The next morning, after I got up, I took a walk in the yard. I saw the fellow villagers in the Wang family's yard having breakfast, and Chen Shuying was among them. When Xiao Liang saw me, he excitedly ran over with a bowl in his hands.
"Sister Xiaoxiao, look at my meal," Xiao Liang said proudly.
"Wow, Xiao Liang, you're having rice today, along with chicken and sausage," I exclaimed, surprised at what was in his bowl.
"Yeah, Mom said that since Sister Xiaoxiao worked hard today, she wanted Xiao Liang to eat well," Xiao Liang replied happily.
"Did you thank your mom?" I asked.
"Yes, Mom said there's no need to thank her," Xiao Liang said with a smile.
"You’re such a good boy, Xiao Liang," I said as I patted his head.
"Sister Xiaoxiao, here’s a chicken leg for you," Xiao Liang offered me a piece from his bowl.
"Xiao Liang, you should eat it yourself," I declined.
"Sister Xiaoxiao, just try it; it's really delicious," Xiao Liang insisted.
"Sister Xiaoxiao is full; you eat it," I said.
"Okay then," Xiao Liang said disappointedly.
"Xiao Liang, besides chicken and sausage, what other dishes do you have?" I changed the subject.
"I also have cabbage and potatoes," Xiao Liang answered.
"It seems Sister Chen is still biased," I muttered.
"Sister Xiaoxiao, what did you say?" Xiao Liang asked curiously.
"Nothing, Xiao Liang. How old are you this year?" I inquired.
"I'm six years old this year," Xiao Liang replied.
"Six years old; you should be starting elementary school soon," I remarked.
"Sister Xiaoxiao, I want to go to school," Xiao Liang said with eager anticipation.
"Xiao Liang, after a while when Sister Chen is done being busy, she will definitely send you to school," I reassured him.
"Really?" Xiao Liang asked uncertainly.
"Yes, really," I confirmed.
"That's great!" Xiao Liang exclaimed joyfully.
"Xiao Liang, how do you think your grandmother treats you?" I asked tentatively.
"Grandma..." Xiao Liang fell into deep thought.
"Xiao Liang, do you hate your grandma?" I asked.
"I... I don't know," Xiao Liang replied, conflicted.
"Xiao Liang, remember, no matter what happens, don't hate your grandma," I said.
"Why?" Xiao Liang asked, puzzled.
"Because she is your family," I explained.
"But she treats mom badly," Xiao Liang said angrily.
"Xiao Liang, adult matters are complicated; you don't understand now, but you will when you grow up," I reassured him.
"Oh," Xiao Liang nodded, somewhat understanding.
"Xiao Liang, let's go eat," I said, taking his hand.
"Okay," Xiao Liang nodded obediently.
I led Xiao Liang to the stone table, and when Chen Shuying saw us coming over, she smiled and asked, "Laughing Girl, what were you talking about with Xiao Liang?"
"Sister Chen, I was asking Xiao Liang if he hates his grandma," I replied honestly.
"Hate? Of course I do! How can I not hate them after what they did to me?" Chen Shuying exclaimed passionately.
"Sister Chen, please don't get worked up; I was just asking," I quickly soothed her.
"Laughing Girl, I'm not talking about you; I just..." Chen Shuying hesitated.
"Sister Chen, I understand," I smiled.
"Laughing Girl, what do you understand?" Chen Shuying asked in confusion.
"Sister Chen, I know you're feeling uncomfortable inside and want to talk to someone but don't know how to start," I said.
"Laughing Girl, you really understand me," Chen Shuying said gratefully.
"Sister Chen, we are both women; how could I not understand you?" I sympathized.
"Sigh, my life feels like it's over," Chen Shuying said sadly.
"Sister Chen, don't say that; you're still young and will encounter better things in the future," I comforted her.
"Laughing Girl, you don't need to comfort me; I've already seen through it all," Chen Shuying said despondently.
"Sister Chen, don't lose hope; everything will get better," I encouraged her.
"Laughing Girl, thank you," Chen Shuying said emotionally.
"Sister Chen, no need to be polite; we are friends," I smiled.
"Yes, friends," Chen Shuying said with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.
"Sister Chen, hurry and call everyone to eat; otherwise the food will get cold," I reminded her.
"Yes, I would have forgotten if you hadn't mentioned it," Chen Shuying said, realizing suddenly.
"Sister Chen, you go ahead and get busy. I'll take Xiao Liang out to play," I said.
"Alright, you two have fun," Chen Shuying replied.
I took Xiao Liang aside and we started playing games together.
We had a great time, and before we knew it, it was already dark outside.
"Laughing Girl, are you all tired from playing? Do you want to come over for something to eat?" Chen Shuying called out loudly.
"Sister Chen, we're not eating anymore. You all take your time," I responded.
"Okay then," Chen Shuying said.
"Xiao Liang, let's go home," I said.
"Mm," Xiao Liang nodded.
I held Xiao Liang's hand and walked home.
When we got back, Zhao Guangcai was sitting in the living room watching TV.
"Zhao Guangcai, I'm going to take a shower first," I said.
"Mm, go ahead," Zhao Guangcai replied.
I walked into the bedroom, grabbed some clean clothes, and then went into the bathroom.
After taking a shower, I felt completely relaxed.
"Laughing Girl, do you want to go for a walk?" Zhao Guangcai asked.
"No thanks, I just want to go to sleep," I replied.
"Laughing Girl, it's best not to sleep right after eating; it's not good for your health," Zhao Guangcai reminded me.
"I know," I answered.
"Laughing Girl, are you feeling too tired today?" Zhao Guangcai asked with concern.
"No, I'm just feeling a bit sleepy," I said.
"Then you should rest," Zhao Guangcai suggested.
"Mm, then I'm going to sleep," I said.
"Sleep well," Zhao Guangcai replied.
I lay on the bed, closed my eyes, and drifted off to sleep.
——
The next day, Chen Shuying took Xiao Liang to the village chief's house early in the morning. I washed the dishes with her and noticed that she was very skilled at it while I was not very proficient.
"Laughing Girl, don't you do housework at home?" Chen Shuying asked.
"Zhao Guangcai doesn't let me do these things, afraid I might hurt my hands," I said shyly.
"Zhao Guangcai is really nice to you," Chen Shuying said enviously.
"Sister Chen, you'll find someone who treats you well in the future too," I comforted her.
"Hehe, let's talk about that later," Chen Shuying replied with a bitter smile.
After washing the dishes, Chen Shuying left with Xiao Liang, saying they were going to the village chief's house. When I asked her what for, she said she wanted to inquire about housing matters.
On the way, we encountered several villagers who greeted Chen Shuying. Some curiously asked her why she moved out of the Wang family, and she casually deflected by saying she was going to ask the village chief about housing.
When Zhao Guangcai and I went out, we ran into the village Gossiping Woman, who pulled Chen Shuying aside and said mysteriously, "Chen girl, have you heard? A woman has come to Wang Changgui's house."
"A woman?" Chen Shuying was taken aback.
"Yeah, not sure who she is, but since the village chief is there, we can't just go over and check," the Gossiping Woman said regretfully.
"Thanks for telling me this, Aunt," Chen Shuying said absentmindedly.
"Chen girl, what are you going to the village chief's house for?" the Gossiping Woman asked curiously.
"I'm going to ask about housing matters," Chen Shuying replied.
"Are you planning to build a new house?" the Gossiping Woman exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes," Chen Shuying nodded.
"Where are you getting all that money from?" the Gossiping Woman questioned skeptically.
"I sold our old house," Chen Shuying explained.
"What? You sold the old house?" the Gossiping Woman was shocked.
"Yes," Chen Shuying nodded again.
"Chen girl, are you crazy? If you sold your house, where will you and Xiao Liang live in the future?" the Gossiping Woman asked incredulously.
"Aunt, I will build a new house," Chen Shuying assured her.
"Chen girl, you..." The Gossiping Woman wanted to say more but was interrupted by Chen Shuying.
"Aunt, I need to take Xiao Liang to the village chief's house now; let's talk another day," Chen Shuying said.
"Sigh, this girl..." The Gossiping Woman sighed and shook her head.
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