Having vented her anger, Ruan Meng didn't take it to heart and happily went beachcombing with her third brother.
The evening's harvest was good; Ruan Meng unexpectedly found two filefish and several prawns, while Third Brother found several sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
Upon seeing the sea urchins, Ruan Meng once again added the plan to buy chickens and eggs to her list.
The eldest sister-in-law cooked rice as usual, and Ruan Meng taught the third brother how to prepare the filefish.
After peeling off the outer skin, clean the internal organs, cut into small pieces, and Ruan Meng prepared scallions, ginger, and garlic.
After frying the dried filefish, remove it from the pan. Add scallions, ginger, and garlic to the pan, then add the fried filefish, oyster sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and spring water. Sprinkle with wild scallions before serving.
The third brother had been eagerly waiting, and finally his sister rewarded him with a piece.
"Little sister, can I have a bowl of rice first?"
The broth is so flavorful; it's the perfect accompaniment to rice!
How could Ruan Meng refuse?
Quickly clean the sea cucumbers, steam one for each of my elder brother and sister-in-law, and cut the remaining three into pieces and braise them.
Ruan Meng made a wild vegetable soup and then called her older brother and sister-in-law to eat.
These past two days, they've been waiting until evening, after the beachcombing is over, for the village chief's family to hand over the oysters, and for the Song and Fan families to finish processing the oysters, before having dinner.
Unfortunately, my third brother couldn't wait, so we had to start cooking early today.
"Mmm! Delicious! So delicious!"
The third child couldn't lift his head, repeatedly praising, "Thick meat, and no bones! Sister cooked it so deliciously!"
The second child also ate two bowls of rice, and like the third child, poured the soup over the rice, leaving a lingering fragrance on his lips and teeth.
It was the first time the second child had eaten this kind of fish. After putting down his chopsticks, he asked, "Little sister, what kind of fish is this?"
Ruan Meng explained, "This is called filefish, also known as 'haier fish' or 'horse-faced fish.' The fish is tender and can be used in medicine. It is beneficial for those with stomach discomfort or indigestion."
The second brother quickly pressed down on the third brother's chopsticks and said to the eldest brother, "Big brother, eat more!"
The third brother pulled out his chopsticks. "There are only a few pieces left. It's mostly soup. If you're worried about it being too greasy, I'll eat it for you!"
Before his second brother could reprimand him, he immediately said seriously, "I'll go beachcombing tomorrow and see if I can still find some!"
“Little sister,” he asked Ruan Meng, “can this fish be used to make fish soup? Wouldn’t it be a bit bland for big brother to drink fish soup?”
Ruan Meng smiled and said, "Okay, as long as Third Brother can catch them. If you catch a lot, I'll make you a sweet and sour dish!"
The third brother put down his chopsticks and rushed outside.
The eldest sister-in-law called from behind, "Third brother, where are you going? Have you eaten enough?"
The third brother, already carrying a wooden bucket and holding wooden tongs, rushed towards the beach, his voice echoing back.
"The tide hasn't come in yet, I'm going to go out to sea!"
"I'm definitely going to eat this sweet and sour skinny fish!"
The eldest sister-in-law looked at the people beside her and smiled silently.
Ruan Meng and her second brother put away the bowls and chopsticks. The second brother was about to wash them when he saw the newcomers and got up to greet them.
"Big brother, sister-in-law, Brother Fan, Sister-in-law Fan, and Second Brother Fan are here!"
Ruan Qian and Xu Shi welcomed the people in.
The brothers Fan Zizhong and Fan Zili stated their purpose directly.
Fan Zizhong stood up and solemnly bowed to the Ruan family to apologize.
"Brother Ruan, little sister, I am truly ashamed, I never expected..."
"The Duan family's actions are truly shameful."
The eldest sister-in-law watched with a smile, without saying a word of objection.
The Fan brothers are good at talking, say more!
Ruan Meng sat obediently beside her brother and sister-in-law. The matter was over, but with her brother and sister-in-law around, she didn't need to pretend to be generous!
I may not hold grudges, but if I'm uncomfortable, I'm uncomfortable!
Fan Zili said with shame, "Duan used to be a bit more sensitive. Lately, taking care of the children, I don't know if it's because she's tired, so..."
“I apologize to Brother Ruan, Sister-in-law Ruan, and my younger sister. I failed to notice Duan’s unusual behavior, which hurt my younger sister’s feelings.”
“I hope my younger sister won’t mind. I will try my best to guide her in the future and take on more responsibility. I hope she can have a more open mind.”
"I hope Brother Ruan and Sister-in-law Ruan won't let this matter damage the relationship between our two families! If she continues to be so insensible in the future, even if I separate from the family and live alone with her, I won't let her affect everyone."
Fan Zili was a sincere person, much more honest than the eloquent Duan.
His ability to speak so eloquently, demonstrating both responsibility and consideration for the bigger picture, impressed Ruan Meng.
Ruan Meng was surprised that her sister-in-law had taken her anger out on her, but the two brothers still came over, which showed how much they valued the relationship.
Sister-in-law Fan then spoke up, "Originally, it should have been Duan who made a statement and apologized..."
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