MGASC -Chapter 46 He Cared Once, Too

She said casually, “There’s nothing valuable at home. These few fish are just fresh, not worth much. Take them home to replenish your strength.”

Zhang Qiao didn’t bother being polite; after a few words of small talk, she accepted them.

Originally, the three little ones were quite frustrated, not understanding why Zhang Qiao would give away such tasty meat. She hadn’t even eaten much herself.

When she returned, the kids ran over excitedly to see what she was carrying.

But when they saw it was fish, their excitement vanished.

Back then, fish were too pungent and hard to cook well, so people didn’t like them. In the market, fish were the cheapest compared to other meats.

Previously, Lin Tianyue had cooked fish once. Lin Xun took a bite and nearly vomited, and the other two kids didn’t like it either. That’s why they were so disappointed when Zhang Qiao brought home fish.

When they heard that the fish were a gift from Aunt Liu, Lin Xun, ever the quick learner, asked, “Does this count as… the story you told us about ‘buying the box, keeping the jewel’?”

Aunt Qiao had told them that story before, and Lin Xun remembered it. He thought it was interesting—throwing away the valuable and keeping the worthless. Clearly, Aunt Qiao was smart, so how could she do something foolish?

But Zhang Qiao didn’t seem the slightest bit disadvantaged. “How could it? I exchanged one pig’s trotter for three big black fish. We clearly made out well. Besides, black fish are tender and delicious!”

At the mention of deliciousness, the three little ones perked up a bit.

Lin Jin quickly reminded her, “Aunt Qiao, don’t forget—the last time Dad cooked fish, you threw up!”

Lin Ran added, “It was so fishy and smelly… absolutely terrible!”

Zhang Qiao paused and searched her memory.

Ah, yes. When she had just gotten pregnant and recently married, Lin Tianyue wanted to give her something nutritious, so he stewed a fish. But he cooked it so poorly that, due to her morning sickness, Zhang Qiao vomited just from the smell.

She had been so upset that day she even argued with him. She scolded him for being stingy, refusing to buy real meat, and just tricking her and the baby with unwanted fish.

In reality, Lin Tianyue had gone to the river in the freezing cold at night to catch it for her.

The argument escalated until Lin Tianyue angrily flipped the table.

Because of that, even the kids had developed a psychological aversion to fish.

Now, the memories of those events attacked her again. Zhang Qiao felt a bit embarrassed holding the fish.

“You see, last time it was your dad who didn’t do it right. Trust me, this time Aunt Qiao will make you fall in love with fish!”

The three kids exchanged glances, clearly having no expectations about fish.

Zhang Qiao, however, was full of confidence. The fish were still alive, so she placed them in a basin to keep them until cooking.

The three fish together weighed seven to eight jin—enough for at least two meals.

The next day, after finishing lunch, the water in the basin was down to half. After the meal, she went out to find Chen Gang.

Lin Xun and Lin Ran could have helped carry water home, but Zhang Qiao had other things to ask Chen Gang. Before leaving, she decided to also bring a jar of the red date and white fungus sweet soup she had made.

The dessert, good for the lungs and moisturizing, had already been approved by the kids, and she wanted Yingzi to try it.

Zhang Qiao had had some conflicts with Yingzi before and needed Chen Gang’s help. To ensure smooth cooperation, she had to first win over his girlfriend.

To her surprise, only Chen Gang’s parents were at home. They directed her to Yingzi’s stall.

Zhang Qiao made her way there and found the wonton stall near the market. It was afternoon, and business was slow.

Yingzi and Chen Gang were chatting. From a distance, they saw Zhang Qiao approaching, and Chen Gang hurried out to meet her on Lin Tianyue’s request.

Zhang Qiao didn’t speak at first, just smiled softly. “Chen Gang, I need your help to pick up some water. I knew you’d be with Yingzi. Yingzi, try this red date and white fungus sweet soup I made this morning, just for you.”

Yingzi was slightly annoyed that Zhang Qiao was borrowing her boyfriend and was about to make a snide remark, but when she saw the jar filled with the shimmering soup, she asked, “Sister-in-law, what is this?”

“Red date and white fungus sweet soup. Good for beauty, nourishing, and moisturizing the lungs. Excellent for women! Chen Gang, get two bowls!”

Zhang Qiao explained enthusiastically, knowing women cared about their looks. The promise of beauty immediately grabbed Yingzi’s attention.

Moreover, the soup looked exquisite—crystal clear and enticing. As soon as Zhang Qiao poured it out, Yingzi took a sip.

Sweet and smooth, with the delicate aroma of red dates.

Not knowing much about desserts, Yingzi immediately gave Zhang Qiao a thumbs up. “So delicious! It looks great and tastes amazing. Sister-in-law, how did you think of this?”

Chen Gang skeptically tried a sip. Though most men dislike sweets, he found it surprisingly good.

Zhang Qiao smiled warmly. “It’s actually very simple. I’ll teach you.”

She explained the recipe to Yingzi, and also invited her, Chen Gang, and Da Lin to come to her house to eat fish in a few days. She planned to give them some white fungus, too.

During the casual conversation, the topic turned to the children’s schooling.

Yingzi’s family had many relatives, including kids attending elementary school in the county. She knew the situation well and explained briefly: there were three elementary schools in total. Tieli Elementary was the best. Yingzi’s cousin attended it. She also mentioned that Chen Gang’s uncle knew the principal, since they were from the same village.

Zhang Qiao seized the opportunity, saying she wanted Lin Xun and Lin Ran to attend that school, hoping they could even skip grades, though she didn’t know how to arrange it.

Normally, Yingzi wouldn’t get involved in such matters, but she and Zhang Qiao were getting along well. On a whim, she nudged Chen Gang to ask his uncle.

Having only been dating a short time, Chen Gang dared not refuse Yingzi, especially since it involved Lin Tianyue’s family. He immediately took on the task, promising to ask clearly.

Seeing the situation under control, Zhang Qiao gave Chen Gang the house keys so he could fetch water, while she went to the market to buy vegetables.

Yingzi, with nothing else to do, accompanied her.

Across from the wonton stall was another breakfast stall, selling wontons and various noodles. Business was clearly better than Yingzi’s; despite it being afternoon, quite a few people were still eating noodles.

Yingzi pouted at Zhang Qiao. “See that? That little slut Wang Yan is copying everything I do. When I sold socks and underwear, she secretly followed me to the supplier and undercut me. Now she sees I make money selling wontons, she does the same. I sell mine for two mao a bowl; she charges only one mao eight. She’s stealing all my customers. How can she be so shameless?”