Free Web NovelChapter 435: Chapter 435: It’s Bad to Eat Alone
The next morning, Tan You, Tan Yue, Tan Deming, and Wang Hunv visited People’s Park near East Market, then went to West City for an all-you-can-eat barbecue, followed by a shopping spree in the city center.
Tan Yue pulled her own suitcase, scampering back and forth happily, completely unfazed by the sweltering weather.
Tan You was also pulling a large, solid black spinner suitcase. It had a massive capacity, and their entire haul for the day was packed inside.
It was Wang Hunv’s first time shopping in the city, and she spent the whole time gazing around at everything. Seeing how her grandmother found it all so fascinating, Tan You felt a pang of sadness. Travel was an extraordinary luxury for the poor, who often had neither the time nor the money.
"Let’s take a trip during the National Day holiday." Tearing her eyes away from Wang Hunv, Tan You said softly, "We can start with the cities nearby. Y City is close; it’s only about an hour away by bus. We could spend a few days there before coming back."
Wang Hunv hesitated. "But we’re still raising chickens, ducks, and geese at home. Who will look after them if we’re gone?"
Tan You said, "Don’t you have a son? What’s wrong with having him look after them for a few days?"
Tan Deming made the final decision. "Alright, we’ll all go on a trip together. We used to be stuck at home with no money, but it’s different now. We’re finally getting to enjoy some good fortune, all thanks to Tan You."
Despite Wang Hunv’s usually assertive personality, she always deferred to Tan Deming on major decisions. Now that he’d had his say, she certainly wouldn’t object. The mere thought of going on a trip made the old woman’s triangular eyes crinkle into a smile, wiping away any trace of her usual acerbity.
The four of them were chatting and laughing as they walked, until they ran into Chen Xiaoqin and her son, Chen Chen. Chen Xiaoqin was the daughter of Tan Zhen, and her son, Chen Chen, was just a year younger than Tan Yue.
Tan You looked at her and called out, "Cousin." Tan Yue, beside her, did the same, then pulled her small suitcase to stand by Tan You’s side.
"Grandma, Grandpa..." Chen Xiaoqin was quite enthusiastic, rushing up with a flurry of greetings. Her eyes quickly swept over the suitcases in Tan You’s and Tan Yue’s hands, and she couldn’t help but wonder.
’And the old couple are both wearing new clothes. Aside from being a bit gaunt, there’s no sign of their former shabbiness.’
Hearing Chen Xiaoqin call out to them, Tan You lowered her eyes and smiled. Dialects differed from place to place. For instance, people in the north used one set of terms for maternal grandparents, while people in the south used another. Here, however, they used their own local words.
"Are you all here shopping? Why don’t you come over to our place for dinner?" Chen Xiaoqin asked, holding Chen Chen’s hand. The boy was clutching a family-sized bucket from a fast-food chain in his left arm and holding a piece of chicken in his right hand, taking a bite every so often.
He saw them but didn’t greet anyone, simply keeping his head down and eating. Watching Chen Chen devour his food with such gusto, Tan Yue couldn’t help but swallow hard, her eyes glued to his family-sized bucket.
Tan You noticed Tan Yue’s longing gaze and suddenly spoke up. "Grandpa, I’m a little thirsty. Tan Yue and I are going to buy some water up ahead."
Tan Deming casually handed his wallet to Tan You. "Alright, go on. Get a drink for your grandma, too. Just plain water is fine for me."
Tan You gave a little wave, left the suitcase with the old couple, and pulled Tan Yue toward a nearby fast-food restaurant.
"Sister, what’s that Chen Chen is eating? It looks so good," Tan Yue finally asked once they were a few steps away.
Tan You looked at her. "I’ll buy some for you. You’ll have whatever he has. We’re not going to be envious of other people’s things."
Tan Yue said, "I’ve just never had it before. I’ve seen it. I see it all the time when I go out with Mom and Dad, but they can never bring themselves to buy it."
Tan You replied, "They don’t earn money easily, so of course they wouldn’t buy it. Western fast food is so expensive, isn’t it? I know how to make this stuff too. How about we buy a couple of orders today just to try it, and then we can make it ourselves at home later? It’ll be healthier and just as tasty."
After a few more steps, Tan Yue asked, "Sister, am I being too greedy?"
"There’s nothing wrong with enjoying good food," Tan You said softly. "You’ve just never tried it before, so you’re curious, that’s all. In the future, try to spend less time at your cousin Little Qin’s place. She’s not a very classy person."
Tan Yue skipped along, swinging Tan You’s hand. "I don’t like going to her house anyway! Having one sister is enough for me. My sister is the best!"
Tan You explained, "I said Little Qin isn’t a classy person because we’ve been standing here for several minutes, and she hasn’t once suggested that Chen Chen share with you. It’s not about wanting his food. It’s a matter of basic courtesy."
"Dad says Auntie’s whole family doesn’t like us," Tan Yue whispered to Tan You. "Anyway, Dad told us not to go to her house."
"I don’t like going to her house either," Tan You said, pulling Tan Yue along as she pushed open the door to the fast-food restaurant. A blast of cool air rushed out to meet them, seeming to wash away all the summer heat.
Tan You helped Tan Yue order and pay, getting her an ice cream cone as well, before leaving the restaurant with a large bag of fast food. Clutching a cup of iced Coke, Tan Yue ran straight to Wang Hunv. "Grandma, drink this!"
Tan You handed Tan Deming a bottle of water she had bought nearby. "I didn’t get you an iced one. You’re not in the best of health, so room temperature is better for you."
Tan Deming chuckled. "Alright. Our Youzi has always been so considerate."
Tan You gave Tan Yue a gentle nudge on the back. "Share with Grandma, now. No hogging it all for yourself. In our family, we don’t have the bad habit of one person keeping all the tasty food to themselves."
At the phrase "hogging it all for yourself," Chen Xiaoqin’s expression faltered. She forced a smile. "Grandma, we bought some too..."
Wang Hunv waved her hand dismissively. "Just let Chen Chen have his. Tan You bought plenty. Tan Yue, do you want a drumstick or a chicken tender?"
Tan Yue wanted both but knew she couldn’t eat that much. "Grandma, can we go halves on them? That way I can try both."
Wang Hunv didn’t mind. "Sure, I’ll share with you."
’Tan You bought so much, yet the old couple didn’t seem to mind the expense at all.’ Chen Xiaoqin grew suspicious. ’Could it be that Uncle and Aunt have struck it rich? But then again, Uncle’s eyesight is poor, so it’s not like he can do much work...’
Seeing Chen Xiaoqin’s expression flicker through a range of emotions, Tan You lost any desire to speak with her. "Grandpa, should we head back? I have military training tomorrow, so it’s better to go back early and get my things ready."
Tan Deming immediately got to his feet. "You’re right, I’d forgotten about that. Well, Little Qin, we’ll be heading off now. Come visit us when you have time."
Chen Xiaoqin tried to get them to stay. "Come over for dinner! You can eat before you go back..."
"No, no, we’ll miss the bus if we wait any longer," Tan Deming said, pushing Tan You’s large suitcase. "We need to go catch it now. We’ll talk next time."
The four of them hadn’t gotten far when Tan You heard a tantrum erupt behind them. "Mom, I want more Coke! I want a chicken fillet, too!"
"Okay, okay, fine! I’ll go buy it for you!"
A small smile played on Tan You’s lips. She had to admit, seeing Chen Chen throw such a fit was deeply satisfying.
Tan Deming heard it too and frowned. "Believe you me, your aunt is going to call tonight after we get home."
