Guo Youning obediently took the satchel from her hands and hung it behind the door. "I steamed buns with pork and scallion filling, as well as chive and egg filling. The fillings turned out perfectly today—you must have several later."
Upon hearing this, Tang Xin's eyes and brows brimmed with delight. She never expected her daughter, now free from worries, to be so considerate.
Alas, she couldn't have dreamed that her biological daughter had already departed. Yet, having the modern Guo Youning step in to fulfill filial duties in place of the original was perhaps not a bad turn of events.
Tang Xin said happily, "Good, our Ningning is so capable! It's been ages since our family had buns. Today, thanks to you, we'll enjoy a fine meal."
Guo Youning smiled without replying.
When Tang Xin spotted the items placed against the wall, she asked in surprise, "Ningning, where did these fruits come from? Their fragrance is overwhelming. And these eggs are excellent—large and fresh."
Without blushing or flinching, Guo Youning lied, "I got lucky today. On the way, I met an elderly lady delivering fruits and eggs to her relatives but couldn't find them. I bought them for just three yuan at a low price—it felt like doing a good deed."
Tang Xin blinked, thinking to herself that such scenarios—where people use the pretext of visiting relatives to sell farm products—were common. Her silly daughter had been deceived yet was pleased with herself.
Still, it was a fortunate mistake—what a great purchase!
After speaking, Guo Youning swiftly washed a large red apple and handed it to Tang Xin. "Mom, try it—it's sweet and crisp."
Tang Xin took a bite, squinting her eyes. It was more delicious than any she'd had before. She praised, "Our Ningning is truly lucky. Even the fruits she buys are exceptional—so tasty!"
While eating the fruit, she inspected the other items Guo Youning had brought home. Seeing the twenty feet of cloth, she looked puzzled.
Guo Youning quickly explained, "I really am blessed with good fortune. When I went to the supply and marketing cooperative, I happened upon a promotion for blemished cloth—no cloth coupons needed and very cheap. So I bought a bit more. Our younger siblings need new clothes too; their current outfits are getting too short."
Hearing this, Tang Xin picked up the fabric with a few ink stains, feeling and rubbing it. "This cotton is quite good. These marks won't affect the quality of the clothes. Our Ningning is truly fortunate—I haven't encountered a single promotion like this all year."
As they spoke, the door sounded again. Leading the way were the younger siblings just back from school, followed by Dad and the eldest brother and sister.
Guo Aiguo hadn't even entered before grumbling, "Why close the door in broad daylight? It's stuffy and hot…"
But when he caught the rich aroma, he immediately fell silent. Once everyone was inside, he quickly shut the door tightly.
Ranran and Tingting excitedly exclaimed, "Mom, Mom, did you make meat for us today? It smells amazing! I can't stand it—my mouth won't stop watering."
Without even setting down their schoolbags, they dashed toward the kitchen.
Tang Xin laughed and scolded, "You two are like starving ghosts reborn!"
Turning to the other three, who were also swallowing saliva, she continued, "Hurry and wash your hands. We'll eat right away. Today, Ningning steamed buns with meat and egg fillings."
The three chuckled in agreement and went to wash up. Together, they helped set the table, serve the dishes, and ladle the porridge. When they saw the two full steamers of buns, with the scents of meat and eggs wafting over, they felt life was complete.
Watching her younger siblings constantly swallowing saliva, Guo Youning felt both heartache and amusement. She urged them each to take one and eat first.
Unexpectedly, they resisted their cravings and said, "No, no, Mom and Dad haven't tasted them yet. Let's all eat together at the table."
"What sensible children," several people eagerly exclaimed as they carried the steamed buns in large basins to the table.
The family gathered around the table and, led by Guo Aiguo, began to enjoy the rare delicacy.
With ample meat and eggs, rich oil content, and the addition of modern seasonings, each bite was truly fragrant and memorable.
Everyone buried themselves in eating, their mouths too busy to speak, with only the continuous sound of blowing on hot food and occasional hisses from being scalded.
Guo Youning had the most refined eating manners, as the lavish lunch had already cured her craving.
She held a meat bun, nibbling it leisurely, occasionally taking a sip of cornmeal porridge and a bite of crispy cucumber.
She thought to herself, "Not bad, not bad. If it were made with pure wheat flour, the wheat aroma would be richer and more delicious. Even in a different time and space, my skills remain just as excellent. After going to the countryside, I’ll surely be able to feed myself until I’m plump and fair."
By this time, Guo Aiguo, having eaten two buns, was half-full and finally spoke during a break while drinking his porridge, "Ningning, your buns can rival those made by the descendants of the Imperial chef at the State-Owned Restaurant!"
Eldest Brother Guo: "The leek and egg filling is unbeatable!"
Eldest Sister Guo: "Ningning, I never knew your cooking skills were so impressive. I just hate that my stomach is too small."
Guo Youran: "Eldest Sister, if your stomach is small, it doesn’t matter. I’ll eat for you—I can finish all of these!"
Guo Youting: "Don’t just focus on the buns. This smashed cucumber is crisp and refreshing, much tastier than Mom’s usual version. Second Sister, with your cooking skills so excellent, I’m even more reluctant to see you leave."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the table instantly turned heavy.
Tang Xin’s eyes reddened, and she sighed softly, saying, "Ningning, I’m sure you’ll be able to endure it…"
Unable to bear the oppressive mood, Guo Youning lightened the tone with a smile, "I’ve heard Heilongjiang is a wonderful place—'where you can hunt roe deer with a stick and scoop fish with a gourd.' Hazelnuts, pine nuts, mushrooms, and chestnuts are everywhere. With my exceptional cooking skills, I’ll be able to enjoy delicious food every day. Just wait for me to send some treats back. Besides, it’s not like I’m leaving forever—I’ll have home leave. Don’t overthink it, everyone. Let’s keep eating. Such delicious food shouldn’t be wasted!"
Her optimism lifted the family’s spirits, and the dinner ended amid laughter and chatter, with dozens of large buns completely devoured.
Just after the meal, before the bowls could be cleared, urgent knocking came from outside the door.
Guo Aiguo grumbled impatiently, "Who’s so inconsiderate, knocking right at mealtime?"
Guo Youjie unhappily opened the door to find two unfriendly-looking couples standing outside.
As soon as the door opened, a shrill voice rang out, "Guo Aiguo, we both work at the steel plant and live in the same residential compound. Don’t go too far with your actions!"
Guo Aiguo was baffled by the accusation and said blankly, "Wan Baojia, what nonsense are you spouting? What have I done to offend you?"
Wan Baojia looked furious. "How can you not know about such a big incident? If you can’t control your despicable second daughter, I’ll do it for you. Just see what shameful, underhanded things she’s done!"
The Guo family was fiercely protective of their own, especially when the target was Guo Youning, who was about to go to the countryside and whom they held dear.
Guo Aiguo stepped in front of Guo Youning, who was about to step forward, and roared angrily, pointing at Wan Baojia, "Wan, you lunatic! If you want to go crazy, do it somewhere else. This is no place for you to cause trouble, and it’s not a mental hospital!"
At this moment, Guo Youning searched her memory and recalled these people—they were Third Grandma’s sons and daughters-in-law, Wan Baojia and Wan Baoguo, along with their spouses.
The notorious lunatic and fool of the residential compound are as troublesome as their mother.
Damn it! The villains are filing complaints first! We can't let those who come to our door to bully us get away with it.