Chapter 1642

In Yunqiao Village, when it is not the peak blooming season, the scenery is actually quite ordinary.

After all, if there were even a modicum of spectacular scenery, this place wouldn't have been ignored when every region was going all out for cultural tourism over the past two years; there are even very few people who come here by car.

It is the same today.

An ordinary asphalt road, ordinary mountain forests on both sides, ordinary shrubs, wild grasses, farmland, vegetable gardens, and wasteland...

But, it is packed with a bountiful harvest!

Amidst the green that everyone has grown numb to, the fruits and leaves of varying shades can give people a different kind of satisfaction.

Perhaps that is just how agricultural civilization is; nothing makes the soul tremble and rejoice more than a harvest.

The children open their mouths wide, going "wow" at everything; clearly, they have never seen such a vast, sprawling agricultural base.

The elders are equally amazed, as if they are reminded of the rural times they have long been separated from.

The tricycle gradually moves forward, and even though its speed is slow, it leaves everyone behind in the distance.

Song Qiao Song Qiao is chatting away with the children in the back of the cart:

"My name is Song Qiao Song Qiao, Song Song Qiao Song Qiao. What are your names?"

"My name is Qin Beibei. I also have a name that is hard to write, called Qin Yizhang..."

"My name is He Luo, and my mom calls me He He Tuoluo (Spinning Top)..."

"My name is Yun Yun Danqing."

Song Tan listens from the side; without even looking, she can tell the level of their education just from their self-introductions.

Sure enough, Song Qiao Song Qiao is already exclaiming: "Your names all look so hard to write..."

Unlike him, when he writes his full name, there are only two characters; it's so simple.

He Luo laughs, revealing a missing tooth: "Mine is easy to write too!"

Song Qiao Song Qiao, however, asks curiously: "Then why does your mom call you He He Tuoluo?"

"My mom says I have boundless energy!"

The little man proudly puffs out his chest; if He Kuang and his wife were to catch up, they would be unable to bear watching this right now.

Because the reason he is called He He Tuoluo is that—

Well, a spinning top needs to be whipped, and it loves to spin around everywhere, just like his endless, ox-like strength; it's exhausting...

This is not an exaggeration at all; four adults taking one child to a shopping mall almost lost the child, which shows that this guy disappears the moment you let go, and he can squeeze into every crack, making him very hard to find.

But Song Qiao Song Qiao has never seen the power of this kind of child; he just feels inexplicably amazed: "I haven't whipped a spinning top yet..."

He He Tuoluo is not hesitant at all: "Then you can break off a tree branch, and I'll squat down for you to whip me; I can spin for you..."

Really?!

Song Qiao Song Qiao widens his eyes, looking at the tree branch nearby, eager to try.

Song Tan:... The child's parents haven't arrived yet!

"Let's whip it later..." she advises.

Song Qiao Song Qiao is very obedient, so he gives up for the moment and instead says considerately:

"We have dogs on the mountain; are you afraid?"

"My little dogs are all my good friends; you won't bully the little dogs, will you? If you bully them, I won't play with you next time."

"Do you know how to pick vegetables? You have to wear gloves, otherwise, there are thorns on the cucumber leaves that will prick you."

The thick-skinned farmers don't mind, but children have tender skin; getting scratched in the cornfield or pricked by the thorns on cucumber stalks and leaves would likely make them uncomfortable.

He is surrounded by three children chattering about dogs and farmland, and his expression gradually becomes lively as well.

The tricycle is not moving fast, and Lu Chuan and the others behind them slow down on the uphill, taking the opportunity to look at the scattered vegetable plots and peach orchards on both sides.

By the time they slowly wander up, they see that Song Qiao Song Qiao has already put thick gloves on them.

Those are the ordinary labor gloves kept on the mountain; they are loose and baggy on the children's hands, and he has tied them with rubber bands.

The parents are stunned, clearly having not thought to prepare this.

But Qin Yun's quick-witted wife has already opened her phone: "We're going to be playing here for many days; I'll buy a few pairs online right now..."

Express delivery is fast now, taking only a day or two, so it won't delay anything.

And children, coming to a new place with a big brother leading them, find everything interesting.

Now, swinging the excess fabric of their gloves, they are laughing and full of anticipation.

They have even dragged out a large basket taller than their own bodies.

Childish words, in childish voices:

"I want to pick a whole basket!"

"I can pick a basket too!"

"I can pick 10 baskets!"

"You're bragging; only my dad can pick ten baskets!"

"My dad can pick 100 baskets!"

The youngest one is clearly losing in terms of education, being a bit unfamiliar with a three-digit number like 100. At this moment, she purses her lips and stomps her shiny children's shoes hard on the grass:

"My dad can eat all your baskets!"

All the dads:...

How come the difficult tasks of working and eating until stuffed are all left to the dads?

"Then what about mom?"

"Mom, mom cuts the melon for me."

"Mom gets a piece, I get a piece, mom gets a piece, I get a piece, mom gets a piece, I get a piece..."

The one speaking is Qin Qin Beibei, and Qin Yun, hearing this, is directly amused to the point of anger:

"How come all the benefits are for mom and you? If you're like this, I'm not picking anymore."

The little girl "hmphed," her chubby cheeks full of a maturity that has seen through the ways of the world:

"Grandma says, men who aren't diligent are useless. Mom, don't be afraid; I'll pick a basket for grandpa, grandma, grandma, and grandpa..."

When this was said, everyone burst into laughter.

The useless Qin Yun stands there, looking accusingly at his own mother: "Mom, how could you teach a child like this?"

The grandmother is also full of confusion: "How could I say this to her? I was just chatting with the child's mother while watching a TV show... How did the child learn so fast..."

The sun has not yet risen, but the laughter in the mountains already fills this wilderness.

"Alright, alright!"

Song Tan claps her hands: "Let's pick watermelons, melons, cucumbers, and vegetables first! If we finish picking before the sun rises, it won't be that hot."

The children immediately drag the large baskets over, their shiny, sweat-covered cheeks full of anticipation.

And Song Tan waves her hand solemnly: "Song Song Qiao Song Qiao, I leave it to you!"

Song Qiao Song Qiao also says seriously: "Okay!"

Everyone, like a pack of Huskies that have been let off the leash, quickly darts into the fields.

Lu Chuan explains to the parents nearby: "There are dogs watching the vegetable plots and orchards on the mountain; they are quite large, but they are all retired, very obedient, and don't attack people, so don't be nervous when you see them."

"We know, we know."

Everyone had already heard Qin Yun and He Kuang talk about it; they even had many photos of the dogs in their phone videos, which they had already seen in the family group.

Plus, the children often pet Huskies, Samoyeds, and Golden Retrievers in their residential complex, so they aren't afraid at all.

Occasionally being nervous in the city is because the space is small, and sometimes a dog's bark is very abrupt with a loud echo, making people's hearts tremble.

But in such a vast wilderness in the countryside, and with retired dogs, oh my, even the grandpas and grandmas who dote on their grandsons and granddaughters don't feel there's anything to worry about at this moment.

This group of energetic children is now only concerned with picking vegetables; where would they have time to tease cats or dogs?

Song Tan says: "Don't stop the children from picking vegetables; no matter how much they pick, we can finish it all by noon."

There are over thirty people in total!

"Since everyone is here, let's have a meal at my place at noon. Call Chef Chai and the others to come over; there are many people, so it'll be lively to have two tables."

As the host, it wouldn't be right not to take the initiative to treat them to a meal; it's no problem for the chefs to each make a few of their signature dishes.

Qin Yun and He Kuang are not here for the first time, so they aren't hesitant at all.

Editor Yun Feng is here for the first time and is still a bit embarrassed, but thinking of the snacks he ate in the morning, he nods instantly:

As long as the food is delicious, he would be willing to squat on the curb to eat it.

Looking at the parents and parents-in-law who are also walking into the vegetable field happily, when they were asked if they wanted to come, everyone was still hesitant, afraid that once they came here, they wouldn't be able to stop themselves and would buy things until they were broke.

Who knew they wouldn't be able to resist the temptation; their family originally had a 7-seater car, but before leaving, they were hesitant and specifically spent a day renting a 9-seater car...

Now that these 3 large vehicles are parked in front of Lu Chuan's homestay, they have clearly made up their minds to be thick-skinned.

And here, Song Qiao Song Qiao's leading of the children is also going very smoothly.

He has the natural authority of a big brother, and everyone is very willing to listen to him. What's more, he leads children online every day, so leading them in reality is no different!

It's just that now he can teach them hand-in-hand, which gives him more of a sense of accomplishment.

For example, twisting a cucumber; you have to twist it like this and then twist it again to get it off.

When a melon is ripe, it falls off with a gentle turn.

They don't know which watermelons are ripe, but that doesn't stop everyone from playing house, patting them row by row.

There are also bright red tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, black tomatoes...

And lettuce that can be pulled up by the roots; just a few of them can pile a large basket very high.

The scattered amaranth left behind, the plump beans, and the potatoes that still haven't been dug up...

The little ones don't care about their clothes at all; sitting in the field digging and pulling, clearly the achievement of digging up a nest of potatoes will conquer them, not just the adults.

Chattering and laughing, occasionally a sharp voice comes over, showing they have gone wild playing in the fields.

And Song Qiao Song Qiao's biggest task is to keep them from stepping on the vegetable plots.

Stepping on green vegetables doesn't matter; wherever they step, just pull them up and clean them for lunch.

But others—

He stops He He Tuoluo, who is running wildly: "No, if you step on it, it won't bear fruit later; that's not good."

When he gets serious, he actually has a bit of a stern air.

He He Tuoluo has gone through a complete kindergarten education, after all; the rules in school are much more numerous than now, and since he is a guest, he restrains himself:

"Alright then, I won't step on this, but can I pick that eggplant?"

"Sure." Song Qiao Song Qiao is very generous:

"We can pick the biggest ones; there are the biggest ones, the longest ones, green ones, purple ones, white ones, and ones with patterns on them..."

Except for the vegetable market, where have the children seen such a wide variety of vegetables?

Their school did organize visits to nearby vegetable basket project plantations, but that was soilless cultivation technology, with vertical planting from top to bottom.

The children were small, and looking around, it was all just green.

The teachers were also very strict, not letting them touch or poke, and after all that trouble, they only picked two strawberries themselves.

Compared to the feeling of owning an entire mountain now, it is completely different.

Let alone causing damage, just running around along the paths is enough to consume most of their energy.

During this time, vegetable leaves and branches inevitably scratch their faces, but for them, who are in the middle of playing, it's not a big deal at all.

He Kuang's mother even lets out a soft sigh on the spot:

"I told you this child should grow up in the countryside!"

The children are picking, and the adults are also enjoying themselves.

Such a large vegetable field, who wouldn't like it?

And the orchard in the distance—

"Are the fruits in there ripe?"

Qin Yun is eager to try.

"No." Song Tan laughs: "But when you leave, some of the eagle-beak peaches should be ripe enough to eat; you can take two baskets back then."

"Good, good, good!"

Qin Yun won't be polite: "What about pomegranates? Aren't the pomegranates ripe?"

"It's not the season yet."

"The persimmons aren't either."

"Pears are okay; our local large green pears are still very delicious."

"Apples are also a bit off..."

"Winter dates should have some..."

Comparing what's ready and what's not, overall, the ones that aren't ready take up a larger proportion.

He Kuang lets out an "oh my": "Summer doesn't work, and winter break doesn't work either. This child's schooling has delayed too much!"

Looking at the dazzling variety of fruits and vegetables, a basket of potatoes, a basket of cucumbers, a basket of tomatoes, a basket of green vegetables...

Sigh!

Plus the fruits, it feels like the car won't be able to hold it all!

Editor Yun Feng, however, has been silent, quietly observing this vast wilderness, and asks in a low voice: "Dad, if the car can't hold it later, you and mom can take the high-speed train back."

Good heavens!

The parents who heard this have their eyes light up, and they all look over with approving gazes.

The adults are also making a fuss in the vegetable field, carrying small baskets, thinking this is good and that is wonderful, and soon they are filled to the brim.

Qin Yun's wife also says with annoyance: "Seeing the children carrying large baskets, I laughed at them for being greedy; if I had known, I would have carried a large basket too."

Indeed.

Now, they are full after picking just a little, so they can only ask their family members to go get two more.

However, they all have a sense of proportion; although it seems very full, they are all picking green vegetables that take up space.

You pick a big handful, and it's just one plate when stir-fried.

Just take two big fat eggplants, and by noon, after making eggplant pancakes, they'll be basically gone.

Besides, if you can't finish it at noon, you can continue to make a meal in the evening; it doesn't affect anything at all.

Song Tan lets them be happy—this is not for the host's face, but because Lu Chuan treats her family with care, so she should treat his friends the same way.

Giving and receiving! It must be two-way to be harmonious.

She even takes the initiative to point to a corner on the other side: "Pick more of the cilantro over there; after cleaning it later, it can be sprinkled into the lamb soup."

Whoever wants it can sprinkle it; there's no need to worry about dietary restrictions.

But the mention of being able to eat it soon clearly boosts everyone's enthusiasm, so everyone immediately gathers around.

The elders start chatting: "This is the old variety, right? It grows close to the ground, and the stems have some color..."

"I feel like I haven't seen this in the vegetable market for many years."

Song Tan laughs: "Yes, it's not popular now. This kind gets old easily when the weather is hot, which affects the taste, and it's also not easy to wash."

"Go further in; there is heat-resistant cilantro that can be planted in all four seasons. That one is good to eat in the summer, and the flavor is also strong."

These vegetable varieties that can better adapt to the market and seasons were all carefully selected and matched by Yan Ran and the others.

There is also a large patch of Elsholtzia not far away; pinch the heads and pick the leaves of the fresh and tender parts, whether stir-frying with tofu or mixing with cold noodles, it is exceptionally wonderful.

If you aren't used to eating it...

Oh my, if you aren't used to it, there are so many other vegetables; the main thing is to be casual and follow your heart.

Everyone clearly doesn't eat this often. Smelling this special scent, they each have their own preferences:

"Why is the smell so pungent? Is this catnip?"

"I don't think so; why doesn't the Elsholtzia I saw online look like this? Is it called mint?"

"They say the scientific name for Elsholtzia is basil, is that right?"

Song Tan is between laughter and tears: "No, it's not catnip, and it's not mint; this is our local Elsholtzia, which is not the same thing as the one with the scientific name Elsholtzia."

Besides this, there is also Agastache, which is especially fragrant when cooking fish, also called Da Fei.

And the patches in front—

"Perilla?"

"Yes," Song Tan explains: "It's also very good for wrapping barbecue or in hot pot; there's a small patch of mint further ahead. It tastes very different when cooking rice noodles."

"But let's not pick it today; let's come back to pick some perilla in two days when we slaughter the pig, to take back and wrap barbecue."

When this is said, everyone immediately gets hungry.

Looking at the ground full of various vegetables and the sun about to burst forth, everyone wants to say: Why don't we go back and eat first!

But their stomachs were indeed filled with some snacks in the morning; if they eat now, wouldn't they not be able to eat much?

Just as they are struggling, they hear the familiar loud voice of a child in the vegetable field ahead, calling out happily:

"Whip it! Whip it! Whip me!"

It is exactly He He Tuoluo's voice.

And there is a child on the side in a state of joy: "Brother Song Qiao Song Qiao! You have to use force!"

Everyone:...

Song Tan clears her throat first: "Don't worry, Song Qiao Song Qiao is not the kind of person who hits children."

He Kuang's family's expression, however, is very strange: "I know, but my son... is a child who is very resistant to being hit..."

Everyone follows the sound, walks around the large vegetable field in front, and sees He He Tuoluo squatting on the ground, moving his little feet in circles under the green cowpea vines.

Song Qiao Song Qiao, Qin Qin Beibei, and Yun Yun Danqing are all holding a long, old cowpea in their hands.

The silly child surrounded by everyone is still shouting: "Spinning top! Transform! Super-speed rotation!"

Qin Beibei indeed raises the old cowpea in her hand and whips it over with a "slap."

The seeds of the old cowpea have already matured, and the skin is white and swollen; it is actually very light and soft, so there is no solid weight when it whips.

Even if the summer clothes are light and thin, you won't feel pain.

Not to mention that Qin Beibei doesn't have much strength at all.

But He He Tuoluo acts as if he has really been whipped, making a "woo-woo-woo" spinning sound, and quickly speeds up his rotation...

Then, with a wave of dizziness, he sits down on the ground with a thud.

Coming back to his senses, he sees that the expressions of the adults and children surrounding him are very strange.

Song Tan purses her lips, holds it in, and finally can't help but laugh.

He Kuang's face is pale; clearly, this is not the first time he has seen his son make a fool of himself.

The mother, however, is very calm: "It's okay, keep spinning; whipping with a cowpea is better than a dog leash."

Just let him be hit; anyway, neither the adult nor the child can be broken.

This family is clearly numb from being tortured by the energetic child; looking at it for a few more moments, they take out their phones to record a video, and then turn to look at the vegetable field next to them.

Song Tan, however, instructs: "Song Qiao Song Qiao, don't break the spinning top."

Song Qiao Song Qiao is aggrieved: "I'm tall, but when I whip him, he only spins 3 times... When Yun Danqing whips him, he spins two and a half times."

He He Tuoluo has clearly climbed back up and squatted down again:

"You haven't whipped before, your technique is wrong; whipping a spinning top requires strength... I can feel it, there must be the power of rotation..."

"Is that so?" Song Qiao Song Qiao really hasn't whipped one before, so he humbly asks for advice.

Everyone:...

Qin's mother is still a bit embarrassed: "The child is ignorant, he doesn't know his own strength..."

He's mother is calm: "It's okay, he's thick-skinned; when he was in kindergarten, he asked his classmates to steal dog leashes from home to whip him..."

Once, he even stuck a universal wheel under his sandals, attempting to really spin. As a result, he fell, got hurt, and cried...

In short, the family is numb: "Let him be; as long as we can exhaust his energy, that's fine."

Editor Yun Feng lets out a soft sigh.

To tell the truth, he and his wife want to have a second child, a boy and a girl would be nice, but...

Can't handle it!

Why are boys and girls completely different!

And Song Tan walks two steps and turns back:

"Song Qiao Song Qiao, pick more old cowpeas later; let's stir-fry some cowpea seeds at noon."

"Okay." Song Qiao Song Qiao is studying the technique of whipping a spinning top with He Luo; feeling that the whip is too short to be effective, he has already specially picked two long, long ones and tied them together.

The remaining two girls seem to have never eaten stir-fried cowpea seeds; they only eat tender cowpeas, so they also become interested:

"My whip is about to break; I want to pick a new one to whip."

"I want two!"

Chattering, so cheerful.

And He Luo's voice: "I lost a tooth; will the cowpea seeds get stuck in my teeth..."

Lu Chuan is silent for a while and politely concludes: "Children... are really energetic."

He Kuang sighs, his shoulders slumping: "Chuan, it's good that your place is big—if the children have nothing else to play with tomorrow, can you arrange for two dogs? It's good to have them chase him around."

For this kind of high-energy new child, useless adults like them really can't handle it at all.

Lu Chuan:...

"Let's take them boating tomorrow; I'll go buy some small paddleboards in the afternoon, along with life jackets and swimming rings... Sister-in-law, if those children's gloves haven't been shipped yet, you can cancel them; I'll go buy them all together."

The effort of driving to the city is clearly much easier than dealing with this child.

He Kuang lets out a long sigh of relief: his son is a super-energetic child who can struggle in a water park all day and still jump around when he goes back!

At this moment, he doesn't hesitate: "Buy swimsuits and swimming trunks too; let's go together!"

?? Loxoprofen sodium saves my day!

? Hey! Continuous passion (Summary: Being so energetic is probably due to the hormones during the menstrual period...)