"The chestnuts were eventually stored in the warehouse by Song Tan, as Zhang Yanping, eavesdropping from the second floor, caught bits and pieces and offered an irresistible suggestion—"
"Tantan, chestnuts can be kept for the New Year!"
"When the villagers come to visit during the New Year, our supplies won't last with all the eating. Buying from outside would seem like we aren't sincere."
"Just serve a plate of dried chestnuts. These are so dry, one could nibble for hours without a problem!"
"We'll just get by with this for the year, and next year we'll plant more sunflowers and peanuts. Won't that take care of the New Year's roasted snacks?"
Zhang Yanping is both tight-fisted and clever; this idea really struck a chord with Lao Song's family!
"Yes!" Wu Lan also began to dream: "When the kids come over for New Year's, we'll give them a bag of our own stuff. When people visit, we'll prepare something to pass the time..."
