After breakfast, Qi's mother took her two children to the yard to pick vegetables for lunch.
Xiao Bei gave Xu Keke several bottles and jars. Inside were pickled yellow croakers, a jar of stir-fried soybean paste, and various pickled vegetables.
"Didn't he say you can't cook?" Xiao Bei glanced at Qi Chang. Xu Keke felt that after last night, Xiao Bei must have figured out how to get along with Qi Chang. She was no longer as reserved and demure as before.
"This is what I prepared early this morning. Some of it was pickled at home before the New Year. If you don't have time, you can just make some noodles or steamed buns and eat it with this."
Xu Keke touched the jar of soybean paste; it was ice-cold to the touch. How early must they have gotten up? Xu Keke felt a little guilty, like she was indebted to someone who had given her food. She stole a glance at Qi Chang, who seemed to know what she meant. Qi Chang glared at her fiercely, as if to say, "Try trading me for food."
Xu Keke was somewhat confused. When had she and he developed this tacit understanding? It seemed that their relationship had changed since they met that morning. Xu Keke thought that once she got back and the Qi family matters were settled, she would have a good talk with Qi Chang.
Xiao Bei was very busy. After giving the things to Xu Keke, she went to the kitchen to help the aunt knead the dough.
Xu Keke wanted to help, so she went into the kitchen, took a quick look around, and then left. This little Bei girl was really too capable; even the Qi family's aunt was standing to the side with her hands tied, waiting for instructions, unsure of what to do.
Qi Chang brought out a Go set from his study. He called Xu Keke to sit in the living room and they started playing. The two children finished picking vegetables, washed their hands, and stood to the side, each holding a large, sweet peach, watching.
Not long after they got off, Qi's father came in from outside to greet a soldier of medium build with a somewhat honest appearance.
"This is Chen Gang, from the Third Battalion."
Qi's father's introduction was brief, but judging from Qi Chang's expression, he must know who this person is, just that it's the first time he's met him. Xu Keke was still thinking that the name sounded somewhat familiar.
Seeing Xiao Bei come out of the kitchen with a sudden change in expression, Xu Keke remembered that Qi's mother had mentioned yesterday that this should be Xiao Bei's blind date.
Qi's father smiled and said to Xiao Bei, "Your dad was keeping it from me the other day. He thought that if I had a daughter, I could compete with him for her, but I only have one son. It's like he thinks he can steal away the son-in-law he's been eyeing. Your mom told your aunt in private that you two are a couple. Your aunt and I treat you like our own daughter. So, let's not wait until tonight. Let's have a family gathering at noon when everyone's here. Chen Gang is a good kid. Your aunt and I are relieved that you're with him. Your dad is no better than me in any other way, except when it comes to judging people. He's definitely better than me."
Xu Keke kept her eyes fixed on Xiao Bei. She couldn't help but sigh, seriously speaking, a girl like Xiao Bei would be the perfect choice for the head wife in an ancient, prominent family. She was capable and knew how to handle things.
She treated Chen Gang with neither excessive enthusiasm nor neglect, and even smiled and said to him, "Sit here for a while, we'll have some steamed buns later."
Chen Gang smiled憨厚ly and answered sincerely. Xu Keke glanced at Qi Chang again, wondering what she would choose if she were Xiao Bei's father. She would probably only do so as a last resort.
After leading the people inside, Qi's father went into the study. Qi's mother came over and asked Xu Keke to help her pack her things.
Qi Chang asked Chen Gang, who said he didn't know how to play Go, only Chinese chess. Xu Keke quickly gave up her seat, and Qi Chang went to the study to bring out the Chinese chess set.
Xu Keke followed Qi's mother into the bedroom. She genuinely thought Qi's mother had asked her to help, but to her surprise, Qi's mother took out a brand-new set of yellow pants and an overcoat. A white shirt was also placed on top.
"I was originally going to alter it before giving it to you. I didn't expect it to be in such a hurry. I asked Qi Chang yesterday, and he said there are people in your alley who can alter clothes."
She spread her arms out on Xu Keke to measure her, "It's alright, only three fingers too big. If you don't want to change it, you can just roll it up and wear it the same way."
"There are a few pieces of material here. It's too much of a burden for us to carry. You can take them and find someone to make them for you and your sister."
Xu Keke knew perfectly well that these pieces of fabric were difficult to carry. Qi's mother had simply made up an excuse to give them to her. Xu Keke didn't stand on ceremony, thanked Qi's mother, and accepted the items.
Seeing that she neither wept with gratitude nor refused, Qi's mother was quite satisfied. She pulled her inside and talked for a long time until she heard people outside making dumplings, then she took Xu Keke outside.
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