CHAPTER 104: CHAPTER 89: ANOTHER VISIT TO THE PROVINCIAL CITY (2 CHAPTERS IN 1)_3

"Sure, why not? I’ll also find some books. You don’t know how boring it gets here when there’s nothing to do. Today I finally got to shop to my heart’s content. There’s still three hundred left in foreign exchange coupons, all for you. I’ll need to find someone later. You don’t have to give me money, otherwise, I won’t give them to you. Didn’t you confiscate my foreign exchange coupons when you were in Beijing? You’re driving, let me put them away for you, and take these receipts back so Jiao Jiao can see if they are useful."

"Then I won’t stand on ceremony. I’ll treat you and your son to a meal at a restaurant later; I won’t go back to the guesthouse to eat. The old man is so busy that I haven’t seen him all day. What do the two little ones like to eat?"

"Let’s go back, I got the child’s dad to buy groceries today. Since you’re in the Northeast, I must treat you to a meal."

Lin Lishan hurriedly declined, "Come on, what’s between us? We’re from the same Big Courtyard, why play this game? Next time, we’ll just eat at your place. The food at your place won’t spoil sitting there. By the time we eat at your place, it’ll be dark again, and I can’t drive. If I don’t go back, someone will probably find their way to the military district tomorrow. Jiao Jiao told me that today we have to go back. Haven’t you noticed I brought a bodyguard?"

Fang Jianmei laughed heartily, "Alright then, let’s eat out; it’s saves us the trouble of cooking at home. But if we’re going, let me treat you; otherwise, I’ll make a fool of myself in front of my girlfriends, alright?"

"Deal, you’re treating. I’m not worried you can’t afford it. The bookstore is here, little ones, let’s go, quickly grab more books and let’s leave. Take whatever you fancy, I’ll pay, no need to argue."

Inside the bookstore, there were only two or three sales clerks. It was quiet inside, not many people around. Nowadays, people really don’t read much?

Following the signs, they headed to the children’s book section with the kids. This time, Xi Zi didn’t say he wouldn’t look at books; his eyes were glowing as he looked at them. The two of them followed the kids, each helping one child, just right.

Lin Lishan noticed Xi Zi was looking but not choosing, "Xi Zi, grandma knows you’re worried about grandma spending money, but books aren’t a waste of money. Books, you can read them multiple times after the first time. They’re different from other things, no matter how expensive a book is, it’s worth it; you can learn things from them, so don’t hesitate. We don’t know when next we’ll be in the provincial city. You can show comic books to your younger siblings to look at the pictures, and you can gradually read these books."

Xi Zi thought for a moment and chose six books, eventually choosing two out of those six. Lin Lishan watched with satisfaction and directly proceeded to take them all. This time, Xi Zi didn’t hesitate and smiled; this child genuinely loves books.

Lin Lishan went to pick some comic books, packed them up, and chose some for Fang Jianmei’s eldest son as well. She went to pay, and it was expensive; just these few books cost over twenty yuan, equivalent to a city worker’s monthly salary. Fortunately, she wasn’t lacking money; otherwise, they couldn’t afford books.

Headed to the restaurant, all four were starving. After lunch, they leaned back in their chairs to rest for a while. Seeing it was getting late, the four slowly got in the car. Lin Lishan drove them to the family apartment complex, not planning to go upstairs. Seeing another package, she quickly called Fang Jianmei.

Fang Jianmei looked at her with amusement, "That’s for Jiao Jiao. I didn’t know she had a baby before, so I didn’t buy eggs. Bring these to her. Rest assured, I won’t stand on ceremony with you; when my eldest gets married, I’ll definitely have you give a red envelope. It’s nothing expensive, just malted milk and some snacks. You’ve probably got milk formula prepared, so I didn’t bring any."

"Alright, I’ll take it, okay? Coming to you means acquiring quite a few good things. If I’d known earlier, I wouldn’t have come looking for you. Go home early for the New Year with the kids. I’m heading back to Beijing this time and won’t be visiting your home. You guys are usually at work, and if I come, you might not even be around. I’ll just leave the car at the military district when the time comes."

"Alright, see you in Beijing. Drive carefully. The elder son and younger brother say goodbye. Xi Zi, when your uncle next comes to the provincial city, have him bring you to our house to play. Do you know the way?"

"I know the way. Big brother, I’m leaving. Thanks for the gift. I really like it. Goodbye, auntie."

Lin Lishan put the package directly in the car, "Let’s go; you guys head upstairs." She waved and drove away, having bought all she needed, eager to see Jiao Jiao.

"Xi Zi, we’re heading back. Is there anywhere in the provincial city you haven’t gone yet and wish to visit? We have the car, so it’s convenient. Let’s think it over. We’ll first go to the guesthouse to check if they’re around. If not, leave a message with the attendant."

"Alright, grandma, there’s no place I want to go anymore; let’s go home."

"Okay, as Xi Zi says." She drove to the guesthouse, and sure enough, they weren’t there, so Lin Lishan asked someone to pass the message that they were now driving back.

Lin Lishan organized the items on the back seat to prevent them from falling and hitting Xi Zi due to vibration while driving. She wrapped him in two military coats, "Using coats to wrap around, just sleep if you want; those are cloth underneath, so they won’t hurt if they fall. The small bag has chocolate and milk candy; help yourself if you fancy some."

After speaking, she watched him nod and sit wrapped in coats.

Lin Lishan started driving up front. On the road, there wasn’t much happening. Initially, Xi Zi would speak a few words, but he gradually fell asleep.