Zhu Xuefeng left the airport carrying two large suitcases and a large backpack. Fortunately, he was following a large army and had a car to pick him up. Otherwise, it would have been troublesome to find a car. The two suitcases took up too much space.
“Comrade Xiao Zhu, you didn’t buy too much.”
“Leader Shang, these were all registered before boarding the plane. You checked and asked to take them home. If you take them There’s not enough to share, so I’ll share it with you. I’m worried that it’s too heavy to bring.”
The boxes are full of local specialties, such as dates known as “desert bread”, Arabic scones, and Sabah rolls. , camel jerky, Emaar, Ubud Shami, wild honey, etc., are all specialty foods, as well as some special Middle Eastern spices. Of course, rich people don’t care about these gifts. Each expedition team member has an exquisite and beautiful little Travel suitcase.
Leader Shang blushed. This boy’s gift was not only one size bigger than others, but two sizes. It was just an eyesore and he was quick to talk. The most outrageous thing was that there were two sets of Arabian suits in his box. A robe and a set of Arabian scimitars that no one else had, but they were personally presented by the prince. Zhu Xuefeng also made the declaration in accordance with the foreign affairs disciplines, and it was impeccable.
Originally, the prince saw that Zhu Xuefeng liked Shenjun’s Arabian horses and wanted to give him a few. Zhu Xuefeng really liked it, but this was too much, so he had to reluctantly refuse. Waiting for the autonomous region to settle down, he could get it. Lin Na and Xia Yuhong will definitely like this horse farm. Not surprisingly, Yanzi should also like this thing. Let's forget it for now. I don't see any natives of the peninsula being stared at.
"No way, I'm just teasing you because you're awkward, come on, let me help you, our car has arrived, don't keep everyone waiting."
Zhu Xuefeng He politely refused again, "No need. It's not heavy. Even though the box is bigger, I can carry it by myself."
After saying that, he picked up the box again and followed Director Jiang to see Leader Shang. A little embarrassed, Professor Jiang turned around to come to the rescue.
"Young man is very energetic. Leader Shang, if you want to help, go and help Professor Guan. He is old and really has some difficulties."
Director Jiang pointed to Professor Guan in front of him. Professor Guan was over 60 years old and seemed to be carrying a lot of things. He was indeed a bit unlucky. Leader Shang borrowed the donkey down the slope and walked a few steps quickly to help Professor Guan.
"I said it, "The trees are as beautiful as the trees, but the wind will destroy them." Now you can see it, don't be too special in this society, let's go, let's keep up."
< br>Zhu Xuefeng was very distressed. He didn’t want to be special, but he was special without knowing it. He was the only one in the class who graduated early, so he must be special. He did not participate in military training twice, which was definitely special. This time he came with a group and didn’t have any group activities for a day. Participating is even more special. Now I am fine in the dormitory, and I am already a special being in the class. After I return, it will still be special if I do not participate in various student activities on campus.
"Teacher, actually I am a person who likes to keep a low profile."
A word came out of nowhere, and Director Jiang smiled, "I believe this, but you don't seem to be able to keep a low profile, right? Gold will always shine, forget it, I just remind you, just follow your heart."
"Yes, I will."
He doesn't want to show off with two big boxes. , but this was sent by the prince. Many people have seen it. It is impossible to throw it in space and bring it back. Zhu Xuefeng realized that he still showed too much edge. The fact that the Ministry of Petroleum and Chemical Industry came to his door this time clearly explained the situation. , even the several interactions between himself and the prince in the past were noticed. Although he had not deliberately concealed it in the first place, of course no one should know about the private communication.
The driver was very considerate and sent him to the entrance of the alley. Zhu Xuefeng thanked him and got off the car. In broad daylight, when he saw the alley at the end, Zhu Xuefeng had no chance to receive space and went home with two suitcases.
I greeted the children playing in the alley cordially, and it felt good to be home. The courtyard is still as quiet as before. Zhu Xuefeng feels like he is home only after he landed in a distant peninsula. Unknowingly, he already has feelings for this courtyard. Human feelings are so strange. Obviously there are not many people in this courtyard. The person who worried about Zhu Xuefeng really felt this way.
In the outer courtyard, there were several young wives chatting with their children as usual. Zhu Xuefeng said hello and entered the front yard. There was another scene in the yard. The third aunt and Yu Li were tossing the quilt again. There were several quilts hanging on the rope, and the two of them were patting them.
"Third aunt, we have to deal with it again."
"Hey, Xuefeng is back. I have been out for a long time this time, and it's all dark, tsk tsk."
"Yeah, no. It’s taken so long.”
“Go back and rest quickly. Auntie, since the sun is nice, turn out the old quilt and dry it, and dry these boxes as well to avoid attracting insects. ”
It’s time to dry the quilt again. In my impression, the three aunties dry it every year, even in autumn, and even in early winter. Maybe it’s because the place is crowded and small, so it’s not appropriate not to dry it.
Yu Li, who was helping on the side, was now more familiar with Zhu Xuefeng’s family and added with a smile.
“I’m thinking of taking some time to play again so that I can have a better winter and be warmer. Last winter was quite freezing, so this year, I can’t tell.”
“No, last winter It’s weird, it’s colder than the year before.”
Zhu Xuefeng responded that he was actually out last year, and it was already the ninth day of the Lunar New Year when he came back, and the heating was on at home, so he didn’t feel it at all.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law get along well. Every time they see her, they work together. In fact, Zhu Xuefeng thinks that Third Aunt is a very nice person. She doesn't have any problems with gossiping and is quite considerate.
I don’t know much about Li, but it doesn’t seem like there’s anything wrong with her now. At least his hands and feet are diligent and his eyes are lively, which is good. Compared with the younger daughters-in-law of later generations, they are not too good. I learned how to make lettuce peels last time. Now if I have nothing to do, I will ask Shazhu for help and get lettuce peels from the canteen. Quite fun.
It’s just that he’s a bit shy as a man. There’s no shortage of lettuce skins in the steel rolling mill. Silly Zhu is also a mischief-maker. People just ask for a little. There are only a few people in the family, so it’s enough to eat. He’s good, and he always puts it in his pocket. It weighed more than ten kilograms, and Yan Jiecheng carried it back on the old bicycle transferred by the third uncle. He also smiled and introduced to others that he brought it back for cooking. You must know that even pigs don’t like to eat this stuff, and Yan Jiecheng can’t bear it. Taiwan, after two or three times, I stopped going to the canteen to get it.
"Brother, would you like to help me? I think your two boxes are heavy enough."
Yu Li saw that Zhu Xuefeng was carrying two large boxes, which looked quite heavy, and she greeted her warmly. , the three brothers and sisters of the old Zhu family left a good impression on her, especially when they helped take care of the yard during the last summer vacation. They even had to share half of the eggs harvested with them, and they picked vegetables from the vegetable garden at will, which was very grand.
After saying that, he came up to help. The box was too heavy and Zhu Xuefeng couldn't dodge. Yu Li grabbed a handle, so he had to let her go.
"Thank you, sister-in-law. Alas, you really don't need it. It's just a few steps away. You make me embarrassed."
We carried them to the door together and Yu Li patted her clothes. dust.
"What are you talking about? Neighbors, you are so polite to help me. I pick a lot of your vegetables. If you really know the difference, I don't dare to go there again, haha."
After saying that, he was about to turn around, but was stopped by Zhu Xuefeng again.
"Sister-in-law, wait a minute, I'm going out for a trip and bring back some rare things. You can take them back and try them later."
Yu Li, who had laughed at Zhu Xuefeng just now, felt a little embarrassed when she heard that she really had to take something back.
“Just lend a hand and carry things back, big brother, this is not appropriate, otherwise I won’t dare to reach out next time.”
Zhu Xuefeng thinks Yu Li is a pretty good person. , I don’t have many interactions with him, but he is kind, has a good eye, and understands propriety. He is very dedicated in taking care of the vegetable garden, and he is also very measured every time he picks vegetables. He never picks too much, and that’s about it. This kind of person can be associated with.
“Look at what you said, who just said they are from neighbors, haha, I am telling you, these are dates, do you really don’t want to try them?”
Non-staple food store Before the Spring Festival, some dates will be provided, which are all brought from Yilang. Households with good conditions will also buy some to serve as meat.
Dates are extremely sweet and are a delicacy suitable for all ages. Although some people thought their sweetness was too cloying a few decades later, in the 1960s, dates were not so particular. It is a rare and delicious food.
Yu Li must have eaten dates before, and she stopped when she heard it. She really couldn't bear the sweet taste, so she was lucky enough to taste it from a neighbor's house during the New Year, and the sweet taste flowed into her bones.
Zhu Xuefeng was not stingy either. He went into the house and put down the box and filled it with a bowl. Yu Li was too embarrassed to enter or leave. Zhu Xuefeng smiled and handed the bowl over.
"There aren't many things, it's just something interesting. Let's have a try."
Yu Li took the bowl anyway. She had already taken it, so she simply said it openly.
"Thank you, brother. If you need anything in the future, come back to me."
After saying that, I realized that I seemed to have said the wrong thing, so I quickly added, "I'll help even if you don't have a gift."
Superfluous. After I added a sentence, I felt that my words didn't convey the meaning even more. This time, I really blushed, turned around and ran away.
"This little daughter-in-law is really interesting. She is like a big girl. She can blush even after saying a few words."
Zhu Xuefeng said to himself and ignored the two mother-in-law and daughter-in-law outside. , it’s almost time now, and it’s a good time to cook. I originally wanted to go to my godmother’s house first, but she definitely didn’t get off work this time. Dinner is not complicated. I am going to the vegetable garden to prepare some beans and eggplants, and peel two small potatoes to make a stew. There is no way. The potatoes grown in the vegetable garden just don’t grow big. It is probably because of the soil. There is actually no shortage of these things now. , Zhu Xuefeng didn't bother to think about it.
Cut the camel jerky into shreds, stir-fry it, add some chili peppers and celery, it counts as one, heat a round of Arabic naan next to the stove, and then make it Order some pickles, a seaweed and egg drop soup, and you're done.
Not only Zhu Xuefeng was busy putting away the dishes, but the third aunt across the street put down the old quilt and started to prepare it, when she saw the eldest daughter-in-law coming back with a bowl.
“What is this? The other door gave it to me?”
“Well, it’s a date, a foreign thing. This is sweet, try it.”
The third aunt's family has never eaten this stuff, but she has seen it in the grocery store. She wiped the handle, twisted one with two fingers, carefully put it into her mouth and bit a small piece. The sweetness that entered her brain made her blurt it out. .
“It’s so sweet.”
Turns around and asked doubtfully, “This is not for the holidays. Where did he get this thing? I remember it is only sold during the Spring Festival. "Yes."
Yu Li also took one, savoring the sweet happiness. Sweet things make people feel satisfied and happy easily, and she answered absentmindedly.
"No, I can't guess, but she is very capable. There are two big boxes. How much does it cost to have them all?"
The third aunt watched as she got into the vegetable garden. The figure, hit it again.
"Yes, the opposite door is very capable. Your father relied on the battery car he built to become the leader of the grade group. It was also because of him that your man became a full-time official. Don't tell me, this guy is better. The more you have the ability, the more willing you are to help others. Why don't you take the time to ask him and maybe he can help with the allocation of houses in the steel rolling mill."
Yu Li was a little unhappy, so she took the foreign stuff. , went to the door again to ask for help, but they were still empty-handed. Although the other door didn't want it, it was a bit inappropriate.
"Mom, the solution is his one-year qualification to become a full-time employee. How can he be qualified? Let's not worry about this. It's good to live together as a family in a down-to-earth manner."
The third aunt looked angry and said, "Tell me what I want to say about you. Professor Xu has a share this time. I heard they will move next month. Tell me, how long have they been here? It's a housewarming celebration." The wedding banquet was still in front of us, but they moved.”
Yu Li defended in a low voice, "Those are technical talents from the steel rolling mill. They were specially approved in order to work nearby. How can our family compare with them."
The third aunt glanced at the dates on the table. Reluctantly, he put the rest into his mouth and said vaguely.
"We are from the same factory. Your man came here earlier than him. Why can't you? Besides, Professor Xu said that many houses are still empty and no one wants to go there. They think they are outside the city."
Yu Li was a little impatient, "Mom, this is all the same. There are more than 14,000 people in the steel rolling mill, and there are many who don't have houses. No matter what, there is no one who has been promoted to full-time job for one year. Eight hundred houses are not enough. I have found out why they are vacant. They are reserved for people far away from home. Those people are also outside the city. They must want them. Once they are settled, the house will be gone. "
The third aunt was at a loss for words. She took a bite of the date in her mouth and wanted to say something else. There was a sound at the door. Both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law guessed that it was the third uncle coming back on his bicycle. Sure enough, the third uncle came in. Just ask.
“I haven’t started preparing yet. School will be over soon and work will be over soon. Hurry up.”
“I’m just packing it up. Just a few vegetarian dishes. It’ll be ready in a while. You It’s been a hard day, let’s go and rest first.”
The third aunt took her husband’s bag and hung it up.
"Xiao Feng from across the street is back. I asked Xiao Li to find out about the room allocation. She can't tell her face. Master, why don't you give it a try?"
"That's true. It’s a big deal, but they are all married. It seems a bit unreasonable for me to come forward. I don’t want to wait for the boss to come back and let him ask himself.”
The third aunt brought a chair to her husband and continued. "As for him, I really don't believe that he can talk. If you ask me to say, old man, in front of Xiao Zhu, you are the only one who still has some face, so just try to make a trip. It's all for the sake of the child."
The third uncle glanced at Yu Li, sighed, and accepted the task. He sat down with the teacup and took a sip. In a blink of an eye, he saw the dates on the table.
"Xiao Zhu gave it to me?"
The third aunt and Yu Li were immersed in picking vegetables and responded without looking up.
“No, I said I brought it back from a business trip. I tasted one and it was so sweet. Try it yourself. When the fourth child comes back, I’m sure I’ll fuck you all off in no time.”
The third uncle casually put down the tea cup, walked to the table, and looked at the dates in the bowl without raising his head.
"She dared and rebelled. She left a few for them to eat as a potato, and put away the others first. We are short of sugar now, so this one can be used as candy, but we can't waste it. ”
As he said that, he found a small can bottle, packed up the dates, and kept only three dates. The rest were packed in a small can bottle.
The courtyard suddenly became lively. Groups of students entered the courtyard, chattering, and the door was suddenly pushed open. Zhu Xuefeng quickly stood up, and the little girl threw herself into Zhu Xuefeng's arms excitedly.
"Brother, you are back. It has been a long time this time. My second brother and I both miss you."
With both hands occupied, Zhu Xuefeng lowered his head and rubbed his little sister's forehead.
"Think about a gift. My military training was not for a month or two, and I didn't see you say you missed me. Hurry up, wash your hands, there is something delicious."
Little sister With a sly smile, he didn't care about being exposed by his elder brother, and went to wash his hands happily, while asking, "What's delicious? I can smell the stew."
The second brother is quite naive. With a smile, he dropped his schoolbag and went to wash his hands.
“This is a date, very sweet. Just try one for each person. If you eat too much, it will not taste good later. I see that Niu Xiaoben is back. Little sister, please go over and give me Send some over, just put them in a few small bags on the cabinet, and my father’s co-workers’ family will give them a small bag.”
“Well, we’ll eat them when we get back.” The little girl picked up the dustpan on the cabinet, and there were indeed several small brown paper bags inside. She took the second child and ran out, happily going to the backyard.
Dates were the most abundant in the box. In fact, I also bought some in the space. I ate two and they were indeed sweet. Even Zhu Xuefeng found them a bit sweet, so he didn’t eat more and kept them as gifts.
After a while, the little girl jumped back, and the second brother followed behind without saying a word. The little girl yelled as soon as she entered the room, "Brother, give me another small bag, Niu Xiaoben, that idiot As soon as they got the things, they were distributed among the children in the backyard, leaving nothing for his parents."
Zhu Xuefeng smiled and dug out a few small bags again, "If I don't go out again, I think the eldest mother will be unwell. No, I’m taking good care of you. Send it to her for a taste.”
“Sure, I’ll go right away”
"Let's wait. Niu Xiaoben's father hasn't come back, and no one can control him. If you send him there, even her mother won't be able to bear it. Let's wait a while. When his father gets off work, we can make another trip."< br>
"That's right. My brother and I haven't tried it yet. You said you would buy it for me the year before last, but you and your second brother didn't buy it. You were not at home during the Chinese New Year last year..."
Zhu Xuefeng sighed secretly, does this little girl have such a deep memory of food? He had forgotten it long ago, but she still remembered it clearly.
"Brother, is it fun over there? How is it different from the south?"
The little girl held the date in her mouth and was reluctant to chew it. Her cheeks were bulging and her speech was slurred.
"Over there, it's really completely different from ours. Let me tell you about it. As soon as I got off the plane..." I was chatting with my younger brothers and sisters about my experiences in the Persian Gulf. I saw a little boy in the yard. The guy slipped out of the middle courtyard and ran out quickly.
Isn’t this a great joke? It’s so weird. What are you doing in such a hurry? (End of this chapter)