That same day I and my two kids moved into our new home.
It was just an old farmhouse. Though big enough, it needed a lot— I mean A LOT—of repairs, from the roofs to the wooden floor all the way to the windows, and let’s not forget the gates.
Everything was made out of wood, literally. But I didn’t regret choosing this house.
The location was exactly what I needed. It was nearer to the mountain, and nearer to the river, which meant fishing wouldn’t be a problem. And not just that, I had a small farm field at the back of the house.
Yes, it looked messy—everywhere looked messy—but that was something a little cleaning and repairs couldn’t fix.
Placing the little things I was able to take from the Lu family home on the bench, my two kids tugged on my clothes slightly.
"Mama, are we going to be living here now?" Yiling asked with her cute eyes as I nodded and squeezed her cheeks.
"Yes dearie... from now on we are staying here. No more aunt and uncle, no more evil twins... now no one would dare to lay a finger on you!"
I reassured her as she nodded and laughed with her brother.
Focusing on the house now, I sighed slightly. I had so many things to do; truly, being a single mom isn’t an easy task.
Just then, someone stepped in, and upon seeing her, I smiled. "Yang Mei!"
"Lin Xuuuu... I’m so, so happy for you! Finally, you’re free from that bloodsucking in-law of yours, thank goodness."
She hugged me tight as I just smiled. I was happy to know that there was someone here who actually supported Lin Xu. At least I wouldn’t feel too lonely without anyone to talk to and back me up.
"Yan Mei, it wouldn’t have been possible if you hadn’t chipped in. Thanks a lot, I appreciate it."
"Ahh... c’mon, what are friends for? After all, I owe you so much. I wouldn’t be here if not for you. I still remember it like it happened yesterday—how you saved me from getting eaten by a wild animal back in the mountain. Since then, I’ve pledged to always stand by you, Lin Xu!"
She held my hands like a little child as I just laughed. I never knew Lin Xu was so brave. I don’t care what anyone has to say, but so far, she’s the best character this drama ever had.
But just then, Yan Mei attacked me with a striking question, "Ehhh, Lin Xu, to be honest, I never knew you had such a fierce and pretentious side in you... you handled the matter so well. Your aunt couldn’t even act her way out of it. How did you do it?"
Laughing awkwardly, I just found a way to cover it. I had almost forgotten how Lin Xu was a quiet and naive woman; it’s obvious that Yan Mei was surprised to see her talk back to her in-laws.
"Well, I don’t care how you did it, but I’m just happy that you finally know how to stand up for yourself. I’m so, so proud... Umm, by the way, where’s Bao Bao? I haven’t seen him since."
Her words finally dragged me back to reality. "Oh no! I have to go pick him up from Physician Li. He hasn’t eaten all day... I have to run!"
I quickly took the food that I had packaged and ran in full speed, meanwhile Yan Mei stayed over to take care of Yuen and Yiling.
Upon getting to Physician Li’s clinic, I entered and saw him tending to some ill villagers, so I decided to go into the room where Bao Bao was kept and feed him with my hands.
The child looked so small and malnourished. It made me so upset. Taking him up in my arms, I fed him little by little until he finished the whole food, before petting him to sleep.
"Don’t worry Bao Bao, I’ll surely take good care of you... you won’t fall sick again, not on my watch!"
I said under my breath as a deep voice startled me from behind, "You really are a good mother, Lin Xu!"
Upon hearing that, I immediately stood up only to find Physician Li standing beside the door.
"Physician Li, you’re done!" I said as he approached me slowly. Seeing him more clearly, his beauty still hadn’t decreased at all.
So many handsome bachelors in the village, why didn’t Lin Xu ever marry one of them? At least she wouldn’t have suffered and starved to her death.
"Bao Bao is much better now; his fever has stabilized since early this morning and you can take him with you now. It won’t be good for him to keep him here—he would heal faster if he’s around people he knows and trusts."
He said as I nodded, smiling. "That’s good. Ummm, before I go, please have this, Physician Li!"
I said as I handed over to him 30 coins, and he seemed quite surprised.
While splitting the houses and other things in the Lu family, I also took some money from the old woman. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✦𝙣𝙚𝙩
She gave me 5 taels, and here 5 taels is a lot of money.
[ 1000 yuan = 1 tael ]
It’s a simple money system that can easily be understood. My history classes didn’t go to waste after all.
Frowning slightly, Physician Li folded his hands. "I already said you don’t need to pay. You are a good friend of mine. Taking care of Bao Bao is something I’ll do without blinking an eye, you don’t need to, Lin Xu."
He said, but I wasn’t buying it. It’s still so obvious that he likes Lin Xu, sneaking up on me like that—typical admiration scene.
I don’t want to have anything to do with him. The former Lin Xu could have, but not me. If I don’t give him his money, he’ll totally want me to pay it back in another way—typical man. After all, nothing is for free in the world.
Shoving the money into his hands, I quickly faked a smile. "No, no, no, no, I can’t bear to do that. I am really thankful, Physician Li, but please let me do this and have peace of mind."
Without waiting for his reply, I quickly took Bao Bao in my arms, ready to leave, as he sighed, defeated.
"Well, in that case, I’ll just keep it. But I’ll be visiting Bao Bao twice a week to check on him so nothing happens suddenly."
He said as I nodded, and with that, I left with my little boy in my arms.
"Sigh! I need to stop at the market!"