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Wang Qian had no interest in wearing floral clothes; the sight of them every year made her dizzy. “Mom, I really don’t envy those clothes. I find comfort in wearing old clothes. Let’s agree that you can buy me new clothes when something I like comes along. For now, I’m not interested in the current selection. Let’s stick to this plan.”
Seeing her daughter’s strong preference, Zhang Lan just gently patted her head and dropped the topic of buying clothes for her. With his Wife’s help, Zhang Zhenhe felt much relieved, as now he no longer had to run around cooking for both children. Zhang Lan took over these tasks smoothly.
After purchasing everything in the city, as they approached the end of the year, Wang Zhenhe decided to have a pig slaughtered at home. He sent Zhang Lan back first, while he and Wang Qian stayed behind. With the continuous growth of vegetables in the space during the winter, their supply was assured. Many people in the cold season desired fresh vegetables, making it advantageous for the father-daughter duo. They were the only ones in the city offering such produce – if you wanted fresh vegetables, you had to buy from them. Wang Qian began to appreciate the benefits of monopolizing the market, understanding why so many people in the future chose to do so for profit.
Wang Zhenhe also developed a passion for making money at this time, working long hours each day. As the New Year approached, Wang Qian decided to sell some honey from the space. Their original two beehives had multiplied to six, providing enough honey for their family and extra to sell. The honey became a sought-after item due to its rarity in the market, attracting those who recognized its quality.
On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month, the trio returned with their earnings. Wang Zhenhe paid his nephew thirty yuan as wages, which was a significant portion of the repair shop’s income. Wang Minglin initially declined the generous amount but was eventually persuaded by his Uncle and Aunt to accept it.
“Second brother, this extra is your reward. It’s a token of appreciation from our parents, so please accept it. Work hard in the future,” Wang Zhenhe encouraged.
“Minglin, you should accept it. This is a token of appreciation from your uncle and aunt. In the future, when we make more money, I’ll give you more,” Zhang Lan added.
Zhang Lan brought out a new set of clothes she had made for her nephew. “Minglin, try these on. These were specially made for you by your aunt. Do they fit well?”
For Wang Minglin, receiving his first wages and then being gifted new clothes by his aunt was a deeply touching experience. He felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation for being valued.
“These clothes are perfect, Aunt. They fit just right. You always take good care of me,” Minglin expressed gratefully, modeling his new outfit in front of Zhang Lan.
“Indeed, they look great. Second brother, you’re looking more energetic. Hurry up and take these things home; Uncle and Aunt are probably anxious,” Wang Qian remarked.
The couple bid farewell to Minglin, who left with the treats and sweets Wang Zhenhe had given him from their purchases.
From his bag, Wang Zhenhe pulled out a sky-blue scarf with a floral pattern. “Dear, take a look. I bought this for you. Our daughter said it looks lovely when worn around the collar of your clothes. Try it on.”
Surprised and delighted, Zhang Lan admired the beautiful scarf in her hands. She had seen similar scarves in the city but had hesitated to buy one. She was touched that her husband had bought it for her.
A gentle smile lit up her face as she tried on the sky-blue scarf with small floral patterns, enhancing her fair and beautiful complexion.
“Mom, they look great. Where’s Grandpa Chen and the others? Why aren’t they home?” Upon returning and not finding them, Wang Qian was puzzled about their absence at this time of year.
“Your Grandpa Chen took your brothers to your maternal grandparents’ house. I asked them to bring some New Year goods to your grandparents. But Grandpa Chen and Chen Xu couldn’t sit still; they wanted to visit your grandfather as well. They should be back soon,” Zhang Lan explained.
In the afternoon, only Mingcheng and Mingyuan returned, their eyes red from crying.
Alarmed, Zhang Lan asked, “Mingcheng, what’s wrong? Where’s Grandpa Chen and your sister? Why haven’t they returned?”
Mingyuan choked up, “Mom, you need to go to the county hospital quickly. Grandma is ill. Grandpa Chen and Grandpa took her there. Grandpa Chen asked me to tell you to hurry over and not delay.”
Hearing this news, Zhang Lan felt weak in the knees but was steadied by Wang Zhenhe. “Dear, stay calm. Your mom will be fine. Let’s go. Mingyuan, go to your uncle’s house and ask your brother to bring the tractor to take us to the city.”
Upon learning that Geng Lianhua was unwell and seeing Zhang Lan’s distress, Wang Qian felt a sense of foreboding. The fact that Grandpa Chen was taking the situation so seriously indicated that the illness was severe. With her grandma usually in good health, this sudden illness was alarming.
Seeing Zhang Lan sitting despondently, Wang Zhenhe sighed and began preparing the items needed to take to the hospital. Providing care for the patient required thorough preparation; otherwise, it would be troublesome once they arrived.
They packed a set of clothing for the family, toiletries, and food supplies, making sure to bring a thermos as hospitals often didn’t provide one during this time.
They took two blankets and had Mingcheng carry two bundles of corn stalks from the street to place in the tractor’s cart to lay the blankets on to keep them clean.
Seeing her son return after a long absence, Wang Juan was elated. Not only had her third Brothers generously given them money, but he had also bought clothes for the children, which filled her with joy.
“Husband, our third brother and his wife are truly kind-hearted. Look how quickly they gave us money after their return. I trust our son with them. Minglin will surely excel under his uncle’s guidance. When you’re out, be careful what you say. Their family has finally found a means of livelihood. Let’s not attract any unwanted attention. We can’t help in other ways, so let’s control what we say,” Wang Juan advised.
After reminding the family, they sat on the kang after dinner, listening to Minglin talk about life in the city when Mingyuan hurriedly entered.
“Eldest Uncle, Dad wants you to quickly drive the tractor to our house. Grandma is ill and has been taken to the hospital,” Mingyuan urgently informed.
Startled by the news, Wang Juan had seen Geng Lianhua before and knew she was usually in good health. The sudden illness was unexpected, especially considering its severity.
“Mingshan, go drive the tractor. Wenzhen, let’s go to our third son’s house to check on things and lend a hand if needed,” Wang Juan instructed.
Hastily gathering their things, as soon as the couple entered Wang’s courtyard, they heard Zhang Lan softly crying. Through Mingcheng’s account, they learned about the severity of the elderly lady’s illness. She couldn’t eat, vomiting whatever she tried to consume, causing her to become emaciated. Initially, Zhang Wanyou and the others thought it was just an onset of excessive heat, but Grandpa Chen, upon inspection, realized the situation was far more serious and promptly rushed her to the county hospital.
Upon entering, Wang Juan and her husband saw Zhang Lan in tears, with Wang Zhenhe consoling her.
“Sister, what’s happened? Your mom was fine not long ago. How did she suddenly fall ill like this? Stop crying, quickly gather your things, and let’s go see her. I’ll handle things at home,” Wang Zhenhe urged.
Soon after, Wang Mingshan arrived with the tractor, while Mingcheng carried the cornstalks onto the vehicle. Wang Mingshan and Wang Zhenhai helped load the items onto the tractor.
“Sister-in-law, I entrust the household to you. When Grandpa Chen and Chen Xu return, have Yu’er come over to help with cooking. They aren’t very skilled in that department,” Zhang Lan instructed.
After ensuring everything was in order, Zhang Lan led her family onto the tractor. Wang Mingshan started the engine, driving them down the road. Seeing her mother looking lost and distressed, Wang Qian felt a pang of sympathy, especially when thinking about Geng Lianhua’s kind face.
“Mom, don’t worry. Grandma will get better. We have doctors to help. Let’s stay positive until we have a diagnosis,” Wang Qian reassured her mother, embracing her tightly.
Silently holding her youngest daughter close, Zhang Lan felt the discomfort of the cold journey without any wind protection. Wang Zhenhe covered himself and the two snugly with the blankets.
In the evening, they finally arrived at the county hospital. Wang Zhenhe insisted that Wang Mingshan stay with them for the night as he was worried about leaving him alone to return home in the middle of the night.
Upon their arrival, Grandpa Chen quickly pulled Zhang Lan aside. “Niece, the doctor just conducted an examination and is awaiting tomorrow’s test results. From my observation, it seems serious. None of you should stay here tonight. Instead, go stay at Old Zuo’s house for the night. Tomorrow, you can take turns caring for her so everyone gets some rest,” he advised.
Agreeing with Grandpa Chen’s suggestion, Zhang Lan approached Geng Lianhua’s hospital bed. The elderly lady’s complexion was pallid, her eyes sunken, devoid of their usual vitality. Wang Qian noticed the stark difference from the last time she saw her grandmother – during her previous illness, although unwell, her eyes still held a spark, and her spirit wasn’t as diminished.
Geng Lianhua, lying in the hospital bed, saw her youngest daughter and motioned for her to sit by her side. Tears welled up in her eyes as she held her daughter’s hand, and Zhang Lan, unable to contain her emotions, began to cry. Geng Lianhua, her hands now thin and dry, embraced her daughter. “Silly child, don’t cry. I’m afraid I won’t make it. I’m not afraid of dying, but your brother isn’t married yet, and my mind isn’t at ease. I can’t close my eyes,” she lamented, tears streaming down her face.
Trying to console her mother, Wang Qian intervened, “Grandma, Mom, don’t be sad. It’s not over yet. The doctor hasn’t given us any final news. Let’s focus on treatment. Everything will be fine. Mom, you stay here at the hospital. Dad and I will take the others back to the courtyard, and I’ll bring you dinner later.”
Recognizing the futility of everyone crowding around, Grandpa Chen urged to send some back, while Zhang Wan insisted on staying to accompany Geng Lianhua. Wang Qian didn’t object and led the remaining group back to Old Zuo’s house, ensuring everyone had rooms arranged.
The sisters prepared dinner, making special meals for the patients in the hospital. After Wang Qian and Wang Zhenhe finished their meal, they brought the food to the hospital.