"Heidan, are the biscuits delicious?"
Round crackers, chive-flavored, in this era without waste oil and flavors, the biscuits baked with wheat flour and pure vegetable oil are simply delicious. Dong Jiahui even tasted it and thought it was very delicious.
Heidan sat beside Dong Jiahui, holding a piece of biscuit in each of his left and right hands, chewing it like a little squirrel, and nodded obediently after hearing Dong Jiahui's question.
This kind of biscuit farmers are generally reluctant to buy, sixty-five cents a catty,
You can buy a dozen or so eggs, but you still can't fill your stomach.
The biscuits sold by the Village Supply and Marketing Cooperative are loose, small round biscuits with chive flavor, salty finger-shaped biscuits, and a sweet fragrance sprinkled with sesame seeds.
In the high-end shopping malls in the city, they are sold in tin boxes. Dong Jiahui ate them when she was a child, and the tin boxes are kept at home for storage, to hold some small things.
Dong Jiahui sat aside and looked at Heidan. If you look carefully, Heidan is a very handsome and cute little boy. He is very cute when he eats, but he always keeps his head down and doesn’t like to talk, so he doesn’t look like he loves to laugh. The noisy Yingbao is just cute.
"Heidan, do you like me?"
Suddenly being asked this, Heidan turned his head in surprise, looked at her with big round eyes, met Dong Jiahui's smiling gaze, and shrank back like a frightened snail out of its shell.
His reaction made Dong Jiahui feel a little funny and at the same time a little ashamed. Although she cared about Heidan and Yingbao and took good care of her, she realized that this caring and thoughtfulness did not come from her mother's position.
She has never been a mother before, and she doesn't know how a mother loves her child with all her heart, so for the black egg who lacks maternal love, her heartache is more than love.
"Heidan, do you miss your mother?"
She did not hesitate to mention "mother" in front of Heidan, and carefully paid attention to Heidan's expression. For a four-year-old child, mother is unfamiliar and familiar to Heidan.
The child's memory can stay for too short a time, and he has almost forgotten what his mother looks like.
My aunt said that if I recognized my new mother, my mother would not come back, and she was here to snatch my father.
Thinking of this, Heidan felt that the biscuits in his hand were no longer delicious.
The change in Heidan's eyes did not escape Dong Jiahui's eyes. She sighed in her heart, and said softly to Heidan, "You miss your mother, don't you? Then let me tell you, you have to study hard, and when you grow up, you can pass the exam. After college, you can go to the city to find your mother."
"Heidan, I know you are a smart kid. Although you don't like to talk, you know everything in your heart. Since you don't want me to be your mother, can you call me aunt from now on? I won't take the place of mother , but I will care about you like a mother."
Heidan still held the biscuit and didn't speak, but for some reason, he suddenly had the urge to cry, but he held back the tears like an adult.
Many years later, Heidan grew up to be a handsome young man. With his father's promotion, he moved to live in the city. His classmates didn't know his family situation. Seeing Dong Jiahui who gave him an umbrella on a rainy day, he exclaimed, "Zhao Zhuojun, your mother looks too young!"
"And it's very temperamental, like a movie star."
Zhao Zhuojun sat in his seat and concentrated on doing the test papers, without saying anything to deny what the students said.
For so many years, although he has been calling her "Aunt Hui" and has not changed his words, in his heart, he has long respected her as a mother.
Some people just gave themselves life, but emptied their whole life; some people gave themselves incomparable maternal love even though they were silent.
*****
After the two of them waited stupidly for an hour at the supply and marketing agency, Zhao Donglin finally came late, saw the pile of things next to Dong Jiahui's seat, and moved directly outside the door without saying anything.
"There's nowhere to put it. You have to tie it with a rope, otherwise you have nowhere to sit."
Dong Jiahui was about to say, then I'll go back, but she chose to shut up when she heard the last sentence.
She has never been a person who likes to wrong herself. Walking is too tiring. If you have a car, you should choose to take a car. Even though the road is uneven and your butt hurts, it is better than walking all the way for an hour.
There is a very classic saying in the world I came from, that is, I would rather cry in a BMW than laugh behind a bicycle. As everyone knows, in this era, a 28-bar bicycle is comparable to a future BMW.
All the way home, it happened to be lunch break, the family came back from the field one after another, seeing the things Dong Jiahui brought back in big and small bags, Zheng Yuefen stared at the boss.
How much does it cost for so many things! This new sister-in-law is also too capable.
"Shitou, come here, my aunt bought a lot of food from the town."
Dong Jiahui had already given Yingbao the biscuits, and she didn't favor one over the other when the stone came back, and took out the stone's share.
Hearing that there was something delicious, Shi Shi rushed over. The temperature had dropped these days, and he had a bit of a cold, with two caterpillar-like snot under his nose.
There are three children in the family. Heidan Yingbao takes a bath frequently and looks clean and tidy, but the stone bather is not very diligent. He is also more naughty than Heidan Yingbao. With the recent cold, he naturally looks a little sloppy.
Walking to Dong Jiahui's side, Shi Shi stretched out his hand to get it into the oiled paper bag, but Dong Jiahui hurriedly stopped him when he saw his dirty hands that could not see the original skin color.
"Stone, wait a minute, wash your hands before eating. You see, your hands are covered with dirt, and if you eat it, it will ruin your stomach. Auntie will take you to wash your hands, okay?"
Shi Shi's eyes stayed on the biscuit. After Dong Jiahui finished speaking, he didn't say yes or no, and followed Dong Jiahui's movements to the well in a daze.
"Look, your little hands are very dirty, you have to wash them before eating."
The snot was about to drop, the stone sucked and slipped, and he sucked the green caterpillar into his nose.
"Oh, the snot needs to be wiped off, it's not hygienic."
There was an adult in the seat, and an adult with a slight obsession with cleanliness. Seeing this scene, the cells in his body were about to explode.
Zheng Yuefen stood aside and cast a sideways glance. She wanted to say that Dong Jiahui was hypocritical, but her words turned around and she finally said, "Sister-in-law, you went to the town to buy so much cloth today."
Dong Jiahui took a dry towel and wiped Shi Shi's hands, and replied, "Well, it's cold, Heidan Yingbao doesn't have a lot of clothes, so I have to add some clothes for them, and the Chinese New Year will be in a few months I'm going to make a winter coat for my parents to wear during the New Year."
She is new to clothes, making clothes for her in-laws is considered filial piety, but it is worthwhile to spend some effort to make her in-laws happy.
When Zheng Yuefen heard that Dong Jiahui said that she wanted to make it for Heidan Yingbao and her in-laws, she felt uncomfortable. Don't think she didn't know that Dong Jiahui was making her sister-in-law's coat these days, which was made of floral fabric with a red background. , I heard that Dong Jiahui went to the city to buy it before she married her eldest brother.
"Sister-in-law, why don't you count our family of three? Our stone is also short of winter clothes."
Dong Jiahuichun thought she didn't understand, and said with a smile, "Isn't Shitou taken care of by your own mother? I have already honored my parents' portion for you. You said that there are still more than two months before the Chinese New Year. I have to prepare for it." It’s really powerless to have less things.”
At this time, Zhang Qiaoer just came out of the house, she knew that the second daughter-in-law was about to fall ill again, so she stopped her and said, "Okay, let's eat, I have already reserved tickets for you to make clothes, enough for the three of you. "
"Then I don't know how to make clothes, sister-in-law, by the way."
Dong Jiahui was speechless, she wanted more than fabrics and cotton, she also wanted to make it for her with both hands, she was not polite immediately, and went back directly.
"I've been very busy recently, I'm afraid I don't have the time. I went to the street today and met a neighbor from my mother's team. She asked me to make clothes for her. A piece of clothing costs two yuan by hand."
Dong Jiahui's work points on the team are six per day. Based on the team's dividends before last year, women get 10 cents for each work, and men get 13 cents for each work. That means Dong Jiahui can earn 60 cents a day, and 2 yuan for a piece of clothing. The money and labor costs are equivalent to the wages of three days of labor. The key is that they are actually paid by others, and they are earned extra.
"Two dollars!"
Zheng Yuefen was so surprised that she almost broke her voice, and the rest of the family were also quite surprised.
"That's good. If there is nothing to do in the warehouse tomorrow, you should come back early. Don't let others rush you."
It is a good thing for the daughter-in-law to earn money by crafting. It is said that half of the money for the sewing machine that the Dong family accompanied was earned by the daughter-in-law herself by helping others make clothes.
In terms of making money, everyone's attitude has been in the same line since ancient times, that is, the more the better, and no one wants too much. This kind of money that can be earned by sitting at home and relying on craftsmanship is definitely the best way to make money.
"Well, I know mom."
Seeing her mother-in-law talking to Dong Jiahui again, Zheng Yuefen put herself aside, feeling even more angry.
Don't think that she only knows what Dong Jiahui said for this matter, doesn't it mean that I help others make clothes for money, so I can't help you for nothing.
But why, she does it for her in-laws, her sister-in-law, and Yingbao, the black egg, for free, so there are three more members of her own family
"Sister-in-law, look, what kind of money does the family raise? The money earned by me and Donghe has been given to Mom. Is it possible to ask Mom to give you the money? Even if Mom gave it, you would be embarrassed to accept it, wouldn't you?"
After hearing this, Dong Jiahui looked at Zheng Yuefen seriously. She thought that Zheng Yuefen's ability was just to act recklessly, but she didn't expect that she knew how to use her mother-in-law's knife to deal with herself.
"Sisters and sisters, you really misunderstood me. I mean, since people have paid me, I have to do it right away. You see, there are only a few days before the Chinese New Year. I have to go to work during the day, and I have two children from time to time. I also need to take care of it. How can I have time to fix the clothes of the family? The black egg Yingbao is my responsibility and I will not shirk it. My parents are also my parents. Even if my younger siblings help me, don’t blame me. I really am not. on purpose."
Since you hate me so much, then I won't be polite, let's see who has a thick skin, I want to force her head to drink water, sorry, I really don't have this habit.
Zheng Yuefen was short of words for a while, and when she wanted to start a hard argument, Zhao Donghe said, "Okay, I haven't seen you talk so much in previous years. If you find it troublesome, then don't add more clothes this year."
In the recent cold war with Zhao Donghe, Zheng Yuefen also saw her husband's bullish temper, and she really didn't dare to stand up to him, so she had to keep her mouth shut.
Meixiang cooks lunch, mapo tofu, dried cabbage, leek egg soup, wild vegetable pancakes, all learned from Jiahui.
"Meixiang, your cooking skills are getting better and better now."
Dong Jiahui praised generously, Meixiang smiled embarrassedly, Zhang Qiaoer also nodded and said, "It is indeed better than before, so even if I marry you tomorrow, I won't worry that your in-laws will dislike your cooking."
Zhang Qiaoer said this because when she first married into the Zhao family when she was young, her mother-in-law disliked her for not knowing how to cook, and from then on, her mother-in-law came to do all the cooking at home, and the kitchen was handed over to her when her mother-in-law passed away for a hundred years inside.
Later, she discovered that the two daughters followed her in cooking. Now it seems that the daughters are not talented, or that she, as a mother, has not played a good role in leading the way.
"Oh mom, what are you talking about, let's eat quickly."
Mei Xiang was eighteen after her first birthday. In rural areas, not to mention looking for someone at this age, many people even got married. For example, the original owner, Dong Jiahui, married Lu Chengyuan at the age of eighteen.
"What's there to be ashamed of? Your brother didn't take care of you when he got married this year. We'll find you a husband's family after the new year. We're not in a hurry, even if we pick one for a year or two."
Next year will be 1976, the Digital Gang will be disbanded, and the college entrance examination will be resumed in 1977. In Dong Jiahui's view, there is no need for sister-in-law to rush to marry.
Thinking of this, Dong Jiahui said with a smile, "A good girl like us Meixiang has to keep her eyes wide open and choose carefully. Marriage is a lifetime event. Isn't there a saying that marriage is a woman's second reincarnation, and Meixiang's first?" If the birth is so good, the second child must be better."
Dong Jiahui's words praised Meixiang and her husband's family. The whole family was very happy to hear it, except Zheng Yuefen, who disliked her no matter what.
"Your sister-in-law is right. Let's not worry. We will find you a good one."
Mei Xiang blushed and buried her head in the meal. Seeing that she was embarrassed, others would inevitably laugh at her. Dong Jiahui smiled and fed Yingbao rice, and accidentally met Zhao Donglin. His eyes were rich and bright. Dong Jiahui's face I also unconsciously climbed into a blush.
The next day, Dong Jiahui returned home from work in the warehouse, and while she was doing clothes, she waited for Heart to come over. At around nine o'clock, the voice of Heart finally sounded outside the courtyard gate.
"God, I walked all the way, your house is easy for me to find."
On such a cold day, Heart was flushed and panting, Dong Jiahui hurriedly welcomed her into the room, poured her a glass of warm water, and added a spoonful of brown sugar to the water.
After drinking the brown sugar water, Hong Tao came back to her senses. Seeing Mei Xiang holding a baby in the house, Hong Tao greeted Mei Xiang with a smile.
"Is this your sister?"
Dong Jiahui nodded, "Well, the youngest in the family is well-behaved and sensible."
It's not that she deliberately praised her sister-in-law. Although she has only been together for a few days, Dong Jiahui has already seen that Meixiang is a good girl, sensible and considerate. Because of this, Dong Jiahui felt that it would be a great disadvantage for Meixiang to find someone to marry in a hurry. Such a good girl is suitable for a better life.
"Your girl looks pretty good-looking, did you mention her?"
Hongtao has a lively personality and is a person who is very social and easy to make friends. He seems to be informal and outspoken, but he speaks and acts very well. This kind of personality is very popular in the countryside. If you go to Dayu Village to inquire about Heart, at least eight out of ten people say she is not bad.
"No, she's still young. The family loves her and wants to stay for two more years."
Dong Jiahui knew what Heart meant when she heard this, and guessed that she wanted to tell Mei Xiang someone, so she hurriedly blocked her.
"Oh, it hurts her so we can't stay longer. Good meals should be cooked earlier, otherwise we won't be able to eat hot meals. My natal family has a little brother who is not bad in character and appearance. He is a good match for Meixiang. Let's talk about it tomorrow."
In a few words, Hongtao's name for Meixiang has changed from a girl to a name, and Dong Jiahui, a time-traveler, has to admire her communication skills.
The young girl blushes when she hears such things, Dong Jiahui rescues Meixiang, picks up Yingbao and takes the hearts to her room, and asks Meixiang to prepare lunch.
After entering the house, Hongtao looked around and praised, "Your house is well organized."
Dong Jiahui smiled and put Yingbao on the sofa, took two biscuits from the cabinet and gave Yingbao to sit and eat.
"It's okay, anyway, it's very convenient to live in."
"It's better than mine. The furniture I got when I got married has long since been ruined by the children."
"It's normal to have children in the family."
Hongtao watched Yingbao eat the biscuit with a smile, took out a piece of candy from her pocket and handed it to her, don't look at Yingbao who is small, never accepting things from others at random, but first look at Jiahui, after getting her consent Just took it.
"You have to thank Auntie for giving you candy."
Ying Bao looked at Hearts softly and cutely, and said in a childish voice, "Thank you, Auntie."
Women have no natural resistance to cute things, Hongtao smiled and hugged Yingbao into her arms, and said with a look of surprise, "You are such a nice little girl, even if she wasn't born by herself, it still makes people feel distressed, I say that Don't be unhappy, there are many people in our village who want to see your jokes."
Dong Jiahui sneered, and asked pretending not to understand, "What joke are you watching?"
"For example, life in the in-law's house is unsatisfactory, and stepson and stepdaughter don't get along well. You know, people in the village start talking nonsense when they are free."
Dong Jiahui was noncommittal and ended the topic on her own initiative.
"I drew a few styles, which one do you like?"
The styles drawn by Dong Jiahui include Tang suits with stand-up collars and buttons, Chinese tunic suits that are popular now, military uniforms, and improved suits.
Heart took a closer look, pointed to the style of the last improved suit and said, "That's it. I've made preparations to wear it during the Chinese New Year. Not many people wear this style, so it will definitely be eye-catching when I wear it for New Year greetings."
Dong Jiahui nodded. In fact, this style will become very popular in a few years.
"Okay, then I'll give you two more sizes. Now that it's going to be cold, you'll need a cotton jacket inside, right?"
"Yes, put it on the outside of the padded jacket."
"OK."
With that said, Dong Jiahui took out the tape measure and measured Dong Jiahui's size.
"When will I get it?"
"Three to five days."
"I'm not in a hurry, or if you're ready, someone will send me a message." After finishing speaking, Heart asked again, "How much will I pay this time?"
"The old price, you must give me a discount for my sister, remember to introduce other customers to me later."
Heart smiled and took out three dollars from her pocket, two dollars for clothes and another dollar for trousers.
"Okay, I like to talk to straightforward people. I'll give you the money first. I believe in your craftsmanship. I'll help you introduce others later."