Qin Qingman looked at Huang Wanqing who had fallen silent and did not say anything unpleasant. Instead, she started preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.
Huang Wanqing's heart was no longer at peace.
In the past, she was very confident that Qi Weiying would marry her, so she traveled thousands of miles to come here to work in the countryside. If what he said back then was just a joke, or if Qi Weiying didn't remember her at all, what should she do in the future?
Huang Wanqing suddenly felt a little hesitant.
In fact, the same questions that Qin Qingman asked Huang Wanqing today were also asked by Huang Wanqing's parents before. Huang Wanqing only wanted to keep her childhood promise and ignored many realities.
That's why she hesitated when Qin Qingman asked this question today.
Qin Qingman certainly knew why her question made Huang Wanqing hesitate, because today's Huang Wanqing was no longer the naive Huang Wanqing of yesterday.
Because of her different state of mind, she looks at the problem differently, which is why she asked this question.
"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law——"
Just when the only sound in the kitchen was the gurgling sound of various dishes being boiled, cheerful voices rang out in the yard. If you listened carefully, you could also hear the happy howls of wolf cubs.
It seems that Wei Ling is really back.
When the male host comes back, both the hostess and the guests have to greet him.
So Wei Ling received the most grand welcome, and Huang Wanqing, who had been helping in the kitchen, also went to the yard.
Du Hongyi and the other two were surprised when they saw Huang Wanqing.
They didn't have Wei Ling's hearing ability. Before Huang Wanqing left the kitchen, they really didn't know that Huang Wanqing was also at Qin's house.
Among the three of them, only Du Hongyi knew Huang Wanqing and had some communication with her, so it was Du Hongyi who greeted Huang Wanqing, "Comrade Wanqing."
Although he didn't know that Wei Ling had acknowledged Huang Wanqing as his sister, he knew that Qin Qingman and Huang Wanqing had a good relationship, so he didn't call Huang Wanqing by her full name.
Huang Wanqing still remembered Du Hongyi. In response to Du Hongyi's greeting, she nodded and smiled politely, and then nodded to Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang. Although Qin Qingman had not introduced the two parties yet, since they could have the New Year's Eve dinner at Qin's house, they must be good relatives.
"This is Huang Wanqing, my adopted sister."
As soon as Wei Ling got out of the car, he picked up Chu Chu and introduced Huang Wanqing to Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang who had not met Huang Wanqing yet.
"Comrade Wanqing."
Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang continued Du Hongyi's way of addressing Huang Wanqing.
"Wanqing, these two are Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang, they are my comrades in the XXX Division. You can just treat them as your brothers and ask them for help if you have any problems."
Since Wei Ling has accepted Huang Wanqing, he will not treat her unfairly.
"Hello, three brothers."
Huang Wanqing became more worldly-wise after being educated by Qin Qingman, and at Wei Ling's suggestion, she immediately recognized her three brothers.
You have to know that the person who can make Wei Ling say such a thing must be a comrade-in-arms who has a good relationship with Wei Ling. This is equivalent to her having three more powerful backers here.
Du Hongyi and the other two were called brothers, and a hint of redness flashed across their faces.
Growing up, the three of them have never called any female comrade "brother or sister" except to their own family members.
Then Du Hongyi and the other two all showed happy smiles on their faces.
"Let's go home. I think the yard has been cleaned up. Everyone go home and warm up by the fire. You must not be careless in this weather or you will catch a cold." Qin Qingman saw that the friends on both sides were getting along very well, so she invited everyone into the living room.
The dishes for the New Year’s Eve dinner are almost ready, and they will probably be able to eat in an hour at most.
"Qingman, don't worry, you go ahead and do your work. I'll take Chuchu and the others to put up the couplets at home." Seeing so many people, Wei Ling did not call Qin Qingman "daughter-in-law", but called her by her name politely.
Qin Qingman had been busy in the kitchen and hadn't noticed that the couplets hadn't been posted yet. When she heard what Wei Ling said, she nodded and said, "I asked Chuchu to make some glutinous rice porridge this morning, so it can be used for posting the couplets."
In rural areas, our ancestors have always used the stickiness of grains to make stickers, and there is no need to buy paste.
To be honest, sometimes paste is not as good as homemade rice paste.
"Brother-in-law, I'll go get the paste."
When Chu Chu heard Qin Qingman's words, she quickly slipped out of Wei Ling's arms and ran into the hall with her short legs.
As for the wolf cub, it had already circled around Wei Ling's feet for several times. Seeing Chu Chu running back to the hall, it followed happily.
Du Hongyi and the other two knew that the Qin family was going to put up couplets, so they took the initiative to search Wei Ling's car.
Huang Wanqing felt embarrassed to disturb Wei Ling and Qin Qingman's reunion, so she said hello to Wei Ling and went back to the kitchen to check the stove.
In this way, there was only Qin Qingman in front of Wei Ling.
Wei Ling focused his eyes on Qin Qingman's face. He reached out his hand to tuck away a few strands of hair that fell to her cheeks and said softly, "Wife, you've worked hard." Even if he hadn't gone to the kitchen, he could tell how tired Qin Qingman was today by smelling the rich aroma of food.
"With Wanqing's help, it's not that hard."
Qin Qingman saw that no one's attention was on her and Wei Ling, so she simply rubbed Wei Ling's palm with her face.
This is a small gesture between the couple, and also an unspoken expression of their love.
"Wife, the teachers may come early today." After saying this, Wei Ling raised his wrist to check his watch and added, "Our family will have the New Year's Eve dinner at three o'clock. If the teachers can't make it, leave the food for them and we can eat first."
"good."
Qin Qingman agreed with Wei Ling's decision. Even if she didn't look at the watch, she knew that it wasn't long before three o'clock.
"I'll go stir-fry a few dishes. They should be ready in about the same amount of time."
Qin Qingman whispered to Wei Ling about her arrangements.
"Well, wife, don't cook too many dishes, they will get cold in a while." Wei Ling tried to reduce the chances of Qin Qingman getting tired.
"It's okay. There's a stove. Put the food next to the stove and it will stay warm. It won't get cold." Qin Qingman knew that Wei Ling was doing this for her own good, but she wasn't really tired today. Besides, it was the first time that Wang Chengping and several other leaders came to their house for dinner, so of course they had to make it a grand occasion.
Wei Ling looked at Qin Qingman carefully, and nodded slightly when he saw that Qin Qingman was in good spirits today.
"Brother-in-law, Mi Huhu is here."
Chuchu's voice rang out at the same time, and the child came out holding a large pot.
Du Hongyi quickly took the pot from Chuchu's hand, "You took the pot too?" he said to Chuchu with a smile.
"When the weather is cold, the porridge will freeze easily. It is convenient to put it in a pot. Once it freezes, you can just put it back on the stove to heat it up and continue to use it." Chu Chu didn't realize that Du Hongyi was joking with her, and explained it seriously.
"Our Chuchu is really smart."
Du Hongyi was really embarrassed to make fun of Chu Chu now.
"A Ling, there are hot buns in the hall. If you're hungry, eat some to fill your stomach." Qin Qingman reminded Wei Ling before returning to the kitchen.
"Wife, I understand. Go back quickly. It's cold outside."
Wei Ling gently held Qin Qingman's hand before letting go.
Everything about the couple's interaction was natural and reserved, but for some reason, Du Hongyi and his friends, as well as the few pairs of eyes that were peeking at them from around, all blushed.
After Wei Ling saw Qin Qingman off to the kitchen, he quickly took people to post the couplets.
Originally, it would take him and Chuchu a while to stick the stickers on properly, but with the help of Du Hongyi and the other two, he directed everyone to stick the stickers on one place at a time.
He and Chuchu were in charge of the location of the courtyard gate, while Du Hongyi and others were responsible for the living room door, kitchen, and the windows of the east and west rooms.
After a busy work, all the couplets of the Qin family were pasted.
With the red couplets posted, the festive feeling of the New Year is even more abundant.
Wei Ling not only bought couplets, but also bought a few red lanterns. These lanterns are made of bamboo and covered with bright red paper. When the lights are turned on, the festive feeling is even stronger, which is a different scene compared to ice lanterns.
After the lantern was hung up, Wei Ling did not light the candles inside immediately. The candles would be lit after dark.
"Brother-in-law, this is the first time my house has hung up red lanterns. They are so beautiful."
Chu Chu looked up at the red lanterns at the gate and under the eaves and smiled until his big eyes narrowed. He used to envy other families in the village for hanging big red lanterns, but this year with Wei Ling, his family can also hang big red lanterns.
"We will hang it every year in our house from now on."
Wei Ling noticed the child's happiness and reached out to pinch his face.
Ever since Chuchu's face became plumper, he learned to pinch children's faces like Qin Qingman.
"Brother-in-law, does it feel good when I pinch you?" Chu Chu didn't care at all about being pinched on the face by Wei Ling, but instead moved her face towards him.
He likes to be close to his family.
"Okay, I'll pinch you too."
When Du Hongyi and others saw Wei Ling and Chu Chu getting along, they also felt itchy to pinch the child's face. It turned out that the child's face was very comfortable to pinch, tender and smooth, even more delicate than tofu.
"No, I won't give it to you guys."
When Chu Chu saw Du Hongyi and others surrounding her, she quickly covered her face and ran away, laughing very loudly as she ran.
The wolf cub also followed behind, jumping and skipping as if to join in the fun.
"Hey, it's so lively, are we not late?"
Just when the Qin family's yard was bustling with activity, a casual voice came from outside the gate.
Wang Chengping and his companions have arrived.
Because they decided to have a New Year's Eve dinner at the Qin family this year, several leaders unanimously decided to let their deputies take their place to celebrate the New Year with the soldiers. They had to give their deputies a chance to work hard and perform.
Huang Xingye, who no longer holds the position of canteen chef, also came.
Together with Wang Chengping, Political Commissar Zhang, and Hong Wei from the Logistics Department, there are four people in total. Together with Du Hongyi, Zuo Gaopeng, Yuan Xiangyang, and Huang Wanqing, there are eight people in total.
There is also a family of three in the Qin family, a total of eleven people.
If we add the lively wolf cub, there will be no problem having twelve sets of bowls and chopsticks.
"Division Commander, Political Commissar."
Du Hongyi and the other two saluted Wang Chengping and Political Commissar Zhang.
Wang Chengping quickly waved his hand and said, "Outside, there's no need to be restrained or salute. Just be natural and treat us as your elders."
Speaking of which, Wei Ling and Du Hongyi are indeed the favorite generals of the division commander Wang Chengping. These four people get along very casually with Wang Chengping and his companions in private, otherwise Wang Chengping would not have done such a thing as snatching food from Du Hongyi and his companions.
"Come in, come in quickly, I can smell the fragrance."
Wang Chengping didn't want to show off too much, so he quickly reminded Wei Ling and others to return to the living room.
"Master, I will take you there."
Chuchu also ran over. He not only knew Wang Chengping and the others, but was also very familiar with them. Seeing that Wang Chengping did not want to stay in the yard, he immediately volunteered to lead them into the hall.
Wei Ling and several others followed.
The Qin family’s rule is that everyone must wash their hands when entering the house, and Wang Chengping and his companions are no exception.
The warm water was poured by Wei Ling and Chu Chu.
Wang Chengping and his companions thought that this was a good habit, more hygienic and more convenient for eating later.
After washing their hands, everyone took off their thick cotton coats, hung them on hangers, and sat in front of the fire.
Large pieces of firewood had already been burning in the stove, bringing a summer-like warmth to the entire hall.
Qin Qingman heard the noise in the kitchen and brought Huang Wanqing to say hello to Wang Chengping and others before returning to the kitchen to work. When everyone was there, the stews were brought to the living room with the help of Wei Ling and Du Hongyi.
Originally there was only one stove in the hall, so only one stew could be placed on the stove.
But difficulties can never defeat people. Even though they don’t have coal or wood-burning stoves, the Qin family still has a few earthen stoves.
The earthen stove is made of mud, is short and cute, and is best for burning charcoal.
It can also adjust the temperature.
So the stewed pork belly and chicken, sauerkraut stewed meat, and spicy fish fillets were all placed on the earthen stove. On the wood stove was the most important dish of the New Year, braised bear paws.
There are more meat dishes than vegetarian dishes.
When Qin Qingman simply packed up and brought Huang Wanqing back to the hall, she was met with several pairs of eager gazes.
"Everyone, don't just look at me, eat."
Qin Qingman smiled and asked everyone to start eating, and she and Huang Wanqing sat next to Wei Ling.
Of course, Qin Qingman sat next to Wei Ling, while Huang Wanqing only dared to sit next to Chu Chu.
This kind of fear is a natural fear, and it will not disappear just because Wei Ling acknowledges her as his sister.
"Comrade Qingman, you are amazing. Your cooking skills are probably better than those of the big hotels outside the capital." Wang Chengping couldn't help but give Qin Qingman a thumbs up.
A few years ago, when he was reporting on his work in Beijing, he went to a foreign hotel with his friends for dinner.
Know the cooking skills of the chefs in foreign hotels.
Political Commissar Zhang and the others also looked at Qin Qingman, then at the steaming dishes, seeming to have no idea where to start.
The dish Qin Qingman cooked today was completely different from the pig-killing dish she had presided over at the division headquarters before.
The dishes that day were large in quantity and delicious, but the color was not particularly particular.
Today's dishes are different. Qin Qingman paid a lot of attention to them. No matter whether they are served in a pot or on a plate, even if the pot is not big enough to be served in an enamel basin, every dish is delicious.
It looks as exquisite as a work of art.
If it weren't for the rich aroma reminding everyone that this was real, everyone would have thought they were in a dream.
"Teacher, my mother's ancestors used to cook in the palace, so my mother learned a little bit from them." Qin Qingman still had to be humble. Although her cooking skills came from later generations, they must have a source in this life.
"Yes, my mother cooks delicious food."
Chuchu nodded in agreement with Qin Qingman, and added, "But I think my sister's cooking is better than my mother's." After saying that, she hugged Qin Qingman's arm and rubbed it.
Qin Qingman touched the child's head with a smile on her face.
"No wonder. I was wondering why I had never eaten such delicious food before I met my brother and sister-in-law. It turns out that we are enjoying the treatment of former emperors." Du Hongyi touched the corner of his mouth fiercely.
If everyone doesn't start eating, his saliva will start to flow out.
There were many people eating today. Although the Qin family's living room was big enough, it still seemed a little crowded with more than ten people sitting around the stove.
Du Hongyi and his friends had originally saved some space for the New Year's Eve dinner tonight, but after a few words, their stomachs had already rumbled from the aroma of the food, and they were already starving.
Qin Qingman could clearly see everyone's desire for food, so she gently nudged Wei Ling with her elbow.
Wei Ling is the male host, so of course he should be the one to greet everyone.
"Commander, would you like to drink?" Wei Ling glanced at the wine jar beside him and asked Wang Chengping.
As soldiers, they are not allowed to drink alcohol when on a mission. However, during this festival, due to the weather, they can still drink moderately. This is only an exception for the soldiers stationed here.
After all, in such a cold place, alcohol can sometimes save lives.
"Is the degree high?"
The reason why Wang Chengping and his companions did not drive here was that they planned to drink some wine, but they could not get drunk. After all, they were still responsible for the troops of a division, and they were afraid that if something urgent happened, they would not be able to make a decision due to being drunk.
Wei Ling really didn't know whether the alcohol content of today's wine was high or not. He remembered the medicinal wine he drank last time.
The aftereffects of the wine were indeed strong, and even though he could hold his alcohol tolerance well, he still used the alcohol to flirt with his wife for a while.
He also believed that Du Hongyi and his companions would not feel well after returning.
Du Hongyi and Zuo Gaopeng also remembered the wine they drank at Qin's house last time, and their faces changed slightly. They were not married yet and had no wives. Drinking such wine was simply asking for trouble.
"This is the wine brewed by the people in the village. The alcohol content is not high."
Qin Qingman noticed the fluctuations in the eyes of Du Hongyi and the others, and quickly explained, while at the same time whispering an apology to them in her heart.
At first, she didn't know the power of soaked wine, and thus harmed Du Hongyi and others.
After hearing Qin Qingman's explanation, Wang Chengping said proudly, "Let's pour some. It's a big day like the New Year, and it's rare for us to get together to celebrate the New Year. Let's all drink a little to cheer ourselves up."
"OK."
With the permission of his commander Wang Chengping, Wei Ling poured wine for everyone.
Northeastern people are very generous when eating and drinking. They don't even use wine glasses, but just eat from large bowls.
It's just not full.
Wang Chengping took a sip from the bowl and felt that the alcohol content was not too high. He immediately raised the bowl and spoke on behalf of the group, "Comrades, taking advantage of today's happy day when we are all gathered together, I have a good news to announce."
Du Hongyi, Zuo Gaopeng and the other two all covered their chests.
They fear not surprise but shock.
Wang Chengping kicked Du Hongyi and announced solemnly: "After Political Commissar Zhang's persistent request for instructions from the higher-ups, the higher-ups finally approved our XXX Division to build a family area on the spot. Next year, everyone will be able to go home for the New Year."
When these words were spoken, not only Wei Ling and Qin Qingman were stunned, but also Du Hongyi and several single men.
After a few seconds, everyone's face showed happy and joyful smiles.
Everyone has been looking forward to this day for a long time.
The approval of the construction of the family quarters could change so many things, and Zuo Gaopeng and Yuan Xiangyang were also excited.
The two had originally intended to get married and have children here, and with a family area, many problems could be easily solved.
Du Hongyi was so excited that he was speechless.
He can finally break away from his original family.
"Commander, Political Commissar, this timely news is the happiest news I have ever heard. I salute you for your hard work." Wei Ling toasted Wang Chengping and Political Commissar Zhang sincerely.
Now that the division headquarters has a family area, their family doesn’t have to build one on their own, and they can save a lot of money.
"You are lucky enough."
Wang Chengping patted Wei Ling's shoulder hard, without mentioning how much effort he and Political Commissar Zhang had put into the establishment of the family area.
"Commander, Political Commissar, thank you."
Qin Qingman and a few others raised their bowls to toast Wang Chengping and Political Commissar Zhang. Although the two did not tell them about their concerns, everyone knew it.
The lively and happy New Year's Eve dinner starts with toasting.
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