Lin Hui's eyes flickered and said, "Okay, then Mom will give you a younger brother."
Although she didn't say anything, she was still full of expectations when she heard Da Qiao's words.
It wasn't that she preferred sons over daughters. But rather that she brought little Dong Lin along with her in this marriage and Qiao Zhen Jun had no son under his name. If it goes on for a long time, everyone will definitely have a comment or two.
Some people with crooked minds might think that she wanted her son to occupy Qiao Family's assets. As an adult, she can ignore these rumors. But Dong Lin was still young. She didn't want to let him encounter this bad experience when he grow up.
When Wan Chun Ju walked out of the main room, she heard Lin Hui's words. She couldn't help but curled her lips and muttered, "Do you think a son can be born just because you want? Do you really think that you are goddess of fertility?"
After she finished speaking, she rubbed her almost six-month-old belly. The corners of her drooping mouth raised. Inside must be a son!
Like this way, she has two sons. Even if Lin Hui has a son, it cannot shake her status as a greatest contributor of Qiao Family!
While Chen Qiao Qiao was staring at Lin Hui's stomach with a heart full of sourness and envy.
If she could have a son, maybe her relationship with Qiao Zhen Min wouldn't be so rigid!
Thinking of this, her eyes flashed.
Qiao Xiu Zhi took in the few daughter-in-laws' reactions, but did not speak.
She didn't care whether it's a boy or a girl. As long as the child is healthy, it is enough.
She and Xue Chuan looked at each other and stood up one after another. They left the room to the younger generations and entered their room.
As for Qiao Family who were fed dog food from time to time, they didn't find it strange.
Once they entered their room, Xue Chuan led his wife to sit down, personally went to get a pot of hot water, and then personally helped his wife take off her shoes and socks: "After walking so far, soak in the water to relax. Later I'll give you a massage. You won't have foot pain tomorrow."
Qiao Xiu Zhi pulled him down beside her and spoke, "I haven't told you one more thing. Little Wan'er got recognized as a goddaughter by Chu Family."
On the way back, she reminded her youngest son to mention this when they went back.
It can't be helped that the fact Da Qiao got recognized by a deputy chief as his goddaughter couldn't be hidden. If another became goddaughter of deputy county magistrate, Qiao Family's front would be too flying too high.
The gun hit the forefront bird.
Too much limelight was never a good thing. So after she came back, she didn't tell Qiao Family about it.
The main reason was because Eldest Daughter-in-law's mouth was too loose. Anything that reached her ears will be yelled to the whole village within a half a day!
Also, the two other branches got high-ranking officials as relatives. Now only first branch didn't have any. Eldest Daughter-in-law will definitely be unable to accept it when she finds out. Maybe there will be some trouble. Not telling her was the best idea.
Xue Chuan nodded to show his understanding: "Your arrangement is good. It's a great blessing among misfortunes for little Wan'er to have such an encounter. Fortunately, she met Chu Family. If not, I wouldn't dare to think about the consequences!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi nodded: "It is indeed thanks to Chu Family this time. However, let her play with Da Qiao more in the future."
She didn't know what unique adventure Da Qiao had experienced. But as long as people who were truly kind to her, they will slowly develop in a good direction.
For example, old Second's legs. This matter had created a stir among the people in the village.
Someone who was originally going to be paralyzed for the rest of his life suddenly stood up. If feudal superstitions weren't disintegrated now, people might say all kind of things.
Another was little Yi Ming. Little Yi Ming burned his brain when he was three years old. He couldn't remember things at all. Nor could he recognize people. Now he recognized everyone in the family!
From what Hong Xia said, little Yi Ming can now count numbers from one to ten. This was a great improvement!
...
The night was getting darker.
Da Qiao followed her parents back to Qiao's small house. After washing up, the people in the old house gradually fell asleep.
Qiao Zhen Min was tired for many days.
Before returning to home, he had never slept peacefully. He feared that his daughter would disappear from sight once he closed his eyes.
Now that he was home and looking at his daughter who was rosy in her sleep, his on-edge heart settled back into place.
Suddenly, a hand stretched out from behind and hugged his waist: "Zhen Min, I know I'm wrong. So please forgive me this time."
Chen Qiao Qiao's voice had an obvious tremble.
Qiao Zhen Min sighed in his heart, pulled her hand away and turned to look at her: "Mom is right. You and I are responsible for this matter. I don't want to pursue the past, but in the future... I hope you put more heart into minding the child."
Chen Qiao Qiao repeatedly nodded and quickly replied: "I will. I will be very good to the child in the future."
Qiao Zhen Min said: "Okay, I believe you this time."
He did feel a little offput by the fact that she lost the child. Still, life must go on. Unless he wanted to get a divorce, he would have to overcome this hurdle himself.
So he was willing to give each other another chance. Besides, with the way little Wan'er was, it was not good for little Wan'er whether he get divorced or remarry after divorce.
After blowing the oil lamp, the two went to bed.
Qiao Zhen Min yawned. Drowsiness soon came.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, a hand reached out from behind again.
He instantly woke up from drowsiness, reached out and took her hand away and stated, "I'm very tired today."
He couldn't understand what was going on in her mind more and more!
He had been toiling around for so many days and she didn't express a word of concern. Why did she want to do that as soon as they laid down?
However, Chen Qiao Qiao felt like a basin of cold water was poured over her head in winter. Her whole heart was cold.
Her eyes felt sour and uncomfortable. She wanted to ask him, was he still blaming her for losing the child, right?
But she dared not ask.
The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.
Qiao Zhen Min moved his body and whispered, "Go to sleep."
"En." Chen Qiao Qiao responded with choked sobs as she held back her tears.
She looked at her man's icy back. Finally tears flowed silently.
Chen Qiao Qiao wasn't the only awake in the middle of the night. There was also her sister-in-law.
Being kicked off the table by her mother-in-law today, Wan Chun Ju lost all face. Although she was often embarrassed, she was still very mad!
And what's even more infuriating was that she was somehow jinxed recently. Why can't she eat meat?
With so much meat at home, she couldn't eat a piece of it. What a shame!
She tossed and turned. Just couldn't fall asleep. In addition, the pregnant woman's belly was getting bigger. She also would have frequent toilet urge. Not long after she lay down, she suddenly wanted to pee again.
She had to get up. After using the toilet, she lay down on the bed again. Seeing that her man was sleeping soundly, she was envious and itched with hate. She couldn't resist pushing him awake.
Drowsily, Qiao Zhen Guo glanced at her and uttered, "Wife, what are you doing when you should be sleeping in the middle of the night?"
Wan Chun Ju grudgingly said, "Why didn't you plead for me at the dinner table today?"
Qiao Zhen Guo murmured, "Wife, with your long-tongued nature, it's useless to plead. You will still talk nonsense later."
Wan Chun Ju was so angry that she almost spurted blood: "..."
Qiao wild stabbing demon Zheng Guo flipped over as he added, "Wife, you should go to bed earlier. If not you will have mouth sore again the next day!"
Wan Chun Ju was so vexed that her face turned red: "...You really can't spit out anything decent. What does not sleeping have to do with mouth sore?"
Unfortunately, no one answered her. Qiao Zhen Guo, who was sleeping next to her, snored again.
The loud snoring made her even more upset. She didn't sleep well all night!
The next day, a shriek broke out from first branch's room: "Qiao Zhen Guo, you crow's mouth! I really have mouth sores!"
And it was eight of them!
It hurt like hell!
After Qiao Zhen Guo heard his wife's words, he rubbed his forehead and smiled proudly: "I didn't expect my mouth to be so accurate. If it were before, I could be a fortune teller!"
Wan Chun Ju: "..."
What kind of person did she married to?
How infuriating!
...
Da Qiao was carrying her schoolbag and followed her cousins to school. When she passed the pigsty, she saw the boy staring at her again.
The boy was picking dung with his mom and grandfather. When he saw her coming, his gaze fell on her again. He didn't seem to feel embarrassed because he was picking dung.
Qiao Dong Ying noticed. She nudged her hand and joked: "Da Qiao, look. That boy over there has been watching you!"
An Ping followed his sister's gaze. As expected, he saw a boy staring at his family's younger sister. Immediately, he rolled up his sleeves angrily: "Stinky boy! Watch where you are looking at. Try looking around again and see how I'll sort you out!"
Huo Chi didn't flinch. His pair of slender dark eyes kept staring at Da Qiao.
An Ping felt that he was being ignored and stomped with anger: "Stinky boy, didn't you hear what I said? Randomly look around again and I'll beat you up!"
Huo Chi finally spoke, "I didn't randomly look around." He only looked at that one girl. Didn't look at any one else.
An Ping felt that this person was either stupid or deliberately trying to find fault. He rolled up his sleeves and was really going to beat him up. However, Da Qiao stopped him.
"Elder Cousin Brother, let's go quickly. We'll be late in a while!"
Da Qiao also felt it was strange that the boy kept staring at her.
She didn't feel any malice in the other party's eyes though. So the other party could look at it if he wanted to. She wouldn't lose a piece of meat.
Younger Cousin Sister's voice was soft and sweet. No matter how big the fire was, An Ping couldn't flare up. Besides, he couldn't be late again this month, or the teacher would come over for a home visit!
He glared at the boy and declared, "Hmph, I'll spare you this time. Next time, watch out for my fist!"
Da Qiao turned back her head and smiled embarrassedly at the boy.
She always remembered what her grandmother said; wicked ones aren't bad. Seeing the family of three picking dung, she felt they were quite pitiful.
Especially the old man. He was working while coughing. He seemed to be sick.
Huo Chi watched Da Qiao's back and thought to himself; so her voice was like this. Like glutinous rice cakes. Soft and smooth.
He had really seen this girl. However, it was only in a dream.
Ever since he could remember, he dreamed of a little girl every year. At first he didn't care, but after increased occurrences, he gradually became interested.
At the beginning, the little girl was thin. Her face was very sallow. At that time, he thought she was a wicked one like himself, living in a labor reform farm.
No matter how he asked the little girl, the little girl remained silent.
It wasn't until half a year ago, when the little girl reappeared in his dream, she was completely different. She grew taller and looked better!
She smiled sweetly at him in his dream. Still, she didn't speak.
He thought she was just someone he had dreamed up. Surprisingly, she appeared in front of him in person one day!
On that day, he was so surprised that he thought he was dreaming a few times. But the cursing voices in his ears told him that all this was not a dream!
He couldn't figure it out even until now. How did he dream about a girl who he hadn't seen for a good few years?
The sound of grandfather's coughing came from behind him. He immediately recovered his senses and ran over, "Grandfather, go and rest for a while. I'll help you pick!"
Huo Hua Qing coughed so much that his lungs almost came out. But when he heard his grandson's words, his heart felt soothed.
He reached out to rub his grandson's hair, but noticed his hands were dirty. So he had to give up: "No need. Grandfather is fine. You are still young. You can't do this kind of manual work or you won't grow taller in the future!"
Huo Chi responded: "I'm not afraid. Grandfather, go and rest. Your cough is getting worse and worse!"
Dai Shu Fang came back with two big baskets. She panted with a pale face: "Dad, just listen to Chi'er and go to rest for a while. Leave here to me! Chi'er, take your grandfather to the side and rest."
Huo Hua Qing looked at his skinny daughter-in-law and his heart was full of guilt.
Daughter-in-law used to be a delicate and weak young lady. What need was there to do such rough work?
It would be great if Son was still alive. He, an old bone, can't protect the mother and son. Instead, he dragged them down!
Huo Chi helped his grandfather over to take a sneaky rest. But he didn't rest himself. He went back to help his mom shovel pig dung.
Dai Shu Fang had persuaded a few times, but the child was very stubborn. She could only sigh and drop the persuasion: "Your grandfather has been sick for a long time this time. If this continues, I'm afraid it will be bad!"
If he keep coughing like this, his lungs will definitely not be able to take it.
But they were wicked ones. Unless they were really sick, the production team would definitely not call a doctor for them!
Huo Chi gritted his teeth tightly. He thought about finding time to go to the mountains to see if he could find herbs.
But they had just arrived here. Everyone was watching their every move. He didn't dare to run around. If caught, they may be sent back to the farm!
He didn't want to go back to that damn place in his life!
...
Although Qiao Family only raised two old hens, the two old hens were like shot with adrenaline and laid five or six eggs every day since they drank the jade bead water.
Now that the weather was getting warmer, the eggs can't be stored for too long. Nor can they be sold. Her grandmother made the decision and declared that the children each gets a boiled egg.
She now had a boiled egg in her schoolbag. Usually, she ate it at noon. But she remembering the boy's family, and put back the egg she took out.
After school.
She went back to Qiao's small house. From the kitchen, she secretly took a few coarse meal mantou and stuffed them into her schoolbag. Then, she slipped out of the door while the two younger brothers weren't at home and headed towards the pigsty.
She remembered what her grandmother said; this family wasn't bad people. But because of the special circumstances, others cannot see her getting in contact with them as it will cause trouble.
Therefore, all the way, she was like a thief. Her eyes kept paying attention to the movements around her.
Fortunately, the pigsty side was relatively out of the way. And the smell was terrible. Even children didn't like to play in this area.
There was no one outside the pigsty, so Da Qiao tiptoed over. She took out the egg and the mantou from the schoolbag and secretly put them at the door before turning around.
But after walking two steps, she felt that the place was unsafe. She turned around and picked up the things and put them on the grass on the side.
But the grass was covered by grass. She was worried that the other party wouldn't notice it. She took the egg and mantou into hand and turned around in circles.
Huo Chi heard the movement from inside. He assumed a child came to abuse them again. When he came out, he saw such a scene.
The little girl in the dream was holding eggs and a few coarse meal mantou. Like a lost animal, she circled in circles. Appearing a bit silly, and a bit... cute.
"What are you doing there?"
Hearing the sound, Da Qiao was startled. She turned around with her eyes widened: "When did you come out?"
Huo Chi answered: "When you are going around in circles."
There were two red clouds on Da Qiao's face. She whispered a little embarrassedly: "I... I'm looking for a place to hide egg and mantou."
Hearing the word "egg" and "mantou", Huo Chi subconsciously swallowed: "Why hide it?"
Da Qiao blinked her big dark eyes and softly replied, "I want to give you egg and mantou to eat. So I want to find a place to hide where you can see but others can't."
Obviously such a place was hard to find.
Huo Chi looked at her with slender eyes: "Why are you giving us things?"
They were not related.
What's more, eggs were such a precious food. He had never eaten a egg since he was born. He had only seen others eat them.
Da Qiao's thick eyelashes fluttered. Staring at him, she softly spoke: "I noticed your grandfather seems to be ill. He needs to eat something good."
If Da Qiao's actions were seen by the people in the village, some people would definitely say that she was wasteful. Maybe some people would say that she had an overly nice heart. They would even report her to the community, saying that she helped the wicked ones.
However, Da Qiao didn't think there was anything wrong with her action. When she couldn't get enough to eat, it was Auntie Hui who helped her and gave her delicious food.
Now that she was capable, she also wanted to help other people like Auntie Hui.
Huo Chi's eyes remained on her: "We are wicked ones. Aren't you afraid?"
Da Qiao shook her head: "My grandmother said wicked ones aren't necessarily bad people. I don't think you are like bad people."
The afterglow of the early summer sunset shone on Huo Chi's body and face. It smeared a bit of color on his handsome facial features, making him look a lot more gentle.
No one had ever said such a thing to him since he was understood things.
They were labeled as wicked ones. Others despise them, hate them, and fear them at the same time. Except for those who were also wicked ones, other people never want to say a word to them.
As if they were a plague. Once they got close to them, it was they could instantly turn them into wicked ones!
She was the first to tell him that he wasn't a bad person.
Huo Chi was nine years old this year. He was considered nearly a teen. But because the nourishment not keeping up, he looked like seven or eight years old.
At this moment, he stood facing the glow. His back was straight as his eyes looked at the little girl in front of him. His voice was a little hoarse: "Consider it as me borrowing egg and mantou from you. I will definitely pay you back!"
Da Qiao shook her head. The two small tails on her head swayed with her movements: "No need to pay it back. I still have it at home!"
She ran over as she spoke and put the small bundle of egg and mantou into the boy's hands: "I must hurry back. Bye."
After she finished speaking, she turned and ran.
Huo Chi clenched the small bundle in his hand, looked up at the gradually receding back, and suddenly remembered something very important: "My name is Huo Chi, what's your name?"
When Da Qiao heard the voice behind her, she stopped and turned to show him a bright smile: "My name is Qiao Nian Nian. You can call me Da Qiao."
After speaking, this time she really left and soon disappeared without a trace.
Huo Chi stood at the door until he couldn't see the other person's figure at all. Only then he turned around. To his surprise, he meet with his mom's eyes.
Dai Shu Fang spoke, "I seemed to hear you talking to someone just now. Who was here?"
They had already hid in places like the pigsty, but there were some malicious people in the village who would come and scold them or throw stones at them from time to time. She was worried that her son would get into conflict with the people in the village.
Huo Chi opened the concealing cloth and revealed the egg and coarse meal mantou inside, "This is given to us by the granddaughter of the granny who spoke for us last time."
Dai Shu Fang's eyes widened: "So many... We have encountered a good person! Have you thanked her?"
Huo Chi's eyes froze for a moment. Then he shook his head and replied, "I forgot."
Dai Shu Fang reprimanded her son: "You can forget such an important thing. Really!"
When there was a chance in the future, she must thank the other party in person. Of course, in the absence of other people, otherwise she will harm the benefactor.
Dai Shu Fang looked at the food, swallowed, and urged her son, "Hurry up and give it to your grandfather!"
In their current situation, she didn't say anything hypocritical about not taking other people's things. They really need these foods now.
They can't get enough to eat every day. And her father-in-law was still sick. If they don't eat something nourishing, they might not be able to survive!
Huo Chi nodded: "Mom, you come in and eat too!"
That night, Huo Family finally had a full meal.
With the insistence of his grandson and daughter-in-law, Huo Hua Qing finally ate the only egg. After eating, he suddenly felt sleepy and fell asleep quickly.
Since he fell ill, he hadn't been able to sleep well and woke up several times at night from coughing. but that night, he only woke up once.
He don't know if it was his delusion or not, but he felt that his body wasn't as weak and uncomfortable as before. His cough was much more relieved.
In fact, this wasn't his illusion.
Those steamed buns were all made with jade bead water and flour. The eggs were laid by an old hen who drank jade bead water. So they had a healing effect.
It was because the jade beads weren't directly consumed, the effect was greatly reduced.
Da Qiao was very happy all night because she helped others.
Remembering that her godmother would pick her up to play in town this week, she was full of expectations.
Who knew that when she woke up the next day, she heard a news... Her biological mom had a miscarriage!