Chapter 197: Jealousy
Chapter 197: Jealousy
The others, realizing that Bai Lu fried so many chestnuts every morning, suspected she must have more than one chestnut roasting machine.
Expressing their desire to buy electric chestnut roasters, their excitement blinded them to Xiao Cheng's darkening expression.
Bai Lu, noticing, quickly explained, "We still need our electric roasters; they're not for sale."
Lu Shi wanted to negotiate, "You surely have more than one electric roaster with the amount of chestnuts you fry daily. If not this one, I'll buy another."
"I want one too," said Wang Cuihua, and Chen Dafu followed suit.
These two, one was the deceased husband of Bai Lu's brother, and the other was Bai Lu's sister-in-law. Given their relationships, they would get priority.
Amidst the disappointment of others, Bai Lu firmly refused their offers, sensing Xiao Cheng's deepening displeasure.
"Our electric roasters are still in use, not for sale. The sun is setting; everyone, go home and prepare dinner. Remember to gather here at 7 am tomorrow."
With a reluctant farewell, they left, understanding Xiao Cheng's mood. It was better to prioritize life than argue for an electric chestnut roaster.
Closing the door, Bai Lu gave Xiao Cheng an apologetic smile, "Alright, alright, don't be angry. I won't sell the electric roaster you gave me; it's a gift from you, and I promised to cherish it. I won't break my word."
Looking at the girl's obedient and bright smile, Xiao Cheng's gloomy expression reluctantly improved.
Bai Lu decisively pulled his sleeve, "Let's go back and cook. Suddenly, I'm craving hot and sour shredded potatoes. What do you feel like eating?"
Xiao Cheng's face brightened without a trace of gloom, "Anything is fine."
"What do you mean 'anything'? How about I make sweet and sour cabbage for you? Sweet and sour fish? Sweet and sour ribs? Sweet and sour pork? Sweet and sour crispy tofu? Sweet and sour eggplant..."
"Why all sweet and sour?"
"You like sugar... and vinegar! Ate it yesterday, eating it today, so naturally, we'll eat it every day."
The dusk descended, lingering in the twilight, and the town lit up with a festive atmosphere. The aroma of meals filled the streets and alleys.
The best thing in the world is to go home and eat, to eat with family, savoring simple meals filled with love.
The worst thing in the world is a power outage.
"Did the light bulb burn out?"
Bai Lu, with a piece of sweet and sour ribs in her chopsticks, saw the sudden darkness and thought the light bulb had blown.
Xiao Wei, unfazed, said, "Power outage."
Saying that, he got up to fetch candles with ease, but before he took a step, the bright candlelight returned with his footsteps, landing on the table.
The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow, illuminating the delicious dishes on the table and the surprised face of the girl.
Xiao Cheng explained, "The flashlight's batteries are dead. I'll buy new ones after dinner."
"No need," Bai Lu said, "candles are enough, and the shops won't be open at night."
It was the '90s, and the town didn't have night streets; going out would be in vain.
Of course, if Xiao Cheng insisted on waking up shopkeepers to do business, they would comply.
Bai Lu thought candlelit dinners were quite nice, sparing the big brother from scaring children outside.
Probably a faulty line somewhere, and maintenance should fix it soon.
Or not.
Dinner finished, but the power was still out.
Even after a shower, the power remained off.
Having just bought a television, they were now confined to listening to it.
Bai Lu, uninterested in TV, sat in the yard, gazing at the moon and stars, feeling the gentle evening breeze.
The candlelight was dim, not suitable for reading; eyes and books alike needed a break.
Pity for Xiao Wei, who hadn't finished his homework, set up a small table next to Bai Lu, lit a candle, and diligently worked on math problems.
Still, Bai Lu was sympathetic. Math required more brainpower than copying language passages.
Xiao Wei's eyes were overworked.
Bai Lu thought about offering help but changed her mind upon seeing a passing figure.
"Ah Cheng."
Xiao Cheng paused, explaining, "I'm going to buy batteries."
Of course, Bai Lu knew his intention, but she said, "There's something I want to tell you."
With Xiao Wei around, Bai Lu seldom brought up unpleasant matters or disagreements.
Xiao Cheng, about to step out, changed direction, nonchalantly returning.
Bai Lu had already prepared a seat, pulling him down. "Xiao Wei is struggling with his math homework. Can you help him out?"
Xiao Wei, head buried in his assignment, looked up, puzzled, glancing between Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng.
"My homework isn't..." Before Xiao Wei could finish, Bai Lu shot him a cool look.
"You said the math problem earlier was difficult. Hurry, bring it here, and let your brother help you understand."
Xiao Cheng, originally planning to leave, was now stuck. Bai Lu had used "we" to suggest his involvement.
Xiao Wei reluctantly passed his half-solved math problem to Xiao Cheng, who, after a moment, furrowed his brows.
"Can't figure out such a simple problem?"
Xiao Wei didn't dare to speak.
Bai Lu, defending her little flower, said, "Don't use an adult's perspective to judge a child's world. You've learned it, so naturally, it seems easy. Xiao Wei just started this unit; the teacher hasn't finished teaching, how could he understand such profound problems?"
Xiao Wei thought Bai Lu was too smart; she knew everything.
Xiao Cheng glanced at the little bald head, already working on a partially solved question. "Can't solve such a simple problem?"
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