Because of the burst of gunfire in the early morning, Qin Qinghuai didn't return for another day. Around mid-morning, he sent Qin Yi back to report.
"Sister-in-law, Brother Huai can rest assured. A few people have minor injuries, no one is fatal. He and the regimental commander are already interrogating and dealing with them. He should be back by tonight at the latest."
"OK,"
This wasn't something she, as a family member, could handle, so she didn't ask any further questions.
"By the way, how's Brother Zheng's recovery going?"
After Zheng Aiguo took a bullet for Cheng An on the mountain, she remained hospitalized. She initially remembered it, but perhaps pregnancy makes her forgetful for three years, and she forgot about it soon afterward.
"He's much better. He was discharged from the hospital the day before yesterday and went home. Brother Huai even went to see him yesterday. He's recovering quite well, and new flesh is starting to grow in his wound. However, Dr. Li suggested that he rest for about half a month to avoid it stretching open again or leaving any lingering problems."
“Yes, yes,”
They were proper security guards, yet they took a bullet for Xiao An, an unofficial member of the team. This wasn't even within their job description; no matter how you look at it, they owed them a favor, a life-saving debt.
"Let him take good care of himself. In a couple of days, I'll take the child to thank him properly."
Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. Jian Dan remembers that there are many customs in the countryside, and you have to pay attention to which day you go out. She doesn't know the details, but she knows that going out after the fifth day of the Lunar New Year is acceptable no matter what.
"Uncle Cheng goes once, Doctor Tang goes once, and Brother Huai goes once,"
Qin Yi grinned.
"If you go again, Aunt Zheng won't know how to refuse."
"No need to refuse. It's a life-saving favor, no amount is too much. Back then, Brother Zheng really risked his life to save Xiao An."
"Go back quickly, you two take care of your business first. They've got you two here with me, so don't worry about him or the family."
"Okay, sister-in-law, I'll hurry to the cafeteria to get food, otherwise I'll have to eat lunch soon."
As they spoke, the person had already walked several steps away.
"Sister-in-law, please come inside. It's quite cold outside."
"Wait a minute!"
Jian quickly called the person to stop.
"None of you have eaten breakfast?"
"Well?"
Qin Yi looked somewhat annoyed. Before coming, Qin Qinghuai had told him not to worry Jian Dan, but he blurted it out without thinking. Mainly, he was used to Jian Dan being very approachable and relaxed, and he was familiar with her, so there was no pressure when they talked; she was too comfortable with him.
"Don't worry, sister-in-law. It's just that people are flustered when they're first arrested, which makes interrogation more effective. So, before I knew it, the time had passed. I'll go get the food now."
With a simple sigh, I realized that these people, when they get busy, are truly something else, especially during the Lunar New Year holiday.
What's served in the cafeteria today?
The customs in Northeast China are quite strange, especially in some rural areas. During festivals, the best food is dumplings. Dumplings are eaten on New Year's Eve, on the Winter Solstice, and before going on a long trip. Dumplings are eaten for almost half of the solar terms.
The Spring Festival is undoubtedly the most important festival of the year. Dumplings are a must on New Year's Eve, and from the first day of the Lunar New Year until the seventh day, there are dumplings almost every day. At this time, eating glutinous rice balls is a luxury. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, before the New Year is over, dumplings are naturally eaten again.
It's hard to say whether it's a custom or an obsession with dumplings. Of course, this only applies to families who can afford to eat dumplings. For poor families, it's already quite good if they can make a few on New Year's Eve to mark the occasion or to satisfy the cravings of the elderly and children.
"Sister-in-law, I think we had pork stew with cabbage for lunch today,"
After all, it's only the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the holiday isn't over yet. People are saving the best food for these few days, so it's not surprising that it's simple.
"Don't rush, Xiao Rui. Start cooking our frozen dumplings and take them to your brother."
Qin Yi waved his hands anxiously.
"No, no, sister-in-law, it's almost noon."
He was being completely hypocritical right now; before he could even finish speaking, his stomach rumbled loudly in agreement.
"Alright, stop being stubborn. Come in and wait. It won't delay your business."
To say I'd treat the entire camp to dumplings would be a bit difficult, and I don't have that kind of ability. Luckily, we just used all the meat we had to make frozen dumplings. It's the Lunar New Year, we can't work on an empty stomach. Just sit here and wait a bit; they'll be ready soon.”
Even if she brought it to Qin Qinghuai, he couldn't possibly eat it himself while others watched. So, she decided to be straightforward and say it was for someone who had been on duty all night and had been busy until now. No one could find fault with that.
Moreover, everyone in the residential compound knows that her family has good food. One reason is that she can hunt, and the other is that she never brings empty-handed when people come to visit these days. In addition, there are several large packages every now and then. Rather than letting people speculate, it's better to be open and honest.
Yesterday they made a lot of frozen dumplings. With a simple instruction, the two children efficiently took turns boiling water in two pots and went out to bring back the lids. Knowing they couldn't leave, Qin Yi felt bad about being idle, so he quickly helped carry the lids and then went to start the fire.
Cheng Rui and his companion were already quite adept at this kind of work, hardly needing to touch their hands. Once the dumplings were cooked, they would be scooped out and rinsed in cold water before being poured into an enamel basin. It was said that this method prevented the dumplings from sticking together, a skill that Cheng Rui learned after going to the countryside.
I boiled all the dumplings I made yesterday, rinsed them in cold water, and put them in three enamel basins.
"Xiao Yi, you eat first, and then go back when you're full."
Xiao An, Xiao Rui, you two go with your brother-in-law to deliver this in a bit. Tell your brother-in-law that everyone has worked hard, and this little bit of food isn't enough to fill them up, but they've been busy all night and morning, so let everyone have something to eat and warm up. It's the Lunar New Year, don't treat people like this.”
That feeling of being chilled to the bone after staying up all night, with cold emanating from your very bones, is something I've experienced myself. It truly is a bone-chilling cold that makes your heart soar.
"Hey, I know what to say. Don't worry, sis. Don't rush. We'll work together when we get back."
The frozen dumplings have been sent out. It's only the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the holiday isn't over yet. We'll definitely be making more, and the two kids have already anticipated the simple next step.
"If you really can't stand being idle, then go cut down the chives in the house and pick them; we'll chop them into filling when we get back."
It's so simple and speechless. This task was assigned to her very clearly.
"Alright, alright, you two busybodies, hurry up and leave while it's still warm."
The three people carried the large basin out of the yard, and the door to the next room quietly closed. Qin Jing still couldn't figure it out, so he went to find the old man.
"Grandpa, my third uncle hasn't come back and hasn't eaten. Couldn't my third aunt just bring him some food? Why send so much, and why bring all those people with her? Does my sister-in-law even know those people?"
The old man and woman exchanged a glance, and as he recounted what they had just witnessed, a hint of a smile and relief flashed in their eyes.
"Xiao Jing, what are your thoughts?"
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