On their last trip back from Pengcheng, Xu Mengyao and her sister happily dragged back a brand new 150-liter Shangling brand double-door refrigerator. The cool metallic luster shone in the sun. Huang Nai stood by, muttering to herself,
"Oh, my two little ancestors are spending money again. How much does such a big iron thing cost?" His hand couldn't help but gently stroke the door handle of the refrigerator, with curiosity and expectation flashing in his eyes.
"Grandma, look at this refrigerator, it's so grand! Now we don't have to worry about the food stored for the New Year going bad, we can also keep fresh vegetables for the winter, and we can eat refreshing chilled watermelon in the summer!" Xu Mengyao blinked and explained playfully.
Huang Nai heard this, although she was still muttering
"You guys just know how to spend money,"
But his eyes were filled with unconcealable pride and joy. "Everything you say is true, I want to see how magical this iron thing is!"
As the winter winds gather strength, Huangnai's popcorn business enters its peak season again. Crowds bustle outside the cinema, each clutching a golden, crispy piece of popcorn, their sweet aroma filling the air. Meanwhile, sales of rolled dough wrappers, like the season itself, have quietly entered a "hibernation."
That day, Xu Mengyao looked at Huang's father working hard to give the idle red brick coal briquette house a new coat - cement coating, and suddenly an idea flashed in her mind.
"Dad, it's a waste to leave this coal briquette room empty. How about we renovate it and turn it into a store? It's right at the doorstep, so it's very convenient to make snacks. In winter, we can boil bone soup, make hot wontons and noodle soup skins, and put a few tables outside. The guests will feel warm while eating and feel comfortable." She became more and more excited as she spoke, with anticipation glittering in her eyes.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Huang paused what he was doing, looked up at his daughter, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes.
"That's a good idea. This room happens to be the first one by the door, so it's in a good location. I'll open a window on the other side of the courtyard wall later. This way, we can sell to the neighbors in the family compound and attract passersby to come in and try some of the new products."
The family gathered together, discussing the future with a chorus of voices, filled with longing and plans for the future. Soon, the renovation plan was put into action. After a busy period, the former coal briquette room was completely transformed, with a festive sign hanging in front of the door, transforming it into the warm and unique Huang's Snack Shop.
Outside, several natural-wood tables appear particularly cozy under the warm winter sun. The aroma of steaming wontons in bone broth and innovative hot noodle wrappers captivates passersby, who stop to sit or stand, savoring the warmth and satisfaction of their taste buds.
Whistle and Parrot became the "main force" of the store. They were busy and orderly cooking wontons and making dough; Huang Nai and Huang Mu were making popcorn at home with peace of mind, no longer worried about others stealing their skills; Brother Hu led Badan and Guizi, taking advantage of the good opportunity before the New Year to sell popcorn to every household, bringing sweetness and joy to people who were stocking up on New Year's goods.
The two sisters also stocked up on New Year's goods from Pengcheng early on, including various melon seeds, candied fruits, honey three-knife, sesame candies... They prepared everything. Xu Mengyao also specially stocked up a box of 1989 Maotai. The collection value of this thing has increased a lot later. Now that the family has a house, they must stock up every year.
She said to Huang Wenrong, "Now that we have our own house, we need to prepare some good wine for our family to celebrate. The older the wine, the better it is. The longer it is stored, the better it is for our family!"
The Lunar New Year arrived in a flash. Although they didn't go to the city to set up stalls during the winter break, they were still thinking about the Qi family. Grandma Huang suggested inviting the three Qi family members to their home for lunch on New Year's Eve to celebrate the festival together and strengthen the relationship between the two families.
On New Year's Eve, the three members of the Qi family entered the Huang family's gate early in the morning, their hearts filled with joy and heavy with New Year's gifts. Maomao skipped ahead, carrying a basket of homemade sausages, his face full of anticipation for the New Year's reunion.
"Grandma Huang, Happy New Year from godfather and godmother! Maomao is here to wish you a happy new year!" The sweet voice was crisp and pleasant.
Grandma Huang came over with a smile, holding Maomao's hand, her eyes full of love: "Oh, our Maomao has grown taller again, and he is becoming more and more handsome. Come in, it's warm inside."
The adults sat together, and the children took turns to go forward and kowtow to their elders to wish them a happy new year. Their serious looks made everyone laugh.
Grandma Huang took out the red envelopes she had prepared long ago from her pocket and distributed them one by one, muttering, "May you have academic success and good health in the new year!"
As the sound of firecrackers approached, an alluring aroma wafted from the kitchen. It was the reunion dinner carefully prepared by Huang's mother. On the table, there was a dazzling array of dishes, all delicious and appetizing, which made people's appetites increase greatly.
Looking at the table full of delicacies and the relatives sitting around her, Grandma Qi's eyes couldn't help but moisten. "It's been years since we've had such a lively atmosphere. In the past, our family of three was so lonely that we were afraid of wasting food if we cooked too much. This year is really great. I'm so grateful that I accepted your family as my godparents!"
Grandma Huang raised the Moutai in her hand and said in an open-minded tone: "It's the New Year and we all want to be happy and auspicious. This is a good wine that your goddaughter bought specially for us. Let's try it at noon today. I'll fill your glass~"
After dinner, Huang's mother carefully packed a basket of homemade fried food for Grandma Qi to take home. The elderly couple, their faces flushed with satisfaction, boarded the return bus, escorted by Huang's father.
As night fell, the entire mining area was immersed in the symphony of firecrackers. Inside the Huang family's courtyard, the festive atmosphere grew stronger. Standing in front of the shop, Xu Mengyao gazed at the dazzling fireworks in the distance, a dreamlike spectacle, her heart filled with beautiful visions of the future.
"The Spring Festival Gala is about to begin, let's go inside!" Huang Wenrong called out.
The whole family gathered around the TV, the glow from the screen illuminating every face filled with anticipation. The 1990 Spring Festival Gala unfolded like a flowing scroll.
When a Miao girl appeared on the stage in a green cheongsam and the song "Little Backpack" sounded melodiously, the clear singing voice like a spring seemed to travel through time and touch everyone's heartstrings.
"This girl sings so beautifully. She should look good in a cheongsam!" Huang Nai touched the screen lightly, her eyes flashing with infinite yearning for beauty.
Then, Uncle Benshan's skit "Blind Date" made the atmosphere in the whole living room boil to its climax. The humorous dialogue made the whole family laugh. Even Huang's father, who was usually serious, couldn't help laughing heartily and clapped his hands in admiration: "This skit is so funny!"
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