Chapter 5 Going to Town
After watching Song Wei Ping depart, Xu Xiao Jiao turned around and found Wu Chun Hua sitting by the bed wiping tears.
"Why are you crying?" Xu Xiao Jiao stepped forward to wipe her tears.
Wu Chun Hua was recalling how often Xu Yan Yan disdained the family's poverty over the years and how happy she was when she knew her parents were cadres. These days, Xu Yan Yan was ordering her around. One time, she beat Son. Xiao Jiao grew up in the city. How much more would Xiao Jiao dislike this family?
"It's all because I’m useless. From now on, you'll have to suffer with me." Because Xu Xiao Jiao never called her Mom, she didn't even dare to call herself Mom.
Xu Xiao Jiao sighed, "Don't cry, I'll let you have a good life in the future."
Wasn’t there Song Wei Ping? With the long-term meal ticket present, life will definitely get better and better in the future.
Although Xu Xiao Jiao couldn't call Wu Chun Hua ‘Mom’ yet, she couldn't remain indifferent. She took out another milk candy, peeled off the wrapper, and stuffed it into Wu Chun Hua's mouth, "Candy. Try it, it's delicious."
The sweet aroma of milk exploded in her mouth. Wu Chun Hua was stunned for a moment. Then she wanted to spit it out in a hurry, "I don't want to eat. Xiao Jiao, you eat."
This was a precious thing. Back when her husband was still alive, their family had it once during the New Year one year. Since then, she never tasted it again.
Xu Xiao Jiao halted her hand, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, "It's for you to eat. Why spit it out. I'm telling you, from today on, your life will be just like this candy. It will become sweeter."
As the well-known sweet-mouthed king in the family, Xu Xiao Jiao's ability to coax people was top-notch. See, Wu Chun Hua broke into a grin with a single sentence, "You, it’s good enough that you don't disdain our family for being poor."
Disdain or not. In this era and in the countryside, even when a wealthy family can only reach a certain degree. To Xu Xiao Jiao, it was no different.
Wu Chun Hua bent down to tidy Xu Xiao Jiao's things. Xu Xiao Jiao casually caught sight of a small head poking around the door.
"This is my younger brother, right?" Xu Xiao Jiao waved to him, "Come here."
Wu Chun Hua hurriedly stood up and looked over and saw how her son was afraid to come over and thinking of Xiao Jiao's words just now, she knew that she wasn’t like Yan Yan. She revealed a smile, "Yes, this is your younger brother, Xiao Gang. He is eleven this year. Xiao Gang, come over and call Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Gang looked at Xu Xiao Jiao who was smiling in front of him. Clenching his fists, he lowered his head and called out, "Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Jiao didn't mind. The eleven-year-old child looked younger than ten years old. He wasn't short, but he was as thin as a bamboo pole. Toward this stranger Elder Sister, it wasn't too much to say he held resistance.
She took out all the remaining five or six pieces of candy in the bag, "Hey, Xiao Gang. I'll give you some candy. Today, I have no preparation. Elder Sister will treat you to something more delicious tomorrow."
The six pieces of candy wrapped in white sugar paper were held in Xu Xiao Jiao's white palm and presented before Xu Xiao Gang's eyes. This made him look up in surprise, with disbelief in his eyes.
Wu Chun Hua was also stunned. She took two steps forward and held Xu Xiao Jiao's hand that held the candies, "Xiao Jiao, you eat. Keep for yourself. Xiao Gang won't eat."
Xu Xiao Jiao laughed when she heard this. She knew that candies were precious things in this day and age. But Wu Chun Hua was overreacting a bit, "I don't like eating this. There aren’t many left. Give it to Xiao Gang. Xiao Gang, hey, take it. When Elder Sister earns money, I will buy you more."
It seemed this was the first time for Xu Xiao Gang to encounter this kind of situation. Xu Xiao Jiao obviously sensed that he wanted it. However, he lifted his fingers and dropped them. He won’t take it. So she added, "Take it. We will be one family from now on. No need to be polite."
Wu Chun Hua's eyes became hot when she heard it, "Good child, your Elder Sister told you to take it, so just take it."
She squeezed back the tears she had shed and turned around to sort her daughter's things again. The warmth in her heart made her feel new height of joy.
She remembered that when Xu Yan Yan was at home, she would snatch away all good things and never left any for her younger brother. Sometimes she can't stand the sight. Before she could open her mouth, Yan Yan started to blame her for being incompetent, unable to earn money, unable to buy delicious food, and making her suffer bitterness.
In this home, what Xiao Jiao did now- giving things to her younger brother had never happened before.
Xu Xiao Gang held the candies in his hand. He kept looking at Xu Xiao Jiao, secretly thinking in his heart that she was different from his former elder sister.
Xu Xiao Jiao was in the middle of tidying her things and noticed him repeatedly glancing over. She didn't say a word though. She mentally remarked that this child was really like his mom. Both of them had tightly-closed personality. Whatever words were kept inside and not a word was uttered. This personality seemed to look easy to bully.
She beckoned her hand to Xu Xiao Gang. This time the child obediently came over and sluggishly called, "Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Jiao took out a candy from his hand, peeled off the candy wrapper, and motioned him to open his mouth. A white and tender candy went into his mouth, "Silly Younger Brother, eat it. What are you watching me for?"
The mother-son’s reactions were exactly the same. Xu Xiao Gang's eyes widened, he ran to Wu Chun Hua's side, and whispered, "Mom, she gave me candy."
Wu Chun Hua’s heart settled down. When she heard her son's stupid words, she chastised, "That's Elder Sister. Since your Elder Sister gave it to you, eat it. She gave Mom one just now. Don't foolishly stand there. Properly put away the sweet. Sprinkle some water on the ground and scrub the floor for your Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Gang bit the soft candy in his mouth and squinted his eyes happily. He lowered his head and counted the candies in his palm. There were five left. He put them in his pocket with care, turned around, and began to sprinkle water and scrub the floor.
Only then did Wu Chun Hua raise her head and speak to Xu Xiao Jiao, "If you have any matter, let your Younger Brother do it. Don't judge him for being skinny, he's capable of work. He can earn three or four work points a day at work."
Xu Xiao Jiao couldn't bear to hear it. Male laborers earned ten work points a day, while female laborers earned eight work points. Xu Xiao Gang was still a teen. He was at the age of going to school and playing. However, he had to earn rations for himself. Due to overexerting himself during the growth period, he ended up like in the book- poor health in the later stage and needed injections and medicines.
"Work is too exhausting, so go there less in the future. I can help in the future. Xiao Gang can just do some house chores at home. He hasn't attended school yet. After earning money, send him to school first."
Eleven years old, it's a bit late to go to school, but in this era, there were many children who only entered the first grade in their teens. If they learn fast and skip a grade, they can catch up.
Besides, there were a lot of things to do at home. Cooking can't be left to Song Wei Ping alone. Xu Xiao Jiao smilingly eyed the busy bee Xu Xiao Gang. Once this kid is trained well, he’ll also be a good cook.
As for her, if it wasn’t necessary, it was better to just move her mouth.
Of course, when going out with Song Wei Ping, Xu Xiao Jiao maximized the principle of moving her mouth and not hands to make him get used to it.
As soon as she went out, Xu Xiao Jiao handed the cloth bag and a small backbasket to Song Wei Ping, "Take it."
Song Wei Ping didn't refuse and took it in silence.
No matter what age, shopping made people feel happy. Xu Xiao Jiao touched the two braids on her chest. She felt that she was corny and old fashioned and somehow still had some beauty in her heart. She wasn't stingy when it came to saying good things to Song Wei Ping, "I'm going to trouble you today. Come to my house to help me cook later and I’ll treat you and Grandmother to dinner, okay?"
Song Wei Ping glanced at her, "Cook for you?"
He still remembered the meal she cooked for Grandmother yesterday morning.
Xu Xiao Jiao had no psychological burden, "What? Unwilling? I'm very tired from directing you. Mental labor is more tiring than physical labor. You just said that you want to match with me. Now you’re unwilling?"
She narrowed her eyes slightly and looked at Song Wei Ping. If Song Wei Ping didn't have a bit of gentlemanly demeanor, even if she hugged this big thigh, she probably wouldn't be able to benefit from it.
"Willing. I’ll make."
Only then did Xu Xiao Jiao nod in satisfaction. Someone on the side of the road asked her where she was going. She openly greeted the other party, "Auntie, Elder Brother Wei Ping is accompanying me to the town to do some shopping."
She naturally took a step toward Song Wei Ping. The two of them were very close and their relationship appeared unordinary.
On the contrary, the auntie became a little self-conscious from Xu Xiao Jiao’s response and dryly said a few 'okay' before leaving in a hurry.
Xu Xiao Jiao snorted. She was most annoyed by this kind of person who treats others like monkeys every day and gossipped at every corner.
She insisted on being open then. Anyway, as long as she didn’t find it awkward, it's others who were embarrassed.
Xu Xiao Jiao felt her arm touched Song Wei Ping, took a small step away, and turned to look at him, "Hey, Song Wei Ping, look at how warm I am to you in front of people. I'm sure that Auntie will go back, the fact that the two of us are a match will be concrete within a day and the whole village knows it. So you should be more warm to me."
Once Song Wei Ping prospert, everyone will probably think she isn't good enough for him. But right now, she still had the title of a village flower. No matter what, she pulled the short straw now by marrying Song Wei Ping, a pauper with no good reputation.
Seeing that Song Wei Ping remained silent, Xu Xiao Jiao assumed he didn’t have the patience when it came to dealing with women's trivial matters, "Forget it, you don't talk much. I understand, it's better to do well than to speak well. It’s enough as long as you do well."
The town wasn’t far, nearly two kilometers away. It was a thirty minute walk. For Xu Xiao Jiao, whose legs were used to show off her beauty, it was too far.
"It’s better to have a vehicle." By car, it was only a minute or two journey. How satisfying.
Song Wei Ping saw the thin sweat on the tip of her nose and thought she was so delicate. Who didn't know that a bicycle was good. But who can afford it? Unconsciously, he made a mental calculation. Even if he pays off the debt and he saves twenty yuan a year, it will take a good few years to afford a bicycle.
Thinking of this, Song Wei Ping pursed his lips and walked slowly towards the cooperative, "Let's go. The cooperative is here."
Xu Xiao Jiao wasn't in a hurry. She noticed a few stone blocks on the side of the road, which seemed to be for people to sit and rest. So she stretched out her hand and pulled Song Wei Ping's clothes, "Let’s not go to the cooperative yet. Just sit there for a rest. First, take a walk around town and have a look."
The original owner didn't come to the town much before. She got to grasp a general understanding of the town first.
It wasn’t hot in the early spring. There was still a cool breeze. After sitting for a while, Xu Xiao Jiao's restlessness from the journey retreated. Following this, was a dry mouth.
She was a little annoyed. She forgot that there was no mineral water for sale in this era. Wu Chun Hua had reminded her to bring water before going to work in the morning, but she forgot.
"Drink water?"
After watching Song Wei Ping depart, Xu Xiao Jiao turned around and found Wu Chun Hua sitting by the bed wiping tears.
"Why are you crying?" Xu Xiao Jiao stepped forward to wipe her tears.
Wu Chun Hua was recalling how often Xu Yan Yan disdained the family's poverty over the years and how happy she was when she knew her parents were cadres. These days, Xu Yan Yan was ordering her around. One time, she beat Son. Xiao Jiao grew up in the city. How much more would Xiao Jiao dislike this family?
"It's all because I’m useless. From now on, you'll have to suffer with me." Because Xu Xiao Jiao never called her Mom, she didn't even dare to call herself Mom.
Xu Xiao Jiao sighed, "Don't cry, I'll let you have a good life in the future."
Wasn’t there Song Wei Ping? With the long-term meal ticket present, life will definitely get better and better in the future.
Although Xu Xiao Jiao couldn't call Wu Chun Hua ‘Mom’ yet, she couldn't remain indifferent. She took out another milk candy, peeled off the wrapper, and stuffed it into Wu Chun Hua's mouth, "Candy. Try it, it's delicious."
The sweet aroma of milk exploded in her mouth. Wu Chun Hua was stunned for a moment. Then she wanted to spit it out in a hurry, "I don't want to eat. Xiao Jiao, you eat."
This was a precious thing. Back when her husband was still alive, their family had it once during the New Year one year. Since then, she never tasted it again.
Xu Xiao Jiao halted her hand, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, "It's for you to eat. Why spit it out. I'm telling you, from today on, your life will be just like this candy. It will become sweeter."
As the well-known sweet-mouthed king in the family, Xu Xiao Jiao's ability to coax people was top-notch. See, Wu Chun Hua broke into a grin with a single sentence, "You, it’s good enough that you don't disdain our family for being poor."
Disdain or not. In this era and in the countryside, even when a wealthy family can only reach a certain degree. To Xu Xiao Jiao, it was no different.
Wu Chun Hua bent down to tidy Xu Xiao Jiao's things. Xu Xiao Jiao casually caught sight of a small head poking around the door.
"This is my younger brother, right?" Xu Xiao Jiao waved to him, "Come here."
Wu Chun Hua hurriedly stood up and looked over and saw how her son was afraid to come over and thinking of Xiao Jiao's words just now, she knew that she wasn’t like Yan Yan. She revealed a smile, "Yes, this is your younger brother, Xiao Gang. He is eleven this year. Xiao Gang, come over and call Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Gang looked at Xu Xiao Jiao who was smiling in front of him. Clenching his fists, he lowered his head and called out, "Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Jiao didn't mind. The eleven-year-old child looked younger than ten years old. He wasn't short, but he was as thin as a bamboo pole. Toward this stranger Elder Sister, it wasn't too much to say he held resistance.
She took out all the remaining five or six pieces of candy in the bag, "Hey, Xiao Gang. I'll give you some candy. Today, I have no preparation. Elder Sister will treat you to something more delicious tomorrow."
The six pieces of candy wrapped in white sugar paper were held in Xu Xiao Jiao's white palm and presented before Xu Xiao Gang's eyes. This made him look up in surprise, with disbelief in his eyes.
Wu Chun Hua was also stunned. She took two steps forward and held Xu Xiao Jiao's hand that held the candies, "Xiao Jiao, you eat. Keep for yourself. Xiao Gang won't eat."
Xu Xiao Jiao laughed when she heard this. She knew that candies were precious things in this day and age. But Wu Chun Hua was overreacting a bit, "I don't like eating this. There aren’t many left. Give it to Xiao Gang. Xiao Gang, hey, take it. When Elder Sister earns money, I will buy you more."
It seemed this was the first time for Xu Xiao Gang to encounter this kind of situation. Xu Xiao Jiao obviously sensed that he wanted it. However, he lifted his fingers and dropped them. He won’t take it. So she added, "Take it. We will be one family from now on. No need to be polite."
Wu Chun Hua's eyes became hot when she heard it, "Good child, your Elder Sister told you to take it, so just take it."
She squeezed back the tears she had shed and turned around to sort her daughter's things again. The warmth in her heart made her feel new height of joy.
She remembered that when Xu Yan Yan was at home, she would snatch away all good things and never left any for her younger brother. Sometimes she can't stand the sight. Before she could open her mouth, Yan Yan started to blame her for being incompetent, unable to earn money, unable to buy delicious food, and making her suffer bitterness.
In this home, what Xiao Jiao did now- giving things to her younger brother had never happened before.
Xu Xiao Gang held the candies in his hand. He kept looking at Xu Xiao Jiao, secretly thinking in his heart that she was different from his former elder sister.
Xu Xiao Jiao was in the middle of tidying her things and noticed him repeatedly glancing over. She didn't say a word though. She mentally remarked that this child was really like his mom. Both of them had tightly-closed personality. Whatever words were kept inside and not a word was uttered. This personality seemed to look easy to bully.
She beckoned her hand to Xu Xiao Gang. This time the child obediently came over and sluggishly called, "Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Jiao took out a candy from his hand, peeled off the candy wrapper, and motioned him to open his mouth. A white and tender candy went into his mouth, "Silly Younger Brother, eat it. What are you watching me for?"
The mother-son’s reactions were exactly the same. Xu Xiao Gang's eyes widened, he ran to Wu Chun Hua's side, and whispered, "Mom, she gave me candy."
Wu Chun Hua’s heart settled down. When she heard her son's stupid words, she chastised, "That's Elder Sister. Since your Elder Sister gave it to you, eat it. She gave Mom one just now. Don't foolishly stand there. Properly put away the sweet. Sprinkle some water on the ground and scrub the floor for your Elder Sister."
Xu Xiao Gang bit the soft candy in his mouth and squinted his eyes happily. He lowered his head and counted the candies in his palm. There were five left. He put them in his pocket with care, turned around, and began to sprinkle water and scrub the floor.
Only then did Wu Chun Hua raise her head and speak to Xu Xiao Jiao, "If you have any matter, let your Younger Brother do it. Don't judge him for being skinny, he's capable of work. He can earn three or four work points a day at work."
Xu Xiao Jiao couldn't bear to hear it. Male laborers earned ten work points a day, while female laborers earned eight work points. Xu Xiao Gang was still a teen. He was at the age of going to school and playing. However, he had to earn rations for himself. Due to overexerting himself during the growth period, he ended up like in the book- poor health in the later stage and needed injections and medicines.
"Work is too exhausting, so go there less in the future. I can help in the future. Xiao Gang can just do some house chores at home. He hasn't attended school yet. After earning money, send him to school first."
Eleven years old, it's a bit late to go to school, but in this era, there were many children who only entered the first grade in their teens. If they learn fast and skip a grade, they can catch up.
Besides, there were a lot of things to do at home. Cooking can't be left to Song Wei Ping alone. Xu Xiao Jiao smilingly eyed the busy bee Xu Xiao Gang. Once this kid is trained well, he’ll also be a good cook.
As for her, if it wasn’t necessary, it was better to just move her mouth.
Of course, when going out with Song Wei Ping, Xu Xiao Jiao maximized the principle of moving her mouth and not hands to make him get used to it.
As soon as she went out, Xu Xiao Jiao handed the cloth bag and a small backbasket to Song Wei Ping, "Take it."
Song Wei Ping didn't refuse and took it in silence.
No matter what age, shopping made people feel happy. Xu Xiao Jiao touched the two braids on her chest. She felt that she was corny and old fashioned and somehow still had some beauty in her heart. She wasn't stingy when it came to saying good things to Song Wei Ping, "I'm going to trouble you today. Come to my house to help me cook later and I’ll treat you and Grandmother to dinner, okay?"
Song Wei Ping glanced at her, "Cook for you?"
He still remembered the meal she cooked for Grandmother yesterday morning.
Xu Xiao Jiao had no psychological burden, "What? Unwilling? I'm very tired from directing you. Mental labor is more tiring than physical labor. You just said that you want to match with me. Now you’re unwilling?"
She narrowed her eyes slightly and looked at Song Wei Ping. If Song Wei Ping didn't have a bit of gentlemanly demeanor, even if she hugged this big thigh, she probably wouldn't be able to benefit from it.
"Willing. I’ll make."
Only then did Xu Xiao Jiao nod in satisfaction. Someone on the side of the road asked her where she was going. She openly greeted the other party, "Auntie, Elder Brother Wei Ping is accompanying me to the town to do some shopping."
She naturally took a step toward Song Wei Ping. The two of them were very close and their relationship appeared unordinary.
On the contrary, the auntie became a little self-conscious from Xu Xiao Jiao’s response and dryly said a few 'okay' before leaving in a hurry.
Xu Xiao Jiao snorted. She was most annoyed by this kind of person who treats others like monkeys every day and gossipped at every corner.
She insisted on being open then. Anyway, as long as she didn’t find it awkward, it's others who were embarrassed.
Xu Xiao Jiao felt her arm touched Song Wei Ping, took a small step away, and turned to look at him, "Hey, Song Wei Ping, look at how warm I am to you in front of people. I'm sure that Auntie will go back, the fact that the two of us are a match will be concrete within a day and the whole village knows it. So you should be more warm to me."
Once Song Wei Ping prospert, everyone will probably think she isn't good enough for him. But right now, she still had the title of a village flower. No matter what, she pulled the short straw now by marrying Song Wei Ping, a pauper with no good reputation.
Seeing that Song Wei Ping remained silent, Xu Xiao Jiao assumed he didn’t have the patience when it came to dealing with women's trivial matters, "Forget it, you don't talk much. I understand, it's better to do well than to speak well. It’s enough as long as you do well."
The town wasn’t far, nearly two kilometers away. It was a thirty minute walk. For Xu Xiao Jiao, whose legs were used to show off her beauty, it was too far.
"It’s better to have a vehicle." By car, it was only a minute or two journey. How satisfying.
Song Wei Ping saw the thin sweat on the tip of her nose and thought she was so delicate. Who didn't know that a bicycle was good. But who can afford it? Unconsciously, he made a mental calculation. Even if he pays off the debt and he saves twenty yuan a year, it will take a good few years to afford a bicycle.
Thinking of this, Song Wei Ping pursed his lips and walked slowly towards the cooperative, "Let's go. The cooperative is here."
Xu Xiao Jiao wasn't in a hurry. She noticed a few stone blocks on the side of the road, which seemed to be for people to sit and rest. So she stretched out her hand and pulled Song Wei Ping's clothes, "Let’s not go to the cooperative yet. Just sit there for a rest. First, take a walk around town and have a look."
The original owner didn't come to the town much before. She got to grasp a general understanding of the town first.
It wasn’t hot in the early spring. There was still a cool breeze. After sitting for a while, Xu Xiao Jiao's restlessness from the journey retreated. Following this, was a dry mouth.
She was a little annoyed. She forgot that there was no mineral water for sale in this era. Wu Chun Hua had reminded her to bring water before going to work in the morning, but she forgot.
"Drink water?"
No comments:
Post a Comment