The next day, Zhuang Zhimeng woke up to find herself alone at home again.

I quickly finished breakfast; I need to buy groceries today. First, I drew a prize while washing up. I actually won rice—100 jin (50 catties)! That's great! I didn't win anything else.

Take your ration ration book to the grain store and buy a little less—about 10 jin each of rice and wheat flour. Rice and wheat flour are 14 cents a jin now, and you need ration coupons. Grain was really cheap back then.

Zhuang Zhimeng is 168cm tall and can carry 20 pounds of things with ease.

After all, Zhuang Zhimeng from the 21st century has studied Taekwondo and even holds a black belt. Taking on two or three opponents wouldn't be a problem for her, so her physical fitness is quite impressive.

Back home, I put the food away and then packed my luggage.

There's so much to bring to the countryside; I have to take this and that, otherwise it'll be inconvenient. Just as I was packing, there was a knock at the door.

Upon opening the door, Zhuang Zhimeng saw Shi Hongye carrying a pile of things. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did you come to return my things?"

"Mengmeng, won't you let me in? I'm exhausted from carrying so much stuff. Let me in and rest!" Shi Hongye said, trying to squeeze in.

Zhuang Zhimeng stopped her and said, "No need, just put your things on the ground and leave. Don't come near me unless it's absolutely necessary, I don't want to see you. I'll thank you for not trying to get my attention."

Shi Hongye pretended to be wronged, looking at Zhuang Zhimeng with red eyes. She thought to herself, "This fool really wants to break up with me. Before, I always let her eat snacks as she pleased, and she would let me take the clothes she liked. Does she really not want to make up with me?" She secretly pinched her thigh and forced out tears.

Shi Hongye, on the verge of tears, said, "Mengmeng, how did you become like this? You weren't like this before. All I did was sign you up to go to the countryside, didn't I? Can't you forgive me?"

"What are you dreaming of! I saw through your acting a long time ago. You just want to use me, don't you! Stop acting, I'm not interested in watching. Just leave! From now on, we'll pretend we don't know each other!" With that, he grabbed his things and slammed the door shut.

Shi Hongye stared at the closed door, her eyes filled with venom, and muttered fiercely, "Hmph! What's so great about you? Just wait! I'll definitely settle the score with you when I get the chance. Don't even think about making up with me later, or I won't pay any attention to you."

Zhuang Zhimeng didn't hear these words, and even if she did, it wouldn't matter; they were just insignificant people.

Looking at what she had in her hands, Zhuang Zhimeng considered how best to handle it.

She's a bit of a germaphobe, which is fine, but these clothes have been worn by others, even though they're quite expensive and were sent to her by her aunt and uncle.

Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. Let Mom come back and handle it. I'll just pile everything on the chairs in the living room.

I'll just have some pastries for lunch since I'll be cooking for myself.

I'll cook something nice for them tonight. My older brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews are coming back today, so I'll have to cook more.

My older brother went on a business trip to another province and just got back today. When Zhuang Zhimeng had a fever, my older brother and sister-in-law came to visit, but they didn't let her come over these past two days because they were worried that the baby would make noise and disturb her rest.

After waking up from my afternoon nap, I tidied up and went to the supply and marketing cooperative, which is connected to the grocery store.

I saw potatoes for sale at the grocery store, so I bought some chili peppers to make hot and sour shredded potatoes. I also bought a few cucumbers to make a cucumber salad.

Knowing that the place I'm going to is in Northeast China, I bought a few boxes of clam oil to use as a hand cream. I also saw some rain boots and bought a pair. I'll think of other things later.

I got home and put my things down.

I took out the meat I won last time that I didn't finish. Today I plan to make braised pork, hot and sour shredded potatoes, smashed cucumber, egg drop soup, and steamed rice. This will make a pretty good meal.

My little nephews steamed egg custard for them; they're only four years old and are twins.

Dinner was ready, and the family returned home. From afar, we could hear my little nephew calling out, "Auntie, Auntie, we're here!"

As soon as the door opened, two little chubby babies jumped into Zhuang Zhimeng's arms, one on each side.

"Auntie, what delicious food have you made? I can smell the aroma from far away. Did you make meat?" The two little ones blinked their big eyes and asked her eagerly.

"Yes! I made braised pork today, it's especially delicious, you should all eat more of it later."

Then he greeted Zhuang Zhiwen and Wang Xiaoman as "Brother and sister-in-law".

"Our little princess can actually cook now! She's grown up!" Zhuang Zhiwen teased.

“That’s right, I’m 18! Unlike you, you’re 25 and still can’t cook. If it weren’t for my sister-in-law, you would probably have starved to death long ago!” Zhuang Zhimeng retorted.