Mo Xiaolin is quite open-minded. Chenchen is a girl, naturally more delicate, while Zaozao is a boy, rough-skinned and thick-fleshed, and also the elder brother. Letting him give way to his sister is nothing much.
Well, since her in-laws don’t find it inappropriate, Zhang Hualian won’t worry about it too much. She is just afraid that Mo Xiaolin might have issues with her daughter Tang Yue.
Since Mo Xiaolin isn’t bothered by it, Zhang Hualian won’t say more.
With the New Year approaching, even in Jing City, Zhang Hualian and Tang Zhengde have made a lot of cured meat and sausage, hanging them on a bamboo rod.
The sausage, with alternating fat and lean meat, is mouth-watering even before tasting.
Tang Yue has been longing for sausage early on. At this time every year, cured meat and sausage are her favorites, especially those made by her parents, flavors she finds unforgettable.
The method for making sausages is simple: steam until cooked and slice them to eat. For better flavor, stir-frying with chili and garlic works, but Tang Yue prefers them just sliced after steaming. The fatty and lean sausage slices are especially chewy and fragrant, and if smoked with rice husk, the flavor would be even better.
As for cured meat, stir-frying it with garlic shoots or bamboo shoots results in unforgettable flavors for Tang Yue.
"Mom, when can we eat?" Tang Yue has been craving for several days now.
"A few more days of sun-drying should do, don’t be so eager." Zhang Hualian, noting her drooling expression, laughed: "Get busy with work, finish it then you won’t be anxious at night."
"You’re a mom now, don’t stay up late. It’s bad for your eyes."
Zhang Hualian nagged on.
Tang Yue nodded in agreement, found an excuse, and went to her studio. Although her mom’s nagging is all for her good, hearing it repeatedly, she finds it better to keep busy.
As New Year passes, Spring Festival edges closer. These days, Tang Yue has been having mysterious chats with Meng Siyu, and took the chance to ask Mo Xiaolin when no one else was around: "Mom, are you and Dad going home this year?"
"No," Mo Xiaolin shook her head: "You met your two uncles a few days ago, that’s a reunion. I discussed with your dad; we’ll spend New Year in Jing City this year."
"Moreover, your grandpa’s health isn’t great. Going back to Wangjiang County is too far." During her free time, Mo Xiaolin would visit the Meng Family, sometimes bringing food, sometimes tidying up their house.
"Mom, I’d like to discuss something with you." Tang Yue looked expectantly at Mo Xiaolin.
...
"What’s this?" Zhang Hualian, looking at the two sheets of paper Tang Yue handed over, was momentarily puzzled.
Tang Zhengde glanced at it, saying: "Xiao Yue, these are tickets for us to go home?"
"Dad, don’t overthink it. With New Year coming, Grandma and Granny Tang are still at home. You’ve not been back all year; it’s New Year, surely you should visit the elderly?" Tang Yue cheerfully explained: "After the Spring Festival, you can return to Jing City."
"Xiao Yue, I’m not going back." Zhang Hualian returned the two plane tickets, refusing: "Zaozao and Chenchen are still so young; I can’t be at ease."

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