Chapter 779: 202: Direct confrontation, what is her name? _2 Chapter 779: 202: Direct confrontation, what is her name? _2 Upon hearing that the orange was for Wu Dalong, Wu Erlong immediately retracted his hand, “Then, I’ll eat it myself.”
Wu Dalong wasn’t happy, “Erlong, didn’t you say you didn’t like it?”
“That was just now, now I do.” Wu Erlong quickly stuffed the orange into his mouth.
Wu Yanyun watched the exchange between his two younger brothers with amusement before walking towards their grandmother’s room.
Their grandmother was a product of the feudal society and still had bound feet. As such, she was incapable of heavy labor and mostly stayed at home.
“Grandma, here is an orange.” Wu Yanyun offered the orange to his grandmother.
“Give it to Dalong and Erlong, I don’t really like it.” replied his grandmother after a glance.
“Please, try it. Both Dalong and Erlong have already had theirs.” Wu Yanyun said.
“No, take it to your parents. I don’t want it.” His grandmother shook her head.
Elders often tend to keep the best for the younger ones, disregarding their own needs.
“Mom and Dad also have their share, I’ll leave it here for you,” said Wu Yanyun placing the orange on the table.
“If I say take it away, take it away!” Grandma Wu suddenly raised her voice, “You stubborn girl, why do you always argue with me?!”
Having no other choice, Wu Yanyun took back the orange.
“Your parents work so hard during the day; let them have a bit more.” Grandma Wu advised.
“Alright.” Wu Yanyun nodded in agreement.
Returning to her room, Wu Yanyun found her youngest brother, Wu Xiaolong awake.
Wu Xiaolong was just three months old. At his fussiest time now, he demanded to be carried the moment he awoke.
Yan Erju’s breastmilk didn’t flow well; her children were not plump and fair as one might expect but rather lean and slightly dark-skinned.
While Wu Yanyun was holding her brother in the yard, a plump middle-aged woman entered, “Yanyun is at home!”
“Yes, I am.” Wu Yanyun stood up, “Landlady auntie is here.”
The landlady’s surname was also Wu, Wu Lan. She was the complete opposite of the Wu family–they were all dark and slender, while she was fair and tubby, looking as if she carried several swim rings around her waist.
“It’s mid-month, did you prepare the rent?” Wu Lan inquired.
Wu Yanyun nodded, “I’ll fetch it right away.”
The rent was 10 yuan a month. Despite being in financial straits, the Wu family never defaulted on their rent. Wu Lan was a kind person; knowing the Wu family’s condition, she only charged them 10 yuan a month for rent originally worth 12 yuan.
Wu Yanyun fetched a 10-yuan note that her mother had prearranged and handed it to Wu Lan, “Landlady auntie, please take this.”
After accepting the money, Wu Lan glanced into the room, “Yanyun, are your parents not at home?”
“Mm-hmm.” Wu Yanyun nodded.
Wu Lan sighed, “It’s tough on you, bearing such burden at such a young age!” Which family in Beijing would have a girl this young drop out of school to take care of her siblings?
But then again, there was no other choice. Grandma Wu couldn’t do manual labor due to her bound feet, and her three brothers were still young…
Wu Yanyun shook her head, “I’m not suffering, Landlady auntie.”
Wu Lan smiled, “Auntie knows you’re capable.” Not only was she capable, but she was also pretty. With those big eyes and prominent nose, which other girl in the neighbourhood could compete? If she got an education, went to university, she could become a ‘Golden Phoenix’.
What a pity though, wrong family!
Just then, Grandma Wu came out of the room, leaning on her walking stick, “Eh?”
“Auntie, it’s me!” Wu Lan greeted enthusiastically.
Grandma Wu approached slowly, “Oh, it’s Lanzi.”
“Auntie, I was just praising Yanyun. Not only is she pretty, but she’s also so sensible. You’ll be blessed in the future.”
A smile didn’t cross Grandma Wu’s face, “We’re so impoverished, what use is beauty? It can’t be eaten like rice or spent like cash!”
The rich derive pleasure from beauty.
But what use does a poor person have for beauty?
Beauty can’t save you from hunger!
Wu Lan forced a smile, “Well, auntie, I’ve got other things to do. I won’t bother you more. I have to leave now.”
“Go on with your work. Don’t let an old ruin like me hold you up,” nodded Grandma Wu.
After Wu Lan left, Grandma Wu returned to her small room with the help of her walking stick.
The thing Grandma Wu did most every day was spacing out in front of the window.
Her son and daughter-in-law were struggling so much. She wished she could help, but regretfully there wasn’t much she could do about it.
After calming down her little brother, it was time for Wu Yanyun to prepare dinner.
The rice jar was almost empty. Watered down rice porridge was the only option. The leftovers from the restaurant a few days ago had long been eaten. Fortunately, there were still pancakes given by Han Xiaoyu, enough to scrape together a meal for the night.