In the afternoon, Yang Yufen had some free time, and Aunt Liu also came over carrying eggs to visit Aunt Wang.
“That electric blanket is really warm. I should buy one too,” Aunt Liu said as she sat on the electric blanket, enjoying the cozy heat.
“Buy it, buy it. We should take good care of our health. Only then can the younger generation work in peace. And getting sick costs money anyway—spending money and suffering at the same time isn’t worth it,” Yang Yufen replied.
Her words, meant casually, suddenly made Aunt Liu feel that she really should buy one. It wasn’t like she couldn’t afford it. Now that her children were grown and her grandchildren could run around, it was finally time for her to enjoy life. If she left early, that would be a real loss.
She touched her legs. Since winter began, she barely went out anymore—her chronic cold-leg pain made it unbearable, no matter how she wrapped herself.
“Maybe the housing compound will organize a bulk purchase later. The price should be lower then,” Aunt Wang said, her spirits much better now.
“That should happen. I’ll grab one too,” Aunt Liu agreed.
“Old sisters, you should also meet my future daughter-in-law and little granddaughter later. Help me settle their marriage too, then I can finally feel at ease,” Aunt Wang said.
“You agreed already?” Aunt Liu clearly knew some of the situation.
Yang Yufen looked confused, then listened as Aunt Liu explained while Aunt Wang occasionally added details.
It had been a long time since Yang Yufen had heard gossip, and she quickly became engrossed. There had also been sent-down educated youth in her village back then, so she roughly understood what had happened.
“That Xiao Fang is actually quite good. She wasn’t trapped in the countryside because of the child. It wasn’t easy to get into university, and she even brought the child along—she’s responsible and loving. And now she has a job too. I only had one son myself and always wanted a daughter. Now that I’m raising Nian-nian, I finally understand what a little padded jacket feels like.”
Yang Yufen was worried her friend might overthink things after opening up, so she kept praising daughters and raising them.
“My son joined the army and didn’t come home for years. He didn’t even call unless necessary, and thought writing letters was troublesome. But Nian-nian is so busy and still comes home every day, calling ‘Mom’ when she enters and ‘Mom’ when she leaves, asking about everything—it really softens your heart.”
Only later did Yang Yufen realize that hearing “Mom” all day long could become so frequent it made one want to stuff cotton in their ears.
Suddenly, Aunt Wang lifted the blanket and tried to get up.
“What are you doing? If you need anything, just tell us—we’ll help you,” Aunt Liu quickly pressed her back down.
“I need to prepare for my daughter-in-law’s visit. Boil some water, make egg tea. And I’ve got a little granddaughter too—I need to see what food we have at home,” Aunt Wang said.
“There’s always hot water on the stove,” Yang Yufen said. She had just added coal when she arrived.
“There’s milk powder and biscuits in my box. I don’t usually eat sweets, only some brown sugar,” Aunt Wang added.
Yang Yufen helped her bring the box down. Inside were not only food but also money and ration coupons.
“There’s a bicycle at home, but Xiao Fang needs one for work at the Normal University too. A wristwatch and sewing machine are also necessary. Her school dorm is cramped, so we can clean up a room at home for her,” Aunt Wang began calculating while holding the money and coupons.
“She really is eager for her daughter-in-law—she’s counting money right in front of us,” Aunt Liu joked.
The researchers’ housing compound was shared with the agricultural academy.
Aunt Wang shot Yang Yufen a glare.
“Yes, yes, after waiting so many years, of course I need to hurry. And you, Sister Yang—you’re my son’s godmother now. Don’t you have to care about your godson’s marriage?”
“I do, I do. I’ll make a cabinet later. My father’s family has carpentry skills. I also wanted to make one for Nian-nian. I can’t paint it at home, so I’ll do it at your place,” Yang Yufen replied.
“This godmother title really benefited you. Make sure that boy kowtows to you later,” Aunt Wang laughed.
Wang Shuo brought Fang Fen and little Yaoyao over after buying many things. Fang Fen insisted on paying for everything herself and then came to the housing compound holding her daughter’s hand.
At the door, she took a deep breath and gently touched her daughter’s hair.
“Yaoyao, remember to call her Grandma later, okay?”
Yaoyao nodded, her bright eyes looking at her mother. She understood, even though she was still young.
When Wang Shuo brought them in, he immediately heard laughter from inside.
“Mom, I’ve brought Fang Fen and Yaoyao,” he said.
“Come in, come in!” came a voice—but it wasn’t Aunt Wang’s.
Fang Fen felt a little nervous.
“That’s your godmother,” Wang Shuo said quickly, realizing he hadn’t explained earlier. “Godmother, this is Fang Fen and Yaoyao.”
“Oh, you’re here! Your mother just asked me to get things from her box. It’s cold outside—come inside,” Yang Yufen said warmly, then went to make egg tea.
Inside the house, Aunt Liu was also there.
Fang Fen and Yaoyao stood near the door, afraid to bring in the cold air.
“Why are you standing so far away? Come warm up by the stove. Are you made of wood? Don’t you know to get the child something to eat?” Aunt Wang said, clearly displeased with her son.
“Grandma Wang!” the little girl’s soft voice rang out.
“Ah, come here, Yaoyao—have some biscuits,” Aunt Wang said immediately.
Wang Shuo finally came back to his senses.
“Aunt Wang, I bought these for you. I hope you recover soon.”
Fang Fen handed over a bag of gifts.
“Good, good. Yaoyao has grown so much. Come sit by Grandma.”
“Egg tea is here! Drink some to warm up,” Yang Yufen said, bringing in the mug.
Wang Shuo quickly helped her.
Fang Fen looked at the mug—rich egg blossoms floating in dark brown sugar water. At least two eggs had been used.
“Grandma didn’t buy sugar. I’ll buy some next time. Eat biscuits for now. If you don’t like egg tea, have your Dad Wang make you some milk powder,” Aunt Wang said fondly, clearly liking the obedient child.
“Thank you, Grandma. Yaoyao likes everything,” the girl replied.
Seeing the grandmother and child getting along so well, Fang Fen finally relaxed a little.
“Xiao Fang, come sit here,” Aunt Wang said.
Fang Fen nervously sat down beside her daughter.
“Xiao Fang, this is a bicycle coupon. A bicycle now costs about 180 yuan. A wristwatch—let’s go with a Plum brand. And a sewing machine too. Recently, there have been many weddings in the compound, and the standard bride price is 600 yuan, so I’ll follow that.”
“You both have jobs, so get the marriage certificate quickly. During the next break, hold the wedding banquet. Wang Shuo can tidy up the house. After registering, move in here. Buy the bicycle first so it’s easier to go to work.”
As Aunt Wang spoke, she handed over the money and coupons.
Even Wang Shuo was stunned.
He couldn’t keep up with his own mother’s pace anymore—this change was too fast. He felt a little unreal.