The northern areas were severely cold, with unmelted snow and wind so cutting it was unbearable. Aside from work, most people chose to stay at home to escape the winter cold.
Xibao, seeing that his grandfather had not taken him out for two days straight, was infuriated. He hopped around the yard, like a spinning ball bouncing off the ground, crying, "Play, Grandpa, play! Play with Grandpa!"
Luckily the snow in the yard had been cleared early on, or he could easily trip over his own feet.
Lu’s father took out a hundred dollars and gave it to Wang Fengqiao who repeatedly refused," Brother Lu, what is this for? Xiaoxue gave me fifty dollars to buy things on the second day I came here. So far, I have only spent a dozen or so."
"When Xiaoxue went to the border guard, the household passbook was given to me. She and Lu Jiang have extensive contacts in the army. Although they have a fairly high aggregate salary, the expenses of a family of three are also substantial. They owe a lot to others. Good stuff is often eaten by Xibao. After coming to the capital, it is even harder. Buying some good things will cost a half to a whole month’s salary. Before leaving, they also gave the living expenses of Xiaoyun to your elder brother. How much can they have left? I guess that’s why they only gave you fifty. Take this money. When you’re done spending, let me know and I’ll give you more!" Lu’s father stuffed the money into her hand and turned back to pick up Xibao. "Let’s go. Grandpa will take you out to play!"
"Play!" Xibao shouted with joy.
The joyful grandfather and grandson walked out the door and saw their neighbor Lun Bing greeting them," It’s such a cold day. Where are you two going?"
Although Lu’s father had been in the capital for less than ten days, he had already become friendly with his neighbors. He even helped others shovel and sweep snow on snowy days. The biggest credit, of course, went to Xibao. With the chubby Xibao in the lead, no one could resist joining in.
Lu’s father laughed and said, "Xibao is a little bored at home. I am taking him out for a stroll. Isn’t that right, Xibao?"
He looked down at Xibao, whom he held by the hand, and patted his head. "Tell Grandpa Lun that we’re going out to play. Ask him if he wants to join us."
"Play!" shouted Xibao, looking at Lun Bing.
"What a well-behaved child!" Although Lun Bing had seen Xibao more than once or twice, he couldn’t help but praise him over and over again. "Grandpa is busy working at home. I can’t go with you. You two go ahead."
"Bye-bye!" Xibao waved his chubby little hand, and then he and Lu’s father walked away leisurely.
Being a familiar route, he led the way.
Today, Lu’s father had no plan to take Xibao to the antique markets. It was so cold that it was doubtful whether anyone would be selling items. So they sauntered to the grocery store nearby. There was a long line of people buying supplies at the entrance. Xibao, who had been to this store before, immediately lit up and shouted," Fruit!"
"Does Xibao want to eat fruit?" Lu’s father asked his grandson.
"Yes, Grandpa, baby wants to eat, Dabao wants to eat, sister wants to eat, Xiaobao wants to eat! Fat sister wants to eat fruit!" Xibao nodded his head rapidly, showing some sibling affection in his reply.
Lu’s father chuckled, as if Xibao was not chubby himself.
Since it was his little grandson’s request, Lu’s father fulfilled his wish and took him directly into the shop.
Starting at the entrance, he was immediately impressed by the variety of goods, which was easily ten times the range and sophistication in comparison to the grocery stores back home.
Rows of counters were filled with various grocery items: biscuits, candies, preserved fruits, egg cakes, eggs, meat... Most of the counters were already more than half empty, with very little left available.