Chapter 418 - Chapter 418: Chapter 405: Has It Been Like This Recently? (1/2)

Chapter 418: Chapter 405: Has It Been Like This Recently?

This time, Zhuang Qingning used the same methods, and looking at these people, they not only didn’t show a hint of disgust, but rather, were having a jolly good time.

Miao Hongjin didn’t know what to say about these people in this moment.

Just as Miao Hongjin was shaking his head and sighing, lamenting these people’s love of winning dishes, there was a sudden shout of surprise from the crowd.

Looking up, Mrs. Zhang had won the final victory and was proudly showing off to everyone, she had won the opportunity to invite Zhuang Qingning to her house for a meal.

“You all criticized my wood ears for being small, so what if they are small? It was still my good luck.”

Grasping Zhuang Qingning’s hand and raising her eyebrows in triumph, Mrs. Zhang said, “Come, don’t mind what they say, my wood ear is crisp and delicious. With some chili and vinegar, it’s wonderful.”

Zhuang Qingning nodded in agreement, “Sure, I’ll get to taste your cooking then.”

Not at all picky, with an eager look on her face, Mrs. Zhang was more convinced than ever that Zhuang Qingning had a good disposition. She enthusiastically took her towards her home.

The remaining people, looking at each other, sighed and returned home somewhat dejected.

Mrs. Zhang was a widow. Her husband had died a few years ago in a ship leak accident in the dock while carrying goods. He got his foot caught and drowned.

Although the shipowner compensated the Zhang family with a large sum of silver due to her husband’s death, Mrs. Zhang’s in-laws were greatly affected by this tragedy and fell ill, bedridden for years, unable to survive without medicine.

Caring for her in-laws and two young children required all of Mrs. Zhang’s energy, so she could only cultivate her sweet potato field, barely making ends meet. Meanwhile, the silver compensation disappeared like running water.

By the time the in-laws passed away, the Zhang family was destitute and heavily in debt to others.

A single woman with two six or seven-year-old children, she could only farm and do laundry for others to barely get by. If they had any additional expenses that year, they wouldn’t even have enough food before the sweet potato harvest.

Mrs. Zhang was the poorest and most hopeless person in the village.

But now, with the glass noodles factory opening, she could find work there while still farming. The wages she earned in a month, along with the field’s yield, were sufficient for her and her two children’s daily food and drink. It seemed that, in time, she may even save something, which she could use for the dowry or the betrothal gift when the children grew up.

Mrs. Zhang felt she had found hope, hope for her life, and for the future.

The one who gave her this hope, however, was no one else but Zhuang Qingning.

Being able to invite Zhuang Qingning to her home for a meal today, Mrs. Zhang saw it as a sign of good fortune from the heavens and a chance to express her gratitude to Zhuang Qingning.

“Miss Zhuang, please sit,” Mrs. Zhang pulled Zhuang Qingning into the courtyard and quickly fetched a bench for her to sit. At the same time she shouted, “Ni, Erdan, come over quickly and pour a bowl of water for Miss Zhuang.”

“And didn’t we get some apples from your uncle’s house a few days ago? Quickly wash them and bring them here.”

The boy and girl hurried over, calling out “sister” to Zhuang Qingning sweetly.

Miao Ni quickly went to wash the apples, and Miao Erdan brought over some water, giving Zhuang Qingning a handful of wild jujubes, “They’re wild jujubes. They aren’t as tasty as the farmed ones but are still sweet. Give them a try, sister.”

“Thank you.” Zhuang Qingning, looking at the two thin but well-behaved children, had a smile on her face.

“No, we shouldn’t be thanked, sister Zhuang.” Miao Ni quickly waved her hand, “Mother says, we are blessed by you, sister Zhuang. It’s we who should be thanking you.”