Chapter 480 A Dream of Youth 12

Caught between them, Xie Ning felt the different body temperatures on both sides. On one side was her kind and robust grandmother, and on the other was Xie Yun, whose body was cold and whose bones were so thin they could poke someone. She felt that it was not easy for a woman to survive.

But this era was relatively open; at least women could go out and do business instead of being confined to the home and unable to go anywhere.

Although she didn't know what wealthy families were like, as far as she could see, there were many women setting up stalls and carrying loads to sell goods in the streets and alleys, which showed that the economy was prosperous.

With her grandmother as a role model, Xie Yun was not afraid to sell her wares outside.

In the hall, Madam Chen had already set the food on the table. Not only that, she had also brewed some wine. When she saw Xie Yun coming over, she took out a celadon lotus bowl and scooped half a bowl for her. "This is sweet rice wine, which is very warming. Please try it, sister-in-law."

A few red dates and white glutinous rice balls floated in the clear, bright yellow wine, its warmth just right for the stomach.

Chen ladled half a bowl for everyone except Xie Ning, because a little bit of white wine had been added to the yellow wine, and children should drink less of it. Even Xie Qi was only given a small half bowl.

However, seeing Xie Ning looking at him so eagerly, he couldn't resist giving her a bite with a small wooden spoon and then feeding her a small glutinous rice ball.

Sweet fermented rice has a mellow taste, sweet and refreshing, with a long aftertaste. After drinking it, a faint sweetness and fragrance remain in the mouth, making it unforgettable.

The glutinous rice balls are soft and chewy, with the rich flavor of fermented rice wine and a hint of sweet osmanthus fragrance.

Xie Ning was satisfied. She had only glanced at the wine cup because of the fragrant aroma of rice, even though she had never liked drinking alcohol.

Chen scooped out a whole braised lion's head for Xie Yun, since such a tender lion's head was too delicate to pick up with chopsticks.

She only made four, giving Xie Yun a whole one, which made Xie Qi, who was standing next to her, extremely envious. He quickly reached out with his small spoon and scooped up a piece, mixing it with the soup that rolled down from the lion's head. Xie Qi's eyes narrowed with delight.

My mother's cooking is so good!

Seeing how much Xie Qi liked it, Xie Yun gave him half, which made Xie Qi unable to resist eating another half bowl of rice.

Xie Ning also loves lion's head meatballs, but she has now learned how to divide them properly. She wants to taste every dish, otherwise she won't sleep well at night.

When Chen saw that Xie Ning had eaten half a bowl of rice and was still reaching for the lion's head with her little spoon, she patted her little paws, then scooped a small spoonful of braised egg for her to taste, and then forbade her to eat any more.

Eating too much at night can easily lead to indigestion, and this child has had a weak digestive system since childhood.

Seeing that the man had calmed down, Chen smiled and joined the conversation, "Sister-in-law, I'll make you some fermented rice wine with eggs later to warm you up and help you sleep."

"Eh."

Xie Yun felt a lump in her throat. Although she knew her sister-in-law was a good person, she was still worried that her sister-in-law would have objections when she first returned home. Now, she could finally put her mind at ease.

As she lay down at night, covered by a soft, thick quilt and smelling the fresh plum blossom fragrance emanating from the incense burner by her bedside, Xie Yun's tears soaked her soft pillow. After sleepless nights, she finally fell asleep peacefully next to her parents, and even her dreams were warm.

The drizzle started in the middle of the night and continued until morning. Instead of stopping, it got heavier, pattering on the eaves and bamboo leaves.

The room was dark, with only a little light, which made the already tired person even more drowsy.

Xie Qi rolled around in the blanket twice, then remembered that he had to go to school today. He forced himself to get up, changed his clothes, picked up his cloth bag, and went downstairs with half-closed eyes.

The elderly Xie couple had already finished tidying up, and Xie Yun had also gotten up early to help. At this moment, he was carrying a bowl of dough that had been fermented the night before out of the stove.

They sell steamed buns, some of which are ready-made and sold immediately, but they also need to make them fresh, so they prepare the dough in advance.

Seeing Xie Qi come down, she whispered, "Qi'er, there are steamed buns warming on the stove."

"Auntie, you're up so early!" Xie Qi was also awake at this moment. Seeing the others busy, he couldn't help but step forward to help, but Xie Yun slapped his hand away.

"Your aunt is here. Hurry up and wash up, eat breakfast so you can go to school and not be late."

Xie Qi scratched his head, fetched hot water, and washed up. Chen Shi, who heard the noise, also came downstairs. She glanced at the buns on the stove, took one and gave it to Xie Qi, telling him to eat first. Then she quickly cooked several bowls of noodles for everyone.

They even laid eggs; there are eight hens in the yard, and the eggs they lay every day are enough for them to eat.

Xie Qi glanced at the upstairs with a hint of resentment, "Mother, isn't Father up yet?"

“Your father doesn’t have class this morning, can’t he sleep a little longer?” Madam Chen tapped Xie Qi’s forehead. “Come back early after school. I’m going to the market to buy a few pounds of pork ribs today. We’ll make pork rib and sticky rice for dinner. If you come back late, I’ll give it all to Bao’er.”

"How big is Bao'er's little belly? I'm not afraid." Although she said that, Xie Qi would still go back early, and could only decline her friend's invitation again.

But it's been raining these past few days, and there's nowhere fun to go. It's more practical to go home and study, and maybe... have a meal!

After everyone left, Xie Wangzhi led Xie Ning downstairs. Chen glanced at Xie Ning's little ponytail, which was sticking up and down, and couldn't help but glare at Xie Wangzhi.

"Why didn't you call me? Your hands are so rough, you'll pull Bao'er's head and hurt her." As for being ugly, Chen didn't say anything. Even if her Bao'er had weird hairstyles, she was still beautiful and cute.

"Why don't you sleep a little longer, little brother?" Xie Yun brought over a plate of steamed buns that were keeping warm on the stove.

"I got up early today because I was going to visit a friend."