An extraordinary life journey through old Beijing courtyard houses

The steamed buns were served, but there was only one pot available, so no other dishes could be cooked.

However, for Jiang Daya, the steamed buns made from two kinds of dough were better than pastries, so why would she need to eat vegetables?

Jiang Baobin, however, didn't think that way—what would I gain from separating from the family? It's just for freedom.

In layman's terms, they want to eat well and dress well.

So he was prepared and bought pickles on the way.

It is neither "Tianyuan" nor "Liubiju".

Those two places are ridiculously expensive! Especially "Liu Bi Ju," where even pickled vegetables are sold at the price of meat.

Isn't that crazy?

No, I was being naive. It just means their stuff is really good, and there are plenty of wealthy people in old Beijing.

Anyway, Jiang Baobin couldn't handle it right now, so he just randomly picked a small shop to make his pickles.

Right now is a time when money is tight, so his principle is: affordability comes first, taste comes second.

Deep down, he's not a pretentious person.

In terms of food, it's described in Northeastern dialect as "superior food".

Otherwise, would a modern person be able to accept the food he was given when he first transmigrated?

But he stubbornly ate it, and with the meager amount of protein, his small body survived the initial difficult times.

Of course, given the opportunity, Jiang Baobin would not compromise himself.

For example, tonight's steamed buns made from two kinds of dough are considered a delicacy these days.

Served with pickles, it's even better.

What if we add canned food as well?

This is definitely not something that ordinary families can afford.

Although these were all products from World War II, they were presented as aid, but in reality, it was just a way to clear out inventory.

However, I must say, this stuff is really good quality; it's an expired product, but you can still eat it.

Jiang Daya was initially too embarrassed to touch her chopsticks—this was meat, after all, she was already grateful to be able to taste it.

But following Jiang Baobin's example, they also started eating a lot.

Halfway through the meal, Jiang Baobin suddenly thought of a question—

I'm doing alright. Lately, I've been hanging out with Tom a lot, so I often have the chance to eat out.

But Jiang Daya is no good; she's not very fertile.

Don't let the little girl get too wet; that would be bad.

Thinking of this, I quickly told her to stop.

Jiang Baobin himself stopped eating, saying he would save the remaining canned food for her.

The little girl was still a bit upset, thinking that her brother was upset that she ate too much.

Helpless, Jiang Baobin explained to her: If you haven't had any oily food in your stomach for a long time, eating too much rich food suddenly will cause diarrhea.

The little girl couldn't hold back anymore, covered her face and laughed, finally understanding her brother's good intentions.

After finishing his meal, Jiang Baobin carried a basket and delivered steamed buns to each household.

He's going to launch "a campaign"!

East courtyard, doorway.

Many people gathered here because of the cross breeze, which made it particularly cool.

"Hey! Isn't this Baobin? What brings you here?"

Don't let Yan Bugui's small eyes and the tortoiseshell glasses he wears fool you; they work perfectly.

He spotted Jiang Baobin as soon as he entered the room, his gaze lingering on the basket he was carrying.

This guy was very cunning; he figured out his intentions in a very short time and immediately burst out with enthusiasm.

Jiang Baobin first greeted the Jiang family members who were sitting at the door of their house in the distance.

There's no way around it; you can't be impolite in front of outsiders.

Only then did he greet the others with a smile:

"Mr. Yan, everyone, please enjoy the cool air."

"This isn't my first day cooking, so from now on I'm considered part of this compound."

"Nothing much, just sending two steamed buns to each family as a token of my appreciation."

"As the old saying goes, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. I'll still need your help in the future, won't I?"

Yan Bugui's eyes disappeared in laughter: "Hey! That's so true!"

"Baobin has really grown up; he'll definitely be able to settle down and start a family in the future!"

Everyone joined in praising it.

Nobody's stupid; when someone brings a gift, you should naturally say a few nice words to show your appreciation.

Jiang Baobin said a few modest words, then asked Yan Bugui's wife, "Aunt Yan, do you have any empty bowls?"

This time, his main focus is on winning over housewives, which is why he asked this question.

Yes, yes, yes, absolutely!

Yan Bugui's wife quickly agreed, beaming as she led Jiang Baobin into her home.

Yan Bugui followed closely behind, eager to take advantage of the situation. He couldn't resist taking a closer look, otherwise he would feel itchy to do the same.

Seeing this, the people who had been idly chatting and fanning themselves scattered like birds and beasts, all going home to wait.

Only the Jiang family members remained, exchanging bewildered glances, their faces grim and seething with resentment.

That unfilial son (that damned third son) made food for his own family but instead benefited outsiders. He's utterly stupid!

The eldest sister-in-law, of course, wouldn't let the opportunity slip by: "Dad, Mom, did you see that?"

"This is an ungrateful wretch, always turning against his own side..."

Fortunately, before she could finish speaking, Jiang Daya came running back, carrying a basket of steamed buns.

The little girl knew that Jiang Baobin's visit would definitely upset her family.

So they put down what they were doing and rushed over to help him out of the predicament.

Luckily she arrived in time, otherwise they would have been furious!

The Yan family.

Jiang Baobin lifted the cloth from the drawer, revealing the steamed buns inside. Yan Bugui and his wife's eyes lit up.

"Wow! It's made with a mixture of two types of dough! It's steamed really well," Yan Bugui's wife exclaimed.

"I'm so sorry to have troubled you so much," Yan Bugui said.

Jiang Baobin then said at the opportune moment, "I'm especially happy to give gifts to a scholarly family like yours; it'll also allow me to absorb some of that cultured atmosphere, won't it?"

Yan Bugui loved hearing this: "Good, good, good! You're good at talking; you'll definitely amount to something!"

Jiang Baobin smiled, then turned to ask Yan Bugui's wife:

"Aunt Yan, someone told me that my sister-in-law is talking badly about me everywhere."

Who told him anything? He's always running around outside all day.

He's just bluffing.

Yan Bugui's wife fell for it: "That's right, you sister-in-law, tsk tsk..."

She then added, "But don't worry, I don't believe a word she says."

"Okay, thank you."

"That's right, everyone knows you, you're kind and honest, I used to suffer all the bullying from her."

"Auntie, you know my troubles best. I've come here to ask you for a favor."

Yan Bugui's wife was in high spirits and immediately patted her chest, saying:

"Oh, don't beg or anything, just tell me, and I'll definitely help."

This greatly worried Yan Bugui, who inwardly resented his wife for speaking too quickly—

What if someone asks to borrow money? Would you lend it to them too?

Just as Yan Laokou had already come up with a reason to refuse outright the moment Jiang Baobin brought it up,

Unexpectedly, Jiang Baobin said, "Aunt Yan, if you happen to meet someone who doesn't know the inside story tomorrow..."

"When it comes to matters concerning me, you absolutely must speak on my behalf."

"I can't let my sister-in-law ruin my reputation; I'm not even married yet."

Yan Bugui breathed a long sigh of relief—so that's what it was about. As long as money wasn't mentioned, everything was fine.