With his worries gone, Lu Jiang himself was more exuberant than ever.
As he picked up his chopsticks, Zhao Yong noticed the watch on his wrist and exclaimed, "Got a new watch? This one ain’t cheap. When did you buy it? I’ve never seen you wearing it before."
Looking at the watch on his hand, Lu Jiang smiled ear to ear, his face was full of tenderness, he proudly said, "My girlfriend gave it to me."
Guo Xiuying looked over, recognized the brand of the watch, and recalled the price. She said, "Oh? So, your girlfriend comes from a well-off family? But I heard from your brother Yong that according to the report you submitted, your girlfriend seemed to be the daughter of a poor farmer. It seemed that her parents had died and she is now taking care of her younger sister."
Under such circumstances, life should be pretty tough. Where did the money to buy the watch come from? Especially such an expensive import.
Lu Jiang snapped back to reality and quickly elaborated, "What the report said was true, the money for the watch was probably from the gift my father gave when they met."
This was the explanation he and Feng Qingxue had agreed upon to tell others.
Lu Jiang didn’t want people thinking that Feng Qingxue was dependent on him, so he added, "But, my girlfriend is very intelligent and capable. She and her sister are managing well on their own. Currently, because of the care shown by my comrades, they were often able to get some scarce supplies. Although I left her some money and tickets before I left, there are many materials that can’t be bought even if you have money and tickets."
"That’s true. We know it best, given the severe shortage of supplies now, your girlfriend must be really resourceful." Anyone capable of procuring resources wouldn’t lack money and their life wouldn’t be too difficult.
Upon hearing Zhao Yong’s words, Lu Jiang gave a slight smile.
But Guo Xiuying cautioned, "Be careful in the future. It’s enough if only we know about it. If too many people knew, it could invite trouble. Life is hard now, everyone wants to get their hands on more food."
"I understand, sister-in-law. I’ll write a letter to remind Qingxue as soon as I get home."
Just like what Guo Xiuying had in mind, Lu Jiang understood that keeping a low profile was the best protection for himself in this era.
Mentioning the name "Qingxue", he was afraid that Zhao Yong and Guo Xiuying wouldn’t know who he was talking about. So, he added, "Qingxue is my girlfriend, her surname is Feng."
"Feng Qingxue? The name is quite elegant. It sounds like it was chosen by someone well-educated." Guo Xiuying praised, "I really want to meet your girlfriend. She must be a gentle and beautiful girl."
Lu Jiang nodded emphatically, "Qingxue is exactly as sister-in-law described. When I get the chance, I’ll definitely bring her to meet you."
After the meal, Lu Jiang excused himself and left.
As Guo Xiuying tidied up, she told Zhao Yong, "Our dad loves to eat peanuts, but unfortunately, there is very little supply throughout the year. Leave the rest of the peanuts and don’t eat them, send them to our dad. Our mom doesn’t have good teeth, send her the fine flour and white rice that Lu Jiang gave us, and also the cured meat and sausage, let our parents get a little bit of delicacy and oil."
Zhao Yong listened and nodded his head.
"Okay! Leave some of the dried fruits and preserved fruits for us to taste. Send the rest to them, let our little ones also have a taste."
Even their spoiled kids barely get any snacks these days. It was already good if they could eat their fill. Whenever they had something good, the first thought was always for the elderly and the children.
Guo Xiuying had the same thought and chuckled, "I have to say, Lu Jiang and his girlfriend are really generous."
"You’re right. Those people who are stingy, even if they have the ability and the stuff, they won’t be willing to give so much. You don’t enter a family door unless you’re family. The people from the Lu family are all big-hearted in their actions."