He didn’t intend to show off this time, but villagers listening were extremely envious.
"Oh my, Mianmian went to the Capital City? That’s really remarkable, this child is truly promising, unlike your uncle here, who’s lived more than half his life without stepping out of the county."
A group of people chatted and laughed as they arrived at the Jiang Family’s place, where the Jiang family members were having dinner.
Zhang Guihua was quite gullible; hearing voices outside while in the house eating, she came out with chopsticks in hand to see what was happening. Seeing that it was Jiang Changhai and the others returning, and noting the items hanging on the bicycle, she came out beaming with joy to greet them.
"Changhai, you’re back? Mianmian too? Has she not returned yet?" Zhang Guihua glanced behind the two men, and not seeing Jiang Mianmian, she asked with a hint of disappointment.
"Mom, Mianmian is back, but she was too tired, so we let her sleep at home," Su Wanyu explained.
"Oh, that’s proper, that’s proper. Remember to bring her next time," Zhang Guihua instructed.
"Mom, don’t worry, we’ll definitely come back together next time. Here, these are things Mianmian brought from the Capital City—Peking duck, pastries, and candies," Jiang Changhai passed the items to Zhang Guihua.
"Ah, Peking duck, Mianmian is such a considerate child, thinking of us even while she is in the Capital City," Zhang Guihua said, holding the gift box with a face about to burst into a chrysanthemum smile.
"Mom, these were bought by Yu Cheng’s friend for Mianmian," Jiang Changhai added.
Sun Lixia came out a step later. Seeing the items in her mother-in-law’s hands and hearing Jiang Changhai mention Peking duck, she couldn’t suppress her cheerful smile and warmly greeted them, "Eldest brother, Eldest sister-in-law, you’re back! Come in and sit, I’ll make you some sweet soup."
Eldest’s family had come again to bring them good things. Ever since Jiang Changhai’s family moved out, each visit meant bringing various nice things with them.
Therefore, Sun Lixia often hoped they would come back to improve the family’s meals.
Su Wanyu was actually a bit thirsty and spoke softly, "Then I’ll have to trouble you, Third sister-in-law."
"No trouble at all, no trouble at all," Sun Lixia said, before turning to walk to the kitchen, her enthusiastic and proactive attitude a stark contrast to how she used to look down on the eldest branch of the family.
"Changhai, your timing is perfect, we’re just having dinner. Come in and join us," Zhang Guihua urged, still holding the items, with a beaming smile.
"Mom, don’t bother with us, we’ve already eaten," he replied.
Entering the house, Jiang Dashan knew Jiang Mianmian didn’t come and felt somewhat disappointed.
"Dad, Mom, since you are already eating, let me contribute this Peking duck from the Capital City. Mom, cut it up and let’s eat together," Jiang Changhai said, pointing to the box of duck.
"Eat what? We have so many dishes at home. The Peking duck is such an expensive treat; it should be saved for when we have guests," Zhang Guihua clutched the items tightly, her face reluctant to part with them.
"Oh Mom, just take it out and eat it. The duck won’t stay fresh; it would be a waste of money if it were to spoil. That one duck cost a lot, dozens of yuan," Jiang Changhai persuaded her, understanding her nature all too well. She was the type to let candy melt; if they didn’t eat the duck today, it might just grow mold.
"What? That expensive, dozens of yuan? This—this much money could buy dozens of live ducks! That’s really too expensive. How can everyone in the Capital City be so rich?" Upon hearing the price, Zhang Guihua became even more reluctant to eat it, thinking how much better it would be if she could turn it into money and tuck it into her pocket.