Chapter 41. Brothers helping out
The whole family was content after the meal.
Then they brushed my teeth, wash their face, hands, and feet before getting into the land to sleep.
"You sleep by yourself. I'll sleep with the three boys." Lin Qing He said and brought her sons back into the room.
Zhou Qing Bai watched her slim back depart with a pursed lip. He hadn't care this morning, but only after a day of effort, he pondered if he agreed too early?
Lying in the warm blanket, Zhou Qing Bai was a bit unable to sleep. This day was a bit different from what he expected before he returned.
He thought she would make a lot of ruckuses, but she didn't.
Not only did she not, but she had also taken care of the food aspect well. The food was particularly good.
He never knew her culinary skills were so good. Although she would cook when he returned previously, she only gave him a bowl of noodles for the whole day. Nothing else.
Don't know if he was overthinking, but she seemed enthusiastic about him returning home.
At this time, the sound of children's playing transmitted from the next room. And also her peals of laughter. Zhou Qing Bai's expression eased. He believed that even though she was a little angry, she probably wasn't repulsed by him.
Cluelessly to the man's pondering in the next room, Lin Qing He played with her three sons for a while and then dozed off with them.
Sleeping early at night, she would wake up early in the morning without anyone waking her. It's just that, the bed was too warm, she doesn't want to get out.
But the thought of a wounded next door needed nutrition bugged her. Last night's chicken soup should have been long digested and such a big guy, his appetite was really large.
So Lin Qing He got up. Now it was only about 6:30. When she got up, she found him just returning from the outside. It seems like he had gone out for a morning jog.
"Gone for a run?" After a pause, Lin Qing He enquired.
"En." Zhou Qing Bai glanced at her: "Go to sleep some more. I will make breakfast."
"No need. If you don't want to rest, go fix up a pig shed. The earlier its built, the earlier we can pick up piglets." Lin Qinghe said.
Zhou Qing Bai nodded, then went to work in the backyard, Lin Qing He cooked millet porridge, and a plate of cold fungus as a side dish, which was soaked last night. Perfect to eat today.
It was almost time, so she roused up the three boys. She poured hot water out for them to wash their faces and applied the vanishing cream on them before coming out.
She fried five sunny sides up eggs, one per person. This one should be eaten while it is hot, otherwise, it won't be tasty.
Zhou Qing Bai said nothing about her using oil to fried eggs. After eating a simple and nutritious breakfast, Zhou Qing Bai continued to work in the backyard. Today he can complete the pig shed.
Lin Qing He said to Da Wa: "Go call your Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle and Third Uncle to come and help your father."
Zhou Qing Bai insisted there was no need. Lin Qing He brushed it off: "You still have injuries. It's no deal to call them to help. In two days, I plan to make buns. I'll give them a few then."
With this, Zhou Qing Bai had nothing to say.
The three Zhou brothers came over. There was a lot of friction between the women, but there was not so much between the brothers.
Naturally, they would come over to give a hand especially now that Zhou Qing Bai, this younger brother who needs help.
Moreover, the single room they live in now used the allowance that Zhou Qing Bai had previously sent home, otherwise everyone would have to squeeze together.
Especially since a single room needed a lot of money now. It used to be cheaper when they hadn't had enough to eat, so they have benefited a lot.
Many people in the village currently had their first branch, second branch, and third branch stuffed into one room. Normally, their days were lively and noisy, and a lot of siblings turned against each other.
Because of the contrast, even Second Sister-in-law's mind felt comforted. At least it was one family in one room for them.
The few brothers came to help, so Lin Qing He had them stay for lunch.
Lunch was boiled sweet potatoes. Although the main dish was a little simpler, the side dishes were still okay. A bowl fried egg and shredded potatoes, a plate of stewed pork belly with starch noodles, stewed ribs and mushrooms, and a pot of seaweed rib soup.
Even Second Brother and Third Brother were extremely satisfied with their food. They concluded that they haven't worked for nothing today.
Eldest Brother was kind-hearted, said repeatedly: "We're brothers. No need to treat us like this! It's only a small matter."
"It's okay. Eldest Brother, eat ba." Lin Qing He responded.
Eldest Brother was a little worried about the Fourth's family's living condition. How much money was required to eat like this?
While Zhou Qing Bai didn't say anything. The gaze toward his wife had a hint of appreciation. Lin Qing He secretly shot a glare at him- What are you looking at? Eat!
They came to work, of course, she had to make some food. Do they think she was so petty?
She ignored him and busied away feeding San Wa.
This meal was contained some careful planning. Although every dish seems to have meat, the actual amount put in wasn't much. She only put four eggs in the pot of fried egg and potatoes. It was fried with lard, making it delicious. The plate of stewed pork belly with starch noodles had at most three jin. Stewed pork ribs and mushrooms, and seaweed ribs soup was made with one portion of pork ribs.
With this, it looked like the oil content was sufficient.
At least the three Zhou brothers were very satisfied. It was adequate for Zhou Qing Bai and the children.
Because the three Zhou brothers came over to help, the pig shed was built in a day. In the evening, Lin Qing He did not keep the three for dinner. She settled it by giving three apples each to bring home.
"Sent you away with only three apples?" Once Second Brother returned, Second Sister-in-law's response was dissatisfaction.
After a day of work, there wasn't any brown sugar. Just apples? Was this how you send someone away?
"Noon meal was pretty good." Second Brother didn't say anything. After all, the meal at noon was enough compensation.
And because the three brothers went over, how much work can each one do? With Fourth's wife's temperament, to not create trouble this time and still cook these dishes, Second Brother felt it was worth it.
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law had no comment after learning about the lunch. They were delighted about the apples as both of them were pregnant with their children.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou were relieved. From the look of it, the youngest son's wife can be considered to be settling down and will no longer act up.
"Fortunately, we gave her two hundred yuans, otherwise she wouldn't calm down so quickly," Mother Zhou remarked.
"Don't talk about this. As long as they can live well, it's enough. Since Fourth's family will raise pigs, their future won't be bad." Father Zhou said.
Mother Zhou sighed, but said nothing.
She just hoped that Fourth's wife can be more prudent with their living style.
Not even two days, Fourth's family got Da Wa and Er Wa to deliver eight buns.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou each got one. While the other three families had two. It was filled with pork, fungus, and mushrooms. So tasty that one can nearly swallow their tongue.
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Chapter 42. Got misled
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law remarked that Fourth Sister-in-law was too polite. Between brothers, there was no need for so many gifts.
This move of Lin Qing He had shut Second Sister-in-law up as she had murmured the other day about her dissatisfaction with the three apples.
Now she got face slapped. Lin Qing He sent two buns, which wasn't a light gift.
"Once Fourth Brother-in-law retired, she knows how to behave. However, her life is soon going to go bad, why pretend to be a big bad wolf (like from red riding hood?)! Using buns for human relations!" At night, Second Sister-in-law grumbled to her Second Brother.
"If there is anything they need help with in the future, I'll still go." Second Brother couldn't care less about the women's thoughts as he indulged in the aftertaste.
This bun was so delicious that he can have a good dream at night.
"I had thought when Fourth Brother-in-law retired, she will cause a lot of trouble. But there's nothing at all. Say, how much much money did Fourth Brother-in-law bring back?" asked Second Sister-in-law.
"It doesn't matter how much money he brings back, it got nothing to do with us," Second Brother stated.
Second Sister-in-law shoved him: "I'm not eyeing it. I just want to ask. Wonder if there are five hundred?"
"Five hundred? You think too much. The last guy in the outer village who retired only got three hundred." Second Brother pointed out.
"Doesn't Fourth Brother-in-law often gain merits? So they can give him more?" Second Sister-in-law said.
"I say you shouldn't care about these things. I believe no amount of money is not enough for Fourth's wife to waste." Second Brother waved his hand.
Even though he was satisfied with the lunch from two days back, he was even more satisfied with today's two big white buns. But still, no matter how you look at it, Fourth's wife doesn't know how to live.
"And no matter how much money old Fourth brings back, with a swoop of a shopping trip, there'll be no income in the future." Second Brother declared.
Hearing this, Second Sister-in-law finally dropped it. This was indeed true. The old saying was right. A mountain of treasure at home can't beat daily entry of penny. With Lin Qing He's prodigal nature, how much was enough for her?
Even if a lot of money was brought back this time, it certainly wasn't enough to use.
"She used to love cleanliness so much and disdain this and that. Now, isn't she raising pigs in the backyard?" Second Sister gloated in delight.
It wasn't easy to tidy up after two piglets. It was physically taxing. And also stunk like hell.
In the future, arrogant Lin Qing He had to face the pressure of real life, which caused Second Sister-in-law to have a thrilling feeling of trampling down the phoenix.
Third Sister-in-law was pretty far along with her pregnancy, so she didn't go out. Eldest Sister-in-law came over.
Although their relationship wasn't great in the past, she was still her sister-in-law. So Eldest Sister-in-law came over to persuade her, telling her that with family, there's no need to be polite. If they need help with something, it was fine to just let them know in the future. She doesn't have to make these resource-consuming food.
Lin Qing He's impression of Eldest Sister-in-law was still pretty good. As she was an understanding person, naturally Lin Qing He was willing to get closer to her.
Third Sister-in-law was also the same. Among the sisters-in-law, it was only Second Sister-in-law she doesn't want to interact with.
"I promised Mother that I would get Third Sister-in-law two pig's trotters for breastfeeding during her post-natal confinement. When Eldest Sister-in-law gives birth, I will also grab two for you to stewed with peanuts." Staring at Eldest Sister-in-law's obvious baby bump, Lin Qing He said.
"Then I won't be shy with you." At these words, Eldest Sister-in-law's heart moved and felt Fourth's wife was very nice.
"During this stage, you should eat more apples, Eldest Sister-in-law. Don't be reluctant to. Wait for when the baby is born, then you'll be delighted." Lin Qing He advised.
"What do you say this?" Eldest Sister-in-law paused.
"Look at my boys. How do they look like? Pretty, right?." Lin Qing He said while knitting the sweater.
This sweater was for Zhou Qing Bai. He doesn't have a lot of clothes. She had to step up the pace for him. This weather was really chilling to the bones.
Fortunately, she got Zhou Dong to bring so much firewood, otherwise, the Kang doesn't have enough to burn.
"Da Wa and his brothers are really pretty." Eldest Sister-in-law couldn't help but say. This was not flattery.
Zhou Qing Bai grew up quite well. He was tall and handsome, let alone Lin Qing He. She was a flower within and outside the village when she was still at her maternal home. And it hadn't changed much since she was married. Going out now, and say she was unmarried, people would believe it.
Don't know if she was seeing things, but Eldest Sister-in-law felt Fourth's wife had become more good-looking. Especially in recent days. She can't pinpoint which part looks good. It was just a feeling.
Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa all picked up their parents' best features. It can be said that they couldn't find such good-looking brothers out of the whole village.
And because of this, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou extremely doted on them.
Especially now that Fourth's wife gave them special care. All of them look so handsome, her eyes could drool.
"Pretty is right. Then do you know what I ate when I was pregnant with them?" Lin Qing He said.
"What did you eat?" Eldest Sister reacted.
"The thing that I have eaten the most was this apple. One a day. Buy more after finishing it. That's why the brothers are born with very good skin. Immunity system. This immunity system is their physical fitness. It's also very good. The brothers rarely catch a cold or fever." Lin Qing He explained.
"This cost a lot." Eldest Sister-in-law heard the words, exclaimed.
"It does. But why do we work so diligently in our life? It's all for the sake of the children. Can we possibly let our children lose at the starting line? At this time, one person eats, two people get nourished. And you serve the whole family. Now, what's wrong with you eating some apples while pregnant?" Lin Qing He continued.
Now that she mentioned, the words spun around Eldest Sister-in-law's mind. How difficult pregnancy is? Even if the people in this era are strong, they basically do not take this matter seriously. But if they can, who wouldn't want to take advantage of this time to live a good life?
But Sister Zhou didn't have the courage to spend her money. She felt pained for every penny she spent and couldn't spend so much money on food like she did without blinking.
"Apple doesn't cost much money. One coin can buy a lot back. You have worked hard for so long. It's no problem to give yourself a treat." Lin Qing He coaxed: "You can go back and explain to Third Sister-in-law about eating more apples during pregnancy."
She had said what needed to be said. As for whether she listened or not, it was up to them.
After Eldest Sister-in-law went back, Mother Zhou came over and asked her: "Did you tell the Fourth's wife?"
Elder Sister-in-law had been instructed by Mother Zhou to go over. Zhou Mu felt that if she went over, she would definitely annoy Fourth's wife. So she could only send Eldest Sister-in-law.
"Mother, don't worry. Fourth Sister-in-law knows." Eldest Sister-in-law said.
"If she had kept it in mind, would I have to worry about it? Now that old Fourth has retired, there's no income at home. If she keeps eating like this, how can it be possible?" Mother Zhou lamented.
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"I had told Fourth Sister-in-law. Fourth Sister-in-law said she understood and won't do it anymore." Eldest Sister-in-law said.
Of course, Eldest Sister-in-law didn't say it she felt that Lin Qing He was giving her a perfunctory response. As a sister-in-law, she couldn't really teach her how to manage the family. She said what was need to be said and can't overstep with her persuasion
After Mother Zhou departed, Eldest Sister-in-law went over to Third Sister-in-law and discuss the matter of buying apples to eat. Should they group together to buy it?
Once Third Sister-in-law heard about Lin Qing He's personal experience and recalled how cute the brothers, she agreed without a second thought.
So the two of them threw in five dimes each. When they gathered the fund, they asked Eldest Brother to buy a bag of apples. The two equally split it.
Once Mother Zhou found out, she grumbled. Why did they buy this thing back? It's not like there's not enough to eat.
Brother Zhou didn't think too much. He smiled and said, "They heard from Fourth Sister-in-law that eating apples is good for the baby in her belly. She used to frequently eat it when had the boys. Now they grew up wonderfully right?"
As soon as she heard it, Mother Zhou almost missed and broke the eggs she had just took out to fry for tonight.
She sent Eldest's wife over to dissuade Fourth's wife. But not only did she fail, she and Third's wife got misled by Fourth's wife!
Does eating apples really let them become like Da Wa and his brothers? Don't think she doesn't know, when Fourth's wife was pregnant with Da Wa, she was gluttonous. She ate everything, so how can it just be apples?
It just happened that Mother Zhou couldn't say that. What can she say? Her two daughters-in-law were pregnant, so they weren't allowed to eat some apples?
They didn't come to her for money and used their own private fund.
Since this year's harvest was good, she gave each family two yuans pocket money, so they did not come to ask her for money.
The truth, Lin Qing He wasn't pulling their legs with the matter of eating apples during pregnancy. This was the best fruit during pregnancy, as it was nutritional for both the baby and mother.
What's more, it wasn't expensive, why can't they eat it?
A yuan can buy a bag-full back.
When the original owner was pregnant with the boys, she really liked eating apples. Not just apples, but everything else she could buy.
Because of the fear of giving birth would damage the mother's body, the original owner went all out.
It was for this reason, that the boys' had more nourishment in the mother's body than their peers of the same age.
They were indeed very white and tender when they were just born. Not wrinkled at all.
According to memory, Da Wa was born at about seven jins. Both Er Wa and San Wa were approximately six jins. These were very proper weights.
Many children in the village were born with around five jins. More than six jins were very few, so these quite adequate.
Lin Qing He doesn't care what the old Zhou family thinks. She was busy knitting a sweater for Zhou Qing Bai.
As for Zhou Qing Bai, he couldn't stay idle. Today he went out with the leader to bring back the piggies.
Lin Qing He saw that he could not sit still and didn't bother with him. But she still stewed a rib soup for him to drink. As for the other things, she would not interfere too much.
At noon, Zhou Qing Bai brought two little piglets back.
The two little piglets were warmly welcomed by the three boys as soon as they got home. All three huddled over to touch and pet.
Zhou Qing Bai was clearly in a good mood.
After lunch, he scrubbed the pot to cook pig food. It was still small, so not much to cook. When it gets bigger later, the portion will increase a lot. It'll be really busy at that time.
"Next year plant some more in the backyards." Zhou Qing Bai just told her.
"Fine, you manage it accordingly." Lin Qing He responded, and then compared the sweater in her hand with his body. Although she used visual inspection, she felt that her craft was great after the comparison. After a look, there was basically no discrepancy. It'll definitely fit.
Zhou Qing Bai's gaze toward her was soft. In the past few days, he really felt that his wife's impression was completely different from what she had given him in the past.
Whether she was willing to live with him, he could still tell.
These few days, she was meticulous about caring for him. She definitely held a spot for him in her heart.
Unknown to Lin Qing He, knitting a sweater made him have such a beautiful misunderstanding. As soon as she finished comparing, she looked up and found him staring at her. His eyes were very focused. Instantly she coughed in embarrassment and shifted the topic. "It's great that it's fit. You can busy away. "
"Are there any more chores to do at home?" Zhou Qing Bai didn't budge and remained looking at her.
He didn't understand that his wife had become a bit shy at the sight of him, but that didn't prevent him from watching his wife more.
He did think she was pretty before. But now, when he looked at her, he felt his wife was really attractive.
She looked white and tender. When she spoke, it was gentle. Even the educated urban youths in the countryside weren't as pretty as his wife.
Lin Qing He pondered, what's wrong with this man? When he first came back, it was neither cold or warm treatment. Starting from two days back, she kept feeling that once he was idle, he will come and stick to her?
"There's nothing to do. This winter is days of winter isolation." Lin Qing He rummaged through her mind. There was really nothing to do at home and answered.
Zhou Qing Bai gave her a final glance, and could only withdraw.
It seems that his wife still hadn't forgiven him. She did not plan on letting him go back to the room to sleep tonight.
Lin Qing He continued to knit the sweater. Zhou Qing Bai headed next door to watch his three sons naping. Since there was nothing to do now, he decided to take an afternoon nap for a while as well.
Two old hens bought by Mother Zhou a few days ago, one was stewed and the other was still kept in the chicken shed.
She planned to stew it again after a while. For now, it can live.
The two piglets in the pig shed settled down in their new home. Now they have nothing to do. Zhou Qing Bai took care of them carefully and the two piglets quickly adapted.
In a blink of an eye, more than half a month passed.
It was now mid-November.
During this period of time, the villagers had different opinions about Zhou Qing Bai's permanent stay in the village.
Of course, because of the presence of Father Zhou and Mother Zhou, there were very few gossips about Zhou Qing Bai in the village. Besides, Zhou Qing Bai wasn't freeloading from them when he returned, so it got nothing to with them.
However, there were some sayings about Lin Qing He. Especially among young women in the village who were displeased with her young miss attitude. They made a lot of ridicule in private.
In the future, won't she still head the field like them? See if she can still dress herself up as a voluptuous fox.
Because Lin Qing He had no interaction with the people in the village, Lin Qing He doesn't even know these claims outside.
Maybe it should be said she had some inkling in her mind. Due to the generation gap between them, she didn't care at all.
Lin Qing He went out this morning. Yesterday she called Zhou Qing Bai to go over to pre-order stuff with Mei Jie. Today, she came here to get it.
"That was your man yesterday?" Mei Jie asked with a grin.
"En." Although Lin Qing He verbally accepted Zhou Qing Bai as her 'husband', she was still a bit embarrassed saying that.
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Chapter 44. Barred from the room
Sister Mei smiled: "You are so lucky. You didn't see it. After he came yesterday, many people were enquiring about him."
With that appearance as well as the upright temperament, not any average girl can match up to him. Must say, she saw Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai, and they were really compatible.
A talented man and beautiful woman, no wonder they can come together.
Lin Qing He didn't care about this stuff and changed the topic. She said, "The sap I gave you last time, is it good?"
"It's very efficient. My eldest Guzi asked me where I bought it. I said the county city. She also said that the county city did not sell such a good soap." Mei Jie whispered.
Lin Qing He also lowered her voice: "I bought it last time after circling around the black market in the city. That person said that it came from the city. I didn't believe it. Now I hear this, it might be true."
"That's no wonder." Mei Jie nodded.
That piece of soap was really good to use. She didn't want to waste it, so now around half of it was left.
Then she gave pork and ribs and so on to Lin Qing He. And also three jins of kerosene. Although it was spending money, it didn't cost much. Altogether cost three yuan or so.
However, Lin Qing He bought two jins of apples with the subsidiary food coupon. As for the rest, she didn't buy anymore. There was still a lot left at home.
Mei Jie asked: "A few jars of honey arrived a few days ago. Now there is one jar left. Do you want it? No subsidiary coupons required."
"What does it look like?" Lin Qing He's eyes lit up. She knew that the honey at this time was 100% pure honey. The benefits of honey were plentiful.
Sister Mei took it out and showed it to her. The honey was naturally of good quality. A jar was about three jins, but the price was not cheap. Such a jar of honey cost five yuan.
Lin Qing He bought it with no hesitation.
She bid goodbye to Mei Jie and came to the small street again to buy a jin of eggs. They were all sold by a rural person. The eggs were not expensive. She bought a jin for three dimes.
The rest was poured out of the space. Then she went home.
After returning home, Lin Qing He passed the crystallized honey to Zhou Qing Bai: "Put it in the room."
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai put the honey in the room, and then came out to wait for her arrangement.
Lin Qing He had an urge to laugh a little. Did this man treat her as his boss? She took out the meat, bones, and ribs from the basket, and give him the basket: "You put it with the rest."
Zhou Qing Bai did as told.
The reason why she got him to go to Mei Jie yesterday was to display a known source for the meat.
This way he knows where the meat came from in the future.
Lin Qing He chopped the big bone herself, and then put it in the casserole pot. The big bone was stewed with soybeans. This was also very nourishing.
Da Wa and his brothers were over at the old Zhou's house. There were more siblings over there, so the three brothers usually go there to play. Or they would go to another villager's house in the village to play.
Lin Qing He didn't stop them. It was all in her own village, and such a big child should not be kept in restraint. It was good for them to go out and play.
"What are you standing there for? Grab an apple to eat." Lin Qing He saw Zhou Qingbai as soon as she turned around and spoke.
"You, go eat. Whatever needs to be done, I will do it." Zhou Qing Bai came over and said.
Male pheromones radiated from the man, making Lin Qing He's heart couldn't help but jumped fast.
"No need to treat me like a wounded person. It's completely recovered." Zhou Qing Bai stared at her as he spoke.
This gaze was a bit dangerous. Although Lin Qing He doesn't have much experience, but in the modern social environment, even if she hadn't eaten big trotters before, how could she not watch the big trotters act on TV?
Lin Qing He chose to ignore his fully suggestive words, turned to start chopping ribs, and said: "Go grab some dry beans and soak them."
"You get it, I'll handle this." Zhou Qing Bai took the knife in her hand and insisted.
Lin Qing He's hand was held by him. She was a little nervous and almost struggled, but she forcibly restrained herself.
Putting her effort to fix a relaxed and calm expression, she said: "OK. You do it."
Zhou Qing Bai started chopping the pork ribs. Lin Qing He went into the room, and then patted her chest. What's happening ah? How can she act like she never saw a man before? Just getting her hand touched by him, made her heartbeat speed up so much!
Maybe it was so long without a man, made her athirst!
After reprimanding herself for a while, Lin Qing He took the dried beans out. These were left after sun-drying last time.
She came over and saw that Zhou Qing Bai was chopping ribs. Must say this man was actually very attractive and manly.
His appearance and figure are impeccable. He was also very attentive to the family. At least Da Wa and his brothers like him very much ...
Wait, why was she thinking about this? She didn't plan for anything to happen with him.
It was fine to be so peaceful with each other. There was a difference of many years between her and him. Don't know how many generation gaps there are!
Lin Qing He walked over to soak the dried beans and saw Zhou Qing Bai wanted to chop the other two portions of ribs and fan bones. Lin Qing He blurted: "Don't chop. Wait until we eat it, then chop it. Otherwise, it will not that fresh."
"Call me when you need it cut." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Lin Qing He saw that he didn't have any intention to go out. In her mind, she said, the kitchen was only so big, why are you, such a big fellow, blocking around for?
Once her eyes clashed with his, she felt shy and said, "Why are you looking at me like this?"
"The injury is recovered." Zhou Qing Bai stated as he gazed at her.
And?
"Da Wa and San Wa aren't small anymore. They can sleep on their own." Zhou Qing Bai continued.
Lin Qing He knew what it meant, but it was impossible to return to her room to sleep. She was not the original owner. Nominally she was his wife, and it was only nominal.
Turning around, she started to busy herself: "What not small. Da Wa is only six years old now, and only seven years old after New Year. Now the weather is freezing. I won't feel reassured to let them sleep by themselves."
Then she began to question herself. Did she overnourished him this recently and let him have sperm swimming to his brain? (T/N:
)
She had known him for only so long and he wanted to enter her kang. No door. Even the window was barred.
Zhou Qing Bai knew that this meant he banned from the room and was a bit dejected. He thought she had completely let go of her intolerances, but now it seems that it was far from it.
Lin Qing He doesn't care what he thinks. At noon, there were two dishes. The stewed big bone with soybeans and the stewed ribs and dried beans were very tasty.
After eating, was an afternoon nap.
Zhou Qing Bai went back to his own room for a nap. Next door, the mother and sons dozed off.
In the next room, Zhou Qing Bai took off the newly-knitted sweater his wife had given him. He wanted to sigh.
Eat, drink, and shelter. These were all managed perfectly by his wife for him.
But the only thing was that his wife would not let him go back to the room, which made him a bit distressed. Although she was polite to him, he always had a feeling that she was taking care of a guest.
Zhou Qing Bai was lying on the kang, and remained silent for a while before taking a nap.
Guzi: in-law family's daughter a.k.a sister-in-law.
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Lin Qinghe wasn't as carefree as she appeared. She couldn't sleep at all. She was disturbed by the man next door. What was happening?
Didn't they come into an agreement when he returned? Everyone sleeps in separate rooms. The three boys sleep with her and he can sleep next door by himself. Why was he acting like this? He obviously wanted to return to here to sleep.
She must hold on. She cannot comply with everything according to his desire, otherwise, he would really think she was kind-hearted!
After secretly deciding, Lin Qing He dozed off.
The winter nap was also very comfortable. Lin Qing He slept until 2:30 in the afternoon. When she woke up, she saw Zhou Qing Bai sitting there on the edge of Kang. As for the sons, she didn't know where they ran off to.
In this snowy weather, the three brothers can still mess about. Lin Qing He was prevailed by them. Their energy was like it was limitless.
"Where're the boys?" Although she knew it in her heart, Lin Qing He couldn't find anything else to talk about on the surface, so she asked.
Zhou Qing Bai sat next to her and at her words, he spoke: "Grab an apple and went to their grandparent's side."
Lin Qing He nodded and said, "Is the injury on your body completely healed?" If it's healed, then it's time to go to the mountain to see if there are rabbits or pheasants. Don't think about how to get back to my room at home all day.
"You check." Zhou Qing Bai said and started to undressed.
Lin Qing He: "..." On such cold day, you undress out of nowhere. What kind of flirty process is this?
Zhou Qing Bai only had three pieces on him. One was close-fitting top, one was the sweater knitted by Lin Qing He, and lastly was a military coat.
He came over and sat on her kang. Without the military coat, he only had two pieces, and they soon came off.
Lin Qing He saw that his injury was basically fine, and uttered: "It looks fine, but I don't know about the inside. Let's nurture it so more."
"Wife." Zhou Qing Bai just stared at her without putting on his clothes.
"On this cold day, are you not cold? Hurry up and dress. Don't catch a cold and need me to wait on you." Lin Qing He didn't dare to meet his eyes and waved her hand.
"I'll go back to the room tonight." Zhou Qing Bai put on his clothes and announced lightly.
This held no room for discussion with her. It felt like it was just letting her know.
Lin Qing He was still muddled even after he left. Then she snorted and mentally voiced out, you can try returning the room tonight!
After resting on the bed for a while, Lin Qing He took some grapes out of the space and secretly snacked on them.
She occasionally fed San Wa the grapes. Only Sanwa. No one else gets it. There was no other choice. They were too big. Too expressive. They can accidentally expose this.
Then she examined the supplies in the space again.
Have to say, the materials in the space were consumed a good chunk during this time. There were half of the apples left. The pears was also half. This was consumed relatively less. The most she took out was the apples for the three children to snack on.
More than half a box of grapes was left. She ate this by herself occasionally, and then fed San Wa once in a while. Not much got depleted.
This was fruit. As for the supplies, four bags of rice was consumed. One bag equivalent to 20 jins.
Flour was used more, almost ten bags.
One large bag of pork had eaten and there were seven bags left. Over a dozen jin of eggs were consumed and there were still many left.
The others were rock sugar, brown sugar and the like, most of them still remained.
After inventorying these materials in her own space, Lin Qing He was in a good mood. She suddenly remembered that she had to collect some stamps and the likes and keep it for its value increase in the future. As for which specific set, she had forgotten. In short, just collect them.
Wait until which day, when she go to the county city, she'll go to the post office to buy it.
Lin Qing He got off the Kang, started dinner preparation. Pumpkin rice for tonight.
Stir-fry the pumpkin with the meat, and then add the steamed rice to it. Stir it together to make the pumpkin rice. For soup, just stew seaweed soup.
Simple and nutritious.
Zhou Qing Bai was boxing in the yard. Lin Qing He saw it but act like she didn't. She directly headed over to the kitchen and busied around. After washing the rice, she soaked it. It was still too early, so there's time.
Lin Qing He soaked the rice and went back to the room to continue knitting pants.
Although their brothers have sweaters, but they still don't have woolen pants. The weather was too cold, that she can't stand it. Although the children are full of vitality, they still need to be kept warm.
After Zhou Qing Bai practiced boxing, he sweated a lot. He planned to take a bath.
Lin Qing He said to him when she knew it: "During this weather, what bath? There's no bathroom. If you aren't afraid of freezing, you should go!"
Really thinking too much. Finding matters out of no matter.
"Wait for spring! At that time, we'll build a bathroom." Hearing this, Zhou Qing Bai decided.
"En, you'll figure it out at that time. As for how much money, talk then." Lin Qing He supported this.
Without taking a bath, she can only wipe himself. Which was really unbearable for her. Fortunately, she doesn't sweat in the winter, otherwise, she can't live.
"Just heat some water and wipe yourself." Lin Qing He saw that he sweated and uttered.
"I have to change my clothes." Zhou Qing Bai looked at her.
Want to change, then change. Why tell me?
"After you changed out of your clothes, go heat some water. There's soap at home. Wash it yourself." Lin Qing He won't baby him. Simply said.
Zhou Qing Bai looked at her helplessly. When he first came back, she took good care of everything. Saying everything won't be an overstatement. Now there was no such treatment.
He had to wash his clothes by himself.
Of course, he knew how to. He washed his own when he was alone. But bothered him a little was her uncaring attitude.
Lin Qing He pretended to not notice. Men, these creatures can't be pampered. They can only be used, otherwise, they'll be worst the more you spoil.
After standing for a while, Zhou Qing Bai witnessed that she had no other gesture and knew that his wife was a hard-hearted.
Probably because his injuries were better, so there was no special treatment for the wounded?
Zhou Qing Bai felt that he found the truth. He began to boil water.
"Wife, do you want to wipe yourself as well?" Zhou Qing Bai asked when he finished heating the water.
Lin Qing He, who was knitting, thought it was good to wipe herself, and responded: "OK, you can use my washbasin and scoop some for me."
Zhou Qing Bai was delighted to serve his wife. He scooped a pot of hot water in. The temperature was just right.
After putting it down, he said: "Wife, wipe yourself while it's hot. It'll be cold in a bit and become easier to catch the chill."
"En, you go out." Lin Qing He put down the one-third finished wool pants and nodded.
Zhou Qing Bai came out and filled a washbasin. Then he went to the next door to wipe his body.
Although it was just a body wipe, she must say that her whole person felt comfortable after the wipedown. Lin Qing He wiped herself every day, otherwise, she can't sleep.
Lin Qing He also wanted to wash her hair. After counting, it seemed to half a month since she last washed her hair... This cold weather was such a pain.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 46. Studying is useless
After an enjoyable wipedown, Lin Qing He felt comfier. As for her hair, she'll wash it after dinner. She had to cook dinner later.
Zhou Qing Bai knocked on the door and came in to dump the water. He wiped himself and felt refreshed from top to toe.
After pouring out the water, he came in. Lin Qing He looked at him: "If it's okay, how about going to the county city tomorrow?"
"What are you going to buy?" Zhou Qing Bai nodded and asked.
"Nothing much. Just go and see if there any snacks like red dates. You can buy some cloth back. I will take it to Eldest Sister-in-law to make two more pieces for you." Lin Qing He responded.
"You make." Zhou Qing Bai stared at her.
"I don't know how to. All of the boys are made by Eldest Sister-in-law, Third Sister-in-law and Zhou Xi." Lin Qing He said.
"I'll teach you." Zhou Qing Bai persisted.
"You know how to make clothes?" Lin Qing He uttered in shock.
Zhou Qing Bai shook his head: "No."
Lin Qing He retorted in displeasure: "How can you teach me if you don't know?"
"I know my size, I can guide you. I will wear it whether it's good or bad." Zhou Qing Bai's eyes remained on her as he spoke.
Why did Lin Qing He hear such flirty flavor from these normal words?
But listening to him saying this, she won't be polite and said: "If you won't disdain and not be afraid of me wasting cloth, then I can give it a go."
The original owner can make clothes and she molded to his size, it should be possible to try.
Last time with the boys', she was worried that it'll be ruined in her hand. Since there were no cloth coupons, it would have been ruined in vain.
But now there were a lot of coupons at home, she naturally does not worry about it. And he said it himself, it was for her to practice.
They had pumpkin rice in the evening.
Da Wa and his brothers ware especially satisfied with the food at home. When their grandpa and grandma wanted to keep them for a meal at old Zhou's house, they ran faster than anyone else.
After dinner, Zhou Qing Bai consciously collected the dishes and washed the dishes. Lin Qing He was quite satisfied with his performance, and instructed him: "Boil another pot of water later and wipe the three boys."
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai agreed.
Da Wa whispered to his mother, "Mother, why is Father washing the dishes?"
"Why can't your father wash the dishes?" Lin Qing He directed an unsmiling smile at him.
"Because other people's fathers don't wash the dishes. My uncles never did it either." Da Wa responded.
"That's them. Your father is happy to do it. You are still young. Wait until next year, and dishwashing will be your job." Lin Qing He declared.
"Mother, you want me to wash the dishes?" Da Wa's face was filled with shock.
"What's wrong with telling you to wash the dishes? A big man doesn't even know how to wash a bowl. Did you not see your father?" Lin Qing He spoke with strong reason despite being lazy herself.
"No one else does it." Zhou Da Wa couldn't help utter.
"Other people don't have food like our family. If you want to be their son, then go. Our family has our own rules. Besides, your father knows how to. Of course, you also have to." Lin Qing He stood firm.
"It's the girls' work. If they knew it, they would laugh at elder brother." Er Wa interjected.
Even he would be included.
"Your father help Mother to wash the dishes. That proves that he is a good man. Knowing that it's not easy for Mother to manage the whole family, he willingly helps Mother to do some household chores. You helping Mother wash dishes shows that are being filial to Mother. You know Mother only gave birth to you three boys and no girl. So you are willing to wash the dishes for the mother to make it easier Mother. Why should they laugh at you? "Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Da Wa was stunned by what she said, and could not refute back at all.
"If there is any opposition, you can refute. I'll accept the debate and argue back. But if you can't beat me, then you will take turns washing." Lin Qing He stated.
"Mother, I'm only four years old!" Zhou Er Wa immediately responded.
"After the new year, you will be five years old. When you are six years old, you will wash with your elder brother. Mother knows that you are good filial children and will continue to give you yummy food in the future." Lin Qing He pronounced.
Instantly, Er Wa looked bitter.
"It's still a long time before you're were six years old. What's the worry?" Lin Qing He poked his little face.
"Mother, don't need me to wash the dishes." Er Wa leaned over and planned to act cute.
"Mother makes delicious stuff, and you aren't willing to wash a few dishes for Mother?" Lin Qing He looked at him in surprise, as if she was a little disappointed.
This frightened Er Wa to hurriedly said: "Then I'll wash for Mother when I grow up."
"I knew my Er Wa is very obedient." Lin Qing He voiced in satisfaction.
Da Wa sighed: "Mother, no matter how you look, you're like a stepmother?"
"Yeah. Stepmother would make new clothes and cotton coats for you brothers. Stepmother would buy new hats for you brothers. One per person. Stepmother would cook for you every day in different ways. I don't know who in the village who wants me to be their stepmother." Lin Qing He retorted.
"Hee hee, I'm kidding." Zhou Da Wa immediately said.
San Wa dashed over. His mouth called for candy.
This meant he wants to eat white rabbit candy.
Lin Qing He pointed out: "Can't eat candy just after eating. Wait until tomorrow."
The three packs of white rabbit candy that she bought last time, only two packs were left at home. The three brothers have already gobbled up one pack.
San Wa was still clamoring to eat, and Lin Qing He went to cut an apple for him to nibble. He settled down once something was stuffed in his mouth.
Lin Qing He let the brothers play on the Kang, as she continued to knit.
Zhou Qing Bai, who was doing the dishes, heard the laughter of the children in the room, as well as her occasional jokes. His heart couldn't be any warmer.
After washing the dishes, he scooped up hot water and came in to wipe them. Each time he wiped down one, he sat them on a small chair to soak their feet.
They were all tidied up by Zhou Qing Bai. Lin Qing He watched as she knitted woolen pants. She didn't intervene.
But she did pay attention to them. Although Zhou Qing Bai didn't talk much, he still had the potential of a stay-at-home dad. He took meticulous care of kids.
After washing their feet and drying them, he drove them all up the Kang.
Then he brought in Lin Qing He's private footbath and let her soak her feet. Lin Qing He showed no hesitation. As she soaked, she mentioned: "Tomorrow when you're at the county city, check if there are any pens and papers. Buy some for Da Wa. He's seven after the new year and can be sent to the team to study. "
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai acceded.
Da Wa yelled out from that side: "Study? Why study? I plan to go to collect work points with my father next year!"
"It's not a problem to earn work points while studying." Lin Qing He said.
"I'm not going!" Da Wa immediately maintained.
"Why not?" Lin Qing He asked.
"Studying is useless!" Da Wa groaned.
"Studying is useless? Where did you hear that from?" Lin Qing He stared at him.
"My Second Aunt. She said that studying is useless. Didn't those urban educated youth also study? They still end up working in the countryside." Da Wa said.
"His father, go fetch the pen and paper." Lin Qing He ordered Zhou Qing Bai.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 47. Let him taste honey
Zhou Qing Bai heard the two words 'his father', and his face softened by two points. Although he didn't understand her intention, he still complied.
He went to the cabinet and grabbed a pen and paper for her. Lin Qing He soaked her feet while writing what Zhou Qing Bai would buy tomorrow on it.
In general, there were a good bit of things to buy.
After completion, she showed it to Da Wa: "Do you understand?"
Da Wa frowned. Without a doubt, he couldn't understand.
"This is what your father is going to buy in the county city tomorrow. If you don't study, you can't understand it. None of the decent jobs will be yours. Because if you don't study, it's like half opening eyes and be blind. Only with culture and knowledge, you won't be afraid of being overlooked wherever you go. Otherwise, you will only be able to work in this tiny village for your whole life. Look at the men in the village. They start a family at seventeen or eighteen and begin farming to raise the kids. Each and every one of them looked like 47/8 at the age of 27/8. Now, look at your father. If he had worked in the village in the past, he would have definitely been like the villagers. No escape." Lin Qing He spelled out.
Zhou Qing Bai: "..." Suddenly have a sense of crisis. What should I do? Wife seems to judge by face?
"I'm not afraid!" Zhou Da Wa declared in a daring spirit.
"Not bad. Have some manliness. It's okay if you don't study. Thinking how that you will carry a hoe like your friends' father in the future and feel that you can survive, then from tomorrow on, you get a separate meal. I should let you adapt in advance to what a life without studying is like. So that way you won't be used to a good life, and be unable to endure hardship at that time." Lin Qing He pronounced.
"Make me a separate meal tomorrow?" Zhou Da Wa froze.
"What? Are you afraid?" Lin Qing He raised an eyebrow.
"Make it then! I'm not afraid of suffering!" Zhou Da Wa maintained.
"Good spirit! I hope you can perserve. Oh right, let's eat lean pork congee tomorrow." Lin Qing He told Zhou Qing Bai.
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai nodded seriously.
He had no complaint with the way she educated their son. But his wife's word was written elegantly. So pretty to look at.
It's been so many years, and she had never written a letter to him.
Lin Qing He wasn't worried about being exposed because the original owner did not write any letters to Zhou Qing Bai. The original owner had been to primary school for three years, which the original owner finally won after much difficulty.
Therefore, it was normal to be able to read and recognize words. At that time of the marriage proposal, the Zhou family said it was a plus to be able to read and write.
That night Zhou Qing Bai didn't leave. No matter how much Lin Qing He glared at him, it was useless. So she arranged for him to sleep at the head of the Kang. Zhou Qing Bai wasn't dismayed about the Kang head.
One step at a time.
"Father, are you sleeping with us tonight?" Da Wa had forgotten the life of tomorrow. His eyes brightened.
"En, save some firewood. Don't need to heat the kang next door." Zhou Qing Bai's reason was so upright.
Lin Qing He was too lazy to comment. As if she didn't know about his thoughts but she didn't care. She cuddled San Wa as the mother and sons dozed off.
Seeing how far she was away from him, Zhou Qing Bai was very helpless. Fortunately, he was allowed to enter the room.
The next morning, Zhou Qing Bai went out for a morning run like usual. Lin Qing He got up and cooked sesame lean pork congee. As for Da Wa, it was just a few pieces of cornmeal pancake and that was it.
She won't be soft-hearted at all. Let him experience his future life and see if he'll study then.
While Zhou Da Wa, he felt like he was picked on. He chewed on cornmeal pancake in the morning, which was accompanied by water as a drink. His father, mother, and younger brothers ate sesame lean pork congee with sunny-side-up!
He had only a few cornmeal pancakes. The rest was a few pickles and nothing else!
"Don't be dissatisfied. Many people in the village eat sweet potato noodles. You need to be content with cornmeal pancakes. When you grow up and get married later, you won't be living with us. You'll live by yourself," Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Da Wa felt that his future days were dark without any daylight.
Zhou Er Wa didn't dare to say anything. He certainly wouldn't want to live that kind of day. When he grows up later, he must listen to his mother and study hard!
"I'm heading to the leader's house to borrow a bicycle." Zhou Qing Bai told her.
"Shall we buy one too?" Lin Qing He smoothly followed up.
Zhou Qing Bai nodded solemnly: "We must have one at home."
"Then wait a bit, I'll get you money and coupons!" Lin Qing He quickly uttered.
She doesn't feel it was a loss when it comes to buying a bicycle, even if a bicycle requires more than a hundred yuans and many industrial coupons. It wasn't like they can't afford now.
The most important thing was that she can go to Mei Jie to get pork in the future. She was familiar with Mei Jie now and knew that Mei Jie's man killed the pigs in the pork farm.
She can discuss with Mei Jie and Mei Jie will definitely be willing. The max price of a jin of meat was almost six dimes and let Mei Jie profit one dime. It wasn't a big problem to take three or four jins. When she goes to the county city and sell it, she will get about five yuan.
Although it wasn't much money, it was just one day of work, which was almost equivalent to other's one month's salary.
After buying the bike and use it for a few months, she'll get the money back. So there was no need to worry about losing money at all.
Da Wa heard this and his eyes lit up: "Our family is going to buy a bicycle?"
"Yeah." Lin Qing He put the money and coupons in a parcel and handed it to Zhou Qing Bai.
"Can I ride it in the future?" Da Wa asked.
"If you go to school in the county city in the future, I can buy one for yourself." Lin Qing He replied.
Da Wa widened his eyes in surprise, but soon his face frowned in dilemma.
Lin Qing He didn't mind it anymore. Toward the Zhou Qing Bai who halted there, waiting for her farewell, she said, "Be careful on the road."
Forget it, let him taste honey.
Not only did she advised him to be careful on the way, but she also gave him a sweet smile.
Satisfied, Zhou Qing Bai head out with a bag and a basket.
Lin Qing He directed to Da Wa: "You eat maize mash at noon."
"Then what are you eating?" Da Wa couldn't resist saying.
"We will wait for your father to come back before eating dumplings at noon." Lin Qing He responded.
Da Wa's small face collapsed. Recently, he became spoiled from Lin Qing He's care. When he was with his biological mother, he wasn't picky about maize mash. And sometimes he had to eat dried sweet potatoes. That was disgusting.
If he doesn't want to study, Lin Qing He won't act considerately. She gave Er Wa and San Wa a white rabbit candy each. None for Da Wa.
"Why don't I get one!" Da Wa angrily burst out.
"Why else? Do you recall your little friends ever eating a white rabbit candy? Their father didn't study when he was a kid, so your son doesn't get white rabbit candy either. So you have to get used to this kind of life. Don't argue with me." Lin Qing He stood firm.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 48. Ginger, date and brown sugar soup
"Fine, not eating!" Da Wa ran out in exasperation.
Lin Qing He wouldn't call him back. She told Er Wa to quietly follow. Er Wa understood without being explicitly told. She took out a white rabbit candy and let him find his brother.
Lin Qing He was idle, so she led San Wa to the entrance to make a snowman. The snow fell really heavily last night. Zhou Qing Bai got up early in the morning to clear the snow. After he returned, she didn't have to do any of this work. He done it.
Including cooking pig food and the likes. They were all handled by him.
She will certainly help in the future when he goes off to work. But for now, she really had no plans to. Let him busy away on his own.
The mother and son were having a good time when Chen Daniang from next door came by.
Seeing Chen Daniang, Lin Qing He greeted: "Where is Chen Daniang going?"
And got San Wa to greet her.
The reason why she didn't mind chatting was mainly that Chen Daniang was pretty nice. Her husband's family was also from the old Zhou family, although they are a little distantly related.
The ancestors of Zhoujia Village were more or less related. There weren't any other surnames. But after living in the village for so long, it made no difference.
"My second son's wife just gave birth last night. Only when I went over, did I know there's no more brown sugar at home. So I thought I would go over to the supply and demand cooperative and look around." Chen Daniang said.
"Better let Chen Daniang be on your way. One thing, at this time, most of the things in the supply and demand cooperatives are sold out. If you can't buy it, come over to me for some. I bought some back last time. You can use it to solve the emergency."
"Then Daniang thank you first." Chen Daniang didn't act bashful and readily responded.
Lin Qing He nodded.
This Chen Daniang had helped the original owner to take care of her boys because the original owner was rarely looked after them. Sometimes she could leave the boys at home alone and would spend the whole day as outside.
This Chen Daniang came over to help out twice. The original owner treated it as nothing. While Lin Qing He, who inherited the memory of the original owner, mentally kept count.
Chen Daniang had two sons. She currently lived with her eldest son's family. The second son moved once he married.
It was the first family to split in the village, and it was also a peaceful split. Neither Father Zhou nor Mother Zhou had Chen Daniang couple's courage.
But now it was clear that life was very good. Since Chen Daniang's second son had their first child.
Speaking of this, Lin Qing He's emotion surged.
In fact, many people in the village gave birth one after another ever since the autumn rush.
Counting the time, almost all of them were conceived around winter isolation last year.
People in this era were like this. Because there was basically no other pastime. The only exercise was the couple's matter on the kang. Otherwise, how can there be so many children at this time?
Not mentioning others, just take Zhou Qing Bai who had received a national education. After returning, he saw that she was in line with his image of an ideal wife. Didn't he still want to squeeze into her quilt on her Kang every day?
Don't assume she doesn't know that when he first came back, he didn't have any thoughts about her.
Later on, don't know what happened and he changed his mind. She didn't do anything special. She cooked three meals and boiled him a bowl of ginger and date soup before going to bed at night. Oh right, for the first few days, she insisted on boiling ginger water to soak his feet to drive off the chill every day.
Other than that, there was nothing. As long as he was idle these days, he would approach her to find a sense of existence, even if he didn't say anything.
Lin Qing He continued to push a snowman with San Wa. The mother and son became so delighted from playing. Da Wa and Er Wa returned after half an hour. The mother and son duo's big snowman was almost piled up.
"You two come over and check it out. What do you think of our snowman?" Lin Qing He greeted the two of them.
Da Wa saw that his mother didn't remember what happened in the morning, and cheerfully came over.
At the sight, Er Wa uttered, "Mother, why didn't you call me as well!"
"The snowman had no nose and eyes. Think about what you can do to give it a nose and eyes. It'll count as you taking part." Lin Qing He said.
"Elder Brother, quickly go in the house and get the walnuts. It can be eyes for the snowman!" Er Wa responded immediately.
Da Wa ran in to grab it. He also went to the kitchen to get two firewood out and plugged them on both sides of the snowman. Then he stuffed the walnuts. Like this snowman was mostly completed.
"Great work! Your imagination is very good." Lin Qing He encouraged.
Da Wa stared at her and said nothing.
"Study hard and learn many skills in the future. Mother will depend on you." Lin Qing He said.
"Our custom here is that parents live with their eldest son." Da Wa blurted out.
Lin Qing He glared: "So, you don't intend to be filial to me and your father in the future?"
"That's definitely not possible. When you and Father get old, I will let you eat buns and dumplings every day!" Da Wa declared.
Lin Qing He recalled then. The custom from this place was that the parents live with their youngest son. Meaning, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou will live with her family in the future.
For now, that was not necessary, as Father Zhou and Mother Zhou were still young.
As for the future, let's talk about it then. It was too early to discuss caring for the old.
Though she said that, Lin Qing He still hopes that the two will take care of their bodies. Otherwise, when they live with her in the future, and their health is bad, the burden will fall on her shoulder.
So she asked the brothers to play outside. She went in and cooked the ginger, date and brown sugar soup. She stored it in the insulated lunch box brought back by Zhou Qing Bai and got Da Wa to send it to their grandparents.
Of course, she let all three boys drink a bowl each. Lin Qing He had one too. It couldn't be more wonderful to drink this in such cold weather. It's really body warming.
Lin Qing He was going to make sticky bean paste buns. It was troublesome to make this sticky bean paste bun, but now Lin Qing He got so much free time.
Although the wool pant wasn't finished yet, it does not affect her making more food for the children.
While she busied away at home, the brothers came back from their grandparent's house. They clustered over to help. Lin Qing He didn't shoo them away. If they were capable to do it, then she would command them to help. Besides being busy, they also gain a sense of accomplishment.
At old Zhou's house, Father Zhou was drinking ginger, date and brown sugar soup. Have to say, this was really delicious.
In the mind of these people in this era, two things that mean good. One was having oil content and the other was sweet stuff.
Stored in the insulated lunch box, was about two bowls worth. Father Zhou poured it out and drank his own portion. And the remaining portion was poured out for his wife.
"Drink it while it's hot. What are you sitting there for?" Father Zhou said to her.
"I never expected this. The two of us can still enjoy the filial piety from Fourth's wife." Mother Zhou emotionally expressed.
"It's enough that Fourth's wife is willing to live peacefully. As for other things, don't mind it." Father Zhou stated.
If she can bring something to show filial piety, then eat it. If she doesn't, then don't demand for it. That was what Father Zhou meant.
Da Niang: father's elder brother's wife; unrelated: aunt or granny
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Chapter 49. Phoenix Brand Bike
Initially, Mother Zhou was still a bit worried. But after these days, her heart settled down. It seems that Fourth's wife had accepted Fourth's retirement.
So she listened to Father Zhou and decide not to govern too much.
After drinking the sweet and nourishing ginger, date and brown sugar soup, Mother Zhou washed the bowls and the insulated lunch box and then returned the insulated over.
She found the mother and sons engaged in making sticky bean paste buns.
Mother Zhou asked, "Where's old Fourth?"
"He went to the county city." Lin Qing He replied.
"Why go to the county city?" Mother Zhou was taken aback.
"Had him go buy some cloth. He doesn't have many clothes. Later on, I have to borrow the sewing machine from the house and make him two sets." Lin Qing He answered with reluctance.
Hearing this, Mother Zhou said nothing.
"When will Xiaogu get her holiday and come back?" Lin Qing He asked casually.
It was impossible to say that the original owner had no friends in the village. She had a very good relationship with Zhou Xiao Mei, the younger sister of Zhou Qing Bai. The two had similar temperaments. They especially love to be smug and vanity.
The difference was that the original owner relied on the husband, Zhou Qing Bai, while Zhou Xiao Mei relied on herself. She was a worker in the food factory over at the county city, which was particularly decent.
But her temperament was too spoiled and had compatible offensiveness with the original owner.
Why? The original owner was pretty. Her speech was more superior, which got a flair of city folks. According to Zhou Xiao Mei's words, it was probably only Fourth Sister-in-law who was worth to show-off out of the whole family.
The other three weren't good enough.
Most importantly, was that when Zhou Xiao Mei went to apply for this job, the original owner bought two tins with a wave of her sleeve. She told her to secretly give it to her director.
With this, she got the job and deepened Zhou Xiao Mei's relationship with the original owner. She often stood up for the original owner, saying that a beauty like original owner, a beauty, stayed home like a widow for her Fourth Brother. Her Fourth Brother must have accumulated eight lifetime worth of good fortune.
Mother Zhou was so close to breaking her lackey legs when she heard this.
But these words entered the original owner's heart. The sister-in-law duo was like two snake-rats were in a nest. Their relationship was close-knitted.
Zhou Xiao Mei was Mother Zhou's youngest daughter, but her status was far inferior to Zhou Qing Bai. There was basically no doubt about this.
What's more, she wasn't the only girl in the family. Before Zhou Qing Mu, the eldest brother, was two elder sisters. This meant, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou have a total of four sons and three daughters. Whether it was a daughter or a son, neither was rare.
The most doted one was still the youngest son Zhou Qingbai, who was also the most outstanding one. The rest can sit on the side.
Mother Zhou responded: "Last time, I entrusted someone to bring words back. Said that she would come back next month. I don't know when she'll plan to marry. The sooner she does, the sooner she can marry off."
Truthfully, she was a little annoyed by this youngest daughter. Her monthly salary was 16 yuan, but she was only able to send home 3 yuan. The rest 13 yuan was wasted by her.
And also, every time she comes back, she had to come over and run off at the mouth about how her Fourth Brother mistreated her Fourth Sister-in-law. Clearly, a person who stirs trouble. She had enough of her.
"I guess it's almost time. Xiaogu is twenty-two this year." Lin Qing He said.
"Twenty-three after the New Year. She's not small anymore." Mother Zhou stated.
"Did Mother keep an eye out for her?" Lin Qing He's hands kept moving as she asked.
"How could she fancy a rural guy? Every day, she thinks about eating commercial grain." Mother Zhou Mu grumbled.
"With this kind of mentality, Xiaogu is being ambitious." Lin Qing He said.
Mother Zhou thought, 'Pursue what ambition ah? Is it that easy to marry a city guy?'
Even if her daughter had a real job and it was decent to be in the city, but Mother Zhou still doesn't think her daughter can marry into the city.
Lin Qing He didn't discuss any more with her on this. Chen Daniang came back at this time and knocked at the door.
"Chen Daniang, we're home. Come in." Lin Qing He shouted.
Chen Daniang entered. When she saw Mother Zhou, she greeted with a smile. Mother Zhou politely made small talks.
"You're right, Qing He. There was no brown sugar in the supply and demand cooperatives. Old Second is a blockhead. He made no preparation. Can you see how much you have and share some with Daniang? Daniang will pay for it." Chen Daniang spoke.
"Okay, just go according to the supply and demand cooperative's price. How much do you want Chen Daniang." Lin Qing He affirmed.
"Are there two jins?" Chen Daniang asked.
"Yes." Lin Qing He went in, portioned out two jins of brown sugar, and put it in the jar brought by Chen Daniang.
The quality of the brown sugar was satisfactory to Chen Daniang. Lin Qing He said: "It's only because it's you, Chen Daniang. If it was another, I might not necessarily give it. This is what I brought back from the long journey to the county city last time. "
Chen Daniang beamed and said that when she need help in the future, just ask. No need to be shy. And then she hurried back.
Mother Zhou made no comment. She just thought that Fourth's wife really wants to live well now. She knows to sell favors and the like.
It was normal to give brown sugar out in exchange for money. It counted as a favor for willingly exchange it to deal with an emergency.
"It's almost time for Third Sister-in-law, right?." Lin Qing He mentioned.
"This time next month." Mother Zhou nodded.
Lin Qing He nodded. Zhou Qing Bai went to the county city in the morning. Because of the bike, the journey back and forth was quick. He arrived home at eleven.
He brought back a bolt of earthen cloth. This earthen cloth doesn't require a coupon. Usually, it wasn't available in supply and demand cooperatives. One can only go to the black market and the price was slightly more expensive.
If it was bought from a supply and demand cooperative, it can be a lot cheaper.
A piece of earthen cloth, red dates, ginger, shrimp skin, seaweed, and the like. Besides those, were several jins of rice. More importantly, he brought back a jin of lamb!
Overall, a lot of products were bought back this time.
But the most important of these things was Zhou Qing Bai's bike.
He didn't go to the county city today by himself. He went with the leader's elder son, as he also needed to go to the county town to buy things there. So they went together.
This time, Zhou Qing Bai rode his own bike back. A brand new, Phoenix brand one. Lin Qing He gave him 300 yuan. This one cost around 250 yuan as well as 32 industrial coupons. It was expensive as hell.
However, Lin Qing He didn't feel distressed at all. She grilled Zhou Qing Bai in high spirit: "Why is it available now? I thought it would be next year."
"I got special permission." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
Lin Qing He understood. He had his channels. Although she saw that his expression was cold, there was a hint of 'praise me' from his eyes.
Lin Qing He could tell without him saying, said, "This whole must be freezing. Hurry in and wash your face with hot water. Then moisturize with little vanishing cream."
"You help me." Zhou Qing Bai stared at her.
"OK!" For the sake of starting her own business next year, Lin Qing He will serve him.
She scooped hot water for him to wash his face and then smeared him with vanishing cream.
Got to say, when she was applying the cream on him, his intense gaze focusing on her made her heart beat faster.
Xiao Gu: her husband's younger sister, so sister-in-law as well. Keeping it in pinyin, so we don't mix up with current sister-in-law(her husband's brother's wife)
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"You can do the rest yourself."
Being stared like that, Lin Qing He felt like having a heart attack, so she stuffed the cream to him and let him apply it by himself.
Zhou Qing Bai grabbed her waist: "Wife..."
Lin Qing He almost nearly exploded like an angry cat. She immediately tore his hand off and voiced to him: "If you have something to say, speak. Don't be touchy!"
With this, she ignored him and ran away immediately like there was a wolf chasing her.
Zhou Qing Bai watched her slightly flustered figure. A slight smile crept on his face.
Although he didn't understand what was wrong with him, he felt that it was reasonable for him to be close to his wife.
But obviously, his wife had not adapted to his existence yet.
The revolution had yet to succeed, the comrades still need to work hard.
Zhou Qing Bai put on the vanishing cream. Initially, he didn't want to apply these things but remembering what she said about 27/8 looking like 47/8, he decided to let her smear it on him.
The matter about Zhou Qing Bai buying a Phoenix brand bicycle spread through the village at once.
In this era, buying a bike would be the same as buying an advanced X car in the future.
One can imagine how many people were outside the courtyard.
Lin Qing He had no interest in dealing with the villagers. And all of them that came over were men, including three Zhou brothers.
Leave it for Zhou Qing Bai to handle. She began to prepare lunch.
Everyone outside was asking questions around the bicycle, with obvious envy in their eyes.
Soon Mother Zhou heard the news and came with Second Sister-in-law.
While Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law didn't go out very much. The whole ground was snow and ice and they were pregnant. One can't be sure of accidents.
"Old Fourth, you don't have much use for bicycles here. Why buy such a big bicycle back? How much does it cost?" Mother Zhou was so distress. Not a hint of joy could be seen.
Such a brand-new bicycle, how much had to be spent? Since he was retired, there was no allowance. There were so many expenditures in the future, why can't he save!
"It's more convenient to go to the county city when owning a bicycle." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
"It's only so far. Is there any difference between having a bicycle and not? And it's not like you need to frequently go!" Said Mother Zhou as she suppressed her temper.
In the end, she dotes her son and didn't say anything heavy in front of so many people.
"It's already bought not and cannot be refunded." Zhou Qing Bai shook his head.
Mother Zhou became speechless from anger. She pondered, was this Fourth's wife's request?
She thought she had changed for better, but actually, she was waiting!
But thinking how they separated now, Mother Zhou didn't say much about it. Zhou Qing Bai dispersed the other people and let Mother Zhou, his three brothers and Second Sister-in-law into the courtyard.
"Old Fourth, you have bought this bike. Don't buy anything else in the future. Da Wa and his brothers will soon grow up. This yard will have to be readjusted." Eldest Brother Zhou said.
Second Brother and Third Brother did not say anything.
Second Sister-in-law eyed the bicycle enviously. Bicycle ah! This is a bicycle ah!
It was the real deal. Not worse than the sewing machine at home.
Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa continued to circle around the bicycle. They rubbed here and petted there. It was really rare.
Lin Qing He was busy in the kitchen. They were having dumpling today. She was in the midst of wrapping up the filling. Zhou Qing Bai's appetite was pretty big. In one meal, he can eat an ocean-big bowl quantity.
Eating so much, it was no wonder he had so much energy with nowhere to vent and always looked for opportunities to flirt with her.
As for the outsiders coming over, she did not go out as Zhou Qing Bai was here.
Only after a conversation, did Eldest Brother and the others return. Mother Zhou hadn't left yet. She asked privately how much was this bike?
Zhou Qing Bai simply stated the truth. It made Mother Zhou agonized. She whispered: "Is your wife who wants to buy it?"
"Mother, this is what I want to buy. I will use it for whatever I do. We need a bicycle. It' got nothing to do with my wife." Zhou Qing Bai answered.
With this, Mother Zhou didn't say anything. Youngest son always tells the truth and wouldn't lie.
"Mother, do you want to stay for lunch? We're having dumplings at noon." Lin Qing He casually asked, when she came out and saw her.
It was a special day, why eat dumpling ah? Just spent more than two hundred yuans, and still eat dumplings! Really don't know how to live!
Mother Zhou didn't want to eat and returned not long later.
Lin Qing He didn't mind her. So she and her family clustered together for a meal of dumplings made with flour and pork. Ah, so tasty.
After eating, Da Wa and their brothers were still hyped up about the bicycles.
She got Zhou Qing Bai to take the brothers out for a lap.
However, Zhou Qing Bai found them bothersome and did not really want to take them. What's more, he was looking at her. It was obvious that he wanted to take her out for a lap.
Lin Qing He: "..." Such a cold day, she doesn't want to go out and suffer from the cold wind.
Seeing that she did not want to go out, Zhou Qing Bai turned to his three sons: "Waiting for spring, then I'll take you out."
Although he didn't satisfy his sons' desire to go out and show off, Zhou Qing Bai still placed them on the bicycle together. They can count as a child who sat on a bicycle before.
Their feet were gliding. (or floating in cloud nine)
While at Old Zhou's House, Mother Zhou lamented to Father Zhou how the whole Fourth's family doesn't know how to live. This bicycle costed so much money, why did they buy it back?
Father Zhou ignored it, let his wife complain. Once she finished, he voiced out: "Now we are two families. They live their lives. Why are you being so concerned? Old Fourth is not one to be unreasonable. He won't impulsively spend money."
Toward his youngest son, Father Zhou was proud and trusting. He was clear what kind of temper and what kind of person he was. So he didn't criticize.
Mother Zhou frowned in displeasure and said, "What do you men understand? If you don't spend prudently, even with a mountain of gold and silver, it isn't enough to feed the family!"
"Haven't you went over and seen it? You said the piglets there are well-nurtured? By that time, there will be four or five work points. It can't be bad." Father Zhou mentioned.
Mother Zhou sighed deeply: "I hope for them to have a good life, and not sort out what they have and not have."
Then she continued: "This year when Xiao Mei come back, I must get her to bring more money home. When Da Wa gets married, he'll have to rely on us grandfather and grandmother. His parents are unreliable! "
"Then ask Xiao Mei to bring more back." Father Zhou was in agreement and nodded.
After all, Da Wa was the eldest grandson of their old Zhou family.
The youngest son and eldest grandson was the lifeblood of the elderly. These two lifebloods were both occupied by Lin Qing He's family.
At home, Second Sister-in-law was very unsettled.
She believed that Lin Qing He's life would be worse in the future. Who would have known that they bought a bicycle out of nowhere?
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