Chapter 35: Meat Buns (Part 2)

Originally, a bun made of white flour was enough to make Zhao Xiu Zhu happy, but when she heard that it was a meat bun, her joy became indescribable.

For rural people who rarely ate meat throughout the year, meat was definitely a precious commodity. Zhao Xiu Zhu had almost forgotten what meat tasted like, only remembering that it was very fragrant and delicious!

Now, hearing that she could eat meat buns, she was almost moved to tears of excitement.

As for Zhao Xiulan’s words, Zhao Xiu Zhu was still young and very naive. She didn’t doubt the truthfulness of Zhao Xiulan’s words, but instead said happily, “Sister, there are actually such kind people in the city who gave you meat buns to eat!”

Zhao Xiulan affectionately patted Zhao Xiu Zhu’s head and said, “Hurry up and eat. If Aunt Mei finds out, it won’t be good.”

“Sister, how about we split it?” Seeing such a big bun, Zhao Xiu Zhu didn’t want to eat it alone and suggested sharing it with Zhao Xiulan.

Zhao Xiulan knew that her sister cared for her and wanted to share the delicious food with her. A warm feeling surged through her heart, understanding Zhao Xiu Zhu’s intention.

Shaking her head, Zhao Xiulan said, “No need. I’ve already eaten. Not only did I eat a bun, but the kind person also gave me a bowl of noodles. I couldn’t finish the noodles, so I left them behind. That’s why my stomach is full now!”

Hearing Zhao Xiulan’s words, Zhao Xiu Zhu didn’t doubt her sister’s honesty and eagerly devoured the bun. After all, she was just a little child facing the temptation of meat buns.

The meat bun made of white flour, with each bite filled with rich soup, made Zhao Xiu Zhu feel like she had never eaten anything so delicious before.

In no time, she finished the bun and licked the soup off her fingers, savouring the taste.

The bun was quite large, and Zhao Xiu Zhu’s stomach was already small. Plus, she had eaten a bun for lunch, so she was now full.

Rubbing her stomach, Zhao Xiu Zhu giggled and said with satisfaction to Zhao Xiulan, “Sister, the meat bun is so delicious. I’m full now. I haven’t felt so full in a long time like today.”

Hearing this, Zhao Xiulan felt a pang of sadness in her heart and forced a smile at Zhao Xiu Zhu, saying, “In the future, sister will beg for food more often to see if we can bring back good things for Xiu Zhu to eat.”

Zhao Xiu Zhu nodded heavily, “Okay, sister. If every day is like this, our family won’t have to go hungry anymore. That would be great. Sister, why don’t I go begging with you? Strength in numbers, right? The two of us together will definitely beg for more food than one person!”

But Zhao Xiulan immediately refused, “No, you should stay at home!”

If Zhao Xiu Zhu followed along, Zhao Xiulan’s purpose of going to the county town would not be achieved, and many things might be exposed.

Confused, Zhao Xiu Zhu asked, “Sister, why?”

Afraid that Zhao Xiu Zhu would suspect something, Zhao Xiulan made up a reason and explained, “The county town is too far, and you’re still young. You can’t walk that far. Sister can walk faster alone. Besides, begging for food is fine for one person, but it’s not good for two people. I’m also worried about letting you go alone. We won’t be able to divide the work, and it’s better for just one person. Plus, you can earn work points at home, so we can get more grain when it’s distributed.”

Hearing Zhao Xiulan’s explanation, Zhao Xiu Zhu felt it made sense.

She didn’t want to be a burden to her sister.  What if she couldn’t walk anymore? Would she have to be carried by her sister?

(End of Chapter 35)