Chapter 455

To rush the project, Jiang Yexun contacted a carpenter the next day, added some extra money, and had three more dumpling-rolling tools made just in time for Little New Year’s Eve.
As for the boiling of the Whitening Pill and Moisture Pill, Aunt Guo was in charge, with Mrs. Su occasionally helping out. However, the dumpling-rolling tasks were left to Su Xiaoxiao and Jiang Yexun. Even Mr. Su, when free, would lend a hand.
Though the workers at the steel mill were on holiday, a few senior craftsmen were still busy. Mr. Su found himself visiting the mill every other day to check in.
Meanwhile, Su Hongchen was even busier during this period. It wasn’t until New Year’s Eve that he could finally take a proper break at home.

The earliest Spring Festival Gala in China wasn’t until 1983, and even the Evening News didn’t start airing until 1978. So, for entertainment, they could only turn on the television to watch the limited programming available.
All three families gathered together for the New Year’s celebration, a total of 18 people in all.
The four little rascals rushed over as soon as they arrived, immediately throwing themselves into Su Xiaoxiao’s arms.
“Pretty Auntie, Yunyun missed you so, so much!” The little girl clutched her chest dramatically, her expression one of deep sorrow.
Seeing her like this, Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but laugh. She patted the little girl’s head and said, “If you miss Auntie in the future, ask Grandma or your mom and dad to bring you over.”
“No! Just Yunyun, no brothers allowed! Pretty Auntie should only like Yunyun!” The little girl pouted, asserting herself with a domineering humph.
Hearing this, the three boys below her immediately became anxious. “Pretty Auntie is ours too! Sister’s being bad; she can’t hog Auntie all to herself!”
“Alright, no fighting. Let’s all play together. Auntie bought chocolates—come see if you like them,” Su Xiaoxiao quickly intervened, steering the conversation elsewhere as she was at a loss with these little ones.
Fortunately, the children were young and easy to please. Two sweet chocolates each, and their fussing ceased instantly.
Watching Su Xiaoxiao play so happily with the children, her two cousins-in-law teased Jiang Yexun with a smile, “Brother-in-law, we see how much you and Xiaoxiao love kids. Have you ever thought about having your own a bit sooner?”
“We’re not in a rush. We’re planning to wait until Xiaoxiao is about 21 or 22 before we think about it,” replied Jiang Yexun.
“Why wait so long? Aren’t you already 24? If you wait another two years, you’ll be 26. That’s considered pretty late in the village, isn’t it? Aren’t you worried about what people might say?” Huo Xiaojing asked, surprised.

Back in those days, once married, people were typically eager to have children as soon as possible. It was her first time hearing of someone planning to wait despite being of age.
Mrs. Su, who had just finished washing the fruit, joined the conversation. She chuckled at Huo Xiaojing’s remark and explained, “We specifically consulted a doctor earlier. The doctor said Xiaoxiao is still young, and for the sake of her health, it’s better to wait another two or three years before having children.”
“Huh? Really? We always thought the younger you were when you gave birth, the faster you’d recover.” Shan Xinyun looked surprised.
Back when they got married in the countryside, daily work was genuinely exhausting.
The rush to have children was partly due to the older women in the village constantly nagging in their ears about how having kids earlier was better for recovery.
There was also the reasoning that raising kids early would mean they’d grow up sooner, allowing the parents to rest earlier in life.
That was why they had gritted their teeth and decided to have two children back then. It also served as a form of new hope for their lives during a time when the prospect of returning to the city seemed so distant.
“Maybe every place has its own customs, but we’re definitely listening to the doctor. Xiaoxiao’s health is far more important than having kids,” Jiang Yexun said softly, gently holding Su Xiaoxiao’s hand under the table with a hint of tenderness and indulgence in his voice.
“Actually, I’m in pretty good health, so having kids earlier wouldn’t be a problem,” Su Xiaoxiao leaned closer, grinning as she spoke.
Her words earned her three eye rolls from her parents and brother. Even Jiang Yexun and Aunt Guo gave her disapproving looks.
“Xiaoxiao, didn’t we agree not to have kids so soon?” Jiang Yexun lightly squeezed her hand, reminding her gently.
Su Xiaoxiao stroked the head of the little niece sitting on her lap. “It’s just that after spending time with these four, I feel like kids are so adorable. If we could have two little ones as cute as them, wouldn’t that be nice? Besides, I was thinking, if I go back to the village and stop going to work, people in the village might start gossiping. Having two kids would at least shut them up.”
“Whoever dares to talk, I’ll tear their mouths off!” Aunt Guo immediately snapped, her face stern.