I became the Counterpart of the Winner in a Period Novel

Chapter 364: Chapter 316: Sneaky Figure, Off to Run an Errand for Second Brother

Eh! Could it be that Brother Xie is back?

But Brother Xie usually wouldn’t come back at this time.

Jiang Mingyue entered the kitchen out of curiosity and saw a small figure clumsily wielding a big spatula on the stovetop, standing on a small stool.

Having the spatula taken away and then being lifted down under the arms to the floor, Xiao Ran finally saw who it was. He happily wiped the sweat off his little face, but left a black handprint. Jiang Mingyue held back her laughter and urged him to go wash his face.

"Sis, I’m heading to wash now." He looked longingly at the stove before leaving, clearly valuing his first time cooking at the stove. But time waits for no one; the pot might burn. He tossed in chopped wild garlic chives, stirred a few times and plated it. Although the slices were uneven, resembling axe cuts, it smelled quite fragrant and wasn’t burned, which was pretty good.

Jiang Mingyue also steamed two small bowls of eggs, and the two of them stared at the potato slices while eating. I must say, the taste was alright.

"Is it delicious?"

"Not bad!"

Xiao Ran’s feet danced tap under the table excitedly. To him, ’not bad’ means delicious, and delicious means tasty, indicating he was a very gifted child. Being able to make a delicious dish on his first try at cooking was simply outstanding.

Undeniably, it was a clean plate operation. Jiang Mingyue was about to wash the dishes, but Xiao Ran jumped ahead.

"From now on, I’ll do the dishes. Sister earns money to support the family and shouldn’t have to work so hard at home."

Jiang Mingyue paused for a second, smilingly letting go: "You’re right, then the dishes and cutlery from now on are entrusted to Comrade Xiao Ran. Comrade Xiao Ran, you have worked hard."

"Serving the people is not hard work!"

Jiang Mingyue almost laughed as she turned around. Having just eaten, it’s not suitable to lie down or sit because she should set a positive and healthy image for the children of the nation.

In the yard, with the seeds that were planted sprouting green shoots successively, the garden had already taken shape.

The entire yard was divided into a cross, leaving bluestone paths running east-west and north-south, and a space for a faucet to wash clothes and face. Lawn chairs and stone tables were placed, while other areas were utilized efficiently.

Some ginger, scallions, chives, cilantro, and fennel were transplanted into another section. These seasonings, like chives, did not need to have their roots removed; they could be harvested one crop after another, saving a lot of trouble. A small section was planted by Xiao Ran with carrot seeds and chili plants, and the east end had baby bok choy, cabbage fibosa, green peas, and potatoes, all sprouting now. They didn’t need dedicated watering; just casually watering with vegetable washing and rice rinsing water made them grow vigorously.

Though no specialized watering was required, weeds definitely needed pulling. Like now, the little potatoes had just sprouted sturdy green shoots, while their enemy, the little weeds, also broke through the soil. With a swift pull, the weeds instantly left the soil they depended on and survived, sobbing wouldn’t help. The highest level of weeding is to nip the sprouts when they first emerge, dreaming of stealing nutrients from the main plants is pure fantasy.

Nip, nip, nip—such nipping led to red eyes unknowingly.

"What are you doing?"

Listen carefully; the doubtful tone had a mix of concern, Jiang Mingyue immediately stood straight with a standard smile.

"Just a few big green worms tried to munch on the tender shoots, and I buried them in the soil."

Xiao Ran stared at the soil with apparent traces of disturbance but was puzzled; burying in the soil shouldn’t look like this.

"Comrade Xiao Ran, maybe you should rest and wake up to study the afternoon lessons."

Indeed, Xiao Ran was instantly led into the study’s swamp... ocean area.

"I’ll sleep now."

"Alright, I’ll call you when it’s time."

Xiao Ran paused in his steps and turned back: "No need, Brother Xie’s pocket watch he gave me can wake me up."

Great, Comrade Xiao Ran has taken another step towards self-reliance.

Jiang Mingyue wasn’t sleepy, initially planning to hang out in the space, but there was a knock at the door.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

Who could it be at this hour? Could it be neighbors?

Though she pondered, her actions weren’t hesitant and she soon opened the door.

Upon seeing the guest, Jiang Mingyue smiled; it was Gu Xiaoxiao, whom she hadn’t seen for a few days.

"Xiao Xiao, come in?" Jiang Mingyue stepped aside, but Gu Xiaoxiao waved her hand, "Ming Yue, I’ll not come in. Didn’t you want baskets? Here are a few for you."

Gu Xiaoxiao took a pile of different-sized bamboo products from behind her back, recalling the old man, Grandpa Tian, from their courtyard. She had commissioned various frames from Grandpa Tian, but she had seen his craftsmanship before; whether in design or detail, it was different from those before her now. These seemed crude but wouldn’t hinder their functionality.

Seeing her hesitate, Gu Xiaoxiao explained, "My brother made these; he apprenticed under Old Man Tian. He has been learning from Master Tian during this time. These were all handmade by my brother. Although not perfect, they are usable. I heard from Old Man Tian that you had ordered quite a few frames; I guess your hometown probably needs them.