Chapter 142: Remember This Kindness
Shen Meng noticed Lu Zhenping’s confusion, leaned closer to him and said, "I bought these from the Cooperative Society and spent quite a bit of money. Consider it a favor for you. Just look at how my brother and sister-in-law are staring at you, almost melting you with their gazes."
Following her gaze, Lu Zhenping glanced back at his uncles and almost got goosebumps; it was really creepy.
The men were talking in the main room while Mingyang and Mingliang, along with the other children, clung close to Lu Zhenping. They were truly frightened today.
Worried they might be hungry, Shen Meng first brought out the dumplings she had bought from the State-Owned Restaurant, heated them on the coal stove, and hurriedly let them eat. With many people around, Lv Qinlan helped with the cooking. Shen Meng took out a piece of smoked bacon, cut half a cabbage, stir-fried them briefly, then added water and directly cooked a large pot of noodles. From another small pot, she took out ten prepared pie fillings from the cupboard, had Su Xiaomei oil them, and started to cook.
The golden crumbly pies and fragrant noodles were soon ready. The fish brought back from the county was heated, and the family gathered around the dining table to start eating.
"Eldest brother, second brother, when you go back, take this bag with you. Inside there are officer boots for dad and mom, big head cotton shoes for you, scarves for elder sister-in-law and second sister-in-law. Xiao Bin, take these clothes with you tonight. Also, these food containers are for Xiangxiang and Director Guo, and this thermos is porridge for Daya’s mother."
"Your family has fortune now, having food and drinks, and buying so much stuff. Little sister, don’t be so extravagant. These must cost a lot, can you afford it? Zhenping’s allowance as a soldier is meant for raising children; how can it also suffice to buy so much for us? We don’t want it, you should return them. If it’s not returnable, then sell them in the town."
Shen Shoutian slurped his noodles while also lecturing his sister. Country folks wearing multi-layered cotton shoes are already enviable, yet his sister went ahead and bought so many big head cotton shoes; that would cost a pretty penny. Even city dwellers would want to buy them by gritting their teeth.