“Mom, Chunmei and I had already dug up two buckets of clams to sell. We found this fish on our way back. At the time, I wasn’t sure, but Chunmei said that we should go down and check to be on the safe side, no matter what. We were going home to help with the cooking anyway, so this fish is like a gift from heaven to add to our meal.”

Li Xue's reluctance to part with the money had subsided, and when she got home, she knew that her decision was right.

She would feel even worse if she sold the eel, but the thought that everyone could have some made her feel better.

Money can be earned again, and family members should also enjoy life.

"Mom, we're right by the sea, so there will be plenty of opportunities to go beachcombing in the future. Besides, we've worked so hard all these years, so it's only right that we eat something good."

Li Xue said firmly to Liu Xiaohua, "I never thought of this before, but things are different now."

I always felt that I had treated myself too badly in the past, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying myself appropriately.

It's not just them; many fishermen are similar. They're reluctant to eat the good catch and always sell it. They fish their whole lives but never get to eat the good stuff. They only eat the small fish and shrimp that they buy from fish sellers.

“You’re right. When they come back today, tell them that if they catch any good fish in the future, they should bring one or two home for us to try. I’ll take care of this eel. You guys go wash up and call those rascals home for dinner.”

Liu Xiaohua was also touched by Li Xue's words. She felt ashamed that she had lived half her life and was not as insightful as her daughter-in-law.

Fortunately, it's not too late to realize this now. With my current health, I can still enjoy good food for decades to come. Thank goodness!

Li Xue and Zhou Chunmei went to wash up. They were covered in mud, having spent the whole morning digging on the beach, and were exhausted and thirsty.

After they left, Su Luo held Su Tiantian and watched Liu Xiaohua kill the sea eel.

Conger eels are quite ferocious, with a mouthful of sharp teeth.

But in Liu Xiaohua's eyes, this was nothing more than a scholar picking up a knife and putting on a show.

Liu Xiaohua firmly pinched the eel's head with two fingers, making it impossible for the eel to slip.

A nail pierced the throat, and Liu Xiaohua deftly slit the eel's throat with a knife.

Su Luo was afraid that such a scene would frighten Su Tiantian, but who knew that the little one was watching with great interest.

Liu Xiaohua scalded the eel with hot water to clean off the slime on its skin.

I cut off a chunk from below the head, about six ounces, and steamed it for Su Luo to eat. I chopped the rest into small pieces to make scallion oil pancakes later.

A bowl of vegetable and egg drop soup, along with some pickled vegetables, makes lunch.

Several children were called back, chattering away.

"Wow, I smell something delicious! Mom, what are we having for dinner today?"

While washing his hands, Su Xueguang asked Zhou Chunmei, his little nose twitching as he inhaled, "The air is filled with the aroma of oil."

"Mom, we can smell it too. What are we having for dinner today?"

Su Xuemin also asked Li Xue.

I ate my fill of chicken a few days ago, but that good thing hasn't happened since. At home, we still have plain salted vegetables, greens, and salted fish soup. Only my sister-in-law, who is in postpartum confinement, can have chicken soup.

Although they wanted to eat, they understood the reasoning behind it. Their aunt was weak after giving birth and needed to recover, and she was also feeding her little sister. So they wouldn't fight over it. If Su Luo offered it to them, they would pretend to be aloof and say, "I don't like it," to refuse.

Normally, you can't smell the freshness of the fish, but today the aroma is different.

"It's braised eel with scallion oil. I knew you guys loved it, so your grandma made it especially for you."

Li Xue answered with a smile, and in an instant, all the children exclaimed "Wow!"

The boys washed their hands quickly and then swarmed into the kitchen.

"Thank you, Grandma. You've worked so hard."

Several children surrounded Liu Xiaohua and hugged him.

Liu Xiaohua couldn't stop smiling. This child had no ulterior motives; she was speaking from the heart.

"The rice is almost served."

These kids are usually incredibly mischievous, but each and every one of them is an exceptionally good child.

Being hugged like that and hearing such warm words makes me feel incredibly happy.

The four children in the Su family are usually very noisy, but they are relatively quiet when eating.

But today is different.

"Wow, Grandma, this fish is so fresh and delicious!"

Su Xueguang took a bite and then gave a thumbs up.

"Grandma, is today a special day? Is someone in our family having a birthday?"

Su Xuemin couldn't help but ask, "This meal smells so good today, it's so delicious I almost want to swallow my tongue. But we don't usually eat like this at home. Fish this good is always sold for money."

Therefore, they have reason to suspect that today is not a special day.

"No, today is just an ordinary day. But Xuemin, you should thank your mother. She was so generous in letting everyone eat this fish. In the future, our family should eat good food more often so that you won't be so naive. Consider today as a way to get used to things."

Liu Xiaohua spoke with a kind smile, mentioning Li Xue, a meritorious contributor.

"Mom, thank you."

"Thank you, Mom."

Su Xuemin and Su Xuebo both spoke at the same time.

"Thank you, Auntie. When I grow up, I will definitely take good care of you."

Su Xueguang looked at Li Xue with a smile, making Li Xue beam with joy.

"Good, good, good kids. Eat more and grow strong."

Li Xue felt extremely happy, a feeling that made her feel that everything was worthwhile.

Making money is ultimately for the children; if the children are happy with their food, then it's all worthwhile.

Our family may be poor, but we need more care and attention.

"Thank you, Auntie."

Su Xuekuo was a man of few words; after saying thank you, he focused on eating.

Seeing the children enjoying their meal, Li Xue and Zhou Chunmei subconsciously ate less.

Liu Xiaohua saw everything and thought to herself that it still wasn't enough to eat. If there were more, everyone could eat well.

She silently decided that she must have a good talk with her husband and sons today, explaining that fishing is for the purpose of supporting the family, and that if she catches something good, she should bring some back for the family to eat.

If you eat something nice like this once, you're either thinking about your child or your husband, which is such a waste.

I've been frugal my whole life, and only now do I understand the importance of living well in the present.

"Eat it all, no need to save any food. We, the mother and grandchildren, will let it finish it."

Liu Xiaohua put a piece of eel on each of her two daughters-in-law's plates.

Li Xue and Zhou Chunmei were taken aback, feeling that their mother-in-law seemed different.

But it has to be said, this domineering mother-in-law is actually quite likable.

Su Tiantian swallowed hard as she smelled the aroma.

"Ah~"

She longed to grow up instantly, and she also wanted to eat all these delicious and fragrant foods.

Su Luo lowered her eyes gently and said with a smile, "Sweetie, you can eat it when you grow up."

Su Tiantian sighed inwardly. Everyone else could eat meat, but she couldn't.

At this moment, the three members of the Su family were exhausted from fishing.

They ate the sugar cakes they brought from home to replenish their energy.

Today, as soon as they set out to sea, their first net burst open.

The net was full of all kinds of sea fish, which made the three of them shout with excitement, as if they had reverted to their ancestral nature.