Chapter 133 Just Friends
Although Song Xinran only spent two days in her hometown, she did a lot of things.
The first thing I did was naturally to check on my two shops. Mala Tang (a type of spicy hot pot) has now become a signature dish in the town, and there are always many customers, whether it's market day or not.
The snack shop near the school gate was also doing very well. When Song Xinran took Song Yu to the shop, they happened to run into some students who came to eat oden. Even more coincidentally, one of these students knew Song Xinran. While glancing at Song Xinran, he excitedly introduced her to his friend, saying that she was the founder of the snack shop.
At first, my older sister was studying at No. 3 Middle School and often bought snacks from Song Xinran's food stall.
Later, she also attended the Third Middle School. The snack stall was replaced by a snack shop, and the original owner left, but the taste of the snack shop remained the same.
As Song Xinran listened to the children's quiet discussion, the corners of her lips couldn't help but curve into a smile, and she also recalled the scene when she was setting up her stall.
Chen Jingfang also cooked a bowl of oden for Song Yu. Song Yu, who was already full, happily accepted it and ate quite a bit more.
Song Xinran felt that he probably came to town just to be fed.
After visiting the shop, Song Xinran went to visit her old friends in town. Her itinerary for the two days before the New Year was packed with activities.
On Lunar New Year's Eve, Song Xinwen bought several large boxes of fireworks and some firecrackers for children to play with and brought them home.
The winter nights are chilly, yet lively. The teahouse across from my house is brightly lit, and I can clearly hear the clatter of mahjong tiles, people talking loudly, and children running around happily with money in their hands.
Song Xinwen gave the loose fireworks to Song Yu and Cai Yang to play with, while he unpacked the boxed fireworks himself.
Cai Yang was holding a sparkler, initially very happy, grinning broadly, but suddenly said, "Mom didn't buy any fireworks for Chinese New Year last year..."
He glanced at Song Yu beside him and said, "Song Yu is back this year, right..."
These past two days, because he received a gift from Song Yu, he's been calling him "Little Yu Brother" so familiarly. Now, whenever he's unhappy, he starts calling Song Yu by his full name.
Song Xinran wanted to roll her eyes, but fortunately Song Yu didn't mind. He didn't hear Cai Yang's complaints and was excitedly saying to Song Xinran, "Mom, the sparkler that Auntie bought is really pretty."
After saying that, he handed her a sparkler from his hand. When Song Xinran took it, she heard a muffled "snap" sound from the side.
It was the sound of Song Xinwen slapping Cai Yang; even through the thick clothes, the sound was loud.
Song Xinwen tapped Cai Yang's forehead with his finger: "What are you thinking? Last year, your aunt bought the fireworks, didn't you play with them yourself? You can't always let your aunt buy things. This year, let your mother buy them."
Song Xinran felt that Song Xinwen's education had become much gentler. Although he still liked to slap her, his tone was much softer.
Cai Yang scratched his head, said "Oh," and suddenly ran to the bag on the dam. He took out some fireworks that children could play with and handed them to Song Yu: "Little Yu, you can play with these."
Song Xinran: ...
Song Yu accepted it politely: "Thank you."
Turning to her, Song Yu handed her the fireworks: "Mommy, play with them."
Song Xinran guessed that Cai Yang was just uncomfortable if he didn't get beaten up, and that he would feel better once he did.
Fortunately, he's not as annoying as he used to be.
The children set off fireworks nearby, jumping and running around the dam with joy.
Song Xinwen handed the lighter to Song Xinran: "Xinran, you light it."
Song Xinran didn't stand on ceremony: "Thank you, sister."
The fireworks string was lit, and moments later the fireworks shot into the sky with a "whoosh" and exploded with a bang, displaying brilliant colors and a beautiful display.
At this time, few families could afford to store expensive fireworks boxes; only relatively wealthy families would buy them. The sound of the fireworks exploding in the night sky attracted a lot of attention, and many children playing outside the teahouse across the street saw them and rushed over in a swarm.
"Cai Yang, the fireworks you set off were so beautiful!"
Listening to the children's chatter, Cai Yang proudly raised his chin: "I have even more amazing fireworks!"
He found a firework tube that would explode with colorful fireworks when placed on the ground. As soon as he lit it, many children cheered and ran around the firework.
Upon seeing this commotion, Cai Yang's expression grew even more proud.
Suddenly, a child discovered:
"Song Yu, you're back!" The child's voice was full of surprise as he ran to Song Yu. "When did you come back? You're so late this year."
"Song Yu, what are you holding in your hand? Is it a sparkler too?"
In the past, Song Yu would go back to his hometown every year for the Spring Festival. Although he could only play with the local children for a few days, everyone remembered him and thought about him. When they finally saw him, they would chatter and ask him if he had fun in the city.
Song Yu never overlooks anyone, answering everyone's questions one by one without missing a single one.
He's been back for two days. He went to town with his mom the first two days, so he didn't see his friends.
The city is a lot of fun, with amusement parks and lots of new toys.
He's holding a dancing sparkler...
After answering, Song Yu shared his extra sparklers with his friends. Each sparkler only needed to be used once, and he had many so that many children could try them out.
The adults were setting off boxes of fireworks, while the children were playing with small sparklers; the atmosphere was very lively.
Cai Yang, standing next to Song Yu but pushed aside by the swarm of children: ...
He bit his cheek and squeezed in as well.
For children, the happiest time of the Spring Festival is naturally New Year's Eve and the whole day of New Year's Day. During this period, children have a special immunity buff and will not be hit no matter what they do. Of course, Song Xinwen's slap to Cai Yang just now does not count as hitting someone.
The children didn't just set off fireworks in the open space; they ran around with sparklers, and Song Yu was surrounded by them too.
He didn't stay out for long; once the fireworks were over, he went home, bringing Cai Yang, who looked unhappy, with him.
Cai Yang started ranting and raving, "I didn't want to come back, but Song Yu insisted I come back!"
Song Xinwen glanced at the time: "It's already 8:30, is it still early? I see you lose track of time when you get into having fun outside. You still need to take a shower, and by the time you're done, it will be 9 or 10 o'clock. If you don't come back now, when will you?"
Song Yu, standing to the side, nodded in agreement with a serious little face: "Auntie is right. Children shouldn't play outside for too long at night. They should go home and sleep early."
If Song Xinran didn't understand Song Yu's personality, she would definitely think he was gloating and complaining, but she knew that this was Song Yu's true feeling.
Fortunately, the Chinese people always say "It's the New Year," so Cai Yang was only scolded a few times before being allowed to take a bath and wash his hair. According to local custom, you can't wash your hair or take a bath on the first day of the Lunar New Year. It is said that taking a bath and washing your hair means that water is flowing out, and water represents wealth, so such behavior will lead to financial loss.
Last year, Song Xinran spent the Lunar New Year at Song Xinwen's house, where the hot water for bathing was heated by burning firewood. This year, however, a water heater has been installed in the house, and a special bathroom has been built with white ceramic tiles.
Finally, I don't have to stare at my huffing and puffing domestic pig while taking a shower anymore, and I don't have to be on edge in case the pig jumps out of the pen at any moment.
The bed was made up in advance by Song Xinwen. It was a new mattress and a new quilt. After taking a shower, I felt warm all over, and as soon as I lay down in the quilt, the bed was quickly warmed up.
Song Yu lay down beside her, pulled up the blanket to cover himself, tucking the corners in tightly. He just stared at the ceiling, rolled around a few times, then suddenly laughed. He burrowed into the blanket like a little bug, moved closer to Song Xinran, and quietly buried his face in the blanket.
Hearing his laughter, Song Xinran couldn't help but smile slightly: "What happened? Why is Xiao Yu so happy today?"
Song Yu looked up at her, blinked her eyes, which were wet and cute: "I slept with my mom tonight."
He immediately added, "It's because my aunt's house only has one bed."
"Actually, I've grown up already," the small voice said, lacking confidence.
Song Xinran's heart softened and warmed instantly, as if she had a piece of candy in her mouth: "Yes, Xiao Yu has grown up, but he is not very old yet, so in his mother's heart, he is still a child."
Song Yu buried her face in the blanket again, and a muffled, happy voice came from within: "Goodnight, Mom."
Goodnight, Xiao Yu.
Song Xinran was awakened by the sound of firecrackers outside the window after sleeping for a short while. Song Yu also woke up, but was still sleepy, and asked in a drowsy voice, "Mom, is it dawn yet?"
Song Xinran said, "No, it's only midnight. Xiao Yu, go to sleep."
"Mom, why do we set off firecrackers every year?"
He was a little annoyed to be woken up.
Song Xinran rarely saw him being grumpy in the morning. He was always woken up by his alarm clock every time he went to school and never procrastinated.
Looking at it now, she even found it somewhat cute, and explained gently, "This is for bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, and it also has the meaning of warding off evil and misfortune..."
Song Xinran casually told him a story about the Nian monster. Before she finished the story, the firecrackers outside stopped, and Song Yu fell asleep again.
Song Xinran suddenly remembered that in previous years, when Song Yu was woken up by firecrackers at midnight on New Year's Eve, he would ask her, "Mom, is it dawn yet?"
There were so many firecrackers that night, and they were still going off the next morning. I guess Song Yu was still half asleep.
She gently ruffled the child's hair, a faint smile playing on her lips.
The next morning, Song Yu got up, changed into new clothes, and went to pay New Year's visits. Song Xinwen and Cai Yongde both gave him a red envelope, and Song Xinran naturally gave Cai Yang, who came to pay New Year's visits, a red envelope as well.
Cai Yang held the red envelopes in both hands, smiling happily, and turned to Song Yu, saying, "Happy New Year, Brother Xiao Yu!"
Song Yu was a little flustered. Holding two red envelopes in her clean little hands, she hesitated for two seconds before handing one to Cai Yang: "Happy New Year, little brother Yang."
"Wait!" Song Xinwen quickly stopped him. "How much older is your brother Xiao Yu than you? You still want his red envelope? Brother Xiao Yu is just a child!"
Cai Yang hesitated and withdrew his hand, but his gaze lingered on the red envelope, reluctant to part with it.
Song Yu shook his head slightly: "I am the older brother, the elder."
In Song Yu's mind, elders are supposed to give red envelopes.
Song Xinran smiled and said, "Sister, let Xiaoyang take it. It's the New Year, don't refuse."
Cai Yang quickly said, "Thank you, Auntie!"
Looking at Cai Yang's smug expression, Song Xinwen spat and said, "I'll be thankful if you can be half as sensible as Xiao Yu."
After exchanging New Year's greetings and receiving lucky money, it was time to eat. Cai Yongde had already cooked the glutinous rice balls.
Today is a national holiday, and Song Xinran, having nothing to do, went to a teahouse to play mahjong for a while. She doesn't play often, but she knows how, and today she had a good run of luck, winning several tens of yuan.
When they went home with Song Xinwen, the two sisters were all smiles, and they realized they had both won money.
Song Xinwen said, "This is good luck! Winning money on the first day of the new year means your business will definitely boom this year. Xinran, don't play any more games this afternoon. Winning is good enough; it's a good omen!"
Song Xinran chuckled and said, "Okay, let's stop fighting."
As soon as she finished speaking, the phone rang. Song Xinran took it out and saw that it was Su Hang calling. She answered it without hesitation.
"Xinran, what are you doing? Are you busy today?"
Song Xinran said, "It's nothing, I was just playing outside and I'm about to go home."
Su Hang laughed and said, "Okay, I'm fine too. Happy New Year to you. How's your trip back to your hometown? Are you settling in well?"
Song Xinran felt that the question was a bit too familiar, but she and Su Hang were friends: "Of course I'm used to it, this is where I grew up."
They hadn't chatted for long when Song Xinran's phone rang again. She explained briefly and hung up; this time it was Lin Jingyuan calling.
"Xinran, Happy New Year."
Hearing those familiar words, Song Xinran wondered if they had arranged to call at this time, as their opening lines were exactly the same.
She replied, "Happy New Year."
Lin Jingyuan then mentioned that the blood oranges he planted later had also ripened, and he would send some to her when they returned to the city. This year's blood orange harvest was exceptionally good, and they couldn't possibly eat them all.
Song Xinran smiled and said, "That's great."
It must be said that Lin Jingyuan has a talent for planting. The blood oranges are juicy, sweet and delicious. Before returning to his hometown, he, Song Xinran and Song Yu finished a bag of oranges.
Lin Jingyuan also laughed: "Xiao Yu, do you still like that Harry Potter set?"
Song Xinran arrived home just then. Song Yu had arrived a little earlier and was peeling garlic with Cai Yang. Hearing her voice, he looked up. Song Xinran waved to him, and Song Yu quickly ran out and whispered, "Mom."
“Your Uncle Lin,” Song Xinran said softly, covering her phone.
Song Yu nodded.
Song Xinran then said to the person on the other end of the phone, "You can talk to him yourself."
Song Yu took the phone and stood properly to the side, a happy look on his face. He always liked to stand straight when answering the phone, just like when a teacher called on him to answer a question.
However, after chatting for a short while, he handed the phone back to Song Xinran: "Mom, Uncle Lin said he also grows strawberries and asked if I wanted to go to the field to pick strawberries."
His eyes were sparkling; he was clearly thinking about it.
Song Xinran said, "Then let's go when we get back to the city."
"Uh-huh!"
She picked up her phone and found many new text messages and missed calls.
Missed calls included those from Su Hang and Zou Xiaoguang, not to mention the text messages—a long string of messages wishing her a Happy New Year, including one from Su Hang, sent at exactly midnight today.
Song Xinran frowned slightly, feeling that the timing was a bit strange...
Song Xinwen walked up to her without her noticing and leaned in: "Xinran, who called just now?"
Song Xinran said, "A friend."
"It's a man, isn't it?"
Song Xinran's brow twitched; she had already guessed what Song Xinwen was about to say.
Just as Song Xinwen had said, "If there's a suitable man, you can start dating him..."
But then she changed the subject: "But you have to be careful not to get scammed. Young men these days are very cunning. Even if you can't find the right one, don't settle. You have Xiao Yu now, so you don't have to worry about the future."
Song Xinran couldn't help but glance at Song Xinwen again; her sister's thoughts on relationships seemed to have changed considerably compared to before.
Finally, Song Xinwen concluded: "But you probably already know all this without me telling you, I'm just reminding you because I'm still worried about you."
Song Xinran smiled and said, "I understand, thank you, sister. We're just friends. We met because we often eat at the restaurant."
Song Xinwen suddenly realized: "Oh, I see!"
It's perfectly understandable if it's for a meal. Back when Song Xinran lived in the town, Song Xinwen had witnessed the crazy enthusiasm of those diners. Not to mention now that she's in the city, and Song Xinran has even been on TV, you have to make a reservation to eat at her restaurant. It's not easy at all.
Song Xinran called Zou Xiaoguang back and learned that Zou Xiaoguang was at home. She asked if she was free because her family wanted to invite her to dinner.
Song Xinran declined, saying that she had already booked a train ticket back to the city.
As soon as she put down her phone, Song Xinran felt uneasy again. In her mind, a phone call should mean something important, like sending a text message for New Year's greetings. Su Hang's missed call and the text message sent right at midnight made her feel a little troubled.
*
On the morning of the second day of the Lunar New Year, Song Xinran and Song Yu took a car back to the city. The two of them were carrying large and small bags. Song Yu was holding a bucket of eggs, which were laid by the chickens raised by Cai Yongde.
Song Xinran was carrying a bag of pea shoots and a bag of sausages and cured meat.
The pea shoots were grown by Cai Yongde, but the sausages and cured meat were made by Song Xinwen, and the seasonings were made by Ge Xia. They tasted very good. Song Xinwen made a lot of sausages and insisted that Song Xinran take them back to the city to try.
Song Yu, holding an egg, sat by the window and suddenly said, "Uncle has become gentler; he can even cook and wash dishes now."
He has a rich vocabulary. Song Xinran laughed heartily.
After the New Year holiday, there were only three days left. During these three days, Song Xinran took Song Yu to Lin Jingyuan's place to pick strawberries.
When I arrived, I found that only a small plot of land had been planted, but the strawberries were growing well. The vines were lush and green, and they were covered with small white flowers. The fruits were bright red and of moderate size, hanging on the vines or resting on the soil surface.
Looking at the small patch of land, Song Yu looked conflicted. She turned to Lin Jingyuan and said very sensibly, "Uncle Lin, let's not pick any more. There's only a little bit left. If we pick it, there won't be any left."
Lin Jingyuan looked slightly embarrassed and explained, "Xiao Yu, feel free to pick as many as you like. It looks like there aren't many right now because the strawberries aren't fully ripe yet. If we don't pick the ripe ones now, they'll rot in the soil in a few days. Xiao Yu is a good kid, he certainly won't waste them, right?"
Upon hearing this, Song Yu quickly nodded: "Yes."
Lin Jingyuan gave him a basket: "Go ahead, pick any that are red."
Song Yu happily ran to the strawberry field with her basket slung over her shoulder.
Lin Jingyuan then explained to Song Xinran that the reason they only planted this small plot of land was to conduct a pilot project to see if strawberries could be successfully grown in their soil. If so, they could promote it in the future, thus expanding the variety of ingredients that are popular in Yuanbenshouwei, and increasing farmers' income, since strawberry prices are currently very high.
Song Xinran agreed with his opinion and suggested that they take advantage of the high strawberry prices to try planting them, so that those who try first will make money first.
If Lin Jingyuan grows strawberries here, it will be more convenient for her to buy them in the future. Ever since she ate the blood oranges grown by Lin Jingyuan, Song Xinran has also been full of confidence in the other things he grows.
"Come on, let's go down to the field. You can try the strawberries I grew." Lin Jingyuan said with a smile. "I have a lot of faith in Chef Song's taste."
Song Xinran laughed and said deliberately, "Then I'll have to try it properly, but I'm the kind of person who only tells the truth, so President Lin mustn't be discouraged."
"I will readjust the planting method, and I'll invite you to try it again next time."
Song Xinran stepped onto the slightly damp ground; the ripe strawberry plant in front of her had already been picked clean by Song Yu.
Song Xinran looked at the child, Song Yu, who was completely absorbed in picking strawberries. Every time he found a ripe red strawberry, he would carefully pick it and put it in the basket, his little face never stopping smiling.
The novelty of picking strawberries for the first time, coupled with the satisfaction of having half a basket of fruit, completely captivated the young child, filling his eyes and heart with joy.
Song Yu's eyes suddenly lit up. He peeled off the strawberry leaves and found a very beautiful strawberry, plump and bright red, exactly the shape of the strawberry in the textbook.
He carefully picked the strawberry, holding it in his small hand. He smelled the rich aroma of the fruit and couldn't resist putting it to his lips. He took a small bite and tasted the incredibly sweet juice on his tongue.
He quickly realized his mistake and was very annoyed; he had completely forgotten about hygiene.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
