novelnext Chapter 403 - 213: Mother and Daughter
Chapter 403 - 213: Mother and Daughter
Shi Tou’s mother from the Yang family was deep in a happy conversation, completely unaware that Little Shitou was nearby and hearing every single word.
After hearing what his mother said, he grumbled to himself about her being such a busybody. ’Juhua and Huai Zi are obviously great together. Why is everyone acting like idiots? Can’t they see it?’
’No matter how great that guy from Grandma’s village is, could he be better than Huai Zi? Huai Zi is even educated! Besides, Juhua planted all those trees and flowers by the river and made those sausages... she made this place so beautiful. If she marries someone from another village, wouldn’t all her hard work be for nothing? It’s better for her to marry Huai Zi. He’s going to build a house here soon anyway.’
’He really didn’t want Juhua to marry someone from outside the village. Hmm, Qingmu wouldn’t want to marry his sister off to someone from another village either, that’s for sure.’
’But he couldn’t just butt in while the adults were talking. Besides, he didn’t know what Juhua was thinking. It would be great if she wasn’t interested, but what if she was? Could it be that because of what Huai Zi said back then, she wouldn’t want to marry him now?’
Regarding this matter, Shi Tou had his own little plan.
’He remembered how he used to really dislike Juhua, too. He even called her a "scabby girl." But then he grew to like her. So, he figured Huai Zi was just like him—he just hadn’t figured things out at first. Once he did, he’d naturally want to marry Juhua. Nothing wrong with that!’
The little boy sat there, chin in his hand, his dark eyes darting back and forth as he tried to come up with an idea.
His little sister was sitting in their mother’s lap. At first, she snuggled contentedly in her mother’s arms, looking quite attached, but after a little while, she grew restless. She reached out her hands toward him and started to wail, wanting her big brother to carry her on his back and play.
Juhua had been engrossed in her conversation with Guizhi. Hearing the cry, they both looked up at the little baby and smiled. Juhua then said to Shi Tou, "Look, your sister’s getting fussy—no one’s paying attention to her. Here, let me hold her. I’m tired from my sewing anyway, so it’s a good time for a break."
With that, she put down the shoe sole she was working on, stood up, and took Zhao Qing in her arms. She made a couple of clucking sounds at a magnificent, brightly-colored rooster in the yard, then set the baby down and helped her chase after it.
Little Shitou’s spirits lifted at the sight. He ran over and took his sister’s other little arm. The two of them guided the toddler as she chased the chickens around the yard, making them scatter and flap about. She giggled with delight, drool trickling down her chin.
Seeing this, Laishou also dashed over, whooping and hollering as he helped surround and block the chickens. Even the big Black Dog joined in, wagging its tail and running back and forth. For a moment, the yard was filled with boisterous laughter. Under the eaves of the porch, Shi Tou’s mother and the other two women watched them with smiles.
Little Shitou loved this feeling. Watching how happy Juhua looked, he thought, ’I should just secretly give Huai Zi a heads-up. That way he can come up with a plan. Otherwise, it’ll be too late if Juhua agrees to that other guy. Of course, it would be best if she doesn’t agree at all.’
「The next day at noon.」
After school let out, Shi Tou grabbed Zhang Huai, who was rushing out, and pulled him toward a corner of the schoolhouse, looking as though he had something important to say.
Seeing him act so mysteriously, Zhang Huai frowned. "Shi Tou, if you have something to say, go tell Yangzi. I have to get home and feed the pigs. I don’t have time to play around. My mother’s home by herself, and she’s swamped."
Little Shitou pouted. "You really don’t want to hear it? Not even if it’s about Juhua?" ’Honestly,’ he thought, ’do I look like I’m just trying to play? Gou Dan is the one who’s always like that.’
Zhang Huai froze. ’Something about Juhua? What’s going on with her?’
He asked hurriedly, "What’s wrong with Juhua? I just saw her yesterday." He had been helping out at Li Changming’s place the day before, and in the evening, he had even swung by the Zheng Family’s home to see her.
Little Shitou snorted. "Hmph. I thought you didn’t want to listen."
Seeing the boy was now playing hard to get, Zhang Huai felt exasperated. He softened his tone and said, "Alright, alright, my mistake. It was Huai Zi’s fault, okay? Now, hurry up and tell me."
Only then did Little Shitou nod in satisfaction. He cleared his throat with feigned seriousness and repeated what his mother had said to Zhang Huai. He added that Aunt Zheng hadn’t refused the idea, only saying she would have to ask Juhua about it.
Zhang Huai was stunned. He stood there dumbfounded for a long moment before finally saying to Little Shitou, "Don’t tell anyone else about this, you hear? Thanks, Shi Tou. Next time Qingmu and I go up the mountain, I’ll catch a bird for you to play with."
Little Shitou was pleased to hear that, but also a little annoyed at being treated like a small child. So, he didn’t press for a guarantee. He watched Zhang Huai hurry away, then skipped off toward home himself, muttering, "I’m a big kid now. Who still plays with birds?"
’Despite hearing the news, Zhang Huai didn’t panic. He knew Juhua was deeply attached to this land; she wouldn’t easily agree to marry someone and leave the village. Besides, Juhua already knew how he felt. Even if she was going to consider her options, she ought to consider him first, right?’