Chapter 174: Revelation

The next morning, when Xu Ning got up, Mother Xu and Aunt Lu had already finished wrapping dumplings and returned to the cowshed, while Xu Yang was busy carrying water to water the vegetables.

Seeing that it was still early, she decided to wait a little longer before boiling the dumplings.

First, she took a basket to the vegetable garden to pick some cucumbers and tomatoes, planning to have the two of them take them along to eat on the way.

Then she remembered the college entrance exam and realized she hadn’t reminded Li Na yet. She thought it would be better to say something to Xu Yang instead.

“Brother, wait a moment before you go fetch more water. I have something to tell you.”

Xu Yang placed the bucket under the eaves and smiled, “Go ahead. What do you want to remind your brother about this time?”

Xu Ning glared at him and whispered, “Brother, when Xiaotang wrote to me a while ago, he mentioned that I should review the junior and senior high school textbooks with Xiao An.

I’m not sure if there have been any changes in the policies, but when you and Sister-in-law have some free time, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look at the books.”

Xu Yang looked at her seriously and asked, “Really?”

Xu Ning nodded and said, “He just mentioned it to me like that, so I’m not sure if I misunderstood.

But I believe that it’s always beneficial to read more. You should remind Sister-in-law as well! Opportunities always favor those who are prepared.”

Xu Yang thought for a moment and said, “If Brother Xiaotang said it, then it should be reliable. I understand. Let’s not mention this to anyone else.”

Xu Ning quickly nodded and went to pick cucumbers and tomatoes.

When Xu An arrived from the youth compound and saw Xu Yang standing there in deep thought, he asked, “Brother, what are you standing there for?”

Xu Yang came to his senses and smiled, “Oh, I wasn’t thinking about anything. Mom and Aunt Lu have already finished making the dumplings. You can go ahead and boil them. I’ll fetch a few buckets of water to water the vegetables.”

After they had eaten, Xu Ning and Xu An brought out the two large bags and one small bag they had packed.

Xu Yang was somewhat accustomed to this; he had seen this many times before, as they always came back with large and small bags.

Li Na looked surprised and asked, “Xiao Ning, Xiao An, why do you have so many things? What’s in them?”

Xu Ning smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, it’s just some dried vegetables and mushrooms that I’ve sun-dried. You can take them back for Uncle, Aunt, and your two brothers to try.

This small bag has some dry snacks for you to eat on the way, along with some cucumbers and tomatoes.”

“But this is too much, isn’t it? If you give us all these dried vegetables, what will you and your family eat?”

“Sister-in-law, we have plenty more at home. In the countryside, we never run out of these dried vegetables.”

Li Na glanced at Xu Yang.

Xu Yang smiled and said, “Just take them. Every time I come here, they also pack large and small bags for me. If I don’t take them, they’ll be unhappy.”

Li Na glared at him and, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, “Xiao Ning, Xiao An, your brother and I didn’t bring much when we came, but it feels like we’re emptying the whole house as we leave.”

Xu An laughed and said, “Sister-in-law, you brought so much milk powder for the little ones when you came. You didn’t hold back at all.

These things aren’t worth much; they’re just some wild vegetables and mushrooms. They’re everywhere in the mountains. Whenever we want to eat them, we can just go pick them, so please don’t feel too polite.”

Xu Yang picked up the two bags and said, “Let’s go. We don’t want Grandpa Chen to wait too long.”

The group carried their luggage toward the main road, where Old Chen was already waiting.

As they climbed onto the ox cart, Xu Ning reminded them, “Brother, Sister-in-law, you should eat the things in this small bag soon. It’s hot now, and we don’t want them to spoil.”

Xu Yang waved his hand and said gently, “We know. You should head back quickly; the little kids will wake up soon.”

Once the ox cart had driven away, the two of them returned home.

Xu An said to Xu Ning, “Sister, I have to go to work today as well. The factory has been a bit busy lately, and it wouldn’t be good to keep asking for leave.”

“Then hurry and go! It’s getting late, and if you head to the city now, you’ll almost be late for work,” Xu Ning urged him, glancing at the time.

When they returned home, they saw the tomatoes and cucumbers on the table.

Xu Ning slapped her forehead and exclaimed, “Oh no! I forgot to pack the cucumbers and tomatoes I picked for Big Brother!”

Xu An took the items and smiled, “Sister, it’s fine. Grandpa Chen’s ox cart is slow, so I’ll ride the bicycle to deliver them.”

Xu Yang looked at Yushu Village, which was growing farther away, and sighed softly.

Li Na quietly squeezed his hand, comforting him, “Let’s come back again next year when we have a holiday.”

Xu Yang held her hand in return and nodded with a smile.

Li Na looked at the figure riding a bicycle not far away and asked, “Xu Yang, is that Xiao An?”

“Yes, it should be. He’s probably going to work at the factory.”

Xu An caught up with the ox cart and smiled, “Brother, Sister-in-law, We forgot to pack the cucumbers and tomatoes we picked for you this morning. Since I’m heading to work, I brought them along.”

Li Na gazed at the basket full of fresh, glistening tomatoes and cucumbers, feeling that these siblings were incredibly thoughtful and considerate in every aspect.