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墨書 Inktalez
Yezhi could tell that Xiaobinzi was not completely indifferent to his sister. "Why don't we go see her off?"
Lin Haitao shook his head. Ever since her sister forgave that person, he didn't know what to say to her anymore, and they gradually drifted apart.
"Stop thinking about it. Let's take a walk in the mountains!"
After crossing their own Peach Orchard, the two got lost in the vast snowy expanse. "What? Are we still going?" Yezhi felt foolish for suggesting that Xiaobinzi change his mood this way; why did they have to go out in such freezing weather?
Lin Haitao pulled her along. "I thought you liked walking in the snow!"
"Am I stupid?"
"Let's keep walking!" Yezhi felt overwhelmed; with all this white around, where could they go? The biting cold air made even breathing painful, and the two feet of snow underfoot made it hard to move.
Fortunately, Xiaobinzi took the initiative to clear a path ahead.
As they entered the forest, the world remained desolate. Lin Haitao shook off the snow from the branches. "Come sit here!"
This was a Red Pine Forest, with a thick layer of snow piled on the branches. Seeing the resilient Red Pines under the weight of heavy snow reminded him of the saying, "The heavy snow presses down on the green pines, yet they stand tall and straight."
"To know how noble and pure pines are, wait until the snow melts!" Lin Haitao's clear voice echoed particularly loudly in the silent woods, carrying a sense of integrity.
"Hehe~ I only know the first two lines. Scholar Lin, do you have any other fitting verses?"
"Scholar! That's what my sister says!"
"Yeah, he said your whole family is full of college students, and yet I'm still taking the college entrance exam."
Lin Haitao sincerely said, "Going to college is a good thing. If you want to go, I support you!"
"Stop right there, I'm busy having a baby! Who has time for college?"
Lin Haitao looked at her belly, imagining the little soft person inside her, "Child, we should wait a bit!" The words came out with great difficulty.
"No way!" She's not really in her prime anymore; at twenty-nine, she should be having kids.
"I'm really not in a hurry. College only takes four years; we can wait!" Well, aside from being eager to have a child, Yezhi didn't want to go back to school again. "I really don't want to go unless you think I'm not good enough for you because I'm not a college student!"
"Think you're not good enough? I still married you!" Yezhi laughed and fell into his arms.
"I'm not a college student either. I was still in high school back then, and later no one went to class anymore!"
Yezhi remembered that one of his father's comrades, who was also in the police force, was still taking exams for an open university at his age. It seemed that without a diploma, he couldn't keep his deputy director position and it wasn't beneficial for promotions.
"Xiaobinzi, do you still want to study?"
"I thought about it when I was young!"
Yezhi turned his face towards him, "You're still young now; go take the college entrance exam!"
Lin Haitao never expected that a casual stroll would lead to two significant events, especially regarding his university admission, which Yezhi was so enthusiastic about that it left him somewhat bewildered.
"Honey, hurry up and take your vitamins!" Taking medicine before bed had started after returning from Zhoujiatun.
"I'm not taking them, okay?" He protested. Why would he take medicine every day when he wasn't sick?
Yezhi widened her almond-shaped eyes and said, "Be good, just take them!" After trying to coax him with gentle words and seeing no response, she leaned in to feed him herself.
He was quite happy with his wife's enthusiasm, but after chasing a thief and pursuing a murderer today, and having taken a couple of punches to the stomach, he felt a bit tired. "Hmm~ Honey!" His wife's delicate hand slid from his chest downwards...
Yezhi pushed him away. "You pervert! You haven't even had dinner yet and you're already getting frisky!"
Lin Haitao glanced at his little friend standing tall and helplessly said, "If you don't calm it down, how can you eat?"
Before Yezhi could escape, Lin Haitao picked her up and carried her into the room.
His strong hands explored her chest as he pulled off one piece of clothing after another. "How many layers are you wearing?" His frustrated expression made Yezhi laugh. "Seven pieces, four pairs of pants!"
Lin Haitao bit her neck playfully and rubbed against her. Yezhi soon felt a hint of moisture and patted his flushed cheek. "Let's save it for tomorrow; the book says frequent lovemaking isn't good for pregnancy." Lin Haitao suddenly understood why his wife was being uncooperative. With no sign of a child yet, she was distancing herself from him; if they did have one, he wouldn't have a place to stand.
On Yezhi's birthday, Lin Haitao took her to see a movie called "The Corner Forgotten by Love." Before the show started, the cinema was filled with noise; once the lights went out, everyone quieted down, but the sound of people munching on sunflower seeds was quite annoying.
When the fresh and tender female lead Shen Huangmei appeared on screen, Yezhi was surprised to recognize the actress Shen Danping! This revelation excited her as if she had been given a boost of energy.
Next to them sat a young couple; the girl had red eyes from crying while the boy clenched his fists as if making some kind of resolution. Xiaobinzi held onto her tightly. The sound of sunflower seeds being cracked faded away unnoticed as everyone became engrossed in the emotional experiences of Lily Flower, Cunny, and their mother in the film.
After the gathering, Lin Haitao leaned close to her ear and said, "Wife, knit me a red sweater."
Yezhi deeply realized how movies can influence people. The Rose Diamond Sweater, which ran throughout the film, carried the love of the three characters; it had almost been mythologized as a symbol of "the true meaning of love."
Thinking about movie merchandise, Yezhi felt that people today are easier to persuade than in the 21st century. If someone sold that sweater, it would definitely be a hit. Why not ask Sister Luo? No! Let's mobilize the whole community to knit a batch! The more Yezhi thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. She completely disregarded the current consumer levels and people's loyalty and yearning for "warmth."
"Husband, I'm going back to the community tomorrow!" Lin Haitao was surprised. "Aren't we going back together before the Spring Festival?"
"I have something to take care of!"
Before returning to the community, Yezhi wrote over twenty notes and placed them around the house. "Master, you used to write one note; now you're writing so many!"
"This is the difference between being married and not being married. Before, I could get by with one note; now I have to make him think that even when I'm not around, I'm always thinking of him."
Xiao Fang shook Square Head and exclaimed, "Oh!" Then thought of something, "Master, Xiaobinzi likes your cooking. Why don't you 'make' a few dishes?"
Yezhi laughed and patted it. "Our Xiao Fang has become clever!"
Xiao Fang's head sparkled with a circle of smiling faces. "Does 'becoming clever' mean I've gotten smarter?"
"Yes!" This time, Xiao Fang set off fireworks around itself in an even more exaggerated manner.
"By the way, Xiao Fang! How are the Wooden New Year Paintings selling?" Speaking of Earth's Treasure business made Xiao Fang grin widely. "Selling Monkey Head will be no problem this season. Cabrala Star won't be ready until next year at the earliest. Xingli has doubled the price and is preparing to double it again; after all, it just gets more expensive as time goes on."
A Monkey Head costs 600,000; doubling it makes 1.2 million, then doubling again makes 1.8 million. "You guys are simply bandits!"
"Then you are the leader of the bandits!"
"My 'Conscientious Business' has been ruined by you two money-hungry employees!"
Xiao Fang shouted excitedly, "Who sold the 'Wooden New Year Paintings' for 9.99 million? We could get them for just a few bucks in Shandong, Weifang, Yangjiabu!"
"Art cannot be measured by money!"
"Master, you have double standards. It sounds like you set the price of 9.99 million yourself!"
Yezhi shamelessly said, "I've been led astray by the money-grubber Xiao Fang!"
Xiao Fang pouted, wanting to expose her master's wicked face for using her as a scapegoat on "My Home."
"Money-grubber Xiao Fang, get in the car! We need to buy up all the red thread we can find!"
Yezhi and Xiao Fang got into the Hover Car, closed the Transparent Memory Car Cover, pressed the Blue Light Start Button, and said "Invisible." With a pull of the steering wheel, the Hover Car soared into the air.
Thinking back to that time they test drove the new car to Shandong, she wasn't familiar with the vehicle or the route. It was all thanks to Xiao Fang's corrections every 100 meters that they took 7 hours to reach Shandong. She managed to bring back the New Year Picture that day solely because the Hover Car had an automatic correction feature for straight-line distances between starting and ending points.
Of course, it also had ten-speed transmission, built-in invisibility, and size adjustment capabilities. When large, Yezhi could carry 200 kilograms of cargo; when small, she could fit it in her pocket. Anyway, this car gifted by Dulisa was now her favorite.
Before dark, Yezhi returned to Zhoujiatun. Niu Niu was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes as Yezhi hugged and kissed him; he was so happy.
Black Treasure's big fat body buried itself in her arms. "Mama Bear, you're back! I missed you so much!"
"You two, why are you standing on the bridge?"
The two pets replied in unison, "Waiting for you!"
Yezhi was deeply moved. Upon closer inspection, Black Treasure was covered in snowflakes, and Niu Niu had some on its head too.
"What will you do if I don't come back?" She realized she had spent too little time at home these past two months and hadn't interacted with them for a long time.
Black Treasure answered honestly, "We'll go home and eat before coming back!" Yezhi felt a wave of frustration; it turned out she was still the second one to be considered.
"I'm going to find you!" Niu Niu was just a rebellious little guy. If it really took Black Treasure and ran away from home to find her, the house would be in chaos.
"Bao'er, your sister will be back in a few days, so stop waiting!" Sigh~ With Yezi not at home, it wasn't just Black Treasure who wasn't used to it; she wasn't used to it either.
"Aunt~!" It must be an auditory hallucination! Yezi and Xiaolin would only return during the Spring Festival.
"Aunt!"
"Sister Yezi is back!" Xiaofan ran out without even putting on his shoes.
The whole family surrounded her, as if there were endless things to say. Even the usually calm Elder Brother Yu became chatty.
Black Treasure squeezed into the middle of everyone, saying, "Mama Bear, the stuff on my back is right here." Yezhi lifted her foot and kicked its plump backside lightly. Black Treasure seemed very happy and raised its rear, wanting her to do it again.
"You're crazy!" Black Treasure whined, "I've caught the lovesickness."
"Get lost!" This word sounded familiar to her.
"Yezhi, every time you come back, you bring so many things. Haven't I told you that we don't lack anything at home?" Aunt Zhou hadn't finished scolding when Yezhi opened the burlap sack.
Sister Luo exclaimed, "So much yarn! And all red!" When Yezhi shared her thoughts, Sister Luo laughed, "My sister! Everyone can knit sweaters; who would buy them?"
Aunt Zhou and Yezhi replied in unison, "I can't!"
"It doesn't matter if you can't; you'll learn!"
"Really, no one buys them!" Yezhi stubbornly asked.
"I'll ask you, is it easier to sell big ones or small ones?"
"I don't know. We can knit sizes large, medium, and small. We can also make family outfits, couple outfits, father-son outfits, and mother-daughter outfits!"
Aunt Zhou chimed in, "It would be so festive if our whole family wore them."
Wolf Child was tugging at the yarn while playing and shouted, "Family outfits! I want to wear family outfits!"
Elder Brother Yu interjected, "Red? The men probably can't wear that out!"
"Who says so! Xiaobinzi strongly requested that I knit him one!" Otherwise, she wouldn't have thought of it!
Sister Luo was delighted, "You two are having such fun with your little tricks!" She pointed at the full bag of yarn. "What a big investment!"
"I am here to make money, and besides, our 'Sister Luo's Tailoring' needs to establish a reputation for its products."
Aunt Zhou said proudly, "'Sister Luo's Tailoring' doesn't need your concern; your sister is almost becoming the go-to person for wedding dresses in our village."
"Really!"
"Really! Everyone who saw the clothes you and Xiaolin wore at the banquet said they were beautiful. I told them your sister made them, and those planning weddings are coming to ask for a set just like it."
"So it turns out that Xiaobinzi and I did a good job advertising!" Advertising! Perhaps her red sweater still has potential.
"Sister Luo, teach me and Auntie how to knit so that our whole family can wear them during the Spring Festival." A sea of red sweaters would surely attract the attention of the village girls and daughters-in-law.
Xiaofan, Wolf Child, Black Treasure, and Niu Niu were the first to finish their sweaters. Black Treasure put on red shorts and felt so happy inside that he could burst; without Yezhi saying anything, he strutted around in matching red with Niu Niu.
The aunties and older sisters rushed to her house. Upon seeing the finished products on Xiaofan and Wolf Child, they all praised them. Yezhi thought it was time to start pre-selling her sweaters.
However, the aunties and older sisters asked her where to buy yarn. Yezhi was stunned while her family laughed uncontrollably.
Last winter, the aunties and older sisters gathered to smoke long cigarettes and chat; this year, they were all huddled on the kang knitting or learning to knit. She didn't know where their enthusiasm came from. Even after distributing a whole sack of red yarn, it was still not enough for each family to knit just one sleeve. They remained very enthusiastic and dedicated.
Yezhi was moved by their eagerness to knit sweaters. She scavenged a batch of what was said to be the worst yarn from Bodoria at the second-hand market in Cosmic Mall and sold it to the villagers at prices everyone could afford.
Three to five days later, nearly all the kids in the village were wearing new sweaters. Zhou Xiaowu was the first adult in the village to wear a warm sweater, looking quite dashing. His family’s Winter Ear was even praised as a fairy.
Before she knew it, it was the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, and the entire Tun'er village was getting into the festive spirit for the New Year. Yezhi left Xiaobinzi behind again and returned to Zhoujiatun with bags in hand, with Niu Niu leading the way into the house.
Yenba's Black Treasure instantly came to life, "Mama Bear" is back, and I have something delicious! Yezhi stuffed a big piece of candy into its mouth, sweet and crunchy, with plenty of it—so tasty!
Yezhi pushed aside Black Treasure's drooling mouth, "No more eating, this is for offering to the Kitchen God."
Wolf Child pulled Madwoman in as they entered, both wearing hats and scarves knitted by Yezhi. "Ye, you're back!" Wolf Child's eyes were glued to the yellow wrapper of Big Candy. "Eat!" She took a piece for herself and handed another to Madwoman.
Yezhi felt pleased; this girl was showing some progress.
Madwoman smiled at her as a greeting and then carefully nibbled on the milky-white candy.
The greedy Black Treasure stood up and lunged at her.
"Black Treasure!" Black Treasure immediately became obedient but blinked its little eyes in grievance, its words full of complaints: "Mama Bear" is a liar; she went to the city without me, saying she would bring back something delicious, but it was just that one piece!
Madwoman proactively offered the candy, "Black Treasure, dig! Eat!"
Yezhi knew that Black Treasure helped Madwoman dig holes. Every winter, Madwoman couldn't stay with Barefoot Aunt, insisting on living in a cave. Bidefo said it was because Madwoman subconsciously felt that caves were the safest.
Sometimes she really wanted to tear apart Madwoman's protective web and let her live like a normal person; other times, she felt that "ignorance is bliss" and didn't dare to force it. Most importantly, she lacked the key to make Madwoman face reality. Zhou Village Head had also been inquiring about her situation, hoping for news after the Spring Festival.
(13-14 Happy New Year! Thank you to those who are still reading and collecting; thank you for your support!)
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