Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Brother, I'll leave first. Best wishes to you in advance...

Jiang Xiaoci came out to set up the stall at six o'clock. Before nine o'clock, the two hundred meat buns were sold out. Grandpa came to help her close the stall and showed her the ten kilograms of top-quality pork belly in the cart. He smiled and took credit for it: "Grandpa ran to the meat processing factory early in the morning to grab it, and marinated it in advance at night, so you can get up later tomorrow."

Jiang Xiaoci was sweet-mouthed and thanked grandpa again and again. She pushed the cart back home with grandpa and showed her grandmother all the money she earned from selling buns today. One pile was the cost and the other was the profit.

She couldn't hide her excitement: "Grandma, I earned seven dollars today. At this rate, I have enough money to buy a watch for my eldest brother before his birthday. I want to stay at my grandparents' house tonight so I don't have to run back and forth."

Jiang Peizhong smiled heartily: "You and your grandmother are on the same page again. She has even made your bed. You are so in tune with each other. You really look like grandparents and grandchildren."

He Suwen's eyes were full of love for Jiang Xiaoci. She took her to see the newly decorated room. The bed was covered with a blue floral bed sheet. She asked with anticipation, "Do you like the quilt that grandma bought for you?"

Jiang Xiaoci was delighted: "Grandma, how do you know I like blue, flowers and grass?"

He Suwen was overjoyed: "Because I am your grandmother."

With Jiang Xiaoci around, the old couple laughed more than in the previous week. Time passed so quickly that it was time for lunch. The two grandparents were busy in the kitchen when Jiang Yun came back.

Jiang Peizhong was very happy: "This is rare, why are you here?"

Jiang Yunzhong said: "Grandpa, I'm here to look for Jiang Xiaoci."

Jiang Peizhong noticed that his expression was not right and reminded him, "Your grandma is very happy today, so don't make trouble for me."

Jiang Xiaoci heard her brother's voice and ran out, shaking the water drops on her hands and said in surprise: "Brother, grandma and I are cooking, you can stay and eat lunch before leaving."

Jiang Yunzhong shook his head: "No more eating, Jiang Xiaoci, come out and talk to me."

Jiang Xiaoci noticed that her elder brother's tone was cold and uneasy. She followed her elder brother outside and asked cautiously, "Brother, what do you want to talk to me about?"

Jiang Yunzhong looked at her cautious appearance and couldn't bear to blame her.

He slowed down his tone and said, "Why did you want to set up a stall to sell buns? The market economy is a little freer now, but it is still difficult to buy ten kilograms of meat every day. Grandpa had to use his old face and favors to get you so much share. You set up the stall at six in the morning, and you are exhausted, not to mention grandpa and grandma. The family does not need the money you earn from the stall, you can't cause trouble for the adults."

When Jiang Xiaoci heard what her elder brother said, she felt more and more guilty for not thinking it through.

What the eldest brother said was absolutely right. In order to help her, grandpa had to buy meat every day. Grandma got up as early as her. She set up the stall at six o'clock and had to get up at three o'clock to prepare.

The more Jiang Xiaoci thought about it, the redder her eyes became, and she was unable to say a word in response to her elder brother.

Jiang Yunzhong couldn't stand girls crying. If they weren't family members, he would have turned around and left.

He said patiently, "I have said what I wanted to say. You decide what to do."

Jiang Peizhong, who was worried about his grandson eavesdropping on the other side of the wall, was furious. He picked up a stick and was about to go out and beat his eldest grandson, but was stopped by He Suwen.

He Suwen was also angry, but for Xiaoci, she advised herself and her husband: "Be patient for now, wait until Xiaoci saves enough money, then find a chance to deal with him. Now that the ticket is available, we can't let Xiaoci give up halfway."

Jiang Peizhong was so angry that he felt uncomfortable: "Xiaoci worked hard to sell buns to compensate for his broken watch. I wonder if he will feel sad when he receives the gift!"

…

Jiang Xiaoci took her eldest brother's words to heart, and when she got home, she said to her grandparents, "Grandpa and grandma, I want to take the food home to make, so I won't bother you in the next few days."

"How can that be possible? How tired would you be alone?"

He Suwen said sincerely: "Grandma is alone at home all day long, I am happy to have something to do. I have no idea how happy you are these two days. Don't listen to your eldest brother's nonsense."

Jiang Xiaoci has made up her mind: "Grandma, I earned this money to buy a birthday present for my eldest brother and make him happy, but now he is unhappy. Let me go home. I can do it."

He Suwen was really sad, but she knew that she had to do this if she wanted her eldest grandson to accept his sister from the bottom of his heart.

In this way, Jiang Xiaoci spent the rest of her time at home kneading dough and chopping stuffing. She would prepare the stuffing in the middle of the night, knead the dough and let it rise, get up at three or four o'clock, wrap the buns, and then push the cart out.

Gu Wenying felt very distressed. She calculated the money Jiang Xiaoci had earned these days and said to Jiang Weihai, "What she is going to do this time will probably cost more than a hundred yuan."

Jiang Weihai was also distressed, but the child refused to accept his help. He couldn't help but ask, "What does Xiaoci want to do? She didn't even tell us. I'm so upset."

Gu Wenying sighed: "She won't tell you, forget it, let her do it."

…

Jiang Xiaoci was busy by herself for nearly half a month. Even Feng Qiaozhen next door could hear the sound of chopping stuffing. It was really hard for the child.

Feng Qiaozhen couldn't bear to watch this, so she ran to Jiang Xiaoci's stall early in the morning and asked to buy forty meat buns. She smiled and said, "I'll send them to school so that your brother Han and the others can have some meat."

This was Aunt Feng taking care of the business. Jiang Xiaoci was very happy. She packed the bags for her and said, "Aunt, I've made enough money. Today is my last day to set up a stall, so I'll give you two more."

"Xiaoci, since you don't set up a stall anymore, can I ask you what you do with the money you earn?"

Jiang Xiaoci looked around. It was still early and there were not many customers. She smiled sweetly and relaxed as if she had accomplished something. "Auntie, don't tell anyone yet. I have saved enough money to buy a watch for my brother."

It turned out that she was replacing a new watch for her elder brother who had broken it. Feng Qiaozhen felt soft and painful in her heart. How could that bad boy Jiang Yunzhong bear to say such bad things about such a good little sister?

Feng Qiaozhen will definitely teach that brat who she grew up with a lesson today!

When she arrived at the school, she greeted the guard and went straight to the playground where the boys were doing morning exercises.

Feng Qiaozhen brought breakfast to the instructor. Now that everyone was familiar with each other, the instructor blew the whistle and asked the boys on the playground to take a break.

Feng Qiaozhen distributed the buns to the young men and brought them to her son, speaking loudly on purpose so that Jiang Yunzhong could hear her.

"Your sister Xiaoci got up at three o'clock in the morning to knead the dough and make dumplings. She made all these dumplings by herself. Before, at her grandparents' house, the grandparents and grandchildren worked together, tired together, and were happy together. They were so happy. Don't you think it's strange? I don't know who said something, but Xiaoci went home and made it herself. Now the old ones are angry and the young ones feel guilty. No one is happy. What do you think is the reason?"

Han Jingyuan thought, his mother is just making a veiled attack on someone else. He agreed, "Yeah, mom, what do you think that person wants?"

Feng Qiaozhen saw Jiang Yunzhong trying to run away, so she stretched out her hand and called him, "Yunzhong, come over and eat some buns."

Jiang Yunzhong didn’t know that the subsequent development would be like this. He thought Jiang Xiaoci would take a break and no longer sell buns.

At this moment, he just wanted to run away, so he shook his head and said, "No need, Aunt Feng, I've already had breakfast."

Han Jingyuan saw that his mother was talking freely, and sighed: "Mom, Jiang Yunzhong not only has a father, but also a stepmother, so why does he need you to give him a 'lesson'?"

Feng Qiaozhen said: "I thought Xiaoci wouldn't be able to hold on for two days, but look, it's been half a month and she hasn't rested for a single day. Her perseverance is no less than any of you. You are now at an age where you are self-righteous and always think that what you think is the truth. You don't consider other people's ideas. Try to put yourself in other people's shoes more often in the future."

…

After Feng Qiaozhen delivered the buns, Jiang Yunzhong became depressed and spoke less.

Seeing that his birthday was approaching, his good brother Qi Jiayue advised him to go home: "Our sister sells steamed buns. After what you said, she hasn't been at the stall for the past two days. It's a good opportunity to go home on your birthday, otherwise the whole family will be unhappy."

Jiang Yun glanced at him again and asked, "Why do you know so much about my family's affairs?"

Qi Jiayue chuckled: "I asked around, you are confused because you are involved. Your sister is so nice, she is just selling buns. Aunt Feng is right, your grandparents are happy to help, they don't feel tired, why do you have to spoil their fun?"

At this time, the guard came to him and said, "Jiang Yunzhong, your sister is here to see you, hurry up and don't keep people waiting."

What is Jiang Xiaoci here for? Jiang Yunzhong was confused.

As soon as they heard that they were going to see their sister, everyone naturally went out in unison. The instructor showed mercy and did not give them extra exercises at noon. Even Han Jingyuan prepared to go outside the school to eat something.

At the gate, they saw Jiang Xiaoci holding a small gift box in her hand, waiting eagerly.

Han Jingyuan's good brother pretended to tie his shoelaces, squatted down, and said, "Han Jingyuan, wait for me, my shoelaces are loose."

Han Jingyuan saw through it but didn't say anything. He crossed his arms and watched from afar Jiang Yunzhong who was looking around awkwardly and refused to look his sister in the face.

Jiang Xiaoci originally wanted to secretly give the gift to her brother and leave, but suddenly so many people came. She was afraid that her brother would refuse, so she quickly handed the box over.

"Brother, your birthday is coming up soon. This is your birthday present. If you're coming home on your birthday, just let me know in advance and I'll make you some spicy twice-cooked pork."

This little girl, is she stupid? Even after being wronged, she still gave him a birthday present and made an appointment to make twice-cooked pork. Even a heart made of stone would be melted.

Jiang Yunzhong suddenly felt that he had been too unkind. He hesitated and said, "My birthday is not on the weekend, so I may not be able to go back."

Jiang Xiaoci expressed her understanding, saying that her brother was about to graduate and if he wanted to be assigned to a good unit, he would definitely have to work harder and perform well.

There was one thing she had to explain clearly: "Brother, I won't set up a stall anymore."

Jiang Yunzhong suddenly realized what was happening, weighed the box, and asked, "You set up the stall just to buy this for me?"

Jiang Xiaoci smiled brightly and nodded vigorously: "Yes, I told grandpa and grandma that only gifts bought with one's own money can show sincerity. Big brother, I'll go first. I wish you a happy birthday in advance."

…

Jiang Xiaoci skipped away, and a group of people couldn't wait any longer, so they surrounded her and urged Jiang Yunzhong to open the gifts right away.

"What did your sister buy for you? Don't hide it, show it to us."

Someone else joked: "Is it a handkerchief or toilet water for little girls? Don't be embarrassed, we won't make fun of you."

Jiang Yunzhong was so moved that his heart ached. He held the gift box in his arms like a treasure and pushed away those who were making a fuss: "Go away, don't break it. I'll open it myself."

He carefully untied the ribbon wrapped around the box and opened the outer packaging. Inside the box was a brand new Shanghai brand 19-diamond all-steel watch that he had been wanting to buy for a long time but couldn't bear to buy.

There is no boy who doesn't like watches, and there is no boy who doesn't understand the styles and prices. Everyone has his favorite brands and styles. If someone wants to have a favorite watch, he would be willing to eat steamed buns for a month.

The new watch on Jiang Yunzhong's wrist costs one hundred and twenty-five dollars in the department store.

Qi Jiayue was counting the money on the side, and after he finished, he exclaimed: "My sister only made 3.5 yuan by selling 100 buns. For this watch, she must have sold thousands of buns. Brother Chong, I really envy you."

Wei Xiangan, who was standing far away, was also envious and said to his good brother: "Han Jingyuan, I also want a sister like this."

Jiang Yunzhong, who was envied by everyone, fled in panic. The little girl worked hard selling buns for half a month just to buy him a watch to replace the broken one.

Jiang Yunzhong, who could bleed without crying, felt so much pain in his eyes that he went to the instructor and asked for leave.

The instructor asked him the reason, and Jiang Yunzhong saluted and reported: "It's my birthday the day after tomorrow, and my sister said she wants to make me spicy fried pork. I hope you can grant me a leave."

Do you regret it now? The instructor made him regret it even more, saying, "You refused the leave before, but now you come here to show off that you have twice-cooked pork. If you don't know how to write 'envy and jealousy', just look back at them, it's written all over their faces."

…

Jiang Xiaoci came back after giving a gift to her elder brother. In the evening, when Gu Wenying and Jiang Weihai came back, Jiang Xiaoci had already prepared dinner. She looked happy, but she was not sure whether her elder brother appreciated it.

Gu Wenying took out bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen and distributed them to everyone. She smiled and asked Jiang Xiaoci, "Is your elder brother happy to receive the gift?"

When delivering the gifts, there were too many people watching at the school gate. Jiang Xiaoci was afraid that her brother would be embarrassed, so she ran away after delivering the gifts. She did not see the expression on her brother's face when he opened the gift.

But she didn't ask for money from her parents or grandparents. She earned it herself, and her eldest brother should be happy to receive it.

So Jiang Xiaoci nodded and said, "Happy."

Jiang Weihai felt sorry for the child. He asked, "Is your elder brother sure he will come back the day after tomorrow?"

There was no time to ask. Jiang Xiaoci couldn't guess. She shook her head and said, "Brother didn't say."

Jiang Yunyi secretly made up his mind to let his elder brother come back the day after tomorrow.

After dinner, Jiang Xiaoci went to catch up on her sleep. She hoped that her elder brother would come back the day after tomorrow, but the day after tomorrow was not the weekend, so it didn’t matter if he couldn’t come back. She could make twice-cooked pork at any time and her elder brother would always be able to eat it.

On the birthday, even though the eldest brother didn't say he would come back, the second brother went to school. Gu Wenying closed the tailor shop at noon, bought the fish that Jiang Xiaoci loved to eat, and pork belly for stir-fried pork, and then called Jiang Weihai and asked him to come back at noon as well.

When Jiang Weihai arrived home, Gu Wenying was preparing side dishes in the kitchen, Xiaoci was still catching up on the sleep she had missed some time ago, and the second brother said he had gone to look for his brother and had not returned yet.

Jiang Weihai had a complaint against the boss in his heart, but he suppressed his anger and said to Gu Wenying: "The boss probably won't be back, so there's no need to prepare so many dishes."

Gu Wenying explained: "Xiaoci told us to wake her up if Big Brother comes back. If he doesn't come back, we can eat on our own."

As they were talking, Jiang Yunzhong and Jiang Yunyi arrived home together.

Jiang Weihai saw the boss wearing the new watch given by Jiang Xiaoci. Thinking about Xiaoci's hard work during this period, he couldn't bear to give her a good face. He said coldly, "You didn't even call me when you came back. Who can guess what you are thinking?"

Jiang Yunzhong and his father really can't get along. He has obviously returned, but he has to spoil the fun. He didn't come back for his father.

He asked, "Where's Xiaoci?"

Gu Wenying was afraid that Jiang Weihai would say something to spoil the fun, so she smiled and replied, "Xiaoci is sleeping. She was exhausted a while ago and slept for two days in a row. The smell of food will wake her up soon. You guys go sit down first. The food will be ready soon."

Gu Wenying dragged Jiang Weihai into the kitchen to help and lowered her voice: "Xiaoci's efforts have paid off, you should be happy, don't blame the boss anymore, and make Xiaoci's efforts go to waste."

Jiang Weihai thought that the people who should feel the most aggrieved were Xiaoci and Gu Wenying, but one was innocent and the other was reasonable, and they didn't care about these little grievances. The words of gratitude were too thin to express, so Jiang Weihai rubbed Gu Wenying's palms, snatched the chopping board and knife from her hands and started to work, expressing his inner joy and gratitude.

…

Jiang Xiaoci woke up after her eldest brother and second brother came back and said a few words.

She got out of bed and rushed out of the small room. She saw her eldest brother wearing the new watch she gave him. She was so happy: "Brother, luckily I had the foresight to ask mom to buy some pork belly. I'll cook it for you now."

Jiang Yunzhong did not come back just because his brother left. Old Duan looked stern, but he finally softened his heart and gave him a leave. The little girl was so easy to coax that she seemed to have no temper. Jiang Yunzhong also had no temper. He stood up and asked, "Do you want my help?"

Jiang Xiaoci laughed: "Dad said that you can't cook. Mom has cut the side dishes and I can cook it myself. Do you like mild, medium or extra spicy?"

Jiang Yunzhong considered the taste of his family and said, "Medium spicy."

Jiang Xiaoci nodded repeatedly: "Brother, then you wait."

Jiang Xiaoci ran to the kitchen happily. Her parents were talking face to face. She smiled and said, "Mom, please let me use the kitchen. I'll make twice-cooked pork for my brother."

Gu Wenying pushed Jiang Weihai out and said, "You go talk to the sons. Xiaoci and I will stay in the kitchen. Remember what I said just now. The family should be happy together and not let anyone spoil the fun."

Jiang Weihai smiled and said, "I'm not usually a person who likes to laugh, but I've laughed more recently than I did in the past year. My colleagues all say that I've changed a lot."

Gu Wenying joked: "You look more and more pleasing to the eye than when we first met. Go out now and don't cause any more trouble."

…

Jiang Weihai could only talk to his son about their studies and work. He sat down on the sofa and asked Jiang Yunzhong, "Have you found a job for your graduation?"

Jiang Yunzhong excelled in all courses at school and was very confident: "Based on my performance and ability, I will definitely be assigned to the Municipal Bureau. Dad, don't worry about my assignment after graduation. I don't want to be accused of using a backdoor. I want to rely on my own abilities."

Jiang Weihai really laughed this time: "Young man, it's okay to say this at home, but don't be so arrogant outside."

Jiang Xiaoci had already cooked the twice-cooked pork and put it on the table. She said, "When the fight happened that day, three or four people couldn't even get close to Big Brother. Big Brother must have been a very good policeman."

"Solving a case depends on comprehensive abilities, not fighting," said Jiang Weihai.

Gu Wenying came out with braised pork and threatened Jiang Weihai: "Catching thieves also requires real strength. You are the one who attacks people in less than three sentences. Come and have dinner."

For the first time, Jiang Yunzhong felt that it was good to have a stepmother at home who could control his father. At least he would be scolded less often.

Today is Big Brother’s birthday. Jiang Xiaoci went to buy soda, poured it for everyone, and raised her glass first: “Big Brother, I wish you all your wishes come true, and that you will always be safe when catching thieves in the future.”

Jiang Weihai was strict with his son, but Xiaoci's words touched his heart.

He wanted his sons to achieve success in their careers, but what he hoped most was that they would all be safe and sound.

He clinked glasses with his son and said, "Dad hasn't celebrated your birthday seriously in these years. What is your wish? I'll see if I can help you fulfill it."

Jiang Yunzhong joked, "Of course I have a wish. Don't tell others that he is my dad. I don't want to take a backdoor. I want to rely on my own strength to sit in a higher position than you in the future."

Jiang Weihai was so angry that he laughed: "Okay, your little request, don't mention me outside, and I won't say you are my son."

Jiang Yunzhong accepted Jiang Xiaoci as his younger sister, and also accepted Gu Wenying as his stepmother. Only a person with a strong heart can educate a girl as optimistic and tenacious as Jiang Xiaoci.

He picked up the cup of soda, stood up and quickly toasted to Gu Wenying: "Auntie Gu, you worked hard to prepare this table of food, thank you."

Jiang Weihai was very pleased. It had only been a month or so, but the family had gotten along well. It was all thanks to Xiaoci.

…

The lunch was a joyful one. Jiang Xiaoci loved eating fish and was concentrating on peeling fish bones. Suddenly, she pricked up her ears and asked everyone with a strange look, "Something seemed to fall next door. Did you hear it?"

"Is there?" Jiang Yunzhong had sharp hearing. Everyone was talking just now, and there were two doors between them, so he didn't hear anything happening next door.

Gu Wenying has a good relationship with Feng Qiaozhen who lives next door, and she has rented a storefront from her house, so she would go over to take a look no matter if there was anything there or not.

Jiang Xiaoci was the first to open the door and ran out, knocking several times: "Aunt Feng, are you home? Aunt Feng, did you hear me?"

Feng Qiaozhen came back to eat at noon every day. Jiang Xiaoci called her several times but no one answered. Something was definitely wrong, and even Jiang Yunzhong and Jiang Yunyi became nervous.

The door couldn't be opened, so he had to climb out through the window. Jiang Yunzhong climbed out of his own window. Fortunately, the window opposite was not locked, so he opened it and got in.

This is the third floor. Jiang Xiaoci was so scared that her palms were sweating. Her eldest brother had already climbed in. She hurried back to the opposite door and waited for her eldest brother to open the door from the inside. Jiang Xiaoci saw Aunt Feng who had fainted on the ground behind her eldest brother.

Jiang Yunzhong opened the door and turned to help Feng Qiaozhen, anxiously saying, "Dad, Aunt Feng fainted, hurry up and call a taxi to take her to the hospital!"

The tricycle that Jiang Xiaoci used to set up the stall was parked downstairs. It would be faster to send it there by himself than to wait for an ambulance. Jiang Weihai made arrangements: "Yun Yi, go call Han Jingyuan's school. Wen Ying, go downstairs and push the tricycle out first."

In a hurry, Gu Wenying took out the passbook at home and handed it to Jiang Yunyi: "After you make the call, go get some money and send it to the hospital."

Jiang Xiaoci's family rushed to take Feng Qiaozhen to the hospital for examination and consultation, and the hospital arranged an emergency operation.

Jiang Xiaoci was waiting for Han Jingyuan at the hospital entrance. Soon, she saw Brother Han get off the platform and run towards her at the speed of a 100-meter sprint.

Jiang Xiaoci waved hurriedly, dragged his arm and ran upstairs to the operating room, comforting him as she ran: "Aunt Feng is doing an intestinal obstruction operation. The doctor who performed the operation on him is called Zhu Feng, an intern Aunt Feng used to have. But don't worry, he is now the attending physician."

The two of them ran all the way to the operating room on the third floor. Their parents and older brothers were all outside the operating room, and everyone was looking at them.

Jiang Xiaoci thought of what her eldest brother had said and felt extremely remorseful. She quickly let go of Han Jingyuan's hand and ran towards her eldest brother.

Jiang Yunzhong saw it, but the situation was urgent and no one cared about what he had said before: don't pay attention to it.

Even he took the initiative to say to Han Jingyuan: "Aunt Feng is a lucky person, and the doctor also said that the operation is not difficult, so don't worry too much."

If the family next door hadn't discovered it early today, Han Jingyuan really couldn't imagine it. He bit his lips until they bled, swallowed the blood foam, and said gratefully: "Uncle Jiang, thank you for saving my mother's life."

Jiang Weihai patted his shoulder and said, "It's all thanks to Xiaoci today. She heard the noise and we went to knock on the door. Don't worry, your mother must be fine."

Han Jingyuan's eyes fell on the little girl who was sweating profusely and nodded: "Thank you, little sister."

"You're welcome." Jiang Xiaoci waved her hand quickly and then shrank back behind Jiang Yunzhong.