Meng Yan's Transformation

"Why didn't Zhan Mengyan ask me to help her carry bags of peanuts to the supply and marketing cooperative?"

Zhang Xincheng and Zhan Zixun asked in unison.

"Meng Yan didn't let me tell you two. She said she would handle her own affairs and not bother others. What do you two want to do?"

As Yunqing spoke, she looked at the two of them in confusion.

"Fourth aunt, I suddenly remembered that my father has woken up. Will he go to the township government to cause trouble? Yesterday, he even cursed Ai Jinhua, who manages the archives, in his dream. So Zixun and I went to the township government to check. But I am also worried that it is not safe for sister Mengyan to carry the peanut bag on her bicycle. She is so weak, how can she carry such a big bag of peanuts back home by herself? She may still be angry with me now. She ignores me when she sees me. I am afraid she will not accept my help. I want to let Zixun go to the supply and marketing cooperative compound to help sister Mengyan carry the peanut bag. I will go home first to see if my father is at home. If not, I will go to the township government to look for him."

As Zhang Xincheng spoke, he looked at Yunqing for advice.

"Okay, let's do as Xincheng said. You two should act separately. I heard that the supply and marketing cooperative uses large sacks to pack peanuts. It is difficult for Zhan Mengyan to lift such a large sack onto the bicycle clothes rack by herself. Zhan Zixun, you go and help your sister Mengyan. Xincheng, don't worry. Your father was drunk last night. He said drunken words. When he woke up, he had forgotten everything he said yesterday. Your fourth uncle went to the township government to find Ai Jinhua, who manages the archives. If Ai Jinhua's maternity leave is not over and she doesn't come to work, it will be difficult to deal with. I'm afraid your fourth uncle will be anxious and angry. If it is convenient for you to go to the township government to see your fourth uncle, if you can't find Ai Jinhua, who manages the archives, let him go home first and don't quarrel with the staff of the township government."

As Yunqing spoke, she patted the two of them on the shoulders, as if assigning them an important task.

Zhang Xincheng and Zhan Zixun acted as if they had received instructions and followed their instructions.

Zhan Zixun arrived at the backyard of the supply and marketing cooperative. There were a lot of people there, men, women, young and old, all gathered. There were also many teenagers among the crowd.

But there were only forty or fifty people queuing up to get peanuts - first they had to register, fill out a form, have a guarantor, and pay a deposit.

"Mengyan, please queue up here. I've already registered for you, filled out the forms, and acted as your guarantor. I've also paid the deposit for you. I'm busy at work, so I have to leave first. When it's your turn to pick up the peanuts, I'll have your Uncle Liu, the warehouse keeper, load the bags of raw vegetables onto your bicycle. Go home and shell the peanuts. Be careful not to break the kernels. If there are too many broken pieces, it will be difficult for customs inspection when you receive the goods, and I can't ask for a favor. The deposit I paid will also be deducted, and you won't earn any labor fees."

Dong Deren carefully instructed Zhan Mengyan who was waiting in line.

"Thank you, Uncle Dong. I can do it myself. I don't need Uncle Liu's help. Don't worry, Uncle Dong. I will take the peanuts home and carefully peel them. I will be careful not to break the peanut kernels. I am also hoping to earn some extra tuition during this winter vacation. I will not let Uncle Dong's deposit suffer any loss. When I earn money, I will buy you some wine. Thank you Uncle Dong for guaranteeing me and paying the deposit."

When Zhan Mengyan spoke, her eyes were full of joy and gratitude.

"Xiao Mengyan, you are such a sensible and good child. Uncle Dong doesn't need you to buy me some wine. I sometimes have to drive at night, and your Aunt Dong said that for my driving safety, she asked me to quit drinking. Just shell the peanuts and earn some extra money, and Uncle Dong will be happy for you!"

As Dong Deren spoke, he waved to Zhan Mengyan with a smile and walked towards his carriage, ready to deliver goods to the supply and marketing cooperative.

Zhan Mengyan stood on tiptoe as she waited in line, trying to see the progress of the line ahead, her fingers unconsciously counting the number of people remaining. Her legs swayed alternately, her body leaning forward, revealing a mixture of anxiety and unease. She silently muttered to herself, "It's almost my turn..."