The snow fell heavier and heavier, and the people of Yanghe Village stayed at home, starting to prepare for the New Year. In fact, everyone had been making preparations quietly since the beginning of winter, but recently the pace has quickened.
Knowing that Song Qing's family wouldn't be going back home this year, Aunt Tian simply invited them to spend the New Year at her house.
"We have nothing at home, but it's lively here, which saves us from having to walk around and the kids from getting cold."
Song Qing readily agreed to help prepare the supplies. A batch of canned meat had arrived at the supply and marketing station that day, and everyone would receive one. She picked up the canned meat early in the morning and then took An'an and Lu Ronghui to Yanghe Village.
"Mom, firecrackers!"
An'an was dressed in a round and chubby outfit, and Song Qing couldn't lift her, so she simply let her walk slowly beside her like a little ball.
"Dad said he wants to buy firecrackers."
Song Qing naturally wouldn't spoil the children's fun during the New Year; she would "buy" things for them.
"Sister-in-law, does our factory offer any benefits this year?"
The textile factory saw a boom in sales of both fabrics and finished garments, far exceeding expectations. Factory manager Shen was overjoyed after completing the task. In addition to an extra 5 yuan subsidy for each employee during the Chinese New Year, the factory will also purchase more items to distribute to everyone.
"I heard from Jianqiu that their factory is giving out meat as a perk this year. I wonder what our factory will give out."
The glass factory was an old factory with connections, so it was natural that it could get its hands on pork, a scarce commodity.
Nowadays, pig farming is based on quotas. The pigs raised by the villages below are purchased by the central government, and each villager who is left behind can only receive a dozen or so kilograms. The glass factory can get dozens of pigs through their connections.
Everyone has been smiling lately. Director Zhang even told them that when the weather gets better in spring, the fabrics will definitely sell even better, and the factory will distribute even more supplies then.
Of course, this joy did not reach Guan Lian. That day, she called Chen Wei's house while keeping an eye on the train timetable, but they did not answer. Later, she wanted to call her eldest son to persuade him.
"Dad took your brother away so that Mom could come back; he knows you're anxious."
She wasn't unaware of what her son was saying; Chen Wei was using that to manipulate her.
Later, she refrained from calling, and her worries subsided considerably after receiving news from her parents, but other things gradually welled up in her heart.
No matter how much she told herself that he was still young, just an 8-year-old child, Guan Lian still harbored a slight resentment towards him because of this incident.
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she immediately dismissed it.
She used to think that since she had sacrificed so much for them and raised her two sons herself, they would definitely stand by her side.
But the nominal father only softened his stance, and the child immediately forgave him.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't disappointed, but she couldn't completely abandon the child because of this. Perhaps, perhaps things would be better when he grew up a little more.
"Uncle, where are you going again?"
Chen Junliang has been in a bad mood these past few days, so Liu Jiandong planned to take him out for some fun. The river was already frozen solid, making it the perfect time for winter fishing.
“…Hurry up!”
Liu Jiandong had almost forgotten how annoying this girl was after she hadn't shown up for several days, and he didn't want to bring her along today.
An'an let go of her mother's hand and ran over like a ball, "Uncle? Brother Xiaoliang?"
Liu Jiandong grabbed his tools and prepared to run, but Chen Junliang couldn't keep up with An'an's onslaught and silently slowed down to wait for her.
Finally, the little girl, with a sly smile, took their hands and waved goodbye to her mother.
“An’an, didn’t you say you wanted to help your third aunt with the chores and let your uncle and brother do it themselves?”
"It's okay, Auntie, I'll keep an eye on her."
An'an finally got her wish and went with them. Song Qing stayed at Aunt Tian's house for a while and then went to find them. As soon as she got to the riverbank, she saw Chen Junliang sitting on the river embankment. Although his eyes were fixed on An'an, it was clear that he was in a bad mood.
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