Chapter 47 Chapter 47 Do it once and you'll be able to have it
Wang Ningyu is a hardworking person. While her eldest daughter helps take care of her younger daughter, she runs back and forth between work and literacy classes, and she also takes care of the newly opened vegetable plot in Lu Qinghe's home.
The yard at home is quite large, but it has never been used.
When he came here before the New Year, the weather was already a bit cold. Zhao Zhanming thought of covering the ground in the yard with red bricks first to avoid stepping in mud when he went out in the winter when it snowed, so he didn't take care of the vegetable garden.
It was only a few days into spring, and Lu Qinghe was not in a hurry at first, but when he met Wang Ningyu that day, he simply cleared the vegetable patch.
Now, in addition to leeks, rapeseed and green onions, which are quick to harvest, we have also opened up another area to prepare for the racks.
"Here I come."
When Wang Ningyu entered the room, Lu Qinghe waved to her. She had moved a small stool in advance and found some dry bamboo to tie the knot.
"Come and tie it together. I'm having a hard time doing it."
Wang Ningyu rolled up his sleeves and walked over, and swiftly helped Lu Qinghe stand up a dry bamboo.
Wang Ningyu: "Why didn't you wait for me to come over? Why don't you take a break? This thing is very demanding on your fingers. Your fingers are precious, don't tire yourself out."
"It's not that precious. It can't even be tied with a vine." Lu Qinghe said with a yawn.
Wang Ningyu glanced over and suddenly smiled. "Your old Zhao was out on duty for two and a half days and only came back last night, right?"
"yes."
Wang Ningyu chuckled even louder. "No wonder you're sleepy. You're a newlywed couple, and sex is in full swing."
"What are you talking about?" Lu Qinghe was so scared that he quickly looked outside the door.
"Why are you shy?" Wang Ningyu continued with a smile, "Seeing you look so sleepy, I know you must have been busy last night. If the door is open, then leave it open. There are women all over the yard at this hour, and you don't know whose family it is. There's nothing to be ashamed of. It would be a joke if you didn't."
Wang Ningyu pursed her lips and lowered her voice, "Say no, but I do remember one thing."
"What's up?"
"I heard someone mention it at the family meeting yesterday. They said your neighbor Yu Lili has four children, and each of them was born three years apart."
Lu Qinghe thought for a moment and said, "I don't remember the age very well, but it seems to be true."
"Yes, do you know why?"
"Coincidence? Or is it calculated on purpose? One every three years just in time for the first child to go to kindergarten."
"no."
Wang Ningyu smiled mysteriously and leaned close to Lu Qinghe's ear, "People say that Yu Lili's men are not good enough, so they go back to their hometown every three years and take some secret recipe before they can have a child."
“…That’s bullshit.”
Lu Qinghe didn't believe it at all. "What secret recipe is so precise that it can be cured by eating it once and making it once?"
"Don't disbelieve it."
Wang Ningyu said seriously, "Go ask them yourself later if they go back to their hometown once every three years. There are some quack doctors in their hometown who have powerful secret recipes that can make a man have sex several times in a row, and can also make a woman pregnant during those times. However, this is extremely harmful to the body. After the man has sex, he will become completely exhausted and it will take a long time to recover."
Lu Qinghe still shook her head, "I don't quite believe it. What if I didn't get pregnant those few times?"
"There are ways to adjust it in advance."
Wang Ningyu raised an eyebrow and lowered his head to concentrate on weaving the poles. "Anyway, I think this is very mysterious. It's probably true."
Lu Qinghe was a little amused, "Who told you that?"
"It seems to be Jin Manqing."
"They've had conflicts for a long time. She's fine with others, but I'm even more suspicious of Yu Lili."
Wang Ningyu shrugged, stood up, erected the remaining poles, and tied them together with dry vines and wool. "This rack is sturdy. How about planting cucumbers on this side and beans on the other side?"
"I'll listen to you. I'm not very good at growing vegetables, but these two are good. I like beans too."
"Qinghe, sometimes when I'm not around, you should be a little more careful. Don't rush to throw away the wet rice water and garbage at home. Just pour it into the ground and it will become fertilizer."
"Yeah, I know."
As they were talking, a man came running over from outside.
The door was open, and the two of them took a look and found that it was Wen Xiaohua.
"Why did you come back suddenly? Where is the supply and marketing cooperative?" Lu Qinghe shouted outside.
Wen Xiaohua found a key at home and hurried out again. "Yu Hongxing didn't bring his office key, so he called me and asked me to send it to the door. I really admire this brother-in-law. He seems calm and smart every day, but he has a lot of problems."
Wen Xiaohua sighed and ran away in a hurry.
Lu Qinghe turned around and saw Wang Ningyu setting up the rack and bringing out the tomato seedlings that he had prepared in advance.
"Plant fewer tomatoes and make noodles later." Wang Ningyu listened attentively for a while before speaking: "Wen Xiaohua ran so anxiously to deliver the key. He is so kind. If I had a brother-in-law like him living at home all the time, I would have quarreled with my husband a long time ago."
Lu Qinghe went over to help her press the soil. "The Yu Xuexi brothers are both studious. His younger brother is also a scholar. He usually seems quite quiet and doesn't do much."
"Not much else to do. Didn't you hear what Wen Xiaohua was talking about just now? Living together, especially for a brother-in-law and a newlywed brother and sister-in-law, well, I don't think it's a good idea."
"That can't be helped."
Wang Ningyu was curious: "You two live close together, but do you know why Yu Hongxing doesn't live in the steel mill's staff quarters? His brother is educated and was hired specifically by the steel mill, so why isn't he even given a place to live?"
"He works in the Engineering Department, so he's considered a technical staff member. However, he doesn't have enough years of service, so he doesn't get any housing points. Although Yu Hongxing is also a college student, he's not as skilled as his brother, so he doesn't qualify for special talent treatment. If it weren't for his brother's house here, he might not even be able to stay in the provincial capital."
"Tsk, the Yu family's house is not big, I don't know how to live in it. Wen Xiaohua is not afraid of being heard when doing things at night."
Lu Qinghe chuckled, "Why do you always bring work into everything?"
"Isn't this obvious? Do you dare to say you're not curious?"
Lu Qinghe: “…”
Not very brave.
She had indeed been curious before.
Yu Xuexi's house is indeed not big, and it is next to the wall. It was a bungalow specially approved for him at that time. Now that he is married, he did not get the second round of housing allocation, so he can only live like this for the time being.
"I was a little confused before, but it's not like people can't sleep on the floor. Besides, even though the cubicle is small, people can still live there. Don't spread rumors." Lu Qinghe said helplessly.
"That's nothing."
Wang Ningyu continued, "I've been to a few family meetings these past few days. The gossip the women there talk about when they have nothing to do is much more explosive than mine. Some even compare breasts..."
“Cough cough cough…”
Even Lu Qinghe, an open-minded modern man, felt a little dumbfounded after hearing this.
Wang Ningyu chuckled, "You don't know if you haven't been there. When there are too many women, they have nothing to do but sit around and talk about trivial things. When Director Ying Lu is here, we can talk about serious matters. Usually they just chat about which husband doesn't come home, which woman has a bad temper, and who has given birth but no milk. By the way, Qinghe, the farmer you introduced me to last time was really nice. You didn't ask me for extra money. My little girl hasn't cried much in the past few days after drinking goat milk."
"That's good. With a child this young, malnutrition could easily become a problem."
"That's right! I'd say you saved her life. How about I bring her over someday and make her your goddaughter?"
Not very good.
Lu Qinghe's first reaction was to refuse. After thinking for a while, she said politely, "This... let's not have a goddaughter. We don't live far away. I'll just love her more in the future."
Being a relative is a troublesome thing in itself, especially being a relative in this military family compound is even more troublesome.
First of all, when men are promoted and transferred in the future, there will always be differences in height and distance.
People outside may not think it's a big deal, but if the political department of the military region really investigates something, it will inevitably be affected.
Secondly, this is a special year, and since we don't know each other well, we should try to avoid getting involved with them. It's not that Lu Qinghe is indifferent, but human relationships are sometimes so complicated. It's always right to be cautious these years.
"Why not? You saved this kid twice in a row. It's pure fate! As long as you don't look down on us, Old Sun, who is just a security chief, it's fine."
"Why are you saying that? How can you be disgusted or not?"
Lu Qinghe explained, "I have a friend who grew up in the same village as me, Liu Yanru. When you gave birth in the hospital, she stayed with me for half the night. She's about to give birth too, and she's been asking me to be her godmother for a long time. We have too many godparents here, and it's not good for the child."
"Oh, that's because I didn't get there early enough."
Wang Ningyu sighed with some regret, "My little girl, it would be so lucky if she really had a godmother like you. Alas, it hasn't been long since I went back, and my mother-in-law is already urging me to give birth again."
Lu Qinghe's eyes widened: "It's only been a short time, not even a year, and you're being urged again?"
"Please urge me to have a boy. I already have five girls. It gives me a headache just thinking about it. If I had known, I would have taken a break for a few years!"
"So what do you think? And what does your old Sun mean?"
"Hmph, we had a complete falling out last time. Old Sun didn't even reply to her letter. As for me..." Wang Ningyu shook her head: "I don't know. I actually don't want to have a baby anymore. Besides, this little girl makes a lot of trouble every day. My husband hasn't shown any interest in me for a long time. Neither of us has ever taken the initiative in bed..."
“Cough cough cough…”
Lu Qinghe almost coughed up phlegm in his throat, "Ning Yu, you really don't treat me as an outsider."
Wang Ningyu didn't take it seriously. "I don't treat you as an outsider. I treat you as my own sister. Alas, you don't understand me. We are an old couple, and sometimes I just can't get down to it."
“…”
"Actually..." Lu Qinghe hesitated and suggested, "Your little one isn't even a year old yet. It's a good time for you to take care of yourself. Don't rush into it."
"Yeah, I think so too. I'll discuss it with my husband later. Raising more children is not easy. One more mouth to feed means more money to eat."
"What are you two talking about? What do you want or not? I can hear Qinghe coughing through the wall. She's almost hurting her throat." Yu Lili walked over with a handful of soybeans in her hand.
Wang Ningyu glanced at Yu Lili and said mischievously, "We're talking about whether we want sex or not. What's wrong? Are you anxious?"
Yu Lili felt a little embarrassed for a moment and cleared her throat. "No wonder Qinghe is coughing when you say these things in broad daylight. Qinghe is a cultured person, not like a rough guy like you."
"Come on, you're talking like you're some sophisticated person, even being so particular."
"That's all I said."
Yu Lili came over as she spoke and stuffed a handful of soybeans into Lu Qinghe's hand. "They're freshly fried. Have some."
Wang Ningyu laughed, "You fart after eating. How much have you eaten? Don't squat here and pollute the air."
"It's just been cooked, and your kindness is being taken for granted."
"Okay, okay, thank you Sister-in-law Yu."
Wang Ningyu took the beans and said with a smile, "If these beans are good, I'll grow some bean sprouts later."
Yu Lili came in high spirits, "Is that thing easy to make? I haven't tried it yet, but I have one at home. If you can make it, give it to me and we can split it among the three of us."
"Okay."
With something to do, the three of them moved to another location.
Wang Ningyu was quite skilled in cooking, and she was asked to cook. Before they were about to leave, Yu Lili stopped them and asked them to stay and talk.
"Qinghe, last night..." Yu Lili said mysteriously and glanced at Wang Ningyu.
Wang Ningyu snorted, "Why are you pretending? Are you eavesdropping on people late at night?"
Lu Qinghe was also puzzled: "What's the matter? Just say what you want to say."
"Well, my old man Zhuang heard this in the army. He said that your old man Zhao... was looking for his relatives some time ago?" Yu Lili said as she glanced at Lu Qinghe's expression.
Wang Ningyu must have heard something as well. She kept silent and looked down at her feet. However, she did not follow Yu Lili to ask further questions. She just waited for Lu Qinghe to speak.
no way.
There are too many people in this family compound, and all the men in each household work in the military area. If something happens in one family, once the news gets out, many people will know about it.
But Lu Qinghe didn't expect the news to spread so quickly. She had never mentioned this matter in the military family compound.
Lu Qinghe: "You just keep asking around all the time. Where did your family hear about this?"
"Someone in the army mentioned it, but Lao Zhuang didn't tell me in detail, and I didn't ask much. It's just a rumor I heard. I'm mainly concerned about you."
"Care?" Lu Qinghe glanced over. "Then would you believe me if I said it wasn't true?"
Yu Lili pursed her lips and smiled. "I believe you if you say so. Actually, I didn't take it seriously at first. It was only by chance that I saw Director Liang coming over last night, so I thought of asking you this. Besides, there's no one else here. If you really have something to say, it's no big deal to just talk to us. Wang Ningyu, don't you agree?"
Wang Ningyu ignored her and pretended not to hear.
"It's not a big deal, actually."
Lu Qinghe spoke, and Yu Lili immediately pricked up her ears.
"When my son Lao Zhao joined the army, many people knew about his background. It wasn't uncommon. Life was tough in the early years, and many families abandoned their children. There were also many people in the army looking for their relatives."
"That's right." Yu Lili nodded. "There are several people in my hometown's Laozhuang Army who have successfully found their relatives. So this time, Captain Zhao..."
"It's a mistake."
Lu Qinghe spread his hands helplessly. "A few days ago, I happened to meet a family who insisted that my youngest son looked like their lost child years ago. So Old Zhao reported it to the police. I thought we could find the relative, but when we found out, we found out that the youngest son had already passed away."
"Oh, that's a bit of a pity." Yu Lili blinked.
Wang Ningyu also nodded: "Yes, but there is no need to rush this matter. If you can meet someone, you will meet them sooner or later. If you really can't meet them, just think of it as this life."
"Yes." Lu Qinghe looked at Wang Ningyu. "We said the same thing last night after we learned the result. Director Liang was worried that Lao Zhao was upset and made a special trip to comfort him. But fortunately, Lao Zhao himself has come to terms with it."
"They have been in the army and have gone through life and death so many times. How can they be bothered by such a small matter? You too, don't worry too much." Yu Lili comforted her in return, looking very understanding.
Lu Qinghe pursed her lips and smiled, saying that it was over. Then she and Wang Ningyu returned to the yard and arranged the bean seedlings.
Zhao Zhanming's background couldn't be hidden, so he simply didn't hide it.
Rather than letting others gossip and exaggerate behind his back, Lu Qinghe would rather tell the truth to anyone who asked.
As a result, everyone felt that it was not a big deal.
A month later, no one mentioned Captain Zhao's search for his relatives anymore. After the matter was completely settled, the weather gradually became warmer.
"Do you think this skirt looks good?"
Early in the morning, Lu Qinghe changed into the green and white floral blouse that she had liked last time.
This skirt is somewhat similar in style to the retro long skirts of later generations. The fabric is a processed thick cotton cloth. The shape is crisp and not close-fitting, and it looks like a slightly fluffy A-line skirt.
The square collar reveals a clear collarbone, the shoulders and neck lines are beautiful, and the waistline is also specially treated. The elastic rope outlines Lu Qinghe's beautiful waist. The overall look is bright but not dazzling, and the temperament is subtle and lively.
"nice."
Zhao Zhanming paused as he pushed the door open, his eyes a little eager. "When did you buy it? I've never seen you wear it before."
"I bought it last time when I went to the city with Liu Yanru. I haven't worn the skirt yet. Is it really pretty?"
"nice."
Zhao Zhanming's tone couldn't be more certain, his eyes locked on Lu Qinghe's neck as he walked closer, "The skirt looks good, but it also complements you. Qinghe, you're so beautiful."
Lu Qinghe felt a little shy when she heard this. "Why are you talking about this so early in the morning? The children will be getting up soon."
"They were washing their faces and couldn't hear."
The man placed his large palm on her slender waist and asked, "Are you going out wearing this today?"
Lu Qinghe shook her head. "Liu Yanru gave birth, and I have to go to the hospital to see her. I was thinking of wearing it, but she and I didn't buy a skirt last time, and I was afraid she would feel bad if she saw it, so I gave it a try. You're here just in time, help me unzip the back."
Zhao Zhanming hummed.
Standing behind Lu Qinghe, his hair slid down to the smooth back with his breathing. The zipper was unzipped, revealing the lace lining inside. The man's breathing suddenly tightened.
"It's OK." Lu Qinghe took a step forward and reached out to pull down her sleeves. "This skirt can only be worn close to the body. Even a vest can't be stuffed in. It's really tight..."
As Lu Qinghe turned around, she realized that Zhao Zhanming's eyes were burning and he must be staring at her.
Lu Qinghe: "...why don't you go out first?"
The skirt was hanging halfway on her body, and although she was wearing a vest underneath, she felt a little embarrassed to be looked at like this.
Zhao Zhanming's Adam's apple rolled slightly, and after a moment, his voice became hoarse, "Don't put it in the cabinet later."
"Why?"
"Come back tonight and try it again. I'll take a look."
“…”
What the hell, you clearly have other ideas!
Lu Qinghe: "What's so good about it? It's just a skirt, ahem... Hurry up and get out. I want to eat fried eggs later."
"Well, I'll give you one."
"good."
Zhao Zhanming withdrew his gaze and walked out.
After Lu Qinghe changed her clothes, she also smelled the aroma of fried eggs.
"This one looks good too." Zhao Zhanming's eyes softened. "You look good in anything you wear."
"Whatever looks good on mom!" Lu Yang agreed while eating.
"Mom looks good even in a sack!" Lu Yao refused to be outdone.
"Mom...picking up trash is fun!" Zhao Zirui gave full play to his imagination.
Lu Yao tilted her head: "Then Mom would look good even if she didn't take a bath for a year!"
"That……"
Before Zhao Zirui finished speaking, Lu Qinghe walked over helplessly and amusedly and covered his mouth.
Zhao Zimo didn't say a word, but he was laughing so hard that his stomach hurt.
Lu Qinghe glanced at Zhao Zhanming and said, "It's all because of you who set the good example!"
Zhao Zhanming smiled and said, "Leader, please understand. I am innocent."
"loquacious."
They talked and laughed as they finished their breakfast. After Zhao Zimo washed the dishes and went to school, Lu Qinghe left the house.
"Where are you going to Qinghe?"
Yu Lili was also on her way to a family meeting, and the two met on the way.
"I went to the hospital to see a friend who had just given birth."
Yu Lili: "Why haven't I heard you mention it? Friends you met here?"
"She's from the same village as me. Coincidentally, her husband works at a third-tier factory, so she came along. I mentioned this to Wang Ningyu, and we've even met in the hospital before."
Lu Qinghe mentioned the Third Line Factory as much as possible. She might have to visit the Third Line Factory’s staff quarters in a few days.
"No wonder. By the way, our bean sprouts didn't sprout last time. I asked Sister Han and found out that the temperature was wrong. This time they did. Remember to get them from me when you go home tonight."
"Oh, I see."
The two separated at the intersection, and Lu Qinghe went to the supply and marketing cooperative first.
Wen Xiaohua was sitting on a chair knitting a slipper. She stood up when she saw Lu Qinghe. "Sister-in-law, what would you like to order?"
"Xiaohua, my friend is having a baby and I'm going to visit her. What would be appropriate to bring?"
"Nothing is worse than taking some eggs, but too many will be too expensive. Just pick up a dozen or so and some brown sugar noodles."
"Okay, I'll listen to you. Help me pick up fifteen eggs. I also want a packet of brown sugar and two packets of noodles."
“Hey.”
Wen Xiaohua cut fifteen holes out of the paper egg basket and put them into the basket for Lu Qinghe. He took the other two and paid the bill.
"Sister-in-law, take it."
After paying the bill, Lu Qinghe moved closer and looked up, only to see a dark patch under Wen Xiaohua's eyelids.
"Xiaohua, did you not sleep well last night? Why are your dark circles so heavy?"
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