Grandma shot Rona Langdon a look before ignoring her. She went to a nearby li jar, which was used to keep food fresh and dry, and took out so malt candy for Vera.
The malt candy had clearly been stir-fried after purchase, as it was coated in a thick layer of sesa seeds. In those days, it was a fine treat for guests.
Vera found malt candy a bit too sticky for her liking, but it was a thoughtful gift from her grandmother. She took a piece and said sweetly, "Thank you, Grandma!"
Seeing her adorable smile, Grandma’s heart swelled with affection.
While Grandma was away washing vegetables, Rona Langdon grabbed a plastic bag and began stuffing all the malt candy into it. "That old crone," she muttered as she worked. "She should be grateful we even ca to visit, yet she just keeps running her mouth."
Cara Preston added quietly from the side, "Mom, it seems like Vera is hiding a lot from you. Buying a radio is a big deal, but she didn’t breathe a word about it beforehand. We didn’t even know when she bought it."
Rona’s already grim expression darkened further. "That little bitch is full of sches these days. One of these days, I’m going to skin her alive!"
Cara had always known just how far to push things. Hearing her mother’s words, she knew she had done enough. Today, Vera had once again crossed a major line with Rona. Because of this, Rona was sure to step up her efforts against Vera.
Grandma was in high spirits today and wanted to slaughter a chicken for Vera, but Vera stopped her. "Grandma, it wasn’t easy for you to raise these chickens. You should keep it for its eggs."
Seeing that she was serious, Grandma smiled and said, "Don’t think I don’t know what your mother is like. She’s stingy with her own family but pretends to be generous in front of outsiders—utterly obsessed with saving face. You probably barely eat at once a month at ho. Your college entrance exams are coming up, so you need your nutrition. I’ve saved up about thirty eggs. Take them all with you when you leave."
Vera’s heart ward at her words. She held onto her grandmother’s hand, stopping her from getting the chicken. "Grandma, in that case, can we just... keep the chicken on deposit here with you to lay eggs?"
Grandma only had five or six hens, so to her, this one was very precious.
Grandma was taken aback for a second, then burst out laughing. "You silly girl! Alright, we won’t kill the chicken. We’ll keep it for its eggs! Once I’ve saved up enough, I’ll bring them to you."
Vera laughed along with her. "You don’t have to bring them, Grandma. I’ll just co back and get them myself! That way, I’ll have an excuse to visit you and Grandpa."
Grandma’s eyes filled with gratification as she looked at her. She had made a point to ask about the Xavier family’s character and learned they were simple, honest people. Vera, having grown up with them, had inherited their virtues.
She wasn’t like Cara, who always acted like a spoiled princess whenever she visited, as if she were naturally a cut above the children from the countryside.
At that mont, Grandma was actually rather glad Vera had been raised by the Xavier family. If she had grown up with Rona, she might have developed a scheming personality just like Cara’s.
Grandma gave her a wink. "Since we’re not killing the chicken, I’ll take you to catch sothing else good. It’s just as nutritious."
Vera paused, stunned for a mont. Then, as a thought occurred to her, her eyes lit up. "Grandma, I’m coming with you!"
She had never done this before and was filled with curiosity. Of course, she had to tag along and see what the fun was all about.
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