Because they had to catch the bus, He Zhilan and the political commissar’s wife both left home without breakfast. It was only after they got to the city and got off the bus that the two found a small stall to grab something to eat.
"Last night He Mutou told everyone that you’re having dinner at your place tonight. Have you thought about what dishes you want to make? I can help you out in the kitchen tonight," the political commissar’s wife casually said as she passed chopsticks to He Zhilan.
"Great! Thank you in advance!" He Zhilan gratefully accepted the offer. She had indeed intended to ask for the political commissar’s wife’s help since she would be too busy on her own. Now that she offered, it saved He Zhilan from having to ask.
As for the menu, He Zhilan said, "I was thinking of stewing a pig’s trotter, stir-frying some leafy greens and green beans with shredded pork, then braising some fish. Add a bowl of sour cabbage beef soup, and a plate of steamed shrimp. Oh right, I heard there’s a place in the city that does very authentic roasted rabbit, so let’s have one of those too. Six dishes and one soup should be enough, right?"
Hearing this, the political commissar’s wife was dumbfounded and speechless for a moment.
He Zhilan looked at the political commissar’s wife and blinked, "Sister-in-law, what’s the matter?"
The political commissar’s wife let out a soft laugh and said, "You know, I realize that you have made some money over the years, and you want to offer the best you can to treat everyone because you value them. But you need to consider, in our apartment building, does any family entertain with such extravagance? Your selection of fish, shrimp, and meat dishes will cost quite a bit of money!"
Indeed, in the north, seafood is much more expensive than in the south, and He Zhilan did want to offer the best she could afford, especially since those coming are all very good friends of He Teng.
"Think about it, we all live in the same building, we are all neighbors. Nobody really dines like that. Normally, when families gather, it is casual and in small groups. Our typical meals are homestyle dishes, at most a pig’s trotter or killing a chicken is seen as quite generous. You mean well by inviting everyone to dinner, and that’s good, but there’s a risk that some might see it as showing off. With six dishes and a soup like that, you’re bound to leave everyone in shock."
The political commissar’s wife patiently explained, "Even if people don’t overthink it or feel you are showing off, think about it - if the dishes are expensive, will people be comfortable enough to help themselves? Won’t they feel constrained? Then won’t it be the case that they didn’t really enjoy the meal? So listen to your sister-in-law, it’s better to prepare some homestyle dishes!"
Upon hearing this, He Zhilan had an epiphany, realizing that she hadn’t thought of these things at all.
"I’m so glad I asked you, sister-in-law, or I would have made a big mistake tonight!" He Zhilan really let out a huge sigh of relief.
"As long as you don’t think sister-in-law is being envious of your wealth and can’t stand your actions, that’s good!" the political commissar’s wife said with a laugh, shaking her head. "You’re still young, it’s normal not to know the complexities of social etiquette. With time, you’ll understand."
"How could I think that? Of course, I know you mean well," He Zhilan said with a sycophantic smile, then quickly picked up a large meat bun for the political commissar’s wife, "You’ve worked hard talking, sister-in-law. Have a big meat bun!"