Before she knew it, it was the end of the year again. On her last day of work, Wei Shuqing couldn't wait to pack her things and go home after collecting her benefits.

Sister Li leaned over and said apologetically, "Xiao Wei, the cafeteria sent over a cow. Could you ask Lao Zhao to spare me a couple of beef bones? I don't need too much meat, just what the cafeteria cuts off will do. I'll exchange them for meal tickets!"

Sister Liu also came over and said ingratiatingly, "I want two too, I'll exchange them with my meal tickets, can you go and ask Old Zhao for us!"

Wei Shuqing smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, I'll go take a look!" She then strolled off to the cafeteria. Over the past few years, Wei Shuqing's way of handling things had been assimilated by Zhao Dahu; in other words, they were becoming more and more alike, both taking their time.

When they arrived, everyone in the cafeteria was busy distributing beef. Zhao Dahu, with his sharp eyes, immediately spotted Wei Shuqing coming over. He quickly took a few steps forward and handed her the large tea mug he was carrying. "Why are you here? Have some tea! Your mouth is so dry!"

Wei Shuqing took the drink and drank a few sips. She then called Zhao Dahu aside and said, "Sister Li and Sister Liu in my office are saying they want to exchange their meal tickets for some beef bones. Is that convenient for you?"

Zhao Dahu said, "There's no inconvenience about that, but not too many, two per person, no tickets needed." Zhao Dahu went over and picked up two bones that hadn't been cleaned very thoroughly, wrapped them in two paper packets, and handed them over. "Take these! Wait for me at the door after get off work, we're going out to eat today!"

Wei Shuqing was taken aback and said, "What day is it? You're going out to eat?"

Zhao Dahu glanced at Wei Shuqing and said, "I'm already rough around the edges, but how come you're even rougher than me now? Wei Shuqing, are you not going to be lenient with me? Have you forgotten such an important day today?"

Wei Shuqing was completely bewildered. She had genuinely forgotten; she couldn't recall what day it was. Zhao Dahu snorted and left. On her way back, Wei Shuqing was still pondering what day it was...

They gave the bones to Sister Li and Sister Liu, who were overjoyed. After thanking them, the three of them went to wait together for the welfare distribution.

Today, we were given five jin of flour, three jin of pork, and three jin of eggs. Zhao Dahu, being a cadre, received seven jin of flour, five jin of pork, and five jin of eggs. Wei Shuqing received hers in one go and waited at the door.

Before long, Zhao Dahu strolled over with a swagger, carrying flour and pork. He started walking, while Wei Shuqing, carrying eggs, said, "Dahu! I'm so sorry, I completely forgot what day it is today, I..."

Qi Zhifang walked to the opposite side and saw Zhao Dahu and Wei Shuqing turn their heads away. In that instant, Wei Shuqing saw the mark on Qi Zhifang's neck and her heart clenched. She was going down the same old path again. She couldn't help but take a few steps back from her, giving her a disgusted look and cursing inwardly, "What bad luck, she's everywhere." Wei Shuqing couldn't understand what kind of karmic ties she had formed with her in her past life.

After Wei Shuqing and Zhao Dahu entered the door, Zhao Aiguo and his mother quickly took the gifts. Zhao Aiguo exclaimed as soon as he saw them, "Dad, Mom, what you gave us isn't as good as what Grandpa gave us. Grandpa gave us ten catties of peach shortbread, five catties of baked fruit, and canned peaches!"

Zhao Dahu chuckled and patted Zhao Aiguo on the head, saying, "What do you know, you silly boy? Your grandpa traded all the grain and meat for snacks. Didn't you see how much flour and meat your mother and I brought back? We brought back meat and egg dumplings just so you could eat them. That would be enough for the whole family for several meals!"

Zhao Aiguo chuckled and quickly grabbed his things to go to the cellar with his mother. Wei Shuqing followed behind. Zhao's mother noticed that her son and daughter-in-law were acting differently than usual and asked, "What's wrong? You don't seem too happy!"

Wei Shuqing whispered, "Da Hu said he was going out to eat today, but I forgot what day it was, so he got angry."

Zhao's mother chuckled, "What day is it? It's the day you two get your marriage certificate!"

Wei Shuqing chuckled and said, "Da Hu really knows how to make a scene. I thought it was something serious!"

Zhao's mother said mysteriously, "If a man remembers something, you have to praise him. Let me tell you, there aren't that many good men in the world; they're all made through praise. Listen to your mother, go back and coax him, praise him, otherwise he won't remember things like this again."

Wei Shuqing thought about it and agreed, nodding and saying, "I'll remember that. I'll talk to him about it later and praise him tonight!"

Zhao Aiguo pulled Zhao Dahu and his father into the house and laboriously carried out two wooden boxes from behind the door, saying, "Grandpa, these are the boxes I bought for you to store things. They cost me five cents! I'm good at picking them out; I picked the heaviest ones."

Zhao's father, Zhao Dahu, didn't take it seriously and said with a smile, "How's my grandson being raised? He's been filial to me since he was little!"

Zhao Dahu chuckled and said, "Let me see how heavy it is!" He stepped forward and took it, but as soon as he touched it, he felt something was wrong and asked, "Kid, where did this come from?"

Zhao Aiguo whispered, "The Bai family on the front street, their grandson took out his stuff to sell, and I immediately took a liking to this one, hehe, okay!"

Seeing Zhao Dahu's obviously disbelieving look, she pouted and said, "Dad, what kind of look is that? Okay, I admit that I only have enough money to buy this. I originally wanted to buy two jewelry boxes for Grandma and Mom, but I don't have enough money."

Zhao Dahu patted Zhao Aiguo's head, grunted absentmindedly twice, and said, "Go find your grandma, I'm going to talk to your grandpa!" Zhao Aiguo was completely confused, but thankfully he obeyed and left.

Zhao Dahu took the box and said, "Dad, this box isn't quite right. You're more knowledgeable, so please help me see it!"

Mr. Zhao glanced up, thinking there was nothing wrong with just a box. He reached out and took it, but this time he noticed the problem. His expression turned serious, and he said, "Go to that drawer and get me the screwdriver!"

Zhao Dahu hurriedly grabbed a screwdriver, which he kept in the house for Zhao Aiguo to use when opening canned food. Zhao's father tapped and banged on it, discovered the problem, and opened it along the seam. Inside the thin wooden board were large goldfish, a total of 12 after they were all turned out.

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