CH 22

It was Mother Xu.

Mother Xu was wearing gray and old clothes, her face full of sweat as she walked in their direction.

Xu Zhao’s brain immediately brought up numerous possibilities regarding Father Xu. For example, his sickness got worse, or he was declared paralyzed, or… Xu Zhao didn’t dare to continue that line of thought, his body and mind tense.

However, it was exactly the opposite because Mother Xu was bringing good news. This afternoon, Father Xu’s condition was very good. He had his senses on all parts of his body, therefore the doctor said he could cut down on his stay at the hospital. If there were no accidents while he was hospitalized, then he wouldn’t become paralyzed. 

Mother Xu specifically came to tell this to her son to let him not worry and not work so hard. She didn’t expect to see her own son and grandson busying around on such a hot day. Especially her grandson. A small kid like him was helping out by selling popsicles, and her eyes involuntarily reddened. She directly looked at the fleshy body of Xu Fan who was just gaining meat, her heart hurting as she said, “Our Sanwa got skinnier.”

Sanwa got skinnier? Did he?

How is Mother Xu seeing that?

Xu Zhao consciously reached out a hand to wipe away his sweat, then spoke the truth, “Mom, our Sanwa gained six catties.”

Mother Xu was shocked and asked, “He gained weight? Why does it look like he lost weight to me?”

“He gained weight. Even his double chin came out,” Xu Zhao said.

“Why can’t I see it?”

“Probably because even if your Sanwa eats till he becomes a pig, you’d still think he’s skinny.”

“That’s just nonsense,” Mother Xu said with a wry smile.

“…”

Mother Xu hugged Xu Fan for a long time, kissing Xu Fan’s small apple cheeks. Before leaving, she pulled out half an apple from her cloth bag and gave it to Xu Zhao, telling Xu Zhao to share it with Xu Fan.

Because the apple became oxidized, a layer of pale yellow already appeared on the surface of the apple. This was definitely given to Mother Xu by someone else, but Mother Xu didn’t have the heart to eat it, bringing it here for him and Xu Fan to eat instead. Thinking of this, Xu Zhao’s heart softened, and his eyes started to sting as well.

“Daddy,” X called.

Xu Zhao lowered his head to look at Xu Fan.

“Grandma left,” Xu Fan said.

Xu Zhao lightly “hmmed,” watching Mother Xu’s departing shadow. Seeing that Mother Xu hurriedly rushed back and forth just to deliver half an apple, he felt that no matter how hard he had to work, it would be worth it.

Xu Fan flatted his mouth and said, “I don’t want Grandma to leave.”

“Do you want to stay together with Grandma?” Xu Zhao asked.

“Mm. I want to eat and sleep with Grandma and Grandpa.”

“We’ll wait a bit longer. Wait till Daddy makes money and brings Grandma and Grandpa home.”

“Okay.” Xu Fan was easily pleased.

Xu Zhao glanced at Xu Fan’s hand and said, “Quickly eat the apple then we’ll continue our work.”

Xu Fan immediately handed the apple to Xu Zhao and said, “Daddy, you eat too.”

“Daddy won’t eat any. Eat it yourself.”

“Daddy, eat.”

Xu Zhao was forced to take a bite of the apple before picking up the shovel again to continue filling in the potholes, his heart filled with happiness for Father Xue’s turn for the better, and filled with distress for Mother Xu acting like a loving mother. As he turned to watch Xu Fan eat the half an apple, he also felt grieved.

In the end, these three emotions silently turned into his driving force.

Once the potholes were filled and the popsicles sold out, he troubled Cui Qingfeng to watch Xu Fan for a bit, then returned home. He placed the previously prepared food into the enamel jar, borrowed Da Zhuang’s family’s ox cart, and placed the 100ish bricks and planks he had received after the family was split, as well as a bit of wheat, and loaded them all on the ox cart. He pulled it to the intersection in the county town, waiting for Da Zhuang’s father and the others to come construct the building.

He has already discussed this with Da Zhuang’s father earlier, to completely construct a tiled house would cost 100 Yuan. And so the next day, when Da Zhuang’s father brought four middle-aged men to the intersection to take a look, they said that 100 Yuan would not be enough to construct the building. Since they were laying down bricks, the foundation as well as the four walls would need at least 3500 bricks. Adding on the tiled roof, and without increasing the labor fee, it would cost at least 200 Yuan. So how could 100 Yuan be enough?

This was not what they had previously agreed on.

They were clearly untrustworthy.

Da Zhuang’s father immediately started bickering with the other middle-aged men, saying that those four were cheats, that they weren’t giving him any face, saying that Xu Zhao was his good bro, how could 100 Yuan not be enough to construct the building? In short, he raised such a fuss that attracted the attention of numerous passersby.

Seeing this, Xu Zhao hastily went to stop it, trying to appease Da Zhuang’s father.

After some discussion, they agreed to lay bricks, but will use planks for the walls, and have a thatched roof instead of a tiled one. Along with the labor costs, they finally brought the price down to 150 Yuan. This finally settled everyone to stop arguing and start laying down the foundation, mix the plaster, lay the bricks and other actions involved in the building process.

During this time, Xu Zhao didn’t find fault with those four men because of the earlier unpleasantness. On the contrary, he was very courteous. Besides providing tea every day, he would also provide popsicles, and even corn cakes every once in a while. 

A week later, the small tiled house on the intersection was completed. The agreed upon three walls became four walls in the end. However, the doors and windows were a bit large, but this way, it was easier to do business.

“Brother Li, didn’t we agree upon three walls? How did it become four walls? Did you help speak up for me again?” Xu Zhao asked with surprise.

“Who are you saying helped speak up for you? You spoke up for yourself,” Da Zhuang’s father said.

“What do you mean?” Xu Zhao asked.

“ You bring them two popsicles every day as a greeting. They all know this in their hearts, and they’re not bad people. How could they keep taking advantage of someone like that? That’s why everybody immediately decided to take a lower labor fee. They couldn’t put you out like that. That’s why they built the last wall, as well as set up the side door for you. They won’t charge you for it so don’t worry,” Da Zhuang’s father said.

“Brother Li,” Xu Zhao gratefully shouted.

Da Zhuang’s father immediately smiled and said, “You’re being too mushy. I can’t stand it.”

Xu Zhao smiled and said, “Fine, then I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Later. I know you have talent. Treat me when you have money,” Da Zhuang’s father said.

Thank you, Brother Li.”

“Here we go again.”

“Thank you very much, Brother Li,” Xu Zhao said again.

“If you thank me again then I really have to believe what your sister-in-law said. I’d have to think that you became silly from studying.”

Xu Zhao immediately laughed.

Da Zhuang’s father carried the shovel and plaster bag, and ate a popsicle with the four middle-aged men as they headed towards the road back to South Bay Village.

Xu Zhao turned around and quickly opened the side door to take a look at the new building. According to Xu Zhao’s request, there was a large window at the front of the building and the door was on the side wall. Therefore, there was plenty of natural light.

However, since the bricks were laid with plaster and were laid with clay instead, therefore, the whole house was covered with clay and straw. Xu Zhao immediately grabbed the shovel and broom to clean the place up. Afterwards, he went to Cui Qingfeng’s house, bringing Cui Qingfeng and Xu Fan to come take a look at the new building.

“Wow!” Xu Fan said shortly.

“Wow.” Cui Qingfeng deliberately learned from Xu Fan.

Xu Zhao appeased Mother Xu and Father Xu, then killed a rooster. He gave the smaller half to Da Zhuang’s family, then Mother Xu split the larger half into several portions, then used a portion to stir-fry some potatoes and chicken, another portion to make chicken soup for Father Xu, then saved the rest.

“Mom, it’s hot today. Let’s eat all of the chicken. If we leave it for too long, it’ll smell,” Xu Zhao said.

“How could it smell? I sprinkled salt on it. We’ll leave it to dry in the sun and eat it during the winter.”

Eat—during—the—winter—

Summer wasn’t over yet and fall still hadn’t arrived, yet she wanted to eat it during the winter…

Xu Fan simply couldn’t convince Mother Xu against her frugality. However, the dishes Mother Xu made were truly delicious. Xu Fan kept saying that it was good, and he ate until his small belly plumped out.

After the meal, Mother Xu started tidying up the thatched hut.

Xu Fan crouched next to the chickens and ducks and watched how they ate. He suddenly heard the sound of the bicycle and turned his head. He quickly stood up and ran in front of Xu Zhao, raising his small arms as he faced his back to Xu Zhao.

“Xu Fan, what are you doing?” Xu Zhao asked.

“Coming to the county town with Daddy,” Xu Fan said.

“Who said I’m going to the county town?”

Xu Fan twisted his body and raised his small head to look at Xu Zhao.

“I’m going to take a look at Da Zhuang’s house,” Xu Zhao said.

“I’m coming too,” Xu Fan immediately said.

“Don’t go out for now and stay home to accompany Grandpa. Grandpa will be anxious if he can’t see you. I’ll come back home soon, okay?”

As long as he spoke reasonably with Xu Fan, Xu Fan will always listen. Therefore, Xu Fan agreed.

Therefore, Xu Fan stayed at home for Xu Zhao to return. He waited, looking left and right, but didn’t see Xu Zhao come back, then asked, “Grandma, where’s Daddy?”

“I don’t know,” Mother Xu said.

“Why isn’t he back yet?” Xu Fan said.

“I don’t know either,” Mother Xu replied.

“I’m going to Da Zhuang’s house to find him.

Xu Fan ran his tiny legs to Da Zhuang’s house. Da Zhuang’s mother said that Xu Zhao had returned home, and so Xu Fan ran back home and asked again, “Grandma, where’s Daddy?”

“I don’t know,” Xu Fan said. In fact, he didn’t want to bring Xu Fan while he ran around, so he left for the county town from Da Zhuang’s house.

“Didn’t he come back?” Xu Fan asked.

“No.”

Xu Fan’s eyes widened, and he asked with his face at a loss, “Then where did Daddy go?”

Mother Xu couldn’t bear to lie to Xu Fan and said, “He probably went to the county town.”

“Why didn’t he take me with him?”

“Maybe he was too busy and didn’t have time to take you?”

When Xu Fan heard Mother Xu’s words, he stopped speaking, his head drooping. He dragged his legs and took small steps towards the corner. His forehead pressed against the wall and he didn’t make a sound.

“The teacher was a good person and gave him an examination paper, telling him to take the test. As a result, he got full marks and the teacher thought he was talented at studying. The teacher dragged him to find Qingfeng’s dad and hoped that Qingfeng’s dad would let him study. Afterwards, Qingfeng’s dad carried over soybeans to the teacher asking the teacher to teach him.

“He was very sensible and knew from a young age that our family was poor. He studied hard and skipped grades, graduating earlier than most people. So he started struggling by himself when he was young. If it wasn’t for him, our whole family would have starved to death.”

Xu Zhao was moved after hearing the story. “He’s really amazing.”

“That’s right. He’s only older than Qingfeng by four years, yet he had to fight and crawl through mud. He suffered a lot of bitterness in his life, but because he was smart, he never got cheated,” Mother Cui said.

“I’ve been cheated,” Cui Qingfeng added. “I was cheated once three years ago. My youngest uncle was—”

“You and your nonsense.” Mother Cui cut off Cui Qingfeng’s words, turning and said, “In any case, his youngest uncle suffered a lot. Once he finishes his current matters, I’ll have him stay at home and rest. I won’t let him return to his own home. He’ll stay here so that I can make him delicious food every day.”

“I want to eat too,” Xu Fan heard there was delicious food and immediately added on.

Mother Cui laughed, petting Xu Fan’s plump little cheek and said, “All right. Our smart Xu Fan can eat as well.”

Xu Zhao  smiled and looked towards Mother Cui. Thinking of the goal of this meal, he opened his mouth and said, “Auntie, your old colleague who was going to open a noodle factory, are they still opening one?”

“Yes. What’s wrong?” Mother Cui asked.

“I want to sell their noodles in the building on the intersection.”

“Sell noodles?”

Mother Cui and Cui Qingfeng were taken aback.

“Xu Zhao, why do you want to sell everything?” Cui Qingfeng couldn’t understand and asked.

“To make money,” Xu Zhao sincerely replied.

“…Can this make money?”

“Yes. We must make it popular first, and then we’ll be able to make money. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

“You’re not thinking of opening a snack counter, right?”

“Not just that.”

“Then what are you thinking?”

“Making money.”

“…”

Cui Qingfeng couldn’t understand Xu Zhao.

Xu Zhao turned to Mother Cui and said, “Auntie, can you introduce me to them? Their noodles are very tasty, so I’d like to sell them.”

“Of course. She’s currently worried that she won’t be able to sell the noodles. When I talk to her, I’ll have her give you a discount,” Mother Cui happily said.

“Thank you, Auntie. Thank you.”

“You silly child. You’re too polite.”

After speaking, Mother Cui gave Xu Zhao and Xu Fan another piece of meat, then told Xu Zhao and she would help him ask about the noodles tonight. When night arrived, Mother Cui happily relayed Xu Zhao’s matter and discussed it with Cui Qingfeng, and decided to get ten packages of noodles to sell at the small building on the intersection first. In any case, they still had the popular popsicles to keep them going, so they just had to wait for the noodles to be sold.

If the noodles sold well, they’d get more. If not, they’d forget about it.

Thereafter, Xu Zhao just needed to wait for Mother Cui to give him the ten packages of noodles. He and Xu Fan sat inside the small building on the intersection to sell their products. With a tiled house covering them, they wouldn’t get sunburnt. It was a lot more comfortable but still a bit hot. Xu Zhao grabbed the fan to fan himself as well as giving a little wind to Xu Fan’s body as well. Xu Fan was currently sitting on the stool, folding a paper airplane. “Daddy, where’s Uncle Cui?” he raised his head and asked.

“He went to pay the electricity bill,” Xu Zhao replied.

“When will he be back,” Xu Fan asked.

“He should be back soon,” Xu Zhao replied.

“Oh.” It wasn’t that Xu Fan actually wanted to know where Cui Qingfeng was, his small mouth just didn’t stop moving as he kept talking about this and that without any rhythm.

Xu Zhao indifferently replied to him, his attention completely on the road. He hoped that Mother Cui would bring the ten packets of noodles over soon. However, after waiting all this time, Mother Cui still hadn’t shown up. As he was anxiously waiting, Mother Cui walked forward in a relaxed manner, her face covered in smiles. When she saw Xu Zhao, she immediately exclaimed, “Oh my, Xu Zhao. I forgot about the noodles.”

“It’s fine. You can bring them tonight,” Xu Zhao said with a smile.

“That’s not it. I brought the noodles home, and as I was about to pick them up, I had to leave the house in a hurry. That’s why I forgot to bring them over to you. I’m currently rushing to the food market to buy vegetables or else I won’t be able to get any later. How about you go get them yourself? There’s someone at home.”

“Sure. Auntie, you should quickly go buy the vegetables.”

“Okay. You should come to our house to eat at lunch,” Mother Cui happily said.

“No thanks. I need to take Xu Fan home this afternoon,” Xu Zhao said.

When Xu Zhao finished speaking, he had wanted Xu Fan to watch the shop. But when he saw how handsome Xu Fan’s little face was, he worried that he (XF) might get kidnapped. Therefore, he closed up shop and pulled Xu Fan to the Cui house.

As soon as he opened the courtyard door, Xu Zhao called out, “Qingfeng, Qingfeng.”

“Uncle Cui, Uncle Cui. Are you here? Me and my daddy are here,” Xu Fan called as well.

The father and son called out a few more times before Father Cui’s voice finally called back, “Who is it? Who’s looking for Qingfeng. Is it Little Xu Fan?”

“Not me. It’s my Daddy and me,” Xu Fan replied.

This answer… gets full points! Full points!

Xu Zhao wiped his head. As he was going to see Father Cui, a tall man came out from the main hall. The man wore casual clothes: white short-sleeved shirt and pants with a pair of new slippers on his feet. He was clearly dressed in ordinary clothes, but he gave others the feeling of sophistication along with a sense of pressure. Especially since the man was very tall and very handsome. There wasn’t a single problem with his appearance.

When Xu Zhao was working odd jobs in the 21st century, he’d seen many male celebrities. They made themselves up to be very handsome. However, there wasn’t a single one that was better looking than the naturally handsome man with an intense atmosphere in front of him.

Xu Zhao was in a daze.

Xu Fan also stared blankly at him. He was almost three years old but this was his first time seeing someone so handsome.

“Qingfeng isn’t here.” The man’s voice was deep and languid.

Before Xu Zhao could reply, Xu Fan opened his mouth. “W-We’re not looking for Qinghong. W-we’re looking for noodles,” Xu Fan stuttered as pronounced Qingfeng’s name incorrectly.

“Where are the noodles?” the man expressionlessly asked.

“I-I don’t know where the noodles are either. My daddy knows.” Xu Fan lifted his head to look at Xu Zhao and asked, “Daddy, where are the noodles?”