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Although Miao Shi didn’t particularly like her in-laws or the younger sisters-in-law, she still respected her elder sister-in-law. When she ran into Wan Chunmei by chance, she hurriedly took out a small bundle of rice from her basket and said, “Big Sister, here, take it. I know your life has been tight, and now there are two more children. I don’t have anything valuable to offer, so I brought you some rice from home. Don’t refuse it.”
Wan Chunmei hesitated, not immediately accepting the rice. She suspected that this rice was taken secretly from her second brother-in-law’s share.
Miao Shi, however, shoved the bundle into Wan Chunmei’s hands, saying, “Big Sister, take it. Don’t pretend to be shy about it. You want it but don’t dare to take it. I’m leaving now, so I won’t stay and chat.”
Wan Chunmei was used to her straightforwardness and smiled, saying, “Alright, I’ll accept it. Thank you.”
She had initially thought of inviting Miao Shi to come over for a meal since they had been building a new house, but after considering it, she decided against it. She took the rice Miao Shi had given her and returned home.
By the time she arrived, Liu Zhoucheng had already left.
She placed the rice down and asked Tan Xiaomei, “Do we still have any pickled vegetables at home?”
Tan Xiaomei turned around and answered, “Yes, there’s some left. Why, Sister-in-law?”
Wan Chunmei smiled. “My sister-in-law from my maternal side just gave me some rice, and I’ll send her some pickled vegetables in return.”
Tan Xiaomei nodded, “Oh, is it the second sister-in-law from your maternal side?”
“Yes,” Wan Chunmei replied.
Tan Xiaomei smiled, “She’s not bad. I’ve heard from elder brother that she’s the only one who treats you kindly in your mother’s family.”
Wan Chunmei went into the house and began folding up the cotton quilt she had made a few days ago. As she did, she said, “Yes, but her mouth can be sharp. She used to scold me a lot, but I guess now that she sees I’m not getting along with her mother-in-law, she’s been treating me better.”
Tan Xiaomei filled a small dish with pickled vegetables and said, “People are like that. No one is perfect. As long as they don’t bring trouble to us, that’s already a good person.”
Wan Chunmei glanced at the pickled vegetables on the table and noticed the package of osmanthus cakes. She immediately asked, “Did Erqian come back?”
Tan Xiaomei blushed slightly and turned her head. “No, it was Liu Shiye who brought them.”
Wan Chunmei noticed the red hue on her face and immediately understood. She put down the quilt and moved closer with a smile. “Little Sister, you and Liu Shiye seem to have some feelings for each other. Why not get married sooner, to avoid dragging things out?”
Tan Xiaomei blushed even deeper. “Sister-in-law!”
Wan Chunmei was blunt, saying, “Don’t blame me for not reminding you. Liu Shiye is a good catch. If you really like him, you should seize the opportunity.”
Tan Xiaomei paused for a moment, then nodded, “Yes, Sister-in-law.”
Before she could say more, Little Qiyue, who had been asleep, turned over in her sleep and kicked off the blanket.
Tan Xiaomei hurried over to cover her, gently patting her chest.
Little Qiyue kicked her legs a couple of times, slowly opened her eyes, and sleepily looked at her aunt.
Seeing her awake, Tan Xiaomei carefully picked her up and put on her jacket.
The peach-colored jacket was made from fabric Tan Xiaomei had brought back with one tael of silver. It was new and well-made.
Little Qiyue looked even cuter in it, her fair little face blushing like a ripe apple in autumn.
Tan Xiaomei couldn’t resist kissing her cheek and murmured, “Our little Qiyue is so pretty.”
When Little Qiyue heard the compliment, she smiled happily and giggled in a babyish voice. Her laughter made both Tan Xiaomei and Wan Chunmei smile as well, their hearts melting.
Wan Chunmei came over with a bowl of freshly made millet porridge. “Little Qiyue, look, Mother made something good for you.”
Little Qiyue looked up at the bowl in her hand. When she saw the steaming millet porridge, she happily kicked her legs.
Wan Chunmei walked over, blowing on the porridge to cool it, and began feeding her.
The millet porridge had been simmered for a long time, with a layer of rice oil floating on top. After skimming the oil, she stirred it and fed Little Qiyue, who ate happily. It was delicious and comforting, perfect for warming her tummy.
Little Qiyue seemed to be easygoing when it came to food. Whatever Wan Chunmei gave her, she would happily eat. That’s why she had grown so white, chubby, and healthy.
Her older brother, Tan Liujin, was the same. As the scent of the porridge spread, he woke up and started reaching for the bowl.
Wan Chunmei, not as gentle with the boys, quickly held him back and started feeding him.
Tan Liujin gulped down the entire bowl in two big swallows.
Wan Chunmei wiped his mouth with a cloth and went to get another bowl.
Meanwhile, Tan Xiaomei, who was still feeding Little Qiyue one spoonful at a time, was amazed. “This child really can eat!”
Wan Chunmei chuckled, continuing to feed Tan Liujin. “Yes, fortunately, our lives are improving, or we really wouldn’t be able to feed this little guy.”
Tan Xiaomei put down her bowl and pinched Tan Liujin’s chubby cheeks, saying with a smile, “Being able to eat is a blessing. Our Liujin has always been good, and he’ll be just as successful as Erqian when he grows up.”
Wan Chunmei slowed down while feeding Little Qiyue and said, “Speaking of which, Erqian has been in the county for several days now.”
Tan Xiaomei, sensing that her sister-in-law missed her son, smiled and suggested, “Sister-in-law, how about we go to the county to visit Erqian?”
“Go to the county?!” Wan Chunmei was taken aback.