Chapter 417: Chapter 416: Returning to Hometown
Sure enough, the performance proposed by Shi Lan and Lin Wan didn’t get approved, and they both felt a big weight lifted off their shoulders.
Neither of them was naturally talented for performing. Just stepping on stage made them nervous, let alone doing a whole act.
Instead, Sun Yu’s performance was selected. With the school on break, Sun Yu often brought a few friends to practice dancing in the yard these days, which made Lin Wan worry about them getting cold.
Sister-in-law Zhang said that Yang Wei and Sun Yu had a big argument about it.
Lin Wan was enjoying her time at the army unit, and she received a call from Mom saying their tickets were already bought for the day after tomorrow.
From S City to their place, it takes several days by train. They’ll make it home in time for the New Year.
Lin Wan originally planned to see them off. But the sudden heavy snow disrupted her plans.
Luckily, Wang Yuan and Lin Yuan were also heading home, so Han Yi asked them to help bring back a dozen different tickets.
It’s inconvenient to carry things within the city, but it’s easier to buy them passing through the county with the tickets.
He knew that his mother-in-law and brother weren’t lacking tickets, but it was their way of showing thoughtfulness.
In no time, it was the Little New Year, a rare day off for Han Yi, who took her to Second Uncle’s house.
Second Uncle’s family of three hadn’t taken a break; they’ve been busy these days. They had lunch at Second Uncle’s house but didn’t stay long. Han Yi took her to walk around a mall in H City.
They bought a door painting and five pounds of meat, and didn’t miss out on snacks like seeds and candies. Passing the small market, they also bought a lot of cabbage, radishes, and sweet potatoes.
Back home, Lin Wan busied herself making the fillings, asked Han Yi to chop the meat, and she washed the cabbage and prepared two big tubs of dough. They heated the pot so the dough would rise faster by placing the tubs inside.
Even though it was just the two of them, Han Yi’s large appetite meant they had to prepare a lot.
On the 24th of the month, Lin Wan got up early to wash clothes. After lunch, she spent the afternoon busying in the kitchen. Outside was the freezing cold, but the kitchen was wrapped in warmth, and it felt so cozy. Kneading dough is quite a physical task, and Lin Wan ended up taking her coat off, making two pots of meat buns, a pot of bean buns, and two pots of mantou (steamed bread).
By the time evening came and Han Yi returned, Lin Wan’s last pot of mantou was almost ready.
"Didn’t I say I’d take care of it when I come back?"
"The dough was already risen; I’m not delicate about it. My steamed buns are delicious, and they’re still warm, try one." Lin Wan handed a meat bun to Han Yi.
Han Yi took a bite, smiled, and nodded, "Hmm, tasty."
After one bun, most of the mantou in the pot were gone, and Han Yi started taking them out.
Right at noon, they had a few buns with hot water.
"The day after tomorrow, when I’m off, we’ll use the oil pot."
"Okay."
Han Yi heated some water to soak Lin Wan’s feet.
It’s been four months, and Lin Wan’s belly had slightly bulged; Han Yi carefully touched Lin Wan’s miraculous belly, feeling inexplicable emotions. He initially wanted some intimacy with his wife, but now he had no such desire, fearing he might press on her even while lying beside her.
"Xiao Wan, does your belly hurt?"
Such a silly question, only Han Yi would ask. Lin Wan couldn’t help but give him a side-eye, "It doesn’t hurt now, but giving birth sure will."
"I’ll definitely be with you then; let’s not have any more children after this."
"Ai Yi, what if this one’s a girl?"
"Boy or girl, one is enough. They say giving birth pains women greatly and it’s dangerous, I’m scared inside; boy or girl, one child is enough." Han Yi held Lin Wan gently in his arms.
"Alright." Han Yi’s kind words today almost brought Lin Wan to tears.
"Silly, you’re touched by this?" Han Yi chuckled.
According to Northern customs, they fry things like dough sticks, banana leaves, and meatballs before the New Year.
In Lin Wan’s hometown, they eat more meat, like crispy pork and fried chicken.
For the New Year, it’ll just be them two; they don’t eat much. Lin Wan fried some tofu, two pounds of crispy pork, some dough sticks, and meatballs. Enough for the two of them.
...
"Oh, Ah Mei is back!" "After two years in the city, she’s not the same; she’s changed completely."
"Ah Hui succeeded, heard he’s opened a winery over there."
"Started earning big money before even graduating. Ah Hui, don’t forget about our village if your factory needs people in the future."
"A few months ago, we met your son-in-law in the army, quite square and upright, heard he’s an officer. Your family’s Ah Wan is really blessed." Liang Hongmei and her son got home yesterday, today they’re busy cleaning the house.