Chapter 35 Villagers' Discussion

Aunt Qin curled her lip in disdain and said contemptuously, "Look at the Shen family, they only gave Shanzi a paltry 250 yuan as a family division fee."

"Hmph, they say the eldest son is going to support the old couple in their old age, but who doesn't know that he's just getting a house for free! Besides, the 150 yuan the old couple has left will eventually end up being spent on their family anyway!"

Just then, sharp-eyed villagers spotted the Shen family approaching from afar. The villagers instantly froze, their lips pressed tightly together, not daring to utter another sound.

Even though Shen Zhong knew in his heart that these people were pointing fingers and gossiping about his family behind his back, he could only feel angry inwardly, but there was nothing he could do.

After all, public opinion can be overwhelming. Even if he had a thousand mouths, it would be difficult for him to argue with so many people and find out the truth. Besides, it really was his own bias.

At this moment, Ma Aning sat to the side, skillfully mending clothes with her hands, and whispered to Shen Zishan beside her.

"Brother Shan, our family has already divided the property and moved out of the house. I was thinking, shouldn't we find a suitable time to tell my parents?"

After listening, Shen Zishan nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, we should indeed notify them as soon as possible."

After a moment's thought, Ma Aning suggested, "How about this, I'll go over there first and tell them. Then tomorrow morning, I'll go to town and buy some pots, pans, and other household items to bring back."

"How about we find someone to run this errand for us later? We can just pay them a little extra for the service."

Shen Zishan said with a worried expression, after all, he was really worried about his pregnant wife going back to her parents' home alone.

However, Ma Aning had her own ideas: "Brother Shan, I still think about going there myself."

"Firstly, I can tell my parents about our family's division of property; secondly, I also need to tell them the good news about our newly purchased house and invite them to come and see our new house sometime when they have time."

Seeing his wife's insistence, Shen Zishan, though still uneasy, did not continue to obstruct her and could only nod in agreement.

Then, Shen Zishan added, "However, if it's convenient, one of my two younger brothers can go and buy those pots, pans, and other utensils."

"Your belly is so big now, how could I possibly feel at ease letting you go to town alone!"

When he said this, Shen Zishan's attitude was exceptionally firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

Ma Aning understood that her husband genuinely cared about her, so she stopped pretending and obediently agreed.

Just then, a childish voice suddenly came from Ma Aning's belly: "Oh my, Mom and Dad have finally finished talking! I heard they've moved to a new house. I really want to come out and see what my new house looks like!"

Upon hearing this sound, the couple simultaneously turned their gaze to Ma Aning's stomach, and were taken aback at first.

They couldn't help but exchange a smile, then gently shook their heads, thinking to themselves that this little guy was really impatient!

"It seems like so many things are different in this life compared to the last. What's going on? Oh well, I'm sleepy again. Anyway, as long as my parents' lives are better in this life than in the last, that's enough." Shen Xiaoxiao's voice gradually faded away.

"Wife, our baby will be born in a little over a month," Shen Zishan said, looking expectantly at Ma Aning's belly.

"Yes, we'll be able to meet our baby soon."

Ma Aning gently stroked her high, bulging belly with a happy expression, feeling the faint yet vibrant heartbeat of the fetus inside her.

Her eyes revealed boundless maternal love and expectation, and a gentle smile graced her lips.

Before we knew it, the sun was gradually setting and night was falling. It was time to prepare dinner.

Ma Aning walked lightly into the kitchen and carefully took out the ceramic jar that had been with her for many years from deep inside the cupboard.

Then, she skillfully selected some fresh, tender green vegetables, washed and chopped them for later use.

Next, she found the remaining piece of cured meat and carefully cut it into even small cubes.

After everything was ready, Ma Aning lit the stove, added an appropriate amount of water and rice to the earthenware pot, and once the water boiled, added green vegetables and diced cured meat, then sprinkled in a little salt for seasoning.

As time went by, a rich aroma gradually filled the air, making one's mouth water. Before long, a bowl of fragrant cured pork congee was ready.

Just as the two were enjoying their delicious dinner, a crisp and urgent knocking sound came from the door.

Upon hearing the sound, Shen Zishan quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks, hurriedly got up, walked back to his room, and quickly climbed into bed, pretending to rest.

Ma Aning methodically placed the porridge on the bedside table and arranged it neatly before turning and walking outside.

Arriving at the gate of the courtyard, Ma Aning slowly pulled open the latch. The moment the gate opened, a familiar and friendly smiling face came into view—it was Aunt Qin from next door.

Aunt Qin stood in front of the door, holding a bamboo basket full of vegetables in both hands, and looked at Ma Aning with a smile.

"Aunt Qin, what brings you here? Please come in and have a seat!"

Ma Aning greeted her warmly and stepped aside to make way for Aunt Qin to enter the house.

Aunt Qin waved her hand and politely declined, "No need, Sister Aning, I just came to deliver some vegetables to you and check on you."

These vegetables in the basket were all grown by me, so you can eat them without worry. If you still want more, you can pick more from my yard.

As she spoke, Aunt Qin handed the bamboo basket in her hand to Ma Aning.

Ma Aning happily accepted the bamboo basket, her gratitude overflowing: "Oh, thank you so much, Aunt Qin! You always think of us..."

Before she could finish speaking, Aunt Qin pulled out another bag from behind her and handed it to Ma Aning, continuing, "There are a few pancakes I just made here, and some ready-made vegetables."

“I know your family hasn’t had time to buy an iron pot yet, so you can’t cook properly. Please make do with these things for now. Once you buy an iron pot, you can improve your meals and cook for yourself.”

Ma Aning's face was full of gratitude, and she quickly said, "Aunt Qin, you've really helped me a lot. I don't know how to thank you enough!"

"We only have some earthenware pots here. We just cooked some porridge to fill our stomachs. You should take these flatbreads and vegetables back with you."

Aunt Qin laughed heartily and waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "Why are you being so formal with your aunt? Since I've brought you the things, just accept them. If you ever cook anything delicious in the future, don't forget to send some to your aunt to try!"

Upon hearing this, Ma Aning nodded eagerly in agreement: "Of course, Auntie! Tomorrow I'll have my brother go to the market to buy me a new pot. Once I have the pot, I'll cook something delicious and bring it to you as soon as possible!"

Just then, Aunt Qin handed a basket of fresh vegetables to Ma Aning, smiling and saying, "Take these vegetables inside and put them away quickly. There's a lot; it'll be enough for you two to eat for several days!"

This time, Ma Aning did not refuse. She reached out and took the basket, sincerely inviting, "Aunt Qin, why don't you come inside and have a bowl of hot porridge before you leave?"

However, Aunt Qin waved her hand without hesitation, turned around and walked back with light steps, saying as she turned back, "No, no, Aning, my husband at home is waiting for me to come back and eat together!"