Secretary Ma hadn't seen Nan Sheng for a long time, so for this midday meal, he was determined to treat her generously. He ordered four hearty dishes, which was already considered quite lavish in this town.
While gnawing on a big pork bone, Nan Sheng couldn't resist a playful remark, "Our hometown dishes are still the best—generous portions and so satisfying. The food in Rongcheng is delicious too, but after a while, the stomach just can't take it."
If Little Qi had heard this, he would have wholeheartedly agreed with tears in his eyes. Ever since returning to town yesterday, he had been running to the outhouse, nearly dehydrating himself from the runs. Ah, all because he couldn't resist his cravings.
They didn't discuss the fertilizer matter while outside, focusing instead on the local customs and culture of Rongcheng. Secretary Ma didn't yearn for the south at all; he loved his little patch of land in Huaishan Town.
"If one day, every village in our town could become prosperous, I'd wake up laughing from my dreams."
Nan Sheng thought that even back in the future, impoverished mountainous areas would still exist. With such a large population base, it was hard to ensure everyone kept pace with development.
Fortunately, with Uncle Yu in Huaishan County and Secretary Ma holding the fort in Huaishan Town—both forward-thinking individuals—the people's lives surely wouldn't be too bad in the future.
"It will happen. That day will come."
During the meal, Secretary Ma also mentioned Yu Feng's situation to Nan Sheng. "We should have results in a day or two. If I get news, I'll have Mingli go back and tell you, so you don't have to worry."
Speaking of which, Secretary Ma's information network was quite efficient. Back when Mingli hadn't even spoken up, he already knew Yu Feng's son had gotten into trouble. It was just a pity his connections weren't willing to wade into that muddy water; his hands were tied.
This fertilizer matter was a turning point. If Yu Feng took it seriously and successfully applied for it, a good harvest next year could erase his past mistakes.
Compared to failing to manage family affairs properly, issues concerning the people's livelihood were far more important.
Having said all that needed saying, and with both husband and wife full from the meal, they rode their bicycles back. The pork bones today were particularly tasty, so Nan Sheng told her brother to get more to take home.
Mingli urged his sister not to. "Have you forgotten how generous Brother Yi was last time? I reckon once he's done with his busy work these couple of days, he'll definitely stock you up with New Year's goods. Better not buy any, or it'll all go uneaten."
Thinking about Xiao Yi's way of doing things, Nan Sheng was also apprehensive. He and Shitou often sent her packages, and over the past two years, it hadn't been a small sum.
So, once the economy opened up in the future, she would definitely have to choose the most suitable path for Xiao Yi and Shitou. Those who gave deserved greater returns.
"Alright then. If you have time today, stop by my place. Take the local specialties home for mom, dad, and grandpa to try."
Arriving home, it was only two in the afternoon. Firewood had been added to the stove, which still held embers, so the house wasn't cold.
Lin Han glanced at his wife and asked if she wanted to go out. Nan Sheng shook her head like a rattle-drum. "No, I need to lie down on the kang for a bit. Feel this, my arms and legs are freezing."
She was already bundled up thickly, but the outside was too cold. Staying out long still left her chilled. Unlike Lin Han, whose hands were still warm—he was like a mobile heat source.
Hearing his wife say this, Lin Han didn't press her. He took off both their outer clothes and used his own body heat to help Nan Sheng warm up quickly.
After about half an hour, the two children also returned. Seeing their parents home, they scrambled onto the kang, sticking their icy cold hands and legs under the warm blankets.
Nan Sheng was chilled by Siqi and helplessly moved aside. Lin Han quickly grabbed his daughter's little feet, rubbing them and her calves while preventing her from playing tricks on her mother.
Sizhe didn't get this special treatment, but he didn't mind. "Mom, Eldest Brother came by earlier. He said once you're back, we should go over for dinner."
Lin Han checked his watch, thinking his eldest brother's family probably ate two meals a day. Going over around this time was fine; they shouldn't keep others waiting too long.
"Alright. Once you two have warmed up, we'll go."
Nan Sheng had no objections either. She got up, dressed properly, washed her face again, and combed her hair. One must be neat and clean when going out.
Soon, the two children got off the kang. Children have strong vitality and warm up quickly after a short while. Nan Sheng also scooped some snow cream to rub on her son and daughter's faces.
Qiqi was long used to it, but Sizhe kept trying to dodge back. Nan Sheng held his head. "Be good. You've been running outside these past days. Putting on some snow cream will prevent your skin from chapping."
Sizhe looked up at the sky in despair. He was a boy! How could he go out smelling so fragrant? Dad, can't you do something about mom?
Receiving his son's pleading look, Lin Han turned and went to the kitchen to add a few more pieces of firewood. Who's in charge here? Shouldn't you know by now!
When they arrived at the old house, Lin Guozheng and his wife were also there. When a son hosts a meal, it's only right not to leave out his parents. Eldest Brother Lin didn't invite the third brother and his wife; they were prone to occasional outbursts, and he was afraid any argument might scare the children.
Once inside, Nan Sheng was ushered to sit on the kang. She didn't have to do any work; Zhou Wei and her mother-in-law were enough for the kitchen.
Zhuzhu was in Fan Shuting's arms. After Nan Sheng warmed up, she took the child to play for a while, especially enjoying holding the baby's soft little hands.
As for kissing the child's face, she definitely wouldn't do that. Adults carry many germs. Even though children were raised roughly in these times, she would certainly be careful.
Everyone in the room chatted among themselves. Seeing how much Nan Sheng liked children, Fan Shuting hesitated for a moment before asking her quietly.
"Second son's wife, don't you want to go see a doctor? There's a particularly effective doctor in town. No matter who goes to him, within three doses of medicine, good news is sure to follow."
Hearing this, Nan Sheng felt somewhat exasperated. This mother-in-law, why doesn't she ask her son to go get checked? Was she so sure the problem lay with her?
It was only because Lin Han already had a son and a daughter; otherwise, the old couple wouldn't have waited this long to bring up urging for more children.
Nan Sheng now had confidence and saw no need to hide it from the family. She told the truth. "No need, Mom. I don't plan on having children."
"What? You don't plan on having children!"
Fan Shuting was utterly shocked. She had never seen such a foolish stepmother. Wasn't she afraid the children wouldn't be filial when she got old?
Perhaps this topic was quite captivating, as everyone else fell silent. Lin Guozheng and Eldest Brother Lin both looked at Lin Han, but unfortunately, they couldn't discern anything from his expression.
Sicheng also looked inquiringly at Sizhe, who nodded in response, confirming that this matter was indeed true—at least Sizhe knew about it.
The room suddenly quieted down, but Nan Sheng wasn't intimidated. She held firm to her thoughts. "Yes, I don't plan to. Anyway, Lin Han already has both a son and a daughter. Whether I have one or not isn't crucial."
"That's not how to put it. The second son does have both a son and a daughter, but those aren't your..."
Fan Shuting glanced at her grandson and granddaughter, swallowing back the words 'not your own.' She earnestly advised, "Second son's wife, you should still have one. Boy or girl, either is fine. Look how much the two children like Zhuzhu. More children make the home livelier."
Fan Shuting couldn't comprehend Nan Sheng's perspective. She simply believed that a woman without her own biological children had no support.
Although Sizhe and Siqi were her own grandchildren, she couldn't guarantee that these two children would grow up to be filial to a stepmother. Her second son's wife was still not thinking far enough ahead...
