That day, it was Aunt Wang's turn to host the meal. Aunt Wang lived in an old-fashioned courtyard house with several fruit trees and a small vegetable garden where she grew some greens and radishes. Grandma Shen, along with Liu Guilan, Aunt Zhang, and Aunt Li, arrived at Aunt Wang's house, only to find that Aunt Wang had already prepared a sumptuous meal: braised pork, sweet and sour fish, stir-fried greens, stewed chicken soup, and a plate of steaming dumplings.
"Come, come, everyone, please sit down!" Aunt Wang greeted warmly. "I've made some home-style dishes for you all today. I don't know if they'll suit your tastes."
"Aunt Wang, your cooking is amazing! It looks so delicious!" Aunt Zhang said with a smile, picking up her chopsticks and putting a piece of braised pork into her mouth. "Mmm! It tastes really good, fatty but not greasy, and melts in your mouth!"
Grandma Shen also picked up her chopsticks, took a dumpling, and put it in her mouth. The dumpling skin was thin, the filling was generous, and the taste was delicious, reminding her of the dumplings she used to make when she was young. She was filled with emotion. Back in the village, she rarely had the opportunity to eat such a sumptuous meal. Now, with these new friends, she not only experienced the joy of life but also tasted all kinds of delicious food.
During the meal, everyone chatted about their families. Liu Guilan said her son was serving in the army as an officer, and her daughter was a nurse at a hospital; both children were very filial. Aunt Zhang said her husband was a retired worker, and they had a son and a daughter, both of whom were married and had established their own careers; they lived a very happy life. Aunt Li said her husband passed away early, and she raised her two children alone. Now her children were very successful, and she could finally enjoy her retirement. Aunt Wang said her son and daughter-in-law both worked in a factory, and her grandson was already in elementary school; the whole family lived a harmonious and happy life.
Grandma Shen couldn't help but share her family situation. She said her eldest son, Shen Laoda, farms in their hometown, and her second son, Shen Tingzhou, used to serve in the army but later "sacrificed" himself. Unexpectedly, he "came back to life" last year and now runs a food shop with his daughter-in-law, Lin Wanqiu. Her two grandchildren are very cute and clever.
"Sister Shen, you are such a blessed person!" Liu Guilan said with a smile. "You have your second son who was lost and found, your daughter-in-law is so capable, and your grandchildren are so cute. It's really enviable!"
“Yes, Sister Shen, the hard times are over, now it’s time to enjoy your retirement!” Aunt Zhang said.
Grandma Shen nodded, her eyes filled with satisfaction. She knew that her current happy life was hard-won, all thanks to the efforts of Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou. Before, she always felt that Lin Wanqiu was an outsider and was always wary of her, but now she understood that Lin Wanqiu was already an indispensable part of this family. It was she and Shen Tingzhou who, together, supported this family and gave the children a warm and happy childhood.
In the afternoon, Grandma Shen went to the farmers' market with her friends. The market was bustling with activity, and a dazzling array of vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood were on display. Looking at the scene before her, Grandma Shen was filled with emotion. Back in the village, it was difficult to buy fresh vegetables and fruits; now, in the city, she could buy all kinds of ingredients anytime, anywhere.
"Sister Shen, look how fresh these radishes are! They're so big and juicy. Buy a few to stew with pork ribs, they'll be delicious!" Liu Guilan said, pointing to the radishes on the stall.
Grandma Shen nodded, picked up a radish and examined it; it was indeed very fresh. She smiled and said, "Okay, then I'll buy a few to take home."
Aunt Zhang took a liking to the apples on the stall and said, "These apples look really sweet. I'll buy some for the children."
Aunt Li bought some eggs and flour to make a cake when she got home.
Aunt Wang bought some fish and meat, saying, "I'll make shredded pork with garlic sauce and sweet and sour pork ribs for everyone tonight."
Everyone strolled through the market, selecting ingredients, chatting and laughing, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Grandma Shen discovered that being with her friends not only brought her joy but also taught her many things. Before, she only knew how to cook simple country dishes; now, influenced by her friends, she's started trying new recipes, making her life increasingly fulfilling.
It was already evening when they got home. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou were busy in the food shop. Seeing Grandma Shen return, Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Mom, you're back! Did you have fun today?"
Grandma Shen nodded, a rare smile appearing on her face: "I'm happy. I went to the park with my friends today and also went to the market. I bought a lot of things." She handed the shopping basket in her hand to Lin Wanqiu, "These are apples I bought for the children, and some radishes. You can stew pork ribs for dinner tonight."
Lin Wanqiu took the shopping basket and said with a smile, "Okay! Thank you, Mom. Are you tired? Sit down and rest for a while. I'll get you a glass of water."
Grandma Shen sat in her chair, watching Lin Wanqiu's busy figure, her heart filled with satisfaction. She knew that she had misunderstood Lin Wanqiu in the past, but now she finally understood that Lin Wanqiu was a good daughter-in-law, someone worthy of her heartfelt care.
Shen Tingzhou also came over and handed Grandma Shen a towel: "Mom, wipe your face."
Grandma Shen took the towel, wiped her face, and said, "Tingzhou, you two shouldn't overwork yourselves. Take care of yourselves."
Shen Tingzhou nodded: "I understand, Mom. Don't worry, we'll be careful."
In the evening, Lin Wanqiu stewed pork rib and radish soup and made a few side dishes. The family sat around the table, enjoying their dinner happily. Nian'an and Nianxi, the two children, kept putting food on Grandma Shen's plate, sweetly calling her "Grandma," and Grandma Shen's face was filled with a happy smile.
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