Chapter 57 Playing with Friends
Song Xinran took Song Yu on a shopping spree in the city. The two of them returned home carrying large and small bags of things. When they got home, they sat together on the cool couch and took deep breaths to rest.
Song Xinran rubbed her sore arms and was moving her wrists when suddenly a pair of small hands pressed down on her shoulders. Song Yu had climbed onto the cool couch at some point and was kneeling beside her, her little hands trying to massage her shoulders. In a childish voice, she said, "Mommy, you've worked hard."
He wasn't very strong, his movements were like a kitten's paws kneading milk. Song Xinran's heart softened, and she took his small hand: "Xiao Yu, you should rest too. You must be tired from carrying so many things."
He shook his head: "I'm only a little tired, but Mom carries more, so she's even more tired."
He not only massaged Song Xinran's shoulders, but also her neck and arms. Although his movements were not very proper and his strength was weak, it still looked somewhat like a massage.
Song Xinran smiled and said, "Mom isn't tired either. Xiao Yu, take out your clothes and change into something new. Let's go back to Aunt's house."
Song Yu leaned on her shoulder, turned her head and looked at her with surprise: "Shall we go back now?"
"Yes."
Song Yu immediately climbed down from the cool couch, took the new clothes into the room, and went to find clothes to wear.
Instead of changing into the new royal blue down jacket he bought today, he wore the light brown cotton coat that Song Xinran had bought in town when winter vacation started. His little face was serious: "I'll wear the new clothes I bought today when I'm in the first year of junior high."
Song Yu is a very ritualistic child. He must wear new clothes on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The royal blue down jacket is the best-looking one and his favorite. He must save it for that day.
After Song Yu changed his clothes, Song Xinran dressed him up completely. He wore a newly bought light yellow hat with a fluffy pom-pom on his head, a milky white scarf around his neck, a pair of fleece-lined gloves on his hands, and a pair of sporty cotton sneakers on his feet.
After getting dressed, she combed her soft black hair neatly, and when the hat was on, a little bit of the hair was showing, making her look especially cute.
Song Xinran then touched his little face with satisfaction. Song Yu was still a little embarrassed: "It's not like we're going to kindergarten, so you don't need to wear a hat and scarf."
He spent the winter at his aunt's house. Although his memory is a bit hazy, none of the children in the village had hats and scarves. Even in the drizzling rain, everyone could go out and run around without feeling cold at all.
Song Xinran said, "It's very cold at Aunt's house, Xiao Yu, don't catch a cold."
She actually had some other thoughts. Song Yu hadn't had a good life in the village before. When she took Song Yu away, she had a big argument with Cai Yongde. Even though Song Xinwen didn't say anything when they met, she knew that the villagers had a lot of suspicions about them.
This is her first time going back, so she needs to be extra careful about what she wears.
The principle of "respecting clothes before respecting people" is particularly evident in villages, where dressing up can save a lot of trouble.
Song Xinran also changed her clothes and took home the dried fruits and nuts she had bought from the city, either in bulk or in gift boxes.
These days, when people visit relatives and friends in the countryside, they usually bring a bag of sugar or something similar. But she was carrying a gift box, which made her look quite different.
Song Yu also brought the newly bought ball and jump rope, saying that he could play with Cai Yang when he got back.
With so much stuff in her hands, it wasn't convenient to take a motorcycle, so Song Xinran hailed a tricycle to go back, which cost three yuan more than a motorcycle.
Sitting in the tricycle, Song Yu leaned against Song Xinran. He took off his gloves, slipped his warm hands into Song Xinran's, and gently held them. A faint smile appeared on his lips, and his eyes sparkled: "Mom, my hands are very warm. Let me warm them for you."
Song Xinran felt a wave of tenderness wash over her.
She had called Song Xinwen beforehand to tell her that she was coming back. Song Xinwen sounded very happy on the phone, saying that she had been waiting for her for so long and was finally going home.
At that moment, Song Xinwen was waiting by the roadside with a big smile on her face. Cai Yang stood beside her, sniffed, stood on tiptoe and looked at the road with a longing look: "Mom, how much longer until Auntie arrives?"
Song Xinwen said irritably, "It'll be soon. Why are you always rushing me? There's nothing to do at home, and I'm so bored. I might as well come out for some fresh air."
Cai Yang pouted unhappily. He still wanted to go back and watch cartoons, but he didn't dare to say it because he knew he would get beaten if he did. Ever since his mother came back from town, she had become much fiercer, and even his father didn't dare to talk back to her.
However, Mom has improved in some ways. She's become much more generous when shopping, and we're eating meat more often at home than before.
The neighbor saw Song Xinwen and Cai Yang standing by the roadside and greeted them, asking, "What are you two doing here on such a cold day?"
Song Xinwen smiled and said, "Sister Yang, I'm waiting for my sister Xinran."
Sister Yang said, "What's there to wait for? Xinran lived in your house for a year or two before, and then she married Chunjun, who was in our team. She knows these roads very well."
Song Xinwen said, "Xinran rarely comes back, and the roads in the village are in bad condition, so I'll help her carry some things."
Sister Yang glanced around and suddenly lowered her voice to ask, "I heard that Xinran is doing business in town, and her business is booming. You, as her older sister, are really enjoying a good life."
Song Xinwen glanced at Sister Yang with a half-smile and deliberately said, "That's right, Xinran only has one older sister, I'm just lucky."
Song Xinwen would never have said such things before. In the countryside, there is a lot of gossip and rumors. If you do something, everyone will talk about it behind your back. Song Xinwen didn't want to appear in their boring chatter.
But after returning from town, her thoughts changed. She saw through the true colors of the villagers and realized their nature of bullying the weak and fearing the strong. If a family was powerful, everyone would smile and fawn over you, and wouldn't try to take advantage of you.
Sure enough, when Sister Yang heard Song Xinwen say that, her eyes changed: "You are a blessed person."
As they were talking, a tricycle stopped by the roadside, and as soon as the windshield was lifted, two people got off.
"Auntie!" The child's voice was tender and clear. As soon as he came down from the ground, he ran towards them and called out, "Little Yang, little brother."
Song Xinwen's face immediately broke into a smile: "Xiao Yu, Xinran, you're finally back!"
Song Xinran paid the money and came over with the things. Song Xinwen quickly took the things from her hands and scolded, "Why did you buy so many things at your sister's house? It's such a waste of money!"
Song Xinran smiled and said, "I went to Yongyan this morning and just bought some things."
Sister Yang stood to the side, stunned when she saw the two of them.
When Song Xinran lived in the village, everyone would see her every day. Her impression of Song Xinran was that she was not very talkative, had a quiet personality, and worked very hard. She had even thought about introducing Song Xinran to her relatives, thinking that since Song Xinran's parents were no longer alive, she would be easier to control and more obedient. Unexpectedly, Song Xinwen introduced her to Chunjun, who was in the same team, first. Chunjun died less than two years after getting married.
At that time, some gossip began to circulate in the village, saying that Song Xinran's birth chart was too strong and would bring misfortune to her relatives.
Sister Yang was secretly relieved that she hadn't introduced Song Xinran to her family. Seeing that Song Xinran was getting thinner and thinner, her health was deteriorating, and her spirits were waning, everyone kept their distance from her.
Last time, Song Xinran and Song Yu left the Cai family and had a fight. The old men and women in the village said that it would be difficult for a woman to live alone with a child.
Unexpectedly, Song Xinran survived and is said to have started a business that is doing very well. I heard she is selling braised meat.
Sister Yang didn't go to town often and had never met Song Xinran before. She was still half-believing and half-doubting these rumors. But when Song Xinran came back today, she was completely different from before. She almost couldn't recognize her.
Previously, Song Xinran had sallow skin, always wore that glass factory uniform, spoke in a low voice, and was as thin as a stick, looking listless.
Today, Song Xinran was wearing a beige cotton coat with a brown turtleneck sweater peeking out from the collar. Her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, and she had a faint smile on her face. Her skin was rosy and glowing, and her voice was cheerful as she spoke. Every gesture she made exuded vitality and energy.
If Song Xinwen hadn't called for help, Sister Yang thought she wouldn't have recognized Song Xinran even if she walked right past her on the street.
Upon closer inspection, the changes in appearance are not significant; at most, the body has gained some weight, the skin is fairer, and the complexion is healthier and more attractive. However, the overall energy and spirit of the person is completely different, just like a city dweller.
Song Xinran glanced at Sister Yang with a faint smile on her lips, but didn't say anything. Sister Yang felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze, thinking that not only had this person's temperament changed, but her eyes had also changed. Could a person change so much in just a few months?
Song Xinwen said, "Xinran, this is Sister Yang."
Then he said to Song Yu, "Xiao Yu can just call her Aunt Yang."
Song Xinran then spoke, her voice clear and melodious: "So it's Sister Yang. It's been so long since I've seen you, you've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you."
Sister Yang's face was all smiles, the corners of her mouth curving into a slightly ingratiating smile: "Not at all, Xinran, you've changed so much! Your business is doing so well, you're practically a city person now!"
Song Xinran smiled but didn't say anything.
Song Yu also called out in a clear voice, "Aunt Yang."
Sister Yang looked down at the child and was also greatly shocked.
She knew Song Yu better than Song Xinran. The child had been raised in Song Xinwen's house for a long time. He was an obedient and sensible boy who often helped with chores and occasionally went out to buy things for the family. His clothes didn't fit him well, and he was thin and bony.
In rural areas, children's clothes are mostly hand-me-downs, so they're unlikely to fit well. However, these days, no family is short of food. Song Yu is so thin, with skinny arms and legs that look like they could break if you're not careful. The villagers have even said that this child doesn't look like he'll survive.
The older generation has all experienced the loss of children, so they've become accustomed to it.
But now that I look at him, he seems like a completely different person!
Even though Song Xinran is an adult, you can still recognize her features. Children grow up quickly and change a lot. She has fair skin, soft black hair, and a fluffy yellow hat, just like a little doll on TV.
Sister Yang's eyes widened: "This, this is Song Yu?"
Song Yu still remembered her: "Aunt Yang, it's me. Have you found your dog yet?"
Before he and his mother left the village, he remembered that Aunt Yang was looking for the dog everywhere and cursing everywhere, saying that some damned family had poisoned her dog and killed it, and they hadn't even found the body.
Sister Yang muttered, "I couldn't find it. We've got a new puppy at home."
Song Yu nodded: "I see."
Sister Yang was momentarily dazed, thinking that this must be Song Yu, but then she thought that Song Yu never looked like this before, and would never chat with adults.
"Sister Yang, we'll head back now. You can continue your work." Song Xinwen said goodbye to Sister Yang as he carried his things.
Sister Yang was a beat slow to react: "Okay, okay, you can go back now."
Watching the group leave, her gaze fell on the bags and packages in Song Xinwen's hands. She immediately realized that the gossip must be true. Song Xinran had done a big business in town and made a lot of money. Only money could change a person so much.
Sister Yang felt a deep sense of regret. If she had known that Song Xinran would achieve such success, she should have introduced her to her relatives back then. She knew that once Song Xinran became successful, she would never forget her as the matchmaker.
Song Yu looked at the road beneath his feet, walking carefully and trying not to get his shoes dirty. He suddenly looked at Cai Yang strangely: "Little Yang, why do you keep looking at me?"
Cai Yang turned his head to the side and stubbornly said, "I didn't look at you!"
Song Yu wanted to say, "You clearly do," but then a thought flashed through her mind: "Do you want to bounce a ball with me?"
He waved the new ball in his hand: "Mom bought this for me today, I can play with you."
Song Yu knew that Cai Yang loved playing with rubber balls. It turned out that he had one of his own, but after accidentally breaking it, he begged his parents to buy him another one. They refused him firmly, and Cai Yang even cried.
Although Cai Yang wouldn't let him play with his ball before, Song Yu wasn't a stingy child and was still willing to share his beautiful, colorful little ball.
Cai Yang raised his chin: "I don't care to play!"
The next moment, he received a slap on the head. Song Xinwen said unhappily, "How dare you talk to Brother Yu like that?"
Cai Yang pouted and cried out in grievance, "Is it wrong for me not to play?"
"If you don't want to play, just say so. What do you mean by not caring? It sounds so rude!"
Cai Yang grunted and fell silent. He used to argue back when he was being lectured, but now he could recognize his mistakes.
Song Xinran glanced at the chubby boy, who seemed to have lost a little weight, but his cheeks were still chubby. She changed the subject and asked, "Does your brother-in-law know I'm coming back today?"
"I know," Song Xinwen said happily. "He's very happy too, and he's cooking at home right now!"
Song Xinran remained noncommittal. She knew even in her wildest dreams that Cai Yongde wouldn't be happy, but now that he was pretending, she didn't care whether he was sincere or not, as long as things looked good on the surface.
"Your brother-in-law can cook now? I never would have guessed." Song Xinran said jokingly.
Cai Yang immediately said, "His cooking is terrible! Auntie, you cook it. We killed a big rooster, and your cooking is delicious!"
As he spoke, Cai Yang gave her a fawning smile.
Before Song Xinran could speak, Song Xinwen slapped his arm again: "Your aunt is a guest at our house. How can we let a guest cook? If you think your dad's cooking is bad, go back to the kitchen and cook with him!"
When it came to something as important as food, Cai Yang broke his silence and whispered, "Is Auntie's cooking delicious?"
Song Xinran pretended not to hear and deliberately smiled, saying, "That's great, we can try my brother-in-law's cooking today."
When she got home, she found Cai Yongde busy in the kitchen, wearing an apron. As soon as he saw Song Xinran, he was very enthusiastic: "Xinran, you've finally come! Your sister has been talking about you for a long time. You said you usually live in town, not far away, so you should come back to visit from time to time."
Song Xinran raised an eyebrow, thinking that Cai Yongde was doing a much better job of putting on a show than before. She didn't hold back and said in a teasing tone, "It's such a hassle to always have to ask my brother-in-law to cook when we come back."
Cai Yongde quickly replied, "It's no trouble at all, we're all happy to have you back."
Song Xinran didn't care whether he was genuinely happy or not: "Then I'll trouble you to cook today, brother-in-law."
Cai Yongde's expression stiffened slightly, but he quickly covered it up: "Alright, alright, you can just sit down and rest for a while."
Song Xinran indeed went to rest in the main room. Not only did she sit there herself, but she also pulled Song Xinwen to sit with her and chatted with her about life.
In the kitchen, Cai Yongde frowned deeply. He had hoped that Song Xinran would have something good to eat when she came back. It had been months since he last ate a meal cooked by Song Xinran, and he had been craving it ever since. He never expected Song Xinran to be so carefree today.
"Uncle." A child's innocent voice rang out from the kitchen doorway.
Cai Yongde immediately put on a smile: "Oh, it's Xiao Yu. What's up, Uncle?"
Looking at the expression on his face, Song Yu's hand trembled slightly for no reason: "No, it's nothing, Happy New Year, Uncle."
Cai Yongde said, "Happy New Year!"
Song Yu hurried away. He felt that his uncle was acting strangely; his uncle had never smiled at him like that before.
In the main room, Song Xinran asked Song Xinwen about his recent life.
Song Xinwen patted Song Xinran's hand and said with emotion, "Great, it's much better than before. The more I think about it, the more I realize how foolish I was before. I did everything myself, and the father and son didn't appreciate it at all. Now that everyone in the family has to do things, they finally realize how much I've sacrificed."
A faint smile appeared on Song Xinran's face: "It's good that you have this idea, sister."
Song Xinwen asked, "How have you been lately? Is your braised meat selling well? My sister-in-law Deng saw you selling braised goods at the market in town and said there were a lot of people there."
Song Xinran had mentioned selling braised meat to Song Xinwen, but she hadn't gone into details.
She said, "Business is alright. I just sell for a morning on market days to try and earn more money."
...
Song Yu sat beside him, playing with a ball in his hand. Cai Yang glanced at him every now and then, and finally couldn't resist. He leaned over and whispered, "Can I see the ball on your hat?"
Song Yu touched the small round ball on top of his hat; it was fluffy and felt nice to squeeze. After thinking for a moment, he took off his hat, tidied his hair, and placed it in front of Cai Yang.
Cai Yang's eyes lit up, and he couldn't wait to grab a handful. He was very strong, and one or two fine hairs fell off. Song Yu said, "Touch it gently, don't pull it."
Cai Yang immediately became unhappy and let go of her hand: "I'm not touching it anymore, you stingy guy!"
He spoke very softly, deliberately so that Song Xinwen wouldn't hear him, otherwise he would get scolded again.
Song Yu heard this, pursed his lips, and smoothed the fur on the little ball. It was a little dirty. Cai Yang hadn't washed his hands, and he said unhappily, "Your hands are dirty."
Cai Yang was shocked that Song Yu dared to criticize him, and immediately stood up abruptly: "You're the dirty one, you're filthy from head to toe!"
Song Xinwen snapped, "What are you saying? Look how clean your little brother Yu's clothes are, and look at yourself! I don't even dare to buy you light-colored clothes!"
Cai Yang ran outside to the open space, washed his hands, and shouted, "I'm not dirty!"
Song Xinwen said, "Where are you going? Take your little brother Yu with you to play!"
Cai Yang ignored him and ran off on his own.
Song Yu put the hat back on her head and said in a childish voice, "Auntie, I don't need to play. I want to play with Mommy."
Song Xinwen smiled and said, "Xiao Yu is becoming more and more sensible."
Cai Yang ran back during lunchtime, having gone off to play somewhere. He was covered in sweat, and his fingernails were full of dirt. Song Xinwen ordered him to wash them clean before he could come to eat.
Lunch was quite plentiful. We used one rooster to make three dishes: radish and chicken soup, braised chicken with potatoes, and cold chicken salad. We also stir-fried some greens and steamed a bowl of golden egg custard.
The steamed egg custard looked wonderful, smooth and tender like jelly. When you put a spoon on it, it sank slightly and had a slight bounce.
Song Xinwen said, "Xinran, try this. I learned how to make this steamed egg custard from you, and it turns out really well."
Cai Yongde quickly added, "Xinran's culinary skills are naturally beyond question. She's managed to run such a successful business that you can't even buy her products if you want to."
Song Xinran didn't respond to him. She tasted each dish one by one and had to admit that Cai Yongde's cooking skills were really just average. They were only edible once cooked. But she smiled and praised, "Brother-in-law's cooking skills are also very good. It's really not easy to taste what brother-in-law makes."
Song Xinwen smiled and said, "If you like, stay at home for a few more days and let your brother-in-law cook more."
Cai Yongde's face immediately fell, but the next second he forced a smile and said with a grin, "Eat your food, eat your food."
Song Xinran was secretly pleased to see Cai Yongde get the short end of the stick, but she also felt sorry for the chicken. It wasn't easy to raise it to such a size, and it died such a haphazard death.
Song Yu didn't eat much at noon today, which he found strange. When he used to live at his aunt's house, he would be very happy if the family killed a chicken and steamed egg custard. That meant he could eat meat, and he could eat two bowls of rice in one meal!
But today he felt full after eating only one bowl of rice, so he put the bowl down and sat on the cool couch to play.
Song Xinran didn't eat much, just enough to fill her stomach. After finishing, she chatted with Song Xinwen. Cai Yongde even took the dishes to the kitchen to wash. Song Xinwen wanted to help, but Song Xinran stopped him: "Sister, I bought some garlic-flavored peanuts. I heard it's a new flavor. Go get some and try them."
Song Xinwen responded and went to get it, naturally forgetting to go to the kitchen to help.
Song Xinran glanced at Cai Yongde's busy figure in the kitchen and thought to herself that this was the life Song Xinwen used to live: cooking and washing dishes, and Cai Yongde would never think of helping her.
After dinner, they ate peanuts and chatted. Around one o'clock, several children came over. Cai Yang, who was watching TV, stood up as soon as he saw them and said happily, "Mom, Xiao Lin and the others called me to play!"
Song Xinwen said, "Let's bring Xiao Yu along to play too."
Cai Yang was about to refuse, he wasn't going to play with Song Yu, and Song Yu wouldn't even let him touch Song Yu's fur.
But before she could even speak, she heard her friends say, "Song Yu, when did you get back? Song Yu, come play with us!"
They were all all smiles and extended warm invitations, clearly indicating that they had come to see Song Yu.
Cai Yang froze.
Song Yu was somewhat at a loss. He stood up and looked at Song Xinran. When he lived in the village before, these children had never invited him to play. Sometimes when he tried to join them, he was refused. But today, they had all come to his house to find him...
Song Xinran smiled slightly: "Xiao Yu, go ahead and have fun if you want."
Song Yu happily hummed in agreement and walked towards her friend at the doorway: "Let's go play!"
He felt as if a small bird with fluttering wings was trapped in his chest, his heart was pounding so fast. He used to be so happy watching them play, and he really wished he could join in. Now he could finally do it.
As Cai Yang watched Song Yu walk out of the house and be surrounded by her friends, she pursed her lips and followed him eagerly.
Xiaolin said, "Let's go play at the big dam at the entrance of the village."
Song Yu nodded and agreed. The dam was a seven or eight-minute walk from his aunt's house. It was a large open space where many people dried rice during the summer vacation. If there was nothing to dry, it was the children's favorite playground. In the past, Song Yu would always look on with envy when he saw the village children playing in the dam.
"Song Yu, did you go to live in the city with your mother?" a child asked.
Song Yu said, "I live in town with my mother. My mother goes shopping, and I go to kindergarten."
"Kindergarten?" Xiaolin asked. "Isn't kindergarten only for five-year-olds?"
Xiaolin is the oldest among the children. He just turned five this year, but he doesn't go to school because his family thinks it's a waste of money.
Song Yu shook her head: "No, we have many children in our kindergarten, some are three or four years old."
"Does kindergarten have a lot of homework? My older sister is in second grade and she has a lot of homework every day."
Song Yu said, "No, we don't have written homework. The teacher just tells us to fold clothes and do our own things, and that's our homework."
"How strange, what do they teach at Songyu Kindergarten?" These children have never been to school. If they have siblings, they know more about schools and are even more curious about kindergartens.
Song Yu: "He taught me so much..."
He slowly recounted the details, making it incredibly interesting. In his description, the kindergarten was like a huge playground with many attractions and lots of playmates. Everyone had a great time playing, and the teachers would even lead everyone in the games.
The children were all drawn to the kindergarten he mentioned: "I really want to go to kindergarten too."
Cai Yang followed behind them, his eyes also sparkling with anticipation.
A group of children walked onto the dam, and Song Yu took out his ball: "Let's bounce the ball."
The pretty, colorful balls immediately attracted the children's attention, and they all gathered around, exclaiming, "They're so beautiful!"
On the road beside the dam, a woman in her forties or fifties was walking by with a basket on her back. She looked up at the empty dam and suddenly noticed something: "Xiao Yu!"
Hearing someone call his name, Song Yu looked up and saw a dark-skinned, slender man. He recognized the grandmother, but for a moment he forgot what to call her and was a little stunned.
Fang Cuimei came over: "You child, why don't you come to your second grandma's house to play when you're home?"
Song Yu realized what was happening and called out, "Second Grandmother."
Fang Cuimei responded and glanced at Song Yu, from his light yellow hat to his cotton sneakers, her face beaming with a warm smile: "Xiao Yu, what does your mother do in town? What did she buy when she came home this time? What did you eat at your aunt's house?"
Song Yu was a little scared, took a small step back, and didn't answer, only saying, "Second Grandma, I want to play with my friends."
Fang Cuimei smiled, her face full of wrinkles, and said warmly, "My grandson is here too. He's about your age. Come to my house and play."
Song Yu shook his head.
The children gathered around; they were all teenagers who didn't understand social etiquette at all. One of them said directly, "Grandma Fang, Song Yu wants to play ball with us. You should go home."
Fang Cuimei's face immediately fell: "You have no manners at all. Is this how your mother raised you?"
The child made a face and dragged Song Yu away.
Fang Cuimei cursed under her breath and turned to leave, thinking to herself, "It seems Song Xinran has made a fortune in business in the city. Even her child is dressed so well. Her grandson doesn't even have that hat. He would definitely look better in it than Song Yu!"
In the countryside, children don't have many games to play. They usually just chase each other, shouting and laughing all the way, having a great time. Today, with the colorful little balls, everyone started tossing them back and forth, having a wonderful time.
Song Yu chased after the ball. He used to be the fastest runner, but now that he's grown up and is even stronger, he runs even faster. Almost no one can outrun him.
He chuckled as he darted back and forth in the open space, thoroughly enjoying himself. But after running for a short while, he felt a bit hot, so he took off his bright yellow hat, placed it beside the open space, and then joined his friends in their chasing game.
Cai Yang was also chasing and making a fuss among them, glancing at Song Yu from time to time. He naturally noticed that Song Yu had taken off his hat and placed it beside him. He thought the hat was really nice, fluffy, and had a soft little ball on it.
Song Yu played outside for several hours. First, they played ball throwing, then they started hopscotch, and finally they went on an adventure in the fields next to the open dam...
Xiao Lin asked, "Song Yu, are you coming to play again tomorrow?"
Song Yu was also panting from playing, his little face flushed. He said, "I'll come if Mom agrees."
Xiaolin said, "If you're coming tomorrow, bring your jump rope too, let's jump rope and play."
Song Yu nodded.
An adult called out to the children to go home, and everyone said goodbye reluctantly. Song Yu took out a small handkerchief from his pocket, wiped the sweat from his forehead, folded it, and put it back in his pocket.
He looked around, wanting to call Cai Yang to go home together. Cai Yang was there when he threw the ball earlier, but now he couldn't find him.
Song Yu decided to go home by himself; he knew the way. He would put his hat on first.
However, when Song Yu walked to the spot where he had just put his hat, he found that it was gone.
He panicked and started looking everywhere for his hat.
*
Around 5 p.m., Song Yu returned home. Song Xinran watched his small figure run back and asked with a smile, "Little Yu, did you have fun today?"
Song Yu looked up, her eyes red and swollen: "Mom, my hat is gone, boohoo."
He couldn't stop crying before he could even finish speaking.
Song Yu really liked that hat; it was a pale yellow color like a duck's feather, and there was a round ball on top. It was so warm to wear.
"I... I've been looking for it for so long, but I can't find it. It's gone, Mom." Song Yu wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
Song Xinran noticed that his little hands were dirty, probably from searching everywhere. She felt a pang of sadness, and gently comforted the child by washing his hands, saying softly, "It's okay, Mom will buy Xiao Yu a hat next time we go to the city."
With tears blurring his vision, Song Yu shook his head: "It's not my hat anymore. I... I put it by the dam, and even picked some leaves to put on it, afraid, hiccup, afraid the hat would get dirty. It's gone, the hat is gone, and the leaves are gone too."
Song Xinran wiped away his tears with her fingertips: "It's okay, we can still buy some."
Song Yu lowered her head, her voice extremely dejected: "I don't want to go out tomorrow."
Just then, Cai Yang returned, his hands in his pockets, his winter coat bulging. He was very happy, skipping and hopping back, humming a song. When he saw Song Yu and Song Xinran standing by the tap, he turned his face away and ran quickly into the house.
Song Xinran said, "Okay, Xiao Yu can play whenever she wants."
Song Yu sniffed, his eyes, which had just been wet with tears, felt a little sore. He blinked, and his vision became blurry again.
Song Xinran took his hand and led him home: "What would you like to eat tonight, Xiao Yu? Mom will make it for you."
Song Yu's voice still had a nasal tone: "I want to eat egg noodles."
Song Xinran said, "Okay, then let's have egg noodles."
When Song Xinwen got home, he saw that the child had been crying and asked, "What happened? Were you bullied?"
Song Yu shook his head: "My hat is gone."
As he spoke, he felt like crying again. He regretted taking off his hat.
Song Xinran briefly explained, and Song Xinwen cursed, "Someone must have taken it. Otherwise, how could it disappear when it was right there? That's really despicable! Don't cry, Xiao Yu, we'll buy another one tomorrow."
Song Yu gave a muffled "hmm".
Song Yu's mood improved after eating noodles that evening.
Song Xinran fried a few slightly runny eggs, with slightly charred and crispy edges and tender egg whites, like a small sun placed in a bowl.
She heated up a large bowl of chicken soup to make noodle soup. As soon as the snow-white wheat noodles were cooked, she put them into the light golden, clear chicken soup, then cooked a handful of green vegetables, and finally topped it with a fried egg.
This extremely simple bowl of noodles looks very appealing. The noodles are as thin as silver threads, each strand distinct. The chicken broth is clear and garnished with bright green scallions. The savory chicken broth, the wheat aroma of the noodles, and the fragrance of the scallions blend perfectly.
Song Xinwen took a bite and found the soup to be clear, flavorful, and not greasy. The fried egg, in particular, was soaked in chicken soup and had a slightly crispy edge. When he bit into it, the soup burst out in his mouth. He ate a bite of noodles, a bite of fried egg, and a bite of soup. It was incredibly delicious and no meat or vegetable dish could compare.
There were braised chicken with potatoes and cold chicken salad on the table, dishes that are usually reserved for special holidays, but they held no appeal at the moment. No one touched the meat; they found the noodles delicious enough.
Song Yu blinked his slightly sore eyes, which became slightly moist from the steaming hot noodle soup. Feeling a bit better, he opened his mouth wide and took a big bite of noodles.
The warm and delicious noodles seemed to fill the gaps in his heart, and his mood gradually brightened, like the dark clouds overhead dispersing to reveal half of the sun's face.
After the meal, Song Xinran was about to take Song Yu back to town.
Song Xinwen insisted that they stay at his home for one night, saying that there was a house and quilts at home, which would be very convenient.
Song Xinran said, "Sister, Lingde Town isn't far. It's only a half-hour bus ride away. I'll bring Song Yu back tomorrow."
Hearing her say that, Song Xinwen let go of her hand: "Then you must remember to come back. You can spend the Spring Festival at my house this year. Don't buy anything, just come back."
Song Xinran agreed.
Song Xinwen went to find her a motorcycle, saying he would be there in about ten minutes. He then went into the room, seemingly looking for something for Song Xinran to take back.
That was Cai Yang's voice.
Song Yu's eyes widened suddenly, and she nervously grasped Song Xinran's hand: "Mom..."
Cai Yang's cries rang out: "I was wrong, Mommy, I was wrong, waaaaaah!"
"Slap slap slap" was the sound of a slap landing on the buttocks. It sounded very solid. Song Xinwen's voice was extremely angry: "You've even learned to steal now. Apologize to your brother!"
"Waaah!" Cai Yang ran out of the room crying, "I didn't steal it, I didn't steal it!"
He was beaten and ran around, tears streaming down his face. He was probably stunned by the beating, and he even hid behind Song Xinran.
Song Xinwen followed closely behind, striding out with a hat in one hand and a coat hanger in the other, his face flushed with anger: "Come here, if I don't teach you a lesson today, you won't even know your own name!"
Cai Yang burst into tears and quickly said, "My surname is Cai! My surname is Cai!"
Song Xinwen chased after him, picked up a clothes hanger, and smacked Cai Yang on the butt. Cai Yang jumped up like a monkey with smoke coming out of its butt and ran all over the house.
Song Yu looked at the light yellow hat and exclaimed in surprise, "My hat!"
Song Xinwen put the hat on the table, and Song Yu picked it up, examined it carefully, and confirmed that it was indeed his hat: "Mom, look."
Song Xinran guessed what was going on and patted the child's head: "Now that the hat is back, Xiao Yu, don't be sad."
“But…” Song Yu held the hat, her brows furrowed in a troubled expression, and looked at Cai Yang.
Cai Yang had already been caught by Song Xinwen, who grabbed his arm and slapped him hard on the buttocks with a clothes hanger. Cai Yang cried loudly and sadly.
Song Yu walked over, a little timid, but still mustered her courage: "Auntie, please don't hit little Yang anymore."
Song Xinwen paused his efforts to discipline the child, turned to look at Song Yu, and then at Cai Yang's wailing and struggling. He felt like he was about to explode with anger again.
"Xiao Yu, you're a good girl. You don't know what your brother... what your brother has done!" Song Xinwen couldn't bring herself to say it. She was furious and heartbroken, and she also had some self-doubt. Was her parenting wrong? Otherwise, why was Cai Yang becoming more and more difficult to manage the more she tried to educate him?
He used to be just mischievous, but now that he's being disciplined, he's even stealing. We have plenty of food and clothing at home, and we try our best to give him whatever he wants, so why is he still like this...?
Song Xinwen felt utterly exhausted: "Your brother actually stole your hat."
Cai Yang shouted, "I didn't steal it! I just took it back! Grandma Fang stole it!"
Song Xinwen was even angrier: "How did Grandma Fang end up in your hands after she stole it? And now you're lying!"
He picked up the clothes hanger and was about to greet her.
Song Yu was very anxious: "Auntie, please don't hit Xiao Yang anymore, he knows he was wrong."
Being hit hurts, Song Yu knows that kind of pain, and doesn't want Cai Yang to suffer that kind of pain.
Song Xinran strode over and stopped her, saying, "Sister, don't be in such a hurry to hit the child. Let's hear what Cai Yang has to say first."
Cai Yang rubbed his eyes, which were swollen from crying. He looked at Song Yu next to him and turned his head away fiercely, saying, "I hate you so much."
Song Xinwen raised his hand.
Cai Yang immediately burped and shouted, "I really didn't take it!"
Here's what happened: Cai Yang was feeling a bit annoyed while playing with his friends in the afternoon. He felt that Song Yu had taken his spot. After Song Yu put down his hat, Cai Yang would glance at it every now and then. Of course, he didn't intend to take Song Yu's hat; he just thought it looked nice and wanted to look at it a few more times.
The other kids were having a great time and were very focused, while Cai Yang was multitasking.
He saw Grandma Fang walk over, approach where Song Yu had put his hat, look up at them, and then quickly pick up the hat and stuff it into her clothes.
Cai Yang was stunned.
This...this isn't stealing!
So adults steal things too!
Cai Yang felt like he had a toad inside him, croaking and jumping around incessantly, making him anxious and flustered. After thinking for a moment, he followed behind Grandma Fang.
Grandma Fang returned home, happily put the hat on her grandson's head, saying she had found it outside, and then went out to cut grass to feed the pigs.
Cai Yang was stunned again. It was clearly stolen, but Grandma Fang claimed it was found. She was lying.
The little grandson also liked the hat very much. He held it in his hand and looked at it over and over, even tugging at the little round ball on the top of the hat. Cai Yang secretly watched from outside and felt like he had a fishbone stuck in his throat.
Damn it, he actually pulled the fluff ball! He gets angry if Song Yu even slightly pinches it, but he's never pulled it!
My grandson pulled up his pants to go to the toilet, leaving his hat on a stool in the main room.
Cai Yang's heart skipped a beat. For a moment, he lost all reason, ran inside, stuffed his hat into his clothes, and ran away.
After returning home, he hid the hat under his pillow, which was then discovered by Song Xinwen.
After listening to Cai Yang's hesitant description, Song Xinwen was deeply surprised. She knew Cai Yang well; she couldn't believe he could tell such a convoluted yet logical lie.
Song Yu's eyes widened, feeling as if his hat had gone on a great adventure and returned to his hands.
Song Xinwen turned his head and asked sternly, "Then why didn't you return it to Song Yu after you took it back? Why did you hide it under your pillow?"
Cai Yang cried, "I want to play with it for a while before giving it back to him, waaaaah."
He felt extremely wronged. He hadn't stolen anything, yet he had been severely beaten. His buttocks still hurt. He reached out and gently touched them, immediately hissing and tears streaming down his face.
Song Yu pursed his lips, his wet eyes filled with timid heartache. He walked over in small steps, handed the hat to Cai Yang, and said in a childish voice with comfort, "Little Yang, I'll lend you this hat to play with. Don't cry."
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