Chapter 296: 296 insights
"But you've all been here so long, can't you just take care of me for a bit?" Zheng Lanying said, still crying and choking with sobs.
Zhao Yanli sneered, "Am I your mom? Even if you want me to, I wouldn't want to." Meaning, why should I take care of you?
At this moment, Zhao Yanping came out. She had just been inside, clearly hearing what their argument was about.
"Ladies, mainly it's this Comrade Zheng, please have some pity on me too. I still have a little kid to look after. With my sister by my side, she can help me work.
Comrade Zheng, no matter how pitiable you are, it's still better than a child. She needs care even more. So please don't make things difficult for us.
It's really not easy for me either. I truly don't have the extra capacity to look after others. Please, you must understand."
This left Zheng Lanying at a loss for words. Although on the way here she had chatted with someone and didn't feel too tired, it was actually quite far. Making good friends with Su Yuanyuan might take more time than she had.
If two people want to have a good relationship, how can it work without spending time together? What kind of relationship can thrive without time?
But it seems like it's really just not possible. The Zhao sisters are indeed stumbling blocks, completely unrefined.
"I'm new here. And we're all women, don't you have the slightest bit of sympathy? I'm really disappointed."
After saying this, Zheng Lanying turned and left. Behind her, Ma Dongmei felt deeply exasperated, thinking she was quite useless.
Zhao Yanli vividly recounted the incident to Su Yuanyuan.
"Yuanyuan, even with my fiery temper, I wanted to go up and slap her."
Su Yuanyuan patted her shoulder. "No need for that, just avoid her in the future. I think she's simply a source of trouble."
"Yeah, just seeing her gives me the creeps. I get goosebumps all over."
Su Yuanyuan just laughed. She could actually understand Zheng Lanying; a naive girl coming here, finding it hard to adapt at first, was normal.
She's different from herself. Her own childhood was too rough, and she was familiar with farming, so she could adapt quickly, which definitely related to her life experiences.
But she didn't agree with her actions. In this world, you can't rely on anyone; if you don't lift yourself up, counting on others simply won't work.
Hopefully, this girl can adapt quickly. After all, life here is really tough.
"Yuanyuan, what are you thinking?"
"Nothing, just thinking that in this world you can only rely on yourself."
"Tch, I rely on you, don't I?"
"What do you rely on me for? At most, I'm just an emotional support to you. Isn't it you who's working hard in life?"
Zhao Yanli laughed, "No matter what kind of reliance, as long as I'm by your side, I feel at ease.
By the way, there are only four days left until the New Year. Do you have any preparations?"
"No, there's meat, so I'll stew it then. Isn't that what New Year is all about?"
"Yeah, having meat is enough. I was thinking of having meat and rice on New Year's Eve."
Su Yuanyuan smiled as she watched the girl talk about food.
"I'm the same, but I have ribs. I'll eat ribs; I think I can still get taller."
"Tch, you're already taller than me. But I also have ribs, and I asked my big brother to leave more meat.
Also, I want to invite my brothers and sisters for a meal. You should come on the third day of the New Year."
Su Yuanyuan nodded with a smile, "No problem, I'll come for the meal too."
As noon approached, Zhao Yanli declined to stay for lunch and hurriedly went home.
Su Yuanyuan planned to make dumplings for lunch today—cabbage and meat ones, which would taste good.
Before she started eating, she heard Zheng Lanying's voice outside.
Her good mood dropped a bit. Was it really okay to visit someone else's house at mealtime?
So she directly went out, not letting Zheng Lanying come inside.
"Comrade Zheng, what is it you want from me?"
"Su Yuanyuan, I'm here to apologize. I was too immature back then."
"It's fine; we're just acquaintances and coworkers at the farm." Meaning the relationship was very ordinary, without any intention of getting closer.
Zheng Lanying looked as if she were greatly wronged after hearing Su Yuanyuan's words, her face full of accusation.
Su Yuanyuan found her expression quite off-putting, especially since she was about to eat.
"Comrade Zheng, I'm really sorry, it's too cold outside. I need to go back inside. Be careful on your way, it's about to snow soon. You should prepare more firewood; otherwise, if it really snows heavily, you'll be in trouble."
This was a kind reminder from her. She didn't care what Zheng thought about it.
After saying that, she didn't pay her any more attention and turned back inside.
Zheng Lanying was left outside in the cold, feeling extremely angry and awkward.
How could she be treated this way? Was there no sympathy at all?
Even though she was tearing up, she didn't dare to actually cry. In this weather, if she cried, she'd be the one to suffer.
Her face would definitely freeze. Here, there were no cosmetics. What would she do then? Her face was already plain; if it froze, what would she do?
So she left in a huff. Su Yuanyuan really wasn't hospitable, showing no sense of hospitality. She had come over specifically to have a meal, but she wasn't even invited.
Walking on the road, her mood was extremely low. Wishing to find someone to help her, why was it so difficult?
She hadn't even asked to borrow money, just hoped for a bit of help with small things. Was that too much to ask?
After going back inside, Su Yuanyuan started making dumplings.
Her disappointment in Zheng Lanying grew, but she also understood they had no real connection. This was just how people lived their own lives.
She didn't mind a meal or two but was afraid of getting entangled in the future.
She didn't want trouble; she liked Zhao Yanli's straightforward personality and wouldn't get too close. She knew herself; she was naturally indifferent. Keeping a moderate distance was best.
The dumplings Su Yuanyuan wrapped had more cabbage and less meat, making them juicy and delicious.
Since she had nothing else to do, she decided to keep making dumplings.
This was to prepare meals for herself for the summer, saving her time and effort when she was tired then.
So she spent the whole afternoon wrapping dumplings, saving enough for a meal separately.
Suddenly, she sensed a perfect quiet in the world, so she put down her rolling pin and went outside. It turned out it was snowing, silently.
Judging by the size of the snowflakes, it looked like it would be a big snow.
She quickly went to add coal to the house where she stored pesticide. She also added coal for the donkey and sheep, gave them hot water, and fed them.