Chapter 139: Chapter 138: The Popular Wang Liansheng and Second Sister-in-law’s Decision

Hong Liang blushed a little when his brother spoke, and felt a bit confused. He didn’t know what bacteria were, but knew they could make people sick…

He stammered in explanation, “I washed my hands.”

Ling Chengyan saw the little guy’s embarrassment and fondly touched his head with a smile, saying, “Hong Liang, what kind of filling do you want? We have vegetable buns and meat buns.”

Hong Liang tilted his head to look at his fourth aunt, confirmed he could really choose, and happily forgot about his earlier embarrassment, loudly saying, “Meat buns.”

Who would eat vegetable buns when there are meat buns? Although he actually quite liked the vegetable buns too; the vegetable buns steamed by his big aunt and mom were bigger than his face, and he could eat four in one sitting.

Ling Chengyan nodded with a smile, “Then let’s get meat buns; twenty meat buns, ten vegetable buns, and also soy milk and tofu pudding…”

Although Hong Liang seemed mischievous and naughty, he was actually quite observant. He watched with wide eyes as his fourth aunt handed over five yuan, and the grandma across only gave a little over one yuan back in change. He couldn’t really believe it. Spending money in the city was intense; breakfast alone cost more than three yuan.

He remembered going to the market with his grandpa and spending less than half a yuan on buns.

Returning home with breakfast, second sister-in-law Zheng Xiaotian was already up and felt a bit embarrassed seeing Ling Chengyan leading two children back home: “I accidentally slept in.”

“In your condition, it’s natural to sleep more. Sleep more if you want to. You’ve lost weight, and that’s not okay; you need to take care of your health,” Ling Chengyan took the rag from first sister-in-law’s hand, pushing her to wash up and get ready to eat.

Wang Liansheng and second brother Wang Lianqi also came back, and after breakfast, Ling Chengyan signaled Xiao Yu and Xiao Xing to tidy up, taking Shi Tou and Hong Liang outside as well, leaving only the four adults in the room. Ling Chengyan stood up and said, “I just saw there was a line at the service department buying eggs; there seemed to be leeks too. Want to line up with me?”

Wang Liansheng quickly got up, went inside to retrieve the supply certificate and money coupons, and Ling Chengyan picked up a vegetable basket; they both headed out the door together.

As they stepped out of the gate, Wang Liansheng turned to look at his wife, “Did second sister-in-law talk to you?”

Well, did she need to talk about it? Second sister-in-law’s belly was already showing. The winter cotton jacket couldn’t hide it, and in this cold weather, she was pregnant and still running around… If she didn’t say anything, they’d probably guess.

Seeing his wife’s glance, Wang Liansheng awkwardly touched his nose and took the vegetable basket from her hand, saying, “This matter still needs to be discussed with second brother and second sister-in-law…”

“Hmm?” Ling Chengyan looked at him.

Wang Liansheng sighed, “I talked a lot with second brother last night. He wants to keep the child too; they’ve been hoping for a little girl for a long time…”

Ling Chengyan interrupted the lengthy explanation, asking directly, “Second sister-in-law heard that violating the policy will affect the land distribution after the year. Is it true?”

Wang Liansheng immediately shook his head, “How could that be? Allocating land is such a big deal; it wouldn’t be denied because of something like this. Absolutely not.”

Ling Chengyan said, “Since there’s land distribution, what’s there to fear?”

Wang Liansheng hesitated, fell silent for a while, until they reached the service department, and then said, “I can see that actually second brother and second sister-in-law have already made up their minds.”

Ling Chengyan gave him a quick glance, a look that said ’not too dense,’ and went off on her own to line up at the vegetable section.

This time the vegetables were specially procured from the south for the New Year. There were only leeks and green peppers, but to have leek dumplings during the New Year was already quite delightful.

Everyone in the courtyard knew each other, and naturally greeted when they met.

Ling Chengyan saw several big sisters and aunties enthusiastically chatting with Wang Liansheng.

“Xiao Wang, buying vegetables, huh? I heard people from your hometown came over; can your house fit them all?”

Ling Chengyan raised her eyebrows slightly, awaiting Wang Liansheng’s response. Indeed, it was slightly different from what she had imagined.

Wang Liansheng chuckled, “Thanks, Aunt Chen. We haven’t seen each other in a while, talked a bit late, and squeezed in to sleep.”

Not directly refusing and not agreeing either, Comrade Wang Liansheng handled it quite smoothly.

Then someone asked how Wang Liansheng’s child’s exam went, and whether Wang Wenzhang had recovered from indigestion, and even discussed which soy sauce tasted better for cooking, whether to add five-spice powder when mixing dumpling fillings, and more mundane topics. Wang Liansheng answered all with ease.

A big sister ahead of Ling Chengyan turned to her, smiling softly, “Ling Chengyan is really fortunate, the children’s father is so considerate.”

Ling Chengyan smiled but said nothing.

Only today did she suddenly realize that Comrade Wang Liansheng was quite good at making favorable impressions.

After lunch, second brother and second sister-in-law were about to head back. Ling Chengyan looked at Wang Liansheng, and he spoke up, “Second sister-in-law, why don’t you stay a few more days since it’s rare for you to come?”

Second brother looked at his wife, hesitantly, “Staying at your place…”

Ling Chengyan held her hand and said, “I wish you’d stay a few more days. Don’t think I can’t talk or act well; just treat it like your own home and stay at ease.”

Saying this, she gently squeezed second sister-in-law Zheng Xiaotian’s palm.

Zheng Xiaotian’s heart fluttered slightly. She turned back to her husband and said, “Alright, you take Hong Liang back; I’ll stay a few more days.”

Second brother was no fool, realizing what Wang Liansheng and Ling Chengyan were implying, so he didn’t say much more.

Ling Chengyan found a military coat for Zheng Xiaotian to wear, and the group set out to the bus station.

Upon reaching the bus station, only second brother took the child and boarded the bus, while Ling Chengyan led Zheng Xiaotian to a small courtyard house not far from the courtyard.

The small courtyard had only two rooms, with two small ones as the kitchen and storage room.

Zhang Wanxiang and Wu Qingyun came out from the house, having already cleaned it. The house had basic furniture, and Ling Chengyan had Zhang Wanxiang and Wu Qingyun bring over some bedding and prepare the heated bed. The house now had some warmth.

Zhang Wanxiang and Wu Qingyun tactfully left, and only Ling Chengyan and her sister-in-law Zheng Xiaotian remained in the house.

“Second sister-in-law, you stay here for now. I’ll bring over some rice, flour, and vegetables later,” Ling Chengyan said, taking out some paper box pieces, smiling, “Don’t rush or worry; I’ve arranged some paper box work for you, one box for two cents. It’s not much, just something to pass the time. If you’re afraid at night, I’ll stay over for a few nights… Second sister-in-law, sorry to trouble you.”

Zheng Xiaotian’s eyes reddened, holding Ling Chengyan’s hand, “What trouble? I’m doing this for my own child. It’s just I’m troubling you and Liansheng, feeling quite embarrassed.”

Ling Chengyan also smiled, “You’re doing it for your child, and we’re doing it for our nephew and niece. We’re all family, so don’t say such distant things.”

Upon leaving the small courtyard, Ling Chengyan saw Zhang Wanxiang and Wu Qingyun waiting at the gate.

“Pretend you don’t know second sister-in-law is here; don’t mention it when you go back,” Ling Chengyan instructed.

Without speaking, Wu Qingyun nodded repeatedly, and Zhang Wanxiang said quickly, “Don’t worry, Sister Yan.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep