner room and knew that the couple hadn't seen each other for a long time. Although she wanted to say a few words to her youngest son, she didn't stay around to be a bother. "Then Mother will return first."
"Ok." Zhou Qing Bai sent her out.
With Mother Zhou gone, Zhou Qing Bai entered the room. Lin Qing He was applying vanishing cream onto her three sons and remarked: "Don't you know to call your father if you don't apply it yourself? If it gets damaged by the cold, it'll be ugly to look at then. "
"Mother, Dad is back," Da Wa uttered.
Er Wa's eyes also shone.
Judging how they act, Lin Qing He knew they were very satisfied with their father. She grinned and said, "This morning your father called you out?"
"En. When we woke up, Father told us to go out first after getting dressed and not disturb Mother." Da Wa bobbed his head.
"Father steamed the buns for us, one each!" Er Wa affirmed.
Usually, their mother gave half each and then accompanied with porridge. Never a whole.
Lin Qing He mentally pointed out that their father used her buns to win people's hearts. She hoped the father and sons have a good relationship and declared: "He is your father, of course, he is good to you. I am a stepmother, so each gets half."
"Mother is stepmother, then I am stepson." Er Wa giggled.
"Have you no embarrassment. Father only has Mother as a wife!" Da Wa uttered in disdain to him.
"Finished applying. You can go out." Lin Qing He shooed them away.
After saying this, Zhou Qing Bai came in. Lin Qing He subconsciously looked over and met his gaze. Lin Qing He felt it was weird to say nothing, just blurted: "Mother has returned home?"
"En." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Short and concise, no extra word.
Lin Qing He: No wonder the can't receive the original owner's favor. With this kind of mouth, he can't please a woman.
"You two go out to play." Zhou Qing Bai ordered Da Wa and Er Wa.
Da Wa and Er Wa looked at their mother. Lin Qing He mentally wondered why they were looking at her. She certainly didn't want them to leave!
But she also knew that he had something to tell her.
Lin Qing He urged: "Listen to your father. Go play."
So Da Wa and Er Wa went out. The two of them were going to boast that their dad returned to their friends!
With Da Wa and Er Wa gone, it was only San Wa playing on the kang. Lin Qing He knowingly asked as she played with her younger son: "How long can you stay this time?"
Zhou Qing Bai slightly halted. Although Lin Qing He had her back to him, she could feel that the man was obviously a little nervous. She continued to play with San Wa while she acts clueless. San Wa giggled from her teasing.
After seeing his third son laughed so happily, Zhou Qing Bai turned his eyes to her back and announced, "This time, I don't plan to go back."
As soon as these words came out, he saw her figure paused like he anticipated, and immediately turned to look at him with incredulous eyes: "What do you mean by not to going back?"
"I retire." Zhou Qing Bai exhaled as he watched at her.
Lin Qing He stared at him, waiting for him to continue talking. Like explaining the injuries he got on his body. But he didn't ...
No wonder the original owner simply flipped out on him. He really didn't know how to express himself.
Don't he know that 'her' dream was to be an official wife?
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Chapter 35. Villains' father feeling relieved
Lin Qing He observed this man. She saw a kind of uneasiness in his eyes, which made her slightly startled. It turned out that he was not as undaunted as he showed.
He was actually worried on the inside. It was just that he didn't know how to express these emotions, so he appeared to not care at all.
Zhou Qing Bai also examined her. He saw the confusion in her eyes, disbelief, and a hint of undisguised loss. Not a single disappointment or despair.
This made him stunned.
What made him even more shocked was what Lin Qing He said next.
"Retire then. The house needs a man, otherwise, I will not be able to sleep peacefully at night." As if admitting her fate, her shoulders collapsed and uttered.
This sentence successfully drew Zhou Qing Bai's attention. He remembered when he knocked on the door on his return last night, she voiced out harsh words at the door.
"Someone dare come to disturb at night?" Zhou Qing Bai enquired in a deep voice.
Lin Qing He looked like she had no reason to live. She powerlessly responded: "No. It's just that one time, I felt someone hopped over the wall outside. At that time I wasn't asleep, so immediately yelled. You know we have neighbors everywhere, so the thieves ran away. There were no real losses."
Zhou Qing Bai's face was gloomy: "It's my fault."
If something really happened, he dare not imagine the consequences.
Lin Qing He directed an expressionless face at him: "From this evening on, you will sleep on the Kang next door."
She admired her intellect. Unintentionally, she found such a wonderful excuse to sleep separately?
Zhou Qing Bai gave an odd look. Such a big matter, she didn't say anything else? She didn't scold him, or make him go back?
"What are you looking at!" Lin Qing He glared at him.
Zhou Qing Bai mentally exclaimed, 'that's the right reaction!'
"I'm telling you now, even if you retire, I won't go out and work. After marrying you, I have no plans to work on the field!" Lin Qing He stated.
"Just me working is enough." Zhou Qing Bai nodded. He never planned to let her work in the field. That was too exhausting. Just him was enough.
"Also the house chores. You also have to do your share!" Lin Qing He continued.
"Ok." Zhou Qing Bai also agreed.
"The retirement fund, how much is there? I'm managing that too!" Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Qing Bai took out the package he brought back last night. Opening the package, two sets of clothes and a water heater were revealed.
At the sight of the water heater, Lin Qing He's eyes lit up. There was only one at home. Not enough to use. Now with an additional one, it was sufficient.
There was also a backpack, footwear, and the like.
The backpack was bulging. Zhou Qing Bai handed it over directly: "It's all here."
Lin Qing He was actually a little embarrassed, but she still took it. Afterward, she was stunned: "So much money? How much is there?"
"Three thousand." Zhou Qing Bai darted a glance at her.
"Why is there so much?" Lin Qing He shocked.
There were almost two hundred yuans left in her pocket, and this was also a huge sum of money. She never expected Zhou Qing Bai to bring back three thousand yuans this time. What does this mean?
"I made a huge contribution. My superior applied it for me." Zhou Qing Bai clarified. It can be regarded as compensation and consolation for him.
"There are so many coupons!" Lin Qing He exclaimed in surprise.
Industrial coupons, food coupons, and cloth coupons were all there. And they were nationally accepted ones that will not expire!
Zhou Qing Bai noticed that her attention was all on these things, he wondered if he passed this hurdle?
"The matter last time scared me a lot. It's good that you are at home. However, I must still explain it clearly to you first. I won't do the work outside work. Too exhausting and I hate farming the most. At home, I will take care of the meals and three kids for you, so you don't have to worry. But from now, you will sleep in the kids' room. There's sufficient firewood at home, so you don't need to save. There's a lot stocked up in the backyard. "Lin Qing He steadily looked at him.
Zhou Qing Bai knew there was enough firewood in the house, and a lot were piled up in the firewood shed and the corner of the courtyard. When he asked Da Wa, he found out she requested Zhou Dong to transport them over for winter usage.
The matter that pressing against his mind like a heavy stone on his way home, disappeared like that?
After listening to her intention, it meant it was over, right?
Zhou Qing Bai couldn't help but stare at Lin Qing He.
Lin Qing He was in a very good mood, no matter what he thought. She took the entire backpack for her to manage into her hands and then remarked, "Did you tell your mother about this?"
"Not yet." Zhou Qing Bai still watched her.
"Then you go, say it yourself. I will not say such a shameful thing anyway." Lin Qing He waved her hand and said.
Zhou Qing Bai glanced at her and responded with an 'En'. Since she didn't explode, he was truly relieved.
He didn't ponder anymore and simply attributed her changes to the fact that she was scared by the thief.
As for asking him to go to sleep next door, it didn't think of anything, because every time he returned in the past, she couldn't wait for him to leave quickly.
Now that he had retired, she definitely would not let him stay in this room.
This wasn't a big deal. As long as she didn't cause a ruckus, it made Zhou Qing Bai relax. He told her, "I'm going over to my father and mother."
There was no burden in telling his father and mother because his wife was the bigger problem here. And now the biggest problem was solved.
"Go then." Lin Qing He nodded.
Zhou Qing Bai came to the old Zhou's home.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou hadn't had time to be happy about their youngest son's return as they were shocked by the news directly announced by their youngest son.
"What? You retired? Won't go anymore?" Father Zhou froze.
"What happened? Out of nowhere, why retire?" Mother Zhou was even more anxious.
"I reached the age, so I retired." Zhou Qing Bai was still concise with his answer.
Eldest Brother Zhou, Second Brother Zhou, and Third Brother Zhou were all confused.
"How can you reach the age? You are only twenty-seven! Your future is limitless!" Third Brother Zhou was first to react.
Eldest Brother Zhou and Second Brother Zhou also asked him the reason.
But Zhou Qing Bai didn't say anything. Not an extra word of explanation.
"If you retire, then you retired." Father Zhou voiced out after a long silence. "Such a big man, you just need works hard. Da Wa ad his brothers will soon grow up. They will be able to work when the time comes. There are no worries about eating and drinking. "
The three Zhou brothers looked at each other.
"Old Fourth, you come in with Mother." Mother Zhou ordered.
Zhou Qing Bai did not say anything and followed the sad Mother Zhou into the room.
"Old Fourth, tell your mother, what exactly is going on? Mother doesn't believe you reached the age for retirement." Zhou mother stared at her youngest son.
Zhou Qing Bai knew that the usual excuses could not fool her, so he showed her the wound on his chest. Although it had healed, there was still a big scar.
It was almost close to the heart. Mother Zhou's heartbeat slowed by half a beat at the sight of it. She understood without her son saying anymore.
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Chapter 36. Definitely withhold the ultimate move
The old lady's eyes reddened and she talked non-stop, "It's good that you retire. Although home isn't as good as there, at least eating won't be a problem. Also, it's not so dangerous. Da Wa and his brothers are still too young."
It was really god's blessings. If he met misfortune, it was really unimaginable.
Fourth's wife was definitely unreliable. If her youngest son met with misfortune outside, then she will definitely pack up and remarried.
What will happen to those three grandsons then?
"That's right! Does Da Wa's mother know? She always wanted to be an official wife. If you retire now, she wouldn't let it go?" The old lady recalled and her face changed quickly as she rushed to ask.
Mother Zhou was very clear about the original owner's ambition, so after being angst, she began to worry about her youngest son's other half at home.
"I told her. Although she was a little disappointed, she understood that there was no room for turning around and have no objection." Zhou Qing Bai said.
"No objection?" Mother Zhou froze: "How is this possible?"
Fourth's wife had her eyes set high. She always wanted to be an official wife and considered herself as an official wife. She looked down all the women in the village and for so long she never converse with any of them.
Of course, she showed disdain and never group into with the rural women.
If her dream of becoming an official wife shattered, how terrible it'll be? The sky will be punctured by her, right?
"Old Fourth, your wife must be holding back her ultimate move. You must her carefully. If she wants to divorce you, you must not divorce. You must stand firm or Da Wa and his brothers have no mother. At that time, you can't lift your head! " Mother Zhou rambled on.
Zhou Qing Bai displayed a helpless expression. He wanted to tell his mother that it wasn't that serious. His wife thought it through.
However, Mother Zhu wouldn't believe that.
Even if she behaved well after transmigrated, the impression left by the original owner was deeply ingrained- not someone who settle things peacefully.
It was apparent from the moment she dared use her pregnancy to forcefully split away from the family shortly after marrying in.
But Zhou Qing Bai really didn't think his wife would make trouble. He was really unsettled before returning. He was worried that she wouldn't let it drop and there would be no peace in the house then. But he watched her reaction after finding out, she was indeed clearly dejected, as if the spiritual pillar that had always supported her had collapsed.
But this state only maintained until he took out three thousand yuans and the bundle of coupons. All her displeasure disappeared then.
He can see this emotion.
Therefore, there was no such thing as withholding an ultimate move.
But to be so open-minded, this should be the change brought by the thief scare.
Thinking of this, Zhou Qing Bai's eyebrows condensed.
Seeing his expression, Mother Zhou thought he kept her words in mind. Fearing he would aggravate the family conflicts when he returns, she quickly interjected: "Your wife's temper is like a firecracker. If you have something to talk about, tell her slowly. It's not a big deal. You have to comfort her, understand? Don't remain silent and let her guess. The time she spent with you is less than a month, and she can't guess it right. "
Zhou Qing Bai got up and said: "Don't worry, Mother. It's okay."
There was one phrase his mother said right. They have been married for so many years and Da Wa was five years old, six after the new year. But truthfully, the time they interacted with each other didn't reach a month.
So he still didn't know her. He can't look at her with past observation. For example, this time when he came back, didn't she take good care of all three sons?
Zhou Qing Bai came out to say goodbye to his father and three older brothers and went back.
When Eldest Brother returned to his room, he talked about it with Eldest Sister-in-law. Eldest Sister-in-law was stunned: "Not going anymore? Stay in the village in the future?"
"En, it counts as retiring." Brother Zhou nodded.
"Would Fourth's wife agree?" Eldest Sister-in-law blurted.
Brother Zhou said: "There's no problem with old Fourth staying. What is there to not agree? Also, it's dangerous to be outside in the wind and rain. There's no danger to stay in the village. No need to be afraid of starving too. What reason is there to disagree?"
"You don't know what Fourth's wife thinking?" Eldest Sister-in-law rebutted.
"What?" Brother Zhou responded.
"Not saying. You won't understand even if I did." Eldest Sister-in-law waved her hand.
It wasn't only Eldest Sister-in-law who understood Lin Qing He's thoughts. Both Second Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law also knew.
After hearing their men mention this, they were shocked.
Their first reaction was the same as Eldest Sister-in-law, ask whether Fourth's wife agree? Did she stir trouble like crazy?
Second Brother and Third Brother had understood.
They expressed they didn't know. He got called by Mother into the room to have a good talk. She might not cause a ruckus, maybe?
Not cause a ruckus?
Second Sister-in-law did not believe it.
She simply gathered Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law over to knit sweaters and chat.
As expected, they also bought woolen yarn back to knit sweaters and trousers. Otherwise, how could they bear this freezing to death weather?
"Eldest Sister-in-law, Third Sister-in-law, you know about Fourth Brother-in-law's retirement, right?" Asked Second Sister-in-law as she knitted.
"Yes." Eldest Sister-in-law replied.
"How can this be hidden?" Third Sister-in-law also said.
After all, Fourth Brother-in-law will stay in the village in the future. It wasn't possible to conceal.
"Don't know how bad Fourth Sister-in-law is quarreling at home now. You know what kind of thoughts she has. Her eyes were like they grew on the top of her head. Always thinking about flying up the branch and turn into a phoenix one day. Now she fell and turned into a grass chicken." Second Sister-in-law chattered.
Naturally, there was a little bit of gloating in her tone.
Eldest Sister-in-law had just made a piece of close-fitting clothing for her son from the fabric the other had given her. She gently chided: "Don't say it like that. We are all one family. We gain nothing from Fourth Brother-in-law's retirement. I was initially thinking, if Fourth Brother-in-law gets promoted again, he can take care of the nephews of the old Zhou family in the future."
Second Sister-in-law heard these words and couldn't help but sigh: "True."
Of course, she had the same thought, even if her son was only three years old this year. If his fourth uncle was successful, her son would be cared for as his nephew, right?
It was also for such reason, Second Sister-in-law, who used to love nit-picking in front of the original owner, toned it down a lot over the years.
As for Third Sister-in-law, her mind was still wondering whether Lin Qing He can get some trotters for her post-natal confinement. And also the leftover fabric from making Da Wa brothers' clothes last time, which were used to make her daughter's coat. That was warm. Let's not forget the brown sugar left in the jar, it was also sent from there.
So on this matter, Third Sister-in-law would only mull over it in her mind and never say it out.
Only Second Sister-in-law was someone who couldn't hold herself back. After the chat broke off with the two sisters-in-law, she came out.
Like this, the news of Zhou Qing Bai's retirement and starting to work in the field was spread in the village. The village was small, and soon the leader of the team directed his grandson to call Zhou Qing Bai over.
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Chapter 37. To not throw a fit, isn't possible
Not long after Zhou Qing Bai returned from the old Zhou's house and finished drinking the ginger soup cooked by his wife, he had to visit the team leader's house.
Lin Qing He didn't mind. She collected the bowl and rinsed it.
It goes without saying, she needed to made him drink the ginger soup again. Last night, the snow was that heavy, so how could drinking one bowl be enough.
So while he was in the old Zhou's house, she cooked some more.
This time it wasn't just Zhou Qing Bai. Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa have a share too, but she added a little brown sugar for them. Otherwise, the three kids wouldn't drink.
Lin Qing He drank it too.
In such cold weather, drinking some ginger soup warmed one's body.
Now that the coal stove was burning, it was very convenient to cook anything. She passed babysitting San Wa to Da Wa and Er Wa. She took out the potatoes and cut them.
For lunch, stewed potato and pork belly and a shrimp skin soup were enough.
The pork belly were the ones she bought from Mei Jie yesterday. This time she 'bought' a lot.
Three jins of pork belly and a few jins of pork ribs. If she uses it frugally, they can eat it for a while.
For example, this time when she stewed potatoes and pork belly, the pork belly was thinly cut. Although it looked like a lot, it was only a few bits of meat at best, and no more.
But if it is fried with lard, it will be delicious.
Shrimp soup was much simpler.
She had prepared all the ingredients. After checking the time, it was too early. There was a clock hanging at home for time checking. The original owner saved a lot of industrial coupons to buy it. It took three months' worth of Zhou Qing Bai's salary and allowance.
Now she was enjoying the benefit. Of course, it was inevitable to take over the reputation of a spendthrift woman.
Lin Qing He returned to the room to inspect her various materials. Fortunately, she had a hunch and knew that he would be back in these few days. The rice and flour in the house were full. The eggs jar too. It was enough for a while.
What satisfied Lin Qing He the most was the 3,000 yuan with the bundle of ticket coupons that Zhou Qing Bai brought back this time.
Next year, Zhou Qing Bai will be working. At that time, there will be food per headcount. A man as big as Zhou Qingbai will certainly be able to get ten work points. So she didn't have to worry about spending any money.
She acquired enough household tools, so there was no need to go shopping in the county city.
So now with her remaining 200 yuan, all her family had a total of 3,200 yuan. This money must be saved!
Save it for when the restrictions are dropped, and see if she can do business.
Otherwise, when gold sprout everywhere and she didn't have the capital to do anything at that time, she'll really cry.
When Lin Qing He was making such plans, Mother Zhou came over.
Seeing Mother Zhou, Lin Qing He subconsciously made her face serious at once!
Tha's right, she can muddle it through with Zhou Qingbai. But not with Mother Zhou. There was only so much time the original owner spent with Zhou Qing Bai.
However, she lived in the same village as Mother Zhou. She was very clear about the original owner's temper.
"Fourth's wife, do you know that old Fourth has retired?" Mother Zhou cautiously approached the matter.
She really spoiled her daughter-in-law. If Lin Qing He was a bystander, she couldn't endure and let take out her mother-in-law's dignity.
But now she was the one with authority. and simply declared: "What does old madam want to say? Did you come to ridicule me? Then ridicule! Anyway, I can't stand this life anymore. It's a good time to prepare to pack up and go home!"
She didn't even call her 'mother'! Mother Zhou knew the seriousness of the matter and quickly interjected: "Fourth's wife, don't be impulsive. Da Wa and his brothers are already this big. Can you bear to leave them all behind? Fourth already retired. And such a big man, he can still support you and the kids, right? I already urged him to come back and have a good talk with you. How you live in the past, is how you will live in the future. You don't have to go to the field. Fourth alone is enough! "
This was the rough draft she made without giving Zhou Qing Bai a head up, before coming here.
"How I live in the past? Marrying him for so many years, I acted like a widow. Why I'm doing this? I believe you all know very well. But now he just came back empty-handed like this. How can I let this matter drop? No way! "Lin Qing He acted out.
Such an act of wickedness ah!. She really didn't want to throw a fit, but she must.
If she didn't have a tantrum, she would have to go to the field. If she goes, it would be treated that it was a natural thing. It's what she supposed to do.
People ah, sometimes they have to be like this. Lazy people be diligent sometimes, and everyone will praise her. While diligent people be lazy occasionally, and everyone shakes their heads and never expected her to be such a person.
This is reality.
She didn't want to become the second kind, and she can't act like the second kind.
So she must take this opportunity now to let Father Zhou and Mother Zhou have the impression that they can celebrate if she didn't throw a fit and stay behind to take care of Zhou Qing Bai and her sons. Then they won't nag behind her back how she didn't go work in the field and dump it all on their son and feel it was fortunate that she was still willing to stay.
Of course, the most important thing was that this was in line with her personality.
Mother Zhou knew that she will definitely persist, and she repeatedly persuaded: "All one family, what is there to drop or not. Fourth is a good man. You have no loss from marrying him..."
"It's your old Zhou's family who have no loss. I, by myself, gave you, Zhou Family, three grandsons. Adding up the three can't even match one of me. I married over at a young age. He, Zhou Qing Bai come home for so many years doesn't even amount to a month. What is the difference between me and a widow? Who is on the losing end here! "Lin Qing He interrupted her and refuted.
Mother Zhou quickly responded: "Mother doesn't mean that. Now Fourth has retired, he will never let you suffer. Da Wa's Mother, don't do impulsive things!"
"Not let me suffer. I 'm nearly suffering to death. This isn't suffering? He stepped down now, how can I still have face in the village? The villagers must be secretly laughing at me. Not mentioning the villagers, just my Second Sister-in-law only. She must have gloated in delight a lot. Who knows, how she'll pay attention to me behind my back! "Lin Qing He's face flushed with embarrassment and uttered.
"No, she won't. Although your Second Sister-in-law has a nit-picking personality, she doesn't dare to do it to you," Mother Zhou denied quickly.
After all, this fourth daughter-in-law was also a strong character. She never let Second's wife profit.
"What doesn't dare? She doesn't dare only because of looking at Da Wa's Father's face. She's thinking about whether her son will be able to get some benefits in the future, so she doesn't dare. Now he has retired, she won't be polite "Lin Qing He said, and then turned the topic back:" Old madam, you don't need to persuade me. I will not easily settle this matter with Zhou Qing Bai! "
"Fourth got a wound. Please let him nurse it well sick and leave any illness root." Mother Zhou hurried coaxed.
Lin Qing He heard these words and immediately spat out a vicious sentence: "None of my damn business!"
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Chapter 38. Freaking out
Zhou Qing Bai, who returned at an unknown time, had clearly heard an earful from the door: "..."
He didn't even know that his wife had this ability to say one thing and mean another.
It was obvious that she was afraid he would get cold and be hungry. Forget last night, as she didn't know what happened and looked after him. But this morning, he showed his card and she still gave him a bowl after he got back from old Zhou 's house. His three sons also received a share.
But toward his mother, it was this ruthless appearance.
She got two faces? (T/N:
)
He really didn't understand his wife.
Inside, Mother Zhou choked. Her mind said, 'this is your man, how is it not your business?'. But she knew she was angry now and no words can reach her. What's more, she can only accede instead of going against her. Otherwise, once old Fourth return, life would be up-ended.
"Father, hold me!" At this time, San Wa's voice sounded outside the door.
The little guy wandered out to see his father, and directly headed over to hug his leg as he asked.
Zhou Qing Bai picked up San Wa. At this time, Mother Zhou came out of the room.
"Mother, go back. There's no problem here." Holding San Wa, Zhou Qing Bai conveyed.
Mother Zhou was filled with worry. Looking at her youngest son, whose wife was about to run, she urged, "Old Fourth, come home with mum for a bit."
Zhou Qing Bai followed her the door, carrying San Wa. Mother Zhou whispered: "Old Fourth, you heard it just outside the door, right? You need to have a good talk your wife, understood? If you can't convince her to stay, then you really need to take care of Da Wa and his brothers by yourself."
Even if her son divorced like this, it would never be a problem to find another. But the main point was that it wasn't possible now. With three sons, how can he get married again? Marry one back to abuse her three grandsons?
Although Fourth's wife was like that, it was better than a stepmother, no matter how unreasonable the biological mother was.
Without waiting for her son to speak, Mother Zhou continued: "Go back and talk with your wife. Just promise her that she didn't have to work in the field. How she lived before is how it'll be in the future. It's enough that she can take care of your family. Next year, Da Wa will be able to gather pigweed to earn work points. The household putting in the effort can get headcount share, so even without her going to the field, you can still live well! "
Zhou Qing Bai nodded seriously: "I'll listen to Mother. I will explain it clearly to her."
He seemed to understand why his wife talked to his mother like that.
Of course, he wouldn't be so stupid to say it. He knew everything about earning work points. He won't make the living conditions at home become bad.
Only when she saw him agreed, did Mother Zhou go back. It just she was still worried.
At home, Lin Qing He acted like nothing happened. Seeing that it wasn't ten o'clock yet, she directed at Zhou Qing Bai: "I heard Mother said you have injuries. Come in and let me see."
As she said this, she took San Wa into her embrace.
Zhou Qing Bai glanced at her and said, "It's no big deal."
Lin Qing He just stared at him. Last night she was too shy. Now she can almost calmly face him. Her adaptability was very strong, especially when her commotion with Mother Zhou was witnessed by him. She felt that she could take the plunge
Human ah, as long as they were willing to take the plunge, anything was possible.
Zhou Qing Bai saw that she won't accept any objection, he had no choice but to enter and take off his clothes to show her. Lin Qing He was a little embarrassed, but when she saw the scar on his wound, she couldn't help but feel heartache.
"Quickly put on your clothes, lie down on the Kang at once." Lin Qing He ordered.
Zhou Qing Bai obediently put on his clothes. The weather was still quite cold. He uttered: "Are there house chores left to do?"
"Yes." Lin Qing He nodded.
Zhou Qing Bai watched at her, obviously waiting for her instructions.
"Obediently, lie on the Kang for me, and completely nurse your wounds. We'll talk after that " Said Lin Qing He.
Zhou Qing Bai looked at her and persisted, "The injuries on my body are fine."
"It's just fine. It doesn't mean it's completely healed. If you want to work, there's enough for you next year. And it'll be all done by you. Now quickly lie down. My temper isn't good, so don't add fire to it." Lin Qing He frowned.
What fine? She can feel the ache just by looking at it!
Zhou Qing Bai saw that she was really angry, he felt quite helpless. That easy to get angry. Resigned, he turned around to return to the kids' kang.
Lin Qing He placed San Wa with him and let him watch over him. Then she went to heat up the Kang.
At this moment, Da Wa and Er Wa returned from the outside. These two brothers had gone out and flaunted the fact that their father came back. It made them more euphoric than getting new clothes to wear.
"Your father risked coming back through the snowstorm last night. He's not feeling too well, you guys go to the Kang and talk with him." Lin Qing He suggested.
Da Wa and Er Wa held high expectation and awe toward their father, Zhou Qing Bai. So hearing their mother say so, they all went.
Zhou Qing Bai saw his two elder sons coming in, he gestured for them to come over with his eyes.
Da Wa and Er Wa scrambled over and watched at him.
Da Wa revealed: "Mother said Father is sick. Then, Father, you need to rest more."
"En. Last time San Wa was sick, Mother had to take care of him for the whole night without sleeping," Er Wa nodded.
San Wa had a cold just a few days ago. Lin Qing He had taken a lot of caution since she came, but he still caught a cold. That night she really didn't sleep for the whole night and took care of him. Da Wa and Er Wa only knew about it the next day.
Zhou Qing Bai knew that it was not easy for his wife to take care of their three sons, but he thought when the kids get sick, she'll keep watch for one night.
"Father not leaving?" Da Wa's eyes shone.
Er Wa couldn't help looking expectantly at him.
Just not their little friends mentioned it. They heard the adults say their father won't leave anymore and will stay in the village.
"Not leaving." Zhou Qing Bai affirmed.
"That's great!" Da Wa and Er Wa were excited.
Naturally, children won't think too much. Their minds were very simple. They want their father to stay at home. But they don't know that if their father stays at home, there will be no source of income for the family.
Outside, Lin Qing He was thinking of making soup to nourish Zhou Qing Bai when she heard laughter from the room.
Although the relationship between father and son will worsen in the future, the three little men in the family have natural worship for their father so far.
After all, he was so tall and so big. He looked very strong and better than the fathers of other children in the village. So they were happy to recognize him.
Lin Qing He cooked stewed seaweed ribs soup in the casserole pot. After all, she 'knew' he still had injuries on his body. She must express that.
Then, she made stewed pork belly with potatoes and shrimp skin soup. The pork rib soup was specially made for villains' father. She and the children can have shrimp skin soup.
At 11 o'clock around noon, her family can eat.
The patient's soup was for Zhou Qing Bai to drink alone. Neither Da Wa nor Er Wa had the intention of wanting it. They expressed that they were fine with drinking shrimp soup.
Zhou Qing Bai darted a glance at Lin Qing He.
Lin Qing He explained: "Their father is unwell, so needs nourishment. Both of our boys are filial and will not fight with their father."
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Chapter 39. You're in charge of the household
These words made Da Wa puff out his little chest and got Er Wa to stop drooling and his eyes shone instead.
But Zhou Qing Bai persisted on dividing the ribs between the mother and sons, and he drank the soup.
Da Wa and Er Wa's expression displayed how touched they were.
Father was reluctant to eat it and gave it to them!
Lin Qing He: ... you really know how to dote them.
This soup's rib meat was simply heavenly!
Still, she accepted his goodwill. She shot him a glance. Zhou Qing Bai was also watching her.
"Quickly eat it. Once you finish, go to rest on the kang. The weather is pretty cold." Lin Qing He pretended to not mind and look away.
After the whole family ate, Zhou Qing Bai was about to clean up the tableware, but Lin Qing He passed San Wa to him. She cleaned it up herself.
It was still that phrase. There were so many days to work in the future, no need to be anxious about this moment.
However, it was obvious that Zhou Qing Bai was someone who couldn't sit still. He couldn't stand it if he were to rest all day. After taking a nap, he went to sort the backyard.
Seeing that he really didn't want to lie down, Lin Qing He decided not to stop him.
In the afternoon, Mother Zhou came again. Lin Qing He had already thrown a tantrum when required. So naturally, she couldn't stay being in the right and not forgive. She declared, "I can stay. But if I hear you guys ever pick on me, then I will pack up and leave immediately! "
Mother Zhou was in a bad mood today. Father Zhou was also in a low mood at home. Of course, Father Zhou didn't think Lin Qing He would leave. He was down cause of his son's retirement. But after listening to his wife saying that his son was injured, he couldn't care about that anymore. He instantly asked Mother Zhou to bring some money over.
Mother Zhou had yet to take out the money when she heard her talk. She quickly reacted: "You can rest assured. You have separated off now, meaning were two families. How you live here, old Zhou Family won't intervene. No one will say you are in the wrong! "
"Judging by the injury on Da Wa's Father, if it's not properly maintained, it will probably leave a root of a recurring illness. I don't want to be widowed while I'm still young. And in the future, I'll need to boil medicine and serve him. Can you look around and see if anyone wants to sell chickens? If there is, help me buy two." Lin Qing He said. And then with a resentful face: "I don't know what sin I committed in my last life. This life, I have to follow this kind of man. First, serve his sons, now wait on him. I'm born with a hard life! "
Although she was listening to her complaints, the stone pressing in Mother Zhou's heart was put down.
Let her complain if she complains. In the end, she was still willing to catch chickens to nourish her son. Wasn't this good?
"But I don't want old Zhou's family's. Now Third Sister-in-law is about to give birth. Don't say that she can't even eat chicken during her post-natal confinement as it will be eaten by my family." Lin Qing He pointed out.
Mother Zhou initially wanted to catch two from her family. Old Zhou family had eight big egg-laying hens. At this time, the chickens were raised per headcount, and one chicken per two-person.
Old Zhou family, including grandchildren, had a total of 17 people. So they can raise eight chickens.
Eight chickens seem a lot, but in fact, they were not enough to eat. And the eggs should be kept for selling to buy salt and the like.
Therefore, eggs were precious to the old Zhou family, who lived so prudently.
Mother Zhou, who planned to harden her heart to catch two old hen at first, threw it out of her mind after hearing Lin Qing He said that.
Thankfully, Mother Zhou was very popular in the village. It was not a big deal to buy two hens. She quickly returned with two tied-up old hens.
In order to not cause her character to fall apart, Lin Qing He didn't give Mother Zhou a penny. Zhou Mu didn't even say a word.
Because she knew that these two chickens were just used to nourish her youngest son's body. And her three grandsons could eat it too. As for Lin Qing He, she was only one person. How much can she eat if she did eat?
She secretly took two hundred yuans out of her pocket again, which were all in a big bundle of ten yuans.
"What are you doing?" Lin Qing He froze before uttering.
"We saved this from the time when Fourth sent it over. After building two rooms for Eldest and Second, only this much was left. Please keep it. Later, when Da Wa and his brothers grow up, they'll need to spend money everywhere." Although Mother Zhou was reluctant, she still took out this small fortune of two hundred yuan.
During the time, when Fourth's wife was separating off, they decided use Zhou Qing Bai's remaining money to build single rooms for the other three, so she can block their mouths.
At that time, the bricks and tiles were much cheaper than now. The starting price of one square meter was four or five yuan then. And it wasn't big. Lin Qing He's two single rooms and a hall was only 50 square meters. No labor cost was spent then. Father Zhou had called people including the Zhou brothers to help, so it didn't cost much.
But now it was almost ten yuans per square meter, which was more than doubled. It wasn't possible to build a spacious brick house without one to two thousand.
At that time, only after using Zhou Qing Bai's money and let the other three have their own single room, did they have no objection.
This was what is left now.
The two old couples still have their own retirement fund, which they won't touch no matter what.
Other benefits have been claimed by Lin Qing He. So this two hundred yuan, Lin Qing He decided to leave it.
"If Da Wa's father knew I took both of you old people's money, he'll have a big argument with me." Lin Qing He came up with this.
"This was originally earned by old Fourth. I was keeping it for him back in those years. Now he's back, the money should naturally be returned to him. No one can say anything. These two chickens were also bought with this money." Mother Zhou pressed on.
Lin Qing He have no intention of accepting it. But Mother Zhou insisted on giving it to her, so she hesitated a little and then received it. She promised, "I won't take it back to my maternal family. I will keep it for our living expenses."
Mother Zhou was satisfied with her statement. She wanted to advise a few other things like living more prudently and don't be act so extravagantly. She estimated that she wouldn't listen, so she made no comment.
When Mother Zhou went back, she told her other daughters-in-law that Fourth's wife paid the chickens.
She couldn't hide the fact that she helped catch the chickens. It would be better to say it openly.
Eldest Sister Zhou and Third Sister-in-law said nothing. Actually, the two of them were a little relieved, especially Third Sister-in-law. She roughly calculated the baby was to be born next month. The family could only give one chicken for her to supplement her body. If it was gifted to Fourth Brother-in-law's house, she was most likely going to eat some eggs.
Eldest Sister-in-law was the same. She was due to give birth in March next year. She also wanted to keep the chickens for nourishment.
Second Sister-in-law pouted. Her mind wondered how much money the old madam shelled ut to Fourth's family!
She kept it locked in her heart, not daring to say it out loud. The old madam can really tolerate Fourth's wife. As for them, the old madam was so strict.
At Lin Qing He's side, she went to the backyard at once to confess to Zhou Qing Bai.
"I didn't want to accept old madam's money at the start but judging by her appearance if I didn't take it, who knows what she would think in her mind. I was thinking about how the future would be long, so I collected the money." Lin Qing He admitted.
Zhou Qing Bai was setting up a chicken shed. Responding to her, he looked at her and said, "You're in charge of the household."
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Chapter 40. Sesame Stewed Chicken
From his serious attitude, Lin Qing He saw he really had no objection.
"There's no rush in making the chicken shed. When you're ready, come over and kill the chicken. It's really delicious to stew chicken until the evening." Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Qing Bai nodded: "Leave it to me."
After finishing the work in his hand, he came to the front yard to kill the chicken. It was perfect to pass this work to him.
Lin Qing He boiled the water for him to remove the feathers. She lit the stove. A casserole pot was the best for stewing chicken. Starting now and stew until around 7pm in the evening, it'll be so soft and tender.
There weren't any special ingredients for the stewed chicken, just a handful of sesame seeds. No red dates were thrown in.
The sesame stewed chicken was very flavorful and nourishing. Perfect for Zhou Qing Bai's current state.
"Have some apple." Lin Qing He scooped hot water for him to wash his hands, and then grabbed an apple for him.
Zhou Qing Bai stared at her.
"What are you looking at?" Lin Qing He asked.
"Nothing." Zhou Qing Bai took the apple and cut out half for her to eat.
Although Lin Qing He gave him an eye-roll, she was satisfied in her heart. This man was selfless. She accepted it as she spoke, "This is for you, the patient. I will only eat this time for you."
"No need to be like," Zhou Qing Bai said.
Lin Qing He knew what he meant and was too lazy to bother with him. It was no wonder that this tough-acting man would be maltreated by the original owner into going to the woods during the cold weather and carry with firewood. He didn't know how to be lazy when he was injured.
She turned around and returned to the room, so she didn't catch Zhou Qing Bai's soften gaze falling on her.
Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa were all up in the room, but the brothers were lolling on the kang, unwilling to get down as it was very warm.
"Mother!" Seeing Lin Qing He walked in munching on an apple, all three's eyes lit up.
"Once you get down and wears clothes, I'll give you each an apple." Lin Qing He declared.
"This apple isn't as big as before. Nor as sweet as before." Da Wa pointed out as he dressed.
"That's right." Er Wa bobbed his head.
"So what? The previous ones were bought in the county city, and these were bought from the community's supply and demand cooperative." Lin Qinghe bit into the apple and directed San Wa to dress by himself and replied.
There were apples as big as her space's one sold in the county city, but the quantity was too small to buy. As long as there was a source and she had been to the city, she didn't have to worry.
The apples at home were not big, as they were locally produced. The taste was also not as good as the ones she took out of her space.
Da Wa and Er Wa finished dressing. Each went to get an apple to eat. San Wa imperfectly wore his clothes but still, Lin Qing He didn't fix it for him. After more practice, he'll be able to. It'll be fine as long as he was bundled up.
San Wa's apple was turned into apple puree by Lin Qing He. The little guy had a great appetite and was able to eat it all.
Probably because of eating solidly and being in good health, his fever quickly receded the other day.
Da Wa and Er Wa knew that their father was in the backyard, and they all ran over there.
They helped with fetching things. the brothers were happily busied away.
Lin Qing He also passed San Wa to them. Seeing the time, she prepared for dinner.
Because there was also chicken for tonight, Lin Qing He made it relatively simple. She made dumplings with half a jin of pork belly. Tonight, just dumplings were enough. Simple and delicious.
After simmering on the coal stove for an hour, the aromatic smell of chicken broth came out.
The three brothers smelled it and went to stand watch in front of the coal stove. Lin Qing He didn't pay any mind to them either.
Got to say, she hadn't made any chicken dishes for them to eat ever since she arrived here. Only one yuan for a chicken. Any farmer family wasn't willing to sell it, because it was necessary to keep eggs, which was one of the few protein ingredients the farmer family had.
Lin Qing He did not chance upon any when she went to the county city.
So she hadn't stewed chicken them until now. It was normal to be greedy now.
Zhou Qing Bai worked agilely. In a day, the chicken shed at home looked very proper. Their family can raise three chickens.
It was also said that if there are no more than ten people in the family, such as nine people, then five chickens can be raised. But if it was eleven people, still only five chickens can be raised. (T/N: basically: Under ten p, evenly divide = amount of chicken e.g. 2p=1c, 4p=2c. non-even divide, half and round up remainder e.g. 3p=2c 5p=3c. Over ten, the non-even divide is reversed. 11p=5c 13p=6c)
So ten was the dividing line for rounding down.
"Do you want to raise pigs at home?" Lin Qing He looked at the still empty yard and asked.
"Can we?" Zhou Qing Bai looked at her with some surprise.
He knew she loved the cleanliness and this was a virtue. He also liked that his home was clean. That's why she didn't even raise chickens before.
This time she permitted him to build a chicken shed, had him shocked. He thought she was also willing to raise pigs.
"Yes. However, you are responsible for cleaning up." Lin Qing He said.
"Okay!" Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Lin Qing He spoke no more.
This year the pig raised wasn't owned by them. They had to apply with the team. Although it was raised at their home, it was owned by the team. So not private property. There will be work points though, especially for well-raised pigs. The work points can be worth half an adult.
This was a good way of generating income.
In particular, their feces. It can also be exchanged into work points. Of course, their vegetable garden in the backyard also needed it.
Zhou Qing Bai also had plans of raising pigs. He knew she loved cleanliness and did not intend to raise it at home in the beginning. He was going to set up a pig shed over at the production team to keep pigs. He won't raise too much, just two.
It was going to be inconvenient to take care of it. Now that she agreed to raise it at home, he was delighted.
"Now it can't be the same as before. Can't even eat well, so why care about the smell." Lin Qing He explained like this.
If his wife had such feelings in the past, he wouldn't necessarily keep it at heart. But for some reason, now his wife said it like this, he felt bad.
He felt that he did not let her live a good life.
"How about raising it the outside?" Zhou Qing Bai said.
Lin Qing He knew what he meant when she heard these words. With a 'are you a fool?' look, she stared at him: "With such a large backyard, you raise it outside? And also, can you be at ease when raising it the outside? If someone with bad intention, spiked their food, a whole year's effort will be wasted."
Then she continued: "I'm just saying it. You don't have to take it seriously. However, I won't clean up the pig's nest for you. You have to keep this in mind."
When she was a child, she did a lot of farm work with her grandma. Although she can do it, she was sick of it. It wasn't a matter of being dramatic. Whoever done it, knows.
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
They had dumplings soup for dinner. The whole family was content.
After eating, Zhou Qing Bai went out. Lin Qing He knew that he going to discuss raising piglets. No need to govern him.
They had dinner early, at four o'clock. So around six thirty, Lin Qing He brought out the chicken broth for the father and sons to drink.
The chicken soup stewed with sesame seeds was very fragrant. Lin Qing He decided a bit of soup was enough for her. However, Zhou Qing Bai stuffed a chicken leg over. She changed it to two chicken wings. The chicken leg was divided between the three boys.
As for the rest, it was Zhou Qingbai's responsibility to demolish it.
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