"Wife, I heard they’re selling watermelons now; should I go check it out?"
But this was the eighties.
They had some in greenhouses, but they were few and far between.
In the Capital City, it only began to warm up in April, and it hadn’t been long since, so these watermelons must have been brought in from other places, and you can imagine the price.
After Zhao Tianlei finished airing the quilts, he rode his bicycle to buy a big watermelon.
"Xiao Shitou, is this a watermelon?"
Grandma Fang remembered, weren’t watermelons something you ate during the summer vacation?
Besides, it was still somewhat cold in the Capital City, and they were selling watermelons?
"Grandma Fang, I saw watermelons for sale, so I bought one to try."
Initially, Grandma Fang would have asked about the price.
But now, she wouldn’t ask anymore.
"Back in our hometown, they must be harvesting wheat and planting rice now."
Zhao Tianlei also thought of this, "Yes, now that the team members have their own fields, I guess everyone must be bustling with activity."
Staying with Zhao Tianlei, Grandma Fang had recuperated well, looking much healthier and plumper.
If she were back home, she would definitely be working in the fields.
Yun Xiaoxiao had originally planned to pay her a salary.
But Grandma Fang firmly refused.
She said they provided her lodging and food for all three of them.
She couldn’t work, and her grandchildren were earning quite a sum every month.
"I wonder how many fields my family got?"
To the older generation, fields were especially precious.
If it weren’t for knowing that her grandchildren were busy, Grandma Fang would have probably gone back to check on the situation long ago.
"Grandma Fang, don’t worry. Your family’s fields are well accounted for; in his letters, my dad mentioned that a team member is farming them and will provide you with some grain in return."
Getting grain without farming?
"It was all determined by drawing lots; some got good fields, and others got lesser ones."
Hearing Zhao Tianlei say this, Grandma Fang felt reassured.
The team leader always dealt with things fairly.
After dinner, they brought out the big watermelon to cut. There were many people, but the watermelon was also big, and everyone got several pieces.
"Third Brother, the watermelon isn’t very sweet this time of year."
Zhao Tianlei glanced at him, "Even eating can’t keep your mouth shut. If it’s not sweet, then next time you won’t get any."
At these words, Zhao Tianhe’s face changed, "Third Brother, I was wrong, so wrong."
No more talking, he lowered his head and kept eating.
Being able to eat watermelon at this time of year, and managing to buy one, must have been expensive.
His sister-in-law and Third Brother took care of their meals and lodging; no wonder he got upset over his complaint.
No talking, no talking.
Yun Xiaoxiao occasionally bought some fruits.
Snacks could be eaten in the room, but she also shared some, along with some fruit.
"Sister-in-law, can you explain this to me?" After eating the watermelon, Zhao Tianhe promptly pulled out his textbooks to ask Yun Xiaoxiao, as he still had to go to class after that.
Yun Xiaoxiao took the textbook, quickly understood it, and began explaining it to Zhao Tianhe.
Zhao Tianlei watched from the side, seeing Zhao Tianhe being so serious for once was really rare.
"The finals are coming up; push a little harder, and you might just pass."
Third Brother, I clearly mean what I say, but can you just not talk, please?
"It’s getting late; Third Brother, sister-in-law, I’m off to class now."
"Xiao Yang, Third Brother just knows how to pick on me."
Fang Chaoyang really wanted to roll his eyes.
"Second Brother, having watermelons at this time of year must be pricey, and yet you complain. If Third Brother doesn’t say it, then who will?" Zhao Xinxin said, sitting behind Zhao Tianhe on his bicycle.