Chapter 54: Followed by a Person
Translator: 549690339
Not long after Qiao Xiaomai descended the mountain, Child Third reappeared from behind a large tree.
His gaze settled on the large pile of firewood, his expression complex.
Qiao Xiaomai had wandered on the mountain for nearly two hours, gathering dried wood in both thick and thin sizes. Thick pieces were as large as an arm, like a small tree, the thinnest about the size of a thumb. All this together was a heap of firewood taller than her.
By Child Third’s estimation, the pile of firewood must have weighed close to a hundred jin.
Yet Qiao Xiaomai, grabbing the hemp rope with one hand, walked down the path with ease. From time to time, she would even hop joyfully as though she was in a good mood.
It was evident that carrying thirty-four copper coins had tired her out during their last encounter. How had she suddenly become so strong now?
With a wild chicken in hand, Child Third walked towards his home with a complicated expression in the twilight hour.
Unbeknownst to Qiao Xiaomai, there was a person trailing behind her. Now that there was a start to her small business, whether it be food or a place to stay, she could just about manage. This allowed her previous feelings of frustration from just having time-traveled to dissipate. Therefore, when a butterfly flew by in her line of sight, she could not resist bounding forward to catch it.
But as they neared the village, the merriment on her face vanished. She acted as though it was challenging work, pulling the rope with force and trying hard to come home, her face turning red from exertion.
After a moment’s hesitation, he hid behind a tree.
Qiao Xiaomai’s abrupt change of demeanor suggested that she didn’t want others to know how strong she was.
He decided it was best not to show himself yet.
Only after Qiao Xiaomai and the large bundle of firewood disappeared from sight did he proceeded on his way home.
Qiao Xiaomai was obliviously followed by someone who saw her whole act play out. She strained herself, pulling the large bundle of dried wood home, sweat dotting her forehead.
Upon seeing this, Qiao Changshun was heartbroken, “Why did you pick up so much? It’s too heavy, come and rest.”
Qiao Dami promptly brought a bowl of well water to her, “Sister, drink some water!”
Qiao Xiaomai gratefully took the bowl, draining the drink in one swig. Only then did she speak, “We use a lot of wood for making soy milk every day. If 1 collect more, we won’t have to go up the mountain for several days.” ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novｅlfire.net
At her words, a look of shame washed over Qiao Changshun’s face, “It’s all because I’m of no help.”
When he was not crippled, there was never a shortage of firewood at home. The courtyard was always piled with neatly chopped wood. But since he broke his leg, he became incapable of doing laborious chores, barely more useful than a wastrel.
She wasn’t tired at all, but yet he felt pitiful!
Touching her nose, she comforted him, “It’s fine, I am not tired. Rest assured, things at our house are going to get better.”
“These are all strenuous tasks, not fit for you, a young girl…” As Qiao Changshun started to sigh, he added, “Aigh, your hands are all covered in callouses. What if it impedes your marriage prospects?”
Her lips twitched, noticing the stark disparity between her modern mentality and the thinking of the ancient world inhabitants. The conversation had somehow pivoted.
“Our home is improving. Maybe in a few days, 1 can invite a matchmaker to come over?” he continued.
Qiao Xiaomai, “…wait until our business stabilizes before we discuss this.”
In order to stop Qiao Changshun from pursuing his line of thought, she deftly changed the topic, “Is dinner ready?”
“It’s ready, millet porridge, cold mixed tofu, steamed buns, and leftover bone soup from noon.” Qiao Changshun immediately replied.
“Alright then, let’s have dinner.” Qiao Xiaomai headed towards the kitchen.
Once she was not facing Qiao Changshun, her face instantly deflated.