Zhuang Zhimeng did indeed need to give a gift. She had been in the countryside for two months and needed to visit Uncle Qin. It would be unreasonable not to go and see him soon.

That evening, after dinner, An Qingbai knocked on Zhuang Zhimeng's courtyard gate and brought her a roe deer. The roe deer must have weighed at least 100 jin (50 catties), it was quite large.

“I went up the mountain and this roe deer ran into me, so I caught it and brought it to you to eat.”

"Then I won't stand on ceremony! Thank you!"

Zhuang Zhimeng took the roe deer, and her hand accidentally touched An Qingbai's hand.

An Qingbai felt a jolt of electricity run through his hand. The girl's hand was so delicate and tender that he felt he could crush it if he squeezed too hard.

Her cheeks quickly warmed up, and her whole face turned red. Fortunately, it was nighttime, so it wasn't clear, and Zhuang Zhimeng didn't notice.

Suppressing the unease in his heart, An Qingbai quickly said to Zhuang Zhimeng, "Then you should rest! I'm leaving." With that, he waved and hurried away.

Zhuang Zhimeng noticed that he was walking with his arms and legs moving in unison, and wondered what was wrong with him this time.

We took the roe deer into the yard, and because of its strong smell, it attracted furballs and other small animals.

By pushing them aside, the spores were separated.

I was thinking of visiting Uncle Qin tomorrow and bringing him some; ten pounds would be quite a lot.

Cut up the ten pounds of meat meant for Uncle Qin and set it aside. Marinate the rest with coarse salt, otherwise it will spoil soon. Smoke some of it to make cured meat.

During this period, Zhuang Zhimeng won 500 jin of rice and flour, 100 bags of milk powder, 100 jin of grapes, bananas, pears and cantaloupe, and 100 durians, which were Zhuang Zhimeng's favorite Golden Pillow durians.

She also won 10 skincare sets and 10 bottles of sunscreen, all from brands that Zhuang Zhimeng is used to in the 21st century.

There were also 50 roast chickens and 50 roast ducks, both of which tasted delicious.

Zhuang Zhimeng had taken some out to eat, and not only did Su Mengmeng and Jiang Yanxia love it, but even the three dogs, Maoqiu, Maoxian, and Maotuan, would run back from afar to snatch it every time they smelled it.

I also won 50 jin of tea today, which is just enough to give to Uncle Qin.

The next day, Zhuang Zhimeng got up very early.

I tidied myself up and brought the gift I wanted to give to Uncle Qin.

I took 10 jin of roe deer meat, 1 jin of tea from the tea supply and marketing cooperative, and 1 jin of the meat I won in yesterday's lottery.

Add two bags of fruit, two jin of white sugar, two bottles of liquor, and two packs of cigarettes. That's quite a generous gift.

We boarded Uncle An's oxcart and headed to the town's armed forces department. Uncle Qin's name was Qin Jiandang, and he served as the quartermaster in the town's armed forces department.

After agreeing on a time to return to the village with Uncle An, I went to find Uncle Qin.

"Zhimeng, you've finally arrived! If you hadn't come, I would have gone to the village to see you. I heard from the old leader that you had gone to the countryside and asked me to take care of you. I've been waiting for you for ages and you still haven't come."

"Uncle Qin, I was busy with things when I first arrived in the countryside, but I came to see you as soon as I settled down. I brought you some things, please don't mind them."

"You silly child, you're here now, why did you bring anything? Don't leave today, come home with me for dinner, your aunt has been looking forward to your visit!"

Zhuang Zhimeng followed Uncle Qin home. Uncle Qin lived in the town government's residential compound.

"Shufen! Look who's here!" Qin Jiandang called out loudly to the woman inside the house.

"Who is it?" Gao Shufen asked as she wiped her hands and walked out of the kitchen.

"It's Zhimeng! You've finally arrived! Your Uncle Qin keeps asking why Zhimeng hasn't come to the house yet."

"You talk about Zhimeng as if you never mention her, you practically have Zhimeng on your lips all the time!"

"Huh? What did you say?"

"Nothing! Nothing! I didn't say anything."

"snort!"

Zhuang Zhimeng found the interaction between Uncle Qin and Aunt Gao quite amusing.

"You should come to our house more often, my dear child. I'll cook you delicious food. Don't be shy, make yourself at home," Gao Shufen said gently, taking Zhuang Zhimeng's hand.

"Auntie, don't worry! I'll definitely come often in the future. Just don't find me a nuisance."

"How could that be? We just love it when you come to our house. Your brother Hongjun doesn't come back often, so it's just me and your Uncle Qin at home. It'll be more lively when you come over."

Uncle Qin has three children, but only Qin Hongjun lives in the local area and works for the Revolutionary Committee.

Gao Shufen was about to go to the kitchen to cook when Zhuang Zhimeng reminded her that there was roe deer meat to cook and not to let it spoil.

Zhuang Zhimeng went into the kitchen to help with the cooking, but Gao Shufen pushed her out, refusing to let her help, saying there was no reason to let a guest help.

Zhuang Zhimeng had no choice but to leave the kitchen and sit on the sofa in the living room to chat with Uncle Qin.