Chapter 55 Aunt Song, you can let Song Yu go to me...
Xu Guolin ultimately accepted the braised meat; regardless of whether his colleagues ate it or not, he was determined to eat it himself.
"Now I can eat my fill!" Xu Guolin thought to himself with delight.
Inside the room, Yuanyuan and Song Yu played a jigsaw puzzle for a while, but Song Yu had to go home after only completing a quarter of it.
He said, "Yuanyuan, I have to go home for dinner. I'll come visit you another day."
Yuanyuan looked at him expectantly: "You have to come, I can't put it together well by myself."
Yuanyuan really liked the puzzle when we bought it, and begged her grandparents to buy it for her. She even chose the pretty pattern herself. But when she got home, she was upset because she couldn't put it together properly. She just couldn't put it together at all.
Although the manufacturer considered the playability of the toy and the patience of children, and specially made an instruction diagram, with each piece of the puzzle having a serial number, and only needed to follow the serial number to put the pieces together according to the instructions to get a perfect puzzle, which greatly reduced the difficulty, Yuanyuan still found it troublesome. Finding the serial number one by one and then putting it together was too much trouble. As she worked on it, a fire was kindled in her heart, and that fire burned fiercely.
If the puzzle isn't put together properly, one of them gets angry, stands up, and throws the puzzle pieces against the wall.
It's so annoying, so incredibly annoying! She gets annoyed just looking at these puzzle pieces!
I regret it so much, I really regret it. Why did I beg Grandpa to buy me the jigsaw puzzle?
Thankfully, Song Yu arrived. Song Yu is the most patient child. He will find the puzzle pieces one by one according to the instructions and then put them in. If he puts them in the wrong place, it doesn't matter. He can just take them off and find them again.
If Yuanyuan gets too angry while working on the puzzle, he will comfort her: "Why don't you rest for a while and come back after I finish this part?"
Of course, Yuanyuan couldn't leave this difficult problem to Song Yu alone. She felt that puzzles were very difficult, and good friends should help each other overcome difficulties together, not leave Song Yu to face the difficulties alone.
After resting for a while, Yuanyuan felt less angry and ran over to fight alongside Song Yu again.
Gradually, I seemed to figure out some of the fun in puzzles. After finishing one, I felt like I had accomplished something great, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment, which was even better than drinking a big glass of my favorite beverage.
Yuanyuan saw Song Yu to the door, and said expectantly, "You must come tomorrow!"
Song Yu nodded and waved to Yuan Yuan: "I will."
As soon as Song Yu and Song Xinran left, Yuanyuan's house became lively. Xu Guolin quickly opened the packaging box. The braised food was still hot, and the aroma wafted out. It was a mellow and rich braised fragrance. The unique smell of braised food made people feel at ease and satisfied.
Mr. Xu took a deep breath, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "It smells so good!"
When Song Xinran was here just now, they were being polite and refrained from looking at the braised dishes.
Now that people are gone, we can see and eat to our hearts' content.
A pair of little hands reached out and quickly took a chicken wing. While her parents were still enjoying the aroma of the braised food, Yuanyuan had already popped it into her mouth and was enjoying it.
Hearing her daughter making loud noises while eating, Xu's mother quickly grabbed a duck wing and started eating as well.
The moment it touched my lips, I felt as if my soul was floating on air; hot braised food is so delicious!
The braised dishes that Yuanyuan brought back last time have cooled down, but you can still smell a faint aroma. The skin of braised dishes becomes firmer and chewier after they cool down. However, Song Xinran's braised meat is not hard to chew or tough on your teeth even when it's cold.
Xu's mother thought the braised pork was delicious enough that time; at least she and Xu's father couldn't forget it after eating it. They just didn't expect that the braised pork, which was still warm when it was freshly braised, would be even more delicious!
With a gentle bite, the meat sinks into the fat, and the savory braising sauce eagerly spreads between the lips and teeth. Tear off a small piece of meat along the grain, and it seems that every inch of the meat fiber is soaked with the braising sauce, becoming more and more fragrant with each chew.
Regular braised dishes don't absorb flavors as well as braised dishes. If they are braised too deeply, they will definitely be saltier because they require a long cooking time.
But Song Xinran's braised pork is different; every inch of skin and meat is incredibly flavorful, yet it's not overly salty.
As Xu's mother ate, she pondered how Song Xinran had seasoned the food. Perhaps she had even planned the time it would sit after braising. Every flavor was perfectly balanced and harmoniously matched, like a complex jigsaw puzzle where each piece fit together seamlessly.
Braised pork is not a rare dish; it can be found almost everywhere. But Song Xinran has the ability to make an ordinary dish taste extraordinary.
Last week, she brought Yuanyuan home. Yuanyuan's grandfather said that since Song Xinran visited their home, he has tried countless braised pork with preserved vegetables, but he has never tasted the flavor of that day again. He doesn't know if he will ever be able to eat it again in his life.
Mr. and Mrs. Xu immediately understood the old man's unspoken meaning, but how could they possibly ask Song Xinran to come to their house and do it again? They couldn't bring themselves to ask!
Thinking of this, Xu's mother suddenly said, "This weekend we'll take Yuanyuan back to the city and bring two boxes of these braised dishes back to your parents."
Mr. Xu was engrossed in eating a chicken leg when he heard this, and it took him a beat to react: "Okay, okay, take it back."
Xu's mother frowned: "Why did you answer so perfunctorily? Are you your biological parents or mine?"
Mr. Xu quickly said, "My goodness, my goodness, my dear wife, you're eating such good food and you still think of your parents. They are so lucky to have you as their daughter-in-law, and I am so lucky to have you as my wife."
Xu's mother's lips involuntarily curved into a smile: "What are you doing, saying these things in front of Yuanyuan..."
Yuanyuan immediately replied, "Mom, it's my blessing to have you as my mom."
Mr. Xu laughed heartily: "Did you hear that? Yuanyuan thinks the same way I do!"
Yuanyuan nodded and pointed to the lunchbox: "Dad, I want to eat braised beef again."
Xu's father: "Oh, there's also braised beef. Let me try some."
I picked up a piece with my hand and put it in my mouth. The meat was firm and tender, and the combination of the chewy tendons and the firm lean meat was wonderful. The sauce on the surface made me want to lick my lips.
This tastes so good!
Xu's father ate a second piece.
When his arm felt a little heavy, he looked down and saw that Yuanyuan was holding him with both hands. The little girl said angrily, "Daddy, it's me who wants to eat it, not you."
She was the one who spoke first, so how come Dad is so engrossed in eating that he's completely forgotten about her!
Mr. Xu chuckled and took the lunchbox off the table, placing it in front of Yuanyuan.
Yuanyuan was delighted and grabbed a handful. When Xu's father saw this, he quickly said, "Eat less, Daddy still needs to take some to the police station for his colleagues."
Round eyes darted around, and an idea popped into her head: "Let's finish the beef, then Dad's uncles won't know there's beef."
Xu's mother couldn't help but chuckle: "How did Yuanyuan become so clever when it comes to eating?"
“But Yuanyuan,” Xu’s mother said, “he’s not Daddy’s uncle, he’s Daddy’s colleague, the one you call ‘uncle’.”
This child always seems to mix things up.
Yuanyuan said, "Okay, okay."
He reached out and stuffed a piece of braised beef into Xu's mother's mouth, successfully silencing her.
Although Mr. Xu said he didn't want to give it to his colleagues, he had actually thought so in his heart. But it was Song Xinran's kind gesture, so how could he keep it all to himself?
Moreover, he will be transferred to the city in two years. If Song Xinran is still setting up a stall in the town at that time, her colleagues at the police station can take care of her.
Mr. Xu has complete trust in the braised dishes made by Song Xinran; no one who eats them will miss them or dislike them.
The next morning, Xu Guolin took the braised food to the police station. His colleague on the night shift yawned, his eyes were covered with dark circles, and greeted Xu Guolin when he saw him: "Brother Xu, you're here so early."
Xu Guolin placed the braised food on the table: "Xiao Jiang, come and have something to eat. You were lucky to work the night shift yesterday."
Xiao Jiang rubbed his sleepy eyes: "What's so great about it? Anyone who wants to work the night shift can do it. I'm so tired. Since you're here, Brother Xu, I'm going home to catch up on some sleep."
That's how police stations are; they have to ensure there's someone there 24/7.
Xu Guolin said, "You were the only one here when I brought these precious braised foods. You're lucky to have so much. Eat something before you go back to sleep."
Xiao Jiang's voice was very tired: "I have no appetite right now..."
Xu Guolin opened the lunchbox with a "click." He had steamed the braised food beforehand so that his colleagues could enjoy it at its most delicious.
The moment you open it, the aroma of the braised food, which has been brewing inside the lunchbox, immediately wafts out, carrying a comforting warmth that goes straight into your nose.
Just moments ago, Xiao Jiang was yawning, but the moment he smelled it, he instantly perked up. His sleepy eyes widened and lit up, and he turned his head back: "Brother Xu, what is this?"
Judging from his tone, he was almost completely awake.
Xu Guolin had already anticipated this contrast, and smugly hummed, "I told you it's good stuff, come and try it."
Xiao Jiang immediately put on disposable gloves and started eating a chicken wing.
To be honest, when Xiao Jiang tasted this flavor, he felt a jolt of energy, all sleepiness vanished, and it was even more invigorating than coffee.
Coffee's energizing effect is a gradual process, but this braised food is inexplicably fragrant. Its salty, savory, slightly numbing, and slightly spicy flavors directly hit the taste buds, as if activating the whole person.
I wasn't hungry at all just a moment ago, and all I wanted to do was sleep. But as soon as I put these chicken wings in my stomach, it seemed like my stomach knew there was something good in it, and it started rumbling.
I finished the chicken wing in no time, and couldn't resist biting into the bone and sucking on it. The bone had absorbed a lot of the braising sauce, and it tasted incredibly delicious.
While eating the chicken wing, Xiao Jiang didn't have time to say anything. He picked up another piece of beef and then politely asked, "Brother Xu, where did you buy this braised meat? It smells so good!"
As soon as I put the beef in my mouth, I felt that the more I chewed, the more fragrant it became. I wanted to chew it a little longer to enjoy the delicious taste on my tongue, but I also wanted to swallow it as soon as possible and put it in my stomach.
"Did your sister-in-law make this? I've never bought such delicious braised meat outside!"
Xu Guolin chuckled: "Your tongue is quite sharp. It's true that it wasn't bought from outside, but it wasn't made by your sister-in-law either. Someone gave it to you as a gift."
Xiao Jiang gave a thumbs up: "Brother Xu, you're something else. You even thought of your colleagues at the police station when someone gave you such delicious food."
Xu Guolin just smiled and remained silent.
After Xiao Jiang ate a few pieces of beef and gnawed on a chicken wing and a chicken foot, his other colleagues from the police station arrived late. It's no exaggeration to say that as soon as they entered, they smelled the rich aroma of braised food and were immediately drawn in.
Xu Guolin greeted everyone, "I brought some braised food, everyone have a taste."
The aroma was irresistible to his colleagues, and upon hearing his words, they didn't hesitate to pick up a piece and start eating: "Thank you, Brother Xu!"
"Brother Xu is so good to us, this braised food smells so good!"
"I didn't eat enough for breakfast, and I'm feeling hungry now."
They were quite polite before picking up the items, thanking each person in different ways.
But once they tasted it, they couldn't talk anymore. At that moment, everyone was in the same boat: how could this braised meat taste so good!
Xiao Liu is usually the fastest eater. When we have a group meal, he's always the first to finish. Back then, everyone would laugh at him for "chewing on a cow's peony," saying that good things should be savored.
But now, watching Xiao Liu quickly finish a chicken wing, reach for a duck foot and finish it just as quickly, and then eat two slices of beef.
While he was eating three different dishes, someone who ate slowly hadn't even finished gnawing on a duck neck.
Who would have thought that eating quickly could have such benefits?
"Xiao Liu, eat slowly, don't choke on your food," Xiao Jiang reminded him, seemingly out of kindness.
Xiao Liu grinned: "I'm used to it, I won't choke."
Watching the other person eat like a pig, Xiao Jiang felt very fortunate that he had worked the night shift the night before and arrived earlier than them, so he could eat a few before them.
No wonder Brother Xu said he was a lucky person; he was truly blessed.
While eating, Xiao Jiang gave Xu Guolin a grateful look.
Xu Guolin smiled but remained silent. He had expected this scene; he had reacted the same way the first time he ate braised food.
While engrossed in eating, Xiao Liu suddenly remembered something, his mouth glistening with oil: "Brother Xu, aren't you going to eat?"
Xu Guolin smiled, looking like a nice guy: "I brought this especially for you, just eat it."
Xiao Liu was extremely touched: "Brother Xu is so kind, he gave us all such delicious food."
He thought that if Brother Xu were to uphold justice next time, he would definitely go with him without hesitation.
Xu Guolin just smiled and said, "You should take some more tonics."
One sentence earned him everyone's respect and gratitude.
Xu Guolin thought he wouldn't tell his colleagues that Song Xinran had prepared two identical portions. He had even secretly picked out some of the braised food meant for his colleagues, because it was packed tightly and didn't look like it.
He eats plenty at home, why would he bother competing with them for even a little bit here?
Watching his colleagues devour all the braised food at lightning speed, their faces glowing with satisfaction and still wanting more, Xu Guolin asked, "Was it delicious?"
Everyone exclaimed in unison, "Delicious!"
Xu Guolin smiled and said, "Everyone should thank Xiao Liu for being able to eat this braised food."
Xiao Liu, who was called out: ?
He looked completely bewildered, almost pointing at himself and saying, "Me?"
After thinking it over, Xiao Liu realized that he hadn't done anything good lately.
However, upon hearing Xu Guolin's words, his colleagues first expressed their gratitude: "Thank you, Xiao Liu!"
"Xiao Liu, I can tell you're a real talent. We're so lucky to be living next to you."
Xiao Liu blushed a little from the compliment, scratched his head, and said modestly, "Not at all."
Xu Guolin said, "Yesterday, Xiao Liu and I went to the street and brought back the mother and son who were extorting money from the braised meat stall. The matter was resolved very well. The owner of the braised meat stall is my friend. He said he was grateful for the help from Xiao Liu and his colleagues at the police station, and specially made these braised dishes for me to bring to everyone to try."
Yesterday, this incident caused quite a stir at the police station, mainly because Feng Changjian and his mother were too much of a troublemaker and good actors. They even put on a show of deep mother-son affection here. Later, they revealed that Wang Ling had instigated the incident. Neither side is honest, and they even started fighting on the spot. There were quite a few police officers who came to break up the fight.
Upon hearing Xu Guolin say this, everyone remembered.
"Oh, so it was made by the braised meat stall owner! No wonder it tastes so good! Xiao Liu, this is all thanks to you!"
"Luckily, Xiao Liu went to the market yesterday, otherwise Feng Changjian would have really tried to extort money from us, and we wouldn't have been able to enjoy such delicious braised food!"
Thinking about it this way, everyone felt that yesterday's punishment was too mild and only made things easy for Feng Changjian and his mother.
Xiao Jiang said indignantly, "If I ever see Feng Changjian in town again, I'll kick him out!"
After eating the braised food, Xiao Jiang was completely captivated by its deliciousness. He was angry when he thought about how Feng Changjian and his mother had said that such delicious braised food had caused health problems.
Did that mother and child grow their tongues and mouths just to speak? They have absolutely no ability to appreciate or discern.
"This braised food was made by the owner of the braised meat stall, so is this the kind she sells?" a colleague suddenly asked.
Xu Guolin nodded: "Yes."
Immediately someone asked, "Where does she set up her stall? Xiao Liu, you're the person involved, tell me a specific location!"
Colleagues immediately gathered around.
Xiao Liu felt extremely embarrassed. He hadn't done anything yesterday; it was clearly Brother Xu who had been the main force. Now, Brother Xu was attributing most of the work and effort to him. Xiao Liu felt his face burning.
"Everyone, ask Brother Xu. We owe him a lot yesterday!"
Xu Guolin said "Hey," modestly adding, "When they gave me the things, they specifically thanked the police officers at the police station, especially Officer Liu. How could I take credit for that?"
Xiao Liu blushed deeply and quickly said, "It's at the entrance of the vegetable market. You'll see when you go. But she only sets up her stall on market mornings. She sells a lot of things, including braised pig's trotters. I heard from the onlookers that her braised pig's trotters are the best!"
Having gotten the answer they wanted, Liu's colleagues finally let him off the hook, exclaiming, "With a taste like this, the business must be booming!"
"I haven't had enough yet. It's a pity they're not setting up a stall today, otherwise I would go and buy some now."
Xiao Liu licked his lips, thinking to himself that if he had known it would taste this good, he should have bought some yesterday.
However, the owner of the braised meat stall was too kind; even though he hadn't done anything, the stall owner still brought him gifts to thank him.
Xiao Liu thought that if the braised meat stall encountered the same problem again in the future, he would be the first to rush over.
*
Before setting up her stall to sell braised meat again, Song Xinran went to the kindergarten first, because Song Yu was about to have his winter vacation, and he had a little performance before the vacation started.
Song Yu handed the invitation to Song Xinran, her cheerful tone tinged with a touch of pride: "Mom is coming to the kindergarten to see my performance! Teacher An said that the space is limited, so only the parents of children who are performing can come to watch the show."
Song Xinran took the note with both hands and exclaimed, "Wow!" "This invitation is so precious! I love watching performances the most. Thank you, Xiao Yu. If it weren't for Xiao Yu, Mom definitely wouldn't have been able to see such a wonderful performance. Xiao Yu is really amazing."
Under Song Xinran's barrage of compliments, even a relatively composed child like Song Yu couldn't help but giggle. His white teeth dangled, and his face flushed slightly as he humbly said, "I'm not very good, but Teacher Gu said I danced very well, without a single mistake."
Teacher Gu is the teacher who specializes in teaching them dance activities. She is quite strict in class. If she finds a child not paying attention or talking, Teacher Gu will criticize them, no matter who it is.
In Class 1, only Song Yu was never criticized. Not only was he never scolded, but he was also frequently praised by Teacher Gu.
Song Xinran ruffled his hair, her smile gentle: "How come Xiao Yu is so amazing? He's such a good boy."
Song Yu's face turned red instantly. She laughed shyly twice and immediately offered to perform: "Mom, I'll dance for you. I can also sing the song 'Counting Ducks'."
Children are easily flattered, and Song Yu stood up as she spoke, ran to the center of the main room, and sang in her childish voice, "A flock of ducks swam across the bridge in front of the door..."
He sang and danced, putting in a lot of effort.
However, this was still a bit difficult for a child who had only been learning for a few days. In the end, his singing and dancing were not very coordinated, but he still insisted on finishing the performance despite blushing.
Song Xinran clapped enthusiastically, praising Yu without reservation: "Yu danced so well and sang so beautifully. She must have studied very hard. I must have been the first adult to see Yu dance before the performance. I'm so lucky!"
Song Yu blinked her wet eyes, a little shyly: "When Teacher Gu taught us to dance before, the speakers would play songs, so we didn't have to sing ourselves."
He explained that it wasn't that he danced badly, but that he had never sung and danced together like this before.
Song Xinran didn't care about all that, she just praised: "Wow, so this is the first time Xiao Yu has sung and danced. To perform so well on her first try, she's really a very talented kid!"
Song Yu whispered, "Mom isn't the adult who looks after me, Teacher Gu is, but besides Teacher Gu, it's Mom."
Song Xinran realized something was wrong; she had already moved on to the next sentence, but Song Yu was still answering the previous one.
That's a really good memory.
She couldn't resist pinching the little boy's soft cheek: "No matter what kind of dance Xiao Yu does, Mommy will love to watch it."
Song Yu smiled shyly, deciding to give a good performance tomorrow so his mother could see his best dance.
The day before winter vacation started, which was also the day of Song Yu's performance, Song Xinran went to the kindergarten with the invitation. Before she could even hand over the invitation, the security guard recognized her: "Are you Song Yu's mother? Did you come here specifically to watch your child's performance today?"
Song Xinran smiled and said, "Yes, elder sister, I didn't expect you to still remember me."
She had wanted to send Song Yu to kindergarten before, and had come several times, getting to know the gatekeeper. However, after Song Yu started attending kindergarten, she read with Yuan Yuan every morning and went home by herself every afternoon. She had basically stopped picking her up and dropping her off, and hadn't seen the gatekeeper for a long time.
The security guard said, "Of course I remember! Your child is so polite. He greets me every morning when he comes to school and every afternoon when he leaves. You adults have taught him so well!"
Song Xinran's smile became even brighter: "That's because Song Yu likes you. He told me when he got home that the gatekeeper is really good and responsible, guarding everyone at the kindergarten gate every day."
With just a few words, she made the security guard smile and even gave her directions.
The performance was held in an indoor sports arena. When Song Xinran arrived, she saw Yuanyuan's father, who greeted her as soon as he saw her: "Song Yu's mother."
As soon as Song Xinran sat down, Xu's father said, "I'll take the braised meat you gave me to the station. Everyone really liked it, and they insisted that I thank you."
Song Xinran smiled and said, "You're welcome. I'm glad they like it."
As they were talking, the other parents from Class 1 arrived and sat down next to Song Xinran. An older woman said, "This is Xuanxuan's first performance. His dad is really unlucky; he's out of town and can't come back."
An older male voice said, "It's almost Chinese New Year, and their department is quite busy. Let's take a few more photos of him to take back so they can look at them at their leisure."
"Xuanxuan's father was very thoughtful. Transferring Xuanxuan to another school was definitely a good idea. Look, he can even perform on stage now, and he even brought back the invitation letter for us. That's wonderful!" The old man's voice was full of satisfaction.
Song Xinran turned her head slightly and saw two elderly people in their fifties or sixties sitting next to her. The old man was wearing a navy blue woolen short jacket, thermal underwear underneath, a wool sweater over it, and leather shoes on his feet.
The elderly woman was wearing a dark green Chinese-style cotton-padded jacket with distinctive Chinese knot buttons sewn in her hands. Underneath, she wore a fitted sweater in the same color and a silk scarf.
The two were dressed very formally and eye-catchingly, and at first glance, one would think they were going to attend some kind of meeting.
Song Xinran thought she was dressed warmly enough, since it was her first time attending a kindergarten activity and she had even worn her new clothes—a ginger-yellow cotton coat that made her look radiant. However, compared to the two elderly people, she was clearly outshone.
Mr. Xu glanced at the gray cotton coat he had casually picked up when he left the house, and silently shut up. He was the least particular one.
The two elderly people caught Song Xinran's gaze and greeted her with a smile: "Hello, I am Wu Yaoxuan's grandpa/grandma."
Song Xinran smiled and said, "I'm Song Yu's mother."
Mr. Xu also said, "I am Xu Shuyuan's father."
The two elderly people seemed to have caught a glimpse of a certain word, their eyes suddenly lit up, and their smiles became even more genuine and radiant: "You must be Song Yu's mother! It's truly amazing to see you in person."
Song Xinran was a little puzzled. Was she really that famous? She probably only heard her name from the children.
She smiled and said politely, "Grandpa and Grandma Wu Yaoxuan, you're too kind. I often hear Song Yu talk about Wu Yaoxuan too."
This one sentence really got Wu Yaoxuan's grandparents excited: "What did Song Yu say about my Xuanxuan?"
Grandma said, "Xuanxuan keeps talking about Song Yu at home, saying that Song Yu is his best friend and he really wants to invite Song Yu to come over to play."
Grandpa said, "Xuanxuan also said that playing games with Song Yu is the most fun, and he wants to play with him during the New Year."
Grandma said, "I didn't expect it to be such a coincidence to meet Song Yu's mother here. It's fate. Song Yu's mother, are you free today? Come to our house to play. It's just me and his grandfather at home. We can relax, have a meal, and chat. It's comforting to see the child having so much fun."
Grandpa and Grandma Wu Yaoxuan kept talking and being so enthusiastic that Song Xinran felt embarrassed to refuse: "I'm sorry, you two, I have work to do. I only managed to squeeze in time to come to the kindergarten today. The two children get along well, and there will be plenty of opportunities for them to meet again. We'll invite you two to come to our house to visit sometime."
Even Xu's father, listening nearby, felt extremely uncomfortable. Sometimes being too enthusiastic can be awkward. Is this the trouble that comes with a child being too popular in class? Fortunately, Yuanyuan didn't cause him this kind of trouble.
When Wu Yaoxuan's grandparents heard this, they didn't insist. They just said that they would visit more often when they had time, and that they would be most welcome to bring the child.
Song Xinran felt her face was about to freeze from smiling, but thankfully it was time, and the kindergarten children started lining up to come in.
Parents sat on both sides of the classroom, teachers sat at the back, and children sat in the middle.
The homeroom teacher led the students in, and the parents naturally couldn't say anything at this point, as they needed to set a good example for their children.
Song Xinran didn't know many of the students in Class 1. None of the students that Song Yu was close to were there today; they must have been chosen to perform and were waiting backstage.
However, she did recognize one of them. Song Xinran vaguely remembered that the child's name was Zhu Guo. When she first set up a stall to sell braised meat, Zhu Guo begged his mother to buy a lot of it.
Zhu Guo clearly recognized her too. The lively child, who had been holding her mother's hand and begging freely on the main street of town, seemed like a different person in kindergarten, somewhat restrained and shy.
Noticing her gaze, he glanced at her quickly and then withdrew his head.
As luck would have it, Zhu Guo happened to be sitting next to her.
The child seemed a little restless, his head down, lost in thought. Suddenly, he looked up at her, and Song Xinran smiled at him in a friendly manner. This seemed to ease the child's shyness a bit, and he took the initiative to say to her, "Hello, Song Yu's mother."
His voice was also very low and soft.
Song Xinran smiled and said gently in a similarly lowered voice, "Hello, little Zhu Guo."
Zhu Guo's eyes lit up, seemingly pleasantly surprised that Song Xinran still remembered him. He smiled shyly and remained silent.
But the child in front heard this and immediately turned to look at Song Xinran, his eyes wide open and unblinking.
Song Xinran was a little puzzled, but she smiled when she met the child's gaze.
This seemed like a signal, and the child immediately asked, "Auntie, are you Song Yu's mom?"
Her voice was clear and crisp, neither too loud nor too soft, loud enough for a group of people around to hear.
Song Xinran nodded: "Yes, little friend, what's your name?"
"My name is Zhou Meng."
Song Xinran said, "Hello, Zhou Meng."
Before they could exchange more than a few words, another child asked, "Auntie, are you really Song Yu's mother?"
Although Song Xinran found it puzzling, she still nodded.
Immediately, even more eyes turned to her.
The children in Class 1 were whispering amongst themselves, talking amongst themselves. Less than half a minute later, pairs of bright little eyes were fixed on Song Xinran, full of curiosity.
Children don't have the polite pretense that adults do. Even when they're curious, they'll try to hide their stares. But children are different. They look whenever they want, and they stare intently without any pretense.
Song Xinran suddenly had the illusion that in complete darkness, only a spotlight was shining on her head, so all eyes were on her.
She wondered, what's going on?
The group of children, like little ants, spread the news quickly; once one of them heard it, everyone knew in no time, and they were all whispering and discussing it with their heads down.
The students answered in unison: "Keep your head shut!"
The students answered in unison again: "With their backs to you!"
In just a few words, the children all sat down and stopped talking, and no longer turned their heads to look at Song Xinran.
Song Xinran felt a little emotional. She remembered seeing kindergartens like this in her past life. It turns out that slogans for training discipline existed so early on.
However, discipline often cannot be maintained for long, which requires Teacher An to keep a close eye on things and point out any signs of trouble.
Finally, they managed to keep going until the first performance. The children's attention was diverted, and they all focused on the stage, clapping enthusiastically.
Song Xinran breathed a sigh of relief, finally feeling those camera-like gazes leave her.
The performances were not arranged by class. The first performance was a dance by the older children. The older children were different; they danced quite well, and the overall order was also relatively neat.
The second one was the small class, but unfortunately it wasn't Song Yu's class. Compared to the older class, the children in the small class looked much smaller. They were jumping and skipping around, all laughing happily, but their jumping was a bit chaotic. The homeroom teacher was trying her best to direct them, and thankfully, nothing serious happened.
Although not perfect, the performance ended successfully.
The children were very enthusiastic about the performance, and they were all extremely excited, clapping their little hands until they were red.
Finally, it was time for the first graders to perform. Song Xinran watched the stage intently. Next to her, Wu Yaoxuan's grandparents took out their camera, a small portable film camera. The two elders were very excited and started snapping pictures as soon as they saw Wu Yaoxuan.
The children in the class recognized their classmates, and their little faces were filled with excitement. They whispered among themselves, their eyes fixed on the stage, and their hands gesturing.
As soon as the prelude to "Counting Ducks" started, ten children stood in a row and began to jump.
Song Xinran could easily spot Song Yu, who was standing in the center. Unlike the children in the Children's Day performances, the children's faces weren't painted red; everyone's faces were clean and white. They were just dressed in pale yellow clothes, and they really did look like a group of little ducks.
Perhaps due to the teacher's instructions, Song Yu maintained a strange smile, grinning to reveal his white teeth, with the corners of his mouth turned up, but it was obvious that the little guy was a bit nervous, his eyes not blinking.
Song Xinran couldn't help but smile.
Wu Yaoxuan's grandparents were taking pictures enthusiastically, muttering to themselves, "My Xuanxuan dances so well, so cute!"
After praising her so many times, and seemingly remembering that Song Xinran was nearby, Grandpa added to Song Xinran, "Song Yu also danced well!"
Grandma praised, "The little boy in the middle jumped very well. Every movement was precise and he jumped very lively!"
Song Xinran tried her best to speak calmly: "That is Song Yu."
No mother would be unhappy to hear someone praising her child; her calm voice easily conveyed a sense of joy.
Grandma Wu Yaoxuan said, "Oh, no wonder! Xuanxuan always says that Song Yu dances the best when he comes home, and he is often praised by the teacher."
Song Xinran said, "Not at all, your Xuanxuan is pretty good too."
She then said to Xu's father, "Yuanyuan is also very cute, she's smiling so happily."
Mr. Xu smiled, a smile that reflected his complex emotions; he didn't know whether to be worried or happy.
It's funny, but Yuanyuan's dancing is really not up to standard, and she stands out among a group of children.
She was worried, but Yuanyuan herself didn't realize it. Her smile was so bright that it was obvious she was genuinely happy.
After thinking about it, Mr. Xu decided against it. No matter how well the child danced, as long as he was happy, that was all that mattered.
Song Yu's tension didn't last long. As the music started playing, he found his rhythm from practice, and the smile on his face became less forced, much more relaxed and joyful.
Listening to the constant sound of cameras being taken around her, Song Xinran felt a pang of regret; she should have bought a camera too.
A child only spends two or three years in kindergarten in their entire life, and they may not even get to perform two or three times in those two or three years. Every time is precious and should be carefully recorded.
The performance of "Counting Ducks" lasts only two minutes, and everyone leaves the stage in an orderly manner after the music ends.
Wu Yaoxuan walked behind Song Yu, his expression incredibly vivid. Even while they were still queuing to leave the stage, he leaned close to Song Yu's ear and whispered something, but Song Yu ignored him completely.
Yuanyuan stretched out her wicked little hand and pushed Wu Yaoxuan, but fortunately she didn't use any force and Wu Yaoxuan didn't move at all. However, she didn't say anything, and soon everyone lined up to leave the stage.
A few minutes later, the children ran to their classroom. They had taken off their light yellow costumes for the performance and were wearing their own clothes. Song Yu zipped up his zipper to his collar, and the fluffy brim of his hat circled his chin, making him look warm and cozy.
He spotted Song Xinran immediately and ran happily towards her, exclaiming, "Mom!"
He couldn't hide his excitement, his eyes sparkling as he looked at her: "Mom, did you see me dancing just now?"
Song Xinran nodded: "I watched it, Xiao Yu danced exceptionally well, she's a little dancer, really great!"
Song Yu smiled happily, feeling as if she had eaten a big bowl of oden, feeling sweet and warm inside.
The other children sat next to their parents, excitedly sharing their feelings after their performance.
"Aunt Song," Yuanyuan said, not content with just telling her father, she leaned over and asked Song Xinran, "Did you watch me dance? Did I dance well?"
Song Xinran gave a thumbs up: "Yuanyuan is especially wonderful. She's like a happy little bird, with a sweet smile that makes Auntie's heart feel sweet too."
Yuanyuan giggled happily, feeling so pleased that Aunt Song's praise made her so happy. It was nothing like her father, who only ever said "good," "great," "amazing," and "fantastic"...
Yuanyuan could recite all those words by heart, but she had hardly ever heard Aunt Song praise people.
She couldn't wait and volunteered, "Aunt Song, I can come to your house and dance for you alone!"
Mr. Xu felt a little embarrassed by his daughter's enthusiasm, thinking that Song Yu danced much better than him. He took the initiative to say, "Yuanyuan, you can just dance for Dad at home. Dad really likes your dancing."
Yuan Yuan didn't even look up: "You're second."
Xu's father: ...
Is it possible that he, as the biological father, is only ranked second to watch someone perform solo?
On the other side, Wu Yaoxuan also greeted Song Xinran. The child's speech was becoming more and more refined: "Aunt Song, hello. I'm so glad to see you here today. I just performed. What do you think of me?"
Hearing these somewhat official words, Song Xinran felt goosebumps on her arms and couldn't help but reply in a more official tone: "Wu Yaoxuan, you danced very well. Your rhythm was perfect, and your arms were straight, like a little swan. Your dance was exceptionally graceful."
Upon hearing this, Wu Yaoxuan could hardly contain his joy. Although he was so happy he felt like jumping for joy, he still politely replied, "Thank you, Aunt Song. I will continue to work hard in the future."
Song Xinran racked her brains and praised her a couple more times.
Wu Yaoxuan's grandparents, who were listening nearby, were stunned. Was this really their grandson, the little devil of a devil?
Why have you suddenly become so polite? You keep using the honorific "you" and speak so politely, like you're reporting to a leader.
Grandpa touched Wu Yaoxuan's forehead: "Xuanxuan, are you alright?"
Wu Yaoxuan immediately wanted to say, "Of course I'm fine, I'm perfectly fine!" But considering that Song Yu and Song Xinran were both there, he politely said, "Thank you for your concern, Grandpa. I'm alright."
Grandpa almost thought he was dreaming.
When Xu's father heard this, he couldn't help but laugh. He thought to himself that Wu Yaoxuan was not at all as mischievous as Yuanyuan had said. He turned around and said, "Your child is really well-mannered."
Teacher An finally couldn't help but cough lightly: "Children, please stop talking and watch the performance carefully. Although our class's performance is over, we should also greet the other classes' performances with the same quiet and civilized manners."
Mr. Xu immediately shut up, feeling ashamed. He knew perfectly well that while Teacher An was talking about the children, she was actually reminding the adults.
He's in his thirties and he still gets criticized by kindergarten teachers.
After all the performances were over, Teacher An took the children back to their classrooms and told the parents who had come to visit that they only needed to wait at the door for about ten minutes. The teacher would then talk to the children about some things to note during the winter vacation, and then the children could go home with their parents.
Song Xinran and many other parents waited at the school gate. Everyone was in a good mood after watching the performance and could chat with anyone.
Teacher An was right after all. In less than ten minutes, she led the children from Class 1 out.
Song Yu spotted her immediately, her eyes lighting up. She quickly said goodbye to Teacher An and rushed towards Song Xinran like a little bird, tilting her head up to look at her with a smile on her lips: "Mommy! Mommy, are you picking me up today?"
"Mom, Teacher An said we don't have any written homework for winter break. Our homework is to learn to dress ourselves, tidy up our toys and books, and do our own chores at home. I can do all of that!" Song Yu was overjoyed.
Song Xinran took his hand and smiled, "Then Xiao Yu, have a good time this winter break."
"Aunt Song!" Yuanyuan's clear voice rang out from the side, "Can Song Yu come to my house to play? We want to do a puzzle together!"
Song Xinran looked at Song Yu, respecting the little one's own opinion.
But before Song Yu could speak, another voice rang out: "Aunt Song, can Song Yu come to my house to play?"
Wu Yaoxuan also ran over and said politely, "I don't know how to tidy up toys and books. Song Yu said he would teach me. Can Song Yu come home with me?"
Yuanyuan turned her head to look over and clenched her little fists.
Song Yu frowned slightly. He felt that this was a bit difficult because he had promised to do both things, but at different times.
Author's Note: With summer vacation almost over, the kids have finally started their winter break! Haha, something to celebrate! [Lucky Lotus]
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