Chapter 144 - 144

Chapter 144 Making WineAfter Gao Xudong left, Yun Ting looked at Yang Qingqing with a sly grin and asked, "What's going on with Gao Xudong?""It's what I said before, we met on the black market, and we only had transactions. Don't make things up.""Okay! If you say it's okay, then it's okay. We're already at your home.""We went to climb the Great Wall together this morning, and he gave me a ride back.""Tsk... Climbing the Great Wall in this sweltering heat, are you two just bored?""None of your business?""Okay, okay, I'll shut up..." Yun Ting made a zipping motion, then looked at the grape trellis, "Wow... my little grape babies, here I come!"He picked two and popped them into his mouth. "Mmm...so sweet.""You...eat it without washing it?""A little dirt won't hurt you..."But my hands honestly picked a bunch and took them to wash."There are quite a lot of grapes here. Why didn't you take some back for your high-rankingcomrade?""If you can't speak properly, then don't eat... okay." "Hehe... I'll speak properly.""Do you want to pick some and send it to your partner?""If you're going to give them away, I have plenty—my second brother and younger brother are here! What are your plans for these grapes?""What are your plans? Take it if you want, you can't finish it anyway.""How about we make some wine? It's quite delicious. I also need to plant a grape vine in my little yard and build a grape trellis."Yun Ting thought, "I'll put up a table and rattan chairs under the grape trellis. A cool breeze, some wine, some snacks... Ah! How wonderful!""I don't know how to do it, why don't you do it?"Yang Qingqing truly had no idea. Back in her previous life, her family owned many expensive wines, and she had never thought to find out how they were made.Yun Ting's eyes darted around, and he put down the grapes in his hand, clapping his hands: "I can do it too, but if this wine is good, you have to give me half!""Why not?" Yang Qingqing agreed with a smile. "Just tell me what you need, and I'll go to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative at the end of the alley to buy it.""I need some baijiu, preferably high-proof, and some sugar too! Also, see if you can find a large jar to store the liquor," Yun Ting instructed as she rolled up her sleeves and began picking grapes. "Hurry back, let's take advantage of the good weather and get the grapes sorted out today!"Yun Ting wasn't worried at all about not being able to buy what she needed; she should have what she needed in her personal space."Oh, right, the bamboo sieve..."Yun Ting thought for a moment, picked a large bunch of grapes, and went next door to knock on the door.Who is it?A woman's voice answered; the door opened, and a middle-aged woman appeared."Young lady, who are you looking for?" she asked, glancing at Yun Ting." Auntie, hello, I'm from next door. Here are some grapes for you to try. May I ask if you have a bamboo sieve? I'd like to borrow it.""Oh, yes, I'll go get it for you right away."" Auntie, take the grapes inside!"The auntie stopped again to take the grapes, saying, "Thank you.""You're too kind, Auntie. I'm actually asking to borrow something from you!"The woman went inside and brought out two bamboo sieves. "Girl, are these two enough?""That's enough, thank you Auntie. I'll bring it back to you when I'm done using it.""No rush, you can use it first."When Yang Qingqing returned with the groceries, Yun Ting had already washed the grapes she had chosen and was spreading them out on a bamboo sieve to drain.When Yun Ting saw the two large glass jars she brought back, she pretended to be surprised and said, "Where did you buy these? They're perfect for storing things."Yang Qingqing casually said, "I just happened to run into someone who had some."Yun Ting knew perfectly well what was going on, but didn't press the matter further.Yang Qingqing breathed a sigh of relief. She was really afraid that Yun Ting would continue to press her for answers. She had taken it from her spatial storage; how would she know where to buy it here?"Where did you get your bamboo sieve?"Borrowed from next door...""Awesome…" Yang Qingqing gave her a thumbs up."That's about it, we can start now. Come on, help me squeeze the grapes."One of them squeezed the juice from the grapes into the porcelain bowl, while the other sprinkled sugar and stirred. Yang Qingqing was learning diligently, not caring that her fingertips were stained with the sweet grape juice.Yun Ting couldn't help but laugh at her clumsy yet focused expression, teasing her on purpose: "Looking at you like this, anyone who didn't know better would think you were some rich young lady!" Yang Qingqing retorted, "Yes, I'm here to experience life." But her hands didn't stop moving. The fragrance of grapes mingled with laughter, lingering under the bamboo trellis, creating a sweet taste that belonged to this summer.By the time everything was done and the glass tank was sealed, two hours had passed.Yun Ting glanced at his watch. "Well, it's dinner time. My beauty, is there any food?""Let's go out to eat, it's on me."Yun Ting first returned the bamboo sieve to its owner before going to eat.After dinner, Yun Ting came back with a few bunches of grapes, which she would take to her second brother and his family tomorrow.She hadn't planned to take it, but Yang Qingqingsaid, "It's going to rot anyway, it's a waste to throw it away. Are you going to continue making wine?"...The next day, Yun Ting got up early, made some meat pies, and set off with grapes.First, I went to my second brother's Military Academy. Just as I arrived at the entrance, before I could even ask the guard to pass on a message, a joyful voice rang out."Xiaoyun, you're here..."The man, still wearing his military green training uniform, strode toward her with a broad smile." Duan Xingye, didn't you train today?""Yeah, I was resting. I was just about to go home when I saw you. When did you get back? Why didn't you call and let me know? I would have come to pick you up.""No need for that. I can manage on my own. I just arrived yesterday. Would you like to go home first?""I won't go back yet, I'll stay with you.""Didn't have breakfast? I have some pancakes here, have a taste." Yun Ting handed him a paper package containing five meat pancakes.She divided the food into three oil paper packets, each containing five pieces. They weren't small, and should be enough to fill her up.Duan Xingye happily accepted it. He had already eaten breakfast, but he could still eat some more."Mmm...delicious. Xiaoyun is amazing, her cooking is superb.""Hmph, you won't get any extra points during the flattery probation period.""Haha... I won't add it, I'll add it from somewhere else.""I wonder if my second brother is free? Everyone else is on holiday, but you guys are still so busy?""This is different for us; it's for active-duty soldiers to take advanced training. I'll have someone call him." Duan Xingye said as he ate a meat pie and walked toward the guardhouse by the door.He could go in by himself, but he didn't want to waste the precious time he had with Yun Ting.After waiting for a while, Yun Huai came out, covered in sweat, probably from training."Little sister, you're here. How's everything at home?"Seeing her second brother covered in sweat, Yun Ting felt a pang of sympathy and took out a handkerchief to hand him. "Second brother, wipe your sweat. Everything's fine at home, so don't worry. Mom and Dad are still talking about you and your little brother!"Duan Xingye, standing to the side, felt envious. Why didn't he have a handkerchief?Yun Huai didn't even glance at him, chatting with her younger sister the whole time."Second brother, don't you guys get any rest? Training every day in this sweltering heat? I made this meat pie, eat it quickly.""I'll be on break starting tomorrow, for four days. It won't be all training each day; there will also be academic classes. Sitting in the classroom won't be tiring."Yun Huai took the meat pie and ate it in big bites, talking as he ate, but he didn't seem rude at all.