However, there is still a major headache: the house is as cold as an icebox, the floor is bare, and there isn't even a coal stove for heating.
The corner was empty; there wasn't even a single piece of firewood to start a fire, let alone any coal.
Lu Wanwan rubbed her hands together, looking out the window with some worry: "It's only the beginning of winter, and spring is still a long way off. How are we going to get through the winter without coal? Sister-in-law, where did you buy the coal? We also need to prepare electrical appliances."
Gu Mingyue touched the cold windowsill, then turned to her and said, "It's alright. We have plenty of coal stored in our coal cellar. I'll have Lu Lin give you half of it later. Let's light the stove first and warm up. We can buy more coal when the supply and marketing cooperative gets some in a couple of days."
Lu Wanwan immediately nodded: "Okay, once we buy new coal, we'll return this portion to you. We can't let you suffer a loss."
"What are you saying?" Gu Mingyue gently patted her, her tone slightly reproachful.
"We're family, why are we being so particular? Your brother and I have enough coal to last through the winter, what's wrong with sharing some with you?"
Besides, you've just arrived and haven't bought anything yet. It's only right that I, as your sister-in-law, lend a hand.
She took Lu Wanwan's hand and walked towards the door: "Don't think too much. I'll have your brother bring coal over later to light the stove. Otherwise, it's so cold in here, you won't feel comfortable."
When He Xiao has time, you two can go to the supply and marketing cooperative together. Let me know if you need anything; if you have anything at home, feel free to take it.
Looking into Gu Mingyue's earnest eyes, Lu Wanwan felt a warmth in her heart. She stopped mentioning the repayment and simply nodded with a smile.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony. Once I've tidied up the house, I'll bring you hot meals every day."
Gu Mingyue smiled and agreed, and the two walked back side by side.
Gu Mingyue had already told Lu Lin about the coal that afternoon. Before she could finish speaking, Lu Lin had already picked up the carrying pole from the corner of the wall and headed towards the coal pit.
"It's not cold today, so I'll deliver it to them now and also bring a coal stove over to install, so they don't have to make another trip."
He shoveled two full baskets of coal from the coal pit and carried the small coal stove that was kept at home as a spare.
Gu Mingyue wanted to go and help, but he stopped her, saying, "You stay home and rest. I can manage on my own. I'll be back soon."
As he spoke, he carried the load outside, his steps steady. The two baskets of coal bent the carrying pole slightly, but it didn't make him sway at all.
When they arrived at Lu Wanwan's house, Lu Lin first poured the coal into the coal basket in the corner of the wall, and then squatted down to assemble the coal stove.
Lu Wanwan wanted to lend a hand, but he waved her off, saying, "Don't touch it, the coal dust is dirty. I can do it."
Coal is hard to wash off, so since he's already done it, he should only use it on one person and not get his sister all messed up too.
He skillfully installed the stove, laid out kindling, added a few pieces of coal, and lit it with a match.
Soon, the coal stove roared to life, and the room gradually warmed up.
Lu Wanwan looked at the beads of sweat on his forehead and handed him a towel: "Brother, take a rest and have some water."
Lu Lin wiped his sweat, smiled and shook his head: "No need, I'll go check if the chimney is blocked."
He brought a ladder, climbed onto the roof to inspect the chimney, and only after confirming that there was no problem did he climb down the ladder and dust off his hands.
"Alright, the stove is lit and the chimney is open, you can use it tonight. If it's not warm enough, add another piece of coal, just be careful not to suffocate."
Looking at the rising steam in the room, Lu Wanwan was filled with gratitude: "Brother, thank you, otherwise we would have been freezing tonight."
Lu Lin smiled and waved his hand: "Don't be so polite with me, we're all family. I'll bring some more firewood over later, it'll be easier to start a fire."
"The stove is lit, but we don't even have a sip of hot water." Lu Wanwan looked at the empty stove with some helplessness.
When they arrived, the house was still unfurnished, with nothing to its name, let alone rice, flour, or oil.
Upon hearing this, Gu Mingyue immediately said, "I have some at home, I'll go back and get it."
Before Lu Wanwan could stop her, she put on her coat and walked out. "Wait here, I'll bring over some rice and freshly steamed buns from home. We'll make do with these for now, and buy some more at the supply and marketing cooperative tomorrow."
A short while later, Gu Mingyue returned carrying a cloth bag containing a small bag of rice, several hot steamed buns, and a small, lightweight iron pot.
“This pot is the one I used before. Now that I’m pregnant, Mr. Lu Lin always uses a clay pot to make soup for me, so this pot is perfect for you to use.”
She handed the steamed bun to Lu Wanwan, saying, "I'll go home later and bring over the pickled vegetable jar; it'll taste better with the steamed bun."
Lu Wanwan took the still-steaming bun, the warmth spreading in her mouth and making her heart even warmer: "Thank you, sister-in-law, you're so kind to us."
Gu Mingyue smiled and ruffled her hair: "We've already said we're family, don't keep saying that. Once you've settled into your home, we'll visit each other's homes and have meals every day, it'll be so lively."
Gu Mingyue touched the wall of the coal stove that had just heated up, thought for a moment, and then turned to discuss it with Lu Wanwan.
"Although the house is warm, the pots, pans, bedding and mattresses are not yet ready, so we can't move in right now."
Why don't you stay at my place for a while? I have enough rooms.
Lu Lin nodded: "The east room has been empty, and the bedding is ready. You can move in there directly. It's better than making do here."
"No, no," Lu Wanwan quickly waved her hand, pulled Gu Mingyue's arm and took half a step back, her eyes showing a little embarrassment.
“You’re pregnant and need some peace and quiet. If the two of us move in, cooking and washing up will definitely disturb your rest. Besides, it’s convenient for He Xiao to stay at the military camp. I’ll come over during the day to keep you company, and I’ll just stay here for the night. Once everything is settled by the weekend, I’ll move in immediately. It won’t be a bother for you.”
Gu Mingyue frowned and tapped her forehead: "Why are you being so polite with me? I stay at home every day and I'm just worried about having no one to talk to. Why don't you move in? We can sew the baby's clothes together during the day and chat together at night. It'll be so lively."
She turned to He Xiao and said, "He Xiao, you should also try to persuade her. There isn't even a decent quilt in this room. It's so cold at night. The east room in my house is warm and cozy, and it's much more comfortable to live in here."
He Xiao nodded with a smile: "I would like to move in, but Wanwan is afraid of causing you trouble."
He patted Lu Wanwan on the shoulder, "Listen to your sister-in-law, move in first, and then move out when the new house is ready. Don't make your sister-in-law worry."
Looking at Gu Mingyue's expectant eyes, and remembering the cold, empty bed in the room, Lu Wanwan finally nodded: "Then, then we'll stay for a few days, and move out as soon as we're all packed up."
Gu Mingyue immediately smiled and took her hand, leading her home: "That's more like it. I'll have Lu Lin make braised pork for you tonight, so you can have a good rest."
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