1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 151 Recalling the bitter past and appreciating the sweet present: The charm of a beautiful woman is irresistible.
"My family was really poor back then."

The uncle was so troubled by his second sister's purchase of a suitcase that he couldn't sleep at all: "I remember when my second sister went to the countryside to work, every time she came home she would carry a big bamboo basket full of sweet potatoes. She said she had saved them up for a long time and couldn't bear to eat them, so she brought them all back."

"you do not say."

Chen Xiulan smiled bitterly: "There's not much to eat in the countryside, except for sweet potatoes. From the village where I was sent to work, it's a six-mile walk to the county's long-distance bus station. That basket was so heavy on my shoulders, I was so tired that I wanted to throw it away. I swore I would never carry it again."

"I forgot about it as soon as I got home."

The uncle joked with a smile, "I'll carry it again next time I come back."

"Hey, hey."

Chen Xiulan laughed awkwardly: "It's because my family is poor. I thought I could bring back as much as I could to help my mother lighten her burden."

"What year was this?"

The aunt found it interesting and asked another question.

"69."

Chen Xiulan vividly recalled: "I was only 18 years old when I went to the countryside, the same age as Xiyu. People from the neighborhood came to my house to mobilize people, asking each family to send one person to the countryside. I thought, my older sister has already started working, my younger brother is still young, and there's no one else in the family, so I have to go. I was really naive back then, I didn't understand anything. I just went because they told me to, without thinking about what would happen or whether I could come back."

"Fortunately, my second sister didn't get married locally."

The uncle smiled wryly: "Otherwise, we'd just stay in the countryside and never come back."

"This shows how wise Mom is."

Chen Xiulan admired her mother immensely: "Before I went to the countryside, my mother told me that I couldn't find a partner in the countryside. I had to find someone who worked in the city so that we could live close to each other after getting married and take care of each other."

“I listened to my mother and refused to be introduced to any potential partners. Several of the women who came to the countryside with me got married locally.”

"At first, life was pretty good, better than for us single people. Then a policy was introduced that allowed educated youth to return to the city. Every household started to make a fuss. Some got divorced, and some had families and couldn't leave. Anyone who stayed in the countryside regretted it."

-

"It's rare to hear my second sister talk about these things; they're quite interesting."

My aunt was young and had never experienced being sent to the countryside, so she listened with great interest.

"We have three children."

Chen Xiulan smiled bitterly: "I suffered the most, I endured the most pain."

"I think so too"

The uncle nodded in agreement: "Our eldest sister was the one we found a job for before our father got sick and became confused. She got a job at the supply and marketing cooperative. She never went to the countryside or was persecuted. She's the luckiest one of the three of us."

"The eldest sister is blessed."

Chen Xiulan sighed softly, rubbing her forehead: "Finding a partner is also going smoothly. My brother-in-law's family lives in Qinglongqiao, which is very close. If anything happens between the two families, they can help each other out."

"Unlike me, I married a soldier. At first, we lived apart, and after I had the baby, no one helped take care of it. I had to take the child to school by myself, attending classes while looking after the child. I finally got him transferred back, but before I could enjoy a few years of happiness, he passed away."

"This is life."

Grandma couldn't bear to hear it and patted her shoulder reassuringly: "If the King of Hell wants you to leave at midnight, he won't keep you until dawn. Think positively, and all your worries will disappear. If you can't think positively, you'll only suffer."

"My second sister has such a thoughtful and filial daughter as Xiyu, and such a promising son-in-law as Xiaobin."

My uncle was unusually eloquent, and what he said was particularly pleasant: "You'll definitely have a smooth and prosperous life like Mom, enjoying your old age."

I think so too.

The aunt was genuinely envious: "Xi Yu is a daughter who is worth three of my brother's sons. If I had a daughter like that, I would be laughing in my dreams."

"You already have one, don't you?"

Listening to the couple's back-and-forth praise of their daughter, Chen Xiulan was in a good mood and joked with them: "While the child is still young, if we educate her well from a young age, she will surely become successful."

"I hope so. If this little one grows up to be half as successful as Xiyu, I'll be satisfied."

My aunt has been raising the baby for a few days and has already developed a bond with him. She said he could be successful, and although she was just being polite, she was genuinely happy for the baby.

"It's time to eat."

While the mother and her children were chatting, Lin Xiyu had already prepared lunch and came over from the kitchen with a bowl of tomato and egg soup.

A little sugar was added to the soup, the tomatoes were sweet and sour, and the egg was drizzled with sesame oil, making it incredibly fragrant.

It looks delicious and smells amazing, making one's mouth water.

"smell good."

Her uncle was very supportive, saying, "Xi Yu's cooking skills have gotten better and better since she filmed the documentary."

When will the documentary be edited and broadcast in its entirety?

Chen Xiulan felt very proud: "If only we had a VCR at home, we could record it."

How much does a VCR cost?

Her aunt followed her thoughts and asked.

"Two or three thousand, I guess."

Chen Xiulan didn't actually know either; she just estimated the price.

"Too expensive, I can't afford it."

The uncle was astonished and kept shaking his head.

"No need to buy it, it's not worth it for a movie."

Lin Xiyu smiled nonchalantly, placed her grandmother's soup bowl on the table, and then turned and went to the kitchen.

"Stop talking."

Grandma instructed her children to do chores: "Go and help serve the food."

"I'll go."

Chen Xiulan was used to listening to her mother, so she rushed to the kitchen first.

-

In Jinan, September is known for its "autumn tiger" weather, with cool and comfortable mornings and evenings, but still very humid and hot during the day despite the sun.

My aunt takes care of the children at night and doesn't get enough rest, so she desperately needs a nap at noon to replenish her energy.

After finishing lunch, Lin Xiyu sat in the small hut built in the backyard, helping her aunt watch the public phone while reading some of her favorite magazines.

My aunt is very experienced in running phone booths, and she knows how to choose magazines that are trendy and understand the preferences of today's young people.

The magazine she bought, called "Fashion," was the best-selling item; every issue sold out.

Lin Xiyu is also fond of fashion magazines, especially the exotic fashion models in the magazines.

Whether someone has blue eyes and fair skin, or black eyes and dark skin, as long as they have a perfectly proportioned, stunning figure, she will be captivated by them.

"Tsk tsk, look at how long those legs are, so thin and straight, without an ounce of fat."

She stared intently at the models in the catalog, oblivious to anyone approaching.

"What are you muttering about?"

A clear laugh rang out from above, startling her heart.

Why are you scaring me?

Upon seeing who it was, she patted her still-shaken heart, her eyes filled with resentment.

"I didn't scare you."

Gu Bin flicked her forehead, speechless at her attempt to shift the blame: "You were so engrossed in watching it that your eyes were practically glued to it, you didn't even notice someone coming by."

"What brings you here? Is something the matter?"

Lin Xiyu closed the book, her expression somewhat unnatural.

Gu Bin retorted, "Can't I come if there's nothing wrong?"

There's a custom that says...

Lin Xiyu laughed awkwardly: "It's unlucky to meet before the engagement, so it's not advisable to meet."

"You're quite superstitious." Gu Bin chuckled in exasperation: "I've never heard of this custom before?"

"Shown on TV"

Lin Xiyu made up a story with a straight face: "I forgot which TV series it was, but that's what it said."

"Watch less TV dramas in the future."

Gu Bin patted her head and teased her with a smile, "You're almost dumbfounded, believing even a made-up story."

"The plot is based on real life."

Lin Xiyu slapped his hand away and retorted with dissatisfaction: "I just love watching TV dramas, especially Hong Kong dramas, like The Legend of the Condor Heroes and The Return of the Condor Heroes. I never get tired of watching them, I love them so much."

"You bought the stickers just for this?"

Gu Bin magically produced a picture of Barbara Yung from his pocket and waved it in front of her.

"Oh, my Barbara Yung, why is she here? Did you steal her? That's why I couldn't find her again."

Lin Xiyu stared wide-eyed in surprise, reaching out through the window to try and snatch it back.

"You didn't put it away properly, it fell on the ground, and you're blaming me?"

Gu Bin reacted quickly, dodging her attack and leaving her empty-handed.

"Give it back to me."

Lin Xiyu was unwilling to give up, so she opened the door and ran out of the small house.

"I won't pay it back."

Gu Bin deliberately teased her, raising his arm and dodging to the side.

Lin Xiyu was too short to reach his hand, and she stomped her feet in frustration. The two chased and laughed in the street, attracting the attention of many people.

"That girl looks familiar; I feel like I've seen her somewhere before."

"Hey, isn't she the girl who filmed the documentary about the people of Quanshui?"

"She looks like it to me too. Does she live here? I've never seen her before."

"It looks like they just moved in; that public phone belongs to her family."

"Let's go take a look. I was just about to make a phone call."

"You want to see pretty girls, don't you?"

"So what now? It's rare for a beautiful woman to come to Qinglong Back Street, we have to support her!"

"That's true, I'd like to make a call too."

"Tch~~, I won't call you out on your little scheme."

The charm of a beautiful woman is irresistible. Before long, Lin Xiyu's little house was flooded with onlookers, and people lined up to make phone calls from one end of the alley to the other.

"Xu."

Gu Bin sighed helplessly, watching his girlfriend being surrounded by people with impure motives. His handsome face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

-

That evening, Chen Xiulan achieved her goal, giving her daughter a big surprise.

When Lin Xiyu saw the valuable suitcase, she excitedly covered her mouth with her hand. It took her a while to react before she hugged her and her eyes reddened.

"Xi Yu"

Chen Xiulan patted her daughter's back, a hint of reluctance welling up in her eyes: "You're leaving the day after tomorrow, and Mom can't see you off. You must take the three hundred yuan for living expenses. If you don't take it, Mom won't be able to face Grandma."

"I have money, I really don't need it."

Not wanting her to worry, Lin Xiyu took out her saved allowance from the closet: "Mom, look, there's more than three thousand yuan. After deducting tuition and accommodation fees, plus the one hundred yuan you give me every month, it's enough for a year."

Keep your money for yourself.

Chen Xiulan comforted her, saying, "Shanghai has high prices and expenses. Don't deprive yourself when you go. Eat more nutritious food and don't worry about the money."

"Mom, don't worry."

Lin Xiyu nuzzled her shoulder affectionately like a kitten: "I'm eighteen years old now, I can take care of myself. Besides, the school has a cafeteria, the food will definitely be cheaper than outside, I won't go hungry."

"It's good that you know what's going on."

Chen Xiulan smiled with relief and said, "By the way, Mom bought you some envelopes and stamps. Long-distance calls are too expensive, there's no need to waste that money. Write a letter home when you have time, so Grandma won't worry."

"Ah."

Lin Xiyu readily agreed: "I will write every week."

"Mom asked your younger brother to reply to you."

Chen Xiulan truly lives up to her reputation as a teacher, never missing an opportunity for her son to practice writing.

"Xiao Yi should cry."

Lin Xiyu saw through her mother's true intentions and silently lit a candle for her younger brother.

"He is your own brother."

Chen Xiulan said matter-of-factly, "Isn't it only right to reply to my sister's letter?"

"Yes, absolutely!"

Lin Xiyu suppressed a laugh and solemnly agreed.

"Is your luggage packed? Is there anything else you need to bring?"

Chen Xiulan was satisfied, and then turned her attention to the newly bought suitcase.

"almost."

After looking at the admission notice, Lin Xiyu already knew what to do: "I don't need to bring bed sheets, pillows, quilts, or mosquito nets. The school will provide them. Shanghai winters aren't as cold as the north, so I don't need to bring thick cotton-padded clothes. Just bring a few long-sleeved shirts and jackets."

"Bring your sweater too. The sweater Mom knitted for you is thick and warmer than the ones you can buy outside. Even though Shanghai is in the south, it's still damp and cold in winter, so you can't go without a sweater."

Like all mothers in the world, Chen Xiulan was always afraid that her daughter would get cold, and always felt that her daughter was never wearing enough clothes.

"Alright, then take it with you."

Lin Xiyu couldn't bear to refuse her kindness, so she didn't say it outright. The sweater she knitted last year was already too small for her; it was too tight and made it hard for her to breathe.

"You tidy up first, I'll go check on your brother's homework and see if he's finished."

Chen Xiulan had clearly forgotten that teenage girls develop quickly during puberty and didn't notice the fleeting embarrassment on her daughter's face. Seeing that her daughter had agreed, she nodded in satisfaction and stood up from the chair.

"Tomorrow is the weekend, there's no need to rush so much, is there?"

Lin Xiyu shed a tear of sympathy for her younger brother: "You still have two days to write."

“He’s different from you; he won’t study properly unless you keep a close eye on him.”

Chen Xiulan kept a close eye on her son, never letting her guard down for a moment.

Lin Xiyu knew that saying more was useless. She watched her mother go into the next room, and sure enough, a little while later, she heard Xu Yi let out a howl, a dissatisfied roar like a small animal.

The protests were ineffective, and the tug-of-war between mother and son continued.

She smiled helplessly, went back to her room, took out a few cotton swabs from the drawer, removed the cotton, and plugged her ears.

-

On the first auspicious day of September, the engagement banquet was held as scheduled.

Friends and relatives flocked to the event, filling the banquet hall on the second floor of the Oriental Building to capacity.

Gu Bin's sixth grandfather personally attended the event and spoke on stage as a representative of the groom's relatives and friends, offering his blessings to the two lovers.

It's worth mentioning that Qu Peng also returned. The four childhood friends reunited and naturally had endless things to talk about, creating an atmosphere that was more harmonious than ever before.

"Qu Peng, you've finally decided to come back."

Wang Fan immediately grabbed Qu Peng by the neck, delivering a devastating blow: "I thought you were blinded by the prosperity of the capital, looked down on us for being unsophisticated, and didn't want to deal with people from small places like us anymore."