Chapter 25: Chapter 25, should I say it’s good or not? Chapter 25: Chapter 25, should I say it’s good or not? Bai Dan originally wanted to ask why Bai Zhi suddenly wanted to buy a stove, but seeing his granddaughter’s expression, drooling, he wondered if she was craving dumplings?
Even when it wasn’t a market day, there were small diners in town. There were two of them— one specialized in braised fatty intestines served with buns and porridge, along with cold dishes and marinated foods…
The other served dumplings, rice noodles, and conventional noodles, and of course, the dumplings came with stir-fried dishes and fish…
Each had its own appeal. He thought, considering the hardships Xingxing went through this time, shouldn’t he treat her to a meal?
He had enough money for a meal, and after all, Xingxing had always loved eating, yet she wasn’t picky at all— she would eat whatever was given to her! Couldn’t be more obedient!
“Xingxing, how about Grandpa takes you out for dumplings? We can also order some poached chicken in pepper and sesame oil,” he suggested.
Bai Zhi looked at Bai Dan, puzzled. Why did Grandpa suddenly mention poached chicken in pepper and sesame oil? Although she really felt like having some, it was too expensive!
“Grandpa, I was talking about buying a stove…”
Yet you’re offering me poached chicken? Should I agree or disagree?
Bai Dan finally realized and looked at Bai Zhi quizzically.
“Right, Xingxing, what do you want a stove for? How many should we buy?”
Pfft…
Bai Zhi didn’t know what to say anymore. First, asking what the stove was for, and then, “how many”! Was he implying that she could buy it regardless of the reason?
Wasn’t this spoiling her a bit too much?
“Grandpa, I was thinking, french fries taste better when they’re hot. We could just secure it at the stall, what do you think?”
Bai Dan’s stall was merely a small booth less than ten square meters, bordered with wooden panels—it could hold some stuff. Fitting in a couple of stoves and some coal briquettes was certainly feasible.
“Well, if that’s the case, then let’s buy it!”
Bai Dan didn’t delve into specifics and decided on the spot. In his eyes, whatever Xingxing wanted to buy was fine, no matter what it was for!
“Thank you, Grandpa!”
Bai Zhi felt a slight sourness in her nose; claiming she wasn’t moved would be a lie.
In this era, letting her buy whatever she wanted, only Grandpa would do so.
“Let’s hurry. When did you become such a crybaby? I can hardly stand it!”
Bai Dan covered his wrinkled face with a smile, pinched Bai Zhi’s cheek, and turned around with a slightly teary eye. His Xingxing was so sensible, already able to earn money!
The grandfather and granddaughter didn’t bring much, just a flat basket,
That so-called flat basket, as flat as it was, looked about as wide as one’s shoulders. It was a rectangular basket, prettier than the round ones and often decorated; it was used to carry things to the market.
Although it wasn’t a market day, Bai Dan thought about buying some milk for Xingxing. As Aunt Wang next door had mentioned, modern kids all liked drinking it for smarter and taller growth!
There were no buses on non-market days. The grandfather and granddaughter first went to Bai Da’s place, where his family was joyfully having breakfast.
Bai Zhi didn’t enter the house and ignored the laughter and chatting inside,
“Mommy, mommy, can you bring us along? Dad took off work today, right? Let’s go together. We haven’t been to town in a long time, and Xixi wants to go too, right Xixi?”
The loud voice was Bai Ye’s. Knowing that Ye Xiu was taking Bai Zhi to the town, he couldn’t wait to join.
They weren’t allowed to go without an adult. Usually, Bai Da would take the fish mints they gathered to sell and then bring the money back for them.
Because they were afraid of kidnappers, they weren’t allowed to go on their own!
Ye Xiu hesitated. She was going to get medicine for Xingxing; if they all went…
Her gaze shifted to Xixi, who was silent, but her big eyes also carried hope.
Before Ye Xiu could speak, Bai Da chimed in.
“Wife, let’s all go. I’ll keep an eye on the three of them. Nothing will happen, and besides, they really haven’t been in a while!”
Whenever Ye Xiu returned, Bai Da would take leave. He usually swapped shifts with others when he should have had a day off, so taking leave wasn’t difficult!
Ye Xiu looked at the three eager children, clenched her teeth.
“Alright, let’s all go, we’ll all go!”
The children hadn’t gone out for a long time, so going out to eat together, what problem could food not solve for kids?
With just a bit of snacks, they were good siblings again!
Ye Xiu had good intentions, but whether things would go as she wished was still unknown!
Seeing the whole family following them out, Bai Dan’s face darkened, thinking they were going out for fun instead of getting medicine!
“Are you guys going on a spring outing or what? There are so many of you!”
He certainly didn’t have enough money to treat them all to a meal, his money was meant for Xingxing’s education!
Bai Yu frowned upon hearing this, wondering if Grandpa was displeased with them?
Bai Ye and Xixi felt even more wronged, as Xixi was being disliked for the first time.
Seeing the children’s saddened faces, Bai Da couldn’t stand it. He helplessly looked at Bai Dan!
“Dad! The kids haven’t been to town for a long time, I’ll take them to play for half a day and then come back, it won’t delay anything!”
Bai Da didn’t speak. Perhaps those words from Bai Dan would have been enough!
But now, his face was even darker!
“You’re a good dad, having time to play with them. Why don’t you have time to take Xingxing for her medication, are you even a father?”
Bai Da’s face turned red all the way, wanting to explain, yet not knowing how to start!
“Dad, isn’t that what you’re there for…”
He bowed his head, feeling wronged, knowing Bai Zhi wouldn’t be treated poorly at Dad’s, so he wasn’t worried!
“I am her grandfather, not her father!”
This statement infuriated Bai Dan even more, questioning what kind of father would say such a thing?
“I…”
Bai Da, feeling very wronged, wanted to say more but was stopped by Ye Xiu!
“Dad, it’s Bai Da’s fault, it’s getting late, shall we set off now?”
Ye Xiu glanced at her watch; it was almost ten, and if they didn’t leave soon, they probably wouldn’t arrive by noon, considering their pace!
“Hmm.”
Bai Dan responded indifferently, still giving some respect to his daughter-in-law.
The group quickly departed, and soon the solemn atmosphere was broken,
Xixi and Bai Ye, being chatterboxes, alternately asked Ye Xiu what the yellow flowers were, and whether certain fruits were edible.
Having not returned for a long while, Ye Xiu naturally cherished her time with the children, patiently answering each question,
But this slowed their pace even more, and at this rate, they might not even reach by afternoon.
Bai Dan pulled Bai Zhi and walked ahead; if they wanted to dawdle here, he and his granddaughter had no time to accompany them.
At first, they didn’t realize it, but after Ye Xiu answered a question and looked up, where were Xingxing and Grandpa?
Upon looking again, they had already walked about half a mile ahead!
Ye Xiu hurriedly pulled the children to catch up, but by the time they did, they were already somewhat out of breath.
“Dad, why are you walking so fast?”