Chapter 51. Perplexing behavior
In total, there were two bikes in the village. One was the leader family's and the other was Lin Qing He family's.
It was conceivable how much respect Lin Qing He's family get for owning such a bicycle.
Second Sister-in-law was extremely upset, and also very discontent.
She wanted to see the joke, but instead, the other person showed off. Which really tore down her spirit.
When cooking lunch, Second Sister-in-law was like someone had owed her money.
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law exchanged glances, and they knew what was up.
After the meal, they each went back to their room. What was great about Old Zhou Family, was that each family had their own room instead of squeezing together.
Toward Second Sister-in-law's thoughts, Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law was pretty clear about it. After all, they have been sisters-in-law for so many years, who doesn't know what the other was like.
She was envious.
Second Brother also caught on. When he returned to the room, he coaxed her: "What are you doing? Fourth didn't spend your money to buy the bike. Who are you giving that look to?
"What? I can't be angry in this house anymore!" Like she was ignited, Second Sister exploded at once. She angrily roared.
"Be quieter!" Second Brother immediately said.
"Why should I be quieter? Have I said anything? I can't speak, is it?" Second Sister-in-law yelled
The couple quarreled for no reason, and Second Sister-in-law angrily packed her things and stormed back to her maternal family.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou didn't say anything. They acted like they didn't know.
Second Brother didn't go bring her back and let her live at her maternal house. If he brought her back now, her fire will definitely be burning.
Lin Qing He found out Second Sister-in-law had returned to her maternal family when she came to borrow the sewing machine.
Perfect timing. The only person she didn't want to interact with in the old Zhou's house was this Second Sister-in-law. Let's all comply with 'Well water does not violate river water'. Why must she speak and act so obscure each time they meet. It was great that she wasn't home. (T/N: idiom, basically mean I live my life, you live yours. Don't intrude into another's territory)
She brought some white rabbit candy over and gave Eldest Sister-in-law's three daughters one each. Then shared one to Eldest Sister-in-law's only son at the moment.
"Fourth Auntie, I want two." Little Zhou Yang, Eldest Sister-in-law uttered.
"No more. Fourth Auntie only brought four. Yang Yang and your sisters get one each." Lin Qing He said.
Zhou Da Ni wanted to give her share to her brother when Lin Qing He stated: "He already has his. You girls got to have a taste."
"Listen to your Fourth Auntie," Eldest Sister-in-law added.
Zhou Da Hi ate hers. The white rabbit candy was so sweet that everyone was in a good mood.
Lin Qing He asked Eldest Sister-in-law to guide on the detailed part of making clothes for Zhou Qing Bai. Eldest Sister-in-law saw that she was really getting involved now, so naturally, she was willing to connect with her. She diligently taught her.
Lin Qing He's comprehension skill was high because the original owner knew how to. She just had to adjust it and it wasn't difficult to make two sets of clothes for Zhou Qingbai.
"I can see that Eldest Sister-in-law had a much better complexion now." Lin Qing He quickly improved and conversed with Eldest Sister-in-law.
"Is that so? I have recently felt a lot more comfortable in my body. The benefits of eating apple aren't little." Eldest Sister-in-law remarked.
"If it's not good, I won't have told you. That's right, if Eldest Brother needs to do something in the county city in the future, you can tell him to come over and ride the bicycle." Lin Qing He.
"That would be very nice." Eldest Sister-in-law smiled.
Although they might not necessarily use it, it made her feel at ease when Lin Qing He gave her the go-ahead.
Now it came up, Eldest Sister-in-law couldn't understand what Second Sister-in-law was angry about.
This bicycle didn't spend a cent of her money. They definitely used Fourth Brother-in-law's retirement fund. Fourth Brother-in-law bought it back, so in future, if the family ever needs it, he will definitely lend it.
This meant the three families can use Brother-in-law's bike for free. It counts as taking advantage. What was Second Sister-in-law mad about?
"During this period of time, it is the highest peak for development in your belly. Eat more nutritious things, and the baby will be very smart after birth." Lin Qing He advised.
Although she had never given birth, but her colleagues in her previous life had. She heard an earful of the pregnancy experience.
With the current condition at home, it was better than most people in the village. At least because of their pregnancy, she and Third's wife can still have an egg for nourishment each day.
Second Sister-in-law did not receive this treatment.
Of course, when Second Sister-in-law was pregnant, she had it.
However, Eldest Sister-in-law made no comment. She instructed her on making clothes. The stitches and the likes were taught clearly.
After coming a few days, Lin Qing He almost completed Zhou Qing Bai's first set of clothes.
It was a close-fitting one. It had both the top and the trousers. As it was made with earthen cloth, so it was very warm.
Zhou Qing Bai was in a very good mood, receiving his new clothes. He implied that it was fine to casually make it. Apparently, she put in the effort. Her stitches were impeccable.
And it was also very close-fitting, just his size.
"It was hard on wife." Zhou Qing Bai looked at her.
Lin Qinghe didn't know if she was the suspected neighbor for robbing the ax. She always felt that his gaze was slightly hot. Wasn't it just a set of clothes, what's up with you?
There was no need to make any for Da Wa and his brothers. This year a set of cotton coats was made for them. They also have two sets of clothes inside. Shoes and socks were complete. No need for tomorrow and the slightly cold spring. Autumn was also fine. Just need to make the summer set.
It goes without saying that Zhou Qing Bai's summer clothes also need to be made.
The preserved eggs marinated last month were ready to be eaten this month. After coming over for few days to continuously borrow old Zhou Family's sewing machine, Lin Qing He brought two salted eggs over for Father Zhou and Mother Zhou.
As soon as she entered the door, she saw Second Sister-in-law. When Second Sister-in-law saw her, she smiled and said, "Fourth Sister-in-law had come. Is this cloth brought to show filial to Father and Mother?"
"No, I'm going to make clothes for Qing Bai with this. These two salted eggs were personally pickled by me are for Father and Mother. By the way, Second sister-in-law, what are you going give to Father and Mother as filial piety?" Lin Qing He threw back.
Second Sister-in-law laughed it off, "With my family condition, how can I compare with yours?"
"That's true. It really can't be compared." Lin Qing He nodded.
This enraged Second Sister-in-law a lot and she turned around and left.
Lin Qinghe snorted. Eldest Sister-in-law gave her a wink. Lin Qing He nodded and went over to Mother Zhou's room. She gave her the salty pickled eggs: "I marinated it myself. Mother, you and Father have a taste. If you like it, I'll bring some more. "
"Keep them for Da Wa and his brothers, no need to bring them." Mother Zhou responded.
"There's still some at home." Lin Qing He left the egg and came to the storeroom.
Old Zhou Family's storeroom was where the sewing machine was placed.
She began to sew clothes. In the past few days, she was already thoroughly familiar with the process. Not long later, Eldest Sister-in-law also came over.
"What happened just now?" Eldest Sister-in-law asked.
"Who knows. She behaved perplexingly when I enter the door. It's becoming a habit." Lin Qing He couldn't care less.
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Chapter 52. Lamb and goji berry soup
"Nobody would deny that. She came back yesterday evening and talked like that." Eldest Sister-in-law's lip twitched as she spoke.
"Don't quarrel with her. You're pregnant, don't make yourself angry." Lin Qing He coaxed.
Eldest Sister-in-law burst into a smile when she comforted her instead: "I wouldn't keep it on my chest."
Then she looked at the cloth in her hand and pointed out, "After making another winter innerwear for Fourth Brother-in-law, I estimate there's enough leftover to make two sets of summer clothes for him."
"One summer set is enough. The rest will be for the three boys'. They don't any to wear." Lin Qing He responded.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't bring many clothes back, but there were two sets. According to Lin Qing He's perspective, he didn't have enough to wear. In the mind of this era, it was definitely enough. But making an extra set isn't a bad idea.
The three boys definitely needed it.
Lin Qing He's speed was now very fast because she became skilled in using the sewing machine. Plus she was irritated from seeing Second Sister-in-law's face. So it took two and a half days to complete Zhou Qing Bai's second winter clothes.
The rest was summerwear. Lin Qing He also spent a few days to finish these and packed it in the closet.
She doesn't need to go to the old Zhou's house and run into Second Sister-in-law anymore.
In the morning, they had millet porridge with salted eggs. Lin Qing He announced: "Today I have to pickle another batch. You guys eat too fast."
It was only that long before the pickled eggs were almost devoured up. She had brought over the eggs twice to Father Zhou and Mother Zhou. Each time two, so four in total.
Now there were only a few left. The rest was eaten by the father and sons.
"I will go out and buy some eggs later." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
"Is there no lamb sold here?" Lin Qing He asked.
"Not here." Zhou Qing Bai looked at her and said, "Want to eat?"
Lin Qing He shook her head and replied: "Don't torment yourself, going so far to the county city in this weather."
The last time he bought a bicycle, he also brought a jin of lamb back. She had added goji berry and stewed a lamb and goji berry soup. The taste was really delicious.
Although it was only a jin, the whole family was extremely content.
Zhou Qing Bai nodded and said nothing. After taking care of the two little piglets after breakfast, he pushed the bicycle and carried the basket out.
Lin Qing He continued to knit the woolen trousers at home. It was for the kids. She also wanted one. This weather was extremely freezing.
She assumed Zhou Qing Bai had gone to the community's supply and demand cooperative. To her surprise, he only returned from this trip at 11:30. He also brought back three jin of mutton!
"The snow and wind are so big, why did you go to the county city?" Lin Qing He couldn't help saying when she saw his cheeks were flushed.
"It's not cold riding a bicycle." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
Not only did he brought back the lamb, but also five jins of eggs.
Lin Qing He quickly sent him to go to Kang and wait. First, she boiled him a bowl of ginger soup for him to down. Then she nagged: "You better let up a bit next time!"
"Mother, Father knows that you want to eat lamb, so specially bought it for you." Er Wa interjected.
Lin Qing He looked at Zhou Qing Bai, saw Zhou Qing Bai rubbed Er Wa's head and his gaze that met her eyes carried obvious indulgence.
"Only you know to speak eloquently!" Lin Qing He was a little embarrassed and glared at Er Wa.
Er Wa giggled. Lin Qing He picked up San Wa and put him in Zhou Qing Bai's arms: "Hug your son, he is warm all over."
San Wa stayed in his father's arms and blinked at his mother with big eyes, which expressed that he is very obedient and be his father's body warmer.
"Instead of bean paste bun for lunch, we're having lump soup." Lin Qing He harrumphed and stated.
Previously a lot of sticky bean paste buns were made, and there were still leftovers. A lot of leftovers.
She initially planned to eat this for lunch, but now she changed her mind.
The lump soup was the kids' favorite, especially the lump soup made by their mother, which was really yummy.
Lump soup was very easy to make. Lin Qing He used a lot of ingredients, including chopped mushrooms, minced meat, and eggs. There were no delicious vegetables during this season, otherwise, the taste will be better after adding green vegetables and tomatoes.
Zhou Qing Bai had no complaints about what his wife makes. He eats whatever she cooks.
After the children had their fill, they went to Kang. At this time, it was still snowing outside. It just was too cold.
Lin Qing He chopped the mutton by herself.
Including the skin and bone, it was three jins. Lin Qing He put in a half. The other half was left for tomorrow to eat. In this weather, it won't turn bad from leaving it out.
She placed it on the coal stove and stewed it. It'll be ready to eat at night.
"It's too cold. You brothers better bundle up for me. And you're not allowed to drink cold water. If I find out you drank cold water, you won't get anything to eat then!" Lin Qing He strictly instructed. She especially looked at Da Wa.
Da Wa cried out in injustice: "I don't do it now!" What's more, the winter was so freezing. Only fool would drink cold water!
Lin Qing He nodded: "It's fine if you don't. Tonight you get an extra piece of lamb."
"Me too," Er Wa said.
"Okay, give you extra," Lin Qing He responded.
Zhou Qing Bai watched the mother and sons interact. His gaze mostly focused on Lin Qing He.
Lin Qing He raised her eyes to glance at him. She coughed dryly and said: "You must be exhausted from this morning, sleep a bit."
"You sleep too." Zhou Qing Bai steadily looked at her.
The woolen pant in Lin Qing He's hand was almost ready, so she put them away first. The whole family took a nap on the kang. When she got up, Lin Qing He continued to knit the woolen pants.
Zhou Qingbai was no longer on the kang. At this time, he had to make pig food for the piglets, so he was preoccupied.
Lin Qing He was thankful that there was still some wool at home that would allow her to pass the time. Otherwise, there was no way to pass the days. It was really boring.
At around four o'clock in the afternoon, she completed the woolen pant.
Then she started knitting the second one, because there was really nothing to do. The speed of knitting pants wasn't slow at all.
It was really idle on these snowy days.
The smell of mutton and goji berry soup in the pot was already fragrant. Lin Qing He saw that it was cooked and scooped some. for Zhou Qing Bai to deliver to Father Zhou and Mother Zhou.
Da Wa? Forget it. The snow outside was pretty hefty. It was better to stay in the room on this freezing day.
"Mutton soup? Keep it for yourself. You don't need to bring it over." Mother Zhou refused.
"My wife said to bring it." Zhou Qing Bai maintained, then went to the kitchen to get the bowls. He poured it out. Just perfect, two bowl full and two pieces of lamb, one for each.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't stay any longer. He went back after distributing it.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou didn't act reserved, so they drank the warm mutton soup.
"Fourth's wife's cooking skill is really good," Mother Zhou remarked while drinking soup.
Whether it was pickled eggs or this mutton soup or the occasional ginger date soup that was sent over, the taste was superb.
Moreover, Mother Zhou felt that her body had been warmed a lot this year. Don't know if it was linked to these soups.
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Chapter 53. Looking for fault.
It wasn't just Mother Zhou who thought so. Father Zhou was the same.
It was only once every three or five days, but in the past, there was no such treatment.
Got to say, even though the soup doesn't fill the hunger, the body felt a bit different after drinking it for a while.
"There are benefits from youngest's retirement," Father Zhou remarked.
"As long as she can take care of old Fourth and the boys, we don't need her to send stuff over." Mother Zhou also commented.
Judging by Lin Qing He's current performance, Mother Zhou was quite satisfied. Of course, that was on the premise that she doesn't spend money.
Otherwise, Mother Zhou would have a hard time reining in her temper because she couldn't stand it anymore.
While on Lin Qing He's side, she doesn't care what the old couple thinks. The reason why she would get the soup sent over is because it's what they should be doing. In the end, they were the boys' grandparents and they treated the brothers well.
If it were someone who treated the brothers terribly, she would definitely not go through so much trouble.
Zhou Qing Bai was back. Her steamed mantou was ready. So the family ate the mutton soup with mixed grain mantou, which was also tasty.
Although there were still a lot of materials in the space, Lin Qing He did not follow modern standards. She would still make it with other grains for the children to eat.
For example, this mantou was a combination of cornflour and wheat flour. Lin Qing He got Zhou Qing Bai to make it. He did it and stored a lot at home.
When not eating other foods, she'll steam mantou and then make soup. With this, the meal was complete.
Even so, if the guys' food was the second-best in the village, and no one dares to label themselves as first.
After Zhou Qing Bai returned, he didn't seem to get thinner. Not only did he not lose weight, Lin Qing He obviously felt that he had too much energy with nowhere to vent. Otherwise, why would he get up in the morning to run and not afraid of the cold?
Running wasn't enough. He would go back to the yard to practice boxing. If Lin Qing He didn't stop him by saying Da Wa was still young, afraid he would pull him in to box together.
For such a dinner, one steamed mantou and a bowl of mutton soup were enough for Lin Qing He. Her current figure was just right because the oil content at home was sufficient. She was afraid that she would get fat.
In Zhou Qing Bai's eyes, her standard was clearly thin. When he saw her finished, he stuffed another one to her and used his eyes to tell her to eat instead of retaining it for them, father and sons.
Lin Qinghe: "..." Silently broke a small piece to eat and the bigger one was given to him.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't receive it, uttered: "Eat more."
He found that her intake quantity was too small. This size mantou, he can eat five before he's full, but she actually ate only one.
"Can't eat anymore," Lin Qing He maintained.
Zhou Qing Bai saw that she really didn't want to eat anymore and accepted it with no other choice. He stated, "You are too thin."
"That's right. Mother, you are too thin." Da Wa also nodded: "You only ate one, while I have eaten two!"
"Mother eats less than me." Er Wa had one and a half.
"Mother." San Wa hugged his mother. Mother ate one just like him. He felt he was the closest to Mother.
"Quick eat, let's go walk around after eating." Lin Qing He smiled.
Zhou Qing Bai told her to drink more mutton soup. This time Lin Qing He did not refuse his good intentions and scooped up a small bowl to drink.
Afterward, when coaxed her again, she ignored him. Really, was it easy for her to maintain such a good figure?
Zhou Qing Bai didn't make her eat anymore. The children were full, and the rest was eaten by him alone. His appetite was enormous.
Lin Qing He wiped the boys' mouths and washed their hands. Then they got fully armed and went out to continue making a snowman.
All the brothers have gloves. This was what she entrusted Mei Jie to keep an eye out for at the cooperative. If there were some, set them aside for her. And Mei Jie did.
Three gloves cost six yuans. So one required two yuans. It also needed a coupon.
It wasn't cheap at all. But Lin Qing He still bought it. She didn't want the kids to freeze their hands and get damaged. The current winter can't be compared with the future greenhouse effect. It was extremely freezing to death.
Lin Qing He took the three brothers out to play for half an hour before gathering them back to the room. The Kang was already heating. After washing their feet, they were allowed to go on the Kang.
Da Wa began to recite numbers. Lin Qing He started training him half a month ago, and now he can count from one to twenty without errors. He can also add and subtract up to ten, which indicated relatively high in IQ.
Otherwise, he won't be able to mix so well in the future.
Lin Qing He gave him a book for him to start writing. As for Er Wa and San Wa, whether the two write or draw, it was up to them. Anyway, teaching one or teaching two, it was still teaching.
"Are you going back home before New Year?" Zhou Qing Bai asked her when he brought her foot bath.
At first, Lin Qing He hadn't caught on. Only after a pause did she understand he was talking about her maternal family. Then she nodded and said, "I'll see which day I'm free to go back."
"I'll go with you." Zhou Qing Bai gazed at her.
Lin Qing He shook her head: "No, just me going back is enough."
This time she went back, she didn't plan to go back during the New Year. She wasn't visiting relatives. She was going to find fault, so it was better not to take him with her.
She will not allow those from old Lin family to destroy her present life. She had no guilt for mysteriously becoming the original owner, so she won't have any guilt toward the old Lin family. It wasn't possible.
Old Lin Family can extinguish their hope of wanting her to supplement them like she was the original owner.
Both old Lin Family's Father Lin and Mother Lin were still alive. They were older than Father Zhou and Mother Zhou. She had two elder brothers and two elder sisters above, and a younger brother below.
This younger brother was pretty nice. He used to be summoned by the original owner to find firewood. He didn't accept any money given. And if he did, he used it to buy candy for Da Wa and his brothers.
But after he got married, there was less contact. After all, he had to take care of his own family.
As for siblings above, the relationship with the original owner was mostly good. Even so, it was the original owner being beneficial to them a lot.
For example, a new military coat sent back by Zhou Qing Bai. It was given by the original owner to her second brother, this lazy bum.
Not even her younger brother had a share.
Moreover, the current one on Zhou Qing Bai was old. He only sent it back because he was worried about the family's bed wasn't warm enough.
Such a big set, it can be used as a quilt. These words weren't a cover-up.
"What's the matter?" Zhou Qing Bai looked at her. Why did he get the slight feeling that his wife was approaching the pigs and sheep with a sharpened knife?
Lin Qing He stated, "Nothing, It's just that I felt 'I' was pretty stupid before."
Zhou Qing Bai: "..."
"I'll make a trip back tomorrow." Lin Qing He couldn't stay put from the thought of picking fault. She simply declared: "After finishing breakfast, I'll head out. I will come back for lunch at noon. Watch the home for me."
Zhou Qing Bai stared at her and expressed, "No need for me to go with you?"
"No need." Lin Qing He waved her hand.
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Chapter 54. Stealing grain
In the evening, Lin Qing He supervised Da Wa over his writing practice and math before letting the three brothers sleep.
Zhou Qing Bai moved the three sleeping brothers in a row at the end of the Kang and freed up space for the two of them.
Lin Qing He 's heart leaped out. Then she remembered her menstrual period and became calm.
Zhou Qing Bai said quietly, "It's time to sleep."
Lin Qing He nodded: "Sleep."
As for sleeping, Zhou Qing Bai had eaten mutton today. So sure enough, he was restless. Lin Qing He indifferently pointed out: "My period is here. Behave and sleep properly."
Zhou Qing Bai was disappointed when he heard that.
Lin Qing He slept comfortably. The kang burned was heated at dusk, so they could sleep warmly all night. After all, her seven-jin quilt wasn't covered for nothing.
And also a four jin was added on top.
"Sleep." Even Zhou Qing Bai was disappointed, at least he could still hold his wife to sleep.
Lin Qing He was cuddled in his arms. Feeling that her heartbeat speeding too fast, she uttered, "I can't sleep if you hold me!"
"You can." Zhou Qing Bai spoke sulkily.
Lin Qing He mentally refuted, 'Then you wear a pair of pants. You ate lamb again tonight and had abstinence for so long, so at this moment, that spot is very spirited. With that against me, how can I sleep?'
"Wife." Zhou Qing Bai called out.
Lin Qing He felt the man's voice was pleasing, deep, sexy, and magnetic.
However, Lin Qing He chose to pretend to be dead. Tonight, she made a mistake. She thought he couldn't do anything, so she ignored him and forgot that she had to sleep with him!
The three brothers' sleeping quality was excellent. At this moment, they were asleep. They will wake up in the middle of the night to pee and drink a glass of water before snoozing to the next morning.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't get a response from his wife, so he didn't say anything. After all, holding his soft wife was also a very enjoyable thing.
"Still not sleeping?" Lin Qing He pretended for a while and could still feel that he hadn't dozed off. The hand resting on her waist was extremely hot.
"Wife, when does that go away?" Zhou Qing Bai said sullenly without answering the question.
"I don't know." Lin Qing He uttered in a displeased mood.
"Wife, you don't want me?" Zhou Qing Bai sighed.
Lin Qing He mentally answered, 'I don't. Not one bit! Quickly go to sleep!'
She directly turned her body to face the same direction as the children. Zhou Qing Bai huddled over from behind. Lin Qing He could still feel his enthusiasm for her very clearly.
After the New Year, Zhou Qing Bai was only 28 years old. While she was 24 after New Year. She was 4 years old younger than him.
But whether it was twenty-eight or twenty-four, it was the period of young people's passion ah.
After being provoked by him, Lin Qing He's heart became erratic. However, she paid no mind to him.
Before she thought it through, don't even think about touching her, no matter how fervent he was.
Lin Qing He didn't fall asleep until about 9:30 that night. Only when Zhou Qing Bai felt that his wife was sleeping, did he dozed off with regret.
Forget it. Let's take it slowly. It seems that his wife hadn't completely put down her prejudice toward him.
However, she was willing to share the same quilt with him, which was also a good start.
Lin Qing He slept very warmly that night. She felt like she was holding a big stove, it was very comfortable.
It was still snowing outside in the morning, so Zhou Qing Bai didn't go out. Most importantly, his wife held him as she slept so soundly. How could he push her away?
When Lin Qing He woke up, it was almost seven o'clock. Seeing that he was still on the kang, she froze: "You didn't go out for a run?"
"It's snowing outside." Zhou Qing Bai gazed at her as he spoke warmly.
Lin Qing He nodded and then felt their position was a bit intimate.
She was hugging his waist and buried her entire face in his arms. While his long arm wrapped around her waist. Their posture was almost the same as the posture of a couple who were in love!
"I slept too comfortably, don't take offense." Lin Qing He laughed dryly and got out of his embrace.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't press in on her too tightly and said: "Sleep some more. I will steam the buns."
Breakfast was steamed bun and shrimp soup. All made by Zhou Qing Bai. He also brought in hot water to wash up.
Because the snow was too heavy in the morning, Lin Qing He didn't plan to go back to the old Lin's House and find fault anymore. No need to risk through this heavy snowstorm.
She brought her three sons to breakfast, while Zhou Qing Bai went to take care of two piglets.
Now there was no more chicken in the chicken pen. The last chicken was stewed by Lin Qing He. It can no longer lay eggs, why keep it? Waste grain? Better to stew it for nourishment.
Today's snow kept going all the way until ten o'clock in the morning. It was a substantial amount.
The snow stopped, and Lin Qing He stopped knitting trousers. She took Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa, out to walk around. They couldn't keep staying isolated at home all winter. Bundling up and wander around wasn't a bad idea.
While strolling, they came to Zhou Dong and Zhou Xi sibling's home.
Zhou Dong was shoveling the snow. The clothes on his body did not seem to be cold resistant. His cheeks were a little bit red.
"Shen!" Zhou Dong immediately shouted when he saw Lin Qing He.
Inside, Zhou Xi heard the voice, and happily chirped: "How come Shen have free time to come over? It's cold outside, hurry into the house. The Kang is heating, it's really warm."
"Shenzi, quickly bring the kids in." Zhou Dong said.
Lin Qing He noticed the kids didn't want to enter the house, so she let them be. She stomped through the snow and came in. She directed to Zhou Xi: "Is there enough food this year?"
"Enough." Zhou Xi nodded and smiled.
This year, a lot of food was distributed to their household. And because they had money in their hands, they also bought some from the team. It can be said that this year's winter was better than the previous years' winter.
Although they eat two meals a day, they can eat half-full with each meal.
In fact, not only Zhou Dong and Zhou Xi were like this, everyone else tightened their belts during the days of winter isolation. From the usual three meals a day to two meals a day.
Because after the food distribution, the next food distribution will be at the time of the summer harvest.
Once it was spring, it was a period of temporary shortage. At that time, some people in the village had to go to exchange food coupons and then go to the supply and demand cooperatives to buy commodity food.
If they don't want to spend money to exchange food coupons and then spend more money to buy food, then they have to frugally eat now. They have to hold it up to summer harvest.
"Under normal circumstances, someone must always stay home. I heard that someone in the neighboring village seems to have their food stolen," Lin Qing He warned.
This wasn't a joke. She heard it from Chen Daniang. Chen Daniang was the most informed about the latest news. It was an orphan and widow, who had their food stolen. At this time, getting their food stolen was like taking their life.
Fortunately, the neighboring team had a small hefty harvest this year and still had food left. So they were sent, otherwise, the pair wouldn't be able to live.
"I know, there will definitely be someone at home!" Zhou Xi confirmed quickly.
"It's enough to see you, brother and sister, be able to get through. But if there is any difficulty, just come over and tell Shenzi." Lin Qing He said, and then took out a handful of red dates from her pocket: "I brought this for you. Keep it."
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"Shenzi, no need. Leave them for Da Wa and his brothers to eat." Zhou Xi responded quickly.
"It's just a handful of red dates. What is there to push around for?" Lin Qing He said: "And girls got to eat more red dates, it's good for the body and replenish blood."
Zhou Xi bashfully accepted it.
This year her eldest brother got a share of 34 yuan. From her Shenzi's firewood, he earned nearly ten yuan.
Don't underestimate the ten yuans. It can let them siblings eat more.
"These two days are really cold, don't save the firewood at home. Your brother brought so much firewood back for Shenzi. Even til next year, it won't be used up. If you guys are short, come over and take some back. Wait until next for your brother to make it up." Lin Qing He expressed.
"There is enough firewood at home." Zhou Xi answered at once.
Because their family put in the effort, it was possible for them to go to the team and get a share of corn stalks, wheat stalks, cotton stubble, beanstalks, and sweet potato stem.
There were only two of them in the family. It was enough to burn the Kang twice a day. After all, there was also firewood collected by her elder brother.
Lin Qing He chatted with her for a while, and then took the boys back house.
"Brother, here. Shenzi gave it." Zhou Xi shared some red dates with her brother as she spoke.
"No need. You can it yourself." Zhou Dong shook his head.
Zhou Xi remarked: "Shenzi is so nice."
This year's winter was much warmer because there was a new quilt. In the middle of the night, they don't have to wake from the cold.
Zhou Dong nodded.
There was no doubt that Shenzi did take care of them.
Lin Qing He, who returned home, was planning to make bacon.
It had already entered the twelfth lunar month, and it was the best time to make bacon.
So in the afternoon, she came to find Mei Jie.
Mei Jie received her. Lin Qing He saw that no one was around, lowered her voice, and told Mei Jie her plan about the meat she got.
Mei Jie shook her head repeatedly: "No, it can't do. If this got found out, we will be in trouble!"
"Mei Jie, don't worry. If I got caught, I certainly won't say that Chen Ge is involved. We have known each other for so long, you know what kind of person I am. I dare not be careless on important matters. Besides, I have no choice. There're three kids in the family to raise. Now my man has retired, if I don't find other methods to supplement the family expenses, my whole family can't keep on living."
Chen Mei's man was also surnamed Chen, the exact same surname as her.
"This is too risky." Mei Jie opposed.
"Mei Jie, don't worry. I won't do it often. Only once every three or five days. A few jins at a time. Any meat will do. I'll pay a dime extra for each jin, more or less can help with the household expenses. It's not easy to raise children during this time. I don't want them to live the kind of days we had when we were kids." Lin Qing He persuaded.
The phrase 'a dime extra for each jin' made Mei Jie's heart moved.
Of course, this was also because her impression of Lin Qing He was indeed very good. In addition, she had seen Zhou Qing Bai, the husband. If the husband and wife weren't living in a rural area, she can't tell that they are rural people from their aura. They seem more city-folk than everyone in the city.
It was obviously dependable. After all, no one wants to get into trouble, right?
"But the county city is pretty far, especially now it is snowing." Mei Jie pointed out with hesitation.
Although she wanted to use her husband's position to make extra money, honestly, she made none over the many years, other than what she benefitted from Lin Qing He.
"Not doing it now." Lin Qing He shook her head. It was too cold these days. In order to make that little money, there was no need to suffer. She came to give a heads up first.
"When it's spring, I will ride a bicycle to take the meat from Chen Ge in the morning, and then go directly to the county city." Lin Qing He whispered.
"There's a bicycle at home?" Mei Jie surprised.
"Specially prepared for this." Lin Qing He said with a wink.
With this, Mei Jie felt that she could give it a try.
"Mei Jie, go back and discuss with Chen Ge. It's no problem if he doesn't agree. If he agrees, then I can assure you now if anything happens, I will never pull anyone into it. I take whole responsibility for my own matter!" Lin Qing He declared.
"Then I will go back to discuss with your Chen Ge." Mei Jie nodded hesitantly, then whispered.
"Alright then. Tomorrow I'll buy pork belly and loin. Mei Jie, how many jin can you get for me? I want to buy it back to make bacon." Lin Qing He said.
"Making bacon, then I can get three or four jins for you. As for the particular part, I'll have to see. Come around at 5:30 in the morning, I will wait for you over there." Mei Jie stated.
"Okay." Lin Qing He nodded.
But she was in a slight dilemma in her heart. Five thirty, that was too early!
What she didn't know was that the slaughterhouse got up to work at one or two in the middle of the night. 5:30 was very late. It was because the sunrise was later now. Otherwise, they can't go that late to get the meat. It'll be too eye-catching.
Lin Qing He returned, while Mei Jie absentmindedly went back to work. Once she got off work, she headed home immediately.
Then she woke her man, who was catching on sleep, to talk about this.
"Old Chen, do you think we should do this?" Mei Jie went over it again before asking.
Mei Jie was willing. Them, husband and wife, certainly have a workplace but in fact her job was not guaranteed. That's because the old director's daughter-in-law was about to give birth, and only then did she get this position. Once the baby is born, her being able to continue was another matter.
She used to be a temporary worker, and that related on connections.
Only after she officially went to work, did the living pressure eased a lot. Let's not mention how tightened their belt was in the past.
At present, her salary was 14 yuan, while her old Chen was more than her. He got 16 yuan and can still get some oil content back home on most days.
The two add up to thirty yuan, which wasn't little. But the family got three children studying now. Although they have moved out, they still give three yuan each month to her parents-in-law.
Waking up every day, they have to eat. Those who aren't heading the family do not know how hard life at home was.
"Are you sure she is reliable?" old Chen was solemn for a bit before voicing out.
"Reliable, otherwise I won't be taking her food coupons and stay in communication with her. Her man has retired, so now she wants to supplement the family. I think she is a smart one." Mei Jie said.
"Then wait until spring and let her come and try. If it doesn't work out, then immediately stop." old Chen stated.
Hearing this, Mei Jie became relieved.
Each time take a few jin of meat, so a few jins of meat equal to a few dimes. This can buy them a jin or two of eggs back home to nourish the children!
"She ordered a few jins of pork belly and loin. How much do you think you can get?" mentioned Mei Jie.
"I can give her five pounds." old Chen said.
He was somewhat stunned. To be still able to buy meat to make bacon during this time, they definitely know how to eat.
"That's enough," Mei Jie nodded.
Ge: Brother
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Chapter 56. Raising dogs to guard home
Lin Qing He wasn't worried about Mei Jie disagreeing. Even though the transaction was a bit risky, the current movement was not as severe as it was in the early 1960s.
Then there was Mei Jie, who had to support the elderly and half-grown children who can eat their old man to poverty. This period was the time of the middle-aged crisis.
It was truly having old above and young below. As long as one wasn't stupid, they would be willing to give it a try.
Both husband and wife have employment, so obviously they weren't stupid. Lin Qing He anticipated as long as there's no problem on her side, it'll be fine.
With a space in her hand, buying and selling some stuff was like playing for her.
Now the only problem for her was that she had to get up so early in the future!
Would she be able to conceal getting up early from Zhou Qing Bai? Lin Qing He felt that she couldn't hide this matter. With his character, he most likely would ask her to not do it.
When Lin Qing He came back, she chanced upon someone from other villages carrying their eggs to sell. So she bought two jins of eggs on the way home.
As Lin Qing He went back, she hadn't been able to come up with anything.
Zhou Qing Bai was a little puzzled. Why did his wife look like she had something to say but stopped for some reason?
He didn't ask immediately.
It was already past three o'clock. Tonight she intended to eat bean paste bun, so Lin Qing He didn't plan to cook.
But because of the dry weather in winter, she stewed seaweed and ribs soup.
There weren't many spare ribs remaining. Lin Qing He added It all.
In the evening, the family was quite satisfied with the food. After eating, they routinely went to wash and sleep.
But because of this bean paste bun, she was worried that the children were too small to digest well, so she played with them for a while before sleeping.
"What's the matter?" Zhou Qing Bai said as he hugged her.
That's right, the children were moved by him to one side tonight again. He shared the quilt with her again.
"I ordered meat with my Mei Jie as I planned to make some bacon. Mei Jie told me to go over at 5:30 tomorrow morning." Lin Qing He mentioned.
"Slaughterhouse?" Zhou Qing Bai asked.
"En." Lin Qing He nodded.
"You sleep. I will go tomorrow, Mei Jie recognize me." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
"The children are still asleep at half past five. You stay at home, I will go on my own." Lin Qing He shook her head.
Zhou Qing Bai didn't speak and patted her on the back to signal her to sleep.
Early the next morning, Zhou Qing Bai got up quietly. But as soon as he moved, Lin Qing He woke up.
"Sleep, I can get it." Zhou Qing Bai coaxed.
"I will go with you. We can come back before the children wake up." Lin Qing He shook her head.
Seeing that he couldn't dissuade her, Zhou Qing Bai didn't stop her. So he wrapped her up tightly. Lin Qing He had a black thread hanging over her (T/N: basically this 囧). However, once she stepped out, she felt a gust of cold air. She felt that she was quite noble, to make such a big sacrifice for this family!
"If you dare to let me down in the future, I will definitely be able to live better than you!" Lin Qing He harrumphed as she sat behind him, hugging his waist.
Zhou Qing Bai: "... I will not let you down." You are my wife. In this life, I'm your most loyal partner and will never betray you.
But he wasn't the kind to say love words. These were what he silently vowed in his heart.
Zhou Qing Bai's feet were fast. Even with her, the cycling speed was fast and stable. With Lin Qing He, it took him half an hour to reach the slaughterhouse.
The departed at 5 o'clock, so it was 5.30 on the dot.
Mei Jie was already waiting when they arrived.
Lin Qing He got off the bike and quickly uttered, "Jie, how long have you been waiting here?"
"Nt long, I just arrived." Mei Jie smiled. At the sight of the couple coming, she automatically assumed that both of them were aware of the matter: "Old Chen said he could get five jins. Both pork belly and loin."
"Many thanks, Jie." Lin Qing He responded at once. Then she continued: "Jie, go in and get the meat to show me. Pigtail, pig leg, pork ribs, and the likes, can you see if you can give me some?"
As she spoke, she passed seven yuans.
"OK, wait a bit." Mei Jie took her basket and went in. Soon she brought it out.
Lin Qing He didn't give many glimpses to it. She accepted it and said, "Jie, then we'll go back first. The children are still sleeping at home."
"Hurry back." Mei Jie nodded.
Zhou Qing Bai also carried her back.
"You have a good relationship." Zhou Qing Bai mentioned.
"It is," Lin Qing He replied. She gave Mei Jie a two-jin national food coupon yesterday.
A thing like national food coupons was very precious. But they weren't much use to her family. Zhou Qingbai brought a lot of them back. These were the smaller ones. She hadn't taken out the five jin and ten jin ones yet.
She'll keep those. She didn't plan to take them out easily. She wondered if she should open the letter of recommendation and go to the old capital.
Why go to the old capital?
Naturally for cleaning out her treasure.
But now it was too early to talk about this. The children were still young. It was inconvenient to take them for traveling. Wait until they are bigger.
"Do you think what I did was crooked?" Lin Qing He asked.
Zhou Qing Bai shook his head and expressed: "There is nothing lawless here. It's not like it was reselling."
Both the kids and adults in the family need to consume oil content. They bought it with money, so how was it unruly.
Lin Qing He didn't get comforted by this because she planned to resell in spring next year!
"Let's head back quickly. Don't know if the children at home woke up yet," Lin Qing He said.
Although he didn't say it, Zhou Qing Bai still felt that his wife had something to worry about.
It was only six o'clock when they got home. This season was for winter isolating. Every family didn't get up so early. So the village was completely quiet.
"Were there any dogs retired from your previous work?" Suddenly, it came to Lin Qing He that the family needed a dog to watch the house.
"We can raise?" Zhou Qing Bai gazed at her.
Lin Qing He felt that he was a little happy. She didn't know what he was happy about, it was only raising a dog. The children were still small, so it was a pretty good idea to raise one.
"Of course, but only if it came from that place. Ordinary dogs don't do anything. I don't plan on getting them." Lin Qing He declared.
"There is. Before I came back, Head asked me, but I thought you wouldn't want to raise it and refused. Although it retired due to injury and the leg was a little lame, it is a good hand at guarding home. What's more, it is also loyal to the owner." Zhou Qing Bai affirmed.
"Seem like you raised this dog before," Lin Qing He struck home with her words.
Zhou Qing Bai stared at his wife, he did not expect his wife to be so keen.
The dog was indeed his former partner, but like him, he got injured and retired. He should be still there.
"After breakfast, go to the commune to make a call and ask." Lin Qing He instructed.
She tossed out some pork belly and loin from the space. Some ribs were also taken out. Because it was from Mei Jie, she doesn't have to worry as long as it wasn't too excessive since it came from a known source.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 57. The way to raise pigs
Don't assumption from how her family seems to eat meat and egg every day. Actually, they didn't.
Each time she bought meat, it was only so much. Even if she took out a bit more again, the amount was limited. There was a big man like Zhou Qing Bai at home. How was the meat bought from Mei Jie enough?
The same was true for eggs. Every day, she takes out up to six eggs a day to eat.
Even like this, the consumption rate was also extremely fast.
But compared to the guys in the village, who ate meat a few times a year, her family's life was indeed heavenly.
In addition to pork belly and loin, this time she bought a pig's tail, which was stewed with soybeans.
There were also three portions of ribs. Knowing that she likes big bones, she was given two.
Altogether, these spent seven yuan, which wasn't expensive.
Lin Qing He was still very skilled at making bacon. It's been four days after marinating the bacon and the flavor had submerged. She then hung it in the backyard.
Da Wa said: "Mother, is this bacon you made delicious?"
"Is there anything your mother made that isn't tasty?" Lin Qing He fired back with raised her eyebrows.
Da Wa grinned: "Everything made by Mother is delicious!"
At least no one in the village had more delicious food than his family!
Er Wa started to fixate on this bacon: "Mother, when can we eat it?"
They all witnessed it. In order to make this meat called bacon, their mother put a lot of ingredients, including sugar!
"It still takes about ten days. So wait." Lin Qing He said.
In the past few days, the wind and snow have not been small. Lin Qing He answered and picked up San Wa, who was hugging her leg. San Wa uttered: "Eat meat."
"Every day eat meat. Look how much fat you gained, little guy?" Lin Qing He said with a smile.
The pig's tail was stewed a few days ago. These two days were ribs and big bones.
Every day there was at least one meal with oil content.
Speaking of this, Lin Qing He, who had never married, was really good at raising kids. Look at the three brothers of old Zhou family. Who wouldn't give second look when they go out? They were raised so well by her that no can pick fault.
Even more so with Zhou Qing Bai. After returning, Lin Qing He can feel that he seems to be a little fatter, right?
Even if he goes out for a run every day, Lin Qing He could still feel that he was really well fed by her. Of course, if he didn't flirt with her at night, she would have no complaints.
From the day before yesterday, when her thing left, she tactfully slept holding San Wa. This made Zhou Qing Bai unable to find an opportunity.
This had Zhou Qing Bai feeling powerless.
"Mother, I'm heading over to grandma's place. Grandma said that it would be Laba in a few days. It was time to drink Laba congee." Zhou Da Wa announced.
"I know. I'm already preparing. There are all kinds of food at home. I will make you a delicious Laba congee then." Lin Qing He said.
She carried San Wa back to the room. Now it was warm. The Kang was more comfortable.
"Get on the Kang. Time to write and study," Lin Qing He ordered.
It was snowing outside now. It had been falling every day for the past few days. It really made people shiver.
Zhou Da Wa swiftly went to Kang to study. Zhou Er Wa followed and grabbed the pen and paper to write and draw pictures. As for San Wa, he messed with his eldest brother, then switched to his second brother. He had great pleasure from it.
Lin Qing He continued to knit the woolen pant. This woolen pant was knitted for San Wa. Ther elder two had theirs. and weren't afraid of the cold.
Once she knitted San Wa's, she will knit one for herself. Although it was certainly not very beautiful, the key point was to keep warm!
This weather really made her wish to stay in bed and not get out every day. It was impossible to imagine what kind of courage she had to summon up to cook for the father and sons.
"What is Father doing?" When he finished his mother's homework and brought it over for his mother to inspect, Zhou Da Wa asked.
Lin Qing He examined it once and pointed out two errors. She got him to copy five times before answering: "I don't know what your father is doing."
Actually, she knew that Zhou Qing Bai went to the community's Tofu Workshop to get soybean dregs.
He was bringing it back to raise pigs. After feeding them for a while, the two little piglets were raised very well and grew a lot.
Lin Qing He also had the experience. When she lived with her grandmother before, she heard the neighbor say that raising pig used this. Of course, they had to add cornflour and rice bran and cooked it. The pig loves to eat it very much.
So she asked Zhou Qing Bai to get some to try.
At this time, there was no such so-called feeding method. Soybean dregs from the Tofu Workshop were used as fertilizer. It was enough for Zhou Qing Bai to bring eggs over.
He brought back two sacks of soybean dregs.
"That jin of eggs were exchanged so much soybean dregs?" Lin Qing He was a little surprised. This can be fed for ten days to half a month.
Because they were still piglets, it was time yet for them to gorge.
"They told me to exchange next time." Zhou Qing Bai explained like this.
This meant that other person was delighted to. But he doesn't know if the soybean dreg can feed the pigs well. His wife said that she had read it in the book. Zhou Qing Bai trusts her now, so he went to buy a little to try.
It was just trying. There won't be any major problems. If it doesn't work out, he can go back to the usual.
"Then exchange it next time," Lin Qing He nodded, and then continued, "Don't let anyone know about this method, otherwise it won't be easy to get food for our pigs!"
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai was helpless, he didn't know if the piggy would like to eat it.
Lin Qing He didn't mind him. This time he also brought two jins of tofu back. Tonight, they'll eat corn mantou and bone and tofu soup.
Zhou Qing Bai started experimenting with soybean dregs, rice bran and corn as a feed.
Lin Qing He had given him a method of proportion and fermentation, as for the rest, she didn't care. Her method was great, the pig could grow to two hundred jins.
In a year, how many jins could the village nurture the pigs to?
It can be regarded as an excellent fat pig if it can reach one hundred and twenty or thirty jins. And that took a whole year of effort.
If the pigs in her family were raised her way, they can certainly grow to two hundred jins a year. Most importantly was that the piglets don't get sick easily if they ate well.
Others in the village also had pigs at home. A while ago, some people had no piglets at all.
The two piglets of her family were raised until it was really smooth and glossy.
From time to time, Lin Qing He used her memories from her previous life to look at things, so she felt it was normal. But Zhou Qing Bai, a native man, didn't even think it was such a wasteful thing to raise pigs with corn at this time.
Although it was only a little scoop, cornmeal was also good grain.
Farmers raised pigs by scrubbing the pot with water. Only when they were about to send to the slaughterhouse, they will give a few meals of cornmeal in hope for them to grow meat. As for other times, how can they get such good treatment?
However, at Zhou Qing Bai's previous place, there were pigs raise behind their kitchens for their own consumption. They would feed them like this, so Zhou Qing Bai did not feel Lin Qing He being wasteful at all. Instead, he thought her method from the book could be tested.
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Chapter 58. Flying Eagle
Once Zhou Qing Bai had finished serving the two piglets and returned inside, Lin Qing He poured him ginger date tea to warm his body and asked, "When will the dog arrive?"
But when she saw his face, she immediately exclaimed "You didn't apply the vanishing cream in the morning? "
Zhou Qing Bai said: "Forgot."
"The one day I don't apply it, you forgot? Do you know that your face is like a monkey's butt now!" Lin Qing He grumbled in irk.
"Monkey's butt." Er Wa gave a toothy grin.
"Father's face is a monkey's butt." Da Wa laughed out loud.
However, with one indifferent glance from Zhou Qing Bai, Da Wa's laughter came to an abrupt halt. Like a duck pinched by its neck, he tottered back into the room.
Lin Qing He went to pour some hot water to wipe his face and then smeared the cream on him again
"Let the kids sleep by themselves at night." Zhou Qing Bai waited for her to finish and grasped her hand.
Meeting his undisguised, heated gaze, Lin Qing He uneasily pretended to be dumb. "They are only that small. And the weather is too freezing. Let's talk about it in the spring."
Zhou Qing Bai stared at her, his eyes were serious.
Lin Qing He said: "Can't you think about something besides that every day?"
Zhou Qing Bai let go of her. When Lin Qing He thought he was probably injured by her, she heard him say, "Then it's settled."
Lin Qing He's mind, 'Settled? Who agreed with you? Wants to enter my bed? Let alone the door, there are no door seams at all!''
"The dog should be here in two days." Zhou Qing Bai replied as he drank the warm ginger date tea.
"Can they recognize this side?" Lin Qing He said.
"They can ask. It's not difficult to find here." Zhou Qing Bai stated.
ZhouJia Village was certainly easy to find. Zhou Qing Bai's old pal arrived in the evening on the next day.
The first dog brought to the house. Lin Qing He asked Zhou Qing Bai what his name was. Zhou Qing Bai said that he was called Fei Ying (Flying Eagle). Although his feet were a bit lame now, in the past he was the fastest, so he lived up to its name.
Lin Qing He liked him very much., while the three brothers adored it even more.
Fei Ying was so excited when he saw Zhou Qing Bai, whom he was familiar with. He felt the same scent as Zhou Qing Bai on the kids and also displayed care toward them.
Yes, it was care. Lin Qing He can feel this word from Fei Ying's attitude towards Da Wa and his brothers.
This was a specially trained, very spiritual wolfhound.
"It must have been a lot of trouble for Wang Dage. You can't go tonight. You have to stay and rest for one night. The snow is too heavy. I will ask Qing Bai to take you to the county city to catch the bus tomorrow morning." Lin Qing He expressed.
Wang Chuan agreed with a smile. He felt that Lin Qing He sincerely wanted to keep him, so he didn't act reserved.
He had a life and death bond with Zhou Qing Bai. This time he heard the phone call he made and volunteered to come over.
In fact, he was worried that his brother was having a bad time at home, so he wanted to take this opportunity to come and check.
But now it seems that he's suspicion was pointless. There was no complaint with Old Zhou's wife.
Lin Qing He made three solid dishes that night. She came over to the next room, the kids' room to eat. It was very warm with the Kang burning.
One was stewed pork loin with potatoes, stewed pork belly and starch noodle, and a plate of braised pork. This was pre-ordered. This morning Zhou Qing Bai headed over to collect from Mei Jie's husband, Chen Dage. His old friend was expected to be almost here, so they had to prepare meat .
Not only meat but also wine. Lin Qing He took the sated kids and left the table to Zhou Qing Bai and his brother.
"Seeing my sister-in-law this virtuous, I feel relieved. You don't know how much we worry about you." After Lin Qing He left, Wang Chuan dared to speak his mind.
Zhou Qing Bai shook his head: "Don't worry about me. Everything is fine at home."
"Now that I have seen it, what am I still worried about? Haha, come and have a drink with me!" Wang Chuan grinned broadly.
The two men clinked glasses and toasted. Then they ate up all the remaining dishes. The two demolished the whole bottle of liquor.
Lin Qing He made two cups of honey water, and then told them each to sleep. That night Zhou Qing Bai slept with Wang Chuan next door. Lin Qing He was disgusted with his body full of alcohol smell and drove him out, not giving him a chance to drunkenly make an advance on her.
Early the next morning, Lin Qing He got up and steamed the mantou and cooked a shrimp soup. She then let Zhou Qing Bai and Wang Chuan eat before allowing Zhou Qing Bai to send Wang Chuan away.
Heading out so early in the morning, he came back after nine o'clock.
When Zhou Qing Bai came back, he saw that the pigs in his family had been fed. Fei Ying was sated too and was in the middle of being touched and played by the kids. Once he saw Zhou Qing Bai returned, Fei Ying wagged his tail.
"Dad, is Fei Ying adapted to his nest?" Er Wa asked.
"Er Wa wanted to take Fei Ying into the room to sleep." Da Wa frankly stated.
Er Wa didn't speak, only touched Fei Ying, and looked at his father with his small eyes.
"Sleep with me!" San Wa simply overbearingly announced.
"You wish." Er Wa rolled his eyes in response.
"Hit you!" San Wa said as he intended to beat him. But he wasn't Er Wa's opponent. With one push from Er Wa, he fell.
This kid was also resilient. After falling, he climbed back up without crying.
"Got on the bus?" Lin Qing He turned to Zhou Qing Bai, unconcerned about the brothers. It was normal for boys and brothers to fight and play among themselves. And she would not interfere as long as it was not out of line.
"En." Zhou Qing Bai's eyes were locked on her.
Lin Qing He can read the meaning from his eyes. This man was expressing his gratitude to her. What gratitude? Maybe it was her respectful performance last night, or her getting up early this morning to make breakfast for them?
"Continue to sleep next door tonight." Lin Qing He rebuffed as she lifted her chin.
Zhou Qing Bai paid no heeds to her and took Fei Ying with the boys to the village and walked around.
Don't be mislead by Fei Ying's lame, he was a first-class home watcher. An adult man may not be as alert as he was. With him here, Lin Qing He can sleep peacefully if Zhou Qing Bai wasn't at home.
Old Zhou family soon received the news. They heard that a big wolfhound was being raised. Eldest Brother and his brother all came over to take a look.
Having one more child in the family was already difficult to raise during this time, let alone a dog.
"This dog is really good." Eldest Brother examined and couldn't help sing praise.
Second Brother and Third Brother were in agreement. With this dog here, would anyone dare to act presumptuously?
Just by his look, all of them felt a bit panic, because this dog's gaze directed at them wasn't friendly.
"He's called Fei Ying!" Da Wa announced.
"That's right. Don't call him dog. That's a scolding word. Fei Ying has a name!" Er Wa added.
"Fei Ying." This was San Wa, who held onto Fei Ying without intention to let go.
The three brothers took Fei Ying out for a stroll, which attracted the envy of the children in the village. Not to mention the children, the teens also fell in love at sight.
Even if the leg is a bit lame, Fei Ying was still very strong. Only because the frontline forbade any flaw, so Fei Ying had no chance to go back into action again.
Da Ge: Big brother
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Chapter 59. Who's bullying who
Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother had seen it for themselves, so they went back.
Mother Zhou didn't come over in person. She inquired about it from them.
"That dog is top-notch. If there is one, our family should also raise a one. It's superb at watching the house." Third Brother honestly stated.
The dog was so astute that it seems to understand human words.
"Raise what dog in our home? It sounds good to have a dog at Fourth's side," said Mother Zhou after hearing that dog was really up to the mark.
Although keeping dogs costs food, the key point was that it's able to guard the home.
Old Fourth was the only man in his house. No one dared to go wild before he retired, but now that he had retired, men can't be lacking in the family.
Although Da Wa and his brothers were all sons, they were still very young and can't help out much. As for Fourth's wife, can't really count on her. So it was a good idea to keep a dog at home.
Mother Zhou concurred on this point.
For this reason, she visited it in person after having lunch. With Fei Ying, Mother Zhou couldn't even enter the door. She shouted for Da Wa and Er Wa as she was internally satisfied with Fei Ying's performance.
"Grandma is here."
Da Wa came out with a mouthful of oil.
At noon, sweet potatoes were cooked, accompanied by stewed meat and starch flour. He was very content with his meal.
"Fei Ying, this is grandma. Own family." Da Wa said to Fei Ying. Only then Fei Ying retreated to let Mother Zhou go in.
"Quite excellent." Mother Zhou was very satisfied.
"That's of course, Fei Ying is very smart." Da Wa puffed out, then turned to Fei Ying: "Fei Ying, go back and eat."
Mother Zhou saw that Fei Ying's bowl turned out to be a new porcelain bowl, and what's more, contained meat congee!
Mother Zhou's eyes widened at once: "Fei Ying eating this?"
"Yeah, Fei Ying just arrived. He got to have a good meal." Da Wa didn't care.
He was delighted to give Fei Ying a good meal.
Mother Zhou mentally remarked, 'good meal? People don't get to eat as well as a dog!'
Rice and lean meat congee!
Mother Zhou came in. Lin Qing He and Zhou Qing Bai were eating sweet potatoes with Er Wa and San Wa. Served with the sweet potatoes, was a plate of stewed meat and starch noodle, which tasted very good.
"Mother, have you eaten yet?" Lin Qing He greeted.
"I came here after eating." Mother Zhou said.
"Da Wa, go fetch a stool for your grandma to sit." Lin Qing He instructed.
Da Wa brought over a stool: "Grandma, please sit down."
Mother Zhou sat down and mentioned, "Is Feiying eating rice and lean meat congee?"
Lin Qing He said: "Mother, ask your son. He gave it. I didn't get to eat it myself."
With this, she reflected Mother Zhou's words. Obviously, she was the one who cooked it, but when pushing the blame, she had no pressure.
Zhou Qing Bai looked at his mother and said, "When Fei Ying was followed me, he saved me twice. Mother, don't feel remorse for this rice."
How could Mother Zhou know about this reason?
Even if she knew now, she still doesn't think a dog needs to be fed meat.
"I don't feed him meat often. It's just one or two meats." Zhou Qingbai said.
Isn't one or two meat still meat? Your Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law are currently pregnant and they still don't get meat!
But toward her youngest old son, Mother Zhou said nothing. Just uttered: "You need to be more prudent to live life. Future days will be long."
"I know, Mother. Don't worry." Zhou Qing Bai nodded.
Mother Zhou didn't stay long. After a while, she left.
Only then Zhou Qing Bai directed his gaze to his wife.
Lin Qing He felt it was natural: "You will have to deal with such things in the future. Unless you don't want to have peaceful days."
Once again, Zhou Qing Bai realized that another side of his wife, clever and cunning, like a fox that had been refined into a fine one.
Lin Qing He was full after eating three sweet potatoes and drank some congee soup. The tableware and chopsticks were handed over to him to wash. She continued to go back to knitting trousers.
At the same time, she was slightly depressed. There was no way. She hadn't confessed to Zhou Qing Bai about selling meat. According to her understanding of Zhou Qing Bai, he will never let her do this.
But she had a space. How can she be willing to let go of such a good opportunity to make money? And she was idle, might as well find something for herself to do, right?
It was a good distance away, but with a bicycle, it was more convenient now. Also, it won't hinder her cooking too.
However, Zhou Qing Bai's temperament will certainly not allow it.
This made Lin Qing He troubled.
Unknown to her entanglement, Zhou Qing Bai returned from scrubbing the tableware. Now the kids have Fei Ying, they are eager to play with Fei Ying. So they won't come to disturb them.
Lin Qing He watched him come over and sit next to her like he wanted to have a good chat with her.
"Tell me if something is up." Lin Qing He glanced at him and harrumphed.
Zhou Qing Bai actually wanted to nurture feeling with his wife. Although she took good care of his clothes, food, housing, and transportation, he always felt that there was something missing.
She seemed to be hiding from him. He didn't understand why she was hiding. At the end of the day, they got three children.
Although the days of his return in the past few years don't add up to a month, there was no barrier between husband and wife. He will definitely make it up to her in the future.
"Wife, you are worried about something." Zhou Qing Bai gazed at her.
Lin Qing He threw a glance at him, thinking, 'my worry is because of you.'
While her mouth said: "I eat and drink well now. My sons are sensible and my man got tenacity. What do I have to worry about"
These were angry words.
"Don't direct your irritation toward yourself, you can blow it up at me," Zhou Qing Bai stated seriously.
Lin Qing He denied: "There's no irritation. Don't disturb me. Go busy yourself. If you have nothing to do, then go up the mountain to see if you can hunt a wild rabbit."
"Okay." Zhou Qing Bai sighed and headed out.
Lin Qing He glimpsed at him. Zhou Qing Bai stood there unmoving, waiting for her to speak. Lin Qing He stared at him, her expression saying 'why are you standing there for? Weren't you leaving?'
Then Zhou Qing Bai went out. Judging by his back, he was a bit depressed.
Lin Qing He remarked in exasperation: "Acting like I was bullying you. Don't know who bullied who!"
He probably knew that she was in a bad mood because of him. Although he didn't know where he made a mistake, Zhou Qing Bai went up the mountain in the hope to bring something good back home.
Probably it was heaven's doing, as he actually caught a big rabbit.
It was about four jins. This weight was really heavy for a rabbit in this era. But if it were caught in the wheat field during the summer or autumn harvest, the rabbit can weigh about six or seven jins. That's what they call a fat rabbit!
But they weren't easy to catch.
This rabbit was made into a pot of braised rabbit meat by Lin Qing He. The whole family had eaten until their heart's content.
Lin Qing He's depression was also eaten into her stomach, so her mood improve.
Well, when she was sleeping at night, she still didn't plan to stick with him.
She held San Wa as she slept on the other side. Clearly indicating to him to sleep with Da Wa and Er Wa.
Zhou Qing Bai sighed in his heart. His wife still wasn't going to let it drop.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 60. Behave like the family head
In a flash, it was Laba festival.
Lin Qing He was prepared to cook Laba congee. She got up early in the morning to make it. Once the kids were up, a large pot of Laba congee was ready.
Fragant and sweet glutinous.
But the sweetness was only moderate. She doesn't like to eat sweetness too much, so she didn't put much sugar.
Once the Laba congee was ready, Lin Qing He immediately scooped out a large bowl and got Zhou Qing Bai to deliver it to the old Zhou's house.
She dared to guarantee that the Laba congee she made was the most delicious. There were lots of ingredients as well as sweet. So how can it not taste good?
Old Zhou's house also cooked theirs on that side, but it was casually made. It was enough to go through the motion. So naturally, it couldn't be compared to the one sent by Lin Qing He.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou didn't have a bite. They shared a mouthful between the grandsons below. As for the granddaughters, they got none.
"There's really no words for how Fourth Sister-in-law live." Second Sister-in-law remarked at the smell of sweet Laba congee eaten by the children.
It goes without saying, her tone was a little sour.
Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law made no comment. That was because Third Sister-in-law currently had no son, so her daughter also had some. After eating the other's Laba congee and talked bad about the other. That was something Thrid Sister-in-law couldn't do.
The same goes for Eldest Sister-in-law. She looked at Third Sister-in-law's belly and said, "How are you feeling?"
Third Sister-in-law's stomach was already very big. It should be due any day now.
"Should be soon," replied Third Sister-in-law.
She can feel it herself. She should be about to give birth soon.
Mother Zhou had Laba congee before coming over to talk to Lin Qing He about it. When she came, Lin Qing He was eating with Zhou Qing Bai and the kids.
The boys were clearly overjoyed. This Laba congee was really delicious.
Inside were coarse rice, sticky rice, white polished rice, millet, peanuts, red beans, chestnuts and red dates, with white sugar and brown sugar added. It was especially yummy.
The brothers were satisfied after drinking it up.
Even Zhou Qing Bai also liked his wife's craft.
In fact, since he came back, Lin Qing He had never let him ate terribly during the three meals a day. Which meal didn't leave him fulfilled?
The only thing that made him helpless was that his wife barred him from joining her in the quilt. This was torture. He hoped that one day he would be free from his sentence.
"Mother, have you eaten yet?" Lin Qing He greeted.
"I have. Don't mind me. Enjoy your meal," said Mother Zhou.
Even so, Lin Qing He went in and brought another bowl out. She scooped a bowl for Zhou Mother and had let her sit down and eat together.
Mother Zhou was pleased with Fourth's wife's current attitude. Although her habit of spending money can't be corrected, it had to be said that her care towards her man and children beat everyone else.
Mother Zhou sat down and ate with them. She brought up Third Sister-in-law's matter.
"There's no problem on my side. I'll just go and give a head up." Lin Qing He confirmed.
"I'll give you the money first," Mother Zhou said.
Lin Qing He darted a glance at Zhou Qingbai and saw him say nothing, so she accepted it, "Trotters don't need that much. When the time comes, I will buy some meat for Third Sister-in-law as well. Got to ea some meat during post-natal confinement."
Mother Zhou gave five yuan.
"Up to you." Mother Zhou nodded.
Originally, the meat will be divided again at the end of the year. But that wasn't definite. If her diet was bad now, she may not be able to have breastmilk even if she eats meat after giving birth.
Lin Qing He gets it, so on the morning of La Shi(two days later) when the sun had yet to rise, Zhou Qing Bai hopped on the bike and brought five jins of fatty meat, six trotters and three jins of pork belly back. There were a few pork ribs and a pigtail as well.
As for Lin Qing He, she was still snoozing.
In the beginning, she wanted to go, but Zhou Qing Bai refused and had her sleep a little longer. Lin Qing He didn't act demure and naturally let him go alone.
The things that were brought back was up to Lin Qing He to distribute.
Lin Qing He divided old Zhou Family's share according to the quantity of five yuans. She arranged two pounds of fatty meat and two trotters with the remaining four were kept by her own children. She also set aside one jin of pork belly and one position of rib for them.
This was in line with five yuans worth.
And this was in the countryside standard. If it was a black market in the city, you can't buy so much for five dollars.
Lin Qing He packed these things into a basket and grabbed some seaweed. Then she delivered them to the old Zhou's house. She'll check on Third Sister-in-law on the way as well.
Third Sister-in-law's stomach was really big. Lin Qing He became a little bit terrified from the sight. Fortunately, she didn't need to give birth again, otherwise she couldn't imagine it.
"The two pig trotters I brought will be eaten after birth. The fatty meat and pork belly are also bought according to the money given by Mother. Ask Eldest Sister-in-law to stew rib with the seaweed into a soup for you. This is what I given you. You can eat it all by yourself." Lin Qing He clarified.
Then to Eldest Sister-in-law, who was present, she continued: "When Eldest Sister-in-law is about to give birth, I will buy it for you too."
She still had a lot of affinity for these two Sisters-in-law. So she expressed it to them at a time like this. It was also a display of handling relationships, right?
"No need. It's quite expensive." Eldest Sister-in-law smiled.
"It's only just this one time, so it won't cost much." Lin Qing He insisted.
When Lin Qing He went back, Third Sister-in-law expressed: "Da Wa's mother is becoming more and more like a family head."
"It's wonderful." Eldest Sister-in-law nodded in agreement.
Eldest Sister-in-law mentioned Lin Qing He's additional rib for Third Sister-in-law in front of everyone during breakfast. Mainly for Second Sister-in-law, to prevent her from nagging about Third Sister-in-law having a private stove.
Second Sister-in-law was verbally silent, but her face was pretty twisted. When she was pregnant before, why didn't she see Lin Qing He do anything?
Now she sends a rib to Third's wife. Although the ribs don't have much meat, still there's a saying that anything with oil is a good thing. Who doesn't want a free rib?
But the rest of the old Zhou family didn't say anything, same for the Zhou brothers. They just felt that Fourth's wife know how to behave now.
Lin Qing He doesn't want to get involved with old Zhou Family's matter too much. She had no idea that Zhou Qing Bai likes to eat pigtails?
Lin Qing He stewed the pigtails with soybeans. She drank some soup and ate nothing else.
The boys never refuse what was given. They chewed quite joyously. Zhou Qing Bai ate most of it.
As for the big fatty meat, she cut it into small pieces and cooked it into lard. The remaining oil residue ended up becoming a filling. Mixed with fried eggs and cabbage as a filling, it was wrapped within a bun dough.
Because there was a big eater like Zhou Qing Bai at home, Lin Qing He went all out. The weather was still freezing, she won't be afraid of spoiling even when she made a lot. It was really convenient, whenever they want to eat, they can just steam up and make some soup on the stove.
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