Chapter 46

When the guests left, Xu Huai’an immediately lost his composure. One of his hands rested on Gu Qinghuan’s shoulder to prevent himself from falling.

He had enjoyed a moment of showing off, but it was quickly followed by a slap in the face.

His eyes looked at Gu Qinghuan pitifully, as if blaming her for not understanding his intentions. He had only wanted to give her a surprise, a little dignity, not wanting her family to think she had entrusted herself to the wrong person.

Gu Qinghuan shook her head helplessly and obediently leaned closer to act as a human crutch for him.

When she leaned in voluntarily, Xu Huai’an’s lips curled into a barely noticeable smile.

This girl, Gu Qinghuan, was tough on the outside but soft on the inside.

Xu Huai’an leaned against Gu Qinghuan as they walked into the main room, where they sat at the dining table.

As the conversation continued, the delicious food was quickly brought to the table.

Seeing the table full of rich dishes, Zhong Weiqian and Chen Shuying were once again stunned.

This table of food, they thought, probably couldn’t be made with just a little money. So much meat—this wasn’t minced meat but real large chunks of meat.

How long had it been since they had eaten such home-cooked dishes? It seemed like it had been a very long time.

Zhong Zijun smiled and asked Gu Qinghuan: “Didn’t you say this afternoon that there was something good to celebrate? What is it?”

Gu Qinghuan stood up and poured a glass of water for everyone. She had filled the kettle with spring water. Since Grandpa and Grandma rarely visited, it was a good opportunity to improve their health.

“We’ve had so many good things to celebrate lately. Mom’s injury is healing more and more, Xu Huai’an’s condition has clearly improved, and he can even take a few steps today.

Also, the schisandra berries I picked from the mountain made some money. The three hundred pounds I brought out today earned me thirty bucks, so I bought some meat.

In the afternoon, I also got back a lot of vegetables, and our homegrown land is coming back to us.” Gu Qinghuan counted off on her fingers.

Except for the two kids who were too busy eyeing the food, the others looked at Gu Qinghuan in surprise.

“Those schisandra berries can really sell for a dime a pound?” Zhong Zijun asked in disbelief. After all, this was a no-investment business. You only needed to carry them down from the mountain, sell them, and you could earn thirty bucks. That was easy money.

There were plenty of these things in the mountains. As long as one was willing to spend time looking for them, they could easily make a fortune from it.

What they didn’t know was that Gu Qinghuan had actually understated the situation. She was selling them for fifty cents per pound.

After hearing this, Zhong Weiqian and Chen Shuying were both in shock. The money was just too easy to make. Schisandra berries were often found in the mountains, and they never expected they could be sold for money.

Only Xu Huai’an looked at Gu Qinghuan “boasting” with a calm expression, not exposing her.

The family’s living standards had improved rapidly, and everyone could now eat their fill and dress warmly. He had already noticed something was off. Although he didn’t know how she had managed to get the money and resources, since she wanted her family to be at ease, he would play along.

“Huan Huan, this is speculation. Schisandra berries are collective property. If someone finds out, you’ll be accused of undermining socialism, and you could be criticized for it. You need to be careful.” Zhong Weiqian immediately thought of many things.

Given the current situation at home, having a way to make money was a good thing, and they couldn’t let fear stop them. But he was also scared of being persecuted, afraid that his granddaughter might end up like him, so he gave a word of caution.

Xu Huai’an nodded and agreed, saying: “I agree with Grandpa’s words.”

The two women, who had initially only focused on making money, snapped back to attention.

Actually, it was because of their past experience of not being able to afford treatment for their illnesses that they were so sensitive to money.

Chen Shuying hadn’t imagined that one day she would worry about money.

“Huan Huan, Grandpa is right. Don’t risk your own well-being just to make money.”

“Don’t worry, both of you. This method is absolutely safe, but I don’t want others to know about it.

Let’s eat, the food is getting cold.”

Seeing how confident Gu Qinghuan was, no one said anything further. It was hard to dampen the joyous mood, as doing so would only ruin the atmosphere.

The meal was incredibly rich, and with a bowl of plain white rice, the dishes tasted even more delicious. The whole family couldn’t stop praising Gu Qinghuan’s cooking.

The meat was particularly fragrant, and the spring water added extra flavor.

Since it was rare for them to be together, after the meal, the family chatted for a while.

The main conversation revolved around Zhong Weiqian asking Xu Huai’an in detail about his background.

Xu Huai’an shared everything he could.

Zhong Weiqian and Chen Shuying finally felt a little more at ease.

Previously, when they had been struggling with their daughter’s treatment, they had asked their granddaughter to sacrifice her marriage for money, and the two old people had felt guilty and heartbroken.

But now, seeing Xu Huai’an, if he could continue to improve, it seemed like a pretty good marriage after all.

This young man was upright, polite, and transparent. He had even achieved the rank of deputy battalion commander in the military and had received first-class honors. Having gone through the country’s scrutiny, it was safe to assume his character and abilities were beyond reproach.

As for his family situation, they, as outsiders, would refrain from judging. After all, they had already been separated, and from now on, they would live their own lives behind closed doors, which was perfectly fine.

Gu Qinghuan originally wanted to personally see them off, but the two elderly people refused. It was late at night, and for a young girl to send them off—if something were to happen, they would be frantic with worry.

In the end, they had to go on their own, but fortunately, the place wasn’t far. It would only take about ten minutes to walk, and with a flashlight, there shouldn’t be any problems.

The next morning, Gu Qinghuan got up early, put on the old clothes of her original self, donned gloves and a straw hat, and was fully equipped.

She had to go to work today.

Having delayed for so many days, if she didn’t go, the team leader would probably invite her for tea.

Although she didn’t care much for the work points, Xu Huai’an was already not working, and if she didn’t go, it would be hard to explain when the headcount ration was distributed at the end of the year.

Seeing Gu Qinghuan busy every day, Zhong Zijun could only fret, her hands weren’t convenient, and she couldn’t help with any work. All she could do was take care of some logistical tasks, like cooking.

Gu Qinghuan looked in surprise at the egg pancakes and cabbage soup on the table.

“Mom, did you change your ways today?” Normally, Zhong Zijun was so frugal that she would insist on serving black flatbreads at every meal. How come today she was being so generous, even making egg pancakes with white flour?

“If there’s food, just eat it quickly!” 

Zhong Zijun shot her a glare, as if she were a wicked stepmother.

She wasn’t being like this because she was a miser. It was just that the past few years had been tough, and she thought life had to be lived slowly and steadily.

But now, she had come to terms with it. Since her son-in-law didn’t mind the expense, why should she play the bad guy? Besides, the family did need to nourish themselves.

Gu Qinghuan, feeling embarrassed, sat down obediently and started eating.

Xu Huai’an quickly intervened to smooth things over. “Mom, Huan Huan didn’t mean it like that. She just thinks you’ve worked hard.”

These words made Zhong Zijun feel much better.

“You’re still considerate, son-in-law!”

Gu Qinghuan secretly kicked Xu Huai’an under the table.

“Stop talking so much!”