Chapter 55: Entertaining Auntie Huang – Adorable Tiedan and Goudan

Ming Dai picked out a few things from the cabinet in the corner and placed them into a basket before bringing it over.

First, she opened a jar and scooped two spoonfuls of malted milk powder into a bowl. Then, she poured in hot water, stirring it until it was well mixed before handing the bowls to the three of them.

Auntie Huang was startled. “Oh my! Just giving us a cup of hot water would’ve been enough. How could we accept something this precious?”

Tiedan and Goudan, on the other hand, stared eagerly at the steaming, fragrant bowls in front of them. They had never tasted this before!

Ming Dai placed three spoons into the bowls and stirred them for the two boys. “What’s so precious about this? It’s meant for drinking, isn’t it? Auntie, you made the effort to come all the way here and even brought me so many vegetables. How can giving you a bowl of malted milk be considered extravagant? You’re looking down on me too much.”

Malted milk?!

Tiedan’s eyes lit up instantly. This was the kind of treat they couldn’t even get when they were sick!

Auntie Huang playfully tapped Ming Dai’s forehead and chuckled. “You, girl, are too generous! Next time, don’t be like this.”

Ming Dai simply smiled. “It’s not like I’d do this for just anyone. Besides, I’ve already made it. Auntie, give it a try—tell me if it’s sweet.”

Auntie Huang figured that since it was already made, she might as well taste what city folks enjoyed drinking.

“Alright! This old lady will indulge a little with my Xiao Ming girl and see what this city drink tastes like.”

Seeing their grandmother take a sip, the two mischievous boys didn’t even bother with the spoons. They simply lifted their bowls and poured the drink straight into their mouths. If it weren’t so hot, they probably would’ve gulped it all down in one go!

Auntie Huang took a sip of the malted milk and found it incredibly fragrant and creamy, with a delightful sweetness. No wonder it was so expensive!

Then she glanced at the two little rascals—both had already finished and were now holding their bowls, licking the insides clean.

Immediately, she smacked each of them on the head. “Are you two calves drinking straight from a trough? Have some shame!”

Ming Dai smiled and patted the blushing Tiedan on the head. “What’s there to be embarrassed about? We’re all family here!”

Then, before Auntie Huang could stop her, she scooped two more spoonfuls into the boys’ bowls.

“Aiya! Why give them more? They eat and drink like bottomless pits—nothing stays in their bellies!” Auntie Huang grumbled.

Ming Dai shot her a look while pouring more hot water. “How can you talk about your grandsons like that? I think Tiedan and Goudan are much more well-behaved than other kids. I really like them.”

Then she turned to the boys and instructed, “It’s hot. Use the spoon to stir it first, then drink slowly.”

Auntie Huang felt warmth spread through her chest. This Xiao Ming girl truly had a kind heart. She could complain about her own grandsons all she wanted, but if an outsider dared to say a single bad word about them, she’d be upset.

Seeing the three of them happily enjoying their drinks, Ming Dai took out a few calcium milk biscuits, some peach pastries, and half a plate of sugar-roasted chestnuts.

Auntie Huang could tell that Xiao Ming wasn’t just putting on an act of generosity—her kindness was genuine. She didn’t say anything more but made up her mind to look out for the girl in the future.

Ming Dai noticed Goudan’s little hands—completely covered in dirt, with tiny cracks running across his skin. She frowned.

“Wait a moment, Goudan. Wash your hands before eating, or you’ll get a stomachache.”

She then turned to Tiedan, whose hands were just as grimy—only bigger.

At that moment, Auntie Huang quickly hid her own hands behind her back, realizing they were just as dirty!

Ming Dai chuckled, then excused herself to the kitchen. From her hidden stash, she took out a brand-new enamel basin and a clean towel, mixed some warm water, and brought it back inside.

She set the basin on the heated brick bed, dampened the towel, and wiped Tiedan’s face first. When she rinsed the towel, the water turned black.

Tiedan smiled sheepishly.

Next, she wiped Goudan’s face. The water turned just as black, but unlike his brother, Goudan wasn’t the least bit embarrassed. Instead, he giggled, finding the warm cloth incredibly comfortable.

Aunt Huang was helpless—her little grandson was just a bit slow-witted.

Looking at her two grandsons, who now appeared noticeably cleaner, she felt a surge of anger. She would have to scold Huang Dalian when she got home. How could she not even wash her son’s face properly?

After washing their faces, she didn’t mind that the water had already become dirty. She simply dunked their four little filthy hands into the warm water, took out a bar of soap, and taught them how to wash their hands.

The two children obediently followed her instructions without throwing any tantrums.

Aunt Huang took the soap and scrubbed the little troublemakers’ hands vigorously. While she was at it, she washed her own large, rough hands as well—otherwise, she would feel embarrassed reaching out to touch anything.

Finally, she changed the water one last time and made sure all three of them had clean hands.

Ming Dai took out some clam oil and applied it to the children’s hands and faces. Aunt Huang couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a waste!”

Ming Dai gently pinched the frostbitten cheeks of the younger child. “Auntie, you should be more careful. If frostbite scars the face, it won’t go away. This little one is such a handsome boy—it would be a shame if he couldn’t find a good wife because of scars.”

Aunt Huang immediately thought of the villagers who had scars from frostbite. She grew nervous and quickly took the clam oil to apply another layer on her grandson’s face.

Once they were done, Ming Dai handed a few comic books to the two little boys, giving them some fruit to snack on while they read. Meanwhile, she and Aunt Huang started chatting.

Aunt Huang then brought up the matter of the reservoir construction.

“At first, I thought about not letting you go,” she said. “But your uncle said that if you didn’t, the other educated youths at the commune might start targeting you. After all, you’re all part of the same group, so you still have to go.”

Ming Dai nodded in agreement. “Uncle is right. If everyone else goes and I’m the only one who doesn’t, it will make me stand out. It’s never good to be the one who sticks out too much. Uncle means well.”

Aunt Huang beamed with satisfaction. Her husband had been right—Xiao Ming was an understanding young woman. She definitely wouldn’t take offense.

“Your uncle suggested that you be in charge of cooking,” Aunt Huang continued. “Your Sister Dalian will go too and help you out. You’ll be working under a shelter with a fire going. Other than being a bit tiring, it’s not too bad.”

Ming Dai’s gaze softened. “Thank you, Auntie. Meeting you and Uncle is truly the best luck I’ve ever had.”

Aunt Huang affectionately patted her hand. “You’re still young. How could you handle heavy labor? If you keep working like this, you might not even grow properly. Next year, your uncle is thinking about finding you a job at the commune—it’ll be much better than working in the fields.”

Ming Dai took the opportunity to share some of her plans. “That’s so kind of Uncle! Auntie, I actually know some medicine. I studied under my father for several years, so I can handle common illnesses. I could be a barefoot doctor without any problem. If you ever feel unwell, just come to me. I have both medicine and acupuncture needles—it’s much more convenient than going all the way to the commune.”

Aunt Huang looked at her in surprise. “This girl is amazing! You know everything!”

Ming Dai touched her nose in slight embarrassment. “I was sickly as a child and took a lot of medicine, so naturally, I learned a lot of remedies. Plus, my father is a doctor, so I picked up quite a bit just by being around him.”

Aunt Huang slapped her thigh in excitement.

“That’s perfect! Our village desperately needs a doctor. You should be the doctor of Liujiawan! You can stay right here in the village, earn full work points, and you won’t have to worry about getting bullied at the commune!”

Ming Dai looked at her with admiration, her gaze so warm that it melted Aunt Huang’s heart. “Auntie, you’re so good to me!”

Aunt Huang couldn’t resist reaching out to touch Ming Dai’s smooth, tender face—soft like tofu, fair and delicate. Her cat-like eyes were so captivating that they could charm anyone.

At that moment, Aunt Huang became even more certain—her youngest son was not worthy of this girl!

“It’s settled, then! I’ll talk to your uncle as soon as I get home. I’m sure there won’t be any problems! The reservoir team is about to depart soon, so start getting ready and tidy up whatever you need at home.”

As she finished speaking, her gaze shifted to the room next door. “That one needs to go with you too, doesn’t he?”

Ming Dai knew she was referring to Zhou Sinian and nodded. “Of course, he has to come. But don’t worry—he listens to me now!”