Chapter 151. Her man was the main priority
She replaced the pot at home with a new one and gave the old pot to Third Brother Lin.
Lin Qing He rode the bike to find Third Brother Lin and told him to come and carry the pot back when he found some time.
Of course, she gave the money first and got him to build a house first.
When Third Brother Lin separated from the family, he was allocated a dozen yuans. This money was definitely not enough to build a house. Even if he had a good reputation in the village, as he was different from the rest of old Lin Family, and get a helping hand from many people, a huge material expense was still needed.
"Forget the adobe house. It's very difficult to make when it rains. I will ask your brother-in-law to check around for you if there are any bricks and tiles. If there are, you try your best to build a brick house." Lin Qing He advised him.
On Third Brother Lin's side, the location got approved. The village branch secretary belonged to the Lin family. He transferred the location that his eldest son had applied long ago to Third Brother Lin, which was regarded as meddling within the team.
However, other people in the village dare not have any opinions about this approach. After all, it was exchanging one for one. None of them suffered from it, right?
Third Brother Lin started to build a house.
Although Zhou Qing Bai, the brother-in-law didn't come to help out, he did do a favor of getting two carts of bricks.
Which mostly counted as supporting him.
Many people in the village were called to help and it took only half a month before Third Brother Lin's house was complete.
There were only one room and one stove.
It was a tight fit, but it must be said that it was a blessing to be able to move out and live on their own.
Once the house was built, they moved there. Altogether, it cost around one hundred and twenty yuan. The money for the bricks and tiles was naturally included in it. It was already great that Zhou Qing Bai could come forward to help with the bricks and tiles supply. It was impossible for him to pay for it as well.
That wasn't how a good person should act.
Third Brother Lin's house was completed and the whole family moved out.
Needless to say, the old Lin family asked what was going on? Where did the money for building the house come from? Where did the bricks and tiles come from?
Originally, they suspected that Zhou Qing Bai was helping out, but the village branch secretary stepped forward and said that he pulled some connections.
The village branch secretary had always treated Third Brother Lin well because Third Brother Lin had rescued the village branch secretary's grandson. The little child naughtily tagged along with the older children when they went to shallow water.
He fell in and the older children all ran away. If it weren't for Third Brother Lin passing by and jumped in to catch him, the child would be in danger.
Because of this incident, Third Brother Lin naturally received his care.
Third Brother Lin was afraid of implicating his sister, so he gave the village branch secretary a head-up a long time ago.
"Leaving aside the bricks and foundation beams, it can't be that this pot belonged to your family, village branch secretary?" Mother Lin questioned.
"I went to the city and met someone who wanted to exchange this pot, so I got it back. There's one at home, rendering this to be unused. I was planning to give it to the Eldest in the future. However, wasn't your Third boy in a hurry for one? So I gave it to him first." the village branch secretary explained like this.
The old Lin family was silenced.
Wasn't it just saving a child? Did you have to care for him like this?
However, the villagers praised the village branch secretary.
The village branch secretary's action demonstrated gratitude. What's more, that was his grandson and Third Brother Lin had pulled him up, so how can he not repay it?
In short, Third Brother Lin's moving out just passed like that.
After all, now that he moved out of old Lin's house, he didn't have to be under the same roof with the rest of old Lin Family.
When Third Brother Lin came to talk about it, there was apparent merriment on his face.
Not having to live with the other people in the old Lin family was definitely wonderful. Lin Qing He was also happy for him.
Moving out meant they didn't need to squeeze together with others. Even if they ate nothing for three meals, it still made people feel happy.
It was June in a blink of an eye.
The weather was really hot. What's more, the summer harvest was about to start at the end of this month, meaning they'll be extremely busy.
Lin Qing He came to the city to sell pork that day. San Wa wanted to follow, but Lin Qing He didn't let him.
Of course, Lin Qing He was ill at ease with him on his own. It would be better if he was with his second brother. So she had him stay at home with his grandmother.
She promised a candied haw.
Lin Qing He came over and got rid of the pork in her hand. Then she bought three baskets of eggs in the black market.
The people in the black market asked her why she bought so many. Lin Qing He casually replied that it wasn't for one family, but rather a few of them grouped together.
Even though Lin Qing He used a cloth to cover her face, the man still knew that this was a regular customer, so he didn't pay much heed to it. Money in one hand, the goods in the other.
Lin Qing He put away the three baskets of eggs, and then she came over to handle some other things before heading home.
On the way home, she took out a piece of loin, which was about two jins.
Knowing that she had gone to the city, Mother Zhou wasn't surprised to see her returning with meat and eggs. She just whispered: "You have to be careful over at the black market."
"Mother, don't worry, I'm familiar with the black market. I won't let people encounter me." Lin Qing He assured.
After that, she started to cook meat.
The loin was cut by Lin Qing He in order to braise a portion for everyone. Of course, half of it was set aside. There will be nothing left after it was fried. It wasn't a bad idea to eat tomorrow.
But even so, Mother Zhou felt that there was still too much meat. But seeing how her son and grandsons happily ate it, there was nothing to say.
The summer harvest at the end of June was the beginning of the big money. Lin Qing He basically made good stuff every day. It was bound to give Zhou Qing Bai a good foundation.
Even if he gets tired at that time, it won't damage him at all.
As for Father Zhou and the boys, they happened to be an accompanying factor. In Lin Qing He's eyes, Zhou Qing Bai was the main priority.
Zhou Qing Bai lived up to expectations. He was full after every meal and he still had time to go out and catch eels.
Especially since he knew that he can't raise two extra chickens this year. So before the summer harvest, he saved a lot of loach and ricefield eel to raise in a basin.
After the horn of summer harvest was sounded, Lin Qing He went all out to cook for him.
Dishes like loach and tofu soup, braised loach, braised ricefield eel, and stewed rice eel with pickled vegetables. All were so scrumptious.
There was also no shortage of meat. Although there wasn't much meat in Lin Qing He's space, there was still some left. She went to Sister Mei to buy some more, and she turned them all into delicious food and served them.
Mother Zhou watched the whole process. She can't help but feel that she had her son on her mind despite her extravagance ways.
She witnessed it every time at the dinner table. She didn't bother with the boys, instead ushered Qing Bai to eat more. She also got him to down a good bit of soup.
She also knew that he was engaged with the summer harvest rush, so she took the pigpen and chicken pen matters in the backyard upon herself.
It was not an exaggeration to say that she was very thorough.
Of course, Mother Zhou would help out most of the time. She didn't join in on the summer harvest either. She was idle at home, and would naturally help.
Lin Qing He's method of care was really useful. After more than half a month later, the summer harvest was over. Even though Zhou Qing Bai's eyebrows and eyes displayed exhaustion, his spirit didn't wither at all.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 152. Horrible to drink
Compared with Eldest Brother and the rest, who was so drained that it was like a layer of skin was peeled off, it was obvious that Zhou Qing Bai was better off.
But this was not surprising.
In the morning, everyone else ate cold mantou with pickled vegetables, while Lin Qing He got up early in the morning steamed the mantou, cooked congee, or millet porridge. Then she made a scrambled egg with cucumber.
This was only made when there was no food, usually there was a plate of meat dishes.
Like braised pork with carob bean, or stir-fried green pepper and meat.
Every morning before going out, he ate until he was full.
The same was true at noon. Lin Qing He delivered it to him when it was ready. And when she left, a lunch box of mung bean soup was left behind.
It was for them to eat to cool down when they rest.
When they came back in the evening, something even more delicious was waiting for them.
Two portions of meat, two veg dishes and one soup.
After eating, there was still mung bean soup to drink in the evening. Although there was only one bowl for each person, it still had a slight cooling effect. Downing a sweet bowl of mung bean soup, it felt like the heat of the busy afternoon had dissipated a lot.
After washing and sleeping, his spirit will recover properly.
Lin Qing He's main responsibility was to take care of Zhou Qing Bai, and the rest was really secondary.
However, accompanying Father Zhou, Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa, were lucky too. Basically, whenever Zhou Qing Bai had a share, they also won't be short of it.
Even Da Wa commented that they were all picked up and Mother's favorite was Father.
When the summer harvest was over, Lin Qing He went to the city to sell out the leftovers she had saved for a while. On the way, she also bought a big watermelon.
This big watermelon was undoubtedly popular. The whole family heartily munched on it.
Since living with their son and daughter-in-law, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou's diet had skyrocketed.
When Father Zhou went to bed that night, he said to his wife: "Say, with the way Fourth's wife spends money, why do I feel like she doesn't have no money to spend?"
Of course, the meaning of Father Zhou's disdain toward Fourth's wife's inability to live. If Fourth's wife didn't know how to live, then was there anyone in the world who knew how to?
They were only doubts.
After all, old Fourth had been home for so many years and Fourth's wife still did things her own way?
"I don't know, I will ask tomorrow?" Mother Zhou responded.
"Will Fourth's wife be displeased?" Father Zhou said.
"What displeasure? It's not like I'm asking her for money. Just being curious. Fourth's wife won't think too much." Mother Zhou assured.
Father Zhou didn't say anything.
Mother Zhou asked Lin Qing He the next day.
"Qing Bai brought a lot of money back when he returned from the army. It's not used up yet. Mother, don't worry." Lin Qing He answered.
See! Sure enough, they will come to ask sooner or later now that they ate together.
"That's fine." Mother Zhou nodded when she heard this.
There was no questioning on how much money it was.
Initially, Lin Qing He wanted to tell her that there was one thousand and five hundred yuan, but since she didn't ask, then forget it.
Actually, she currently had three thousand five hundred yuan in her pocket.
She saved it bit by bit. It was also due to her large expenditure, otherwise, she would have saved a thousand yuan.
That's right, there was also a hundred yuan she lent to her brother.
When Zhou Qing Bai came back, Lin Qing He asked him: "Wasn't it said that there will be a milk supply station this year? Why is there no news yet?"
She thought it would be available at the beginning of spring. It was currently blazing summer.
"Something went wrong over there, but it should be any days now." Zhou Qing Bai said.
Zhou Qing Bai was right, the milk station arrived after the summer harvest.
From March to November next year, one can go to the milk station to buy it by themselves. It was a penny cheaper, meaning a dime for a bottle. However, if delivered, it costs 1.1 dimes.
Lin Qing He directly told the young man who delivered the milk to order three bottles.
Mother Zhou was stunned when she heard this: "Aren't three bottles too much?"
"One bottle for little Su Cheng. Da Wa's uncle told me to. For my own family, I ordered two bottles for the boys to drink." Lin Qing He replied.
After confirming, the young man wrote in the notebook and notified that he would give a box when he brought milk over in the morning. Afterward, he left.
Looking at Mother Zhou's expression, Lin Qing He explained a bit: "This milk is pretty good and its nourishment is great. I heard people say in the city that one can grow taller if they drink it. It's beneficial for the boys to drink it. "
"Cheng Cheng can't drink so much," Mother Zhou pointed out.
"If he can't drink a bottle, then drink half a bottle. As for half a bottle, I'll tab brother-in-law five cents, while I pay six cents. It will be shared equally. It can be given Father and Mother to drink." Lin Qing He said.
"Your father and I doesn't have the need to drink this" Mother Zhou chuckled and said.
"It's good to drink this." Lin Qing He urged.
And said nothing else.
Lin Qing He had seen milk powder in this era but had not come across this era's fresh milk.
The next day, three bottles of milk were delivered. As well as that, a box was fastened to the entrance. From now on, he would deliver it on time every morning. It was delivered before it was dawn.
The settlement was settled once a month and it was paid before goods get delivered. Yesterday, Lin Qing He paid one month's milk money.
She took the milk in to cook it. Once cooked, it was then placed in the casserole pot.
Have to say, the milk at this time was really healthy. The layer of milk on it was really alluring.
Lin Qing He naturally wanted to taste it. She scooped a little out and tasted it by herself. The taste was very pure.
Zhou Qing Bai woke up. Lin Qing He scooped him a little after he brushed his teeth.
"If you like it, order an extra bottle." Zhou Qing Bai looked at her and said.
"No need." Lin Qing He shook her head.
Although she didn't care much about Father Zhou and Mother Zhou's view, she still shouldn't always challenge their frame of mind.
When the boys got up, Lin Qing He let them taste it. She set aside little Su Cheng's share and the rest were given to them in three equal shares.
It was served with mantou.
"It's horrible."
San Wa only took a sip and frowned with his tongue out as he uttered.
"It's not bad, it smells good." Da Wa smacked his lips and evaluated.
"The taste is so-so." Er Wa couldn't give any compliment to the taste.
"Let Eldest Brother drink it." San Wa immediately pushed the bowl and stated.
"Gulp it down." Lin Qing He glared at him.
"Mother, would you sprinkle some sugar for me?" Er Wa grinned.
"I believe you aren't scared of your tooth decay." Lin Qing He snorted.
With this Er Wa shut up, resignedly drank milk, and ate mantou.
San Wa also ate it like he was suffered a large bitterness and hatred.
Zhou Xia came to find Er Wa and Da Wa to walk to school. He saw that they were drinking this and was extremely envious.
He knew that in the whole village, only his fourth aunt ordered milk to drink, and no one else.
"Brother Da Wa, is the milk delicious?" Zhou Xia asked the Da Wa on the way to school.
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Zhou Xia was younger than Da Wa and about Er Wa's age. However, he was a slight head shorter than Er Wa and much thinner than Er Wa.
"Delicious and fragrant," Da Wa said honestly.
"How is it delicious? The taste is so-so." Er Wa had the same taste bud as San Wa, but he can still drink it, unlike San Wa who was forced to drink by their mother.
"Milk is definitely delicious, I heard it is very expensive." Zhou Xia said.
"Is it expensive?" Er Wa asked.
"Of course it's expensive, one bottle costs more than a dime." Zhou Xia replied.
Yesterday, when his fourth aunt was talking to the milkman, he heard it all. His grandmother found it pretty dear.
"That's not cheap." Er Wa conceded.
"It's not expensive, it's delicious," Da Wa said.
"Is a dime or so not expensive? Eldest Brother, until now, our saving hasn't reached 30 cents." Er Wa countered.
In their family, they used toothpaste, and the toothpaste tube was exchanged for money. Oh also, the wasted newspapers too.
Their mother bought back the waste newspapers very cheaply from the city, and they could sell them after they had finished writing them all. Their mother said that the money gained from selling them was given to them.
"That's true." Da Wa nodded when he heard this.
If compared with the money they saved, it was really expensive. Their money was only enough to buy three bottles.
Zhou Xia was even more envious when he heard that, Da Wa and Er Wa even had pocket money saved.
In the following days, it went without saying that there was milk every day. At the beginning, only Lin Qing He's family ordered milk in Zhoujia Village.
But later, the village branch secretary's daughter-in-law also went and ordered one bottle a day.
That's because there wasn't enough breastmilk to drink and the baby was still young. The can only order milk.
But truly, this milk was very nutritious. With just a month or so, Da Wa's whole spirit seems very different.
Although Er Wa didn't like to drink it, he still drank until nothing left. On the other hand, San Wa had to be forced to drink by Lin Qing He.
The stinky brat often took it outside to drink, but Lin Qing He didn't pay him any heed and just instructed him to remember to drink it.
That day, Lin Qing He's mind clicked. Watching this kid taking the milk outside, she quietly followed out.
Then she witnessed that this kid gave all the milk to Second Branch's Zhou Xia!
Lin Qing He was furious!
Seeing her acting so mysteriously, both Da Wa and Er Wa followed and saw it too.
Both brothers were shocked.
"Go back. No one is allowed to tell San Wa!" Lin Qing He sent them back and declared.
She didn't expose the stinky brat's behavior. She didn't know when the stinky brat started to do this.
"Mother, I don't know anything." Da Wa responded immediately.
"It must be Zhou Xia who told San Wa that he never drank it before. Since San Wa doesn't want to drink it, he gave it to him." Er Wa deduced.
He felt that Zhou Xia was really terrible and cheated his brother to drink milk. That milk was very expensive!
Er Wa knew that it was expensive and knew that it was beneficial to drink it. So even if he didn't like it, he will continue to drink it. With how expensive it was, how can he waste it?
But he never expected his brother's portion to be passed to Zhou Xia.
Lin Qing He didn't blame the two of them. However, from the next day on, Lin Qing He didn't give San Wa, who sat at the table and waited for his mother to give him milk, his share.
She directly gave his share to Zhou Qing Bai: "San Wa never liked to drink it, so won't be giving it to him. Qing Bai, as the father, you can help him drink it."
"Mother, I actually love to drink it." San Wa blinked and with an innocent expression, he stated.
"Pretend." Da Wa and Er Wa were disgusted with him. They had seen it!
Zhou Qing Bai glanced at his wife and gulped down the milk.
One morning, Lin Qing He woke up extra early. When the milkman came over, Lin Qing He bought two more bottles from him.
What was it for? To make milk flavor mantou!
Once this milk mantou was made, it was smelled really lovely.
With lit-up eyes, San Wa wanted to grab the milk mantou. Lin Qing He patted his hands away: "What are you doing? Milk is added to this. You don't like it. I'm giving you another mantou without milk. Eat this."
She gave San Wa a cornmeal mantou.
San Wa stared blankly at everyone who was munching on the milk mantou around the table, but he could only eat cornmeal mantou.
"Mother, you're a bully." San Wa uttered in anger.
"So what, if I'm bullying people, what can you do?" Lin Qing He snorted as her gaze scanned him.
Zhou Qing Bai ate his own food in silence. His wife had already eaten it. Although it was not a big deal, he never gave his opinion about educating children. His wife had the final say.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou's mother were shocked.
"Father, mother, eat. Don't mind him." Lin Qing He said.
"There is actually a lot of milk mantou," Mother Zhou pointed out.
"Don't worry about him, he doesn't like to eat." Lin Qing He maintained.
Mother Zhou could see that this was teaching her son. Although she didn't know what wrong San Wa had committed, the cornmeal mantou wasn't horrible, so Mother Zhou didn't speak anymore.
Zhou Qing Bai and Father Zhou went to work after eating.
Da Wa cleaned up the dishes and chopsticks, while Er Wa cleaned the courtyard. Then the two went to school.
But before going to school, Er Wa quietly told San Wa: "The matter of you giving Xia Xia the milk was discovered by Mother!"
San Wa's eyes widened. Before he had time to ask more, he heard his mother say: "Er Wa, don't you need to go to school?"
"I do. I'm leaving now." After Er Wa replied, he dashed off.
Lin Qing He glanced at San Wa and turned around after harrumphing.
"Grandmother, I made my mother mad." San Wa came over to find his grandmother and said grievously.
"Then go and apologize to your mother. It'll be fine after apologizing." Mother Zhou casually responded.
"My mother will definitely still be angry," San Wa continued.
"What did you do to make your mother so angry?" Mother Zhou asked.
San Wa hesitated for a moment before spilling about the matter of him giving Zhou Xia all the milk.
Mother Zhou also came to understand. No wonder, Fourth's wife didn't give milk to San Wa, or the milk mantou either.
"Although your mother is angry, she will forgive you if you go up to her to apologize and admit your mistake," Mother Zhou said.
"Really?" San Wa was hesitant.
"Really. If you don't believe me, go and tell your mother." Mother Zhou nodded.
San Wa came back. He first hugged their home's Fei Ying and then entered bravely to find his mother.
"Mother." San Wa called for after entering the door.
Lin Qing He was in the middle of studying: "I'm here. What's the matter?"
From his mother's tone, it seem okay. San Wa took the courage to come over.
"Mother, don't be angry. I know I was wrong." San Wa looked at his mother and quietly said.
"Where were you wrong?" Only then, Lin Qing He looked at him.
"I concealed it from you, Mother, and secretly gave the milk to others to drink," San Wa confessed.
"Admitting your mistakes is enough. I'll forgive you, but next time if something like this happens again, you can tell me directly that you really don't want to drink it. Of course, Mother was also at fault in this matter. Since you hate to drink it, Mother still forces you to have it. Mother apologizes to you too. I hope you forgive Mother." Lin Qing He said.
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"Mother, you're apologizing to me?" San Wa looked at his mother blankly.
"Mother made a mistake, so of course I need to apologize. Whether one is an adult or a child, it's the same. As long as one is in the wrong, they must have the courage to admit the mistake and apologize." Lin Qing He nodded.
"Then I forgive you, Mother," San Wa declared, staring at his mother with bright eyes.
"Then thank you, San Wa." Lin Qing He looked at him and said, "Since you don't like to drink milk anymore, then don't drink it."
"Really?" San Wa's eyes lit up.
"Really." Lin Qing He affirmed.
"I don't want to drink milk, however, I do want to eat milk mantou." San Wa watched his mother as he spoke.
"Sure." Lin Qing He inwardly uttered that milk mantou was deliberately made to torment you and unexpectedly you actually really like to have it.
San Wa was delighted.
He stuck to his mother for the whole day and didn't even go outside to play.
The next morning, Lin Qing He boiled milk, and then she added a little rock sugar in one share of the milk.
"Mother, you said you won't force me." San Wa bitterly stared at the milk in front of him and sulkily glanced at his mother.
"Have a taste." Lin Qing He gave him a spoonful.
San Wa looked at his mother and took this sip. Afterward, he blinked in surprise, "Sweet?"
"I added some sugar for you. Will you drink now? If you don't want to, I can give it to your father." Lin Qing He stated.
"I'll drink and give it another go." San Wa quickly said.
Lin Qing He passed the spoon to him and San Wa drank it by himself.
To say the extent of sweetness, it wasn't much. It was only a tiny bit of rock sugar added. Still, the sweetness was there. With such a little hint of sweetness, it was also very delicious.
San Wa fell in love right away. Eating mantou with sweet milk was such a pleasure. Where was the previous unwillingness and bitterness?
Seeing him like this, Lin Qing He internally smirked. She thought I can still sort you, little furry boy, out, no?
"Mother, I want mine to have sugar too," Er Wa said with envy.
"San Wa isn't afraid of tooth decay. If you don't want to have tooth decay like him, you can add it." Lin Qing He glanced at him.
Er Wa internally cried out that he was really not afraid of tooth decay, but seeing his mother's gaze, he knew that he would have no more milk to drink if he kept going.
So he obediently ate his share.
With the pure milk turned into sweet milk, San Wa liked to drink it. After finishing his half bowl of milk, he was still a little dissatisfied.
Lin Qing He didn't pay any heed to him. Finally, he drank milk.
Father Zhou and Mother Zhou can finally see another side of Fourth's wife.
Although she appeared harsh, she really spoiled the children. If they didn't like to drink pure, she can add sugar to it. The other children in the village have never got a taste of milk.
The mantou at home was cornmeal mantou. From the start, there wasn't much milk. Although they all have it, the amount wasn't much. Lin Qing He didn't want to make them because she bought the milk for her children to drink.
Don't say she doesn't respect Father Zhou and Mother Zhou. She and Zhou Qing Bai didn't even get a share?
After the last summer harvest, it wasn't long before the Mid-Autumn Festival almost arrived.
Last time, Lin Qinghe relied on the summer harvest to sell a lot of grain. Mother Zhou would also enquire a bit. Lin Qing He told her that she had exchanged it for meat coupons with someone.
Mother Zhou realized what she did with the grain. She didn't say anything besides reminding her to be careful.
It wasn't like Mother Zhou doesn't understand. After all, there was always meat at home. And was it easy to buy meat these days?
So she consciously pinpointed the reasons for this.
Because she didn't ask anything else, Lin Qing He had sold more than 500 jins of grain and made a fortune.
During these times, food was very easy to sell, so she didn't have to worry about nobody wanting it.
Lin Qing He gathered more than three hundred jins by herself. The other two hundred, she asked Third Brother Lin to collect it for her. Afterward, he stealthily carried it outside for her to receive.
Third Brother Lin just thought that his sister didn't have enough food, so she told him to buy some in his village and didn't think much.
Asking him to help buy it, he just buys it. No other questions were asked.
While Third Sister-in-law Lin had a vague idea, but she didn't say anything.
Toward Third Sister's help to her family, she had to remember it for a lifetime.
Without this Third Sister, she and her three daughters would currently be at old Lin Family's side and be shunned. How could she possibly simply move out like now?
After moving out, she felt that the sky above her head was really clear.
With Third Brother Lin's existent, Lin Qing He would naturally make more money.
The price of a jin of grain on the black market was raised to a dime and a half. If one didn't have food coupons, they can buy it if they have money.
One jin was one dime and half, ten jins was one yuan and half, meaning one hundred jins was fifteen yuan. With five hundred jins of grain, Lin Qing He made nearly eighty yuan during this time's summer harvest.
And this was because of the summer harvest. If it came to the autumn harvest and all the grain was mature, then more grain can be collected!
However, for this year's summer harvest, Lin Qing He did dare to take the risk. In previous years, she was stopped at 200 jins max at the end of the day.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival in August, Lin Qing He came over to see if there were any moon cakes.
However, at this time, the moon cakes were pretty rare in the supply and demand cooperatives and the taste wasn't that great. At least for Lin Qing He. She had bought it before.
The taste was incomparable to later generations.
But it did not prevent people from desiring it at this time. The boys all liked to eat it.
Lin Qing He didn't buy it after coming over.
The salesperson's name was Shen Yu, who was the person from the last time that wanted her to help introduce a potential partner. She called Lin Qing He to go inside and talk.
Then she gave Lin Qing He a jin of moon cakes: "I kept this for myself. If you want it, I'll give it to you."
"Keep it for yourself, I can't really take yours. Take it back and eat it yourself." Lin Qing He smiled and said.
"I still have a jin." Shen Yu smilingly responded.
Lin Qing He understood that this was internal consumption.
Last time Shen Yu wanted her to help introduce someone and she had mentioned it to Zhou Qing Bai. Zhou Qing Bai was not interested in introducing someone to someone, but since his wife brought it up, Zhou Qing Bai mentioned a few words when he went to see his comrade.
His comrade was definitely married, however, there were people under his comrade.
So Lin Qing He arranged for a day and introduced him to Shen Yu. The young man worked in the police station, had a very good root, and was handsome. At present, the two were getting pretty intimate. Shen Yu naturally wanted to thank Lin Qing He, the matchmaker, for this.
She gifted a red envelope to Lin Qing He last time, but Lin Qing He didn't accept it and just let them connect by themselves.
However, Shen Yu always felt that she needed to repay Lin Qing He. Every time Lin Qing He came over when she was at work, she would use her connection to help Lin Qing He gets the things even if she didn't have to.
The moon cake from this time was one of them.
Lin Qing He didn't act shy after hearing her say that.
Others were displeased to see Lin Qing He having it: "She came afterward, why does she have it while we don't?"
"Oh, Brother. Don't tell me off. I ordered this a few days ago. I'm counting on this bit of moon cake to coax the kids when I get back." Lin Qing He explained.
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Lin Qing He wasn't in a rush to leave the supply and demand cooperative and chatted with Shen Yu.
She also cared about Shen Yu's dating matter.
Shen Yu was still a little shy, Without needing Lin Qing He to ask afterward, she spilled it all out.
Her match was called Chen Jie, an very upright young man. He had told her all about himself like his salary and all.
"It's just a bit crowded at home." Shen Yu sighed.
Everything else was fine, but Chen Jie's house was too crowded. There were so many people in the house.
"It's not just his family that is crowded. The housing conditions are so tight now. It's pretty good to have a place to stay." Lin Qing He said honestly.
Don't assume that it's so impressive being a city folk. It was only impressive on the surface because even though the city people have jobs, the actual housing conditions were a bit worse than those in the countryside.
Inside that small tube-shaped apartment, it was only a few dozen of square. Sometimes a dozen people within three generations lived together.
No wonder the relationship between brothers and sisters in this era was mostly relatively poor. If one wanted to find people who live in harmony, they can't find a few.
This was the reason.
With so many people squeezed together, all the good feelings were all crowded out.
"The main thing is that you and him both have jobs. If you get married, you will go back there to live at night. You won't be there all day. In fact, it doesn't matter much." Lin Qing He stated.
"I actually plan to save money to buy one." Shen Yu said.
"That's a lot of money." Lin Qing He looked at her and exclaimed.
She didn't expect this girl to actually want to buy a house by herself.
It was indeed possible to buy a house at this time, but at this time there were too few houses that can be bought. And they must have the qualification to. Everyone also had a standard for the size of the house, and it was not good to live in a large area.
People will comment about them enjoying feudalism.
Of course, if it was like Su Da Lin inheriting from his parents, then naturally there was no problem.
When Su Da Lin's parents were still alive, his grandfather and grandmother were also there, so it was excessive for the whole family to live together.
But for now, it was undoubtedly spacious for Su Da Lin and Zhou Xiao Mei.
"It does take a lot of money and may not be able to buy it." Shen Yu lamented.
Lin Qing He said, "I know some people. I can ask around for you?"
Shen Yu's eyes lit up and looked at her as she exclaimed, "Do you really know someone?"
"I don't know if there's any available. Don't hold too much hope. I can go and ask about it for you." Lin Qing He stated.
"Then I will trouble you, Sister. If there is, it's fine even if it's older and smaller." Shen Yu said quickly.
Lin Qing He promised and came over to ask the retired female worker who made her the quilt.
"You want a house?" the ma'am asked.
"What I want? One of my sisters wants to get married and the man's house doesn't have enough room. That's why they want to move out?" Lin Qing he explained.
When she said that, this ma'am understood what the situation was. Every household was similar these days.
"I know one, but it's a bit shabby and pretty small." The ma'am mentioned.
This old ma'am could help out when Lin Qing He needed help was all because Lin Qing He often brought pork over to sell to her.
Sometimes she had to request the secret code from Lin Qing He for the black market.
Lin Qing He asked her if she was free. She happened to be, so she brought her over for a look.
The house was indeed small. It was ten square meters at most and had been there for so long that it was somewhat old. Have to say, such a house was also extremely rare.
The other party was a little old lady and got a grandson in the family. Just the grandmother and grandson pair.
The two of them had another house to live in. They really want to sell this house, but due to the fact that the price was pretty high, no one came to enquire.
That house cost eighty yuan, plus 50 jins worth of food coupons.
In this era, the price was definitely not cheap, and it can even be said to be expensive.
Still, Lin Qing He came over to let Shen Yu know.
Shen Yu didn't expect to receive news so soon.
"It's only ten square meters, what's more, it's a bit old. The other party demanded eighty yuan and fifty jins worth of food coupons. This is extremely dear. I will give you the address. After work, you will take your man over to discuss it and see if it can be lowered, It's getting late, I have to go back." Lin Qing He wrote her an address and said.
"Thank you, Sister," Shen Yu hurriedly responded.
This was a great help. As she and Chen Jie both had to go to work, there was no time to find it. She never thought Lin Qing He to be so well-connected and I found it in one afternoon.
Lin Qing He waved her hand after leaving the address and went home first.
She went out much longer today, making Mother Zhou couldn't help but worry if something happened.
When she got home, it was almost half past five. Lin Qing He tidied up and started preparing dinner.
"Why were you gone so long today?" Mother Zhou asked with a sigh of relief, seeing that she came back without an incident.
"I have a friend who needs help, so I gave a hand on the way. She sold me this moon cake." Lin Qing He said.
Even though she had introduced an excellent match to the other, the social connection shouldn't be used in this way as the relationship between people wasn't one way.
So when Shen Yu needed help, she can lend a hand. In the future, Shen Yu will be able to make it easier when she needs to buy anything.
This was the long-term relationship between people.
"This moon cake isn't cheap, right?" Mother Zhou asked.
"Used some food coupons. The others aren't expensive." Lin Qing He answered as she worked away.
Mother Zhou had already prepared the cornmeal dough. Lin Qing He only needed to steam it in the pot. She swiftly handled the ricefield eel that Zhou Dong brought over yesterday, and then prepared it to stew it with pickled veg.
Stewed eel and pickled veg with a little ginger added. The soup became thick and white. The sweetness was very sweet. The boys especially liked it.
Then there was a scrambled egg with cucumber. Dinner was mostly like this.
Generally, the majority of scrambled eggs and cucumbers were cucumbers. As for the eggs, four or five beaten was sufficient and once it was fried, it turned out particularly fragrant. That's because they were all fried with lard.
When it comes to using lard, Lin Qing He and Mother Zhou have a very different concept.
Lin Qing He dug a spoonful every time, which caused Mother Zhou to feel heartache when she saw it. According to her, Lin Qing He's spoonful of oil could allow her to cook four or five dishes.
But after all these days, Mother Zhou had become accustomed to it and said.
She knew very well that if she interfered, her daughter-in-law would let them old couple go back to eating by themselves.
But the old saying was well said, it was easy to change from frugality to luxury, while it is difficult to change from luxury to frugality.
Now that she was used to eating what Fourth's wife made, Mother Zhou might felt unaccustomed to it if one asks them to do it by themselves.
After Lin Qing He's two dishes were brought to the table, Father Zhou and Zhou Qing Bai only came back. The three boys also came back together. The three stinky brats were dirty all over.
It was basically like this in summer, but not a moment of cleanliness.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 156. Continuation of the household registration.
"Wash up first before you eat!"
Lin Qing He sent the three brothers away.
The boys merrily went to wash their hands.
Of course, Zhou Qing Bai and Father Zhou had to wash theirs as well. If they want to eat at the table, they must be cleaned before sitting down to eat.
After washing, the whole family gathered around to eat.
Little Su Cheng was already one year old and can eat many things. Mantou soaked in the soup until soften was fed to him. He munched away very happily.
He can also eat cucumbers, eggs, and eels.
Since the eel was bony, it was omitted. Just giving him a little soup already had him full until bulging round.
At least compared with kids nowadays, kids like little Su Cheng were considered fatter.
He got milk and three good meals a day. There were snacks too. Lin Qing He occasionally made some steamed cakes, so naturally this child's share wasn't forgotten.
Su Da Lin brought Zhou Xiao Mei back every week. When he saw how well-fed his son was at home, he was naturally grateful on top of being ecstatic.
Whether the child was well raised, one can tell from his body that Lin Qing He, the fourth aunt, had not mistreated him.
And most people had no way to raise children like her.
Even Mother Zhou was moved, Fourth's wife was really kind to this little nephew.
Because in Mother Zhou's opinion, she was like a biological mother. When she made steamed cakes, steamed sponge, or the likes for Da Wa and his brothers, there was always a portion of little Su Cheng. How can he not be chubby?
Su Da Lin understood this clearly. Every time he came, he always brought half a basket of eggs and candies for the Da Wa and the others. With him buying it, Lin Qing He didn't need to buy it.
Su Da Lin was very delighted.
This man was very happy and on top of that, little Su Cheng was also close to him. Even when he only saw him that one day every week, he seemed to know that this was his dad.
Not one bit unfamiliar.
It was a day off on Sunday that day, so Su Da Lin and Zhou Xiao Mei couple came back with things. These were brought over to her fourth sister-in-law's side, but occasionally they would share a portion of candies with other nephews and nieces in old Zhou family.
Mother Zhou told Zhou Xiao Mei in private: "Now that Cheng Cheng is this big, when will you and Da Lin have another one?"
Zhou Xiao Mei was taken aback: "Mother, didn't you see that Da Lin and I gave birth to this one and can't even raise this one? You still want me to have another?"
"You're not having more?" Mother Zhou was more shocked than she was.
Was there someone who birth only one child at this time? If one gave birth to an only son, no one will help fight if one (the kid?) gets bullied, okay?
"I don't want to give birth again. Isn't Cheng Cheng a son? This one is enough," Zhou Xiao Mei stated.
She had to go to work, and Su Da Lin as well. This maternal family can still take care a bit. If she births more, how can her maternal family manage?
"You lass, where did you get this idea? It's better to have a few more. Think about it. If your father and I only gave birth to your second brother and he married a daughter-in-law like your second sister-in-law, your father and I would end up eating soil when we're old." Mother Zhou said coldly.
Don't assume because she and her old partner usually say nothing. They were clear in their heart that which sons or daughters-in-law were filial and which were not.
Towards Eldest Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law, Mother Zhou's impression was still good. As for Lin Qing He, it didn't need to be mentioned. Fourth's wife was fine except for a little temper.
Only toward Second's wife, Mother Zhou really didn't have any good impression.
Fortunately, there were the other three, otherwise, will the two elders have anything to eat when they become too old to do anything?
Zhou Xiao Mei said: "Then why don't you get my fourth sister-in-law to birth one?"
Lin Qing He, who was spectating at the sideline "..."
She wasn't one to be reserved, and responded: "Sister, have three sons like me first and then talk about me."
Zhou Xiao Mei choked.
Lin Qing He grinned and coaxed, "Mother, let Xiao Mei take it easy. She and Da Wa's uncle are still young. Right now, they are occupied with work and can't handle that much."
"That's right, Mother. I really don't want to give birth now. Don't usher me," Zhou Xiao Mei followed.
"What am I ushering you for? I'm just asking you to give birth earlier and be done with it earlier since you will have to give birth sooner or later." Mother Zhou gruffly responded.
"This makes sense. Birth earlier and be done with it earlier." Lin Qing He nodded.
Just like the original owner. She gave birth to three sons very early. With the mission of breeding completed, she can do whatever she wanted in the future.
"Did you hear what your Fourth Sister-in-law said?" Mother Zhou said.
Zhou Xiao Mei replied: "I'll give birth, then will you bring it up for me, Mother?"
"I'm already raising one for you, so it's nothing much to add another." Mother Zhou answered.
"This is a hard-to-come-by wonderful matter. It'll be less stressful with someone minding them. But you have to calculate the time. If you can catch up with the summer delivery, you can buy milk to feed it when no one can breastfeed it at that time." Lin Qing He advised Zhou Xiao Mei.
Actually, Lin Qing He felt that one was enough, but she would not use her viewpoints to go head-on with people at this time.
What mindset do they have at this time?
Others got so many brothers and sisters, while you're on your own? Weren't you lonely?
There was a more popular saying, one will be beaten to death if you go out to fight with others as there is no one to help you.
So what else was there to say?
However, the point that Mother Zhou was willing to help bring up the children was something Lin Qing He encourages. If someone helps to raise the children, then naturally they can have more children.
Zhou Xiao Mei said: "Then it's too late now."
"Now is the perfect time, why is it too late?" Mother Zhou harrumphed.
Lin Qing He nodded: "It's only August 15th, and it's really just right. You and my brother-in-law have to work harder."
They all say that pregnancy was for ten months but truly didn't take ten months.
If she can get pregnant now, then it should be born in May-June of the lunar calendar next year. At that time, there will be milk to feed it.
It can be fed until about four or five months old. At that time, it can eat rice mush or the like.
Zhou Xiao Mei sighed resignedly.
The Mid-Autumn Festival on August 15 this year went pretty well. Su Da Lin brought two jins of mooncakes back. Lin Qing He had got one jin herself.
So she asked Su Da Lin to send a jin to the other three branches.
Lin Qing He didn't like to eat it, even if it was a candy centered moon cake. She still felt that the taste was average. Da Wa and his brothers thought it was delicious.
Even Zhou Qing Bai, Father Zhou, and Mother Zhou found it pretty nice.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Su Da Lin and Zhou Xiao Mei went back. According to these two people's speed, maybe they will come back next month with good news.
Lin Qing He mentally vowed that when she becomes a mother-in-law, she will never force her daughter-in-law to have a child. It depends on themselves whether they want to. Anyway, her own task was completed, so the matter of the third generation's offspring being produce was none of her business.
The heartless Lin Qing He didn't really care about the continuation of the old Zhou's household registration.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 157. Another plump rabbit
After the Mid-Autumn Festival in August, the weather became slightly colder.
Lin Qing He began to take apart and wash last year's quilts and cotton clothes. At this time, the sun was still blazing during the day and the wind was quite strong, so it was a perfect time for this.
The process wasn't short. At least, Zhou Xi coming over to help her, it was more efficient.
"This year, you have grown a lot taller." Lin Qing He said to Zhou Xi.
Zhou Xi shot up this year. She used to be malnourished. And in the past three years, the two siblings had gotten older and earned more work points, therefore they can eat until full. Although the nutrition was still insufficient, she was no longer like the previous little bean sprout.
Zhou Xi grinned and said, "Aunt, when do you plan to go to the city this year?"
"You want to buy something?" Lin Qing He asked.
"I want to buy some red dates." Zhou Xi meekly smiled.
"Then I'll buy some back for you next time. Girls fare better when they eat more red dates. You don't need to eat a lot each day. Just eat three or five." Lin Qing He responded.
Zhou Xi smiled with closed lips and replied, "I listen to Aunt."
"Do you need anything else?" Lin Qing He asked.
"My brother's clothes are too short. I want to make him a new set. Aunt, will you grab a piece of cloth for me when that time comes?" Zhou Xi mentioned.
Coupons were issued every year. When Lin Qing He gave Zhou Xi cotton last year, Zhou Dong gave Lin Qing He all the coupons then.
Coupons were also distributed this year too. The brother and sister pooled together, so they will be able to get a piece to make new pants for Zhou Dong.
"Okay." Lin Qing He agreed.
Mother Zhou also came to help in the midst of unpacking and washing the quilt. With the three of them, the pace picked up.
After being disassembled and washed, they sewed it back together. When this year's winter isolation is here, they can take it out to wear or cover.
According to the lunar calendar, it was August 15th, while the solar calendar said it was already mid-September. At the end of this month, the horn of the autumn harvest will sound.
So after the quilt cover was removed and washed, Lin Qing He began to hike up the food at home.
Loach and eel were two frequent dishes on the family table. Lin Qing He had exchanged for them with some young teens in the village.
If they caught loach or eels and can't finish them, they can bring it over to ask her if she wants it.
In the eyes of adults, Lin Qing He was unvirtuous and don't know how to live. While which kids or even the young teens didn't envy Da Wa and his brothers for having a mother like Lin Qing He?
Therefore in the eyes of the children, Lin Qing He's reputation was excellent.
They would naturally listen to what she said.
Once they caught eels, they brought it over. Then Lin Qing He gave the money for it. Even if she gave it a dime or two, it did not hinder the joy of these young teens.
They feel that Da Wa's mother really kept her words. When she said exchange for money, she did.
For half a month, Lin Qing He inventively cooked the meals every day. She boiled the soup, braised and stewed the pickles, making Zhou Qing Bai's face rosy from all the nourishment.
It wasn't just him. Even Father Zhou too. You can't deny how spirited he was.
But even so, the family still accumulated a lot of loaches and ricefield eels, which were being raised by Lin Qing He.
At the end of September, the horn of the autumn harvest was blared out.
Lin Qing He was already very experienced. Starting at this time, they'll be engaged in the autumn harvest until November. It certainly was a very large autumn harvest season.
So Lin Qing He increased her milk order.
Another bottle of milk was added to the daily count.
Mother Zhou had the heart to say a few words that it wasn't necessary to go to such length.
Lin Qing He said: "When the time comes, I will bring two more bags of grain back home. I will send them to my old aunt and the money will be gained back."
Though it wasn't explicitly explained, Mother Zhou understood.
Selling food.
In fact, Mother Zhou had mentioned to Zhou Qing Bai in private that she was afraid of getting into trouble. It was clear that she was reassured by Zhou Qing Bai as Mother Zhou didn't say anything to Lin Qing He.
Since the daily three bottles of milk increased to four bottles, things were still the same as before. Only difference was the extra bottle was turned into milk mantou by Lin Qing He.
They were all for Father Zhou and Zhou Qing Bai.
The milk mantou was paired with a large plate of fried pork and cabbage or cucumber and egg. It was very nutritious and filling.
Yummy foods were delivered in the afternoon as well. After a busy day of work, they got to have some enjoyment right?
Even though Lin Qing He's meals attracted a lot of attention, Lin Qing He really didn't care.
If one asked her to give her man some pancakes accompanied with pickled or lump vegetables like the other three sisters-in-law did, Lin Qing He really couldn't.
This work was really tiring. If she didn't cook up some good food, she was squeezing the blood of her own man to save that little money.
Lin Qing He can't control how others act, but she will never do this.
On normal days, she often encouraged Zhou Qing Bai to occasionally be lazy and don't work too hard. However, her own man wasn't one to be a lazy bum.
Although Lin Qing He would scold him for being inflexible, she admired him in her heart.
Since she can't be of help, Lin Qing He vowed to make the three quality meals for him each day.
And even if there was such an excellent meal in the eyes of other people, it was actually quite average in Lin Qing He's opinion.
Don't know if it was God's pity, but that evening when Zhou Qing Bai and Father Zhou returned home with the kids, they brought back a rabbit.
It was as fat as last year's rabbit, around five or six jins!
Lin Qing He's eyes lit up.
"Mother, I saw it and got Father to catch it!" San Wa began to claim credit.
"Not bad at all. Mother will make something nice for you, how does that sound?" Lin Qing He asked.
"Alright." San Wa cheered.
Mother Zhou was delighted too. Such a plump rabbit.
Lin Qing He got Zhou Qing Bai to handle it, and then she made braised rabbit meat with potatoes.
She left a small plate as a meat side dish for tomorrow morning. The whole family devoured the rest that night.
The villagers were envious.
But it was useless to envy. Zhou Qing Bai's ability can't be praised enough. The rabbit dashed over and he had already took action before the rest of them could react. In one go, he had grabbed the rabbit.
Such a big plump rabbit, who know how much food it ate to grow into this size.
Many people squatted around the corner with their rice bowls, sniffing the scent of the stewed rabbit meat at Zhou Qing Bai's house, so they can have an appetite.
Villagers don't have meat. To eat meat, they had to wait for the autumn harvest to pass and the winter wheat was planted before the first meat distribution happens.
Then the meat will be divided again at the end of the year.
It was like this every year, distributed two times a year.
At other times, they can also buy it with meat coupons. However, meat coupons were very rare. One had to exchange them with people as there were no meat coupons in the countryside, only in cities.
It's just that the country folks were used to saving money, so they generally won't exchange for meat coupons.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 158. Idle chat
Although the forty-five days of the autumn harvest was exhausting, the joy of harvest was magnified within people's heart despite being tired.
Even though the summer harvest just happened.
It was the autumn harvest that can really help people get through this year.
A bumper harvest during the autumn harvest meant that they can have a good New Year. If the autumn harvest was bad, then they will have to starve.
For the older generation, there was nothing happier than having a full stomach.
After the autumn harvest, the handing over the public ration. Then it was food distribution.
Lin Qinghe took advantage of the food distribution.
No matter what kind of grain, she will buy a lot. With so many varieties, she can gather over a hundred of jins.
If someone asks, Lin Qing He would say that there were so many people in the family and if they want to fill the stomach, how can she not buy more?
With one sentence, she blocked people's mouths.
Toward Zhou Qing Bai's wife's lifestyle, everyone was used to it and generally won't question too deeply.
After all, in this age when everyone ate until a maximum of 60% to 70% full, it was normal for her to buy more if her family want to be 100% full.
Only Zhou Qing Bai and Mother Zhou knew that these were going to be sold and not to be eaten at home.
Although Lin Qing He was extravagant, she never wastes.
Each meal was large in portion, but it basically allowed 80% full. Only during the summer harvests and autumn harvests, she allowed 100% fullness.
Other times, it was just about enough. They can't overstuff.
And besides staple food, there was also subsidiary food.
Lin Qing He would occasionally make sesame soup, mung bean soup, barley congee, red bean congee, and red date congee.
Basically, the family didn't go hungry.
Lin Qing He came to find Third Brother Lin when she found time. Third Brother Lin had gathered food for her.
Not much, just about two hundred jins.
"Sister, we can get allocated 30 yuan or so this year. I will save it and pay you back." Third Brother Lin said to her.
Lin Qing He didn't care: "Save it. Wait until you have saved a hundred yuan and talk about it."
After saying this, she took the food and depart.
Lin Qing He was undoubtedly busy during this period of time.
Food wasn't divided all in one go.
Harvesting meant that when each crop was harvested, it was dried and the public ration share will be handed over. Then that grain will be distributed first.
The rest will be collected and then divided later.
So after the first batch of grain was handed out Lin Qing He had already begun to sell the grain.
It was until the end of the autumn harvest when her food was mostly sold. She was tired, but she got to earn nearly a hundred yuans. So even if she was a little bit worn out, she didn't mind.
In this era, people like Third Brother Lin can make a few dozen yuans at the end of the year. And due to other deductions and expenses, there wasn't much money.
Therefore, there was a certain truth to the saying that horses without night grass, gain no fat and people without ill-gotten gains, unable to be rich.
However, it was because Lin Qing He owned a space, she can cheat. Otherwise, it was still very risky.
Few people would rush headlong into danger like this.
In particular, when the harvest had been pretty good over the few years. Generally, they won't go hungry. Therefore, fewer people would take such risks.
The grain Lin Qing He collected wasn't sold to Sister Mei. Like never.
The pork business was enough and it can be considered as a secret between each other. But if food exchange was added, then it will really be over the line.
So on Sister Mei's side, Lin Qing He had always simply given food coupons. With the coupons, Sister Mei can buy the food herself.
That day, Lin Qing He came to Sister Mei to get the meat. Sister Mei whispered: "The investigation has been strict these days, so don't take it for now. Let's do it again when the storm has passed."
"Okay." Lin Qing He frankly agreed to it and asked for an estimated time. Afterward, Lin Qing He didn't stay much.
Although the autumn harvest was over at this time, Zhou Qing Bai was still occupied. He had to plow the ground to plant winter wheat.
Da Wa and Er Wa were going to school again. San Wa wasn't at home all day long. Even though Mother Zhou would often bring little Su Cheng over, it was still boring.
So Lin Qing He occasionally would go to the county city for a stroll.
Shen Yu and Chen Jie were indeed capable. They had actually pooled money to buy the house she introduced.
The two got married quickly too. Lin Qing He got surprised when she came over.
Shen Yu was a little embarrassed to see her being so surprised: "It was indeed done so hastily, but both of us are busy and don't have much time. The earlier it happened, the better it is."
"This is true." Lin Qing He nodded.
"This is all thanks to Sister's help. If it weren't for you, the two of us might not have been so fast." Shen Yu smiled.
"Even with my help, you both have to have the money, otherwise I won't be able to play a role." Lin Qing He honestly stated.
However, both Shen Yu and Chen Jie were quite bold.
People at this time seldom had the idea of buying a house. It wasn't just this time, it was the same from the '80s to the early '90s.
Why?
Because they were all waiting for the workplace to allocate it. Why should they buy it themselves?
Very few people were willing to buy it themselves.
However, as long as one bought a house in this era, they will not regret it.
Shen Yu had a particularly good impression of Lin Qing He. This helpful person never received any benefits. Whether it was introducing someone to her or helping her find a house, she did not accept any benefits.
"Last time, I saw that Sister's handwriting was pretty. How's your education degree?" Shen Yu asked.
"What education degree! I just attended a literacy class for a while. But I do have some talent in studying. My family prioritize male over female, so it got delayed." Lin Qing He sighed lightly.
Some boast should be said, but only once. Too much humility displayed inferiority.
Shen Yu gave a look of pity.
"I'm self-studying now. My two boys are in school, so I learn with them." Lin Qinghe said.
Shen Yu immediately had an expression of admiration: "Sister, you are too motivated."
"It's not much, people live to old, study to old.," Lin Qing He chuckled.
"How was this period of autumn harvest?" Shen Yu asked.
"It's a bountiful harvest. Several nearby villages also have wonderful harvests. The city should receive new foods in this while?" Lin Qing He said.
"We did, but the supply is still very limited." Shen Yu admitted.
Everyone in the city had a certain amount. It was impossible to exceed this limit, otherwise, why would there be a place like a black market.
Mainly due to demand, the black market has emerged.
Lin Qing He said: "You both eat the canteen, so it's still convenient."
Shen Yu smiled. At this time, the advantage of both being workers shone. The conditions were excellent.
"I'm just a little worried, what should I do if I have a baby in the future." Shen Yu kept talking.
Although the benefits of moving out were great, there were also some cons. Like having no one to help out after the baby was born.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 159. Most afraid of him not going to work.
"It's not a big problem."
Lin Qing He uttered when she said that.
She told her about Zhou Xiao Mei's matter.
"Even if your mother-in-law is dissatisfied with you two moving out, she will be happy to raise the kid when you give money. That is her grandson too." Lin Qinghe said.
Shen Yu was shocked when she heard this: "Bringing her own grandson and still get paid for it?"
"Money can make ghosts stop pestering." Lin Qing He replied.
Shen Yu can approximately understand the meaning, but she was reluctant to give the money.
Lin Qing He didn't say much. It was enough to mention and stop.
After bidding farewell to Shen Yu, Lin Qing He went home after buying the supplies.
"Mother, you don't like me anymore!" Seeing his mother return, San Wa began to accuse her.
"Why don't I like you anymore." Lin Qing He laughed. She peeled open a candy and planed to stuff it into his mouth.
However, San Wa turned his head away. He was actually able to resist the temptation of candy.
"Mother, don't think you want to buy me with such a little thing," San Wa declared.
"I think you have eaten too much sugar and want to revolt." Lin Qing He ate it as she responded.
San Wa remained silent.
Lin Qing He coaxed, "Tell Mother, why are you suddenly feeling so sentimental."
"Mother, you don't take me to the city," San Wa complained.
"Then I will take you for a stroll next time. If you wander on your own in the city, then I won't agree." Lin Qing He said.
San Wa's eyes lit up: "Mother, you aren't just coaxing me?"
Lin Qing He gave him a pack of red dates: "This is what your sister Xiao Xi wanted to buy. Go give it to her."
"Mother, my candy." San Wa stretched out his hand.
"It's gone." Lin Qing He ignored him, turned and went to the backyard.
San Wa delivered the red dates first, and then came back to stick to his mother.
"What did you do today?" Lin Qing He asked him.
She had nothing to do today, so she made a trip to the county city more often.
"I dug out the bird's nest." San Wa said.
"Go pick a tomato yourself and eat it." Lin Qing He prompted.
"Mother, where is my candy?" San Wa stared at her.
Lin Qing He grinned: "The time passed. I just gave it to you and you didn't want it. Now you want, it's gone."
"Mother, you're glutton." San Wa complained.
"If Mother isn't a glutton, how did I give birth to you, the little glutton?" Lin Qing He laughed.
San Wa laughed too. He picked a tomato, washed it and ate it. Then he said, "Mother, I want to go to school too."
"You have to wait for two years. By the way, why did you come back so early today?" Lin Qing He asked.
This brat usually didn't come back unless he played until five or six o'clock. It's only four o'clock today and he was already back.
"Their marbles are broken. I don't want to play with them anymore," San Wa replied.
Lin Qing He chuckled.
There were also principles among these children.
With a turn of a head, they can play together after a fight. But if the marbles didn't match, they won't play together, no matter how good terms they were on.
"I gave a Gou Zi one, but he lost it and wanted to ask for more. I don't have much myself." San Wa continued.
Lin Qing He suggested, "Then you can play hide and seek."
At this time, many wheat piles were hoarded outside, which were good places for these children to play hide and seek.
"No, get itchy easily." San Wa said.
Soon, Lin Qing He had tidied up the vegetable garden. As for the pigsty and chicken coop, it was Zhou Qing Bai's problem. She still kept to the old rules. She did it during the summer harvest and autumn harvest, and Zhou Qing Bai handled it the rest of the time.
Lin Qing He grabbed a handful of beans in her hand. They were having fried pork with beans in the evening. Also, a scrambled egg with green onions and with tomato soup, it was enough.
The tomatoes in the backyard were almost gone and the vines were collected.
"Mother, are we having red bean mantou tonight?" San Wa asked.
"Red bean buns will be made tomorrow. It's too late today," Lin Qing He answered.
San Wa didn't say anything. After eating the tomato, he went out to the entrance to play marbles with himself.
Mother Zhou carried little Su Cheng over. Little Su Cheng was able to stand up on his own recently. But he was limited to standing, he can't walk.
Just last month, Su Da Lin came over with good news. Zhou Xiao Mei was pregnant again.
Have to say that people got a good body during this era. It was really easy to have children.
Lin Qing He didn't dare to look at Zhou Qing Bai's face at that time. This one had always wanted her to have another one, but she couldn't give birth.
Mother Zhou came over and wanted to help. Lin Qing He ushered, "Mother, just watch little Su Cheng. Don't let him grab San Wa's marbles."
Kids at this age grabbed everything they see and stuffed it in his mouth. He was still in the stage of exploring the world with his mouth. But he wasn't allowed to eat anything.
Mother Zhou didn't intervene when she saw her swift movements. She smiled and said, "Your third sister-in-law is pregnant again. This is also a coincidence."
"Pregnant again?" Lin Qing He's lips twitched.
When Third Sister-in-law gave birth to Wu Ni, her body got damaged. After that, she gave birth to two consecutively. If this one was counted, then it was already the fourth one.
"She's going for another son. If she was like with you, then she will definitely not have another." Mother Zhou immediately explained.
Until now, Mother Zhou thought it was her youngest son who couldn't give birth, so she quickly remedied for fear of this daughter-in-law having any dissatisfaction.
Lin Qing He didn't think much about it. She only felt a little bit emotional about this society's exponential growth of population.
From now until the 1980s, it seems that they will finally put a start on family planning. Although there were some discussions at the moment, no one cares about it. They birthed how many they liked.
After Zhou Qing Bai and Father Zhou's father came back from work, dinner started.
When sleeping at night, Zhou Qing Bai said: "I heard Third Brother say Third Sister-in-law is pregnant again."
"Yeah." Lin Qing He replied slight guilt.
"We can't give birth." Zhou Qing Bai said.
"En." Lin Qing He continued to answer.
Zhou Qing Bai turned his back. What else could Lin Qing He do? Naturally, she coaxed.
It's just after some coaxing, the situation unknowingly changed. Lin Qing He was eaten inside and out.
"Zhou Qingbai, you have to go to work tomorrow!" Lin Qing He finally said weakly.
"I'm finished today, I don't have to go to work tomorrow." Zhou Qing Bai put his arms around her contentedly and replied.
Lin Qing He was a little scared: "You don't have to go to work starting tomorrow?"
She knew her family's man well. If he didn't need to go to work, then those kinds of days will be waiting for her. Don't think about stopping.
"You like it too." The mensao man whispered in her ear.
Lin Qing He mentally responded, 'As if I like it. You aren't afraid your kidney getting weak but I am afraid that my kidney will from all this unrestrained way!
"I feel that this year will get colder a bit quicker. Tomorrow, let's ask the boys to come and sleep here." Lin Qing He coughed dryly and said.
"Let them sleep by themselves." Zhou Qing Bai indifferently stated.
The boys were already that big, they should learn to be independent. So there was nothing to discuss.
Moreover, at the end of the year, he will only be able to get intimate with his wife during the winter isolation. Normally, when she considered how busy he was, she will not let him do as he liked.
Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 160. Snowy day's nurture
Lin Qing He wasn't joking said she was afraid of Zhou Qing Bai not having to go to work. She was truly afraid.
This man had been strictly trained in the army. His physical abilities were extraordinary.
After he came back, he did manual labor non-stop.
On top of that, Lin Qing He was afraid that he would lose his vitality and end up with permanent aches, so she did her utmost to make good food to nourish him.
That's why, even if he worked all day, he was still fine and very strong.
During the winter isolation, there was nowhere to vent his body full of energy. Then who will that be directed at?
Lin Qing He bore the brunt.
Every morning when she woke up with sore legs and sore waist, she thought about making him eat the flatbread and drink cold water.
Once the food got served to the table, it showed she didn't heartlessness in the end. She had carried whatever good stuff onto the table. This caused the man to get an inch, want a foot.
After the winter wheat was planted, the meat was divided.
When the meat distribution happened, Zhou Qing Bai went to gather firewood, just like the former years.
This winter, Lin Qing He wasn't kidding. She really felt very cold. As of this month, she had to put on the cotton coat.
Da Wa, Er Wa, and San Wa also layered up with sweaters.
Lin Qing He had checked with Father Zhou and Mother Zhou: "Father, Mother, do you have enough warm clothes? If it is not enough, let me know."
"Enough. You bought the three jins of wool last year. Your father and I both have one piece. It's very warm." Mother Zhou smiled in reply.
Have to say, despite Fourth's wife being a big spender, she treated them very well.
How much is a jin of wool? It cost more than twenty yuan.
It's so expensive that it was shocking. Most people were reluctant to buy it. However, Fourth's wife weighed out three jins for them last year and let them knit sweaters.
Although it was expensive, she got to say that this sweater was really cozy when wearing it.
"I think, you're short of two woolen pants." Lin Qing He said.
In the winter, it was really terribly cold with icy weather and snowy ground. The Kang had to be burned three times a day, otherwise, it wasn't enough.
"No need. Really, no need," Mother Zhou quickly refused.
"Make two, Mother. Don't worry, still got money at home to spend." Lin Qing He whispered.
Mother Zhou smiled: "Mother knows you are filial, but you still have to leave some money for the boys."
"Mother, you're still worried about Da Wa having no money to marry a wife in the future?" Lin Qing He looked at her in surprise when she heard this.
Mother Zhou replied, "Better to be prepared for it."
"Mother, don't tell me, you and Father are helping the boys save marriage fund?" Lin Qing He said.
Mother Zhou just smiled and said nothing.
Lin Qing He was touched but didn't know what to say.
Second Sister-in-law kept saying that the old couple was biased toward her family. Seriously, Lin Qing He didn't feel anything before now.
But now even if Lin Qing He, who was never one to be emotional according to herself, was really moved.
"Mother, I am very grateful to you and Father's care towards Da Wa and his brothers, but I have to tell you the truth. I plan to fund my children to go to university. Their marriage in the future, don't need us to worry about." Lin Qing He stated.
"I heard your father say. It's just that I'm worried how hard it'll be to enter the university." Mother Zhou replied quietly.
Don't talk about things that haven't been seen yet outside as it would become a joke if people caught a whisper of it. They won't be able to hold their head high if they fail to pass the exam.
"With me here, why be afraid of not passing? Mother, I'm not boasting. If it weren't for my lazy reputation in the village, I can directly enter the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University." Lin Qing He said.
Mother Zhou didn't put her down. With a smile on her face, she responded, "You are diligent in taking care of your family."
"Mother, you don't need to comfort me. I know it in my heart." Lin Qing He said.
She was just saying that. Lin Qing He didn't think she was lazy. Maybe she was lazy in this era's perspective.
But it was still that same phrase. In her place, she was not lazy. The house was neatly sorted out and three meals a day were served on the table on time. Was there any logic in calling her lazy?
"Mother, tell Father that you don't need to worry about the three boys' marriage. Besides, even if they fail to enter the university, the retirement money that Qing Bai received from the force is fifteen hundred." Lin Qing He lowered her voice toward the end.
"Fifteen hundred?" Mother Zhou's eyes widened.
She had guessed that her son would have a one-off retirement fee, but it should be around five hundred. She didn't expect it to be one thousand five hundred?
"Mother, don't look how lavish I act. There's still 1,300 left. If we provide their marriage fund, there's more than enough. You and Father's money should be spent when needed." Lin Qing He urged.
"I didn't know you still have so much money." Overwhelmed, Mother Zhou responded.
"Mother, you know about my food." Lin Qing He raised an eyebrow.
Mother Zhou coughed dryly and whispered, "Don't let anyone hear."
"I only tell you, Mother." Lin Qing He said and then continued. "I'll buy some woolen yarn for you two, so you can knit a pair of woolen trousers. Don't talk about me being extravagant. It's only you two. I can't even be bothered to give the two from old Lin family an eye now."
Hearing the last sentence, Mother Zhou wanted to laugh.
In the past, Fourth's wife had her whole heart on her maternal family. However, the group of white-eyed wolves in the old Lin family was terrible. They broke her heart completely and had her see clearly that her husband's family favored her.
Now all the good treatments were transferred from old Lin family to them old couple.
This Fourth's wife really had distinct likes and dislikes.
But the money for knitting wool pants was given by Mother Zhou.
How can she always let Fourth's wife pay for them, an elderly couple?
Lin Qinghe saw that she insisted on giving it, she did not refuse. She couldn't make herself to push with people of this era. (T/N: As someone who witnessed a good few occurrences of people fighting to pay, I'm glad the awkwardness didn't happen.)
This year, she just had to buy some wool to make woolen pants for Father Zhou and Mother Zhou. Everyone else was using theirs.
She and her boys owned one. She wanted to make one for Zhou Qing Bai before, but he didn't want it as he wasn't used to it.
She had knitted him two sweaters. There was also a big cotton coat, so this full-of-yang man won't freeze at all.
Zhou Qing Bai's yang energy was especially apparent at night. (T/N: was thinking of replacing yang with masculinity)
Sleeping with him was like holding a stove.
This year, Lin Qing He was right. The snow fell very early. Zhou Qing Bai only gathered firewood for seven days. With the allocated wheat piles and the likes, this was naturally enough.
However, this year's snow came very early.
Still, the older generation was overjoyed.
If this continued, the winter wheat can recuperate well.
Lin Qing He hoarded a lot of ginger for her family this winter.
They drank ginger soup, or boil a pot of ginger water and soak and wash their feet.
Lin Qing He nurtured her big family. It went without saying, Father Zhou and Mother Zhou joined them in their comfortable ways.
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