Chapter 42 Chapter 42 A lively year.
While the little kids were playing without restraint, the team's winter hunting began.
It is organized by the commune, and there will be a militia team leading the team. Young and middle-aged people in the team can also participate. Those who go will get more meat.
The team leader is Xu Lele's elder brother Xu Gaoyi. The team leader is old, so it is naturally impossible for him to participate in such activities.
At his age, he can go to the fields, but he can't go to the mountains.
But he is not young anymore, he cannot withstand falls, and his energy cannot keep up with that of young people.
---
On the Mu family side.
Mu Fugui really wanted to go, but unfortunately he was busy.
The period before the Chinese New Year is his busiest time of the year. He simply has no time to spare as the entire commune is waiting for meat from the slaughterhouse.
I am so busy that I never have time to rest. Sometimes I can't even rest on Sundays.
The brothers Mu Xinglong and Mu Xingwang were not busy, so they planned to go. They had gone there in previous years.
The day the winter hunting team set out was a Saturday.
Just like the day when the pig was slaughtered, many children went to the foot of the mountain to watch.
Not for any other reason, but because the militia had hunting rifles, so any two of them would be useless.
Mu Mian was dragged by Xu Lele to the foot of the mountain. When they arrived, a man who looked like the captain of the militia team was still speaking. The main theme of his speech was of course about security issues.
Although they have shotguns, they are not foolproof.
Going up the mountain in winter is still quite risky.
After the militia captain has finished speaking, it's time to pack up and go up the mountain.
All the necessary preparations have been prepared. Now I will check the dry food to make sure it is not lost along the way.
Mu Mian came up to Mu Xingwang and Mu Xinglong and said, "Uncle, you must be careful."
Mu Wangutou, Xiao Chengzi and the others were also here, talking to their father in gibberish.
Mu Xinglong rubbed the hat on his little niece's head and said with regret, "Why are you so small? It would be better if you were older so that you could go with us."
His little niece's ability is definitely not inferior to many gay men. She is lucky.
Mu Mian also felt sorry, "That's right, why am I so small?"
She is still very interested in winter hunting, she can go to the mountains! Who would dare to go there without a hunting rifle?
Come to think of it, her eldest brother had participated in winter hunting before.
But it seems that I only participated once and then joined the army.
I wonder if this activity will still be available when she grows up?
I'll go ask Shi Xiaolian tomorrow.
The noisy chatter did not last long. Following an order from the militia captain, the winter hunting team marched up the mountain in a mighty procession.
They have to stay in the mountains for at least two or three days, and there is no fixed time limit, so it depends on the actual situation.
However, based on previous years, it usually does not exceed three days.
Sure enough, on the third day
At noon, the winter hunting team returned.
A group of people carried down seven large wild boars, as well as some pheasants, rabbits, and several musk deer.
It’s a very good harvest.
The wild boars were all quite large, with long fangs. They were even bigger than the ones Mu Mian and Shi Xiaolian had caught before, and looked quite scary.
If someone were to encounter this head-on and didn't have a shotgun, he would probably have no choice but to run away.
However, no matter how scary it looks, in the eyes of the villagers, it is just a pile of meat.
Of course the militia squad will take some of these prey away, and the rest will be divided among the main team.
Except for those families who went up the mountain to participate in the winter hunting, the shares of other families were less than the previous time the pigs were slaughtered.
Comrade Mu Fugui was not there this time, so the job of unloading the pigs was given to other male comrades.
The pig was chopped into pieces.
But no matter what shape it is, it's still meat and no one will dislike it.
Mu Mian came to get the meat on behalf of her family. She didn't ask for wild boar meat, and finally took half a pheasant.
We have pork at home, but we haven’t found any chicken yet. Half a chicken can be used to stew mushrooms.
---
As the saying goes, the New Year comes after Laba Festival.
During the winter, the days go by very quickly.
Early in the morning of that day, Mu Mian opened her eyes to the sound of Comrade Liu Shuangcui's call. Today, she and her mother were going to the supply and marketing cooperative to prepare New Year's goods and send some things to her eldest brother.
If nothing unexpected happens, this should be their last trip to the commune before the New Year.
It's like this every year in their province. The half month before the New Year is the coldest time of the year. It snows heavily and everyone tries not to go out.
It was a bit cold outside today, so Mu Mian stayed in bed and didn't want to move.
Liu Shuangcui shouted again, "The oxcart won't wait for anyone. If you can't get up, I'll go by myself."
Comrade Mu Fugui had not finished his work at the slaughterhouse and did not come back last night, so his bicycle was naturally not at home, so they had to take the ox cart.
It is convenient to ride a bullock cart, but riding a bicycle will freeze your hands.
Upon hearing this, Mu Mian sat up with a somersault and said, "Go, go, I'll be right there."
How could she not go to buy New Year's goods? She likes shopping! !
She still has more than twenty yuan in her hand, enough for her to buy a lot!
Zhao Meihua, who had gotten up earlier, pushed open the door and came in with a smile, "You're running even though you're feeling cold. You're really full of energy every day."
Mu Mian chuckled, "But I was very happy when I was shopping!"
Preparing New Year’s goods is her favorite thing.
Zhao Meihua was amused, "Of course, how can you not be happy when you spend money?"
I was afraid that I would not be able to make it in time, and if I couldn’t squeeze onto the ox cart, all my efforts would be in vain.
Mu Mian didn't let her mother urge her anymore and quickly put on her old coat.
The bright red new jacket has been made and can be worn during the Chinese New Year.
Comrade Mu Fugui brought back a total of ten kilograms of cotton, enough for the three female comrades in the family to wear.
It cost me quite a bit of money. The stuff that was sold at the supply and marketing cooperative for 70 or 80 cents a pound would cost more than one yuan if I exchanged it privately outside.
But they are not short of money this year. After all, Mu Mian earned more than 500 yuan by himself.
There is even "real estate", but only she knows about this.
In a sense, this year is truly a bumper year.
When it was time to go out, Mu Mian put all the more than 20 yuan of liquid cash he had on him into the bag.
When Eleven saw his master was about to go out, he followed him wagging his tail, but was then ruthlessly locked in the yard by Mu Mian.
It was impossible for her to take the dog with her. She could imagine how crowded the supply and marketing society was. How could she have the time to look after the dog?
If he accidentally got lost in the commune, the only fate for this little Eleven would be to be picked up and killed for meat.
Little Eleven, who was locked in the yard, had no idea of all this. He only knew that his owner had left without him. The whole dog was so anxious that he kept scratching the door and barking non-stop.
The puppy has grown a little bit, and there is less babyish tone in his barking. Now each bark sounds quite fierce.
Mu Mian took two steps and turned to shout towards the courtyard door, "Stop barking. I don't understand. Just stay home with grandma."
After saying that, she took her mother's arm and left, leaving the dog whining and barking behind the door.
Comrade Liu Shuangcui really has a good sense of time. After her urging in the morning, the two arrived just in time.
Neither early nor late.
From a distance, Mu Mian saw that there were several people sitting on the ox cart, but it was not full yet. If they went over now, they could just squeeze into a middle position.
Mu Mian praised immediately, "Mom, you are like a living clock, better than a watch!"
Liu Shuangcui was amused when she heard this for the first time. "You can get a rough estimate by looking at the sun. It's not as good as you say. If you grew up in the countryside, everyone would know how to look at it."
Mu Mian said righteously, "I don't know how to look. What's the difference between the sun being one point slanted and two points slanted? Aren't they both hanging in the sky?"
Liu Shuangcui: "You are still young. When you grow up and watch more, you will naturally learn it."
Mu Mian shook his head, "No need to learn, I will buy a watch when I grow up!"
Liu Shuangcui: “………………”
Okay, it seems her daughter has the ability to buy it.
That means there are no tickets now, otherwise you can buy them now.
Mu Mian followed suit and also talked about the tickets, saying with great interest: "When there is a chance, let's get all the three-turn and one-ring tickets. Dad will have a bicycle, I will want a watch, and then I will give mom a whole sewing machine, and the radio to grandma, so she can listen to it when she has nothing to do!"
Liu Shuangcui laughed, "Why do you think so beautifully? It's great that you have prepared all the three turns and one ring."
Mu Mian raised his round face and said, "You have to think about it first. Only when you think beautifully can you have a goal and be motivated!"
Liu Shuangcui rubbed her daughter's hat-covered head and joked, "Okay! Then mom will be waiting for you to get me a sewing machine."
Mu Mian gave a look in reply that said 'just wait and see', which made Liu Shuangcui laugh again.
The mother and daughter were chatting and laughing, and soon they arrived at the ox cart.
Only then did Mu Mian see clearly that all the people sitting in the car were familiar faces, including Shi Xiaolian and her sister, Nie Sihui, Jian Mulan, and an aunt who was very familiar with her mother.
The aunt patted the seat beside her and said, "I was thinking that the voice I heard just now sounded like yours. It really is you two. If I had known that you were going there today, I would have gone to your room to call you."
Liu Shuangcui sat down next to him. "I made a last-minute decision last night. I wanted to go in a few days, but now it's getting colder. It's better to go early and save trouble."
The aunt agreed, "That's right, if we finish it sooner, we won't run away later."
While the two female comrades were talking, Mu Mian also greeted a few acquaintances, then climbed onto the ox cart and sat down between Shi Xiaolian and Nie Sihui.
Mu Mian smiled and approached Shi Xiaolian, "What are you going to buy?"
Shi Xiaolian sat next to her sister, wearing a hat and a mask, with only her eyes showing, "New Year's goods."
Mu Mian: “………………”
Mu Mian: "It's the same as not saying anything."
Shi Xiaolian: "I don't know what's left in the supply and marketing cooperative. I'll find out only when I go there."
Mu Mian curled his lips, "That's right."
As she spoke, she tilted her head towards Nie Sihui again, and kept talking, "Sister Sihui, what are you going to buy?"
Nie Sihui smiled and said, "Buy a box of clam oil, and we'll see about the rest later."
It's too cold outside in the north in winter, and her hands have been cracked recently, so she wants to buy a box.
I've been there once before, but didn't buy it.
Mu Mian looked like he had just remembered something. "Oh yeah, the clam oil at home is almost used up. I'll buy two boxes later."
Her parents need it on a daily basis, and Comrade Mu Fugui has to use it for his job.
While they were talking, two or three aunties who were going to the commune came.
As soon as the bus was full, Uncle Wang immediately whipped the cows and headed towards the commune.
Mu Mian and Shi Xiaolian sat in the middle and didn't feel any wind along the way.
After arriving at the commune, everyone ran to the supply and marketing cooperative. It was still early for the post office to close, so there was no rush to send anything to Mu Zhuo. Mu Mian pulled her mother to run along.
The supply and marketing cooperative is now open.
It was noisy and crowded inside.
Liu Shuangcui opened her mouth slightly, "Oh my god, we're late, how can it be so crowded?"
Mu Mian stood on tiptoe and took a look, looking eager to try, "Mom, give me the ticket, I'll go and squeeze in!"
Looking at her daughter who was as energetic as a calf, Liu Shuangcui dug into her pocket and took out a stack of tickets. "Then you buy some. There seem to be fewer people over there. I'll go buy some first."
Order some soy sauce. Do you have enough money on you? ”
Mu Mian nodded, "That's enough, I brought them all."
Liu Shuangcui counted the things she wanted to buy and stuffed two big unity notes into her daughter's hands.
Mu Mian didn't delay any longer and rushed inside with the ticket and money.
At this critical juncture, no one will line up properly, and there is no such thing as first come first served.
The main point is that if I grab one, it’s mine. If I can’t grab it, I’ll have to come back next time.
Mu Mian was like a slippery loach and soon squeezed into the middle.
From her perspective, she could only see the adults' backs.
Among the people who were being carried on the backs one after another, Mu Mian saw Shi Xiaolian squeezed in at some point. She was so small and weak that she was almost squeezed into a meat patty by the two middle-aged ladies. It was estimated that she didn't even notice that there was a little girl next to her.
Mu Mian reached out and pulled the person, "Where's your sister?"
There were too many people just now, and she was so busy talking to her mother that she didn't notice where everyone went.
Shi Xiaolian's hat was squeezed askew, and she looked frightened. "She went to the grain station to buy flour."
Mu Mian didn't ask any more questions. Although she had pulled one more person, it didn't affect her pace at all. She shuttled between the waists of the aunts and successfully squeezed to the front with Shi Xiaolian.
The two salesmen were very busy.
Mu Mian looked up at the things on the counter, and when a salesperson was not so busy, he quickly said, "Hello, comrade, I want three pounds of hard candy, two pounds of brown sugar, two strings of firecrackers, and five boxes of firecrackers..."
After saying that, Mu Mian looked at the three boxes of clam oil left on the counter, and thought of Nie Sihui who had disappeared. He added, "There are still three boxes of clam oil."
The busy salesperson heard these chatterings, looked at the little boy who came from nowhere, and thought that the boy was here to cause trouble, and was about to say something impatient.
The little girl was holding a stack of tickets in one hand and a stack of money in the other, looking at her with a smile. Her little face was particularly pretty, and she said sweetly, "Sister, I have money. My mother asked me to buy it. Thank you, sister~"
She was just a comrade, and now she's a sister. It can be said that she is very good at handling things.
The salesperson who is almost thirty years old: “………………”
Facing that bright smile, the salesperson held back his impatient words and paused for two seconds before saying, "Wait a minute, I'll weigh the sugar for this lady and then I'll give it to you."
Mu Mian nodded, "Don't worry, don't worry, sister, you go ahead and do your work."
Mu Mian poked Shi Xiaolian with his arm. Shi Xiaolian understood immediately and smiled a standard smile that looked a little stiff. "Sister, sister, I want two strings of firecrackers and a pound of brown sugar..."
After saying that, he added: "Thank you, sister."
By the way, she also showed the salesperson the money and tickets in her hand to prove that she was really there to buy something.
Salesperson: “………………”
Two seconds later, the salesperson spoke again, "Okay, you wait a moment too."
While the salesperson was busy, Mu Mian tilted his head slightly and said with a smile, "Okay, you've learned well this time. In the future, learn less from the aunties and learn more from me."
Isn't this just relying on their strength to get the salesperson to help them get the things first?
Shi Xiaolian had a serious expression on her face. "You babble so much every day, what do you want me to learn?"
Mu Mian: “………………”
Why is she talking too much?
Obviously he is younger than Lele, right?
Before Mu Mian had the time to argue with the person, seeing that the salesperson had finished his work, Mu Mian stood on tiptoe and muttered again what he wanted to buy, calling her "sister" all the time and smiling a few times.
About ten minutes later.
Two little girls squeezed out of the crowd with bags.
Shi Xiaozhu had not returned from the grain station yet, but Liu Shuangcui had finished her meal and was about to squeeze in when she looked up and saw her daughter.
Liu Shuangcui was surprised, "You sold them out so quickly?"
Mu Mian nodded, "Yeah, I've bought everything and spent all the money."
When he went in, he had more than 40 yuan in his pocket, and when he came out, he only had 20 cents left.
Shopping is really fun, but money really doesn’t last long.
Liu Shuangcui knew what was going on, and was not surprised that her daughter had spent all the money. She just sighed and said, "You guys are really quick."
Mu Mian chuckled, "The sister inside is very nice. She helped me and Shi Xiaolian get our things first."
Liu Shuangcui was puzzled, "Sister? Is there a new salesperson?"
Mu Mian shook his head, "No, it's still the same two as before."
Liu Shuangcui, who had been to the supply and marketing cooperative many times and could call out the salespersons' names, twitched her eyes.
Finally I understand why my daughter bought the good stuff so quickly. It's so sweet.
Those two sales clerks are several years older than the child's aunt, and the child is also very grown up.
Mu Mian looked around and asked, "Where's Sister Sihui?"
Liu Shuangcui nodded her chin, "That's it, it's still squeezed in the middle."
Mu Mian, who was too short to see clearly, said "Oh", "I brought her a box of clam oil. There were only three boxes on the counter, so I bought them all."
Now it seems that it was the right decision. By the time her sister Sihui squeezes in, the tickets might have been bought out by someone else.
Liu Shuangcui rummaged through the things in her pocket and said, "Okay, I'll give it to her when she comes out. I'm sure they'll want to buy other things too."
Since they were all going to go back together on the ox cart soon, Mu Mian didn't wait for anyone to come out.
They also had to send something to her older brother, so they went to the post office first.
The package sent this time was particularly large. After all, I couldn’t come back to celebrate the New Year, so I had to prepare more things.
When Mu Mian and her daughter came out of the post office and returned to the ox cart, they found that they were the only ones missing.
It’s cold now, so most people go home after shopping and no one hangs around.
Uncle Wang turned his head and took a look. "Are you sitting firmly? If you are, we will leave."
Mu Mian said loudly: "Steady, steady, especially steady~"
Whenever she was happy, her voice sounded like a minor tune, which was particularly pleasant to listen to.
Uncle Wang smiled and hummed a song while whipping the cow.
Mu Mian dug into his own New Year's goods bag and pulled out a box of clam oil. "Sister Sihui, this is for you. There are only three boxes in total, and I bought them all!"
Nie Sihui had just learned about this from Shi Xiaolian, so she didn't pretend to be polite and took out the money and tickets and gave them to Mu Mian, "Thank you, Xiao Mian. I guess I really can't buy it if I have to squeeze in."
Mu Mian took it and said, "You're welcome~"
The auntie sitting next to Liu Shuangcui said with a smile: "It's true, it's faster to let the kids squeeze in. I'll bring my Erya with me in the future."
Another aunt had a different opinion. "You can't squeeze in without some strength. Just now, Lian was pushed around by an old woman and almost fell into someone's backpack."
Shi Xiaozhu didn't know about this. Upon hearing this, she immediately looked down at her sister and asked nervously, "Did you get hit anywhere?"
Shi Xiaolian shook her head, "No, Mu Mian held me back."
Mu Mian nodded, "I can testify that she is fine, but if you insist..."
Shi Xiaozhu immediately asked nervously, "Why do you have to tell me what's going on?"
Mu Mian narrowed his eyes and panted, "Two strands of hair still fell out."
She had two hairs squeezed out and she felt obvious pain in her scalp when doing so.
Everyone on the ox cart: “………………”
The aunt next to Liu Shuangcui laughed so hard that she slapped her thigh, "Oh my, you little girl are such a live treasure."
Liu Shuangcui tapped her daughter's head and said, "She's doing something weird again."
Mu Mian chuckled and dodged her mother's hand.
The ox cart returned to the team amid laughter and joy.
---
After preparing the New Year’s goods, the remaining days before the New Year passed much faster.
New Year’s Eve finally arrived as the little kids were looking forward to it.
Mu Mian got up early in the morning and wrote the couplets. The red paper was bought from the supply and marketing cooperative.
Comrade Mu Fugui stood by and helped to tear the paper while praising her. From his expression, if you didn't know her, you would think his daughter had written a poem that will be remembered forever.
She blushed at the praise from Mu Mian.
When it comes to sweet talk, she is still a little bit inferior to her father.
After the couplets were posted, the brothers Mu Xingwang and Mu Xinglong also came with their families.
Although they have separated, the three families still celebrate New Year's Eve together every year.
With so many people, the originally large yard seemed particularly crowded.
Little Eleven ran around excitedly, sniffing at this person's feet and moving closer to that person's feet. After being accidentally stepped on twice, the dog finally went back to its kennel obediently.
Although it was a busy day today, Mu Mian had nothing to do in the kitchen.
Mu Wan ran to the kitchen and said she wanted to
Show your skills.
Mu Mian wore her new red coat and didn't join in the fun. How happy she was waiting to eat!
She and Mu Qiu looked after the two sisters, Xiao Miemiao. The nine-month-old baby crawled very fast and would not stay on the kang, insisting on moving down.
Xiao Miaomiao seems to have inherited some of her father's eccentric traits and always talks a lot.
Mingming couldn't speak, so he just kept raising his arms and pointing outside, saying "Aba Aba", and didn't want to stay in the house.
Xiaomaimai can stay still. If you give her something, she will play with it for a long time. She is very calm and composed as an older sister.
Seeing that Xiao Miaomiao was determined to go out, Mu Mian simply put a hat on the kid, wrapped himself up tightly, and walked out holding Xiao Miaomiao.
Outside, Bone and Little Orange were playing with firecrackers.
There were bang bang sounds, one after another.
Xiao Miaomiao was not afraid and waved her hands excitedly.
Looking at that look, I really wish I could catch two myself.
Little Orange came over and said, "My little sister is really brave! Sister, do you want to play?"
Mu Mian stretched out his hand, "Give me a box!"
Little Orange was a little reluctant, "This is my last box, sister, please save it for fun~"
Mu Mian was very generous, "I still have four boxes in my room, I'll give you two boxes later."
Little Orange jumped excitedly, "Really?! Uncle bought so many for you? My dad only bought two boxes for me."
Mu Mian glanced at Xiao Chengzi and said, "I bought it myself."
Be rich and be willful!
She is not a little brat who asks her parents for money!
Little Orange realized belatedly that her cousin had published an article before. Little Orange flattered, "My cousin is amazing!"
Gutou also came over and acted as a compliment machine. After a few words, Mu Mian gave away all his firecrackers, not leaving a single box for himself.
Accompanied by the intermittent sound of firecrackers, the New Year’s Eve dinner was ready.
There were rabbit, chicken, fish and pork on the table. It was definitely the most sumptuous meal of the year. It smelled so good that the children couldn't walk.
The two sisters Xiao Miemiao were the same as Xiao Shiyi, drooling.
While everyone was gathering around the food, Mu Mian successfully grabbed the job of setting off firecrackers.
The lit twig was stuck onto the fuse, and the crackling sound echoed throughout the yard.
It is another lively and prosperous year.
Mu Fugui called the children, "Okay, okay, it's time to eat after the game. Sit down, the old lady will say a few words first, and then we can eat!"
Zhao Meihua sat in the main seat, smiling so hard that the corners of her eyes wrinkled together, "We talk about it every year, what else is there to talk about? Eat, eat, and don't drool on your plate."
Mu Fugui called out, "I'm talking about you, Xiao Miaomiao. You're drooling in your mother's bowl."
Xiao Miaomiao: "Aba Aba..."
Mu Xinglong said, "You bully my daughter and you can't say anything, right? I didn't spill it in the bowl, it's still on my lips."
Mu Mian reminded his father, "If you say two more words, the meat will be squeezed out."
As she said that, she picked up two pieces of food with chopsticks and put them in her father's bowl.
Mu Fugui laughed happily, "Our eldest daughter is still considerate!"
In order to prove that he is a considerate boy, Little Orange also picked up a few pieces of food for his parents.
From time to time, the sound of firecrackers from other houses could be heard outside, and the house was so lively that it felt like the roof would be blown off in the next second.
Mu Mian sat among the children, smiling from ear to ear. The corners of his mouth had not fallen all day. But when his eyes occasionally swept over Mu Qing, he would subconsciously think of Mu Zhuo.
Speaking of which, this is already the second year that her eldest brother has not been home.
In another month, it will be exactly two years since her elder brother left home, and she doesn't know when he will come back.
Mu Mian is still looking forward to it. She hopes that her elder brother will be able to come back during the Chinese New Year next year, right?
The reality is, she has been waiting for more than three years.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com