“Xixi, when did you learn how to cook?”
Jiang Yun felt that, judging by the taste alone, she would believe it if someone told her Xixi was an experienced cook. No matter how she looked at it, these dishes didn’t seem like something a complete beginner could make on her first try.
“I usually watch you cook, Mom. I remembered the steps, then thought I’d just follow them myself, and that’s how I made these two dishes,” Mu Xi said casually.
“I didn’t expect our Xixi to be a little genius!” Jiang Yun exclaimed in surprise.
Cooking really wasn’t that difficult if you said it was difficult, but it wasn’t necessarily simple either. After all, there were still plenty of people who were absolute disasters in the kitchen.
Being able to cook this well on her first attempt definitely meant she had talent.
“Indeed,” Mu Changhong agreed.
His daughter really was a cooking genius!
With this talent, he could feel a little more at ease about his daughter going to the countryside. At the very least, he wouldn’t have to worry about her meals.
As for grain, as long as one brought enough money, it was actually quite easy to exchange for grain in the countryside—much more convenient than in the city.
Every production brigade kept some surplus grain for emergencies.
If she truly reached the point where she had no rice to cook, it would still be possible to spend money to buy some. After all, the production brigade couldn’t simply stand by and watch an educated youth starve to death.
In any case, they needed to give their daughter plenty of money and coupons.
Mu Changhong silently thought about this as he ate.
“Her dad, help me take a day off tomorrow. I’ll go with Xixi to prepare everything she needs. I have to personally keep an eye on this, or I simply won’t be able to rest easy.
“Fortunately, I’ve been gradually exchanging for some cotton coupons with other people over the past few days. Otherwise, where would we find enough in just one day?
“The cotton is settled, but there’s no time at all to make quilts and padded clothes. Xixi can only take a thin quilt with her for now. Fortunately, it’s summer. I’ll hurry and make everything for you, then mail them over afterward.”
Jiang Yun’s mind raced as she first sorted out the most important necessities.
When she thought of the Northeast, the first thing that came to mind was the cold.
That was why she placed such importance on padded clothes and quilts. It wouldn’t matter too much if she forgot something else, since Xixi could buy it after arriving. But padded clothes and quilts weren’t so easy to obtain.
If they weren’t properly prepared, she would suffer terribly in winter.
Hearing Jiang Yun’s arrangements, Mu Xi felt deeply moved. She hadn’t expected Jiang Yun to have started collecting cotton coupons so early.
This stepmother had truly done everything she possibly could.
To be honest, even many biological mothers might not be able to do as much as she had.
But while Mu Xi was moved, her heart also ached for her.
Taking care of absolutely everything was certainly admirable, but how much hardship and bitterness lay behind it was probably something only Jiang Yun herself knew.
“Mom, thank you,” Mu Xi said sincerely.
Jiang Yun replied, “Oh, you child, why are you being so polite with your mom? We’re a family. Isn’t this all what I should do?”
“Mom, nothing is something you simply should do. I know exactly how good you’ve been to me. I’m very grateful that you became my mom!”
Mu Xi leaned over and wrapped her arms around Jiang Yun’s arm, resting her head on her shoulder.
Her sudden display of affection completely caught Jiang Yun off guard.
Xixi had never acted like this before.
But she quickly figured that it was probably because Xixi was about to leave for the countryside.
Jiang Yun stroked Mu Xi’s hair.
“Mom is also very happy that I got to become your mom. Our Xixi is obedient, sensible, and so good at studying. You’re a wonderful child.”
“Me too! Me too! I’m also Mom’s good child!”
Beside them, Mu You, who had just finished his last mouthful of food, heard what his mother and sister were saying and immediately raised his little hand, unwilling to be left out.
“Mm, and you too. You’re also Mom’s good child.”
For once, Jiang Yun didn’t contradict him.