"Thatâs right, last year our family reunion was quite lively. But this year my uncle is pretty busy by himself, heâs probably in the district now. Anyway, it wonât be a reunion," unable to see Lin Wan and Shi Lan, Lin Yuan felt quite regretful. "I originally brought a lot of delicious food for you guys, also brought several outfits for your Bao Bao."
"Lin Yuan, thank you. Itâs not like we wonât come back. Weâll be back on the sixth or seventh day. Weâll gather again then."
"Alright, when you come back, donât forget to call the pair of us."
"Absolutely, absolutely."
On the day before New Yearâs Eve, Lin Wan prepared many gifts for Grandma and Aunt Jin. She couldnât make it this year, and took the opportunity to tell them she would take Little Star to the Capital City.
Grandma and Aunt Jin both agreed that taking Little Star was inconvenient, especially in winter. Aunt Jin wanted Lin Wan to leave the child at her house.
Yesterday, her mother-in-law said the same, leave the child with them at home. Anyway, itâs the holiday season, everyone is on break, resting at home.
After the godmother called last time, Lin Wan discussed it with Mom. Mom suggested that she and her brother go, and stay at home with Little Star.
The parents all didnât want Lin Wan to bring the child over. Lin Wan hesitated, unsure whether to take Little Star or not.
In this dilemma for four or five days, her brotherâs unit suddenly assigned him a task, to deliver some documents to the Capital City.
Lin Wan was confused at first, then realized instantly that it was godmotherâs idea. Why else send a document at this time, and especially assign her brother to deliver it?
Taking the train now, doing the work and coming back would take three or four days round trip. By the time they return, the unit here would also be on break.
"Little Sister, I have a train the day after tomorrow, the unit will reimburse it. Why donât you go with me tomorrow? Little Star is still young, and since Mom doesnât want to go, leave him at home with her." Lin Yinghui understood godmotherâs intention, acknowledging their godparent status, wanting them to visit the first year to show importance, meet their son Mei Lang Jun, and get to know the relatives.
"...Not taking Little Star?" Lin Wan looked at Little Star in her arms, a little reluctant, guessing she would be gone for two weeks.
The key is, these two weeks, she wonât be able to breastfeed, which is another hassle.
Little Star is only six months, she doesnât want to wean him now. He should at least eat some solid foods before weaning.
"Xiao Wan, leave the child at home. I and your mother-in-law will watch over Little Star. What are you worried about? The store will close in a couple of days too. Itâs quite relaxing at home," Liang Hongmei also persuaded beside her. She knew her daughter wanted to take the child over to meet the son-in-law, itâs not like they wouldnât return, whatâs the rush?
The key is, being so young, even with a special car, traveling isnât easy. Cold and hunger are issues.
Lin Wan thought overnight, realizing the adults had a point. In this era, there werenât many special medicines for infants, if the baby got sick, it would be mostly bitter medicine or Chinese medicine. If they got sick, itâs not only hard to feed but also uncomfortable for the baby.
Lin Wan knew, a lot of children couldnât survive these days. In the moat in the suburbs, there were quite a few dead infants.
Kids like Hu Dongâs age, curious after school, liked to go count the dead kids there.
Going to the Capital City, Lin Wan just packed a few nice warm clothes. Of course, a red down jacket and gray-blue cotton coat werenât to be missing. Over there, it wasnât as cold as in S City, they could completely wear these. Lin Wan called Liang Qian and told her not to send a car for pickup, sheâd take the train with her brother directly. Besides, Shi Lan was going with them to the Capital City.
The train ticket was bought by her brother. Having someone from the government department, a sleeper was easy to get.
Actually, from S City to the Capital City is about a day and a half travel time.
Liang Hongmei prepared twenty or thirty boiled eggs for them. It was too cold in winter, unsuitable for preparing soft foods.
If they wanted to eat, they could only buy from the train, expensive as it was, at least they could eat a hot meal.
The day after the son and daughter boarded the train, Liang Hongmei also bought a ticket for Zhang Dandan to go back to her hometown for Chinese New Year. "Aunt, why are cousin and brother-in-law going to the Capital City, cousin doesnât even want Little Star anymore?" Zhang Dandan didnât want to go back to her hometown, for New Yearâs, she might not even eat as well as she did usually now.
Poor food was one thing, but back home, she had to do the housework herself. Her hands, painstakingly nurtured soft and smooth, would surely turn rough within half a month.
These days, Brother Wu came to the store daily asking people to eat. She couldnât just leave like that.
"Thatâs none of your business, donât ask questions, I bought your ticket. You hurry up and go back, lest your mother says I mistreated you."
Actually, Liang Hongmei very much wanted to say, donât come next year. Seeing Zhang Dandanâs aggrieved expression, she opened her mouth but held back.
"Aunt, youâre here alone with the child and managing the store, how can I leave without worry? Iâll stay a few more days to help you then Iâll go back."
"No need, the child has someone to watch, the store as well. We donât need you," Liang Hongmei saw Zhang Dandan lingering, finding every excuse, and was annoyed.
Zhang Dandan wouldnât give up such a good opportunity, she didnât argue more with Liang Hongmei. She could see it, Aunt didnât want her staying at the store, afraid sheâd see things not meant to be seen, like the middle-aged uncle frequently visiting, donât think sheâs blind.
"Aunt, you donât need to persuade me anymore, thank you for the kindness. Iâve decided to wait a few more days before leaving. Iâll buy my ticket later. Oh... I should get busy now," after speaking, she dashed to the second floor, unwilling to stay in the ground floor lobby, afraid Liang Hongmei might spot her and bring up returning home again.
When Lin Wan and the other two arrived in the Capital City, their godmother came to pick them up directly in a military vehicle.
As soon as Shi Lan arrived, she called her husband, Ning Jiang came directly to receive her.
This task probably involved Ning Jiang. Since he had time now, it meant Han Yi should have time as well.
"Captain Ning, when you get back and see Han Yi, have him wait for my call in the afternoon at the reception. Iâll call him,"
"Alright, that kid probably doesnât even know youâve come," Ning Jiang laughed.
Embarrassed, Lin Wan shook her head, wanting to give Han Yi a surprise.
"Xiao Wan, weâre off now. Tell Han Yi your phone number, and in a couple of days, Iâll call you so we can go out," Shi Lan said.
"Sure, absolutely."
"Little Jiang, if you guys have time, come to my place. Old Mei wonât be in the military division this year for the New Year," Liang Qian smiled at Ning Jiang, also asking how Shi Lan was doing living over there.
"After the mission concludes, weâll definitely visit Mr. Mei. Thank you for Xiao Lan, Aunt Liang. If it werenât for you, Iâd worry about Xiao Lan living alone outside."
Liang Qian waved her hand, "Itâs just a coincidence."
After some small talk, everyone parted ways.
Liang Qian took them on a half-hour drive to a certain district compound in the Capital City.
Mr. Mei lived in a two-story small building, tidy and clean.
In the living room, besides a set of wooden sofas, there was a 27-inch black-and-white TV and a radio.
At this time, families with slightly better conditions would have these.
They sold black-and-white TVs in S Cityâs mall as well. After seeing last centuryâs LCD super-frequency color TVs, these things held no appeal for Lin Wan.
Mom wasnât keen, and brother didnât care about these, so they hadnât acquired any.
"Iâve prepared your rooms last month already, come, let me show you," Liang Qian was particularly attentive since taking them as godchildren. After she returned, the first thing was to rearrange the rooms in their house.
The two-story small building had three rooms downstairs, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Upstairs, there were two rooms and a bathroom.
One of the rooms upstairs was their sonâs, the other previously stored some sundries. Liang Qian tidied it up, bought a bed, wardrobe, and desk for Lin Yinghui, fully equipped.