Chapter 780: 202: Direct confrontation, what is her name? _3 Chapter 780: 202: Direct confrontation, what is her name? _3 Wu Yanyun stewed porridge while holding her younger brother. By the time the porridge was ready, Yan Erju and Wu Jinshu had returned home.
Yan Erju worked at the rice shop, carrying 150 catties of rice per bag for 2 cents. Ten bags of rice amounted to 1 cent, and Yan Erju could carry 60 bags a day, earning about 1.2 yuan a day.
But not every day of the month had work at the rice shop—on average, only 15 days of the month did, which meant that Yan Erju made about 18 yuan a month.
Because of his disabilities, Wu Jinshu could only do odd jobs at the construction site, earning only 0.2 yuan a day.
The couple’s combined monthly income was 24 yuan. But with four children to raise and other necessities, housing, water and electricity to pay for, they were almost always in debt by the end of the month.
Wu Yanyun was a very sensible little girl. Yan Erju and Wu Dalong were busy with work so they didn’t have to worry about the house, which Wu Yanyun kept tidy.
Wu Yanyun served the food on the table. “Mom, Dad, dinner’s ready.”
Dinner was very simple, just porridge and pancakes, with a side of pickles.
“Hmm,” Yan Erju nodded approvingly, “Was Xiaolong a good boy today?”
Wu Yanyun replied, “Xiaolong was very good.”
“That’s good to hear.” Yan Erju loved her eldest daughter very much. If it weren’t for her, their family might not pull through. Despite their struggles, life wasn’t that terrible.
Wu Yanyun brought out some oranges. “Mom, Dad, have some oranges.”
Wu Jinshu was surprised. “Xiaoyun, where did you get these oranges from?”
They could certainly not afford to buy oranges considering their current state.
Wu Yanyun explained, “Oh, never mind that. Dad doesn’t like oranges. Dalong, you and Erlong can have these.”
Dalong happily took the orange.
Erju, with hands empty, smiled, “I don’t like them either, Erlong. You can have it.”
Wu Erlong shook his head, “Sis already gave me one. You should have it, Mom.”
Wu Erlong still refused.
“I want it.” Wu Dalong, ever the glutton, took the orange from Yan Erju and began to eat it hungrily.
Wu Yanyun reprimanded him, “You are such a glutton.”
Dalong made a face at Wu Yanyun.
Yan Erju laughed, “He’s the younger one, Xiaoyun. You should let him have his way.”
Despite being reasonable, Wu Yanyun still felt upset as she felt Dalong was too unreasonable.
Yan Erju, on the other hand, felt it was just normal for kids. Once they’ve grown up, they would understand.
During dinner, Wu Yanyun said, “Mom, our landlord came for the rent today.”
“Did you pay it?” Yan Erju asked.
Wu Yanyun nodded, “I did.”
Then she added, “By the way, Mom, we’re out of rice at home.”
Although this topic was a bit heavy, it had to be addressed—without rice, there would be no meals.
Yan Erju took two yuan out of her pocket, “I just received this as my pay today. Spend it carefully.”
Two yuan was a significant amount for the Wu family, but Yan Erju trusted Wu Yanyun.
She knew her eldest daughter wouldn’t spend money frivolously.
“Okay.” Wu Yanyun nodded. Just as she did, Wu Jinshu finished his meal, and she went to serve him more.
Granny Wu, who usually ate three bowls of porridge, put down her chopsticks after only two bowls. “I’m full. I’m going to bed.”
In those hard times, people ate less.
Wu Jinshu was surprised, “Mom, why did you eat so little today?”
“I can’t eat anymore.” Granny Wu replied.
It wasn’t that she couldn’t eat anymore or that she was full, she just wanted to save a bit more. She was old, and if she could save, she would let the children eat more.
The kitchen was at the other end of the yard. As she was returning to her room, Granny Wu bumped into Wu Yanyun, who was bringing back rice.
Wu Yanyun asked, “Granny, have you finished eating?”
Granny Wu nodded, “I’m done.”
Then, as though she’d just remembered something, she added, “We don’t have enough food at home. Your dad and mom work hard every day, and Dalong, Erlong, and Xiaolong are all growing children. You and I are the only ones who don’t work, let’s eat less.”
After saying this, Granny Wu turned and walked towards her room.
Wu Yanyun was startled. It took her a moment to understand what Granny Wu meant.