Chapter 345: Chapter 345

Although the food on the train didn’t taste great and Gong Ruini always felt it wasn’t cooked properly, the advantage was that it didn’t require meat coupons.

Even so, Gong Ruini looked around and found that not many passengers were buying food from the dining car. Even those who did buy something mostly chose vegetables or hot dishes; none bought as much meat as their family did.

This made Gong Ruini feel quite embarrassed. If it was just their small family, they could eat as they pleased, but the surrounding gazes made her feel a bit uneasy.

It felt like they were having a lavish banquet, it seemed they needed to be more discreet in the future and not so ostentatious.

After all, although these were strangers, what if someone had ill intentions?

Gong Tao also noticed that their family had become the center of attention. Alas, it was all his fault; thinking about the grievances his children had faced recently, he wanted to make it up to them without considering the thoughts of those around them.

Even though they were all strangers just passing by, what if there was a fellow traveler?

Gong Tao picked up a piece of meat for Gong Ruini, "Today’s New Year’s Eve, even though we’re on a train, we shouldn’t be too shabby."

"Besides, buying meat on the train doesn’t require meat coupons, so eat more meat." Gong Tao kept talking about how today’s meal was a bit lavish, and this wouldn’t be the norm in the future.

The people around them heard and realized it was New Year’s Eve, so it was normal for their family to eat well.

"You really don’t need a meat coupon to buy meat on the train?" Many people weren’t frequent train passengers and were reluctant to buy food from the dining car, thinking it was too expensive compared to bringing their own dry food.

So, they were very surprised to learn that buying meat on the train didn’t require meat coupons.

"You really don’t need food stamps or meat coupons?"

"You really just need money?"

Everyone started asking questions; during this era, money was relatively easier to acquire than food or meat coupons.

Gong Tao nodded, "If you’re going to go, go quickly, the dining car has a schedule, and there’s only so much meat."

Seeing the excitement on their faces, Gong Tao felt quite pleased; if they all went to buy meat and food, his family wouldn’t seem as unusual.

Upon hearing that there wasn’t much meat, everyone rushed towards the dining car; after all, without needing tickets, buying more meat to take home for the family was a good option.

Especially in the winter, with the low temperatures, storing it for one or two days was no problem.

"The dining car doesn’t provide containers for the meat; you need to bring your own." Gong Tao suddenly remembered an important detail: they had to bring their own containers.

As soon as he mentioned this, the crowd rushing to the dining car paused; where would they find a container to store the meat?

Various complaints arose. They regretted not knowing about this perk earlier but didn’t want to miss the opportunity to buy meat, so they were very reluctant.

During the New Year, if a family could have a bowl of meat, it would make the elders and children very happy, and even more impressive when entertaining guests.

At this time, someone grabbed their drinking cup and rushed to the dining car, noticing earlier that Gong Tao and his family used such cups to buy their meals.

When one person did this, others naturally followed.

Gong Ruini watched them heading to the dining car with their cups, stunned, "Aren’t they going to drink water?"

They used these cups to get their meals, but her family would finish the food, and the cups could be washed and reused for water.

These people likely wouldn’t want to eat all the meat at once; does that mean they won’t drink water for the rest of the journey?

Oh my, Gong Ruini couldn’t help but admire how these people went to such lengths to eat meat without using coupons.

After they impulsively bought the meat, they were quite distressed. Although meat is a good thing, they only had one cup and couldn’t go without water for the journey.

But throwing the meat away was also hard, leaving them in a difficult situation.

Gong Ruini thought they were overthinking, "The meat would freeze, right?"

Though it was warm inside the carriage, it wasn’t too warm; when it froze, they could pack it in a paper box.

As for sanitation, Gong Ruini couldn’t guarantee that.

Right, the meat would freeze. Those present began to think of solutions; even though wet meat and broth were hard to handle, frozen chunks of meat were manageable.

"You can use a paper box." Someone pulled out some paper from their bag and folded a box. Whether it was sanitary or not, they couldn’t care about that now.

Anyway, when they got home, they would reheat the meat before eating it.

Once someone did it, others followed suit, as everyone on a business trip had a few sheets of paper. If needed, they could borrow from each other.

Gong Tao watched them busy themselves and breathed a sigh of relief, "Next time, we need to be more mindful and just order a small dish of stir-fried meat."

It’s unrealistic to eat large chunks of meat all the time; today’s show got enough attention, and if they constantly indulged in lavish meals, they’d attract envy.

Envy was one thing, but what if someone malicious got involved? They needed to be cautious.

Gong Ruini swallowed the last piece of meat, "Dad, let’s eat steamed buns tomorrow, and skip the meat."

"It didn’t taste good." Gong Ruini admitted she wanted to eat meat, but the train’s meat was truly terrible, and spending money and drawing attention wasn’t worth it.

"No worries, a little stir-fried meat won’t hurt." Gong Tao really didn’t want his children to suffer, "If we were in the Northeast..."

They might not have a feast every day, but they could at least have meat regularly.

Besides, today was New Year’s Eve, and even though last year’s income wasn’t as much as this year’s, they still had a prosperous New Year. Follow current novᴇls on NoveI-Fire.ɴet

This year, they earned more and were supposed to eat better, but alas.

"I wonder if my uncle misses us."

"I wonder if Ban Xia and Zisu miss me." Gong Ruini missed the two kids she practically raised.

As for that boy Zhao Guangran, he was probably quite happy since no one would be competing with him for food; he’d surely be enjoying himself.

"Ban Xia and Zisu definitely miss you; they listen to your stories every day." Remembering how sad the little ones were when they heard that Gong Ruini was leaving for some time.

Even Zhao Xuran, whom they liked as the older brother, couldn’t console them, let alone the sulky face of Zhao Guangran.

"I wonder how much homework will be waiting when we get back." The thought made Gong Ruini shiver, unsure how much homework Hua Miaozhu would assign.

Ever since Hua Miaozhu stopped favoring Zhao Guangran, Gong Ruini’s days became much easier, but the amount of homework kept increasing. Despite her complaints, she knew Hua Miaozhu meant well.

Seeing his sister’s frustrated look, Gong Ruwen couldn’t help but laugh. Hua Miaozhu was surprised by his sister’s perseverance, thinking she would give up.