Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

Chapter 368: 368: Preparations Before the New Year Festival

When she got home, Liu Sisi and the others had long since cooked a meal.

As she cut window decorations, Liu Zhi’er told Liu Sisi about what happened in the bookstore today.

Da Mao, who was probably left at home alone during the day, was clinging to Liu Zhi’er’s clothes and refused to let go even for a moment after she returned.

“The shop has brought in quite a bit of money, and Di Cheng keeps a count! Since nothing happened while neither you nor Boss Nan were present, it’s better to wait until the 27th day of Lunar December after attending the big market to distribute it together.”

Liu Zhi’er was very excited, as if she had completely changed her demeanor from when she first arrived at Di Family. It was like she had become a different person.

“That’s fine. That saves me from running around so much.”

Liu Sisi was also happy: “By the way, was there enough help at the bookstore today? Have all the spring couplets been sold? And how well did your window decorations sell?”

“Today’s business wasn’t as good as yesterday or the day before, but it was still pretty good. I was in charge of selling spring couplets and window decorations. Many customers today bought in sets. There are still some spring couplets left from the ones you wrote yesterday, but not many. On the other hand, there are still quite a few window decorations left. Sisi, do you think we should write a little less tonight, considering that we didn’t even sell out during the day?”

Liu Sisi thought for a moment, then shook her head: “Today is the 25th day of Lunar December. It’s normal for there to be fewer people. But on the 27th day of Lunar December, when everyone is killing chickens and attending the big market, the sales volume will probably skyrocket! I think we should take advantage of tonight and tomorrow night to stock up more. If there’s any leftover, we can just use it ourselves.”

Her words made Liu Zhi’er’s eyes light up!

She nodded repeatedly: “That’s a good idea! Tonight, I’ll also cut more window decorations so we can make more money before the New Year!”

“I had a nap during the day today, so I’m feeling refreshed now. I will write more spring couplets, too.”

The two sisters immediately got to work together on their respective tasks.

“Why hasn’t my brother-in-law returned yet? Didn’t he say he’d be back today?” Liu Zhi’er asked without stopping her work.

Liu Sisi was silent for a moment before she sighed: “Exactly. I’m worried too. Ye Lei and the others are still nowhere to be found, and the heavy snow just keeps falling. What if the snow blocks the hills?”

Liu Zhi’er nodded, “That’s true…”

As the two of them were talking, there was a knock at the main entrance of the courtyard. They brightened.

“It’s Ye Lei’s return!”

Liu Sisi was so delighted that she jumped up.

Liu Zhi’er was happy too: “You should sit down! The ground is icy, and the roads are slippery. I’ll go open the door. ”

However, before Liu Zhi’er could go out, Di Yelei had already walked in with big strides. It turned out that Elderly Mr. Di had opened the door for him before the sisters could.

“Sisi! Sisi, how have you been? Have you been feeling unwell these past few days? I’ve missed you so much…”

Di Yelei didn’t even bother to put down the game he had hunted first and came to her side right away.

Seeing Di Yelei’s first concern being her well-being, Liu Sisi couldn’t help but smile!

“Don’t worry, brother-in-law. Sisi has been feeling comfortable these past few days.”

Before she could speak, Liu Zhi’er beside her interrupted, “Look at you two, like a newlywed couple after a short separation. I’ll go back to my room first. Be careful, Sisi’s body is different now, not like before.” After speaking, she covered her mouth and laughed. Picking up her things, she went into her room.

“Second Sister, you’re so mean!…”

Liu Sisi stamped her foot, but before she could finish, Liu Zhi’er had already returned to her room, laughing. From inside the room came a low, soft laughter, making Sisi’s face turn red. Turning around, she found herself staring into Di Yelei’s grinning face, and she quickly glared at him.

“Why did it take you so long to come back this time?”

“The harvest in the past two days has been great. Not only did we catch two wild boars, but we also caught a good number of small games. We each divided some of them. Everyone can have a good year!”

As Di Yelei spoke, he wrapped his arms around Liu Sisi’s waist and smoothly touched her lower abdomen.

“Little guy, have you been behaving yourself in your mom’s stomach these past two days? Have you been naughty? If you dare to be naughty, wait until you come out and see if I won’t give you a few slaps.”

“You lay off, how can he possibly understand what you’re saying when he’s so tiny? You…ugh!”

Liu Sisi hadn’t even finished speaking when she suddenly pushed him away, vomiting profusely.

“What’s going on? Why are you vomiting again?”

Di Yelei was panicked and hastily moved closer to Liu Sisi.

“You… stay away! You smell so strongly of blood! Ugh…” Liu Sisi shooed him away.

Turns out it was the smell of blood on him that had annoyed her!

Di Yelei finally realized!

“Sisi, continue on your work here. I’ll go take care of the game first, then take a bath and come back.”

Di Yelei finished speaking and quickly left the hall, heading to the kitchen. In just a moment, they could hear the conversation between him and Elderly Mr. Di coming from the kitchen.

As expected, once the smell of blood on him was gone, she no longer felt nauseous.

Once Liu Sisi felt more comfortable, she continued writing the spring couplets.

Meanwhile, Di Yelei was busy running around, first cutting the beast meat into strips and hanging them up, then cutting the tofu in the kitchen into squares, soaking them in water, and finally taking a bath.

By the time Di Yelei finished his tasks and came to the hall, Liu Sisi was dozing off.

“All done? Oh, I forgot to mention earlier, there are two families in the village holding celebrations tomorrow. One is getting a daughter-in-law, and the other one is marrying off their daughter. I think we should attend both.”

While holding his hand as they return to their room, Liu Sisi whispered.

“Which two families?” Di Yelei casually asked.

Liu Sisi thought for a long time before remembering, “The Ding Family and the Xiao Family. I heard it from the Land Officer’s wife. I’m not sure what to do, so I thought I’d tell you.”

“No problem, we haven’t interacted much with these two families. Just look up their past gift records tomorrow and return double the amount when attending their events. That should be sufficient.” Di Yelei casually said.

“Aren’t you going?”

“I need to go to the city tomorrow. A colleague of mine is also getting married tomorrow, and I have to attend. So for these two families here in the village, I’m afraid you will have to trouble yourself.”

“Three families are getting married at the same time? What kind of special day is it tomorrow?” Liu Sisi couldn’t help but laugh.

Following Di Yelei’s footsteps to the bedside, she sat down.

Just having him by her side today brought warmth to the entire room, making her feel exceptionally comfortable.

“Ye Lei, when you go to the city tomorrow, please help me bring back some sour plums. I want to eat them…” Liu Sisi only remembered this important matter just before falling asleep.

“Got it, sleep now!”

Di Yelei gently patted her back.

However, neither of them realized that the next day, an unexpected message would completely derail their plans.