"Of course, my uncle said that you, Uncle Zheng, are the most law-abiding person, so of course you wouldn't do anything out of line."
However, this is not just to thank you for your help to the villagers.
My uncle said, "You two are very good brothers. I can treat you as an elder like him. You can just consider this my way of showing respect to you as a junior."
Old Zheng was taken aback for a moment, seemingly not expecting Jian Dan to be so outgoing. However, those who got along with Cheng Jin were generally straightforward and easygoing, and Jian Dan's directness suited his personality.
"Ah, haha, good, good, haha, Brother Cheng has such a niece, and he's kept her a secret for so many years."
My dear niece, come home with me in a bit, and I'll have your aunt cook some nice dishes.
You don't know, my family hasn't had a child for so many years, it's so quiet. Your auntie just loves a sweet, gentle girl like you, she'd be so happy to see you."
She quickly and firmly refused. Those few words were already a struggle for her; if things got any closer, her social anxiety would kick in.
"Uncle, I'm out on business and have to go soon. The oxcart is waiting. Let's do it another day, Uncle. I'll come with my uncle another day and we'll definitely try Auntie's cooking at your house."
If someone simply wants to leave, you can't stop them.
Just before leaving, Jian Dan noticed the crumpled piece of paper by the door and jokingly asked,
"Uncle, you seemed quite irritable just now. Was it because we didn't bring enough vegetables?"
Old Zheng glanced at the few crumpled pieces of paper in the corner, his face showing no embarrassment whatsoever, but rather a self-righteous indignation.
"Hey, don't even mention it, it makes me so angry."
It was those union members who said the workers had a lot of work to do down the mine recently and that they should be given more meat.
Does that mean I won't cook meat for you?
I don't know if workers need extra money because they're tired.
This year's harvest is a bit better than two years ago, but it's still not springtime when we can eat meat.
The supply is so limited that city residents can't even keep up with the demand every day. Even the pigs from the farms are just lambs. Where am I supposed to buy so much meat?
cough!
Didn't I just have a fight with them before you came?
Don't worry, logistics is Uncle's domain; they wouldn't dare interfere.
Meat?
She glanced back at him briefly. This thing, others don't have, but she does!
only......
After thinking for a moment, Cheng Jin did indeed say that this person was trustworthy and that she didn't need to doubt him. It seemed that her family background wouldn't be a secret sooner or later.
In Cheng Jin's eyes, she must be someone with secrets now.
However, given the prestige of the Jian and Su families, Cheng Jin's suspicions would most likely only extend to this aspect. He probably suspects that the two old men left her with mysterious connections and special channels; otherwise, they wouldn't have let her off without any questioning last time regarding the medicine.
"Uncle, are the miners very tired?"
Although he had a fight with the union, Lao Zheng had to admit that...
"Yes, going down into the mine is the hardest, most tiring, and most dangerous job in the entire mine. Although the salary is higher, our families are always worried about us."
That kind of physical labor relies entirely on oil and fat; without oil and fat, you simply can't last more than a few days.
Why!
There was no meat in previous years either, but the workload was nowhere near this year's—more than three times that of last year! And the meals are still just bland soup and water. Tell me, even the strongest body can't take it.”
They had now reached the road in the middle of the mine, and the main gate was just ahead. Jian Dan was still hesitating when she heard a commotion and noise from the mine area ahead. Several people were already running towards the office they had just come from, shouting as they went.
"Dr. Zhou, Da Hu has fainted again, come quick!"
A moment later, a figure carrying a medical kit hurriedly followed the others towards the mining area.
Although Old Zheng didn't move, he clearly sighed softly again.
"I'm dizzy again."
"Uncle, did you faint because there was no meat?"
Old Zheng followed her outside.
That's not quite how it works.
They've been doing this kind of physical labor year-round, underground in poor air quality. Their bodies are worn down, and they're not very strong to begin with. It's only thanks to the little bit of oil and fat in our meals that they can keep up with this workload.
I was afraid she wouldn't understand, so I explained it to her.
"It's just like the autumn harvest in the countryside. Even the most frugal family will be more willing to add more oil or meat during the autumn harvest. It's the same principle. Those few slices of meat may not make much difference, but the difference between having oil and not having oil is significant."
Upon reaching the gate, Old Zheng solemnly bid her farewell.
"Next time you come over, you must visit my home. My house is nearby, just around the corner. You absolutely have to try your aunt's cooking, you hear me?"
Jian Dan was about to turn around when he saw a large crowd gathered in the mining area. Old Zheng was used to it, but his expression turned even more unpleasant.
Jian Duan suddenly stopped standing still.
"Uncle, if there's a wild boar, but no letter of introduction, would you dare take it?"
"What?"
Old Zheng was stunned for a moment. He had been doing this for so many years and was no novice. He also had people over there who had been keeping an eye on things recently, but he hadn't found any goods.
"Uncle? If you don't want it, just pretend I didn't say anything."
"Wait a minute,"
Old Zheng snapped out of his daze, quickly grabbed her, looked her around, and cautiously asked in a low voice,
Are you sure?
Is there any danger?
Is it reliable?
Do you know who you are?
Can I trust him/her?
He immediately launched into a barrage of questions, his burly frame blocking Jian Dan's path as he cautiously surveyed his surroundings, as if everyone around him harbored ill intentions.
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