Political Commissar Lei frowned slightly as he looked at the plate of cured meat, and whispered to Lei Yuhua:
"Yuhua, remember to leave some food coupons and meat coupons for the village chief's family later, and also give them some money. We can't let them eat our food for free, especially this cured meat..."
Zhou Shuhua had just drunk some hot water and now felt a bit more energetic, so she nodded.
"Yes, yes, they provided us with lodging and food, so we should give them some money. Also, those villagers from earlier were a huge help to us. Is there a supply and marketing cooperative nearby? We should buy them some things too..."
She said this and was about to get up and make arrangements again.
Lei Yuhua handed Zhou Shuhua a pancake while pressing her down:
"Mom, don't worry about it. Your niece, Qiqi, is thinking the same thing as you!"
She gestured with her chin outwards and said with a smile:
"I went outside just now and saw little Qiqi taking things out! Canned food! Luncheon meat! And colorful fruit candies! She gave them all to Aunt Zhang and the others, and even gave two White Rabbit candies to each of the little kids peeking in at the door! These are rare items that you can only find in the city's department stores!"
Political Commissar Lei was taken aback, then suddenly realized what he meant, and shook his head with a smile:
"No wonder... I was wondering why Huaichuan was carrying such a heavy bag when he came. Zhou Qiqi is such a thoughtful girl, she thought of everything in advance."
Zhou Shuhua held the warm cornbread, taking small bites, and tears welled up in her eyes again, this time scalding hot.
"Absolutely, my niece... is the best... the very best girl, so kind, so considerate, and so capable..."
Upon hearing this, Lei Yuhua deliberately pouted and drawled out her words:
"Mom~~~What about me? Am I not good enough? Didn't you used to say I was the best? Why are all those words being used on other people now?"
Zhou Shuhua stopped crying and smiled, then pointed at her lightly with her chopsticks:
"You? Well, compared to Qiqi... you'd have to step back a little!"
Lei Yuhua wasn't annoyed; instead, she chuckled and affectionately nuzzled Zhou Shuhua's arm.
"A little bit is fine! Who can blame me when Qiqi is so adorable! I love her too! If I were Mom, I'd be biased too! And that would be good!"
The small earthen bed was filled with the warm aroma of stewed cabbage and potatoes.
The heavy atmosphere in the room that had lasted all day finally warmed up.
The Lei family of three is currently wearing masks in the village committee's house, which is a bit more spacious.
Zhou Qiqi and her husband were arranged to stay in the west wing of Village Chief Xu's house. The room was small, but it was clean and tidy.
Besides the cabbage and potato stew made by Aunt Jinhua, the small table was also piled with food that the villagers had insisted on giving them:
Aunt Zhang's scallion and egg pancakes, Sister Wang's salted duck eggs, and a few freshly steamed mixed flour buns...
The villagers' heartfelt kindness warmed Zhou Qiqi's heart, and she ate more than usual.
But there was just too much food, and she couldn't eat much of it.
Fortunately, there was a strong man like Shen Huaichuan.
He kept quiet, his chopsticks moving rapidly, clanging against the rim of the bowl, and devoured the remaining flatbread and soup in a whirlwind, without even showing any signs of being full.
Autumn days are short; once the sun sets, the village is completely dark.
Every household lit a kerosene lamp, its tiny, dim light barely illuminating a small area.
It was pitch black outside, and nothing could be done.
The two of them were both quite tired after a busy day, so they went to bed early.
After an unknown amount of time, Zhou Qiqi suddenly opened her eyes, glanced at her wristwatch, and saw that it was already past ten o'clock at night.
Listening to Shen Huaichuan's even breathing beside her, she felt that it was about time, so she gently lifted a corner of the quilt and got out of bed.
This isn't home, after all. She only takes off her coat when she sleeps, so it's convenient for her to just put it on now.
She quietly put on her shoes and then took a flashlight out of her bag.
He glanced back at the kang (a heated brick bed).
Shen Huaichuan lay on his side, his outline blurred in the darkness, fast asleep.
She took a breath, crouched low, tiptoed, and slowly moved the wooden door open, slipped out, and gently closed it again.
The door hinges made a faint creaking sound, which was particularly clear in the quiet night, startling her. She held her breath and listened for a moment. Only after hearing a few crickets chirping in the yard did she feel relieved enough to leave.
It was eerily quiet all around; not even a dog barked.
The cold moonlight poured down like cool water, barely illuminating the bumpy dirt road beneath our feet.
The beam of the flashlight cast a small, swaying spot of light in front of her, accompanied by her slightly rapid breathing.
Zhou Qiqi pulled her clothes tighter, took a deep breath of the cool air, and walked step by step towards the foot of the mountain outside the village, bathed in the moonlight.
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