A thin veil of morning mist enveloped the Hongqi Production Brigade. A few golden leaves fell from the sycamore tree in the workshop's backyard, leaving faint patterns on the damp ground. Lin Wanqiu had just poured freshly ground flour into the earthenware jar when she heard familiar footsteps outside the gate—it was Zhang Lan, carrying a bamboo basket covered with a blue cloth, from which a faint aroma of rice could be faintly smelled.
"Late Autumn, busy?" Zhang Lan's voice was much gentler than usual. She stood at the door, nervously clutching the hem of her clothes. Her face, which usually carried a hint of harshness, now had a flattering smile. "I...I cooked some millet porridge and steamed two sweet potatoes. I brought some over to you and Tingzhou."
Lin Wanqiu put down the wooden spoon in her hand, wiped the thin layer of sweat from her forehead, and was somewhat surprised. Ever since Boss Shen returned from the clinic to recuperate, Zhang Lan had come to greet him every day, but this was the first time she had taken the initiative to bring him food. "Why are you being so polite? Come in and sit down." She smiled and stepped aside, her gaze falling on the bamboo basket. "You still have a sick person at home to take care of, why did you specially cook this?"
Zhang Lan walked into the courtyard, placed the bamboo basket on the stone table, and carefully lifted the blue cloth—a white porcelain bowl contained thick millet porridge, the glistening grains of rice settling at the bottom. Beside it sat two steaming sweet potatoes, their skins charred and fragrant, still emitting wisps of steam. "We don't have anything good at home. This millet was distributed by the commune a while ago. I knew you were busy with the workshop every day and probably didn't have time to eat properly," she said, while secretly observing Lin Wanqiu's expression, afraid that the other party wouldn't appreciate it.
Lin Wanqiu picked up a sweet potato, peeled off the skin, and the golden flesh emitted a sweet aroma. She took a bite; the soft, sweet taste instantly warmed her stomach. "It tastes really good, better than what I cook myself," she praised sincerely. "By the way, how is Big Brother today? Does his wound still hurt?"
Mentioning Shen Laoda, Zhang Lan's eyes softened considerably: "Much better, he can sit up and talk now, but he still can't get out of bed. Yesterday, when Tingzhou was wiping him down, he said it was all thanks to your ointment that the swelling went down so quickly." She paused, her voice lowering, tinged with guilt, "Wanqiu, I was so foolish before, always getting into trouble with you along with Mother. Thinking about it now, I'm really ashamed. You helped us without holding a grudge, I... I don't even know how to thank you."
Lin Wanqiu's heart softened when she saw Zhang Lan's reddened eyes. Actually, she had long since stopped blaming Zhang Lan. After all, in those times of scarcity, everyone had their difficulties, and Zhang Lan's harshness back then was mostly a product of poverty. "We're all family, why bring this up?" She patted Zhang Lan's hand. "From now on, we'll help each other out, and life will get better. By the way, if you're bored at home, why don't you come help out at the workshop? You won't earn a fortune, but it'll supplement the family income, and you can chat with everyone."
Zhang Lan's eyes lit up, as if she hadn't expected Lin Wanqiu to invite her. She had previously watched the village women work in the workshop, feeling envious, but too proud to ask Lin Wanqiu for help. Now that he had offered, how could she refuse? "Really? I... I can work in the workshop?" She excitedly grabbed Lin Wanqiu's hand, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm willing to learn anything, and I definitely won't slack off!"
"Of course it's true." Lin Wanqiu nodded with a smile. "Come tomorrow and learn how to pack from Aunt Wang. She's a nice person and will teach you well."
The next morning, Zhang Lan arrived at the workshop on time. She was dressed in clean coarse cloth clothes, her hair neatly combed, and she carried a handkerchief she had embroidered herself, saying it was a gift for Aunt Wang. Aunt Wang, seeing her sincere attitude, was very welcoming and patiently taught her how to pack the pastries into oil paper bags and how to tie pretty knots. Zhang Lan learned very diligently, not uttering a sound even when her fingers were red from the hemp rope, she just kept practicing.
Watching Zhang Lan's busy figure, Lin Wanqiu felt very gratified. She knew that Zhang Lan genuinely wanted to change, and it wasn't just a passing whim. At lunchtime, Lin Wanqiu specially served Zhang Lan an extra bowl of braised pork, smiling and saying, "You've worked hard all morning, eat more to replenish your energy."
Zhang Lan took the bowl, her eyes reddening again. In all her life, besides her mother, no one had ever cared for her like this. "Wanqiu, thank you," she said softly, bowing her head. "If you ever need anything in the future, just tell me. If I dare say no, may I be struck by lightning!"
"Look at what you're saying, what do you mean by being struck by lightning? That's so unlucky." Lin Wanqiu interrupted her with a smile, "We're family, it's only right that we take care of each other."
As the days went by, Zhang Lan became increasingly skilled in the workshop. She not only learned how to pack food but also started learning to make simple pastries from Lin Wanqiu. She was diligent and had a sweet tongue, quickly becoming one of the workers in the workshop. Shen Laoda was very happy to see his wife go to work happily every day and bring home some pastries. He often said to Shen Tingzhou, "Second brother, it's all thanks to you marrying such a good wife; otherwise, I don't know what our family would be like now."
Shen Tingzhou felt proud upon hearing this. He knew that Lin Wanqiu had not only changed Zhang Lan, but was also slowly changing the entire Shen family. The house used to be always noisy and argumentative, but now it was filled with laughter and joy—all thanks to Lin Wanqiu.
That evening, Lin Wanqiu was checking the accounts under the lamp when Zhang Lan suddenly arrived. She was holding a cloth bag and mysteriously handed it to Lin Wanqiu: "Wanqiu, look what good things I brought you."
Lin Wanqiu opened the cloth bag, inside was a pair of brand-new cloth shoes, the uppers embroidered with delicate plum blossoms, the stitches fine and dense, clearly made with great care. "These are...the shoes you made for me?" She looked at Zhang Lan in surprise, her heart filled with gratitude.
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