After staying one night in the hospital, Sun Xiumei was discharged the next afternoon.
Zhang Xin handled the discharge paperwork.
The total cost was 28.5 yuan. He had already advanced two months’ salary, a total of 65 yuan.
After paying, Zhang Xin found his mother-in-law and returned the 100 yuan she had given him.
“Mom, I already advanced two months’ salary at work. I have money on me.”
Liu Guiying didn’t refuse.
She knew whether it was given early or late, it would still end up being given. When she became the grandmother, she would prepare red envelopes for her grandson anyway—who could say anything about that?
She nodded and accepted it.
“Take Xiumei home first. Let your eldest sister-in-law watch Tie Dan for now. I need to go take care of something.”
Now that the child was born, some accounts needed to be settled.
If you strike a snake, you hit its vital point—since she was going to act, she would hit right where it hurt most.
Liu Guiying went to find her old friend Aunt Ma. For professional matters, it was better to leave them to professionals.
At the Ma family’s house, Aunt Ma was first confused when she heard Liu Guiying’s request. But after hearing the full plan, she couldn’t help but give her friend the highest praise.
“Impressive, really impressive. Guiying, with that brain of yours, why are you sending kids to university? You should go yourself!”
Liu Guiying nudged her.
“Sis Hongxia, stop teasing me. Just tell them it’s eight yuan a day, food included.”
“Hehe, Guiying, why don’t I go instead? I’ll work for free!”
This was going to be a big show—how could she miss it?
“Big meat buns will be provided. Oh right, Sis Hongxia, please also help spread the word. Xiumei just gave birth and we’ll be handing out red eggs. While Xiaoxin is still at home, tell the neighbors—anyone with extra eggs can bring them to our house to exchange.”
Aunt Ma Hongxia loved wandering around and gossiping. There wasn’t a single household within miles she couldn’t talk to.
“Exchange” was just a polite way of saying “buy,” but things couldn’t be said so directly yet.
“Alright. Xiumei is lucky—first a daughter, now a son. Having both is wonderful.”
Aunt Ma liked children. If she hadn’t damaged her body after having her son, she would have had more herself.
After finishing everything, Liu Guiying went home. Along the way, neighbors kept asking if Xiumei had given birth. Her face was nearly stiff from smiling, and she had already agreed to give out many red eggs.
That evening, the family was eating in the courtyard when neighbors who had heard the news came over carrying eggs.
“Guiying, are you still exchanging eggs? I brought some extras.”
“Yes, auntie. Just let me know and I’ll come pick them up tomorrow. Sorry to trouble you for coming.”
The visitor was Aunt Huang, a well-known poor household in the village. She and her husband were raising their grandson after their eldest son died and their daughter-in-law ran away.
They insisted on keeping the child, but because of it, their other children no longer kept in contact with them.
Despite their age, they still worked in the fields every day. Fortunately, the grandson was sensible and helped with whatever he could.
“No trouble at all. It’s good to move my old bones around,” Aunt Huang said with a smile.
She was only about sixty, but years of hard labor made her look older.
Liu Guiying took the basket. It was quite heavy—clearly they had saved these eggs carefully and reluctantly.
She didn’t lecture her about eating better or living better. Everyone had their own life. These eggs exchanged for money could save lives when needed.
Who was she to advise them?
She squatted down and counted the eggs.
“Auntie, there are forty-five. Did you count them at home?”
“Yes, I did. It’s correct.”
“Alright, please sit. I’ll go get the money.”
Inside, Liu Guiying counted out 4 yuan and 5 jiao.
In the supply store, eggs were 6 cents each, but required coupons. In the countryside, people usually added 2 cents per egg in informal trades. The exact price depended on honesty.
These eggs were all large and good quality—likely the smaller ones had been kept for the grandson.
Aunt Huang was honest, so Liu Guiying didn’t want to take advantage of her.
She added an extra cent per egg, totaling 4.05 yuan.
When Aunt Huang received the money, she immediately noticed something was off.
“Guiying, this is too much—you gave extra!”
She quickly tried to return the difference.
Liu Guiying held her hand down.
“Auntie, your eggs are big and good. I couldn’t even buy this quality in town. This price is fair. Just keep it.”
“In town” meant the black market.
Then she took out two White Rabbit candies from a small tin box and placed them into Aunt Huang’s hand.
“Take these for Dogdan to sweeten his mouth.”
“This is too good—you should save it for your own grandchild…”
“Just take it. It’s for the child’s health. Xiao Bao has his parents.”
Aunt Huang, holding the candies, felt deeply moved.
She wanted to refuse, but thinking of her grandson—who hadn’t tasted sweets since his father died—she finally accepted them with trembling hands and left the yard.
..
When Aunt Huang got home, her grandson and husband were playing in the yard.
She waved the child over.
“Dogdan, come quickly. Grandma has something good for you.”
The boy ran over and saw the candy.
“Wow! Grandma, is this the big rabbit candy from Tiger Eats? I’ve seen it before!”
“Yes, it’s White Rabbit candy. Try it.”
The child first told her to eat, then insisted his grandfather eat too. Only after confirming both adults had eaten did he finally lick it slowly, carefully saving the wrapper in his pocket.
He was already seven years old and no longer easily fooled.
“Aunt Guiying gave this to us. When you grow up, you must remember to be filial to her, understand?”
“She’s Xiao Bao’s grandma, right?”
After getting confirmation, the boy lowered his head a little, feeling guilty.
Last time Xiao Bao had wanted to play with them, but the other kids had rejected him for being too small. Now he realized that Xiao Bao’s grandmother was so kind to them.
He shouldn’t have done that.
Next time, he would play with Xiao Bao no matter what. If the others refused, he wouldn’t play with them anymore—he would only play with Xiao Bao.