209 Gotten the Hang of It

Shen Qiuhua saw her daughter stuffing and wrapping the dumplings and became eager to try. She put the dumpling skin in one and the filling on the other.

She put too much filling initially and could not fold the skin properly. “Did I put too much filling?” Shen Qiuhua used her chopsticks to remove some filling as she spoke.

She tried a few times but felt she could not fit the filling. She looked at the dumplings her daughter had made as they were round and full, just like a bao bun. Then Shen Qiuhua looked at the ones she made and discovered how flat they were, compared to her daughter’s.

Su Binglan said patiently, “Mother, you’re doing great for a first-timer. You just need to make a few more before getting the hang of it. If you can’t fold the skin properly, you can make it like a bun. You can also pinch the edges of the skin to lock in the filling.”

…

Under Su Binglan’s patient guidance, Shen Qiuhua made about ten dumplings. Although hers were not as good as Su Binglan’s, she still made good progress.

Su Wenxiu looked over and said curiously, “I want to see the dumplings too.”

Su Binglan said, “I’ll go get some chopsticks. It’s good that you’re learning how to make dumplings, Second Brother. Then you can make them for your future wife and kids.”

Su Wenxiu blushed when he heard that. “You’re good at teasing me, huh, Little Sister?” However, he thought of something and looked lonely.

Shen Qiuhua noticed this and said, “Previously, that girl complained that we weren’t good enough. That also meant she was not good enough for you. Stop thinking about her, and I will find you a good wife.”

Su Wenxiu said, “I’m sorry for making you worry, Mother.”

“Why are you apologizing to me when you’re my son? You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s someone else’s fault.”

Su Binglan was stunned when she heard this and wondered what was happening. Suddenly, she remembered her family arranging a marriage for Su Wenxiu in the past. The woman was good-looking, and her family was well-off.

Later, the woman broke off the engagement when she realized the Su family was not doing well. That incident was a massive blow to Su Wenxiu’s confidence.

He was always afraid of what others thought and said about him, so he became depressed for a long time. Only then did Su Binglan discover that her second brother had gone to the capital to work because he wanted to make a name for himself.

Su Wenxiu wanted to prove he could live a good life and wanted others to look up to him. Su Binglan understood how her second brother felt, saying, “You’re a good person, Second Brother. Don’t dwell on the past and punish yourself for other people’s mistakes.”

Su Wenxiu was shocked when he heard his little sister’s words because no one had ever said such things to him. He never realized he had punished himself for other people’s mistakes, but Su Binglan had enlightened him.

“It’s my fault for being stupid, Little Sister. I’ve always felt that way.”

Su Binglan patiently comforted Su Wenxiu, “It’s not your fault, Second Brother. You can’t blame yourself just because someone said you aren’t good enough. Many others know you’re a good person, so just think of that.

“Also, you are passionate about medicine. Plenty of women will be chasing after you when you become a doctor. When that time comes, you can choose someone who is caring and likes you for who you are.

“Then you can cook for her too. Just imagine how nice it would be to have a harmonious and beautiful family. Sure, that other girl hates the poor and loves the rich, but we can’t judge her because she wants to live a better life too. That’s just her preference and opinion.

“Still, it’s her fault for breaking the engagement. Even if she married you, she might regret it because of living conditions. However, you’re fortunate she did that because you’ve avoided future problems. You should find someone who knows how to be humble. That way, you and her can live at ease.”

Su Binglan said a lot, and Su Wenxiu listened attentively. He understood what his little sister meant and felt a massive weight off his shoulders. Indeed, Su Binglan was right.

“Your words are reasonable, Little Sister. I didn’t think that way before.”

Su Fengmao said, “I agree with your sister. Your mother and I were worried when you became depressed, but we didn’t know how to comfort you. Now, you have your sister to advise you.”

Su Wen Xiu nodded vigorously. “Yes.”

In the past, he was lost and wanted to improve but did not know how. However, he eventually found his way and wanted to study medicine, so he persevered and worked hard for it. Su Wenxiu could see through many things once he found his passion.

Shen Qiuhua said, “I’ll say it more straightforwardly. Just focus on yourself and live your life. How can you stay focused if you think about these things?”

Su Binglan echoed, “If you want others to regret what they said about you and prove that you’re better, live your life and improve yourself.”

Su Wenxiu took these words to heart and realized he had been foolish in the past. “Don’t worry, you guys. I will live a good life and work harder in the future.”

Su Binglan nodded. “That’s right. My second brother is a good person, after all. You’re learning about medicine and know how to cook, so your future wife will be blessed to have you as her husband.”

Su Wenxiu was very shy after his little sister teased him. Seeing him like that, Su Fengmao and Shen Qiuhia smiled.

Su Wenxiu quickly learned how to make dumplings as the family chatted and laughed together.

“Oh, I told you to soak your feet frequently, Father. Did you do as I said?” Su Binglan asked.

Su Fengmao hurriedly replied, “Yes, I did. Your mother boiled water for me daily and told me to soak my feet.”

Shen Qiuhua said, “Don’t worry. I remembered what you said and supervised your father.”

Su Binglan was in a good mood when she saw her parents’ good relationship. “Father, I found the medicinal herbs we needed on the way to the capital. I’ll treat your foot in a few days, and you will recover quickly.”

Everyone was excited when they heard that, so they became more enthusiastic about making dumplings. The more people there were, the faster the process would be. Soon, the dumplings were ready.

Shen Qiuhua asked, “Are we going to cook them now?”

Su Binglan stuck her head out and looked toward the house entrance. She realized her big brother and the others had yet to return. “Let’s wait for Big Brother and the others to come home first.

“We’ll cook the dumplings soon enough. They won’t taste warm and fresh if we cook them too soon.”

Su Wenxiu said, “We went to see Big Brother and Yinyin in the afternoon, and Binglan told him to come home early tonight so we can have dinner together. Oh, we also visited Uncle Fengzhi’s stall.

“He’s making lamb skewers, and his business is booming. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Uncle Fengzhi as happy as that. He was talking and laughing, so it was satisfying to see.” Su Wenxiu was happy for his third uncle.

Shen Qiuhua was tidying up the boards when she heard Su Wenxiu mention his third uncle. She said, “Your third uncle and his wife are doing well. I’m pleased to see that, significantly because they’ve helped us in the earlier years.

“We started building a house when Binglan left, and your third uncle’s throat and nose have healed too. He even wanted to cook for the workers building our new house.”

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