Let's split the story into two parts.
On one side, Zhao Guihua and her group have already returned home. On the other side, Zhuang Zhixi didn't get off the bus with his dad but instead got off at the hospital stop. Fortunately, many people from the countryside come to the city for medical treatment, so there is a bus stop right at the hospital entrance.
Zhuang Zhixi initially thought of having the sister at their clinic take a look at the snake, but then reconsidered, thinking it wasn't necessary. After all, the hospital isn't a private business; it can't possibly cheat people. If it did, it wouldn't be able to operate.
Zhuang Zhixi went straight to the hospital. Carrying a large basket on his back with a giant snake inside, he felt his scalp tingling all over. But he had to tough it out. Besides the tingling sensation, the load was really heavy.
He went straight to the office, knocked on the door. Hospitals operate every day, so there's always someone on duty, even on weekends. Old Jiang, who usually deals with Zhuang Zhixi, opened the door and was stunned. He had never seen Zhuang Zhixi in such a state before.
You see, this young man is always well-groomed, and every time he comes, the young nurses sneak glances at him. Old Jiang jokingly asked, "Where have you been? Did you go to the countryside or collect scrap?"
He joked, and Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Yeah, I just got back. Old Jiang, I have a snake here. Do you think the hospital would buy it?"
Old Jiang was puzzled, "Why bring a snake to the hospital? You should sell it to a collector or eat it yourself."
As soon as he said that, he realized, "You think it's poisonous?"
If it's a venomous snake, they would definitely buy it since they have connections with pharmaceutical companies. He quickly became serious, "Show me what it looks like."
He continued, "Why is the basket so big..."
"Don't be startled, it's a big snake. That's why I'm so exhausted," Zhuang Zhixi warned, not wanting Old Jiang, who is close to fifty, to be scared if he suddenly saw it.
Old Jiang: "A big snake? You're not going to tell me there are many inside, are you?"
Zhuang Zhixi nodded, "Just one, in the whole basket."
"Holy crap!"
Seeing Zhuang Zhixi's serious expression, Old Jiang cautiously lifted the straw mat on top. Immediately, he exclaimed in Chinese, "Holy crap, holy crap, I... this..."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Didn't I tell you?"
He wiped his face and said, "I was almost scared to death. I thought it might eat me."
Old Jiang looked at Zhuang Zhixi in shock, now with a bit of respect, "Zhuang, you're amazing. You killed it? I didn't expect that."
Zhuang Zhixi, who really wanted to boast, quickly waved his hand, "No, it wasn't me!"
"Not you?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Well, it was..." He paused, then said, "It was my mom!"
He had intended to say it was his wife, but at the last moment, he changed his mind. If he said it was his wife, people might gossip that she's a tigress. He knew how people could talk.
He explained, "My mom and I went fishing, and this thing chased me. My mom saved me and accidentally killed it."
"Your mother is truly a remarkable person."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Not really, she's just an ordinary housewife. But when her handsome, charming, and considerate son was in danger, a mother would naturally unleash all her power."
Old Jiang twitched his mouth, "You don't have to boast about yourself while talking."
Zhuang Zhixi: "You see, telling the truth isn't appreciated. Anyway, will you buy it?"
Old Jiang: "Wait a moment, I'll go call Shifang, the one in charge of acquisitions."
"Okay."
Zhuang Zhixi brought the basket into the office and waited. He hadn't rested for long when he heard hurried footsteps. Shifang, as Old Jiang mentioned, quickly arrived. Zhuang Zhixi didn't know Shifang personally but was familiar with his face, as they were in the same line of work.
Shifang was a man in his forties, not the typical scholarly type one would expect from a doctor. He had a crew cut, small, slanted eyes, and a fierce look. A scar on his brow made him appear even more menacing. If he stopped someone on the street to ask for directions, they might think he was a robber.
Zhuang Zhixi quickly smiled and said, "Brother Shifang, take a look. I'm not sure if it's poisonous. If it's just a well-fed snake, I'll take it to the collector for a meal. If it's poisonous, I'll see if the hospital wants it. It's my contribution to the hospital."
Old Jiang raised an eyebrow and smiled. The kid was good at making himself look good, even when trying to make some money.
Shifang gruffly said, "Let me see."
He looked down and immediately exclaimed, "Holy crap, the snake's head is smashed to bits."
Zhuang Zhixi: "I was scared out of my wits. I had to make sure it was dead before I could put it in the basket."
Shifang glanced back at Zhuang Zhixi, "You didn't kill it, did you?"
Zhuang Zhixi laughed, "Good eye. I didn't. But I did smash its head."
"I can see that."
Shifang looked at the snake for a while and sighed deeply.
Zhuang Zhixi: "???"
Old Jiang: "???"
Why the sigh? Is it poisonous or not? The price is different depending on that.
Zhuang Zhixi eagerly looked at Shifang, waiting for his verdict. Shifang sighed and said, "It would have been better if you hadn't smashed its head. It's a pity."
Zhuang Zhixi quickly asked, "Does it affect the price... I mean, its value as a snake?"
Shifang sighed again, "No, but it affects its appearance."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
Screw the appearance!
It wasn't pretty even when it was intact.
He put on a smile and asked, "So, is it..."
Shifang: "You're lucky and also very fortunate. It's a venomous snake."
He didn't mind at all and dumped the entire snake out. Zhuang Zhixi, who had already seen it, still felt a shiver, and Old Jiang, who was standing behind Zhuang Zhixi, exclaimed, "Holy crap!"
The snake lay on the floor, huge and intimidating.
Shifang: "Old Jiang, you're too timid. It's dead, what's there to be afraid of?"
Old Jiang: "It's not about it being dead or alive. It just looks creepy. Who knows how it grew so big."
He looked more and more uncomfortable and said, "Why are you messing around on the floor of my office? It's disrespectful."
Shifang: "Are you still a man? Why so many complaints? This is a good find. Wait, I'll go get the boss!"
He dashed out quickly, clearly excited about the find. Zhuang Zhixi watched Shifang's retreating figure and said, "Brother Shifang is really energetic."
Old Jiang looked at Zhuang Zhixi strangely and suddenly asked in a high-pitched voice, "Brother Shifang... uncle? How old do you think he is?"
After a pause, he added, "You little rascal, calling him Brother Shifang to his face and Uncle Shifang behind his back."
Zhuang Zhixi immediately said, "A slip of the tongue, really."
Old Jiang: "You haven't said how old he is."
Zhuang Zhixi thought for a moment. The man looked over forty, but probably not that old, or Old Jiang wouldn't have asked. He decided, "About thirty."
He was good at telling white lies, cutting off over a decade. He smiled innocently, "I really just misspoke, Old Jiang, you misunderstood me."
Old Jiang: "..."
He scolded, "You little rascal, always fooling people."
Zhuang Zhixi smiled innocently, really innocent.
However, even so, Old Jiang patted Zhuang Zhixi on the shoulder and said, "Kid, let me tell you, you guessed wrong. Shifang is twenty-eight this year."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Holy crap."
Seeing his shocked expression, Old Jiang burst out laughing and said, "Never expected, right? Shifang is really not that old. He's worthy of being called an elder brother. It's just that he looks more mature."
Zhuang Zhixi thought to himself that he was too mature, but still nodded and said, "That's true, but men, it's all about ability. Who needs to look at their face? It's not like we're being kept by someone, right?"
Old Jiang: "..."
You, a fair and handsome young man, saying that looks don't matter, really lacks credibility.
Old Jiang: "Heh."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Look at you, smirking at me like that. What I'm saying is all true. But I really didn't expect Brother Shifang to be so young. I remember he's in charge of acquisitions, right? To be in charge at such a young age, he's really accomplished. Actually, it wasn't because of his looks; I just thought that since he could reach a leadership position, he must be quite old. I didn't expect him to be truly young and talented."
Old Jiang: "Well, it's mainly because of his looks. He benefits from his appearance. You don't know, the higher-ups arrange for hospitals at our level to have an acquisition point, specifically for buying ginseng, glossy ganoderma, pilose antler, snake gallbladders, and other rare items. But such things are naturally scarce, and it's hard for this department to make achievements. A bit capable and experienced person wouldn't want to go there. And you know, the kind of people who come to sell these things to the hospital aren't easy to deal with. I heard they even encountered someone selling tiger bones. Can you imagine, daring to mess with tigers, what kind of people are they? If they put someone like me in charge there, I'd be bullied in no time. They need someone fierce. He's been there from the start, and after two years, his boss quickly packed up and left, and he took over. He naturally looks fierce, doesn't talk much, and has a bad temper. He's truly suited for the job."
Zhuang Zhixi: "..."
He said, "Aren't tigers protected animals?"
"Yes, I'm talking about old times, many years ago."
Zhuang Zhixi deeply felt that hospitals have it tough. They encounter people like Zhou Lishi who throw tantrums, and then there are those fierce ones who dare to sell tiger bones. It's really, very tough.
As the two were chatting, Shifang brought in another leader, saying, "Look, this one, just died not long ago. Let's handle it quickly; it's a good item. I've decided to allocate the good parts, and the meat can be added to the cafeteria's menu."
"Ah???"
Before Zhuang Zhixi could speak, Old Jiang exclaimed, "Can this thing be eaten? It's grown so big, is it safe to eat? Who knows what it's eaten?"
"Don't eat it then," Shifang replied directly, then looked at the vice-president of the hospital, who said, "Really good, very good indeed. It's a fine item."
"Alright, Xiao Zhuang, Zhuang Zhixi, right? Leave the snake here, I'll come back to pack it up. Follow me downstairs to get the receipt; our hospital is buying it." Shifang waved his hand and said, "Come with me."
Zhuang Zhixi: "My backpack, my knife..."
"I'll return them to you later!"
Shifang led Zhuang Zhixi downstairs to get the receipt, saying, "Keep this receipt well; it's proof of the origin of your goods. If you lose it, you can come to us to get a replacement. But generally, if you don't go crazy buying this and that, no one will know you have money. We're buying the whole snake, including the gall, venom, skin, and body, for three hundred yuan. The acquisition standards are posted on the wall; go take a look yourself."
Zhuang Zhixi: "I understand."
He often comes here, even though he hasn't been to this department, he's familiar with the process. These things aren't arbitrarily set; there are standards to follow.
"This one falls under the 'extra-large' category; there isn't anything bigger than it. Generally, we consider snakes over fifty pounds to be extra-large. This one, I could tell just by feeling it, weighs over a hundred pounds. I'll give you two extra tickets as a bonus." He paused, then looked up, "No one else gets this; we're all in the same system, so it's a special favor for you. But next time, if you encounter something like this again, don't smash its head so badly. It really holds things up."
Zhuang Zhixi sincerely said, "I hope I never encounter something like this again; I was scared to death. This time I was lucky; next time, who knows."
Shifang twitched his mouth and said, "Let me see what tickets I can get for you."
Zhuang Zhixi immediately asked, "Do you have a knife ticket? My knife, after cutting this thing, I don't dare to use it at home anymore."
He forced a smile and said, "My mom is even yelling at me to replace the knife."
Shifang twitched again but nodded and said, "That's doable. Wait here while I go upstairs to get the leader's signature."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright."
Normally, acquisitions, especially of ordinary herbs, aren't this complicated. But for large items or precious things like ginseng, which have high prices, multiple signatures are needed. Don't think that Old Jiang said people selling things here are hard to deal with. In fact, besides acquiring these rare medicinal items, they also buy a lot of herbs. If they only waited for good items, there wouldn't be that many good items. So, actually, the bulk of their work is acquiring herbs.
The work here is quite tedious.
Zhuang Zhixi sat in this office, looking around. The office was in a corner to the right after entering the main gate, with the toilet just ahead. Anyone going to the toilet on the first floor would pass by here. The front had a glass window, but it wasn't fully covered; there was a gap of about thirty centimeters at the bottom, convenient for people to hand things in.
The glass window was painted red with the words: Acquisition, Herbs.
Two words on each side.
Zhuang Zhixi sat in the office, watching people coming and going to the toilet outside, thinking that the department being placed in this position might not be due to a lack of importance, but rather because it was more conspicuous.
Although it wasn't as prominent as the entrance hall, anyone going to the toilet would definitely see it, making it easy to find. They might think the layout is simple, but not everyone does. Some from the countryside might find the environment complex and hard to navigate.
He lowered his eyes, and just then, he heard a familiar voice. It was Uncle Bai, surprisingly.
Uncle Bai: "Wang Xiangxiu, you took my salary, why didn't you give it to me?"
Zhuang Zhixi immediately perked up his ears. He was there on payday and saw Wang Xiangxiu do that. He guessed she wanted to keep it for herself, but he didn't expect Uncle Bai to confront her. In his view, Uncle Bai was just a lapdog for the Su family, how could he dare to ask for money from them?
But to his surprise, Uncle Bai's tone was quite firm when facing Wang Xiangxiu. But why did these two come here? The wards aren't on the third floor?
"Even if you avoid me, it's no use. You have to give me the money. If you don't, I'll go to the factory leaders. Not just my money, but also Bai Fendou's money, not a penny less. You have no relation to my family; how can you take my salary for me?"
Uncle Bai continued, his tone very unfriendly, showing his dissatisfaction with Wang Xiangxiu.
Zhuang Zhixi raised his eyebrows again, quietly shrinking into the corner. Though he was in the office, he didn't want to be seen, as it would interfere with his eavesdropping on the gossip.
Wang Xiangxiu looked pitiful: "Uncle Bai, this is because Bai Fendou is hospitalized, and he can't go to the unit to collect his salary. I thought about how everyone is in the hospital, so I might as well help out and collect it. It was when someone asked if I wanted to collect yours too, that I did. But then I came to the hospital to see my mother-in-law, and I didn't have time to give it to you. You really misunderstood me. Besides, I thought since you're also going to pay for my mother-in-law's expenses and buy her food, it doesn't matter if the money is with you or with me. As a daughter-in-law, I understand my mother-in-law's tastes better, and it would be more suitable for me to buy them. Don't you think so?"
Uncle Bai's face was stern: "You buy and spend with your own money! How is it that you spend my money, and I have to thank you for your kindness? Do you think that's possible? Don't do this again in the future, or I'll have to have a serious talk with the cashier. Everything has its place; the money being with you and with me is not the same. If you have filial piety, you should buy something nice for your mother-in-law yourself. How hard is her life? She dedicates herself entirely to you all, not sparing a bite to eat or a sip to drink for herself, even when hospitalized, she's thinking of you. For you, for the children, she's willing to give everything. Now that she's in the hospital, do you have no expression of concern? Wang Xiangxiu, one cannot behave like this. Is this how a daughter-in-law should act? Do you know why I came downstairs to intercept you? It's to talk some sense into you. Even if you hadn't collected my salary this time, I still had to talk to you. You, this little daughter-in-law, cannot be so selfish in your actions."
Wang Xiangxiu looked incredulously at Uncle Bai; where was her selfishness? She was wholeheartedly dedicated to this family. The Su family was supported by her; how could she be selfish?
"Uncle Bai, if you're going to say that, I don't want to hear it. I have the heavens and earth as my witness for my care for my mother-in-law. I know you think I'm stingy with money, but Uncle Bai, think about my salary. How much do I earn a month? How many people are in my family? How many boys are there, all with big appetites. How hard is my life? I..."
She started to tear up: "Is it easy for me?"
"Crying won't help; crying means you're guilty," Uncle Bai said sternly.
Zhuang Zhixi was in the office, thinking, "I didn't expect Uncle Bai to not fall for this. Indeed, Uncle Bai only stumbles over Aunt Su; others, no way!"
Even Wang Xiangxiu, this little daughter-in-law, couldn't sway him.
This love is truly touching, deep and profound!
As Shifang entered, he saw Zhuang Zhixi almost hanging on the wall, leaning sideways: "You..."
He was puzzled; what was this about?
Zhuang Zhixi: "Shh."
Shifang: "???"
He quietly sat down, and Zhuang Zhixi whispered, "That's my neighbor outside."
Shifang peeked out and saw an old man and a plump young woman. He blinked, imagining a tale of love and hatred, and silently perked up his ears. It's human nature to watch a spectacle.
"Your mother-in-law and I are deeply in love. All these years, we couldn't be together entirely for your sake. Your mother-in-law said she couldn't bear to leave you all, nor could she bear to let me shoulder the burden of supporting so many people unrelated to me. I feel sad, but I know she's doing it for my good. But look at you, when your mother-in-law was in trouble, you didn't rush to see her; when she was hospitalized, you didn't make her some good food to nourish her; today, you even brought the children here. Are you reasonable? Do you dare say you're not selfish? Do you dare say your life is hard, but that doesn't mean you can be heartless? Wang Xiangxiu, if you had even a tenth of your mother-in-law's virtues, I wouldn't despise you so much."
Uncle Bai was truly heartbroken. How could such a good woman like Aunt Su have such a daughter-in-law?
Wang Xiangxiu was trembling with anger. This shameless old man, what nonsense is he spouting about being in love? Her mother-in-law would never look at such a scoundrel. Good women don't enter two households. Do they really think their relationship is love?
They're all after the money!
If it weren't for wanting the children to live better, who would look at them!
Wang Xiangxiu: "Uncle Bai, you've really misunderstood me, I..."
"Don't give me that nonsense. Now, hand over my salary and Bai Fendou's salary! I'm telling you, don't think I'm joking. Next time you collect my salary, I won't be polite!"
Wang Xiangxiu was furious, she stuttered: "I didn't bring the money..."
"Then go home and get it now. You must return it to me. Wang Xiangxiu, don't think I'm just saying it. If you do this again, I'll go to the factory!"
Wang Xiangxiu realized that Uncle Bai wasn't falling for her act and seemed to have some disdain for her. She took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I'll go home and get it for you, but Bai Fendou's..."
"You must hand it over! He's my son, not your man. You, a shameless woman, have some self-respect! If you don't give it, I won't be polite! I don't believe Bai Fendou would dare not recognize me as his father for your sake!"
Wang Xiangxiu's face turned red with anger, and tears streamed down her face: "You, you're too much!"
She stomped her foot and turned to leave.
Uncle Bai: "Return the money!!!"
He chased after her...
Zhuang Zhixi watched with lingering interest and sighed: "Is that it?"
Shifang: "..."
He silently handed over a voucher for a kitchen knife and three hundred yuan: "Count it."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Okay."
They quickly settled the accounts. Shifang, seeing him pocket the money, couldn't help but ask, "Were those two not a family?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Two bachelors, father and son, chasing after two widows, mother and daughter-in-law. The young widow took the money of the two bachelors, and the old bachelor isn't having it. I'm just watching the drama."
In just a few words, the content was rich.
Shifang pondered seriously and said, "Then, one of them is bound to fail. If the old one succeeds, the young one can't be together as relatives; if the young one succeeds, the old one can't be together as relatives either."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Uh... Ah, right!"
That's true. Although they seem unrelated, if the two older ones get together, Wang Xiangxiu's husband would be Uncle Bai's stepson. Even though he's gone, Bai Fendou would be considered a brother to him. Is it appropriate for the younger brother to marry his stepbrother's widow? Even in the countryside, such things aren't well-regarded nowadays.
If Bai Fendou and Wang Xiangxiu get together, then Uncle Bai and Wang Xiangxiu's mother-in-law, Aunt Su, getting together wouldn't sound good either. Bringing her mother-in-law to marry her current father-in-law after remarrying? That would invite gossip.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow, it really is. They've been entangled together so much that we're used to it and don't feel it's too much. But if you think about it normally, the relationship is quite complicated. But I don't think they'll make it."
Although the Bai father and son both want to succeed, it's clear that the Su mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are just looking for a meal ticket.
Marrying for real? Probably not.
"So complicated."
"So complicated."
Rarely, two men both expressed such sentiments.
Shifang: "Alright, hurry up and go upstairs to get your kitchen knife and basket."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Alright, I'm leaving, goodbye."
Shifang waved, propping his chin and looking forward to dinner tonight. The cafeteria's dinner today has snake meat, not bad at all. Although they received the whole snake, the meat is the least useful part. They want the snake skin, venom, gall, and other parts, just not the meat.
They buy like this, and the meat is practically a bonus. They keep it for themselves to eat. Even though it's venomous, they aren't worried and can handle it normally. It's a small matter. Shifang thought of the delicious snake soup and swallowed his saliva.
Old Jiang was also swallowing saliva.
Zhuang Zhixi retrieved his kitchen knife and basket, seeing Old Jiang also looking forward to the delicious snake soup. He murmured, "You really don't mean what you say. You were just now complaining."
Old Jiang: "It looks scary, but thinking of the snake soup, it seems delicious. We're also doing good by eliminating it, aren't we? It must have eaten many small animals to grow so big. I have to teach it a lesson."
Zhuang Zhixi: "…As long as you're happy."
He won't eat it, he absolutely won't.
At first, Zhuang Zhixi thought this thing could be eaten, but after three seconds, seeing the snake and thinking about how it might have eaten people, he felt so disgusted that he couldn't eat a single bite. So even if it sounded delicious or smelled good, he wouldn't.
Absolutely not!
Zhuang Zhixi quickly left the hospital. This trip was quite fruitful; not only did he sell the snake, but he also witnessed a gossip.
Who would have thought that Old Man Bai is so heartless! He didn't even spare a kind word for Wang Xiangxiu.
Zhuang Zhixi muttered as he headed to the supply cooperative. He needed to buy a kitchen knife, no matter what. Otherwise, there would be nothing to use at home. Fortunately, the hospital provided him with a kitchen knife coupon; otherwise, he would have had to rush to the black market to get one.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Comrade, I need a kitchen knife, this model."
"Six yuan, one coupon."
Zhuang Zhixi quickly handed over the prepared money. Just as he finished buying, he turned around and saw someone he knew. You know, people are really… you can run into familiar faces anywhere. Jiang Lu was at another counter, buying a pound of sesame cakes.
Then she moved to the malted milk powder counter.
Zhuang Zhixi was about to step forward to greet her when he saw Jiang Lu change her mind and quickly leave the supply cooperative, not knowing what she was up to. He shrugged, went out, and took the bus home. As the bus slowly moved, Zhuang Zhixi glanced out the window and saw Jiang Lu again. This time, she was with an old lady. The old lady looked somewhat familiar, like someone from their neighborhood, but they probably didn't live very close because he hadn't seen her much. The two of them were talking, and Jiang Lu's expression was very devout.
Zhuang Zhixi muttered: "I wonder what kind of folk remedy she's up to now…"
Just as he finished speaking, he saw Jiang Lu hand the sesame cakes to the old lady and give her a ten-yuan bill… Zhuang Zhixi's eyes were sharp; he immediately recognized it as a ten-yuan bill.
He let out a "tsk" sound, feeling a toothache.
He pondered, what's she up to, spending so much money?
If Jiang Lu was looking for folk remedies for having children, he didn't care, but recently, there have been many things happening in their front yard, so Zhuang Zhixi decided to go home and tell his mother to be cautious.
If she's dabbling in those folk remedies, it naturally has nothing to do with their family, but he's afraid she might have other intentions, so it's better to be more vigilant.
When Zhuang Zhixi got home, his older brother hadn't gotten off work yet. He worked at the train station, and their vacation schedules were different from the machinery factory. They often needed to work in shifts, so they didn't have fixed Sundays off.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, here you go, oh, the smell of blood, even wormwood can't cover it up."
They had just slaughtered four rabbits and a chicken, so of course, there was a smell.
But he quickly said: "The kitchen knife is with me, how did you slaughter them?"
Zhao Guihua: "I borrowed one from your Aunt Wang."
She also realized when she got home that the kitchen knife was stuck in the big snake, almost completely hidden, with only the handle exposed. They didn't have another knife. Zhao Guihua was delighted: "This new kitchen knife is great."
She stroked it with satisfaction and then immediately asked: "Where's the old one?"
Even though they had a new one, the old one was still needed.
Zhuang Zhixi: "In the basket."
Zhao Guihua nodded and said: "From now on, we'll use the new kitchen knife for cutting vegetables and cooking, and we'll clean the old one and keep it for chopping bones. I just can't bear to use the new one for that."
Zhuang Zhixi: "???"
Ming Mei: "????"
Old Man Zhuang: "???"
Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, didn't you say we wouldn't use the old one anymore? Didn't you dislike it?"
Zhao Guihua justified: "It's not like it's soaked in and can't be cleaned. Just wash it clean, right?"
Zhuang Zhixi: "……"
He felt like his mom had tricked him into buying a new kitchen knife.
Ming Mei couldn't help but laugh.
Zhao Guihua: "Oh, I asked you to buy a kitchen knife, and you were unwilling. Are you even a son? Do you have any sense of filial piety?"
Zhuang Zhixi quickly said: "Mom, I was just kidding, really, I wasn't unwilling… Oh, let me see, let me see our rabbits. What are we going to do with them? Why did you slaughter them all?"
This was a quick change of topic.
Zhao Guihua: "We can't eat them all at once, so we'll clean them up and eat them slowly."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Hmm, oh right, where's the big fish?"
He looked around, puzzled: "I didn't see it!"
Zhao Guihua: "I traded it with Li the Cook at the machinery factory for food. Li the Cook just took it away. He didn't even leave the turtle; if it weren't for my firm stance, he would have taken both. I traded one with him, and tonight we'll make turtle soup for you."
Zhuang Zhixi: "Mom, can we call it soft-shelled turtle soup? It's about to become our meal, so can we give it a nicer name for its final dignity?"
Zhao Guihua glanced at him and snorted, saying: "Pretentious."
Zhuang Zhixi: "……"
Look, he's misunderstood again, isn't he?
Indeed, people can't escape being misunderstood.
"Mom traded for fine grains, hehe," Ming Mei whispered to Zhuang Zhixi.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Nice one, Mom. You did a great job with this."
Zhao Guihua dug her ears and said: "I don't know if it's because I've been listening to Uncle Bai's words lately, but even when others speak normally, I feel like they're being sarcastic."
Zhuang Zhixi quickly protested, "Mom, for heaven's sake, I really wasn't being sarcastic. I was being completely sincere. You can't misunderstand me. It's so hard for me. I really think it's great, I'm not lying."
Zhao Guihua finally nodded and said: "I believe you."
She spoke with a hint of joy: "I traded for a bag of strong flour, a bag of corn flour, and half a bag of rice."
She showed her son, saying: "Look."
The flour and rice were both ten-jin bags, but the rice was only half a bag, while the corn flour was almost twenty jin. This trade depends on how you look at it. If it were decades later, the value would definitely be unequal. A fish over a meter long plus a turtle would certainly be more valuable than flour, rice, and corn flour. But in this era, such a trade was quite good.
To most people, they would think Zhao Guihua was taking advantage, as she traded for all staples, while the fish and turtle were not. It was just for a rare treat, so the pros and cons were clear.
It was also thanks to Li the Cook's efforts on Zhao Guihua's behalf.
One era speaks one era's language. For now, Zhao Guihua felt she was the winner.
They could also sell the fish in the black market, which would bring in more money, but it would be harder to buy so much strong flour in the black market. Don't underestimate ten jin; in this era, it's quite a lot to get all at once.
Zhao Guihua was still grateful for this favor. She said: "Li the Cook did a lot for our family this time. Next time we catch fish, we'll give him one as a thank you."
Old Man Zhuang nodded, full of joy.
For ordinary people, especially those who have experienced hard times, seeing more food at home brings great joy. Old Man Zhuang's eyes were full of smiles. Since their third daughter-in-law entered the family and they divided the household internally, their life not only didn't get worse but got better. Take this time of year, for example; in previous years, there wouldn't be so much at home. Others might not know, but he did—their family still had a lot of salted meat hidden away. His wife kept it well, and she didn't hesitate to cook it once a week, so everyone enjoyed it.
In previous years, they would also cook meat, but it was cut as thin as chopsticks, and everyone could have a few bites, which was quite good.
But this year, they were cutting meat slices, and it was very real. It was clear that life was much better.
All this was thanks to his wife's good management of the household.
He said: "Having food in hand, the heart doesn't panic. That's really true."
Zhao Guihua: "We'll hang the rabbits at home first and dry them in the wind tomorrow during the day."
During the day, the front courtyard was almost deserted, as Wang Xiangxiu was at work, her children were at school, and recent events had led everyone to the hospital, so people didn't come by to chat much. Even if they noticed something, it wouldn't matter. Like today, when they were smoking rabbit meat, someone did catch a whiff of it.
But generally, adults wouldn't go too far. Zhao Guihua was specifically guarding against the three brats next door. Others might not know what those three were like, but could she not? No matter how tough life was, who could live particularly lavishly now?
Their family was doing well enough, it was just that they were spoiled and selfish.
Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said firmly, "Eldest daughter-in-law, we're both at home. Don't go too far when coming and going, stay alert. It's not about thieves stealing, but about them plotting. We must not let those little thieves next door get any ideas."
Upon hearing this, Liang Meifen immediately got fired up, her tone aggressive: "They dare! If they dare to steal from our house, I'll beat them to death. I don't care about Bai Fendou, if he dares to intervene, I won't be as easy to bully as Zhou Qun and his wife. I'll kick him so hard he'll never find another woman!"
This rabbit was meant for their own consumption, even her own family couldn't get a taste of it, let alone outsiders. Dream on!
She was ready to fight for their chickens and rabbits, no one was getting any freebies.
"Mom, you can rest assured, I will defend our chickens and rabbits to the death!"
Zhao Guihua: "...That's not necessary, though."
Liang Meifen: "Absolutely necessary!"
Determined!
Zhao Guihua: "...As long as you're happy."
Today, they had a good catch and had been quite busy upon returning. Normally, the house would be filled with the smell of blood and fish, but luckily, they brought back a lot of mugwort this time, which helped mask the odors.
Ming Mei was still shaken by the big snake and had placed a row of mugwort at the door, very meticulously.
Zhao Guihua: "Tonight, we'll make soft-shelled turtle soup. Ming Mei, go call your grandpa to come eat with us."
Living in the same courtyard, it wouldn't be right not to invite him.
Ming Mei: "Okay."
Liang Meifen pouted, not inviting her family but Ming Mei's grandpa, so biased.
Ming Mei dashed out and back quickly, saying, "Mom, my grandpa won't come, but he said that adding some radish to the turtle soup makes it the best. After you make it, bring him a bowl, and he'll trade a bundle of white flour noodles for it."
The Zhuang family: "..."
Zhao Guihua was quite natural about it, saying, "Sure, that sounds good."
A bundle of noodles was two ounces, enough for an adult man to finish in one go, but that wasn't the point. If they traded, a bowl of soup for noodles was fair. No one was shortchanged or cheated, just a normal exchange.
Zhao Guihua: "Tell your grandpa to bring a bundle and a half of noodles. We'll take a bundle, and the other half, I'll add to the soup just before it's done. It'll be full of flavor, delicious. He'll get both dry and wet food, he won't even know where the taste is coming from!"
Ming Mei smiled: "Okay."
She dashed out again, not minding the running around.
Liang Meifen was utterly speechless. Her mother-in-law was really shameless, trading food like that... luckily, her family didn't live nearby. Did they have no sense of kinship? Too much, absolutely too much.
She felt that Old Man Lan shouldn't take advantage of them. Trading was fine, but if it were her family, she wouldn't be happy about it.
Just then, Ming Mei ran back again, saying, "My grandpa said it's fine, but he wants a few extra radishes, he likes the vegetables from the pot."
Zhao Guihua: "No problem, tell him..."
Zhuang Zhixi objected: "Mom, why don't you just talk to him directly? Why make my wife run back and forth? She's tired enough."
He was very protective of his wife: "Don't bully her, okay?"
Zhao Guihua: "Tch, that's what happens when you have a son. Once he gets a wife, he's all for her."
Liang Meifen silently looked at Hutou. She also had a son, but she didn't know what kind of man he would grow up to be. Hutou was eating jujubes, feeling the gaze, he looked up nervously... "Mom, I didn't steal eat, Grandpa said I could."
Xiao Yanzi quickly nodded, agreeing with her brother: "Grandpa said we could all eat!"
Mom's expression was strange.
Liang Meifen was speechless, saying, "Eat, eat, I'm not stopping you."
Her son was still young, just a little glutton.
"Eat what eat!" Zhao Guihua chimed in, saying, "Don't eat too much, jujubes can make you uncomfortable if you eat too many. Do you want to go to the hospital again? Don't you remember the last time you ate too much?"
Hutou's face changed, his little hands waving: "No hospital! Hutou doesn't want to go to the hospital."
He didn't like it there at all.
Needles hurt, and medicine was bitter.
Zhao Guihua: "Eating a little is fine, but not too much. Besides, we have something delicious for dinner. You see, we're making soft-shelled turtle soup tonight, that's meat, you'll be full of jujubes and miss out on the meat. How fragrant the meat is, and the soup, it's very tasty."
Hutou swallowed, almost drooling. He quickly nodded: "I know."
He stopped eating and pulled his sister: "Xiao Yanzi won't eat either, too much isn't good."
Xiao Yanzi was soft: "Oh, I'll listen to my brother."
Zhao Guihua instructed Liang Meifen: "Let them eat, but don't let them go wild. If you don't control them, little kids don't know when to stop. By the way, take some jujubes back to your room for a snack tonight."
She told the two daughters-in-law, Ming Mei nodded, and Liang Meifen was overjoyed.
Zhuang Zhixi: "Wife, pick the redder ones."
Zhao Guihua: "..."
Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and smiled brightly...
