Rebirth Counterattack with Space-Chapter 45 - Explanation

He could overlook the pork buns from yesterday, but today’s big pile of things, including the can of pork, if he didn’t ask now he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

“We happened to pass by that day with Shitou and encountered a truck driver being robbed. We helped chase the robbers away. The pork buns were a special thank-you gift from them, the rest we bought with our own money, just without food coupons, and the prices weren’t too high. We’re thinking of going to Haicheng, and he offered to introduce us to a stable source of goods.”

The more lies you tell, the smoother they come out. Lu Aiguo internally scolded himself while appearing “innocent” in front of Uncle Lu. Only he knew about his own guilty conscience.

Xia Yuan caught a glimpse of Lu Aiguo’s right hand, which was hidden in the shadows and clenched tightly, and her heart couldn’t help but beat with apprehension. Uncle Lu looked intimidating in a way that’s beyond words; she herself wouldn’t dare to speak in front of him.

Lu Yun bowed her head slightly; just from the imposing aura around Grandpa Lu alone, she could tell he was a man with past stories. So fierce and domineering, she bet he had blood on his hands. But then again, considering their generation lived through war times, it’s not so surprising that they would have stories.

“Is it reliable?” Uncle Lu finally relaxed, his imposing aura receding in an instant, transforming back into the image of an ordinary elderly man.

“It’s reliable. Actually, even if it’s not, there’s no need to worry, we’re not stealing or robbing, we’re paying for goods. As long as there’s nothing wrong with the goods, troubles won’t come to us,” Lu Aiguo let out a quiet sigh of relief and said with full confidence, “Grandfather used to say, from ancient times, the bold survive and the timid starve.”

Lu Aiguo’s grandfather had wide-ranging experiences before the liberation, traveling across the land. Of the four grandsons, he favored and valued Lu Aiguo the most. Lu Aiguo had grown up listening to his grandfather’s various stories.

“That’s also true,” Uncle Lu was reassured then turned his gentle and kind gaze towards Lu Yun, his face breaking into a smile, “Xiaoyun is the sweetest, always thinking of pleasing Grandpa Lu.”

“Grandpa Lu, eat quickly,” Lu Yun decisively went to snatch Uncle Lu’s chopsticks and pushed the can towards his bowl, hurriedly picking three or four pieces for him.

“Enough, enough, how can I finish so much, don’t waste it.”

As Uncle Lu looked at the braised pork in his bowl, soaked by the broth, he found it impossible even to think about putting it back.

“How could it be a waste if you eat it?” Lu Aiguo gave Lu Yun an approving look, picked up the can, took the chopsticks from Lu Yun’s hand, turned around, and stuffed a big chunk of red braised pork into Second Aunt’s mouth.

Second Aunt, holding the flour in her hands, stared blankly at the large bucket of oil on the ground. As Lu Aiguo’s chopsticks approached, she involuntarily opened her mouth. When she tasted the strong, rich flavor of the pork, which practically melted in her mouth, she startled, “Why is this pork so fragrant?”

“Tastes good, doesn’t it!” Lu Aiguo jammed another large piece into her mouth, and as if he knew what she wanted to say, he spoke up, “This canned meat is delicious, but it can’t be kept long. Even though it’s vacuum-packed, unlike canned fruits outside, if it’s not opened, it can be kept for five or six days at most before it starts to stink. We need to eat it quickly.”

“This can has been opened. If it’s not finished tonight, I guarantee it’ll go bad by tomorrow.”

Seeing Second Uncle and Second Aunt looking like they wanted to say something, Lu Aiguo quickly added another line.

“What should we do? There’s so much in this can.” Second Aunt was anxious. She looked at the can, big and round, easily making a large bowl once it was poured out, which would be a waste if left until tomorrow.

“Actually, there aren’t that many pieces in here. Call Aibing and your sister-in-law over, and everyone can have a few bites. There’s still more for tomorrow.”

Lu Aiguo, unconcerned, signalled Xia Yuan to join him in taking things out of the carrying basket one by one and placed them on the table. In doing so, he finally realized what additional things his daughter had thrown in.

“Second Aunt, let’s have steamed white rice tomorrow. The red braised pork really should be eaten with dry rice to taste good.”

Recalling his daughter saying that red braised pork must be paired with white rice to be delicious, Lu Aiguo chuckled. Such a little one with so many ideas, and Shitou even echoed this, and his wife too said they could give it a try. They really spoiled the child too much.

Lu Aiguo didn’t at all reflect on what his actions at the moment should be called, his mind heating up as he made the suggestion to Second Aunt.

“Okay. Let’s have white rice tomorrow.” Second Aunt always tried to accommodate Lu Aiguo’s requests if she could.

“I don’t know if your eldest and second sisters can make it tomorrow noon. Why don’t you come over for lunch? With so much food here, it saves you the trouble of cooking at home too.”

Upon seeing the copious amount of supplies, especially the oil with two large buckets that looked so golden and inviting, and the amount of meat for tomorrow’s meals, she felt proud for her daughter to have such presentation in front of her son-in-law.

“Xia Yuan has to take Xiaoyun to the town tomorrow to send a letter to her eldest sister, and might not be able to return by noon. I and Shitou are going up the mountain; there’s a large patch of ripe goji berries that need to be picked and dried soon, perfect for bartering.”

Lu Aiguo shook his head, “We’re trying to get things ready for the children’s school opening in September, and we still have to contact schools in Haicheng. Second Uncle, how’s the household registration coming along?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make another trip in a few days, it’ll be sorted,” said Second Uncle as he finished the rice and meat in his bowl and stopped reaching for the canned meat. He looked at Xia Yuan with a very gentle tone, “The dumplings too, I’ve had them, and they’re well seasoned. Was it Xia Yuan who seasoned them?”

“Who else but Xia Yuan? Don’t you know him? Fortunately, Xia Yuan is also good at cooking, a perfect match.” Upon hearing Second Uncle’s words, Second Aunt smiled, casting a loving glance at Xia Yuan, “Aiguo is good at everything, just not in the kitchen.”

Xia Yuan and Lu Yun both covered their mouths and giggled.

Lu Aiguo gave them a glare, his face flushing with embarrassment.

“Second Aunt, I’ll come over to help as soon as I return tomorrow,” Xia Yuan promised.

“Sure,” Second Aunt smiled, then patted Lu Yun’s little head affectionately and ruffled her hair.