1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 146 The little girl is too thin-skinned; she still has a long way to go.
This time, she mustered all her strength, pushed the person out of the house in one go, and closed the door.

"Hey, this girl's too shy. She'll have a long way to go if she wants to take things further."

In the hallway just a door away, Gu Bin looked at the tightly closed security door, feeling both amused and exasperated.

-

Fourth floor.

My cousin, taking advantage of his youth, made several trips back and forth to help my aunt carry all her belongings upstairs.

"Oh, oh, oh, we have a new house to live in now!"

Xu Yi stayed at his aunt's house, where he didn't dare to play around freely, which made him feel incredibly stifled. But when he returned to his own home, he perked up completely, running around the room like a happy little colt, frolicking joyfully.

"This house is also nice, with two south-facing rooms that get plenty of sunlight."

Chen Xiulan was very satisfied with the rented house and was very grateful to her cousin: "Leilei, you've really gone to a lot of trouble this time. The rented house is cheap and good."

"That's nothing."

My cousin didn't want to take all the credit, so she casually said, "It's just a house. It's nothing to our boss."

"boss?"

Chen Xiulan's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a hint of surprise: "This is your boss's house?"

No, it's not.

My cousin belatedly realized that she had blurted out the truth without thinking, and felt extremely annoyed: "What I meant was, for us people in the renovation business, renting a house is not difficult at all. We know the market prices of all the properties within a ten-mile radius very well."

"This house renovation must have cost a lot of money, right?"

Seeing her flustered expression, Chen Xiulan became suspicious: "The furniture and appliances are all new. The sofa and dining table are of better quality than the set downstairs, so they must not be cheap either."

"Such a nice house, we haven't even lived in it yet, how could the landlord be willing to rent it out? Leilei, tell your second aunt the truth, how did this house come about? If you don't explain it clearly, we won't feel at ease living here."

-

"Cough cough."

My cousin gave an awkward laugh: "You can stay here without any worries."

"Leilei."

Chen Xiulan was already suspicious and wouldn't let her fool her so easily: "You must know the inside story, right? Tell your second aunt quickly, don't make her worry."

"Can you not say it?"

My cousin gave a bitter laugh, wishing she could slap herself.

"No."

Having been a dean of students for many years, Chen Xiulan naturally exudes an air of authority that commands respect from younger generations.

"Hey."

Under the pressure from the head of student affairs, my cousin had no choice but to back down: "Actually, this house is..."

"Wang Fan? Does he also have feelings for Xi Yu?"

As expected of the Dean of Students, Chen Xiulan quickly figured out the truth after clarifying the situation and drawing inferences from it.

"Cough cough."

My cousin didn't dare to gossip about her boss, and coughed awkwardly twice.

"Sigh, this whole thing has gotten into a mess."

Chen Xiulan said with concern, "If I had known there were so many twists and turns involved, I shouldn't have rented this house. Xiyu is about to get engaged to Gu Bin, and we can't afford to cause any more trouble at this crucial moment."

"Second Aunt, you don't need to overthink it."

My cousin felt it necessary to defend the boss: "Wang Fan and Gu Bin are childhood friends, very close. He bought us a house because of Gu Bin. Even if he really has feelings for my cousin, it's not worth falling out with him over such a small thing. After all, they're business partners with deeply intertwined interests that can't be easily divided."

Does Xiyu know about this?

Chen Xiulan was still worried.

"do not know."

My cousin patted her chest and assured me, "I didn't tell anyone. If I hadn't let it slip today, I wouldn't have betrayed him."

"It's okay not to know."

Chen Xiulan felt a little relieved: "Don't tell her in the future, lest Gu Bin become suspicious, which would be bad for the two of them."

"to make."

My cousin agreed readily, without explicitly stating it, but Gu Bin already knew that the two had already fought, ending in Wang Fan's crushing defeat.

-

Wangfuchizi West Street.

"This pomegranate tree is wonderful; it has produced so many pomegranates."

Gu Bin's maternal grandmother was overjoyed when she saw the newly planted pomegranate tree, and she circled the tree several times.

"It's quite sweet, have one."

Grandpa picked a pomegranate, broke it open, picked out a few seeds, ate one himself, and then put one into Grandma's mouth.

"Yeah, sweet."

Grandma felt even sweeter inside than she could taste it; her eyes and brows betrayed her joy.

"Tsk."

Gu Bin clicked his tongue; his gums felt a little sore.

The two elderly people have been married for many years and their relationship is still so good; anyone who sees this would envy them.

"Xiao Bin, you did the right thing this time."

Grandpa was happy to see that Grandma liked it: "Your grandma has loved pomegranates since she was a child. Every year on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, she would go to the Thousand Buddha Mountain Temple Fair to buy them. The pomegranates at the temple fair are extremely expensive, seven or eight yuan a pound."

"She was frugal, and when she went, she was reluctant to buy anything. She would only buy one or two each time, and even if they went bad at home, she wouldn't eat them. Now that we have our own pomegranate tree, your grandma's wish has finally come true. She won't have to worry about spending money anymore and can eat as many as she wants."

-

"I bought it specifically because I knew my grandma liked pomegranates."

Gu Bin, going along with his grandfather's wishes, deliberately tried to cheer his grandmother up: "The grapes are delicious, quite sweet, but the season is a bit over. All the purple grapes have been picked, and only a few green ones are left. I don't know why they're not fully ripe."

"Early-maturing and late-maturing plants can grow on the same vine."

Grandma, who was experienced in growing flowers, secretly guessed, "Maybe it's because no one is taking care of it and it's not getting enough nutrients."

"correct!"

Gu Bin quickly caught up: "I think that makes sense too. The landlord of Xi Yu's maternal grandmother's house, Grandpa Huang, passed away. He was the one who took care of the pomegranate and grape trees. It must be just like Grandma said, no one fertilized them, so they didn't get enough nutrition and weren't fully ripe."

What kind of nutrition should I take?

Grandpa chuckled and chimed in, "I'll give it a soak; good things shouldn't go to outsiders."

"Stay there for a while."

Grandma laughed in exasperation: "Your pee smells so bad, it gives me a headache even through the window."

"hey-hey."

Grandpa blushed, touched his nose, and chuckled awkwardly.

"Two workers from the Parks and Gardens Bureau are waiting for me outside."

Gu Bin suppressed a laugh and changed the subject: "They have experience. I'll ask Grandma how to grow grapes when we eat later."

"That's daring."

Grandma was pleased and smiled as she urged them on, "You should hurry up and go, don't keep the driver waiting."

"okay."

Gu Bin had been waiting for those words, so he put down the shovel and ran away quickly.

"This kid has grown up, and his heart has become wild."

Grandpa smacked his lips a few times, sighing with emotion, "He's always thinking about running away; we can't keep him here."

"Isn't this how it always is when you're in a relationship?"

Grandma teased him with a smile: "I remember when we first met, you were always running to the performing arts troupe, which made me lose focus during practice and almost fall off the stage."

"That's because you're thinking about me too, and that's distracting you."

Grandpa has a very thick skin; he always tries to make himself look good.

Who's thinking about you?

Grandma rolled her eyes at him: "It's because you always hang around the cultural troupe that you've made a lot of jokes. I've become famous in the station because of you. Even the troupe leader has to say a few words to me with a smile. Your old Gu is truly a veteran of the Red Army. His perseverance in the face of wind and rain is enough for him to walk the Long March again."

"Ahem." Grandpa wiped his face, a rare look of embarrassment on his face.

-

My uncle went to the market in the afternoon and indeed bought a lot of bean sprouts.

Grandma looked at the bean sprouts, which weighed a good five pounds and filled a large plastic bag, and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

After a long pause, I remembered a famous Sichuan and Chongqing dish that I had eaten when I was young. It could not only solve the problem of all the bean sprouts, but also satisfy the appetite of the whole family.

Sauerkraut fish stew with bean sprouts!

-

Under her grandmother's guidance, Lin Xiyu made pickled fish stewed with bean sprouts.

The fish used was fresh grass carp. Since we didn't have sauerkraut at home, we used pickled cowpeas instead.

To make sauerkraut fish, all the ingredients must be complete: scallions, ginger, garlic, dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, egg whites, and starch. None of them can be omitted.

Lin Xiyu took the pickled cowpeas out of the pickling jar, washed them with clean water, and cut them into small strips.

Grandma guided her in slicing fish fillets with a knife.

Slicing fish requires skillful knife work; the force must be just right—not too thin, but also not too strong, which could cut the fish in half.

Lin Xiyu calmed down and patiently listened to her grandmother's teachings.

She learned to cook from a young age and is very skilled at chopping vegetables, but this was her first time slicing fish.

The grass carp, now scaled, is slippery and difficult to handle.

She pressed the fish onto the cutting board with her left hand, and with her right hand holding the knife, she carefully sliced ​​the fish meat open, cutting it little by little.

"This won't do. You're too slow. When will you finish slicing the fish?"

Grandma looked at her slightly clumsy appearance, smiled and shook her head, and took the knife from her hand.

My grandmother cooked all her life; her knife skills were far beyond what any younger generation could match.

Lin Xiyu watched as her grandmother's hand, holding the knife, moved up and down rapidly, and in no time she had sliced ​​off pieces of fish.

Wow, Grandma is amazing!

She flattered him with a smile: "Your knife skills are comparable to those of a famous chef. People would believe you were the head chef of a big hotel."

"Stop being silly, let's cook the fish."

Grandma was amused and handed the kitchen knife back to her.

Next, following her grandmother's instructions, Lin Xiyu first marinated the fish fillets with salt for a while, then mixed the egg white and starch evenly and coated the fish fillets with the mixture.

Coating fish fillets with starch makes them tender and smooth, and they won't easily fall apart when cooked.

Grandma was very pleased with her skillful hands. After preparing the fish fillets, she taught her how to make the soup base.

The soup base is made by simmering fish bones, adding boiling water, and cooking over high heat for 10 minutes until the soup turns milky white.

Dry-fry the pickled green beans in a pan for 3 minutes to bring out their aroma.

All the ingredients for making sauerkraut fish are now ready.

-

There were too many bean sprouts to fit in the small pot, so Grandma specially asked my cousin to bring out the big iron pot used for making crispy dishes in winter and put it on the stove.

Pour broth, pickled cowpeas, and salt into a pot, add bean sprouts, and bring to a boil.

Once the bean sprouts are cooked until soft, add the fish slices.

The fish fillets only need to be tossed around in the soup a few times to cook, and they'll be done in just three minutes.

Before serving, sprinkle with Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, and minced garlic.

Lin Xiyu heated the Sichuan peppercorn oil in a small pot and poured it into the large iron pot.

"Sizzle."

Hot oil was poured into the fish soup, causing it to sizzle and boil, releasing a fragrant aroma that filled the entire room.

"smell good."

Gu Bin carried two bottles of Moutai in his hand and entered the house following the aroma.

"Xiao Bin arrived just in time; it was lunchtime."

Seeing how cooperative he was, his uncle brought over some wine and enthusiastically called him over to his side.

I don't know what kind of alcohol you guys like to drink.

As Gu Bin spoke, he handed two bottles of Moutai to his uncle: "I thought this wine had a good reputation, so I bought two bottles first. If you don't like it, we can get something else."

"No need to change it, just drink this."

My uncle was overjoyed: "Moutai is a famous liquor. There's no such thing as not being able to drink it, only being unable to afford it."

"I benefited from being with Xiaobin."

My uncle's eyes lit up, and he came over: "Let's try what Moutai tastes like."

"Everyone is so enthusiastic, I can't fall behind."

My cousin is itching to get started: "I have to drink with Xiaobin to my heart's content today."

"A bunch of drunkards, finally got together."

My cousin couldn't bear to look and rolled her eyes.

"If they want to drink, let them drink."

My aunt laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Is Moutai very expensive?"

Lin Xiyu subtly helped Gu Bin out of the predicament: "I've never had it before, so I have to join in the fun."

"Forget it."

Her cousin pushed her away with a look of disgust: "You drink alcohol like it's water. Even the best wine is a waste if it goes into your mouth."

"Why?"

Lin Xiyu pouted and complained, "Grandma, my cousin bullied me and wouldn't let me drink alcohol."

"Grandma has decided that you can drink it."

Grandma could see through her little scheme. She smiled and tapped her cousin's head with her palm-leaf fan: "Liu Jian, sit to the side. Don't hog the table."

My cousin didn't dare to argue with my grandma, so he quickly moved aside.

Lin Xiyu chuckled and secretly tugged at Gu Bin's sleeve, gesturing for him to sit next to her.

Gu Bin understood immediately, pulled out a chair, and was about to sit down next to her when his cousin pulled him away.

"Let's men sit together, and stop being all girly and getting involved with a bunch of women."

"Brother Jian."

Lin Xiyu frowned slightly, revealing a hint of displeasure: "You're a little too excited today."

"Warming the pot, you know."

My cousin chuckled awkwardly, "Grandma will only be happy if it's lively and bustling."

"You brat, don't bring up your grandmother."

Grandma smiled and playfully scolded him, then tapped his head with her palm-leaf fan.

"Xiao Bin, come, come, sit here."

Uncle-in-law stepped in to support his son: "It's the first time we're drinking at home, so we have to make sure you're happy. We can't let your grandfather say that the Chen family is being disrespectful and not treating us well."

"Will not"

Gu Bin seized the opportunity to bring up his grandfather's words: "Grandpa knows I can't hold my liquor, and he often reminds me to be careful in front of strangers and not to show off."

“Your grandfather was talking about outsiders, but we are family.”

My uncle-in-law, speaking Shandong storytelling, was even more eloquent than him: "Drinking at home, there's no need to be so reserved; just do whatever makes you comfortable."

"Xiao Bin, please don't refuse."

The uncle chimed in from the side, "You brought this wine, it's not very nice of you not to drink it yourself."

"That's right."

My cousin forcefully pressed him into the chair with both hands: "Stop dawdling and sit down."

Gu Bin blinked helplessly at Lin Xiyu and resignedly sat down between him and his aunt's husband.

My uncle sat down next to my aunt's husband, and the four men got ready to have a big drinking session, determined not to stop until they were completely drunk.