Chapter 35: Chapter 35: No News_1
Chapter 35: Chapter 35: No News_1
For a long time, they had not tasted such good things, and Mrs. Zhao couldn’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva. Ever since her son Zhao Jingui had gone out to do business and vanished without a trace, their family’s life had become increasingly impoverished. In the past, they were able to have meat every ten days or half a month, but now there wasn’t even a hint of oil in their vegetables. Thankfully, her daughter-in-law was hardworking and capable. Although usually quiet and introverted, she could do anything when it came to farming or embroidery. By selling her handiwork at the market, she managed to earn a few coppers, just enough to keep the family from starving.
“Grandma, I want to eat cake,” a timid and mushy voice spoke, little hands tugging at Mrs. Zhao’s clothes.
Zhao Xiaoquan was already five years old this year but appeared thin and feeble, even smaller than the three- or four-year-olds in the village. Even when Lin Yue first saw Dalang and his three brothers, they seemed much better off than Zhao Xiaoquan. At most, Dalang’s clothes were shabby, but he wasn’t reduced to skin and bones. Now, with Lin Yue’s help, Dalang and his brothers were getting healthier and livelier.
“My dear grandson, you can’t eat this. Tonight, grandma will stir-fry some beans for you to eat,” Mrs. Zhao said. Though poor and without much talent, she was a person of good character. No matter how rare and tempting, she did not dare to accept such valuable gifts lightly. If Sister Chunxi had brought just some ordinary things, it would have been fine. After all, it was normal for neighbors to exchange things. But what Sister Chunxi brought this time was far too precious for their family. They had nothing suitable to offer in return. Mrs. Zhao covered the items with a floral cloth and carried them back into the room.
“Auntie, why are you taking the things back? Do you dislike the food I made?” asked Lin Yue, understanding Mrs. Zhao’s demeanor and intentionally saying this so she wouldn’t refuse it.
“Sister Erhu, saying that would make me, an old woman, feel completely ashamed. I know you meant well and brought these nice things specially, but I cannot take advantage of your kind heart to accept such valuable gifts without restraint. I simply cannot accept this,” she replied.
“Auntie, look at what you’re saying. What valuable things are these? They’re just some snacks I made at home when I had nothing else to do. I brought them for you to have a little fun with, without spending anything. There shouldn’t be any reason not to accept them.”
As Chunxi and Lin Yue became more familiar with each other, the interaction between them became more casual. Thus, Chunxi didn’t really think there was anything wrong with Lin Yue bringing some food over. She was going to persuade Mrs. Zhao to accept it, but after seeing the contents of the basket, she also changed her tune, “Yueyue, what are you doing bringing so much over all of a sudden? Especially the bean sprouts, they are precious at this time of year, not to mention the steamed buns and cakes—and so many of them! Even tofu costs four coins per block at the market, and you’re giving much more than what they sell. All together, it must be worth two to three hundred coins.”
Chunxi, who often sold goods at the market, had a good eye and could estimate the value of these items. No wonder both she and Mrs. Zhao dared not accept Lin Yue’s gifts; two to three hundred coins represented several months of living expenses for them.
“What’s all this talk about money? I told you, these are just things we had at home. It’s nothing more than a bit of effort and thought. Besides, beans are the cheapest of foods, they’re not worth much. If you truly consider me, Lin Yue, a friend, then stop putting up so many objections. Besides, I have a favor to ask of Sister Chunxi. If you keep this up, I’ll feel uncomfortable even asking.”