Jiang Qiao's skills were unanimously praised by everyone. In fact, only Jiang Qiao herself knew that although her skills were good, without the blessing of the well water in the space, she might not be able to catch up with Grandpa Qiao.

After seeing Ning Hao off, Jiang Qiao's life returned to normal. To recover from her injury, she rarely went out. Besides studying at home, she spent her time figuring out how to cook delicious food. Since there were only two people at home, she wouldn't neglect her health.

Qiao Jie hasn't been going out these past few days either. It's almost Chinese New Year, so he's staying home to help Jiang Qiao clean and cook.

On New Year's Eve, Jiang Qiao sent four gifts to Wang Dahua. No matter what had happened before, at least outsiders should know that the child had not forgotten the old lady's kindness in raising her.

For the old man and the young man, the Chinese New Year was of extraordinary significance; it could be said to be Jiang Qiao's first Chinese New Year in this world.

Although it's an undeniable fact that there are few people in the family, the old man and the young man are determined to make the New Year lively.

The old man had been lonely for so many years, and finally, the family had a new member. Qiao Jie was overjoyed and wanted to make the New Year different from usual.

The two people shared the same idea, so they did their best to prepare a more lavish meal than the other person.

Jiang Qiao initially thought this was a meaningful and memorable New Year, but seeing this large table of food, she became somewhat worried.

"Grandpa Qiao, can the two of us finish this?"

The old man chuckled and took out a bottle of wine. "Eat up, girl, eat as much as you want. We can't control what other people do, as long as we don't skimp on our own stomachs, that's fine. Eat as much as you can, it won't hurt if you eat more at the next meal."

"Grandpa hasn't cooked such a proper meal in years. This year is different; let's have a good drink together, just the two of us."

Jiang Qiao drank different wine than the old man; she drank fruit wine, which the old man had brewed himself. The two of them downed a glass in a very proper manner.

"Happy New Year, Grandpa Joe!"

The old man nodded happily, "Good, good, good, we're all doing well. We also welcome you to our home. Study hard and make progress every day."

Compared to the lively and joyous Spring Festival celebration of the Qiao family, the Jiang family had a rather troublesome year. They couldn't be happy because their food supplies were running low. The food they had bought earlier was being depleted due to the large number of family members. Even if they didn't eat every day, the food would still be consumed.

Although Wang Dahua and her group had the money Jiang Qiao had given them and the money from selling Jiang Qiao, without receipts, it was all for nothing.

When Jiang Qiao was here before, the two of them could at least feed the whole family. But now it's just the old lady's food. You can imagine how difficult it is to feed such a large family.

After a simple lunch, Wang Dahua glanced at the children and said, "The day after tomorrow, you guys go home first. Jiang Ping, stay here. They said they won't give us a reply about finding a job until after the New Year. If it works out, the eldest son can work here."

"Guihua, you and the children should work hard at home. Jiang Ping's salary here will help supplement the family income, and life will definitely be better than before."

Niu Guihua was furious. She looked at the old lady with a mournful expression and said, "Mother, how can this be? Our family has never been separated when we fled famine. You're telling me we'll be separated again when we're old? The children at home are still young. What am I, a woman, supposed to do?"

"Or I could stay here too, so I can take care of the children's father. Jiang Hai and the others can go back now; he's married, so they can take good care of the younger siblings."

The old lady knew exactly what her daughter-in-law was up to. She sighed, took her daughter-in-law's hand, and said, "Guihua, do you think your mother doesn't want you to stay here? The family is in this situation right now. Even if I didn't eat or drink, I couldn't feed this family."

You should go back for now. At least the team will distribute grain to you. Take the two hundred yuan back with you to live on. When you have time, bring the children to visit.

If the eldest son's job really doesn't work out, then Mom will go back and live with you all. We'll rent out this house; at least we'll have some money every month.

Jiang Qiao never expected that before the year was even over, Niu Guihua would leave with the child.

When Song Lianfeng came over for a visit, she was still talking about this matter. Jiang Qiao no longer cares about the fate of the Jiang family members, and she will have little to do with them in the future.

As for the old lady, she chose that path herself. She will help when the old lady needs it, but only the old lady. No one else can even think about it.

"Sigh, why didn't this old lady leave with her daughter-in-law and grandson? She left her son alone. What kind of situation is this? They were living a good life in the countryside, but because of her, the couple is now living apart."

Grandpa Qiao sees things clearly; at his age, he's experienced everything.

“You all underestimate Wang Dahua. She has spent most of her life in the countryside. How could she not know how hard life is there? Otherwise, why would she be so determined to bring her son to the city?”

"Tell her to go back? She really can't leave unless it's absolutely necessary. First of all, who will take care of her son? And what about Wang Dahua herself? Do you think going to her daughter-in-law's house is the same as staying here?"

Jiang Qiao glanced at Song Lianfeng, who suddenly realized what was going on, and said, "So, let's get back to what we were doing. Starting tomorrow, I'll go collect coal nuggets. Auntie, are you coming?"

"Go, why not? Pick more, burn more at home, and it'll be warmer. Chunming and the others are on holiday, so they can keep you picking for a while longer. Qiao'er, are you really sure you don't want to go to school?"

Jiang Qiao exchanged a glance with the old man, then nodded to Song Lianfeng, "Grandpa Qiao and I have discussed it and decided to stick to the previous plan for now. We'll go there when it's time for the next grade. Grandpa Qiao knows our principal, so it will be more convenient for us in the future."

Qiao Jie didn't want to get too involved, but he dared not underestimate this little girl. Choosing to sever ties with the Jiang family at this time required some brains; otherwise, it would be impossible for an ordinary person to do so.

In the days that followed, Jiang Qiao and the old man were busy with their own things. One of the old man's characteristics was that he didn't talk much. He let Jiang Qiao do whatever he wanted. It was hard to tell whether he trusted him too much or thought that Jiang Qiao couldn't do anything bad.

Once she recovered, Jiang Qiao went out for a meal with Fu Lin and the others. She needed to maintain these relationships, especially since she didn't have many connections yet. Since Ning Hao had asked her to spend more time with these friends, she wouldn't let such a good opportunity pass her by.

"Hey, Xiao Jiang Qiao, how are you? Are you feeling better yet?"

"Everything's ready. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dared to invite you all out for dinner. Come on, sit down—"