Yan Xiaonan quickly objected: "Grandma, you'd better not say anything. If Grandma leaks the news, the police won't be able to catch you in the act."
Yan Xiaonan wondered why Xiaohua hadn't made a move yet. Could it be that something had delayed her, or that she had sensed something was amiss and gone into hiding?
Yan Xiaonan was right. Xiaohua had contacted her ex-husband, but he wasn't interested in the child. He said he would only be able to sell her for a higher price once the girl was older.
The next morning, Cuihua got up early to prepare breakfast and food for her parents for the journey.
Grandma Yan also took out the things she had prepared that evening. There were still two cans of malted milk powder at home, and Yan Daqiang had sent her another can, so she decided to give them to her in-laws.
This year, I got two jin each of sausage and fresh pork, plus twenty jin each of white rice and cornmeal, which are plentiful at home. This should be enough for the return gift.
The Southeast and Southwest families each gave five yuan to their maternal grandparents. They are both working, so it's only right that they give them some money as a token of their respect during holidays.
Yan Xiaoqiang also took out two bottles of Lao Bai Gan (a type of Chinese liquor) and gave them to his father-in-law: "Dad, you must remember what your son-in-law said: You have Cuihua, and you have me. No matter what happens, you only need to think that you have Cuihua and me."
Chen's mother's eyes reddened, but on such a festive occasion, she couldn't shed tears, especially not at her daughter's in-laws' house. She tried her best to lift her head, open her eyes wide, and finally managed to hold back her tears.
Watching the oxcart slowly depart, Cuihua felt a pang of sadness. Her mother wouldn't say anything about her family's affairs, but Cuihua knew that her parents must be feeling bitter inside.
"Qiangzi, how about I go back to my parents' home once every six months?" Cuihua was a little uneasy. She was about to become a grandmother and didn't know if she would have time to go back.
“Okay, I’ll take you back to see them before Xue Mei gives birth. My parents are getting old, and I’ll try my best to help them.” Yan Xiaoqiang readily agreed.
The two entered the courtyard, and before the gate was closed, Ma Mingyuan and the other children ran over: "Happy New Year, Uncle Qiangzi! Happy New Year, Aunt Cuihua!"
It turned out that the children had come to wish them a Happy New Year. Cuihua quickly went inside and took out some snacks and candies, stuffing them into the children's pockets. After all, it's the New Year, and everyone wants to have something sweet on their lips.
Ye Chen'er and Ye Chenming also brought a bag of pastries to the door. Grandma Yan liked Ye Chen'er very much. This girl was beautiful, had a gentle personality, and most importantly, was a good teacher.
"My dear daughter, tell Grandma, where did all these stories of yours come from?"
"Grandma, all the stories I know come from books. My parents and grandparents all love reading, so my brother and I love reading too," Ye Chen'er said shyly.
Ye Chenming smiled and didn't say anything, but bowed to Grandma Yan: "Happy New Year, Grandma Yan! Wishing you peace and a long life."
Grandma Yan was seeing Ye Chenming's face up close for the first time and was quite surprised. Goodness, this boy is handsome, but not as handsome as my precious baby.
This was Ye Chenming's first time entering Yan Xiaonan's main room. He couldn't help but look around. Suddenly, his gaze fixed on Yan Xiaonan, who was reading a book that he was very familiar with: "English Review".
That was my first English learning magazine. Look how worn it is; it probably came from a junkyard.
Ye Chenming's heart pounded violently. His grandfather was a professor who was summoned away one day and had not been heard from since. When his father found out, he burned the book himself.
"Yan Xiaonan, could you give me five minutes? I have something to tell you." Ye Chenming interrupted Yan Xiaonan and Ye Chen'er's conversation.
Yan Xiaonan was stunned. Why was Ye Chenming so serious? He must have something important to say.
Yan Xiaonan led Ye Chenming out of the main room and into Bei Nan's room, the same room where they used to copy books. Ye Chenming looked around and said, "Yan Xiaonan, quickly burn your English review materials. It'll cause trouble if someone sees them."
Yan Xiaonan's eyes lit up: "Ye Chenming, you speak English?"
Ye Chenming thought for a moment and nodded: "I know a little."
Yan Xiaonan understood: "Ye Chenming, what do you study?"
"I originally planned to go to a shipbuilding university after graduating from high school. I love ships, and I wanted to build the most amazing ship in the world, but unfortunately..."
Yan Xiaonan closed her eyes, her consciousness spreading outwards. Hmm, there's no one nearby. Should she say something?
After gathering her thoughts, Yan Xiaonan spoke up: "Ye Chenming, the country definitely needs to develop, and development cannot do without talent. If we want the country to be strong, we must have a group of cultured and knowledgeable people. You must not abandon your books, conserve your energy, and wait for the right opportunity."
Ye Chenming was astonished. This girl was only nine years old, how could she have such keen insights? It took him a long time to come to his senses: "Yan Xiaonan, do you really think so?"
Yan Xiaonan nodded: "I have this feeling, so I want to learn English."
Ye Chenming was suddenly overcome with grief. His grandfather had taught him English, but where was his grandfather now?
"Yan Xiaonan, I've heard people call you Nannan, can I call you Nannan?" Ye Chenming asked, composing himself.
"Okay, Ye Chenming, what's your grandfather's name?" Yan Xiaonan asked.
“My grandfather’s name is Ye Ren, he is fifty-seven years old this year, and he is fluent in English and Russian. My grandmother’s name is Fu Qingping, and she is skilled in Suzhou embroidery. Oh, you probably don’t know what Suzhou embroidery is, I’ll tell you when I have the chance,” Ye Chenming replied.
"I know about Suzhou embroidery, including double-sided embroidery, my older brother told me about it, and I also heard it on the radio." Yan Xiaonan skillfully shifted the blame.
"My grandmother's cheongsams weren't exactly unparalleled, but they were famous in the past. It's a pity that all those cheongsams were..." Ye Chenming couldn't continue.
"What about your parents?" Yan Xiaonan had a bad feeling.
“My parents are alright. My dad was originally a professor at a shipbuilding school, but later he applied to work at a shipyard in Shanghai. It’s just that it’s quite hard work. My mom…” Ye Chenming paused when he mentioned his mother.
"After my grandfather was taken away, my father found a way to send Chen'er and me here. Chen'er is my uncle's daughter, and I also have an aunt." Ye Chenming changed the subject.
Yan Xiaonan understood. Ye Chenming's father was so wise; he made the right decision at the crucial moment.
“My dad likes mechanical things, and so do I. My aunt likes embroidery, so her skills are also very good.” Ye Chenming smiled, his eyes full of memories.
"Does Sister Ye speak English?" Yan Xiaonan was concerned about English.
"Chen'er's English is very good. You can ask her if you don't understand, but you have to keep it a secret," Ye Chenming said, glancing around as he finished speaking.
Seeing Ye Chenming's nervous expression, Yan Xiaonan sighed inwardly.
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