Chapter 170: Don't be so formal with me
When Shen Xiaobin returned, Shen Meng gave him two books that Mingliang had learned and didn't need, as well as two notebooks and a pen. Shen Xiaobin looked very embarrassed when he received them. He even wanted to secretly put them on the table and pretend that he forgot to take them, but Shen Meng pinched his ears and scolded him.
"I'm not asking you to take the imperial examination or learn a few more words, but you're still making excuses. Is it that easy to work in a textile factory? Most of the people there have been to school and been assigned there. Some may even be children of textile factory employees. If you get to know so many people in the future and you can't write something when they ask you to, aren't you ashamed? Besides, I asked you to take this job, so you can't embarrass me."
After hearing this, Wang Guizhi clenched her fist and hit her son twice.
"Xiong Laozi, your sister is doing this for your own good. Such a good job, other people's ancestral tombs can't be rescued even if they are on fire. You are so anxious just because you can read. Xiaobin, if you don't think about making progress, your sister and brother-in-law will be embarrassed. If you make it difficult for your sister and brother-in-law, I will definitely not let you go."
Shen Xiaobin's face sank, and he quickly put the paper, pen and textbook in his arms.
"I know, sister, I will study hard. If I don't understand something, I will ask the knowledgeable people in the village. I will definitely not embarrass you."
"Okay."
When Shen Meng and Lu Zhenping sent the Shen family to the gate of the courtyard, Wang Guizhi pulled her over and took out thirty yuan from her pocket and handed it to her.
"My dear, I have kept a record of all the money you have given to the family. This time when your brother is getting engaged, you helped buy a watch and a bicycle. Your parents owe you enough. Take this money. Once your brother's affairs are settled, your parents and your brother and sister-in-law will work hard together for two years and try to pay off the debt as soon as possible and return all the money you gave them."
Shen Meng quickly pushed the money back and stuffed it into her clothes pocket.
"Mom, what are you doing? We have finally made our life more enjoyable. Why are you giving me money? If you have money, you might as well treat my two sisters-in-law better so that they can buy some decent gifts to bring back to their parents' home, so that they don't get scolded every time they go back. Xiaobin is my brother, and the brothers and sisters-in-law can help and spend money. It doesn't make sense for me, as the elder sister, to have money and live comfortably, which makes you and dad suffer, right?"
"Xiao Meng, that's not what I mean. After all, you are married. You always give money to your family. How can a son-in-law not have any opinions after a long time? And your parents-in-law, no matter how much you treat them, they are still Zhenping's parents. You can't treat them differently. You still have to be filial to them. The New Year is coming soon. Remember to buy something for your parents-in-law. Tsk, don't pout at me, listen to your mother!"
Shen Meng laughed. She had already given a wave of gifts when Lu Zhenping's comrades-in-arms gathered, and she would just give a meat dish during the New Year. She would not give other things to that old lady Liu Sanjin!
"Alright, alright, I get it. Hurry up and get on the ox cart. It's so cold, and it will be dark when we get home. I don't want this money. I only want money to build the house. I'm not in a hurry. Just give it to me when you have money at home. Lu Zhenping won't have any objections. He would like you to spend more of his money so that he can feel at ease. When you return to the army, you will take care of the three of us, and he won't be too relieved."
Besides, she had plenty of space for these things. It was not worth anything at all. Seeing that the lady's attitude was a little perfunctory, Wang Guizhi was really angry, happy and helpless.
The twenty-eighth day of the lunar year was the time for every household to make fried meatballs, sweet cakes, and visit relatives. A bunch of relatives came to the old courtyard, and everyone gathered around Zhou Jiaojiao and Lu Jiaxuan to talk. One was a cadre of the commune, and the other was about to go to work in a textile factory. The two people with iron rice bowls were naturally treated like stars by the crowd. Wu Xianglan was busy in the kitchen, and she was so busy that she was covered in dust. After finally preparing a table of food, she was ordered by Liu Sanjin to borrow tables and chairs from the big room, which made her stomach ache.
After Shen Meng finished listening to her complaints, her eyes and eyebrows were full of smiles. She stretched out her hand and greeted Lu Mingyang.
"Mingyang, take your brothers and sisters to deliver all the things your aunt needs. Don't stay there, your father will have to prepare dinner soon, hurry back to eat!"
"Got it, mother. Aunt, you take a rest, we will go and deliver the things to you."
Wu Xianglan was so moved. She was really blinded by greed in the past. Why would she always think of making things difficult for her eldest sister-in-law!
Mingyang and a few others carried benches and rushed to the old courtyard. Their mother said that they had to collect New Year's money during the New Year. There were many relatives in the house, and if they asked for New Year's money in front of everyone, grandpa would not refuse to give it. If she didn't give it, she could make a fuss. Whoever had the ability to collect New Year's money could take it and didn't have to hand it in. They were waiting for this opportunity!
"Have some orange juice quickly. I bought this at the supply and marketing cooperative when I went to the county last time. It was in great demand and I almost didn't get it. The supply and marketing cooperative in the county is really big, much bigger than the one in the commune. When you go to the county, go shopping there and buy whatever you want."
Wu Xianglan took a sip. Hmm, it was delicious and sweet. She looked at the half bag of orange powder with her eyes filled with longing.
"Xianglan, I have another pack at home. You can take this pack back and let Yongqiang and Yongli have a good taste. But you have to take it out. If the old lady sees it, she will definitely give it to you."
"This, this is not good, sister-in-law, how can I take such a precious thing from you? You should keep it and give it to the children ."
Wu Xianglan's heart ached when she refused. If it were in the past, she would have accepted it in secret, but not now. Shen Meng has been good enough to her. If she keeps accepting her things shamelessly, how can she follow her in the future!
Shen Meng sighed and put half a pack of orange powder in her arms.
"Just take it if I tell you to. Don't be so formal with me. I just heard you say that Jiaojiao took all the relatives who came to visit to her room. Her room is where I and the children used to live. It's small and shabby. With so many people, she is not afraid of losing things. What if someone can't resist the temptation and steals something and puts it in the crotch of his pants? Who could have thought of this? Alas, let me say that those people in my uncle's family are so cunning... Alas!"
Wu Xianglan's heart tightened when she heard this. Yes, those people in my uncle's family didn't come to visit relatives every time they came. They were obviously here to collect money. If they took away Zhou Jiaojiao's textile factory notice, wouldn't it ruin her future?
"Well, sister-in-law, there are still a lot of things to do at home, so I won't chat with you anymore. I have to go back quickly. I'll take this orange powder. Thank you, sister-in-law."
Shen Meng smiled and sent her to the gate of the courtyard. After waiting for a while, she saw Mingyang and a group of brothers and sisters walking towards her home with their chests puffed out and their chests proudly raised like a victorious rooster.
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