Chapter 42
Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Feeling Remorseful_1
Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Feeling Remorseful_1
“I came to ask if you still have some of the stir-fried dried bamboo shoots from last night, Brother Erhu. My sister-in-law is pregnant and has become quite picky; she struggles to eat anything these days. I found the dried bamboo shoots you made yesterday quite refreshing and tasty, just perfect, so I’ve come, albeit with a thick face, to ask if I could take some for her,” Zhao Xinglin had intended to say this the night before, but he forgot after becoming intoxicated, which is why he made a special effort to come over early this morning.
“We’ve got plenty left. Is that you, Brother Xinglin?” Lin Yue adjusted her appearance, feeling there was nothing amiss before coming out from the house, smiling at Zhao Xinglin.
It was Zhao Xinglin’s first time seeing Lin Yue. He had heard from his father that Erhu’s wife was a good ten years younger than Erhu. Seeing her in person, she appeared even younger than he had imagined, fragile as if a gust of wind might blow her away, evidently still a child. Despite this, she had a pleasant appearance, and her behavior and speech were confidently graceful, which did not invite any disdain.
“Sister-in-law, you did us a great favor yesterday by sending so many delicious dishes through Erhu that we greatly enjoyed, and I haven’t had the chance to thank you yet. Today, here I am again, shamelessly asking for your things, and I hope you won’t mind,” said Zhao Xinglin to Lin Yue with a smile. He usually did not ask others for anything, but he felt differently about Erhu, hence his request, which was for the sake of his pregnant daughter-in-law, though he wasn’t sure about the temperament of Erhu’s new wife. From her prior actions, she seemed to be generous, which reassured him for future visits.
“Brother Xinglin, please don’t be so formal. Brother Erhu has taken care of you in the past, and I should be thanking you. I’d be glad if you visited us more often. I’ve sun-dried quite a lot of bamboo shoots recently. Just wait here, I’ll go get them,” Lin Yue remembered that Zhao Erhu had mentioned Zhao Xinglin was planning to return to the city this morning, so realizing he might be in a hurry, she quickly went to gather the items without further delay.
Lin Yue made several kinds of bamboo shoot products; last night’s dried shoots were just one of them. She also had smoked bamboo shoots and pressed bamboo shoots, of which she packed a generous amount. She added a basket of bean sprouts, knowing that vegetables were especially popular during this season and would be appreciated by the sister-in-law. She considered tofu, but since it was delicate and difficult to transport, she decided against it.
After packing everything, Lin Yue handed them to Zhao Xinglin and also took the time to explain a few different ways of preparing the bamboo shoot products. Zhao Xinglin took careful note, planning to share these with his daughter-in-law once he returned to the city.
“Sister-in-law, thank you so much. With all this, we’ll have enough to last for a good while. And these tender bean sprouts, my sister-in-law will definitely like them. She’s been craving fresh vegetables after growing tired of greasy food, but fresh veggies are hard to come by this season unless they’re grown in the greenhouses of rich families. I don’t mind paying for them even if it costs a hundred coins for a tiny bunch, which not only gets consumed quickly but my sister-in-law also finds too expensive and is reluctant to buy often. Now, with what you’ve given us, she can have her fill,” Zhao Xinglin said.
Zhao Erhu waved a hand dismissively, “If she likes it, that’s good. If it’s not enough, feel free to come and take more. It’s all homemade and not worth much. Once the baby is born, my wife and I will visit the city to see our little nephew.”
Gratefully carrying the gifts, Zhao Xinglin returned to the city, and this incident made him realize that Erhu’s wife was indeed a good woman, distinguished by her generosity far beyond the village women. He was not a greedy man, and felt a bit guilty for accepting so much from them. He considered offering silver coins as payment but knew that Erhu and his wife would never accept it, and it would only create a sense of distance. Instead, he kept this kindness in his heart, knowing there would be plenty of time in the future to repay it.