Qin i carried the bowls and eggs from the pot to the dining table. The congee paired well with the pickled vegetables, making for an appetizing al. The pickles had been made by Second Granny and were quite delicious.
After finishing breakfast and washing the dishes, Qin i locked the kitchen door, then locked the main door of the house as well. She was getting ready to go call Jie Jingshan to go grocery shopping.
Qin i grabbed the money and ration tickets and was about to leave with Jie Jingshan to buy groceries when Second Granny arrived at the Jie Family’s ho with Granny Yu. Both won were carrying groceries.
"Fourth Wife of Jing, Jing Qi, are you two going out?" Second Granny asked, jogging over to et them as she saw them leaving.
"Second Granny, I’m taking Jing Qi to buy groceries," Qin i said with a smile. Her gaze flickered when she saw Granny Yu behind Second Granny, and she greeted her, "Granny."
"No need to go shopping. We’ve already bought groceries. We’re going to make dumplings for you today. Jing Qi loves dumplings the most," Second Granny said, holding up the at and vegetables in her hands.
Hearing the word "dumplings," Qin i’s expression beca rather priceless. She didn’t like dumplings; she loved plain white rice. She knew Jing Qi loved them, though. ’How long has it been since Jing Qi last had dumplings?’ Qin i thought for a mont. ’A long ti.’
"Second Granny, my fourth sister-in-law doesn’t like—"
"I love dumplings," Qin i interrupted Jie Jingshan.
Both Granny Yu and Second Granny were sharp people. Granny Yu looked at Qin i and asked, "Fourth Wife of Jing, you don’t like dumplings?"
"I’m not a picky eater," Qin i said with a perfectly straight face.
"Fourth Wife of Jing, you’ll definitely love the dumplings Granny Yu and I make," Second Granny promised, patting her chest.
"I’m sure I will." Qin i was playing along, saying whatever Second Granny wanted to hear. "Second Granny’s cooking is out of this world, no matter what she makes."
"Oh, you child, your words are as sweet as honey. They warm my heart to hear them." Second Granny’s face was wreathed in smiles. She continued, "After you gave Yanhong that massage yesterday, she has more than enough milk now. The baby has plenty to eat, and the whole family can finally rest easy. You wouldn’t even take any money. To thank you, my sister specifically bought at, vegetables, and white flour to co here and make dumplings for you, as a show of our family’s gratitude."
"It was just a small effort, not worth ntioning," Qin i said humbly.
"Fourth Wife of Jing, it may be a small matter to you, but it’s a huge deal for us. You solved our little one’s food problem. You’re our family’s benefactor," Granny Yu said, overflowing with gratitude for Qin i.
"Alright, alright, alright, Big Sis, enough with the thanks. And Fourth Wife of Jing, enough with the modesty. We’re all practically family here, no need for all these formalities. Let’s do sothing practical. Co on, co on, let’s not waste any more ti," Second Granny urged.
When Qin i realized Second Granny wasn’t planning on making the dumplings at her own house, she couldn’t help but ask, "Second Granny, aren’t we making the dumplings at your place?"
"Your Granny Guo is at ho. Right now, it’s best you don’t show your face around her. I’m worried that if she sees or hears you, she might suddenly lose it and co after you," Second Granny said in a low voice.
Qin i was stunned for a mont. She had almost forgotten about that.
Qin i led them inside. Second Granny, knowing the way, headed straight for their newly built kitchen. It was Granny Yu’s first ti at the Jie Family’s ho, and she seed a little ill at ease.
"Fourth Sister-in-law," Jie Jingshan called out softly. ’Fourth Sister-in-law doesn’t like dumplings.’
"It’s fine." Qin i patted Jie Jingshan’s shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. It was true she didn’t care for wheat-based foods, but eating them once or twice was acceptable. Three als a day, however, was sothing she absolutely couldn’t stand.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, why don’t we ask Second Granny to cook so rice and stir-fry a couple of dishes you like?" Jie Jingshan suggested.
"No need to go to all that trouble." Qin i lowered her gaze to Jie Jingshan and asked quietly, "Are Second Granny’s dumplings not good?"
"They’re delicious," Jie Jingshan blurted out. She then swallowed and said, "Second Granny’s dumplings are the best. Really, I’m not kidding."
Qin i ruffled Jie Jingshan’s hair. Seeing her practically drooling with anticipation, Qin i smiled and said, "If they’re that good, then you should eat your fill."
Jie Jingshan bead, her eyes crinkling. "I definitely won’t hold back. I’ll eat till I’m stuffed."
"Alright. You go back to your room and study. I’ll go help in the kitchen." Qin i gently pushed Jie Jingshan into her room.
Qin i went to the kitchen to help but was shooed out by the two won. They told her to go play with Jing Qi and that they would call them when the dumplings were ready. Qin i felt both helpless and speechless. ’Are Jing Qi and I children? Play? What are we supposed to play?’
Jing Qi was in her room studying, while Qin i was in the courtyard making dicinal plaster. Aunt Zhang returned from her grocery shopping, intending to make a few sarcastic remarks to Qin i, but she heard noises coming from their new kitchen. Listening closely, she recognized the voices of Second Granny and her sister.
Aunt Zhang rembered her plan and decided to try and get on Qin i’s good side. "Fourth Wife of Jing."
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