The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 304 - 275_1

Chapter 304: Chapter 275_1

Niu Lili saw that He Tiantian had come to terms with it and reassured her, "Alright, let me tell you some good news. There’s an Advanced Model commendation ceremony coming up mid-year, and I heard from my dad that you’re on the list. You’ll be going to Huai City to attend the awards ceremony!"

"Really? Such good news!" He Tiantian’s attention shifted to this matter, and although such commendations couldn’t bring her direct benefits, they were proof of her being tested by the organization. Even if someone reported her, there needed to be a serious investigation before they could speak up.

"That’s right!" Niu Lili said, "Along with you, there are two other villagers from your village. The scope of this awards ceremony is quite broad, but only certificates will be given out; they won’t be taken to Huai City for the meeting."

"That’s really great." He Tiantian exclaimed excitedly, "I’m going back tomorrow. I need to tell Professor Wang and the others."

It turned out that Professor Wang and his companions did the right thing coming to Qijia Village. They not only had full meals but could also earn merits. Village Chief Qi enthusiastically helped them make arrangements, and the situation would be even better after the awards ceremony.

The next morning, He Tiantian helped by taking a list from Village Chief Qi to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy things. She bought oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, needles, threads, and some daily necessities—two big baskets full.

On the way, He Tiantian couldn’t help asking, "Village Chief Qi, are you here at the unit this time for the evaluation of the Advanced Model?"

"Hahaha!" Secretary Qi was in a great mood, "Yes, our village is an Advanced Model Village, and I’m an Advanced Village Chief. You, Wang Lei, and Zhang Qingshan are Advanced Educated Youth, and Professor Wang, Zuo Li, and Xiang Rong also get certificates."

"That’s great." Now that it was confirmed, He Tiantian was comforted and could directly tell Professor Wang when she returned.

"In four days, you’ll represent the advanced young people of our village and join me to attend the awards ceremony in Huai City," said Village Chief Qi. "By the way, also tell Professor Wang that it won’t be long before he can be exonerated."

"Sure, I’ll go back and talk to Professor Wang," He Tiantian nodded, "By the way, Village Chief Qi, will this affect Professor Wang in any way?"

"It will affect him, but it’ll be a good influence," replied Village Chief Qi. "Professor Wang is highly respected. The previous claims were biased, and now, through the awards ceremony, we’ll make amends to Professor Wang and Professor Gu."

"Village Chief Qi, you mean Professor Wang and Professor Gu..." He Tiantian was thrilled, knowing that Professor Wang had been waiting for the chance to be exonerated and to return home.

Village Chief Qi nodded, "It’s possible!"

No matter what, this was good news.

After returning, He Tiantian helped Village Chief Qi distribute the goods to everyone, then hurried to tell Professor Wang the good news.

However, Professor Wang wasn’t as thrilled as He Tiantian had imagined; he only smiled faintly.

"Professor Wang, aren’t you happy?" He Tiantian asked, puzzled. Professor Wang, who missed his hometown and family so much, should have been very happy!

"Sigh!" Professor Wang sighed, "It might be better to stay here honestly and lead a peaceful life."

Those words left He Tiantian filled with a sense of loss!

Indeed, what would change if he went back?

As for their families, neither Professor Wang nor Professor Gu wanted to go back, not wishing to burden the younger generation.

"Hopefully, things will get better one day," He Tiantian comforted, even though she knew about the future situation, but that was still six years away!

"Things will get better," said Professor Wang with a smile, not at all disheartened, "I’m already content being able to communicate with home."

After leaving the animal husbandry team, He Tiantian didn’t go back home but went to the cave in the mountain behind instead. She wanted to find a secluded space to be alone.

The Snake King finally could leave the barrier, dove into the water, swam a few laps, and then continued to practice on a large rock.

Everyone did their own thing without interfering with each other!

As the sun set, He Tiantian carried a basket down the mountain with two rabbits inside.

Third Grandma Qi knew that Huo Yingjie had left, and He Tiantian was downhearted, so she made some sweet soup balls with her homemade sesame filling, adding sugar and a bit of sesame oil.

"Grandma, we’re having sweet soup balls today?" He Tiantian licked her lips; Third Grandma Qi’s sweet soup balls were particularly delicious, with a unique flavor.

"Yes, when you’re feeling down, eating something sweet can help you forget your troubles," said Third Grandma Qi. She used to do that when she was alone—making something nice to eat whenever she faced humiliation outside or missed her son to the point of heartache.

Even if tears were shed while eating, at least her mouth was filled with sweetness.

"Really!" He Tiantian smiled. She had also heard this saying in her previous life and had scoffed at it. However, later on, when she felt unhappy, she would go to a cake shop close to the braised meat outlet to buy cake.

Although it was delightful while eating, eating too much would lead to weight gain.

"Hurry and wash your hands, come and eat," urged Third Grandma Qi, who had already served two bowls on the stone table.

There were eight or nine sweet soup balls in He Tiantian’s bowl, while Third Grandma Qi’s bowl had five or six.

This delicacy, as tasty as it was, shouldn’t be eaten in excess since it wasn’t easy to digest.

"Mmm~" He Tiantian closed her eyes and savored the delicious sweet soup balls, even better than those her mother made.

The expression on Third Grandma Qi’s face was not much different from He Tiantian’s, both enjoying the happiness and pleasure that delicious food provided.

Those who enjoyed food truly understood life.

He Tiantian saw this in Third Grandma Qi and also learned from her.

"Grandma, your culinary skills are amazing," said He Tiantian, "Next time you make them, let me know. I want to learn from you properly."

Learning to cook wasn’t just about eating tasty food; it was also about preparing meals for her parents and loved ones.

"Sure, next time I’ll teach you," Third Grandma Qi responded. "There aren’t many ingredients. If we had more, I could make several different kinds of pastries."

Third Grandma Qi had tasted many fine foods and knew how to make a lot. But with the current times, there were simply no ingredients available. If they had ingredients, she could easily open a shop with the few pastries she knew how to make.

Alas, shops were not allowed to be opened now!

It was puzzling!

"Then tell me what ingredients you need, and I’ll buy them for you if I ever get the chance," He Tiantian said while eating and inquiring what Third Grandma Qi needed.

Learning pastries was one thing, but what mattered most was talking and chatting with Third Grandma Qi.

This way, they could exchange feelings and let Third Grandma Qi remember the good old days, without dwelling on the dullness of current life.