Along this short country road, Hua Xiangyun also learned some interpersonal skills.
In her previous life, she spent all her time either studying or cultivating, and she was indeed very solitary in her daily life. She didn't have many real friends, let alone any social interactions.
Hua Guangzong explained things to her so frankly and without reservation, which made her even more grateful and she learned a lot from him.
Instead of rushing to find acquaintances to exchange the items, Hua Guangzong led Hua Xiangyun to Dong Kaishan's house with practiced ease.
Dong Kaishan's child was playing at the door. When he saw Hua Guangzong, his eyes lit up. He remembered this grandfather. The last time he came, his family had a lot more delicious food.
"Grandpa, someone's here!" He and his grandfather were the only ones at home, and he ran inside shouting.
"This child has a really good memory," Hua Guangzong praised. They had come and gone in a hurry last time, but he still remembered.
Soon, an old man with a hunched back came out of the house, squinting at the newcomer.
Hua Guangzong knew that his eyesight was poor, so he quickly walked over, grabbed his hand, and said affectionately, "Brother Dong, I am Hua Guangzong from the county town. I brought my granddaughter here to thank your son."
Old Man Dong immediately recognized who this was and said timidly, "How can this be? You have already thanked me."
As she spoke, she reached out and patted her grandson beside her, "Go to the fields and call your father back. Tell him we have guests."
He's just an old man living alone with a clueless grandson. He really doesn't know how to entertain important guests, so he has to ask his son to come back.
Hua Guangzong tried to stop him, but it was too late. The child disappeared like a cannonball.
"Look, I'm causing you trouble again," Hua Guangzong said, genuinely feeling apologetic. He wondered if taking leave would result in a deduction of work points.
But clearly, he underestimated the warmth of the villagers. People usually don't deduct work points for guests visiting their homes; they're always given convenience, as long as the tasks are made up afterward.
"Please come in!" Old Dong invited them into his home, which was small but very clean.
Smelling the earthy scent in the air, Hua Xiangyun felt exceptionally at peace.
"The weather has only just warmed up, and we're already preparing for spring plowing..." Hua Guangzong began chatting with Old Man Dong, which made the previously reserved Old Man Dong open up and laugh with him.
Hua Xiangyun listened quietly from the side. To be honest, she wasn't as eloquent as the old man, and she had learned something new today.
Look at how long it's been, Grandpa is already calling him "old brother" again, as if they were old friends who haven't seen each other for years.
When Dong Kaishan returned, Old Man Dong immediately urged him to cook two dishes to go with the wine, as he wanted to have a good drink with Brother Hua.
Hua Xiangyun suppressed a laugh, wondering how her grandfather would refuse this time.
Unexpectedly, he was shameless. He thanked me first before saying, "If this had happened a few years ago, I would have drunk myself into oblivion with my old buddies. But alas, my health is failing me. The doctor emphasized that I cannot drink alcohol, so I can only disappoint you."
Upon hearing this, Old Man Dong felt some sympathy. "That is truly a great pity. Brother Hua speaks eloquently about wine and spirits, but I never expected that he would also be subject to this restriction."
"What a pity about my treasured Shaoxing wine, which I've kept for many years. It seems I won't be able to enjoy it with you to the fullest this time."
Hua Guangzong, “…” Actually, I can still drink a cup or two, really.
Feeling the pressure from his granddaughter's gaze, he swallowed his words, "What a pity, what a real pity..."
Dong Kaishan couldn't understand it. The last time he came over, the two of them just exchanged simple greetings. How did their relationship suddenly become so good?
Moreover, everyone in the village knows his father's personality; he's usually very quiet, honest, and not good with words. So what's going on here?
When Hua Guangzong saw the person in question arrive, he solemnly introduced him to Hua Xiangyun, saying, "This is your savior, Uncle Dong. Quickly kowtow to your Uncle Dong."
If he hadn't happened to be passing by and offered his help that day, I really don't want to think about what would have happened.
Hua Xiangyun was about to take action when Dong Kaishan stopped her, saying, "Uncle Hua, you're being too polite."
Besides, you and your aunt already came to thank us before, so this matter is over. Why keep bringing it up?
“It’s different. After all, you saved this child’s life. She should come to thank you.”
Dong Kaishan said, "There's no need for such a grand ceremony. These days, people don't stand on ceremony like that. Just saying thank you is enough."
Besides, even if it wasn't me passing by that day, anyone else would have offered a helping hand like I did.
It was such a small favor, but you've made me feel a little embarrassed.
Hua Guangzong laughed a few times, "What you said makes sense. This can be considered a kind of fate between our two families. Xiangyun, thank your Uncle Dong properly and remember his kindness."
Hua Xiangyun said, "Thank you, Uncle Dong. If it weren't for you that day, I probably would have lost my life."
"No need to thank me," Dong Kaishan said somewhat embarrassedly. For such a small matter, the Hua family had made two special trips to his door, which was far too polite.
Hua Guangzong glanced at their backyard, where a row of ginger was planted in the corner, and said with a smile, "To be honest, I came here this time to exchange some ginger with the village. It seems like you have a lot planted in your yard. I wonder if you could part with some and exchange it with me?"
Before Dong Kaishan could speak, Old Man Dong immediately said, "What are you talking about exchanging? I'll dig some up for you to take back later."
This stuff isn't uncommon around here; you can find it planted on walls and along field edges.
This is true; it will be a necessity for them, but not something of value.
The villagers eat meat only a limited number of times, and this ginger is only used as medicine when there are occasional cases of typhoid fever.
When the market day comes, they will take the produce to the city to exchange for some things, but since so many people grow it here, it's really not worth much.
Hua Guangzong naturally couldn't take advantage of this. "How can that be? Even brothers have to keep clear accounts."
We two old brothers should follow the rules. We happen to have some extra sugar coupons at home, so let's exchange them.
I remember the last time I came here, Dong Kaishan's wife seemed to be pregnant. These sugar coupons should be useful to them.
The Dong family members, who had initially intended to refuse, fell silent. Finally, Dong Kaishan smiled and said, "If it were anything else, I would definitely refuse, but these sugar coupons are indeed too important to our family. I believe Uncle Hua has seen that my wife is pregnant before."
However, her pregnancy isn't going well. The doctor said she needs to eat something good to regulate her body, but that's all the family can afford. It's really too difficult for her to wait until she gives birth.
It's still early in the pregnancy, how much nutrition will be needed to prepare for the next ten months?
The last time Uncle Hua brought something, he saved all the food for his wife, and only occasionally gave the children a piece of candy to sweeten their mouths.
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