Chapter 313: Chapter 313

Gong Ruini heard the knock on the door and ran to the entrance of the hotel, asking quietly, "Who is it?"

"Ni Zi, it’s me." Hearing her daughter’s cautious actions, Cai Meina also breathed a sigh of relief.

This place is not like their old home in the Northeast, where there were basically no bad people. But here, it’s different; there are quite a few bad people. The important thing is, what if the Gong family causes trouble?

It’s a good thing her daughter is being so cautious.

Gong Ruini heard it was Cai Meina’s voice and quickly opened the door, "Mom, you’re back."

Cai Meina walked in and saw her son doing homework at the bedside table, "Were you spending the whole afternoon reviewing your lessons?"

Cai Meina really doesn’t know why Dong Li keeps praising her own kids. During winter break, they are out messing around and playing wildly; none of them help out.

Even though Dong Li boasts about how smart her children are and how good their grades are, just looking at Gong Xiaoyu as an example, Cai Meina doesn’t think Gong Qiang’s family would have any children with good grades.

"If your aunt sees how hard you’re working, she’ll be so jealous." In Cai Meina’s eyes, her children are simply wonderful in every way.

This is a real mother talking, always praising them. It made Gong Ruini feel quite embarrassed, "Mom, what else would we do if we’re not reviewing our lessons."

Although Gong Ruini wanted to go out for a walk, they had no choice. When Gong Tao left, he instructed them not to go out.

Gong Ruini was contemplating sneaking out, but Gong Ruwen was just too obedient to his parents and wouldn’t agree, which frustrated Gong Ruini.

"Mom, I want to check out the recycling station here."

"I’ve brought money." Gong Ruini really had no interest in this small city’s department stores or malls; not only did things require ration coupons, but the service staff inside had such terrible attitudes. Gong Ruini didn’t want to spend her money and endure their attitudes; she’s not crazy.

Cai Meina knew her daughter had brought money and thought maybe her daughter wanted to see the department store here, even though most things require coupons, but what if there’s something that doesn’t?

"Let’s go to the department store tomorrow and see if there’s anything good." If nothing unexpected happens, they’ll definitely spend the New Year here, and they haven’t brought any New Year goods, nor can they expect the Gong family to prepare food and drinks. If they can be treated to New Year’s Eve dinner, that would be nice. The rıghtful source is novęlfire.net

Even then, Gong Tao felt a bit unsure. He noticed today that Zhang Lan and her family were eating poorly, despite four people earning money. He really doesn’t understand how their life is .

"Gong Tao, tomorrow go and have a chat with the kitchen. Can we purchase some things early? Even without meat, it’s fine." They may celebrate a simpler New Year, but they still need some meat, not necessarily indulgent, but they shouldn’t be too frugal.

"Alright, I’ll ask tomorrow. You go take a walk tomorrow and see if there’s anything good. If not, that’s fine." Gong Tao checked the time; it’s already a hassle to cook at this hour.

"Let’s go out and eat today."

"We’ll have a good meal, then come back, shower, and rest early."

Wow, dining out! Gong Ruini’s eyes squinted with laughter; it’s been so many days since she traveled, and she hasn’t eaten out. Even in the Northeast, when they went to the recycling station to collect things, they always ate their own food, never having the chance to taste a chef’s skills.

"Do we have coupons?" Suddenly recalling that eating out requires money, and more importantly, food coupons, Gong Ruini’s curiosity was piqued—these are national coupons.

From receiving the telegram to leaving, it’s been such a short time. Did they make these preparations?

"We have food coupons, plenty." Gong Tao cautiously took out a stack of national food coupons from his bag, "Don’t worry, we’ve got enough for us to eat and drink."

The saying that travelers are wealthy holds true; when you go out, you must be well-prepared. Even though they might not use them all, they can’t end up going home hungry.

No way, that many? Gong Ruini was wide-eyed with disbelief. Uncle Zhao really came through, even having national food coupons; his connections are really broad.

Gong Ruini always thought she knew Zhao Gang well, but now she realizes she only understood the surface.

"We have a bit too much grain this year, I’m planning with Uncle Zhao to reclaim some crop land, and we’ll sell a portion of last year’s grain." Gong Tao explained why he had the food coupons.

Initially, Gong Ruini didn’t understand why turn grain into coupons, but later realized, trading grain safely or trading coupons—of course, coupons are safer.

As long as the partner is trustworthy, you can treat it as visiting and swiftly complete the deal. One must say Zhao Gang and his group are quite clever, it’s puzzling how their minds work.

"See how smart your dad is." Gong Tao was in high spirits, even though the grain had little to do with him, but helping a friend solve a part of the grain issue was quite fulfilling.

Smart, not something ordinary people would think of. Gong Ruini was genuinely curious about how Zhao Gang’s grain business was going. Using food coupons indicated business was going well; otherwise, they wouldn’t have thought of such tricks.

Gong Ruini also breathed a sigh of relief, or else when they all had to leave the small village, dealing with so much grain would be a hassle.

"Dad, does that mean this year you’ll make a fortune?" Gong Ruwen asked quietly.

Make a fortune? Is that small amount of money called making a fortune? Honestly, it’s not even as much as when Ni Zi found cash in the tree hole, but this is hard-earned money. The treasure map was eventually not worth much; luckily, they didn’t invest too heavily, or they would’ve lost big.

"So, Dad, can we build a house next spring?" Gong Ruwen was not too concerned with these things; he had pocket money anyway.

Build a house? Gong Tao calculated, "Yes, your uncle has been earning money, and you’re earning money from selling herbs, so building a simple house should be possible."

"I’ll make the bricks myself; it will save quite a bit." The thought of potentially living in his own house next year made Gong Tao happy.

Gong Ruwen was even happier, "Then we can get an aunt for Uncle."

Gong Ruwen constantly thought about getting an aunt for his uncle, something Cai Meina often talked about in front of Cai Ming, hence why Gong Ruwen remembered it so clearly.

No way, getting a wife for Cai Ming—he’s so young, and are there suitable girls for him in the Northeast rural areas?

More importantly, Uncle should have his own desired partner. If Cai Ming finds out his sister is making matches for him, he’d probably be quite annoyed.

But these are Uncle’s concerns. Gong Ruini only cares about having a good meal with Gong Tao, not overthinking the rest—it would hurt her brain cells.