Qiao Ying seemed to catch a certain undertone from her expression and said joyfully, "Pei Min, you’re really good to me." After speaking, she couldn’t wait to scoop some out with her hand, rubbed it together, and carefully observed the change. She smiled again and said, "It’s really moisturizing."
Yang PeiMin was also happy, "As long as you like it."
With Qiao Ying’s help, they quickly packed up the cosmetics, and she took them that very night to hand them over to her teammates.
After Qiao Ying left, Yang PeiMin took out the items she had bought that day, organized them with her luggage, and packed everything since she would be catching the train tomorrow.
Luo Dahua and Sister-in-law Hongying heard she would be leaving tomorrow and made a special trip over. Sister-in-law Dahua brought her some salted duck eggs, "Last time you gave me that big box of pork floss, it was almost a pound right? Bringing so much, I feel somewhat embarrassed. My husband and the kids all went crazy for it; they want to dip everything in it, no matter if it’s rice or steamed buns. Here are five salted duck eggs, I know you like them, and even though you have them at home, these are just a little token of my gratitude. Please don’t think it’s too little, and don’t refuse it."
Yang PeiMin smiled and accepted them, thinking to herself that since they enjoyed the pork floss, she would later give each of the sisters-in-law a jar to take back.
The last time she went to town, Yang PeiMin bought four pounds of lean meat to make pork floss. Back then, she was worried about not being able to make it since she had never done it before; those four pounds were just a test. After successfully making it, she bought ten pounds more and sent a small jar to Luo Dahua. Shen Yiguang also loved it, praising her for being clever. Some was also sent to Political Commissar Zhou.
"You haven’t been here for a few days, and you’re already saying you’re leaving. What’s so urgent that you must go back?" Sister-in-law Hongying pulled Yang PeiMin to the side to ask. She was still worried about the young sister-in-law who might be struggling with some issues, and wanted to offer some advice.
Yang PeiMin smiled and said, "It’s just some family matters that aren’t settled yet. Don’t worry, Sister-in-law, I’ll come back after a while. Then I’ll have to bother you again. Make sure you don’t find me annoying. Since I’m leaving soon, why don’t you tell me if there’s anything you want me to bring back? Maybe something special from my hometown?" She teased the sisters-in-law with a playful wink.
Luo Dahua slapped her hand gently and scolded, "You with your tiny arms and legs, what can we expect you to bring? I’d better just save my breath and warm my tummy."
Sister-in-law Hongying also joked with her and took out a jar of pickled vegetables, handing it to Yang PeiMin, "These are some cabbage I pickled myself. It’s nothing fancy, and I know your family is well-off. This is just to give you a change of flavors after all the meat you’ve had."
Since she was going back, in these few days, Yang PeiMin’s home was filled with the smell of meat at every meal. Even if no one saw directly, the aroma wafted through several floors, and while doing laundry downstairs, people quietly inquired about Yang PeiMin’s home situation.
The meat’s tempting aroma was irresistible; not only did it make children drool, but adults couldn’t help but swallow their saliva as well. Usually, meat was cooked sparsely in other homes, and not so many spices were used, so the scent didn’t spread far and was less conspicuous. But some observant people noticed the exceptional fragrance of meat from Yang Peiming’s home every day, and when Yang PeiMin came out, they couldn’t resist making a few envious remarks.
Yang PeiMin then explained to everyone, "Since I’m preparing to go back, these few days I haven’t been able to properly cook a meal for Shen Yi. I really feel guilty about it. He’s been working so hard, supporting the whole family. I wanted to think up ways to let him have a good nourishment."
Even though she put it that way, there were still those who didn’t understand, thinking that she was being extravagant and didn’t know how to manage a household, turning from envy to disdain.
Of course, Yang PeiMin didn’t care about these discussions; she went about her business as usual, with every meal at home consisting of meat and soup. It had Shen Yiguang looking rosy, energetic, and robust, especially invigorated in... certain matters... hands covering face...
Yang PeiMin took the pickled vegetables from Sister-in-law Hongying, happily saying, "I too, but I don’t know how to pickle. Next time I come over, Sister-in-law, you’ll have to teach me."
After a few words, since it was also time to prepare dinner, no one had time to chat, especially the two sister-in-laws who had children, they needed to fuss about eating at the usual time. But before leaving, Luo Dahua pulled her aside and whispered, "Come back as soon as you finish your business at home."
Pei Min couldn’t help but ask, sensing the seriousness in her tone, "Sister-in-law, what do you mean?"
Luo Dahua glanced at her stomach and said in a knowing voice, "You’ve been here for a few days, there might already be something in your belly. Finish what you need to do and hurry back. Otherwise, when your stomach gets bigger, it won’t be so convenient, or your mother-in-law might insist you give birth at home and prevent you from coming back here. Although having your mother-in-law take care of you is good, it’s not as enjoyable as being the master of your own house. If anything, us sister-in-laws can help you out. We’ve all been through childbirth, we have the experience."
Pei Min felt a rush of heat to her face.
She replied, "I understand, Sister-in-law."
Seeing that Pei Min took her words to heart, Luo Dahua nodded, relieved, "As long as you’re aware, I can rest easy. I’ll head back to cook now... Oh, Shen Ying is back too, looks like it’s time for me to leave."
Luo Dahua turned around and saw the tall and imposing Shen Yiguang at the door, her smile grew even brighter.
Pei Min was also delighted. She quickly took two steps towards him and grabbed his arm. By now, Luo Dahua had left, so Pei Min transformed the grip into a hug, clinging to his arm and walking towards the back where the bathing area was to wash his hands. While doing so, she asked, "Why did you come back so early today?"
"I finished the tasks for the group of lads in one go, so I came back a bit earlier. The food my wife has made these past few days is so good, I couldn’t wait to get back and satisfy my cravings."
Pei Min handed him a basin to wash his hands and gave him a playful glare, "Nonsense."
Her expression was teasing but not quite, alluring and charming, which made Shen Yiguang’s heart flutter, unable to bear the thought of her leaving.
When Shen Yiguang put his hands in the basin to wash them, he pressed down on her hands as well, and the water reflected their contrasting hands.
Clearly, he was taking the opportunity to be a little naughty, and Pei Min laughed and dodged playfully.
They played around with the basin of water for a while, and then Shen Yiguang finally carried his wife out of the room. She tidied everything neatly to one side, crouching down as if to check something.
Pei Min, preparing to take out the vegetables to wash, glanced at him, "Do you want to check my things?"
"I was going to see if you left anything behind, but looking at the size of your luggage, I’m doubting if you can even carry it."
Pei Min replied calmly, "It’s fine, I’ll call my brother to pick me up when it’s time."