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Wang Qian led the old lady to see the things they had brought, including the jar of oil. Geng Lianhua’s face lit up with joy. It was enough for the two of them to use.
However, Geng Lianhua was still worried about her daughter’s family. She held her granddaughter’s hand and asked with concern, “Qian Qian, tell Grandma the truth. Do you still have enough at home? If not, take it back. Your grandpa and I are old. We can eat anything, but you’re still young and need to grow.”
Wang Qian felt that there was nothing to say to her grandmother. She was just like an old person, the kind who could win the respect and affection of her children. Of course, excluding those extreme relatives, her grandmother was not on the same level as those people. Although they were both elderly, there was a clear difference between them.
“Grandma, we still have enough at home. You and Grandpa should eat more and keep yourselves healthy. Only then can my little uncle can only be at ease in the army. By the way, has my little uncle written to you? Our family has received his letter,” Wang Qian said.
Talking about her son, tears began to flow involuntarily from the old lady’s eyes. After wiping her eyes, she said, “Your little uncle wrote to me, telling me that everything is fine there and not to worry about him. Qian Qian, do you think I’m getting old? I keep dreaming that your little uncle is calling out to me, saying he’s hungry. However I can’t go to him, and I don’t know what’s happening.”
The old lady rambled on about her recent dreams. Wang Qian understood that Geng Lianhua was missing her son. She comforted her, “Grandma, you should think that my little uncle is out there for a better future. As his relatives, we can’t hold him back. Besides, you still have us. By the way, is Jiabao still staying in his hometown? He’s already going to school. Why doesn’t he come back?”
When it came to her grandson, the old lady was full of grievances. She sighed and said, “He came back to live with us, but last time, your aunt had a big fight with him. Do you think their family can live in peace? Your aunt’s family has been arguing about this matter. They even had to ask her brother to bring them back. Now they cook their own meals. But your brother still doesn’t get along with us. Even if your grandpa and I want to take care of him, it depends on whether he’s willing.”
As the old lady spoke, Wang Qian’s mind began to turn. She didn’t want her aunt to take away the oil they had brought. “Grandma, hide this jar of oil and only take out a little. Even if your daughter-in-law sees it and asks for some, the majority of it will still be hidden. Don’t be naive and give it all away. My little uncle won’t feel at ease. He can’t stay in the army, and you and Grandpa need to take care of yourselves for his sake.”
It wasn’t that Wang Qian was being malicious, but people like Zhou Ping required a firm hand. Such people weren’t worth associating with. Considering her son and grandson were her grandmother’s soft spot, she had to use Zhang Weiguo as a counterbalance. Otherwise, she really couldn’t bring herself to deal with such an extreme family.
Geng Lianhua wasn’t naive. She understood her granddaughter’s intentions, but how could a kind-hearted old lady be firm with a young child? Her children were all her flesh and blood, and she loved them all. Regardless of whether they were good or bad, she cared for them. If she secretly kept and ate the oil, she would feel uneasy. However, she also understood the situation. After all, the oil was earned at great risk by her granddaughter and daughter. She couldn’t let their kind intentions go to waste.
As she looked at her insightful granddaughter, Geng Lianhua even had the illusion that this was a little fairy sent by heaven to bring happiness and well-being to her daughter’s family.
“Silly girl, Grandma understands what you mean. I won’t give it all to them. You stay here, and I’ll go cook. Later, we’ll go find your mom,” the old lady said as she busied herself at the stove. Wang Qian helped with the fire, a bit later Zhang Wanyou returned from work with a hoe. He used to go out and come back with his son, but now that his son was gone, he felt listless.
“Brother, you should hurry back. Your daughter has come back with a group of children,” the neighbor reminded the somewhat listless old man.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Wanyou immediately perked up. “Really? I need to hurry back. I want to see my grandchildren.”
He strode into the yard with his hoe. “Wife, I heard our daughter is here. Where are the children?”
Not seeing any children playing in the yard, he called out to the house.
“Grandpa, I’m here. I’m cooking for you. Mom and my siblings have gone to the sea,” Wang Qian greeted her grandfather as she appeared at the door, holding the wind chest.
Seeing his adorable granddaughter, the old man’s face, which hadn’t shown a smile in a long time, lit up with joy. “Ah, our little Qian Qian is here. Let Grandpa give you a hug.” He quickly walked into the house and embraced Wang Qian, showering her with affection.
“Grandpa, when you have time, come and stay at our house for a few days. It will be a change of scenery, and our family is lively. You’ll definitely enjoy it,” Wang Qian eagerly invited the two of them to stay at her house, fearing that the two old people might feel lonely.
Zhang Wanyou had never stayed at his daughter’s house before. In the past, he didn’t want to cause trouble or inconvenience his daughter. However, things were different now. He really wanted to stay for a couple of days. His daughter’s life had improved a lot, and he was happy to see her living contentedly.
So he happily said, “Alright, once we’re done with our work, your grandma and I will come and stay with you for a couple of days.”
After preparing the meal, the old couple, accompanied by Wang Qian, hurried to the seaside. Seeing the children playing and frolicking on the beach, Wang Qian marveled at their boundless energy. They had traveled a long way and yet showed no signs of fatigue, happily running around.
“Qian Qian, come over here. It’s so much fun to walk on the beach,” Zuo He waved, beckoning her to join them.
Wang Qian, noticing that the kids were all sweaty and tired, went over to wipe their sweat with a handkerchief. “Zuo He, aren’t you tired? Why don’t you sit and rest on the beach? I’ll go clamming first.”
Zuo He held her hand and said, “Qian Qian, we’ve already collected a lot. Look, our basket is full. It’s so comfortable to walk barefoot on the beach. I never knew it would feel so soft and comfortable.”
When Wang Qian turned around, she saw that the basket was filled with all sorts of random items, including two starfish. She suspected that it was the work of Zuo Hao and Zuo Yu, as Zuo He wouldn’t pick up useless things.
“Zuo He, you guys keep playing. I’ll go see if I can find some sea cucumbers. I’ll dry them for Grandpa and the others to eat during the winter. While you’re playing, be careful where you step. Watch out for glass and shells that might cut your feet. I’ll go ahead,” she said.
Leaving Zuo He and the others to continue playing, she walked along the beach to the east. There were few houses in that direction, and fewer people passed by, so the chances of finding good things were higher. There were already quite a few people picking things up on the beach.
Carrying a small basket for cover, Wang Qian collected things along the way, not even letting sea vegetables go to waste. These items could be used to feed the pigs and poultry at home, saving on feed and grain during the winter. The farther she went, the more she found, and her basket was soon full. She even stored more in her space. She felt grateful for having such a space, as it ensured she wouldn’t go hungry and had no worries about food and clothing.
Zhang Wanyou couldn’t help but pat the heads of the two Zuo boys. They were so rare and adorable, almost like little golden boys. Their fair and tender appearance was truly delightful. Seeing the row of seven children, he felt content. His daughter’s home was so lively this time. He decided that he would have to go and stay for a couple of days. He wanted to experience the liveliness of his daughter’s home. With his son in the army, the house had become quiet. Even though his grandson lived next door, he didn’t have much to say to them.
After lunch at Zhang’s house, Zhang Lan and the children left early. It was better to return early with so many children, as it wasn’t safe to delay on the road.
After a tiring day at the beach, the seven of them went to bed early after finishing their studies. They were truly exhausted. They fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.
Hao Lianchun tucked in the five little boys one by one before slowly falling asleep herself.
The next day, the familiar sound of the doorbell rang outside the Wangs’ house. This time, the mailman, Xiao Bai, had brought some letters for them. Wang Qian received two letters, both sent from the south. One was addressed to Old Cui, and the other to old Wu Changyong.
Receiving two letters at the same time made Wang Qian feel quite coincidental. However, she was surprised to see that the addresses on the letters were from a remote and distant place in the south. She didn’t know what the relationship was between the senders and the two men, but she carefully kept the letters.
When the elderly gentlemen came for lunch, Wang Qian took out the two letters. Old Cui and Old Wu eagerly tore them open upon recognizing the familiar handwriting.