The Lin siblings had rarely come to the West Market to play since they were little.

The entire Lin family owned only one old ox. The villagers cherished their livestock dearly; on ordinary days, they would drive the oxcart into town to run errands—such as buying essential supplies—so when would they have the time to take the children to the East Market and the West Market to play and have fun?

They couldn’t very well take one family’s children and leave another’s behind—that would cause an uproar.

As a result, when the elderly couple from the Lin family showed affection for their grandchildren, they treated them all equally. At most, Grandma Lin might praise Erniang a few extra times for being well-behaved, obedient, and sensible. When the children from the other two branches overheard this, they would tell their own parents, “Grandma favors Erniang from Uncle’s family.”

The elderly couple did have a slight preference for their youngest son, but they certainly never went too far. Otherwise, the Lin household would have been in an uproar long ago.

When they reached West Market, they could tie the cart outside. For a small fee, a dedicated attendant would watch over it. The cart was unloaded and propped against the wall to save space, while the mule was tied to a post. A large open area was supervised by a staff member wearing a straw hat and a navy blue vest with the character “车” (cart) on the back. He would hand you a token, and you could go, and you could later retrieve your carriage using that token.

This service is provided by the government.

The West Market is bustling with people; if you’re just strolling around, it’s not easy to drive a cart. But if you’re shopping, you buy and leave—it’s more convenient to drive the cart in.

Today, the couple brought the children along for a stroll.

So they paid for parking.

When Lin Sanlang saw how crowded the street was, he was so scared that he hid behind Uncle Wu. There were so many people!

“I’ll hold him for a bit,” Tieniu said, then asked Sanlang if he wanted to be held. Lin Sanlang nodded.

“Erniang, hold Uncle’s hand,” Tang Xianling said, holding out his hand. “It’s crowded here. Even though the ward officials patrol from time to time, we still have to watch out for kidnappers.”

Losing a child is no joke—it’s truly terrifying.

The patrol frequency of the ward officials in the East Market and the West Market was much, much higher than in the residential wards. Tang Xianling had been in Baxing District for so long, yet he had only seen patrol officers on patrol twice; at the main market, they could be seen from time to time.

Places with heavy foot traffic are prone to trouble, especially when transactions involve money. Lin Erniang wasn’t shy at all now; she held her Uncle’s hand.

They took the children for a stroll first. The West Market had everything—food, drink, and entertainment. As they walked, the children’s eyes lit up. From large shops to small stalls, rattling drums were the most basic of toys, yet few vendors actually sold them. Those that did, however, offered rattles with beautiful designs, shapes, and colorful paintings on the drumheads.

Seeing that Little Sanlang couldn’t take his eyes off them, Tang Xianling asked, “Shall I buy you one?”

“No, no,” Lin Sanlang shook his head while nestled in his uncle’s arms.

Tang Xianling: “Huh? You don’t like it? I think it’s quite exquisite.” Xiao Sanlang said, “I’ll look some more, just a little longer.”

“Uncle, he wants to look around some more.” Lin Erniang held Uncle’s hand and looked up at Sanlang, saying, “Don’t be naughty and make Uncle spend money.”

Tang Xianling chuckled. Erniang was scolding her younger brother with a stern face, acting just like a little adult. He waved his hand and said, “It’s no big deal. Uncle’s going to buy some toys today, too.”

“Uncle wants to buy some too?” Now it was Erniang’s turn to be surprised.

Tang Xianling tilted his chin. “That’s right! I just remembered—I have a toy I’ve been meaning to buy ever since I had the money, but I kept forgetting.”

Huangfu Tieniu looked over curiously. “What are you going to buy?”

“Do you remember the first time we met?” Tang Xianling took Erniang’s hand, changed direction, and headed straight for a shop, saying as they walked: “I’d just come out of a porcelain shop that day. On the shelves of their display cabinet was a little angel figurine. I heard the shop assistant say it was an overseas item—a replica they’d made in their shop. This little angel is the God of Love, much like our Rong Dynasty’s Red Matchmaker, tying red strings to bring couples together.”

Huangfu Tieniu listened and nodded thoughtfully. “Then this deity has truly manifested.”

“You bet.” Tang Xianling thought about it and realized it really did seem to work. “I said before that if I had the money, I’d buy it—and today’s the perfect day.”

The whole family rushed into the shop. There were still other customers inside, and the shop assistant and manager were busy attending to them. Tang Xianling, accompanied by the child, didn’t rush to ask questions but took a look around instead.

Huangfu Tieniu immediately spotted the “Little Angel” on the shelf—its design differed from the other ornaments and didn’t look like something from the Rong Dynasty.

“It’s still there,” he said.

Tang Xianling looked over as well. “It’s still here.” He thought to himself that this was likely a store-made replica; even if it sold, they’d probably restock it. Then he noticed the look in Tieniu’s eyes as he examined the figurine—he seemed to want it even more than Tang Xianling did!

After a short while, a shop assistant came over to greet them and asked what the customers were interested in.

“That figurine—I’ll take it,” Tang Xianling said with a smile, pointing at it. “I was here first. This Overseas God is truly full of spirit.”

Huangfu Tieniu nodded in agreement beside him.

“You have excellent taste, sir. This little deity from overseas is said to bless romantic relationships—”

Another attendant approached, recognized the guest, and smiled. “It’s you, sir! I remember you asked before if this little deity from overseas could help with matters in our Rong Dynasty.”

“It did. Two months ago, I met my husband right after leaving your shop.” Tang Xianling chatted cheerfully with the attendant. Hearing this, the other customers in the shop turned to look.

They saw this young husband accompanied by a tall, imposing man. The man looked young—only about seventeen or eighteen—yet he was holding a four- or five-year-old boy in his arms. If he were their son, that wouldn’t make sense. The husband beside him, though handsome and refined, appeared a few years older. To have a four- or five-year-old child—

If he’d married young, that would make sense.

But then again, this young husband said he’d only met his husband two months ago. So where did this child come from? Is this husband a remarried man? That would make sense.

A remarried woman who’s found herself a young, handsome, and kind-hearted husband—one who’ll accompany her shopping and hold the child, and who’s both handsome and tall—if that isn’t a good husband, then who is?

So the customer’s gaze turned to the decorative figurine.

How quick-witted the shopkeeper was! He immediately had someone take the ornament down while chatting with the young husband, “Come to think of it, I haven’t yet congratulated you on your marriage and finding such a fine husband.”

Tang Xianling was also a merchant. Hearing the shopkeeper’s words, he was only too happy to go along with it. “I never imagined this overseas god of love could be so responsive. The moment I stepped out of the shop, I ran into my husband, and it was love at first sight for both of us.”

“Exactly,” Huangfu Tieniu said, nodding emphatically.

Tang Xianling wasn’t one to “show off his affection,” but wasn’t this just a chance to “advertise” for the shop? Once he’d finished gushing about how perfectly matched they were, the shopkeeper was sure to give him a discount!

“…These are my eldest sister’s children. We’ve only been married a short while.” A touch of shyness crossed his face as Tang Xianling played along.

The shopkeeper hurriedly said, “It’s good to have the God of Love with you. Marriage is predestined by heaven. With the little God of Love here, who knows—maybe next year you and your husband will have a fine son.”

Tang Xianling: …That’s really not necessary. Does Cupid, the God of Love, also handle bestowing children?

“Hearing of such joyous news today, I’ll take the liberty of offering you a discount on this Cupid figurine.”

Tang Xianling: “Exactly, exactly—that’s exactly what I meant.”

In the end, this overseas replica, originally priced at 128 wen, was discounted to 78 wen. As soon as the shopkeeper announced the price, the other customers in the store—both men and women—were all tempted. Immediately, someone asked, “Since we’ve struck a chord today, can I buy this little Cupid at the same price?”

The shopkeeper beamed with delight. Of course—every Little Cupid purchased at the shop today was available at that price, and once it was gone, it was gone for good. He spoke sweetly, stringing together a string of auspicious words, wishing the customers luck in finding a lovely partner or a good husband.

Tang Xianling：！

This deal was even better than he’d imagined.

He decisively pulled out his money, had the shop assistant wrap it up, and finally walked out of the shop holding Cupid.

As the family walked out of the shop, they could still hear the clamor of customers scrambling to buy inside—it was like a cabbage market. Tang Xianling leaned over to Tieniu, who bent down slightly and listened intently. The couple exchanged smiles as they chatted.

“I reckon the owner’ll clear out his entire inventory today!” Tang Xianling said.

Huangfu Tieniu: “Yeah, but it’s worth it.”

“……” He’s actually become superstitious. Tang Xianling had intended to tease him, but then he thought about how he’d ended up here—there really are mysterious forces in this world. He immediately nodded and said with satisfaction, “We’ve scored a great deal.”

The shopkeeper’s asking price of seventy-eight wen meant he was sure to make a profit, but for him, it was a win too—he’d saved fifty wen, nearly half the price. A win-win.

Uncle Wu’s “toy shopping” got things off to a good start. Afterward, he took the two children around to browse and buy some trinkets. Lin Erniang loosened up a bit; she wasn’t as shy or self-conscious as before, no longer afraid to pick out the more expensive items.

Tang Xianling picked out a small hairpin shaped like a velvet-flowered apple for the little girl. Lin Erniang was overjoyed, holding the hairpin carefully, afraid her hands might dirty it, and trying to tuck it into her bosom.

“Don’t let that pin prick you,” Tang Xianling told the waiter to wrap it up. He also bought a red hair cord for Sanlang.

Lin Erniang kept giggling, covering her mouth—she was acting a bit childish.

“Even though your eldest brother isn’t here, we still need to get him something.” Tang Xianling took the two children shopping and bought Lin Dalang a small bird whistle—a very delicate one made of wood. Sanlang wanted one too, so he picked one out for him as well.

The two brothers’ whistles were different colors and slightly different sizes. Sanlang’s was clearly a small bird with very bright and vivid feathers.

They went to have some sweet soup again—just the ordinary kind, not from an ice cream shop. That sort of place was still a bit out of Tang Xianling’s price range. A bowl of sweet soup costing just over ten wen was delicious enough; it contained peanuts, barley, mung beans, and red beans, all steeped in black plum broth. A bowl of it really whetted the appetite.

“Uncle, one bowl will be enough for Sanlang and me. He doesn’t have much of an appetite, and I’m not really in the mood for it either.” Lin Erniang said when they arrived at the shop.

How could Tang Xianling not understand Erniang’s intentions? She was trying to save him money; after all, they’d spent a lot along the way. The children from his eldest sister’s family were so sensible, not to mention that Sanlang was still young, but

Erniang and Dalang had already taken on the role of “head of the household” at such a young age.

“Don’t worry, we can just save the leftovers.”

“That’s a waste,” Lin Erniang protested.

Tang Xianling paid the bill, turned around, and said to Erniang with a smile, “It’s rare for Uncle to bring the two of you to the West Market to have fun. So what if it’s a waste? As long as you two are happy, that’s all that matters.”

“Can we get this to go?” Tang Xianling asked, a thought occurring to him.

The shopkeeper said yes, “Sir, takeout costs two wen extra—that’s for the bamboo tube. If you return the tube, I’ll give you two wen back.”

Tang Xianling: “Huh?”

Huangfu Tieniu burst out laughing.

It seems that the 26-wen yogurt jar at home would soon be traded for a bamboo tube.

“Three to go.”

One for Mom, one for his older sister, and one for Dalang.

As for his sister’s husband—”Make that four.”

Since Tang Xianling had already bought them, it wouldn’t be right to skimp on his brother-in-law’s portion.

Having finished their shopping, Tang Xianling still needed to go home to cook, so he led the two children out of the West Market, laden with bags and packages. Huangfu Tieniu hitched up the mule cart, and they climbed aboard to head home!

The two children’s cheeks were rosy, and their bangs were stuck to their foreheads from the sun, but neither of them felt hot.

They were full of energy and had endless things to talk about, but after walking for a while, Sanlang grew drowsy and fell asleep.

As soon as they arrived home, Tang Qiao and Jiang Yun came out to greet them.

“Why did you buy so much stuff?” Tang Qiao asked her daughter. “Erniang and Sanlang, did you two ask for this?”

Tang Xianling didn’t like hearing that. “Sis, what are you talking about? I bought this for myself. They didn’t ask for anything; I just bought it because I thought it was fun and interesting.”

“Don’t mention the kids. If they end up not liking me as their Uncle, they’ll blame you.”

Tang Qiao was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter. “I don’t even buy any of this for the kids.”

“It’s not much.” Tang Xianling held out a bamboo tube and pressed it into his eldest sister’s arms. “This is for you, Mother, and Brother-in-law. Oh, and I brought some for Dalang too—everyone in the family gets a share.”

Lin Hu, listening nearby, hadn’t expected there’d be a share for him too. When he heard it was a sweet drink, he immediately waved his hand and said he wouldn’t drink it—it was a waste of money, why buy such a thing?

“I’ve already bought them. It’d be a waste not to drink them in this heat.” Tang Xianling hugged his Cupid figurine, his eyes sparkling.

“Mom and eldest sister, look at this—the ornament I bought. The original price was 128 wen, but I got it for just 78.”

Tang Qiao: “What on earth is so expensive?!”

Jiang Yun thought it was expensive too, but seeing how much Wu-ger loved it and wouldn’t let go, she figured it was all right. Wu-ger works so hard every day; since they’d already bought it, she figured they might as well enjoy it.

She also asked, “Didn’t Tieniu get anything?”

She was worried that Wu-ger would only spend money on her and her eldest daughter’s family, leaving nothing for Tieniu. If Tieniu felt left out, it might seem like a small thing now, but since Tieniu and Wu-ger get along so well, over time, even little things could wear on their patience and make life uncomfortable.

“Ask him yourself.” Tang Xianling knew his mother was worrying again.

After unloading the cart, Huangfu Tieniu said, “Mom, I really like that ornament. I love it.” 

“Hehe~”

Everyone in the courtyard saw the 78-wen ornament wrapped in paper.

Lin Hu poked his head out to take a look. After seeing it, his head buzzed. Just this thing—it can’t be eaten or drunk, and it looks ugly too. It doesn’t even look like the dolls they have around here, and they’re asking seventy-eight wen for it!

“What do you think?” Tang Xianling asked his family happily.

Jiang Yun couldn’t find anything to praise, but forced a compliment: “It’s nice. It looks like a chubby baby.” But the doll really did look strange. Tang Qiao couldn’t find anything to praise either; she thought it was too expensive and not worth it. How could it possibly cost seventy-eight wen? 

“It’s beautiful.” Huangfu Tieniu examined it closely, nodding repeatedly and saying, “The more I look at it, the better it looks.”

Tang Xianling could tell everyone thought it was too expensive and not very good, but since Tieniu was praising it, he was happy and started to like it too—especially since he’d gotten it for a bargain. He immediately cradled it carefully and said, “I’ll put it in our room.”

“Be careful. Go on, but don’t leave it out in the open,” Jiang Yun said, afraid it might get broken if he wasn’t careful.

“Wu-ger brought back some sweet drinks. Everyone, have some,” Jiang Yun invited her eldest son-in-law and eldest grandson to have some sweet drinks.

Lin Hu politely declined a couple of times, implying he didn’t want any. Jiang Yun kept urging him, then turned to her daughter to encourage her to have some. Tang Qiao wasn’t keen on it either; she thought it was too expensive and told her mother to have it instead.

Inside the house.

Tang Xianling had just finished arranging the ornaments. He silently exhaled a breath and muttered, “My eldest sister just lives frugally; I can’t really say much.” If everyone were wealthy, who would care about a single sweet drink or an ornament? Naturally, he wouldn’t have said such things.

But he still felt a bit stifled.

He’d been so pleased playing with the child and buying her toys, only to end up taking the blame. Of course, as an adult, he could shoulder the blame—let alone the child—, but when everyone looked at him disapprovingly, criticizing him for buying a useless ornament, he couldn’t help but feel a little upset.

Who could be happy when someone pours cold water on their enthusiasm?

Huangfu Tieniu wrapped his arm around his husband’s waist and said, “In our life together, your happiness is what matters most. I think the ornament is lovely, and the sweet drink is delicious. Erniang and Sanlang are overjoyed. Just now, when we got back, Dalang was standing next to our brother-in-law. When he heard that he’d gotten a toy too, his eyes lit up with surprise and delight—I didn’t misread that.”

“You’re a skilled hunter—of course, you have a keen eye.” Upon hearing this, Tang Xianling cheered up a bit. He realized he’d been acting just like a child earlier, getting worked up over such a trivial matter. Let Tieniu comfort him.

“The children are all happy—that’s what matters. It’s a rare thing.”

So, all smiles, he took Tieniu outside.

Out in the courtyard, Lin Dalang took a sip of the sweet drink, poured some more for his younger brother and sister, and said he didn’t like it. Jiang Yun: “I don’t want mine anymore—give it to the two kids. Dalang, you drink up quickly; don’t give any to them.”

Tang Qiao said, “Mom, it’s fine. Dalang doesn’t like it.”

“Drink up, drink up—Wu-ger bought plenty.” Jiang Yun still insisted that Dalang drink.

After a round of polite refusals in the courtyard, it was already too late for Tang Xianling to start preparing dinner. Lin Hu said he wanted to go out of town, fearing he might not be able to return, so Jiang Yun said, “If you can’t make it back, just stay here for the night.”

“Mother, there’s so much to do at home; I can’t get away.” Tang Qiao was still worried about the household. Their family had only recently split up, and though their house and courtyard were right next to the other two households, she still worried that something might be missing back home.

Lin Hu had already hitched the ox cart.

“We’ll come back in a few days.”

“Grandma, Auntie, and Uncle, we’re leaving.”

Tang Xianling suddenly remembered, “Yogurt—take some yogurt back for the kids.”

“Why bring anything? You’ve already bought them so much.” Tang Qiao wouldn’t let Wu-ger give anything—she didn’t want them to have to eat and carry things home at the same time—so she tugged at him, grabbing his arm to stop him from giving it.

Tang Xianling;…

He still hadn’t learned this “wrestling-style” politeness!

His eldest sister was tugging at his arm. Ugh.

“I won’t give it, I won’t give it.” Tang Xianling conceded defeat with a playful sigh. “Alright, don’t let the kids make fun of us. I’m not a little kid—you’re still dragging me around and lecturing me. How old do you think I am?”

As soon as Tang Qiao heard this, she laughed and let go of his arm. “You’re so funny when you talk these days.” She then grew a bit more serious and said with a smile, “Everyone at home is doing well. You work hard running your business and have saved up some money—you’ll have children someday.”

Tang Xianling：……

As they saw off his older sister, brother-in-law, and the kids, they chatted along the way.

Tang Qiao lagged behind, whispering kind words to Wu-ger and sharing some advice on married life. “You bought snacks and toys for my kids today. Keep track of the money. Later, if you go to Tieniu’s place—he has an uncle there, doesn’t he?—make sure to take care of his kids too.”

At this point, she felt a pang of regret and shot Wu-ger a reproachful look. “You’ve spent too much on those three.” If they ever had to “repay” the children of Tieniu’s relatives, it would cost just as much.

“Sis, I get it.” Tang Xianling’s heart softened a little, and he admitted honestly, “A moment ago, I was actually annoyed that you were pouring cold water on my enthusiasm. I wasn’t too happy about it.”

Tang Qiao couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can tell—you’re way too loose with your money. Thank goodness you don’t have a mother-in-law; otherwise, she’d definitely give you a hard time. What new bride spends money as you do?”

“My dear sister, when Dalang marries someday, you certainly won’t be a harsh mother-in-law.” Tang Xianling grinned as he flattered his eldest sister. “You’re kind-hearted, fair-minded, and protective of your own—our family will surely live in harmony and joy.”

Tang Qiao gave him a playful scolding. “Wu-ger is getting up to mischief these days—he’s so good at sweet-talking people.” She added, “But Dalang really does need to find a wife.” 

“Sis, that’s still a long way off,” Tang Xianling replied.

Jiang Yun, who was walking ahead, turned back and said, “It’s not too early. In our village, boys start looking for wives when they’re fifteen or sixteen, don’t they?” 

“Yes, Mother,” Lin Hu replied.

“But our Dalang is only fourteen,” Tang Xianling pointed out.

In the group, Lin Dalang’s face flushed bright red with embarrassment, giving him a rather childish look.

Chatting and laughing, they reached the end of the alley, where Lin Hu picked up the child and helped him into the cart.

Tang Qiao said, “Mother, Wu-ger, Tieniu, you should go back now. No need to see us off.”

“Sister, Brother-in-law, now that we have an oxcart, come early next time—I’ve been meaning to cook a proper meal for you.” 

Tang Xianling had mentioned twice that he wanted to host a feast for his older sister and brother-in-law, but each time, he hadn’t had the chance to prepare it.

Lin Hu readily agreed, “Sure.”

Tang Qiao found it odd—why was her husband so easygoing? Was he really coming back next time? Back when her father was alive, he hadn’t really liked accompanying her back to her parents’ home, but he knew his manners; he never missed the customary holiday visits to see his in-laws.

Once Tang Qiao got into the cart, it moved slowly, swaying back and forth until it was out of sight.

Tang Xianling then linked his arm through his mother’s as they walked back, with Tieniu trailing a step behind. Tang Xianling said to his mother, “It’s actually better that they’ve split the household.” 

“Hmm, you’re right,” Jiang Yun admitted, still preoccupied with the matter. “Why do you think your eldest sister’s family got less—”

“That’s the Lin family’s business, Mother. It has nothing to do with us. Don’t burden yourself with it.” Tang Xianling interrupted; his mother was simply too anxious.

It was the first time he’d ever seen money given to the wrong people. Of course, it wasn’t their fault—it was Lin Hu’s two brothers.

He couldn’t help but think to himself: Thank goodness I spoke up after the fact, not mentioning that their family was short on grain. Otherwise, if they bought their grain, I’d feel like there’s no end to the complications.

On the oxcart, the three children were all in high spirits. Sanlang was telling his eldest brother how much fun they’d had at the West Market today, while Lin Dalang listened intently, clutching his little bird whistle.

Lin Hu got out of the car and walked alongside the ox, careful not to tire it. Tang Qiao got out, too. “We’ve been sitting all day; it’ll do us good to walk a bit.” The couple walked along.

“You just said we’d come back next time?” Tang Qiao asked.

Lin Hu changed the subject, avoiding the question, and said, “Wu-ger spends a bit too much. Tell him not to buy anything next time.” 

“I already told him,” Tang Qiao replied.

Lin Hu continued, “Tieniu is a really good guy. I heard from Sanlang that Tieniu carried him the whole way today. Farmhands are the best; that educated guy up front just doesn’t cut it.”

“He’s dead. Why bring up such bad luck?”

“You’re right.”

Once they left the city, it had grown a bit darker outside. Lin Hu called his wife to get in the cart. She couldn’t walk as fast as he could; if they kept walking, it would definitely get dark, and it wouldn’t be safe or easy to travel in the dark.

Tang Qiao knew what was important, so she climbed onto the cart and settled in.

Lin Hu led the ox, quickening his pace, and they made it back to their courtyard before nightfall.

It had only been a few days since the family split, yet a wall had already been erected around the courtyard. It was clear that his two older brothers and their wives could no longer stand living together. However, the wall was low, and when they heard a noise from next door, they called out, “Who’s there?”

“Is that Hu-zi coming back?”

Lin Hu: “Yes, Second Brother. Our whole family is back.” 

“Did you go to your father-in-law’s place in town?”

“We bought an ox and chatted with my mother-in-law in town for a while, so we got back a bit late.” Lin Hu asked his second-oldest brother if there was anything he needed.

Lin Erlang leaned out to take a look. Aside from the kids, there wasn’t much on the ox-drawn cart. But then he thought, his brother’s mother-in-law’s family was well-off—what’s the big deal about giving them a few things? If he slipped some silver into his pocket, who would ever notice?

“Nothing much. Did you bring your mother-in-law some fruit? Last time, she even bought us some meat buns.” 

“I actually forgot. I’ll buy some next time.” Lin Hu thanked his second brother for the kind reminder.

Actually, he had already bought some sesame candy, but Lin Hu didn’t like his second brother bringing it up—spending his family’s money made his second brother act as if he were doing him a favor. Lin Erlang looked around for a while but couldn’t spot anything else, so he could only say, “Well then, you two should get some rest early.”

Tang Qiao hurried the children back into the room. “Don’t bring out the toys your uncle bought.”

“Why are you saying that? Now the kids have to hide them away.” Lin Hu came in and heard this; he knew what his wife was worried about. “It’s fine. We’ve already split up. He can’t very well be reaching into our yard now, can he?”

“The kids are thrilled. It’s all thanks to their uncle’s kindness.”

Tang Qiao nodded and said no more.

After washing up and getting into bed that night, Lin Hu hugged his wife and suddenly said, “Next time, let’s go early and bring a chicken for your mother and Wu-ger, and buy some fruit too.”

“I didn’t want to bring it up in front of the kids, but Wu-ger really does cook delicious food. I don’t know if I was just starving or what that day—I completely lost my composure and acted like a greedy little kid, just focused on eating. And it wasn’t just me; my eldest and second brothers were the same, shoveling food down their throats like there was no tomorrow …”

Tang Qiao laughed upon hearing this. So that was the reason.

Children can’t keep happy news to themselves. By the next afternoon, the other two households had already heard about it.

The third son of the third household had a colorful little bird whistle—it was beautifully made and could even chirp like a bird.

The eldest son had one too. What did Erniang get?

“Erniang has such a beautiful hairpin!” 

“It’s even prettier than a red hair ribbon.”

“It looks so beautiful in the sunlight—the colors keep changing.” 

“How much did it cost?”

“She also had a sweet drink. What kind of sweet drink? Was it good?”

“Is your uncle that rich? He’s really good to you guys.”

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

Hiii!! With other stories about to end, here are our new ones. Check them out:

Global Survival: From a Small Wooden Cabin to a Magic Farm
Island Survival: Life-Type Player Farms and Hoards Goods.
Lord of the Wastelands
Transmigrating to the Beast World to Farm and Raise a Wolf