Back to the 60s: The Struggle Career of a Charmed Wife

Compared to the regular home-style dishes in most state-run restaurants, the cuisine here is remarkably exquisite.

Not only is it exquisite, but also full of color, aroma, and flavor — the kind fit for a fine dining occasion.

With just one bite of the squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, the five children widened their eyes instantly. After swallowing, Lu Erxiong exclaimed, "Mom, this fish is delicious! It's such a pity that Big Brother couldn't join us."

Xia Shuhuai gave him another bite since Lu Erxiong was sitting right next to him.

"Tomorrow, I'll write to your Big Brother inviting him to visit Shanghai. I'll treat him to a meal, and there won't be any regrets." After spending some time at the Wanglou Brigade, he had grown quite fond of Xibao.

Lu Erxiong was extremely envious, "Grandpa Xia, will you invite Big Brother alone?"

Xia Shuhuai smiled, "I can invite you alone too, if you're available. When do you have free time? Let me fulfill my duty as a host."

Lu Erxiong chuckled, "We all came together, how could I eat alone? That wouldn't be fair. Besides, I'm very busy, I don't seem to have any free time."

"Busy with what?" Xia Shuhuai asked him.

"Busy playing around, sightseeing at the Shanghai Bund, cruising on the Huangpu River, strolling through the department store, going to the Jinjiang Club. I heard there are so many fun things to do there, it'd be a waste not to do it all."

Xia Shuhuai couldn't help but laugh, "Do you want me to be your guide? I have a car, I can take you out, it'd be very convenient."

Lu Erxiong shook his head, "I'm too young, I don't have money to buy gasoline."

Upon hearing this, Xia Shuhuai showed a hint of admiration in his eyes.

If it weren't for the influence of his parents, how would a child say something like this? It indicated that the Lu family usually didn't misuse state resources for private use; they paid for their own fuel.

Compared to those who misuse official vehicles for personal use, such children are truly endearing.

In fact, Feng Qingxue really never paid attention to this aspect. From start to finish, their family car arrangements were made by Lu Jiang, and he covered the fuel costs himself, never mentioning this expense to her.

But Xia Shuhuai didn't know this. Smiling, he said, "It's fine. Your Grandpa Xia has been compensated a few years' worth of salary, so I'm not short on money. Plus, I often ate at your home back in Wanglou Brigade, so it's only fair I spend some money on gasoline to take you around. However, if I can be your guide depends on my work schedule."

Feng Qingxue quickly said, "Uncle Xia, the trams in Shanghai are very convenient, and your work is important. Don't worry about our sightseeing. We just decided to fly from Shanghai to the Capital, so we'll be here for a few days and the schedule is still flexible."

Xia Shuhuai thought for a moment, "Alright, I'll take it easy then."

After a pause, he continued, "Which floor and room are you staying in? I have a lot of tickets and Industrial Coupons; I'll have the guard deliver them to you later. Feel free to buy whatever you want; if there's not enough, I'll think of something."

Zang Yuying, not being very familiar with Feng Qingxue and being quite reticent herself, didn't interrupt their conversation after checking in briefly with Guo Ming and his wife. Upon hearing this, she added, "I also have plenty of tickets and Industrial Coupons, and since I'm just feeding myself with no family to worry about, I don't have any industrial goods to buy. Take them and get more food for the kids."

Although these children looked healthy and were well-cared for, in these times of scarce supplies, every household needed to be thrifty. There were few opportunities to eat and drink to one's heart's content, and as the saying goes, food is the paramount necessity of the people. That's why Zang Yuying offered generously.