Chapter 59: Neck!

Zhang Lan happily agreed, "Great." The bear baby is so cute, I want to hug him when I sleep. ”

Lao Wang pouted and said, "When it grows into a bear like Lao Zhang, you dare to hug it." With that, he stepped forward and dragged the bear off the kang. He hadn't showered in days. I don't know if he jumped or not.

Zhang Lan was just about to hurry, when she saw Lan Lan carrying a large plate of candy into the room, and immediately forgot the last piece. Lao Wang didn't forget to count others: "You can eat it if you want, it's natural, it's 100 times stronger than those toffee chocolates." ”

After tasting a piece, Zhang Lan didn't refute his words, just urged him to cook. Since it is a small year, I am used to eating dumplings. While chopping the stuffing, Mr. Wu said, "Get some sauerkraut oil residue for my granddaughter to eat."

As soon as the dumplings were cooked and the pot was taken out, Professor Michael came to eat on time. These days, he clearly sees that the food at this restaurant is the best.

"Chewing-" Michael has become more capable in the past two days. He occasionally says a sentence or two in Chinese, which is not standard and has a thick northeastern accent.

"It doesn't matter if the dumplings are good or not, they are still chewy. Put it on for you first, save your hair. "Lao Wang moved into the kang to make room for him. Michael can't stilt his legs on the kang. He always knelt, so he sat on the edge of the kang during meals.

Michael is a good eater. He scooped a spoonful of chili oil and some crushed garlic into the bowl. After stirring, he happily picked up a dumpling and dipped some spice in his mouth. He has a good ability to learn and the chopsticks make him look good.

Slow down, don't burn - Lao Wang put his hand on his arm. The inside of the dumplings is very hot and can be easily exposed to the heat.

Michael looked around and saw that Xiaobai had cut the dumplings in half and released the heat. He ate several. So there's also a good example to follow.

When he was almost full, he noticed a mark underneath the dumplings. The most difficult thing is that the traces are very straight and of similar depth. So he said, "It's delicious to chew, but it's too cumbersome to make and has to be printed out one by one." ”

It took a long time for everyone to understand, and even Wang Bei smiled: it was the dumplings that were wrapped and placed on the curtains, and the curtain was printed well. This foreigner is so funny.

After eating the dumplings, I also drank a bowl of dumpling soup. During the chat, when Mr. Wu talked about borrowing money from a convenience store, Wang Bei did not object, but put forward an additional condition, that is, to sign a formal contract with the community to exclusively purchase medicinal materials produced in Jiangbei. Of course, medicinal herbs also include reishi.

Lao Wang thought for a moment, then nodded. Anyone who sells it will sell. In addition, Wang Bei will not do anything about the price. Zhang Lan joined the crowd and said, "What about me? I can also ask my brother to invest, but what is the best way to manage it? In this way, the mangoes produced here will be exclusively distributed by me! ”

What kind of coaxing do you follow? Lao Wang doesn't take it seriously. Zhang Lan's mood is also very funny. A few years later, the girl really made a fortune from Lin Feng and forced Lao Wang to sign a contract.

A few years later, this almost playful behavior brought Zhang Lan a huge income. I don't know if it was a blind cat that met a dead mouse.

With the approach of the Spring Festival, the atmosphere of the Spring Festival in Jiangbei is getting stronger and stronger. Originally, this month was winter vacation in the countryside, and there was all the time. In addition, the pace of life here is slow, and some traditions are preserved. Therefore, like Wang Bei and Zhang Lan, they will go all the way to celebrate the New Year.

According to the local saying, after the age of 23, every day is the New Year. After a year of hard work, at the end of the year, of course, we have to be lively. Families keep their homes and outside clean and prepare new clothes for adults and children to welcome the New Year.

This year, in particular, is different from previous years. In the past few years, Jiangbei seems to have died, like an old man in the twilight, but with the restoration of meadows and forests, this ancient village has also come back to life and vitality.

Of course, Lao Wang was even happier. After his death, he did not celebrate the New Year in the village for several years. There are many imported people at home, and it is very lively, which is the so-called New Year.

As is customary, on the twenty-fourth day, every household begins to erect lantern poles in the yard. Of course, the Chinese New Year should be bright, so large lanterns should be hung in the yard, and lantern poles have also come into being. It's a bit like a Christmas tree. At the bottom there is a long wooden pole with the head of a tree tied to it, and a small colorful flag stuck at the top of the branch. When it is erected, the flag flutters in the wind, which is beautiful and festive.

However, tree heads are not required. One tree per family destroys many small trees, so it's best to choose the branches of a large tree. Lao Wang had already cut it, dragged it into the house, and then began to dress up.

The work is mainly carried out by the girls, Nana is smart and dexterous and is responsible for cutting paper, Wang Bei applies the paste, and Zhang Lan and Lan Lan glue the branches to the branches. As for Xiaobai, he is mainly responsible for delivery work.

"Xiong Wazi, don't eat mush-" Zhang Lan looked at Xiong Wazi while working.

When the head of the tree is slimy and colorful, it is almost finished in the house, and then it is dragged outside, tied to a wooden pole. Under the tree, nail a tripod, tie a small iron ring to the very edge, thread a rope through it, and pull the lantern up and down.

After the lantern pole was erected, several five-colored flags were pulled to the eaves of the house, and the feeling was immediately different. Zhang Lanzhi clapped her hands and said: "This is the atmosphere of the Spring Festival!" ”

Wang Bei also nodded. He was busy in town and didn't have time. Even if I had the time, I didn't have that idea. It is often said that the taste of the New Year is very light. The main reason is laziness. There are some things that you have to do in person to feel that feeling.

When I was busy with my life, I saw Uncle Yu come over and say, "Lan Lan, lend me your little white?" ”

"Don't worry, don't wear it out." Lao Wang is very generous.

Uncle Yu smiled and patted the lantern pole: "I also set it up at home, but I forgot to put the rope, so I had to put it down again." It's troublesome. Just ask Xiaobai to climb up and put the rope. ”

Lao Wang gave a thumbs up and said, "Monkey climb the pole, old line, Xiaobai, hurry up." If you can't do it, hang the Tibetan mastiff on the lantern pole, put a piece of wax in your mouth, and put it back after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, so that you can save the noise at home every day! ”

Xiaobai is also good at self-deprecation. He was taken away by Uncle Yu. When I came back, I was walking with a big carp in my arms.

"That's more than enough for every year. When I was a child, I posted New Year's pictures. My favorite is the big fat guy holding a big carp. "The king took the big fish and put it in the barn. Then he took out the big red paper and ink, and prepared to go to Guan Yun's house to write Spring Festival couplets. Write the word "Fu".

Guan Yun is a cultural person in the village. Basically, he gave the couplets to all the families. And Guan Yun is really a very talented person. All the major events that have happened in the past year can be edited into Spring Festival couplets and sent to you, so he is very popular.

When I strolled to Guan Yun's house, there were still many people in the room. On the kang, there are piles of red paper waiting to write couplets. Guan Yun was so busy that he was sweating profusely and said, "According to the old rules, we should give him some money for polishing." ”

"Is your pen a pen too?" The manager smiled and began to reveal the truth.

It's also a unique trick if you want to write couplets. Find a sorghum stalk, peel off the outer skin, leaving only the finger-thick flesh inside, and use it to absorb ink and writing. Written words are horizontal and vertical, with straight arms and straight legs.

Everyone drank tea, ate melon seeds, and chatted while waiting. In fact, this is how the atmosphere of the New Year behaves. As long as you do it yourself, you will be able to taste the taste of the New Year.

In addition to couplets and other blessing words, there are many auspicious words to write, such as going out to see happiness and looking up at happiness. There are also quite rustic features, such as: the chicken coop should be plastered with golden chicken racks, the pigsty should be plastered with fat pigs, the cowshed and stables should be plastered with six animals to thrive, the barn should be plastered with bountiful grain, and the tiger's nest should be plastered with blessings on the outside. In short, except for the thatched building (toilet), we should be happy.

It also contains people's good hopes and very simple humanistic care. Over the past year, cattle and horses have worked hard to pull carts and farm, chickens, ducks and geese have laid eggs, and tigers and tigers have taken care of their homes and homes. It's hard. After the Chinese New Year, you can't forget about the people.

According to the customs of Jiangbei, every household in the village will worship three generations of ancestors, which is commonly known as the old ancestor. How can we say that? This cannot be considered superstition. It is also the duty of future generations to pay tribute to their ancestors.

Cut a piece of red paper into quarters. On one of them, it is respectfully written "worship the three generations of a certain clan", and the words "three knocks in the morning, one incense in the morning, one incense in the evening" are written on both sides. Wait until Chinese New Year's Eve, put down the tribute, light incense candles, and worship the ancestors as a family. This is the cycle of life from generation to generation.

Of course, Lao Wang should also write a picture to commemorate this old man, even if there are too many people in line, it is estimated that he will not be able to finish writing tomorrow.

At this time, Master Wu came to play chess with Guan Yun. Seeing that he was too busy, he followed him. Unexpectedly, Master Wu could write a good hand. He brushed a little faster than Guan Yun.

"I knew I would write at home." Lao Wang put the paper on the lid of the cabinet and dried it slowly. Then he saw a strange phenomenon: everyone was still queuing up around Guan Yun, and Mr. Wu was an old bean - dry and idle.

When I was asked, I found that everyone said that Mr. Wu didn't understand the handwriting, but more importantly, Guan Yun's handwriting was very good, close to life, just like it was customized for every family.

Lao Wang blinked his eyes and said, "Why don't you do this?" I know Uncle Wu works with you, reading words one by one. ”

And just like that, the speed really skyrocketed. In less than an hour, all the couplets in the village were written. After Master Wu and Guan Yun washed their hands, they began to play chess. Others also play poker and look at small cards. Basically, Guan Yunjia is used as a chess piece. Card room.

In the countryside, there are several such families in each village, which provide a place for the villagers to communicate and have fun, and all of them are free of charge.

It wasn't until Zhang Lan came to invite Lao Wang home to cook that he put a note on his face, and Shi Shiran sneaked back, smiling and chasing Zhang Lan all the way.

To celebrate the New Year, eating and drinking is, of course, the number one priority. Lao Wang has made great progress in cooking. After a while, he brought four dishes and a soup to the table. Zhang Lan nodded with her fingers and withdrew: "Little fatty, you made meat jelly last night!" ”

Because there is a lot of gum in the skin of the meat, after washing and boiling, remove the sticky fat from the skin of the meat, cut it into thin strips, add an appropriate amount of water, and put it in a pot to boil slowly. Once all the gelatin is boiling, remove from the pan and let cool overnight. The next morning, it will solidify into a milky white asic. When eaten, it is dipped in some seasonings like crushed garlic, and the flavor is rich and smooth.

As for the jelly made by Lao Wang, it takes more time, not to cook in a pot, but to steam on the curtains. It takes longer but is clearer and more transparent than cooking in a pot. The bright and beautiful jelly is like a crystal, which is very pleasing, so Zhang Lan has already thought about it.

Lao Wang just remembered this, so he also met Zhang Lan's request. He cut a plate of crystal jelly and picked up a piece, which trembled and crystalline. It's hard to give up.

Although jelly is also sold in the city, and who knows what ingredients are added to it, it is still safe to cook at home.

In fact, if you cook a table of dishes yourself, you can naturally taste the taste of the New Year. If you go to a hotel and order a large table of dishes, do you always feel that something is wrong?

After eating and drinking, Zhang Lanfei would pull Lao Wang to play poker and paste a note on Lao Wang's face. Lao Wang's card skills stink, and he was looking at the girls who were eager to rush at him, so Kaba made a few small glances and waved to Xiaobai.

Xiaobai likes to join the game the most, so she is happy to join the game. The Tibetan mastiff was at the bottom, and Lao Wang breathed a sigh of relief. This is too painful for Xiaobai. In the end, he couldn't see anything.

In the process of playing cards, Lan Lan also brought Huanhao frozen pears, frozen persimmons and frozen safflowers. These three are also the most popular frozen foods in rural areas.

Don't look at the black skin of frozen pear eggs. After being bitten open, the flesh of the pear inside is white and many. juicy, cool, thirsty; Frozen persimmons are not bad. The best thing to eat is flower red, which is about the same size as hawthorn, and the color is also red, but there are no spots like hawthorn on the skin.

In fact, these are two different small fruits. Flower red is one of the fruits of begonias. After thawing, the taste is sweet and sour, and more. The juice is delicious.

Xiaobai tugged at the branch on his face, and then chewed on the frozen pear. Zhang Lan likes to eat flowers, and while eating, she also mutters that the wild fruits in the forest are not delicious.

"Wait until the second year, and you can eat it with your stomach open." Lao Wang is also full of hope. He remembered that when he was a child, he could still eat Shandu preserved persimmons during the Chinese New Year. That's the taste.

Turn the sky and it will be twenty-five. As the saying goes, twenty-five years old, sweep the dust. After breakfast, the whole family started cleaning the house. Xiaobai picked up the feather duster again, and all that was left was to stick the shed on the wall.

Perhaps as the Spring Festival approached, the research team also suspended research. Lao Wang has not returned. The rest will have to spend the Spring Festival in Jiangbei.

Professor Michael basically relied on Wang's house to help him with his work, but he was often in the way because he was not familiar with his business. So Lao Wang could only assign him some simple tasks, which were equal to Xiaobai's paintings.

For example, when plastering the walls, he could only hand over the paper, and he also made a paste to glue his beard together.

Michael was very happy: "Is this Christmas in China?" ”

"Almost." Lao Wang was sharpening his knife there. In addition to the kitchen knife at home, he also sharpened a knife with a saw blade and used it to carve money.

Although it is easier to buy with hanging money, Lao Wang is willing to do it himself. After all, he felt different. He did this work as a child, cutting colored paper into rectangles and sandwiching them one by one onto wooden boards. If the picture is convenient, attach the model left over from last year to the top and engrave it with a knife according to the pattern. It can produce more than ten pieces at a time.

However, Lao Wang prefers to draw his own patterns and then carve them, and the smart and handy Nana follows the painting, and the painted money is more exquisite.

"This Tibetan mastiff is the most beautiful, and this year happens to be the Year of the Monkey!" Zhang Lan shouted blindly. She saw one, fell in love with the other, and cried out, "Wow, this bear is prettier." The bear at the top looks like a bear! ”

"Why don't you say it's the Year of the Bear?" Lao Wang didn't look up and answered. He wanted to talk back to this girl when he had time.

During this time, Guan Yunlai visited the house. As soon as he saw the beautiful money, he booked it, and more than a dozen tickets were enough. In any case, a mold can carve a lot of things. Lao Wang also picked up a few for him, and Guan Yun happily took them home. After showing off to others in the middle of the road, some people came to Lao Wang's house to beg. In the end, Lao Wang had to light the lamp and boil the oil until midnight. But that's why you get a taste of life, don't you?

Jiangbei is now in this state, more and more like a big family. Lao Wang also took advantage of the situation, such as: Uncle Yu, get a big fish for each family; Li Dayan made a few catties of dried tofu and frozen tofu for each family. The cooperative spirit of the supermarket was initially manifested.

In Lao Wang's plan, the good days have just ended. After material wealth and economic prosperity, the welfare package of members will definitely get higher and higher.

Seeing the dried tofu delivered, Michael was so happy that he gave a thumbs up and said, "It's a beautiful work of art with intricate patterns printed on it." That's great! ”

I heard Lao Wang pout: Is the cloth pattern printed on the tofu bag good? This foreigner has never seen anything good, so he always makes a fuss.

So, he rolled a piece of dried tofu for Michael, smeared some paste on it, and put some chopped green onions: "Such a beautiful work of art costs at least a hundred dollars." ”

Michael nodded as he ate, and then, at his urging, he had to witness how this art was born.

If you see it, you will find it - Lao Wang righteously rejected it: "This is an ancestral secret recipe." Isn't it a great loss for the Chinese nation to call you a foreigner? ”

At this time, a pig teammate jumped out, and Zhang Lan's curiosity also exploded. He grabbed Wang's arm and shouted loudly to see how to make tofu. Lao Wang can fool foreigners, but he can't get rid of this nasty spirit, so he has to obey.

Eat tofu during the Spring Festival. Because tofu occupies the word "corruption", which is homophonic with "happiness", it also expresses people's desire for a happy life.

A group of people walked down the road and saw more than a dozen children playing there. Xiaobai felt different, and immediately stepped forward to see Xiaohu eating ice cream with them.

This is the most popular winter recreation in the Northeast and is most popular with children. The so-called gyroscope is a homemade gyroscope. It takes a lot of time to cut it from the wood little by little. They can be large or small, but the basic shape is the same. The top is a cylinder, and the bottom slowly shrinks into a sharp point. It is usually placed on the ground, the top is heavy, and it is only stable after turning.

In order to make the rope spin, we usually make a small whip, or use several pieces of cloth, or a piece of rope, which is related to the technique.

At the same time, there are also requirements for the venue. It is best to have a smooth ice surface. Of course, the same is true for this compacted snow. First, turn the leg with your hand, then turn it into a whip, and then pull the sides of the leg to strengthen its rotation. The whip kept turning.

Younger children will also play tricks, such as sticking some colored paper on chopsticks, so that it will look better when turned over; There are also people who bump into each other with their own toes. Whoever knocks down their toes wins. The little ones are shouting and busy.

Xiaobai owes money, grabs Xiaohu's arm, and wants to snatch the whip from someone else's hand. Xiaohu played well, but of course he didn't. With the vigorous swing of his arm, Xiaobai staggered and screamed angrily.