She touched the jade pendant on her chest, secretly making plans. When the vegetables in her space ripened again, she would take them to the black market to sell and earn some money. She would not only buy more delicious food for Niannian, but also raise and reinforce the courtyard wall to prevent those with ill intentions from taking advantage of her.
Just then, Aunt Wang's voice came from outside the courtyard gate: "Wanqiu, are you home? I just heard Zhang Lan say that you have some green vegetables. Could you let me see them? My little grandson has been asking for green vegetables lately, and I really don't know what to do."
Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat. Aunt Wang was usually a nice person; last time, when Lin Wanqiu was bullied by Old Lady Shen, Aunt Wang even spoke up for her. Perhaps she could make a deal with Aunt Wang, exchanging vegetables for some coarse grains or eggs. This way, she could solve her family's food problem and gain an ally.
She quickly went to the door, opened it, and said with a smile, "Aunt Wang, please come in and sit down. I do have some vegetables at home, which I grew myself. If you don't mind, I can get you some."
Aunt Wang walked in and saw the eggs on the stove and the greens in the bowl. Her eyes lit up: "Wanqiu, you're really capable. You can still grow greens at this time of year. Don't worry, I won't take your greens for nothing. I have some coarse grains at home. I'll bring some over for you, and we can exchange them."
"Aunt Wang, you're too kind," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile. "It's just some vegetables, no need to go to so much trouble. If you don't mind, you can take some back for your grandson."
“That won’t do,” Aunt Wang insisted. “We’re neighbors, so helping each other is only right, but I can’t let you suffer a loss. You wait here, I’ll go home and get you some coarse grains.”
After saying that, Aunt Wang turned and left, returning quickly with half a bag of coarse grains. Lin Wanqiu took the grains, feeling a warmth in her heart. She knew that in this era of scarcity, half a bag of coarse grains was a great gesture of kindness.
She took a bunch of greens from the cupboard and handed them to Aunt Wang: "Aunt Wang, take these. You can use them to make soup for your grandson when you get home. They'll definitely taste good."
Aunt Wang took the vegetables and said gratefully, "Wanqiu, thank you so much. If you ever need anything in the future, just let me know, and I'll definitely help you."
"Thank you, Aunt Wang," Lin Wanqiu said with a smile.
Aunt Wang sat for a while longer, chatting with Lin Wanqiu about everyday things, before leaving with the vegetables. Watching Aunt Wang's departing figure, Lin Wanqiu felt secretly relieved. She knew that with Aunt Wang as an ally, she would have someone to help her if she encountered trouble in the future.
She went back inside and saw that Shen Nian'an had finished her eggs and was holding the empty bowl, looking at her with expectant eyes. Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Niannian, Mom will cook you eggs again tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay!" Shen Nian'an nodded vigorously, a happy smile on her face.
Lin Wanqiu patted her son's head, her heart filled with motivation. She knew that as long as the space existed, and as long as she worked hard, her and Niannian's lives would definitely get better and better, and those who wanted to bully them would eventually be left behind.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com