Chapter 6
Chen Yuan gently pulled Niuniu, who seemed a little nervous, and they stepped out of the door. She wondered if the child had grown up in a difficult environment and had been frightened so many times that she became extremely timid. If a child like her doesn't receive care and warmth in time, she may grow up feeling inferior.
Waiting outside was a robust middle-aged woman dressed in work clothes. She had a sturdy appearance, dark skin, thick eyebrows, and fierce eyes.
Behind her stood the little chubby boy who had bullied Dabao and Erbao the previous day. He now had a high temperature and looked at Chen Yuan with a proud expression. Without any thought, he immediately sought support from his parents.
Dabao and Erbao stood by with heavy schoolbags on their backs, looking downcast. It seemed like they had been scolded. They avoided Chen Yuan's gaze, too embarrassed to meet her eyes. Their declining happiness index indicated that they were feeling down and uncomfortable. Chen Yuan had gone to great lengths to create a happy environment for the children, and it was disheartening to see their moods deteriorate so rapidly in just one day.
Dabao's happiness index had returned to its original -150, and Erbao was about to follow suit. Chen Yuan had spent the whole day working hard, only to achieve no positive results.
Zhang Guilan and a pregnant woman heard the commotion outside and came out to see what was happening. They witnessed Chen Yuan being accused of hitting someone else's child. Zhang Guilan knew Sister-in-law Gao, who was not an ordinary person. If they provoked her, this timid and delicate daughter-in-law would surely suffer, and perhaps it would serve her right. It was going to be an interesting spectacle.
Zhang Guilan held a grudge against Chen Yuan and couldn't tolerate her presence. However, Old Shen had ordered not to escalate the situation, otherwise Fei would not let her off the hook. It was painful for Zhang Guilan to leave it at that. She had smelled the fragrance of cooked meat that day and knew that the little **** must have eaten half of the pork. Chen Yuan had returned home on a tricycle at noon, carrying numerous bags. Zhang Guilan wondered where the money had come from.
She immediately assumed that Shen Huai had given the money to Chen Yuan, further fueling her anger. She had initially thought that this second son would trust her, but she didn't expect him to keep a backdoor. That comrade-in-arms of his probably brought back dozens of dollars. How much money had he hidden from his own wife? They were all spendthrifts.
The middle-aged woman's surname was Jiang, Jiang Yuexiang, and her husband's surname was Gao. They were also government officials. People usually referred to her as Dasao Gao. Their family lived in the same courtyard, and the neighbors were familiar with them. Some were curious about why she was banging on Lao Shen's door. They wondered what tricks she had up her sleeve.
The little chubby boy saw Chen Yuan coming out of the door and immediately shouted to Jiang Yuexiang, "Mom, she hit me! It really hurt! You must help me!"
Jiang Yuexiang looked at her son, grinning and holding his butt, with a pained expression on his face. She felt deep concern for her child. When she returned home, she had learned that her son had been beaten by someone else's parents, and her heart was burning with anger. She couldn't let it go. Who did these adults think they were, bullying children?
She carefully observed the child and realized that the situation wasn't too serious. Otherwise, she would have to confront the other party now.
"Why did you hit our child? What did my child do to provoke you? He's just a 7-year-old child. Is there anything he can't handle through talking? Why resort to violence? No matter what the reason is, hitting someone is wrong. Today, you must apologize to our kids, or this won't end," Chen Yuan heard the familiar words and felt a sense of déjà vu. After careful thought, she realized that it was the catchphrase of the little chubby boy. They truly resembled each other, both in their mannerisms and speech. It was Harao who knew about this, and why would I hit your child? There must be a reason for everything."
Jiang Yuexiang was momentarily stunned. She hadn't thought about this matter from that perspective. She probably assumed it was the child's fault. However, adults shouldn't meddle in children's conflicts. She quickly responded, "Regardless of the reason, it's inappropriate for parents to interfere in children's affairs. Is it right to bully the little ones just because it's a children's matter? The reason doesn't matter."
Chen Yuan pursed her lips. "So you haven't understood yet? If you don't understand, you have no right to speak. Can your children tell you everything about what happened? If your children are too afraid to speak up, then I will start from the beginning and end with what I said. After listening, you can judge whether it's reasonable or not."
Jiang Yuexiang was taken aback. She hadn't realized this before. She believed that it must have been because of the child, but adults shouldn't intervene in children's conflicts. She replied, "No matter the reason, parents shouldn't get involved. Is it right to bully the little ones just because it's a children's matter? The reason doesn't matter."
Chen Yuan frowned. "That means you still haven't understood. If you haven't understood, then you have no right to speak. Can your children honestly tell you everything about what happened? If your children don't dare to speak up, then I will start from the beginning and end with what I said. After listening, you'll have time to judge whether it's reasonable or not."
Although Jiang Yuexiang was flustered, she wasn't unreasonable. She was simply overly concerned about her son, which made her impulsive. Now that she had calmed down, she looked at her son and asked, "What happened?"
The little chubby boy hesitated, unable to find the right words, his face filled with guilt.
Jiang Yuexiang could tell at a glance that her son didn't dare to speak, and there was something fishy going on. If it wasn't his fault, this kid would definitely make a fuss. Could it be that he had deceived her?
Chen Yuan recounted what the little chubby boy had said that day, starting from the beginning and mimicking his tone. "Since your son can't say it, I'll repeat it for him. He said that Dabao and Erbao don't have a mother who wants them. Their mother left them and went off with someone else because they were disobedient. He insulted them like this to teach them a lesson. If he ever sees them again, they should hide or else he'll hit them every time. Is a seven-year-old child capable of saying such things? If not taught by parents, how would he say such things? If I hadn't stopped him, he would have trampled on the dignity of Dabao and Erbao. Is your seven-year-old child not a child? What about our six-year-old and eight-year-old? Are they not entitled to fair treatment? Are they being wronged and bullied? Who will stand up for them?"
Dabao and Erbao's faces grew even sadder as they listened. Chen Yuan could sense their sadness, as indicated by their plummeting happiness index.
When Jiang Yuexiang heard this, she didn't expect that Gao Gao could say such a thing. The Shen family's three children were unsure about their neighbors. Jiang Yuexiang usually felt sorry for them and was pitiful towards their situation. In her anger earlier, she also became frustrated with Dabao and Erbao. But now, she felt a twinge of guilt and suddenly knocked on her son's head.
"Gao Gao, you really surprised me. I'm going to ask you, did those words really come out of your mouth?"
Seeing his mother's gloomy expression, Gao Gao was about to burst into tears. He trembled and dared not admit it. Jiang Yuexiang kicked his backside.
He cried out, "I really didn't mean to say that, waaah!"
Seeing that her son truly said those words, Jiang Yuexiang felt like she could disappear in that moment. She was suffocating with anger, and her face turned even darker. "You really have nerve."
In the past, she had only thought of Gao Gao as mischievous and difficult to discipline, but she never realized how crooked things had become. This was completely different from the usual conflicts between children. He could actually say such things as "your mother doesn't want you." If Lao Gao found out that their child had said those words, he would probably be even angrier than she was.
No wonder the parents acted in anger, comparing their feelings to their own. If her own child were scolded like this, she would be even more furious than these parents. Besides, she knew better than anyone how challenging it was to discipline her own child. This matter has reached its conclusion; there's no need for further embarrassment here.
Jiang Yuexiang apologized to Chen Yuan, "Shen family's parent, I'm so sorry. My son has been spoiled by our family, and he doesn't know how to speak properly. Please don't misunderstand. I will definitely take care of him when we get home."
She turned her head, grabbed Gao Gao once again, and led him to Dabao, Erbao, and Chen Yuan. She shouted, "Apologize to them quickly. When we get home, your dad will find out, and you'll have to face the consequences."
Hearing this, Gao Gao's face turned pale with fear, and tears streamed down his little face. He was most afraid of his father.
Looking at Dabao and Erbao, the lump in Jiang Yuexiang's throat grew even heavier. "Yes, I'm sorry," they choked out.
"Louder! Who are you talking to?" Jiang Yuexiang said.
Gao Gao sniffled and raised his voice, "Dabao, Erbao, Aunt Chen, I'm sorry. I won't say those things again!"
"Okay, I've been holding my breath for a long time. Let's just forget about this."
Chen Yuan waved her hand and led her three children back into the house. Jiang Yuexiang grabbed Gao Gao by the neck and headed toward their own home. The neighbors watched silently. They hadn't expected things to resolve so easily.
Could it be that the little bully from the Gao family actually apologized to Dabao and Erbao? It was hard to believe. It defied all logic. Wasn't that person Gao Dasao, the one who fought and scolded on the streets? She was known as the fierce shrew for miles around. How could this make sense?
Shen Xiu, her belly swollen, turned to her mother and said, "What are we going to do about that daughter-in-law? I can't bear it anymore."
"Daughter, focus on giving birth to your child peacefully. Don't be angry with her. We have a way to deal with her. Have you forgotten that you are a cadre of the Women's Federation?"
Shen Xiu's job was to take over Zhang Guilan's position. As a Women's Federation cadre responsible for women's affairs in the area, it wouldn't be easy to handle this new Chen Yuan calmly.
When will Chen Yuan voluntarily give up on these little ones, and when will it all end? After Shen Huai returns, he'll get his 40 yuan labor fee sooner or later.
—
Dabao and Erbao never expected to hear an apology from Gao Gao.
In their eyes, Gao Gao had always been arrogant and domineering. They had to listen to him in school, but today, that perception seemed to be shattered. They had never seen him speak in such a weak tone. The two of them thought, their second aunt was truly an extraordinary parent—too powerful.
When Dabao and Erbao returned home, the first thing they noticed was the bright windows. The windowsills, furniture, cabinets, electrical appliances—every corner of the kitchen was spotless, without a speck of dust.
They had simply tidied up the room before, but it had never been this clean. Clothes, shoes, books, bottles, and jars were neatly arranged, just like their second uncle who was a soldier. The housekeeping was impeccable.
Dabao thought of his dream. He saw the face of the woman in the dream—it looked just like his second aunt, but fiercer and more unapproachable. However, the second aunt who had returned was truly good to them. It felt like a dream, and he was afraid that it might all be fake or change in the future.
"What are you standing there for? I've prepared a new gift for you two. Go take a look."
Chen Yuan said and pointed to the newly bought Memphis lamp she had placed on the table for them.
Dabao and Erbao snapped out of their daze and saw the brand-new desk lamp. Their eyes widened with surprise, their faces turned red, and they immediately rushed over to play with excitement. The word "new" was a luxury for them. Dabao and Erbao rarely bought new things in China; most of their belongings were hand-me-downs.
Niuniu glanced at the lamp but didn't say anything. Envy was written all over her face. Suddenly, there was a hairpin with a bow in front of her. It was delicate and beautiful, with a bright pink color that almost made her fall in love with it.
Chen Yuan said, "Second Aunt has also prepared a gift for Niuniu. Would you like to try it on?"
Niuniu took the hairpin and placed it in her hair. Shyly, she whispered, "Thank you, Second Aunt. Thank you."
Chapter 7
Dabao and Erbao couldn't take their eyes off their new table lamp. They loved it so much. Erbao reached out to touch the delicate lampshade, but Dabao slapped his hand away. "Don't touch it."
Erbao pouted. "No, I'll be careful."
Chen Yuan smiled and said, "It's not so easy to break. Even if it wears out, it has a warranty period. You two will use this table lamp for studying in the future. With it, you have to work harder."
Their eyes turned red, and they nodded vigorously. "We will definitely work hard."
Encouraged by Chen Yuan, the children switched on the newly purchased table lamp. Its appearance was simple—a pure white bowl-shaped lampshade on top of a tube, with a switch on the base to adjust the brightness. When they turned on the switch, the light illuminated Dabao and Erbao's youthful faces. As they looked at the beam of light, their hearts were filled with indescribable emotions, moved beyond words.
It was as if people who had been struggling in darkness for a long time had finally found the redeeming light. It was hard-won, and the children had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Dabao looked at the light and suddenly said, "Auntie, this lamp must be quite expensive. Actually, we don't need such a good thing. Maybe... we should return it."
He emphasized the last three words with all his strength because he also liked the lamp very much. Although the second aunt was different from the one in his dream, she was very kind to them and provided them with delicious food. However, he always felt guilty about accepting her things. The price of this lamp must be very high, so high that they couldn't even imagine. Moreover, the lamp required electricity to function. Installing such a small light bulb in their room would consume a lot of electricity, and they couldn't afford it.
Dabao had been mature since childhood, and even as a child, he didn't throw tantrums like other children. He understood what he should desire and what he shouldn't. Some things shouldn't be expected too much, so he wouldn't be disappointed. They had been living with scarcity for a long time, and they still had to guard against theft even with the second aunt around. Not to mention that the second aunt had only been there for two days and had no real relation to them. It would be unfair to take her gifts.
At his young age, Erbao couldn't think about all these things. When he first saw the lamp, he liked it very much and treated it like a treasure. Now, the idea of returning the lamp made him feel reluctant.
Upon hearing Dabao's words, Chen Yuan felt that the child was sensible and pitied him. But she also believed that the more pitied the child, the more she should spend money on him. So she comforted him, "Don't think too much. Since we've already bought this lamp, we won't return it. The electricity bill won't cost much either. If others have it in their homes, we should have it too. Using electricity is a normal thing, and in the future, when you earn more money, you can pay the electricity bill yourself."
An ancient book once said that childhood misfortunes may take a lifetime to heal. The traumas of these two children couldn't be healed overnight, but Chen Yuan would do her best to help them emerge from the shadows.
Upon hearing Chen Yuan's words, Dabao and Erbao exchanged glances and looked at the bright lamp that shone in the darkness. They felt that what the second aunt said made sense. They may not have money now, but that doesn't mean they will always be so poor. Using electricity should be a natural thing, and in the future, they can pay for the electricity themselves.
Suddenly, the two children seemed to understand this truth and stopped being stubborn. Only Niuniu was still a little oblivious.
Chen Yuan treated the three children equally. Although only Erbao's lunchbox was broken, she also bought a new lunchbox for Dabao. Niuniu didn't need a lunchbox yet since she hadn't started school, so Chen Yuan bought her a small rice bowl and a rice spoon. The rice bowl at home was too big for Niuniu before, so she couldn't handle it properly. This time, she could practice and gradually learn to eat by herself.
Dabao was curious when he saw that Erbao received a new lunchbox, but what he didn't expect was that the second aunt bought one for him too. His lunchbox could still be used, but she still took care of him. How many times has the second aunt been kind to him? It's countless.
Trembling, he reached out to take the newly bought lunchbox and discovered that it was a double-layered one that could separate dry food and vegetables, with a special compartment for chopsticks. There was even a dust bag for the lunchbox. It was of better quality than his original one.
Dabao said sincerely, "You're so kind to us."
"I'm feeling a bit hungry. I'll go cook."
Chen Yuan waved her hand. Some things didn't need to be overly sentimental. After all, her original intention was to gain energy from the Shen family's children. In return for their benefits, she would receive reasonable compensation. The federal government's model was the same—there was no need to make it too noble.
In the evening, Chen Yuan cooked bone soup, served with small pickles, and made a rice dish. The bone soup had been simmering in a large iron pot until it turned milky white. It looked incredibly delicious and fragrant. All four of them ate to their heart's content, replenishing the energy they had lost due to the children's fright earlier.
The shed light prompted Chen Yuan to replace her newly purchased flashlight. It was much more pleasant to the eye than the old, small, and broken light bulb. At night, under the bright light, the whole room appeared clean and tidy. She was no longer afraid of the trouble caused by poor lighting.
Meanwhile, the bright lights in the windows of the Shen family's small cottage were particularly dazzling in the night. Zhang Guilan and Shen Changan, who lived in the old Shen family house, watched TV from outside the window. They thought it was Shen Huai's house, but they thought they must have been mistaken.
Zhang Guilan had replaced the shed light in the house across the street herself. Of course, her memory wasn't wrong because after Shen Huai left, she had been paying the electricity and gas bills for the house across the street every month. She saved a little bit here and there, but tonight, the neighboring house was brightly lit. She wondered what kind of lights they were using, and just by looking at the brightness, she could tell how much electricity it consumed. With such a large amount, would they have enough money at the end of the month? If they ran out of money and Shen Huai didn't return, she wanted to see what they would do.
However, even if they ended up sleeping on the streets with their children, the Shen family wouldn't offer them any help. Others would only say that a wasteful woman like her couldn't make a living. If they came to ruin the old Shen family, they should be organized and given out as charity. But when they really ran out of money, their quality of life would naturally decline. Those little brats didn't have to worry about their food and drink now. Let them be proud for a few days.
Zhang Guilan was just waiting to see the neighboring house's misfortune. The prodigal daughter-in-law wouldn't enjoy luxury for long. She felt a burst of joy in her heart as she imagined the pitiful appearance of those little brats.
In the evening, Lin Zhenghua sat under the table lamp, preparing his lessons. Unknowingly, he noticed that the writing in his notebook seemed much clearer. Writing was also much easier. Growing older, his eyesight had deteriorated, and he had to wear reading glasses. He could barely see things clearly, but he always felt exhausted after prolonged use and didn't feel as relaxed when working at night.
But today was different. Everything seemed much more comfortable than usual, and he attributed it to not listening to the salesperson and buying the new lamp. He bought the same Memphis brand as the little girl, and it was really great to use.
Seeing how adept she was at shopping, he became curious and followed her to the stationery section. To his surprise, she picked out a few items that he usually bought, but the brand of paper she chose was different from the one he usually bought.
Out of curiosity, Lin Zhenghua also bought the same paper. When he got home and compared it with the brand he usually bought, he realized that the paper he usually used was thin and had a similar color to the newly purchased one. When he placed the two pieces of paper side by side, he could see the difference—the newly bought paper had a higher density and lower light transmission. The text on the paper was also much more uniform. Though his own brand of paper wasn't transparent, its uniformity was not as good as the newly bought one, and defects were visible when examined under the light.
In general, the difference between the two types of paper wasn't significant, but the quality of the newly bought paper was better. Naturally, at the same price, one should choose the best quality. Lin Zhenghua thought he had good eyesight, but he was far behind that girl. She could pick out the best paper from the shelf at a glance, not even bothering to look at the others. She was truly remarkable when it came to shopping.
She was definitely a shopping connoisseur.
1
—
The lunch that Dabao and Erbao had at home today was freshly prepared in the morning. The second aunt said that they shouldn't eat leftovers and advised them to eat the food as soon as possible without leaving anything behind. She emphasized that fresh meals are healthier for the body. The two of them had experienced it firsthand—the food prepared by the second aunt was delicious. After eating it, they felt their bodies becoming stronger, and they had the energy to do anything. Niuniu's complexion was rosy.
After the incident last night, he received a punishment of bamboo-woven fried meat and a mixed doubles fight. His body was covered in bruises, but after going through this, his memory improved and he no longer dared to provoke the Shen brothers. His mother had already warned him to stay away from them.
Originally, he wanted to ignore Dabao and Erbao today, but while he was eating, a delightful aroma suddenly wafted through the air. The school had a cafeteria where students brought their own lunch boxes and ate at small round tables during lunchtime.
Usually, by noon, regardless of the type of meal, it would have become cold and lost its taste. But the mouthwatering fragrance was truly tempting. Other children also noticed the aroma and kept glancing over, trying to see who brought the delicious food.
After scanning the surroundings, everyone's attention finally focused on Dabao and Erbao's lunch box. They saw that it had a double layer, and the outer shell was adorned with popular cartoon characters. It was delicate and beautiful. When they opened the lid, the contents of the lunch box amazed the children—they opened their mouths in surprise.
Amidst the buzz of discussion, someone exclaimed, "Why are their dumplings green?"
Chapter 8
Green dumplings were unheard of among children, and no one had ever eaten such dumplings, let alone know what they were made of. But looking at the green color, they were particularly appetizing, resembling the color of jade.
Perhaps it was because of their attractive appearance. The dumplings were adorned with lace, crescent moon, and ingot shapes. They were beautiful and delicate, resembling works of art. Erbao's face turned red upon seeing them and felt embarrassed.
Dabao, on the other hand, paid no attention to the eyes of others. He couldn't wait to try these emerald dumplings. Who would have guessed that when the second aunt mixed spinach juice into the dough in the morning, it would dye the white dough green like the color of emerald?
But the other children had no clue about this and ate their own mundane meals without batting an eye. To them, it was unimaginable that someone, especially their parents, could create such magical dumplings.
Dabao picked up a dumpling with his chopsticks, gently bit into the green skin, and was greeted with a burst of delicious juice. The filling consisted of cabbage and vermicelli, but the flavor was enhanced by the bone soup he had cooked the previous day. It was fragrant and not greasy, leaving a lingering taste in his mouth. The new lunch box had excellent insulation, so the dumplings remained warm and didn't lose their original taste. Even after finishing all the dumplings, Dabao's taste buds were still filled with their delightful flavor.
Gao Gao was also dumbfounded. Dabao and Erbao seemed to be savoring something incredibly delicious. Gao Gao's mouth watered just by looking at those green dumplings. They looked so appetizing, unlike anything he had ever seen. He couldn't even imagine what they might taste like. However, considering his recent history of bullying Dabao and Erbao, it was out of the question for him to ask for a bite. So, he could only watch from a distance.
Due to Dabao and Erbao's family situation, the other children also kept their distance and didn't interact with them. Despite their cravings, they were too embarrassed to speak up and could only watch with longing.
After Erbao finished eating the dumplings, he found steamed eggs with fresh milk in the other compartment of his lunch box. He picked up a spoon and tasted it. The milk added a unique flavor, covering up the slight fishy taste. Eating steamed eggs with milk alone felt luxurious and delicious.
Gao Gao couldn't help but feel envious. Not only did Dabao and Erbao enjoy such delicious food, but the green dumplings also looked appetizing. He longed to taste them but knew he could never eat them after his past behavior. So, he could only observe with longing.
Given Dabao and Erbao's current situation, the other children also kept their distance and didn't interact with them. Despite their cravings, they were too embarrassed to speak up and could only watch with longing.
Gao Gao's first action upon returning home from school was to describe the contents of Dabao and Erbao's lunch box to his mother, Jiang Yuexiang. Originally, he intended to describe the lunch box contents to see if his mother could replicate them. However, he knew that the green dumplings might be a bit challenging, while the steamed eggs carried a glimmer of hope.
Excitedly, he shared with Jiang Yuexiang, "Mom, guess what? Dabao and Erbao had green dumplings in their lunch box today! Can you make them for me too? I really want to taste what they're like."
Jiang Yuexiang, perplexed by the idea of green dumplings, replied, "I don't know how to make them. Whether you like them or not, you'll go hungry if you don't eat. You're used to it."
Disappointed, Gao Gao groaned, realizing that no matter how much he insisted, it wouldn't change the situation. But then he asked hopefully, "Can you at least make the milky steamed eggs?"
Jiang Yuexiang furrowed her brows, scratched her head, and pondered for a moment. "I'll give it a try tonight."
Gao Gao felt a surge of joy upon hearing his mother's agreement. Although he couldn't have the jade dumplings, being able to eat the same "steamed eggs" as Dabao and Erbao was already wonderful.
In the evening, the entire family gathered around the table and watched as Jiang Yuexiang brought out a bowl of light yellow steamed eggs garnished with chopped green onions. Grandma Gao pointed at the dish and smiled, "Hurry up and eat, my eldest grandson."
"Don't worry about him, Mom. You eat first," Jiang Yuexiang replied.
"That's okay. I'm an old woman. If I don't eat, it won't make up for it. Besides, it's a crucial period of growth for Wen Wen, so he should have it," Grandma Gao insisted.
"You spoil him too much," Jiang Yuexiang sighed helplessly. She couldn't help but think about how Gao Gao behaved like a bully at school, and it was all due to the excessive doting of the elderly. However, after the incident with the Shen brothers, she realized how negligent she had been in disciplining her children. She resolved to pay more attention to it.
"Alright, Gao Gao, go ahead and eat. Learn to be humble and let the elders know," Grandma Gao added.
Gao Gao nodded and looked at the bowl of steamed eggs he had dreamed of. However, as soon as he laid his eyes on it, something seemed off. The bowl of steamed eggs Dabao and Erbao had didn't have chopped green onions, and the milk inside was rich in flavor, smooth in texture, and snow-white in color. It was as tender as tofu, reminiscent of peeled egg whites. But the dish before him was yellowish with small bubbles on the surface. It was no different from the ordinary steamed eggs he had eaten before, and the taste was disappointing.
Though he had never tasted Dabao and Erbao's version, he was seated not far from them, and their descriptions were entirely different from what was in front of him. They were two completely different dishes.
"Why doesn't it smell like milk?" Gao Gao questioned.
"Well, it smells like milk to me. Whether you like it or not," Jiang Yuexiang replied impatiently. She had never heard of steamed eggs having a milky flavor, and she found the idea strange. She didn't understand why her son was fixated on it.
Grandma Gao asked with concern, "What's the matter? What kind of milky flavor?"
Gao Gao reiterated what Dabao and Erbao ate. As he looked at the ordinary egg custard in front of him, there was absolutely no comparison. The difference was striking. "This is really different."
"Then go to school tomorrow and ask them how they made it. We can try again when you come back."
Jiang Yuexiang rolled her eyes and said, "How can he have the audacity to ask others? He bullied their child the day before yesterday and had conflicts with the other parents. Although the matter is finally resolved, it's not so easy to ask for help."
Upon hearing this, Gao Gao felt a tinge of regret in his heart. If he had known that Dabao and Erbao's second aunt could make such delicious food, he would never have bullied them, no matter how mischievous he was. Now, he had put himself in an awkward position and couldn't find a solution.
"What should I do now? I really want to eat it." The gluttony within him started to itch, making him restless.
"If you first establish a good relationship with other children, then I'll naturally tell you," Jiang Yuexiang suggested.
"Well, it seems like that's the only way." Gao Gao sighed. When did he become so humble that he was willing to lower his head just for a taste?
Jiang Yuexiang remembered when she met the parents of the Shen family that day. The other person seemed familiar, as if she had seen that face before. However, she couldn't recall it at the moment. She also couldn't understand why Gao Gao was so eager to have the same food as Dabao and Erbao.
The next day, Gao Gao eagerly waited for the lunch bell to ring, then followed the crowd of students from grades 1 to 5 to the cafeteria, carrying their own small lunch boxes.
Since Dabao and Erbao had enjoyed the jade dumplings the previous day, they had gained popularity in the small canteen. The students' attention was fixed on their lunch boxes. Like Gao Gao, other students had informed their parents about the green dumplings.
Some parents had never heard of them and didn't believe it at all. Some parents had heard about it but considered it too troublesome to make, as it involved dyeing the dough with vegetable juice, and they perceived their children's request as unreasonable.
However, there were a few parents who tried to make the dumplings to meet their children's demands. Unfortunately, the result was far from satisfying. The color of the dyed dough was uneven, and the dumpling skin still contained visible vegetable residues. The taste was generally unpalatable. These homemade emerald dumplings didn't match the ones in the children's imaginations.
Moreover, the parents felt that even if they made them, they wouldn't be as delicious as the ones Dabao and Erbao had.
That day, when Dabao and Erbao opened their lunch boxes, countless pairs of small eyes were once again fixed on them. However, instead of dumplings, their lunch boxes contained brightly colored noodles with scallion oil and a delicious-looking fried egg on top. There was also a glass of tomato juice.
The noodles were firm and emitted a particularly fragrant aroma of scallion oil. The scent seemed to travel for miles. Not to mention the small dining table, even the other eight children sitting there couldn't help but drool, enduring their cravings as they were watched by the teacher. If it weren't for the teacher's presence, they might have tried to snatch the food.
One child couldn't resist asking, "Dabao and Erbao, do you know how to make the green dumplings from yesterday? My mother made them for me too, but they didn't taste good at all. What's the reason?"
Gao Gao also perked up his ears and listened attentively. He wanted to show off to Dabao and Erbao, but with several classmates around, he felt embarrassed to ask such a question in public. However, when others asked, he paid great attention to the response, as it concerned the food their parents had attempted to replicate.
"Dabao and Erbao's second aunt made them, and we don't know how," Dabao replied.
"Can your second aunt tell us the recipe?" another child asked.
"Well, um... I'll go back and ask my second aunt first," Dabao replied, feeling lost as he was surrounded by classmates. They had grown accustomed to being isolated for a long time. It was the first time that so many classmates had approached them, speaking politely and seeking their advice. It felt unfamiliar but enjoyable.
Their happiness index suddenly soared [+5].
They still remembered when they had just transferred to this school. Other students had called them names and kept their distance, refusing to play games with them. The two children had felt sad for a long time. They had never expected to get along so well with their classmates. Now, they could see hope for the future.
Chapter 9
Dabao and Erbao were just children, and their relationship with their classmates had not reached the level of revenge. So, they were just feeling awkward. However, they agreed to go home and ask their second aunt for the recipe to make jade dumplings.
Upon hearing the request from Dabao and Erbao's classmates, Chen Yuan didn't see any problem with it. In fact, if it could help them improve their interpersonal relationships and increase their happiness index, she was willing to assist. Thus, she agreed directly.
However, there was one condition. If parents wanted to learn, they could come directly to her house. For the sake of Dabao's parents, the tuition would be free for the first two days. After that, anyone who wanted to learn would be charged three yuan per week. Although it wasn't a significant amount, it could still feed a family for a long time with a few bags of noodles. The craft was simple yet practical. Chen Yuan didn't feel the need to provide free assistance.
Dabao and Erbao obediently nodded. The two children fully supported their second aunt's decision, as if it was only natural. They had learned from a young age that nothing comes for free. They didn't find anything wrong with the arrangement.
The news spread among the students the next day, causing a commotion in the school. Soon, their parents also learned about it. Most of them were taken aback upon hearing that it would cost money. They regarded it as a casual remark and didn't take it seriously. Now that there was a charge, they didn't want to participate. Three yuan wasn't a trivial amount. It could buy two or three pounds of pork, which would be enough to feed a family for several days. The cost of food was more worthwhile than learning to make those supposedly useless dumplings.
No matter how much their children protested and described the delicious food made by Dabao and Erbao, the parents remained adamant about not sending their children to school. They believed that their children were just fascinated for a couple of days. The parents of Shen's children were probably just caught up in the moment. After some time, the fascination would fade away, and everything would return to normal. In this day and age, it was impossible for a family to cook delicious food every day.
There were a few parents who were interested in attending. After all, the first two days were free. Jiang Yuexiang, in particular, was tired of her son's constant nagging. She had recently caused trouble with others, so it would be embarrassing to face them again.
Being conscious of saving face, Jiang Yuexiang felt reluctant to go alone. She wondered if there were other parents who felt the same way. Coincidentally, she met three or four neighbors on the way to pick up their children after school. She thought of asking if they were interested in sending their children to Gao Gao's school the next day.
Jiang Yuexiang returned home with a few parents. She recognized them—they were all military family members in the compound. Sister-in-law Wu, two years older than her, had a husband one rank higher than Jiang Yuexiang's husband. This year, their family had a daughter in second grade who happened to be Gao Gao's classmate.
Compared to other military sisters-in-law, the two families were more familiar with each other. Thus, Jiang Yuexiang took the initiative to ask Sister-in-law Wu, "Did your children tell you? There are two students in their school. Their parents bring rice and make green dumplings called jade dumplings. The children asked if they could learn, and the other parents agreed to teach them as long as they go to learn."
Sister-in-law Wu helplessly replied, "I also heard about it from my daughter. She asked me to make them for her every day. Unfortunately, I'm not skilled enough, so it became a problem for me."
Before Jiang Yuexiang could reply, Sister-in-law Li interjected, "I won't learn that. Aren't those two children the orphans of the eldest son in the Shen family? Didn't their mother pass away and leave them in the Shen family? The person who makes the dumplings is Shen Huai's newly-wed wife."
Sister-in-law Cui suddenly recalled, "I heard a comrade from the Women's Federation saying that Chen Yuan wasn't originally from Wu City. She came from the countryside and married Shen Huai not long ago. She saw that Shen Huai had a good social standing and was from the city, so she wanted to marry into a higher social class."
Upon hearing this, several other parents chimed in, "So that's how it is. It's unnecessary to charge for such a common method of making dumplings. It's a waste of money. People who haven't seen the world are really terrifying."
"You're right. People from small places are petty, and they attach great importance to every penny. They are probably poor and worried, lacking manners. She found a man with good conditions. It's a big bargain for her. If Deputy Shen's family didn't have a few small children, our daughters in Wucheng wouldn't be lining up to marry him."
"It's such a pity for Shen Huai. He has such good conditions. He should have chosen a girl from a wealthy family who has a job in the city. There are teachers, civil servants, and college students available for blind dates. There are all kinds of girls, but he has so many children in the family. It drags him down, and now he's married to a rural woman."
"A rustic rural girl like her can't have any outstanding skills. Just think about it. She probably hasn't seen as much of the world as we have."
"Yes, I don't believe these dumplings are anything special. It's probably just a trick because the child had never seen them before. We adults don't need to be fooled by it."
"Well then, let's just ignore her. We can treat it as a joke. Even if it's charged, we won't go."
"You're right. No matter what troubles her family faces, we won't be swayed. Let's keep our distance from that daughter-in-law. It's not worth getting too close. We'll end up feeling like we've lost out."
Jiang Yuexiang didn't dare to say a word. She had only wanted to go and didn't expect there to be so many twists and turns. She had seen Chen Yuan, and although her words were quite straightforward, she didn't give the impression of being petty, as others had claimed. It seemed that the rumors were false, and she didn't know who had spread them.
As for Chen Yuan's background, where she came from, the people gossiping about it had ill intentions. What was wrong with coming from the countryside? It seemed that none of them had ever lived in rural areas before. Maybe even three generations of their families were peasants. They looked down on rural people, but it wasn't amusing.
When they were about to reach the compound, several parents went their separate ways. Only Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu lived relatively close to each other. It was only when Jiang Yuexiang regained her senses that she heard Sister Wu pause for a moment before suggesting, "Why don't we go and see if we have time? I still don't think I can trust them just by listening."
Jiang Yuexiang's eyes suddenly lit up upon hearing this.
"Sister Wu, I'll follow your lead."
—
Chen Yuan wasn't a local of Wucheng. After the parents of the students heard about it, they looked down on the method of making jade dumplings. They praised and criticized the other side for no reason, even associating the green dumplings with a small, remote place. In short, these people firmly believed that jade dumplings couldn't be anything special. They believed that no matter how nice the name sounded, a pheasant couldn't become a phoenix. They warned their children to stay away from Dabao and Erbao, fearing a negative influence on their children.
However, what they didn't expect was that the jade dumplings were just the beginning. Every day, Dabao and Erbao brought different meals to school. The recipes varied but were always nutritionally balanced and diverse. The next day, they opened their lunch boxes to reveal fried crispy golden eggplant parcels. The eggplant parcels were perfectly shaped and filled with shiitake mushrooms.
As Dabao took a bite, the oil filled his mouth. He licked his lips and continued to eat the next one. The freshness of the mushrooms and the richness of the meat filling blended perfectly, while the eggplant shell provided a satisfying crunch. The taste was heavenly.
Erbao's meal consisted of celery powder mixed with soy sauce, refreshing blanched celery, and a sweet and sour cold noodle salad. The flavors complemented the eggplant parcels, providing a light and refreshing contrast. The two children thoroughly enjoyed their meal.
Gao Gao sat at the adjacent table, tears streaming down the corners of his mouth in frustration. It was torture.
In the following days, Dabao and Erbao brought layered savory pancakes, steamed buns with brown sugar and honey, sweet red bean and red date cakes, tofu and mushroom-stuffed dumplings, and various other extravagant delicacies.
There was one unforgettable time when Dabao and Erbao's aunt made braised pork using winter melon and bean skin. The pork had a rosy color and a taste so similar to meat that one could easily mistake it for the real thing. For children who loved meat, it was an irresistible treat.
After such a continuous bombardment of delicious food, not only could the children not resist, but even the teachers at the school wanted to visit Dabao and Erbao's house. They were curious how one parent could make such a variety of dishes with such style.
The parents of the children were constantly nagged by their own children, suffering from daily headaches. The children were relentless. As soon as school was over, they would return home and recite nothing but food. Food was more reliable to them than any book knowledge. In the past, they had missed out on delicious food every day, but now they couldn't stop their cravings. It was too late to realize their mistake.
Chapter 10
Although the families are not very wealthy these days, they haven't reached the point where they can't afford to eat. Therefore, the children desire better food. This cannot be called luxury. At most, it is human nature. To describe it, the curiosity in their hearts is like weeds, and it has already grown wild.
Those parents who made sarcastic remarks at the beginning realized that they were wrong and started regretting it in their hearts. They found themselves in a difficult situation. When they said they wouldn't learn jade dumplings even if they were paid, they wouldn't go even if they were forced.
There are also some arrogant parents, especially those with a slightly higher status, who can't even show their faces. They have to humble themselves and beg the little rural daughter-in-law. They put on a fake smile and endure their own child's troublesome behavior every day. It's really annoying to hear them constantly talking about the food menu of Dabao and Erbao when they have nothing else to do. This situation is not uncommon.
However, Gao Gao couldn't bear the high temperature anymore in the past two days. His originally round body has lost several kilograms, and he doesn't have the same strength as before. He used to be able to eat two bowls of rice without any problem, but now he can't even finish one. Nothing tastes good anymore.
I feel sorry for Grandma Gao. Who would have thought that this matter would have such a great impact on her grandson? Whether people are willing to teach or not is a different matter. Both the grandparents and grandchildren are anxious and angry.
Jiang Yuexiang blinked her eyes and didn't explain what she had been doing these two days. Instead, she whispered to Gao Gao, "If I go and learn the dumpling recipe, would you like to visit Dabao and Erbao's house with me? They live in harmony."
"Ah! I definitely want to. I even dreamt that I would never bully them again. I'm fine with being beaten by them twice as long as I can eat dumplings. But Mom, are you telling the truth?"
Gao Gao couldn't believe it because in his dreams, he was only thinking about what would be in his lunch box. He regretted it and felt upset for the past two days. He was almost lovesick. When he heard the news, he was overjoyed, but he could only eat in his dreams. He might be the only one who dreams about food like that. Every morning, he wakes up with his sheets soaked in saliva.
On Chen Yuan's side, since she released the news, no parents came to visit on the first day, and she was quite happy. But on the second day, which was the last day of the free trial, Jiang Yuexiang and another middle-aged woman, Sister Wu, came to her door.
When the two arrived, they were carrying bags of different sizes, including milk powder, malt extract, and various foods for Chen Yuan. They also apologized for what happened before. They even brought the ingredients for making dumplings, including white flour and vegetables. Although the first two days were free, they felt embarrassed to continue learning without paying. They said they were willing to pay the tuition fees, and Chen Yuan accepted the money happily without refusing.
Perhaps it was because Jiang Yuexiang had been in conflict. Even when she was studying the recipes, she still couldn't save face. She hesitated to explain it clearly. She was afraid that because her children had bullied Dabao and Erbao, the others would not be willing to teach her. However, after she apologized, the others didn't dwell on the past.
Chen Yuan didn't hide anything and explained all the precautions for making jade dumplings. The two women were also skilled in cooking, but their techniques were not as meticulous as Chen Yuan's. Chen Yuan's frying, cooking, and seasoning were precise down to the second. All the steps needed to be memorized in a notebook, otherwise the taste would deviate.
Jiang Yuexiang didn't expect things to go so smoothly. Chen Yuan agreed to teach her despite their previous conflicts. Compared to herself, who had been brooding for several days, afraid of being ridiculed, Chen Yuan seemed magnanimous. Thinking of the rumors and gossip surrounding Chen Yuan, Jiang Yuexiang frowned and suddenly said, "Sister, have you offended someone? Do you know what the rumors are saying about you?"
Chen Yuan shook her head, "I don't know." She never cared much about such things. As for offending people, there was no one other than the Shen family.
Seeing that Chen Yuan didn't care at all, Jiang Yuexiang said with concern, "You should be cautious. Many parents have heard about your recipe, and they don't think it's worth paying for. They want to boycott you together."
Sister-in-law Wu sneered, "What's the use of their boycott? Sister Chen's recipe is good. No matter who comes, they will have nothing to say. If they don't learn it, it's their loss. They'll regret it later."
After learning from Chen Yuan, Sister-in-law Wu was convinced that the dumpling recipe was truly remarkable. Of course, those who didn't know its value couldn't see it. Some recipes can only shine in the hands of intelligent people.
"That being said, I don't know how these rumors spread, and they even involve Chen Yuan's personal affairs. It's really annoying."
Chen Yuan raised her eyebrows upon hearing this. They were even discussing the original owner's personal matters. According to the original text in the novel, the original owner was looked down upon by city dwellers because her family came from the countryside. She felt that she was being judged with strange eyes, and she knew too much about the gossip that circulated.
But no, these rumors would hurt the original owner, but what effect could they have on an emotionless system? The rumors spread from other people's mouths. They say she's got some meat on her bones, but it doesn't matter anyway.
"Sister Jiang, Sister Wu, you don't need to worry. They can say whatever they like. My main focus now is to teach the two of you. As long as you learn, I'll be very happy."
Chen Yuan's system usually comes with a certain level of formality and politeness that comes with being a machine. Although she has adjusted her language now, her tone still sounds polite. It's a model she developed from her previous experience serving her employer's family. She accepted the tuition fees and gifts from the two women, and she felt obligated to teach them the recipes to the best of her ability.
However, when Jiang Yuexiang and Sister Wu heard these words, they felt sincerity, especially Sister Wu. She genuinely believed that Chen Yuan was being wronged. Chen Yuan was such a good person, and she couldn't let those gossiping people bully her. The two made up their minds to study hard and let others envy and be jealous.
The two made rapid progress, especially Sister Wu. After studying for two days, she decided to have her younger brother, Wu Xiang, learn the dumpling recipe for three yuan.
Wu Xiang runs a restaurant and is the owner and chef. The restaurant's main dishes include boxed lunches, stir-fried vegetables, and various types of pasta. The business is average, as there are many people opening restaurants in the city due to the reform and opening up. The daily foot traffic can reach over 10,000.
Competition in the catering industry is fierce. Taste is the most important factor, and Wu Xiang believes that his cooking is good. He can at least score seven or eight points in the industry and maintain a steady business. But this approach is not sustainable. It's easy to be eliminated.
When Wu Xiang got home, he heard his niece talking about the jade dumplings she had eaten at school. The dumplings were fresh and had a unique appearance. He was intrigued. Such novelty would attract customers to order at the restaurant out of curiosity.
Wu Xiang firmly believed that if the taste was good, jade dumplings could make money. And since no one else had discovered the potential of this dish, he could be the first to profit from it.
So Wu Xiang decided to take time off from the restaurant every day and study with Chen Yuan, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Wu. After learning, he would come back and introduce jade dumplings to the restaurant. Although the method was simple, attention to detail was crucial. If they didn't strictly follow the recipe, the taste would vary greatly.
Meanwhile, Gao Gao came to accompany his mother for a pleasant learning experience but ended up working as a free laborer. To learn the dumpling recipe, he had to grind vegetables into juice using a small stone mill. He became the helper of Dabao and Erbao, the ones pushing the stone and grinding the vegetables.
Despite the hard work, they eventually enjoyed a hot dumpling dinner in the evening. They even packed some dumplings for Gao Gao's father and his grandmother. The taste was heavenly. The food they made with their own efforts was especially rewarding.
After a week of study, Wu Xiang's wife began to resent him a little for spending three yuan. She thought that if he couldn't make any money, it would all be wasted effort. It was taking time away from the restaurant's business, and the disadvantages outweighed the benefits.
However, what she didn't expect was that once the restaurant launched the vibrant green jade dumplings, business quickly boomed. Even the ones with less meat sold out within half a day.
The next day, due to the successful sales, Wu Xiang decided to prepare 500 servings of raw materials for jade dumplings. He was worried about selling out, but to his surprise, there was a long queue outside the restaurant when it opened. The speed at which they sold was astonishing. These 500 servings sold out just as quickly as the previous day's 100 servings.
Upon hearing this, Wu Xiang's wife, Sister-in-law Wu, was surprised and burst into laughter. It turned out that the jade dumplings were a golden opportunity to make money. If they continued like this, they could dominate the restaurant business in the entire district, surpassing their rivals. It wouldn't be a problem to take over their businesses.
However, Wu Xiang wasn't carried away by this success. He was well aware that anyone could learn this recipe and replicate his success. Once others found out that he learned from Teacher Chen, they could also pay three yuan and learn from Chen for a week. Then they could sell jade dumplings just like him. As the market became saturated and prices dropped, he wouldn't have any advantage left.
Feeling a sense of urgency, Wu Xiang decided that the only solution was to continue paying and studying with Chen Yuan. He paid for the entire month's tuition in advance, hoping to learn more new recipes from Chen Yuan.
Upon hearing his thoughts, Chen Yuan sincerely suggested that he could become a VIP member. The weekly tuition fee of 10 yuan might seem more expensive than the ordinary students, but what he would learn would be completely different from them. Even if others came to learn, they would only learn a fraction of what VIP customers learned. VIP customers would always be ahead of them.
If Chen Yuan had suggested the VIP option from the beginning, Wu Xiang would have hesitated for a long time. Ten yuan per week and forty yuan per month was equivalent to a month's salary for a skilled worker. It was a significant amount of money for a family's living expenses, and it would be difficult to part with it.
But now that he had tasted the sweetness of making money, what was this investment? If the restaurant business continued to thrive, he would quickly earn it back. So Wu Xiang didn't hesitate to pay for a month's VIP tuition.