"These are flatbreads made by my sister-in-law from wheat flour. She thought it would be more convenient to take them on the train. Once the beef broth is added, they'll be just like boiled noodles."

"You all try it for your sister-in-law and see if there's anything that can be improved in the flatbread and beef soup."

While waiting for the noodles, Ruan Qiushui made another bowl for the children.

The two children couldn't have the appetite of an adult; one flatbread was enough for them.

Thinking that the children would also eat it, she deliberately used less salt and did not add chili peppers.

"It's ready to eat."

Ruan Qiushui checked the time and lifted the plate.

"It smells so good."

The moment you open it, a wonderful aroma fills the air.

Gu Changshu swallowed hard, quickly grabbed his chopsticks, and ate a large mouthful of noodles.

"It's delicious, it's so delicious!"

The noodles were chewy and flavorful, and my sister-in-law's beef was delicious too.

Gu Changshu took a bite and couldn't stop.

"Sister-in-law, your cooking is absolutely amazing."

Gu Xiaoxiao also took a bite of noodles and gave a thumbs-up in praise.

"As long as it tastes good."

The flavor is only average; compared to the flavors of instant noodle seasonings from later generations, it's still not good enough. She needs to continue to improve it.

"Mianmian".

Da Bao had long been attracted by the smell of beef noodles, and when he saw Ruan Qiushui approaching with a bowl, he quickly called out.

"Mother, mother."

Xiao Bao is clever; he knows that calling for his mother is the only effective way to get help.

"Don't rush."

Ruan Qiushui helped Da Bao and Xiao Bao into their high chairs and tied on their bibs. She then used a small bowl to serve each of them a bowl of noodles and added a few pieces of beef.

She didn't dare serve the soup, afraid the children would get burned, so she handed the two little ones forks and spoons and let them eat by themselves.

"Sister-in-law, can I still eat another bowl?"

Gu Changshu was still not satisfied and wanted to continue eating even though his stomach was bulging.

"Alright, that's enough. Too much of a good thing can be bad."

Ruan Qiushui shook her head to indicate her refusal.

She didn't want Gu Changshu to die from overeating; that would be too ridiculous.

"Sister-in-law, will we eat this on the train too?"

Gu Xiaoxiao thought about what her sister-in-law had just said and felt a little expectant.

She hasn't had enough of this instant noodles yet.

Although the noodles I cook on ordinary days are delicious, my third sister-in-law's are even better.

"Besides instant noodles, my sister-in-law also makes some boxed lunches, so we can take turns eating them."

You get tired of eating instant noodles all the time.

…

On February 18, 1978, Ruan Qiushui and his entourage boarded a train to Beijing amidst tearful farewells from Xie Xiuying, Gu Guangrong, and others.

"Third Brother, did you buy sleeper tickets for me and my little sister as well?"

As soon as Gu Changshu boarded the train, he looked around.

This was his first time riding a train, and he was incredibly curious.

"We're all in one carriage."

There happened to be a four-person sleeper berth, so Gu Changfeng bought tickets for both berths to make it easier to take care of his younger siblings and the children.

"Third brother, actually, fourth brother and I can just buy seated tickets."

Gu Xiaoxiao felt a pang of regret at the thought of spending money on sleeper tickets, having heard they were quite expensive.

It would be better to save the money and buy delicious food for my nephews and nieces.

"Don't worry about it."

He still has that much money.

His own mother wanted to reimburse him for his train ticket, but he refused.

Gu Xiaoxiao and Ruan Qiushui, carrying the child, and Gu Changshu and Gu Changfeng, carrying the luggage, quickly arrived at their respective carriages.

"Hey bro, the train's moving!"

Gu Changshu looked out the window with excitement.

"That's amazing."

It seems to be faster than the buses in town.

"Alright, alright, let's make the beds now so that my sister-in-law and nephews can rest."

Gu Xiaoxiao pulled Gu Changshu back from the window and led him back to his own carriage.

"Xiaoxiao, you can watch the children, I'll make the beds."

Ruan Qiushui handed the child to Gu Xiaoxiao and took out four large bed sheets from her bundle.

I have a slight obsession with cleanliness, so I still prefer to use my own sheets for hygiene.

The bed sheet she brought was large enough to be folded in half when laid out on the train.

When the time comes, you can put a layer underneath, cover yourself with another layer, and then cover yourself with the blanket from the train, and it won't feel uncomfortable.

"aunt."

Da Bao and Xiao Bao each hugged one of Gu Xiaoxiao's legs, calling out in their babyish voices.

"Why."

Gu Xiaoxiao hugged the two little ones and kissed them, then took out some cookies for them to eat.

My third sister-in-law doesn't allow the children to eat too much sugar, so she prepared some sugar-free nut cookies.

"Come on, let's play tangrams together, okay?"

Gu Changshu took out the toys he always carried with him to amuse them.

"uncle."

As soon as the two little ones saw the tangram puzzle, they immediately reached out their hands and stumbled towards Gu Changshu.

"My goodness, don't fall."

Gu Changshu quickly stretched out his hand, afraid that they might bump into something.

"It's okay, it's alright for a man to fall down."

The hypocritical Gu Changfeng was nervously watching Xiao Bao, while Da Bao rushed forward without even glancing at him.

"alright."

Ruan Qiushui had already made the bed.

"Are you hungry? Would you like to eat something first?"

Ruan Qiushui glanced at her watch; it was almost six o'clock in the afternoon.

Ruan Qiushui, Gu Changfeng, and the others arrived at the train station around 4 PM, without having eaten dinner yet.

I'm hungry.

Gu Changshu nodded honestly.

He usually has good digestion, and he had been hungry for about an hour.

"Okay, let's eat something first."

"Changfeng, go and fetch some hot water."

Ruan Qiushui took a thermos from her bag and handed it to Gu Changfeng.

They carried a total of four large bundles, one of which was Nguyen Thu Thu's pack of things she would need for the journey.

Queuing for hot water at the train station is a hassle, and refilling an enamel mug is a pain. It's much better to just use a thermos; it's convenient and keeps the water warm.

"Aren't you going to eat in the dining car?"

Gu Changfeng, carrying a thermos, glanced at his wife.

"I'll go to the dining car after I've finished eating what I brought."

Ruan Qiushui waved her hand, deciding not to go.

When Gu Changfeng returned with hot water, Ruan Qiushui first made a cup of milk powder for the two children.

"Let's eat boxed lunches first. My sister-in-law wrapped them up in several layers, and they're still hot."

Ruan Qiushui took out an aluminum lunchbox from her bundle and gave one to each person.

"Sister-in-law, aren't we going to eat instant noodles?"

Gu Changshu asked Gu Xiaoxiao what was on her mind.

"Let's eat the boxed lunch first, and we'll eat instant noodles tomorrow."

The braised beef is still warm in the thermos; the boxed lunch gets cold quickly, so it's best to eat it first.

"What instant noodles?"

Gu Changfeng wasn't home when Ruan Qiushui made instant noodles, and he didn't know about it.

"Third brother, let me tell you, instant noodles are delicious."

Mentioning instant noodles, Gu Changshu instantly perked up and quickly described to Gu Changfeng how delicious instant noodles were.

"That makes me really want to try it."

Gu Changfeng was tempted.

"We'll have to wait until tomorrow to try it."

Otherwise, how do you reheat this lunchbox if it gets cold after being left out for too long?

"Sister-in-law, is this still braised pork rice?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Changshu quickly changed the subject.

I must say, the boxed lunches my sister-in-law makes are incredibly delicious.

It was topped with a layer of braised meat, stir-fried cabbage, and a fried egg – truly a deluxe boxed lunch.