Reborn with a Space: Building a Fortune Amidst Famine

At four o'clock, Mom and the three started making dumplings. The cabbage stuffing was squeezed by Zhang Fusheng, really quite dry, no need to worry about it being too watery.

Little Haiyan played quietly on the side, very well-behaved. No need for adults to worry.

In total, they made enough dumplings to fill five covers. When Zhang Caixia's family came over, they were just waiting to cook them.

Zhao Yanping and Su Yuanyuan had dinner together, so they also fried chili oil and made a sauce with soy sauce and vinegar. She and Zhang Caixia cooked the dumplings outside, Zhang Fusheng was in charge of the fire, and Li Yingjie carried the dumplings.

Zhang Caixia's two sons were ten and eight years old. Their family had female cousins, but with a new little sister at their uncle's house today, they still found it very novel.

Haiyan just sat in Zhang Xinhua's arms, which made the young man very satisfied, as it was his own sister relying on him.

Mrs. Zhang watched from the kang, feeling utterly delighted. This was a family reunion, with children and grandchildren all around.

Cooking with two pots of dumplings was quite fast. The first pot was ready for Mrs. Zhang and the four children.

"Grandma, these dumplings are really delicious."

"Eat more if you like. There are plenty." Mrs. Zhang said with a smile.

When the last pot of dumplings was ready, the four of them came in to eat together.

Zhang Caixia praised while eating, "These dumplings need more meat and oil to be delicious."

Li Yingjie nodded with a smile.

"Caixia, your elder brother and sister-in-law are hosting an event on the tenth. Join us for lunch."

"Sure, it's right for them to host one."

There were rumors that the elder brother didn't get married because he was too hurt by a previous woman, making it an excuse not to marry. Now outsiders would see for themselves.

The sister-in-law was quite pretty, mainly because she was young. A person's appearance reflects their heart, and the sister-in-law looked gentle, completely different from the previous woman.

Li Yingjie also nodded, "I'll take leave that day to come and help."

Everyone knew Caixia couldn't take leave then. The accounting department was especially busy at the end of the year.

After dinner, Zhao Yanping noticed her two nephews liked dumplings, so she left some for her own two children. The rest were taken back by her two nephews.

This endeared her to her nephews, who thanked their aunt for the gesture.

Li Caixia was quite pleased with her sister-in-law's gesture. Although it wasn't much, it showed her good character.

Mrs. Zhang was even more pleased with her daughter-in-law's way of handling things, alleviating concerns about their sibling relationship. Little Haiyan stayed by Zhang Xinhua's side, quite adept at eating on her own, while Zhang Xinhua just needed to give her dumplings.

Zhao Yanping was delighted to see such a scene, the two children having a good relationship despite a ten-year age difference.

Zhang Fusheng prepared bath water for Zhao Yanping, leading to a pleasant evening.

Zhang Xinhua hadn't had a holiday yet, so he had to get up early in the morning.

Zhao Yanping made fried dumplings for him and also a bowl of gnocchi soup.

Zhang Xinhua thought having a mom was different; at least meals varied.

Zhang Fusheng didn't get up today; he was still very tired.

Their family didn't have a period of adjustment and got along very well.

However, Zhao Yanli felt very lonely. If Tan Shaoting wasn't home, she would definitely visit YuanYuan's home. Now, she felt embarrassed to disturb others.

So she stayed home making shoes, keeping busy these past few days.

She was stitching soles that day when she heard her sister-in-law's voice outside.

She hurried to open the door. "Sister-in-law, why are you here?"

"Nothing, just came to check on you. Your elder brother was worried and sent me to see you."

"I'm fine. Sister-in-law, quickly come in."

"Made so many shoes?"

"Yes, no big deal, making more now to supply the co-op in spring. Why didn't Xiao Ling come?"

"She went to her grandmother's. Your elder brother is watching over the second one at home."

"Haven't decided the name for my second niece yet?"

"Your elder brother suggests Xiao Le, because their second daughter loves to smile."

"That's nice. The little girl is quite likable."

"As long as you're fine, I'm relieved. I'll head back then."

"Sister-in-law, why rush? Isn't elder brother home? Stay for lunch, the two of them won't starve."

Sun Yun shook her head; she was visiting her mother today and just stopped by to see the nun.

"You know your elder brother doesn't like cooking. I'd better go back. If you're bored at home, come to our place."

Zhao Yanli saw her sister-in-law off, feeling quite bored, and thought about visiting YuanYuan's house to see the three children. How did they grow up so pretty?

The snow outside was very thick; it must be Tan Shaoting answering the door.

"Where's YuanYuan?"

"Inside, hurry in."

Zhao Yanli had lunch at the Su Family and then went home, still feeling quite bored. Previously, having her elder sister and Haiyan made home feel lively. Now it was just her alone.

When Yuanyuan leaves next year, it'll be even lonelier, though there probably won't be time for loneliness then, given the start of spring planting.

"It's just so meaningless, Xiao Li."

"Not yet adapted, get some rest then." His wife wouldn't let him do anything during the day, so she let him rest.

Sun Yun returned home, cooking and talking to Zhao Qingxiang about Zhao Yanli's situation.

"Xiao Li must be incredibly bored. In just a few days she's already made several shoe soles."

"Xiao Li will be eighteen this New Year, but we don't know what kind of person she's looking for," Zhao Qingxiang, the eldest in the family, worried about his youngest sister's marriage.

"Hard to say. Actually, my mom mentioned introducing Xiao Li to my cousin, but I think Xiao Li won't be interested.

Xiao Li has high standards, especially after the incident with Xiang Zhiqiang. She probably wouldn't agree to my cousin."

"Ah, Xiao Li has always been a steadfast person."

"Right, my mom said now Xiang Zhiqiang's reputation has been ruined by his parents."

"Don't mention that ungrateful person." Zhao Qingxiang was deeply bothered by Xiang Zhiqiang.

The days passed like this, and on the tenth of December, the Zhang Family started busy from early morning. These days, Zhang Fusheng went to buy meat every day.

The braised pork was already cooked yesterday, so today it was just some side dishes.

Zhang Fusheng and Zhao Yanping busily worked together, with no mention of anything new.

Li Yingjie was helping out. The household had enough tables and chairs, but going in and out was quite busy.

The children were all on leave today, playing inside the house.

Mrs. Zhang happily watched from the side. Soon, she, too, would have a dutiful daughter-in-law.