The story of raising a baby in the 60th courtyard

21-25

Chapter 21

◎ Falling short of success? ◎

When Liu Susu learned the news, she was explaining what milk tea was to a large group of sisters-in-law and aunts in the yard.

At first, she didn't expect that milk tea would spread so widely and be so popular so quickly.

After making the milk tea that day, she was afraid that it would become stale after being stored for a long time. That afternoon, she took the enamel jar and went to the cafeteria to find Xiao Fang.

Xiao Fang is cutting sweet potatoes with the helpers in the canteen. There are few fine grains here in the military area, but there are more crops like sweet potatoes and potatoes. They are all piled up in the cellar, but no matter how delicious the food is, you can't stand it if you eat too much. Living here, especially in the cafeteria, I basically eat these all day long as soon as winter comes.

Afraid that the soldiers would not be able to bear it, as soon as the weather got warmer and they could go out to purchase food, the chief of staff asked the canteen to change the food first so that everyone could eat two good meals first.

In this way, the sweet potatoes in the cellar were put aside temporarily. Seeing that they had been left for too long, each one became wrinkled and almost ready to eat, so I quickly took them out, peeled them and prepared to cook them.

When Liu Susu passed by, she saw a huge pile on the ground. When Xiao Fang came over, she asked: "With so many sweet potatoes, can you finish them in one meal?"

Xiao Fang smiled helplessly: "I definitely can't finish them all." Yes, when there is no food, everyone has no choice but to eat sweet potatoes.

Now that there are fine grains, they will only eat them unless they cannot get them." Liu Susu thought to herself, after two years, the sweet potatoes that everyone looks down on will be gone. It's the best ration.

But it's useless to think like this. After all, we haven't reached the point of exhaustion yet. Everyone can't eat this all day long.

No one is short of sweet potatoes. They have been hurt by eating them every day all winter. But Liu Susu just came here and there were none at home. She thought about it and said, "How about I buy some?"

"You want to buy this?" Xiao Fang was surprised. After shouting, he realized that Liu Susu had just moved to the military area not long ago. It was normal not to have this at home. "What is there to buy here? Just take away as much as you want. It will be a waste if you don't eat it anyway."

Liu Susu refused: "This But no, if you let me take it, I won't be polite to you."

But this is a public property, so you must be careful.

After saying that, he took out thirty cents from his pocket and handed it over. Xiaofang thought about it, so he took it and filled most of the basket for her. Liu Susu was no longer polite. After thanking him, she gave him the milk tea in her hand.

Suddenly an enamel jar was stuffed in his hand. Xiao Fang was stunned: "This is?"

"This is made of milk. I've already made it for you to try."

Xiao Fang was shocked: "It's ready. ?"

So fast!

But what surprised him even more was what came next.

At first, Liu Susu served milk tea in a thermos bottle, but now the thermos bottle is a valuable thing, not to mention the ticket, and the price is also expensive. There are at most two in each household. If it is accidentally broken, it will definitely be heartbreaking.

It happened that the milk tea in the enamel jar had been drunk by several children, so she moved it out and brought it over in this container.

Although the weather was hot, the temperature of the milk tea had dissipated a lot after walking all the way. When Xiao Fang opened the lid, only a slight heat slowly drifted over along with the fragrance. The taste was very light, but he immediately discovered Something was wrong - this was different from the milk he had drank before!

Not only does it no longer smell fishy, ​​but the color also seems to have changed.

But he was still very cautious, fearing that these were just his illusions. He didn't drink immediately. Instead, he took a bowl out of the house and poured half of the bowl first. He thought about taking a sip and testing the taste first. If the taste was No, Comrade Liu can take care of the rest...

"Huh?!"

The thought just came to his mind, and he was suddenly interrupted by the sweet taste on his tongue, because he only took a gentle sip. The smell disappeared before he could recollect it. Xiao Fang immediately stopped hesitating, picked up the quilt and took a big gulp.

"It tastes good! Comrade Liu, this tastes so good!" Xiao Fang said in shock. If he hadn't clearly felt the milky smell inside, he might have wondered if Liu Susu had lied to him, why was it so fishy before? The milk suddenly tasted so delicious.

But Xiaofang knew that the chief executive didn't know that he had just come from the office and wanted to see how many sweet potatoes were left here. As soon as he walked to the door, he heard Xiaofang saying something delicious, so he rushed in and poured some into the bowl. At first glance, I thought Liu Susu was making something delicious. She happened to be thirsty, so she immediately poured herself a glass and drank it all while her eyes lit up.

"What is this? Why does it taste so good!"

It tastes really good. It's not only sweet but not greasy, with a light tea aroma, especially the smooth taste, which immediately made the Secretary General, who has only drank tea and water in his life, immediately He was fascinated, raised the bowl and took another big sip.

Before she could swallow the mouthful, she suddenly heard Liu Susu say with a smile: "Milk tea, made of milk."

Milk? !

Suddenly, the Chief of Staff choked on his mouth, and for a moment he didn't know whether he should swallow it or not.

Liu Susu couldn't help laughing, but she still had something to do, so she said hello, took the free enamel jar from Xiao Fang's hand, picked up the sweet potatoes and went back.

As soon as she left, the chief of staff spoke with difficulty: "Xiao Fang, Xiao Liu lied to me, right?" "

Isn't that right? Don't you feel the taste of milk when you drink it? This is what you just asked me to send to Comrade Liu. Made of milk." Xiao Fang said.

Of course the chief secretary could feel it, but he just didn't believe it. Why did the milk that usually tasted so fishy suddenly taste so good now? Could it be that Liu Susu is the reincarnation of some kind of cooking god, and no matter what comes into her hands, it becomes particularly delicious?

The chief of staff thought about it for a long time and felt that he wanted to drink again. He stretched out his hand to pour another bowl. This time, before his hand even touched it, Xiao Fang took it away: "You said you didn't want it before. Comrade Liu gave it to me, you can't grab it for nothing!"

Chief Secretary: "..."

He didn't want it before because he didn't expect it to taste so good! You boy, if I hadn't asked you to deliver milk, could Comrade Liu give it to you for free?

The chief of staff was so angry that he gritted his teeth, but he was too embarrassed to run over to find Liu Susu. After all, he had said that he would never want it...

He thought for a long time and glared at Xiao Fang angrily: "Go and tell the comrades of the transportation team, Next time you go to the farm, help me bring two more buckets."

Then he would personally deliver it to Xiaoliu. Was he still afraid that Xiaoliu wouldn't treat him to a drink?

——Both

the Chief Secretary and Xiao Fang knew that milk tea was made of milk from the beginning, so they were a little afraid to drink it. When Han Lie came back, Liu Susu handed over the cup without telling him what it was. : "Drink some water."

Han Lie had just returned from training. He was tired and thirsty, so he didn't think much. He took the quilt and drank it in one gulp. After drinking, he realized: "What is this?"

Liu Susu didn't have time to answer. Suddenly a small firecracker rushed over and burrowed into Han Lie's arms. Han Lie quickly stretched out his hand to catch him. It was Han Cheng who came after hearing the news and said before his mother:

"Uncle Han, this is Milk, don't you like drinking milk? Just let me help you solve your troubles!"

Liu Susu laughed at him: "You are really filial."

"Uncle Han works so hard, I should be filial!" Han Cheng stared blankly. road.

"Ignore him, just drink it quickly. It's made from milk and tea. It's nutritious. You should take more supplements after training all day long." Liu Susu said while choosing vegetables.

Han Lie really wanted to drink, but when he saw the little guy staring at him with bright eyes, he could only say: "Go and get four bowls."

Liu Susu received a large cup for him, and after taking a sip, there was still a lot left. She divided it into four parts without shouting. The remaining three children also came over, holding the bowl in both hands and drinking with gusto.

Han Lie couldn't help but smile: "If it's not troublesome, can we make more at home in the future?" The

doctor said at the hospital last time that this is nutritious, and it would be good for the children to drink more. It doesn't cost anything. .

Liu Susu raised her head: "I think it's mainly because it's hard to buy milk now. The transport team has to go to the farm to bring it back."

Han Lie thought about this and found it troublesome, but the number of people ordering milk in the military region did not reach a certain level. If the quantity is too high, the farm will definitely not be willing to send it.

It would be great if there were cows to buy from a nearby village. He would bring one back directly and the children could drink as much as they wanted.

If Liu Susu knew Han Lie's intention to buy a cow, she would probably be shocked, but she was not in a hurry at the moment. Milk tea was convenient and delicious anyway. As long as everyone knew about it, there would be no need for anyone to do so. Order?

Now that the weather is getting hotter, milk tea cannot be left for too long. There are tea leaves in it. Liu Susu does not dare to let the children drink too much. Fortunately, after dinner, Xing Xiaojun and others who came to help build the house came over. Liu Susu Han Lie specifically told them to bring kettles with them before coming. Military kettles have a large capacity and can be filled in one pot per person.

Seeing that the enamel jar had reached the bottom, Han Cheng was heartbroken and kept asking Liu Susu if there would be anything left tomorrow.

"It's gone tomorrow. You have to wait at least three or four days to buy it." The transport team doesn't go to the farm every day, basically only twice a week.

"Mom, can we go to the Secretary General and ask him to buy more for us?" Han Cheng asked.

Liu Susu is sewing clothes for them. They have been playing outside all day these days. Except for Han Jin and Han Xiuxiu, the remaining two little leather monkeys have holes in their pants. If they are not sewn, they will probably get bigger and bigger.

Thinking that he was blocking the light, Liu Susu stretched out her hand to pull him away: "No." "

Well -" Han Cheng blinked, trying to make his mother soften by acting coquettishly, but unfortunately his mother was a woman with a rock-hard heart. Without even looking at him, Han Lie couldn't stand it anymore and said, "I'll talk to the chief of staff tomorrow and ask him to bring more next time. Let's drink enough in one go." "

Yeah! Uncle Han." You are the best, I like you the most!" Han Cheng excitedly gave Han Lie a big hug.

This time, even Han Qian couldn't control himself. He ran over and said obediently: "Thank you, Uncle Han!"

Han Lie, who was surrounded by children, didn't notice that when he heard him say "drink enough", Liu Susu suddenly raised her head and asked. He raised his eyebrows and showed an unknown smile.

So soon, he discovered that something was wrong.

"Why aren't you sleeping yet?" Han Lie couldn't help but turn on the light and found three children rolling over on the bed, especially Han Cheng who was still mumbling something.

It's almost ten o'clock now, and the children at home usually go to bed at nine o'clock. Today, there are things to deal with in the group. After taking the documents home, Han Lie came in a little late and didn't get on the kang until nine-thirty. Usually at this time, The children were all snoring, but they were still lying on the bed in high spirits, showing no signs of falling asleep.

"Go to sleep." Han Lie turned off the light, thinking that they would be willing to sleep, but in the next half hour, he almost fell asleep, and there was still constant movement around him.

Han Cheng twisted his butt: "Uncle Han, I can't sleep."

Han Qian and Han Jin both nodded.

"Why can't I sleep? I want to go to the bathroom?"

"No, I just don't want to sleep. Uncle Han, let's play games!" Han Cheng said loudly.

Han Lie had been training for a day and was exhausted. At this moment, he just wanted to fall asleep. He had no energy to play games with these little brats, so he could only repeat his old trick: "Can't sleep? Then do push-ups.

" I felt like falling asleep while doing it.

The last time the children clamored to hear a story, they did two push-ups and immediately fell asleep obediently.

Han Lie originally thought it would work this time, but the little guys started laughing with him, especially Han Cheng. He asked Han Lie if he had to do this in the army, and said that his posture was not standard... In short, after waiting until When Liu Susu saw Han Lie the next day, she found him sitting on a chair with dull eyes.

Liu Susu was stunned: "Captain Han, what's wrong with you?"

You know, Han Lie is simply one of the most professional soldiers she has ever seen. His back is straight and energetic at all times. He looks like he wants to go out for a five-kilometer run right away. When has there ever been a time when he was so "not paying attention to his image"?

Han Lie came back to his senses: "I don't know why yesterday, the three of them refused to sleep, clamoring to play..."

Before he finished speaking, Liu Susu suddenly laughed: "You still don't know why? Didn't I ask you to do that? The blessing of half a bowl of milk tea!"

It's easy to fall asleep after drinking milk tea. Han Lie even shared half of his cup. It would be strange if these little guys didn't make trouble until midnight. Even Han Xiuxiu couldn't sleep yesterday. , but she was obedient and knew that Liu Susu was very tired during the day, so she didn't bother her.

Han Lie was stunned.

At this moment, Han Cheng ran over with half a piece of cake in his mouth and said on his short legs: "Uncle Han, remember to ask for the Secretary General. We have to drink enough at one time!"

Han Lie: "..."

Here At that moment, he wished he could go back to last night and punch himself for boasting about Haikou.

Drinking half a bowl of extra milk tea kept him awake all night. If he drank enough, Han Lie felt that he could take care of the child professionally.

Liu Susu couldn't help laughing when she saw his dark face.

——However

, Han Lie didn't know that everyone in the army was also talking about milk tea at this time.

The main thing is the pot of milk tea that Liu Susu gave everyone yesterday. Because she was afraid that they would not take it, she only said it was sugar water when she gave it to them. When they went back to drink it, they found that the taste was much better than sugar water, fragrant and sweet. , I couldn't hold it back and drank it all.

After all, the soldiers who had been training during the day did not sleep like idle children after drinking a large pot of milk tea. On the contrary, as soon as they came to the army, they began to promote how good the milk tea tasted.

Someone immediately didn't believe it: "Are you serious, your sister-in-law is so good at cooking and drinking?"

When Han Lie first wanted to build a house, many people in the team wanted to help, not only because of his deputy captain's Because of his status, and because of his great abilities, everyone believed in him and naturally wanted to be friends with him from the bottom of his heart.

But several soldiers who went to help with this idea immediately changed their attitude on the first day they went there.

Because when they came to the army the next day, other people immediately asked: "How is it? Is it okay to help at Deputy Commander Han's house?"

"What do you mean it's okay? It couldn't be better. My sister-in-law's cooking skills are terrible. Good!" The person who helped in the past replied, with a tone full of boasting, "Better than the chefs of the state-owned restaurants in the county!" The

military region is stationed in a remote place, and the county is already a far place that everyone can go, and After being paid a monthly allowance, having a meal at a state-owned restaurant in the county town is the greatest enjoyment.

Now tell them that my sister-in-law's craftsmanship is better than that of the restaurant? It didn't take long for some to stop believing.

But there was more than one person who went to Han Lie's house. Everyone can testify. There was even Xing Xiaojun. It was so lifelike that everyone's mouths were watering!

Everyone who was originally envious that they could go to Han Lie's house was even more itchy at this time.

Before they could get over this itching, they were told that my sister-in-law could also make something to drink, which was sweet and refreshing and tasted better than sugar water. Everyone became even more curious as to where to go after catching Xing Xiaojun. The few who helped kept asking what it was. Although they couldn't go to the deputy leader's house and couldn't taste my sister-in-law's cooking, they might be able to make it themselves.

It's a pity that no one knows. Xing Xiaojun said: "It's not sugar water anyway." As

soon as he took it back yesterday, Chen Nan looked at it and said it couldn't be sugar water, and said that he would ask Liu Susu today.

"Although I don't know what it's called, it tastes really good. I've never drunk anything so delicious in my life!"

Everyone: "..." Here it comes again, and you don't know anything yet. Tempt us here!

Just when everyone was about to give Xing Xiaojun a little "friendship" between brothers who was raising hatred without realizing it, they suddenly found Han Lie coming. Someone immediately ran over and asked, what was in the kettle yesterday?

Han Lie felt quite tired when he heard this now: "It's milk tea."

"Milk tea?" Why have they never heard of this? "Deputy leader, do you know how to make it? We want to try it too."

Han Lie didn't know either: "I'll go back today and ask and tell you."

"Okay! Thank you, deputy leader!" Everyone responded happily.

The training hasn't started yet, but basically all the teams on the playground have arrived. Deputy Captain Cai was standing not far away. He couldn't hear clearly what they were saying, but when he saw those people surrounding Han Lie, they were so enthusiastic. , I was so angry that my tooth hurt.

Everyone said that Han Lie was capable. Not only could he train troops and fight, but every soldier in the company was unconvinced by him. The entire army knew his name, Han Lie.

Even during the meeting, the division commander named and praised him several times, asking them, the deputy captains, to learn from Han Lie and follow his example.

He was so angry when he thought of this, and he even learned from Han Lie. Isn't he just a villain who always knows how to put on a show and win people's hearts? He doesn't care!

"What are they talking about over there? Did Deputy Commander Han talk about practical skills again?"

"I don't know, I really want to go there too."

I heard the discussion of the young soldiers in my team, Deputy Commander Cai His long face became even darker, so he asked for leave and went back because his leg injury was not healed yet.

As soon as I got home, I wanted to get angry, but I was afraid that what I said would be heard, so I dragged my legs down and took a look. When I saw that there was no one downstairs, I started to curse.

Aunt Cai was sitting in the room, hearing her son's angry scolding, and thinking of the scene she saw two days ago, she felt heartbroken and sneaked out.

——When

Deputy Commander Cai was incompetent and furious at home, Liu Susu happened to go to work, and she sent several children to Chen Nan's house. When she came back from work, she saw many military relatives standing outside her yard.

Liu Susu's first reaction was to look at these people's hands, and she was relieved when she saw that they didn't hold any gifts. She was really confused by the gift-giving.

"Aunts, do you have anything to do with me?" Liu Susu asked.

Everyone was a little embarrassed: "Comrade Liu, we have something to ask you."

Of course it's okay to ask questions, as long as it's not a gift. Liu Susu asked everyone to come in and sit down. After asking, she found out that it was about milk tea. Not everyone in the army eats in the canteen. Many ranks immediately ask their family members to come and join the army as soon as they apply for a house, so that they can eat at home and save some food money.

So during training this morning, after learning from Han Lie that the particularly delicious thing was called milk tea, many soldiers asked their wives to ask Liu Susu how to make this milk tea when they came back for lunch. .

Liu Susu had long expected that the milk tea would spread, but she originally thought that it would spread first from a few foodies at home. Unexpectedly, it was Xing Xiaojun and others who played a publicity role first.

"Comrade Liu, I wonder if you can tell us your method?" Everyone was still a little uneasy. After all, in the past, many people's cooking methods were the basis for their livelihood and could not be passed on to others. If Liu Susu didn't want to That said, it's normal.

"Of course you can. In fact, it's not complicated at all..." Liu Susu originally wanted to make milk popular in the military region again, so that it would be much more convenient to order milk, and there would be no need to ask the division chief for help every time. It's so good now How could she miss the opportunity? She immediately explained how to make milk tea.

Everyone has been working in the kitchen since childhood, and they immediately understood after hearing this: "Tea is okay, there are many wild tea trees on the mountain, but milk, I remember we haven't seen it for a long time." "

I heard. Since we don't want to buy any, the farm won't give them away. If we want it, we can tell the chief, right?" "

Yes, let's go now!"

So ​​when Han Lie came back, As soon as he entered the door, he said: "There is good news."

Liu Susu asked deliberately: "What good news?"

"Yesterday you were still saying that milk was difficult to buy. I just came back from the team and met the chief of staff who said that starting from tomorrow, our military region will We have to re-order milk."

Han Lie said with a smile. Although it was indeed torture for several children to drink too much milk tea, it was rare to find something that they liked that was not too expensive. Of course he was happy, and as long as they stipulated that they don't If you drink too much, it will be fine.

"Really? That's great." Liu Susu smiled and said nothing, hiding her merit and fame.

But Han Lie was very sensitive and felt that what she said was against his will. Just when he was about to ask something, he saw Xiao Qian running over in a hurry; "Comrade Liu, Captain Zhang informed me of the meeting." Is

there a meeting at this time?

Liu Susu was confused but also knew that there was no need to delay. She threw away the things in her hand and asked Han Lie to look at the children before following him out.

Just as he was about to walk in the direction of the Military Affairs Office, he was stopped by Xiao Qian: "This way."

Liu Susu was stunned, over there? Isn't there a mountain over there?

Instead of going to the office for a meeting, go to the mountains?

When she arrived, she realized that it was not on the mountain, but on the edge of a field, and it was also the edge of her family's field?

Captain Zhang and Xiao Wang were both standing on the field ridge. When they saw her coming, they quickly waved: "Xiao Liu, come and take a look."

"What are you looking at... What is going on?!"

It was already getting late. , but the sky was still bright. With the light, Liu Susu lowered her head and saw the seedlings under her feet, as if their essence had been drained. The originally lush and vibrant green seedlings now curled up with their leaves, as if It looks like it will die at any time.

Captain Zhang: "Xiao Qian discovered it, Xiao Qian, you tell me."

Xiao Qian said: "I don't know what's going on..."

Because Captain Zhang said that he would organize a meeting with everyone in two days. The military family members explain the role of drip irrigation, so not only the fields where the military itself has installed water pipes, but also the simple facilities made of bamboo pipes here by Liu Susu are also introduced.

After all, the seedlings in the army's fields have been planted for several months, and no obvious changes can be seen in a short period of time. But Liu Susu is different here. She started using drip irrigation when the corn seeds sprouted. The germination of corn requires a lot of water. water, the effect will be particularly obvious.

The seedlings in areas with drip irrigation appear to be much stronger than those with artificial watering.

So Xiaoqian took care of both sides, but when I came over this afternoon, I suddenly saw that the leaves of the seedlings had turned a lot yellow, and they looked like they were about to wither. He didn't dare to be careless and immediately found Captain Zhang in a hurry.

"...Comrade Liu, could it be that the bamboo has been used for a long time and produced some toxins?" Otherwise, there is no reason for this to happen?

Captain Zhang laughed angrily: "How can bamboo be poisonous? Even if it is used for a long time, it will rot at most. There are definitely no other problems." Xiao Qian scratched his

head: "Then what is going on?"

Liu Susu knelt down and said seriously After checking the soil, the more I thought about it, the more I felt something was wrong.

She has been very busy these days. After confirming that the bamboo pipes were running smoothly in a short period of time and did not need to be looked after all day long, she has not been here for three days. Xiaoqian was only told by Captain Zhang last night that today I just came here, and now it's impossible to determine when the problem occurred.

And if something goes wrong now, it will obviously cause a lot of harm.

The first is the military's water pipes. Commander Zhang has just submitted an application for military funding to purchase a large number of water pipes. Now that the pipes have not arrived, she has a problem. Even if it can be said that bamboo pipes and water pipes are different, it does not mean that something is wrong with the former. The latter is not safe, but the method is spread from her, so it will definitely have an impact.

Furthermore, Captain Zhang planned to use this corn field as a model for the subsequent introduction meeting. Now that the model cannot be made, and the effect of the army in the field is not obvious, the mobilization meeting will be greatly compromised.

The most important thing is that these corn seedlings are all food. When they grow up, they will be yellow corn cobs. Liu Susu feels that her heart aches because of the waste of food at this time.

Fortunately, the scope of the bamboo tube circle was not large, and not many seedlings were affected. Liu Susu thought with some joy in her misery. Fortunately, she was not too diligent before. If the entire field was circled, wouldn't it be destroyed? Already?

"Xiao Liu, do you have any ideas now?"

Liu Susu shook her head, she had no clue now.

The only one who knew: "We can only dismantle all these bamboo tubes first."

Xiao Qian was stunned: "But if everyone sees this, will they... suspect that there is a problem with the drip irrigation technology?"

Liu Susu hesitated, affirming meeting.

It's not dark yet, but even if it is, their large-scale removal of bamboo pipes will definitely attract everyone's attention. Just look into the field and you can guess what's going on.

But if they don't remove it, Liu Susu is afraid that other seedlings that are not enclosed will also be affected.

She looked at Captain Zhang.

The latter thought for a moment and took a breath: "Demolish it!"

No matter what, we can no longer waste food. If this has any bad effects, we can only find a way to solve it.