CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 63: THE THREE LITTLE ONES COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER

Jiang Mingyue went back to rinse the rice, preparing to start a fire and cook, when the little ones also came running back, playing until they were drenched in sweat. Jiang Mingyue handed them a clean towel to help each other wipe off the sweat.

Xiao Jiang Ran’s face was flushed from playing, but he didn’t forget to boast to Jiang Mingyue: "Sister, sister, I’ve shared all my candy. Gouwa, Xiao Cheng, and Zhu Zhu played ’Eagle Catching Chicks’ with us. It was so much fun. Ms. Xiao Hui played the eagle; she was fierce, but couldn’t catch me, silly."

Xiao Hui: "..." She was clearly letting him win.

Jiang Mingyue also noticed the silent competition between the two little ones and could probably guess the real situation, but she wasn’t prepared to tell the truth; things between kids should be resolved by themselves.

"Not playing anymore?"

Xiao Meng: "We came back to help sister wash the vegetables and start the fire."

"Sister, I can’t bear to get my new clothes dirty, let me change them first."

Jiang Mingyue stopped Xiao Meng: "Clothes can be washed if dirty. If we’re diligent, it’s fine."

"But I can’t bear to wash them; mom says clothes can be ruined if washed too often."

"They won’t if we don’t wash them roughly. Besides, kids grow fast. If you don’t want to wear them, you might grow too tall to fit next year."

The other two had intended to follow Xiao Meng’s example but hesitated after hearing they might outgrow the clothes.

"Okay, as long as you’re diligent enough, there will be more of these rewards in the future."

"Really?"

"When have I ever lied?"

"Alright."

Then, the three little ones started mumbling again.

Xiao Ran: "I want to help sister start the fire."

Xiao Meng: "I’ll wash the vegetables."

Xiao Hui protested: "Then what do I do?"

Xiao Ran: "Doesn’t matter, starting the fire is mine from now on."

Xiao Meng was equally unyielding: "Washing vegetables is also mine."

Jiang Mingyue found it amusing: Competing this much, even for chores?

When the sun was about to set, Mrs. Jiang and the others returned from work. Aunt Jiao came along to take Xiao Meng home.

Mrs. Jiang held onto Xiao Meng: "Let her eat here."

Aunt Jiao felt a bit embarrassed: "Aunt, is that really proper?"

"What’s improper about it? Xiao Meng’s playing with Xiao Ran and Xiao Hui. It’s just an extra set of chopsticks, and how much can kids eat anyway?"

"That’s not the point. Little girl here can really eat. It’s just that I feel I’ve imposed too much. I heard Mingyue even bought Xiao Meng new clothes and shoes; is that okay?"

Jiang Mingyue came out of the kitchen, waiting for this opportunity.

"Aunt Jiao, this is my reward for them working hard while not forgetting their studies. No need to worry. Besides, Xiao Meng and the others helped me dig up spring bamboo shoots and wild vegetables and even picked some mushrooms. It’s enough to compensate."

Aunt Jiao thought these were worthless, but her son stopped her.

Son’s eyes: Mingyue gave them anyway, so don’t push it back. Keep it in mind for repayment later.

Aunt Jiao thought: Repaying might be a bit difficult.

Xiao Meng stayed, and the others were thrilled.

Xiao Ran: "Sister Xiao Meng, later you can help my sister collect the dishes."

"Yes, I can also help sister wash the dishes."

Xiao Hui: "Neither of you can reach the stove, so I’ll wash them."

Meanwhile, Jiang Mingyue didn’t forget to display her winnings to Mrs. Jiang and the others.

"Mom, you also have two sets of clothes and two pairs of shoes, try them and see if they fit."

Mrs. Jiang’s eyes were warm: "Yueyue, mom has clothes, don’t always think about mom, buy more for yourself."

"Mom, everyone in our family has them. I can’t leave you out. Besides, we’re a family, and I can’t take all the good stuff for myself. I’d feel uneasy. So here, these are for Third Sister, these for Big Brother, these for Second Brother. Everyone has them."

Given this, Mrs. Jiang said no more. She actually felt sorry for her daughter, who returned from the privileged city life to endure hardship with them, not even planning for herself but using everything to support the family; don’t think she doesn’t know.

Mrs. Jiang thought about how she should make money to give her Moon a better life.

But she couldn’t think of anything profitable for now.

The brothers and sisters joyfully received new clothes and shoes, as happy as the kids.

The second brother clutched his and didn’t dare wear them, afraid they’d get dirty, insisting on waiting until after dinner to wash up and then try them on.

Then he went out to the courtyard, looking around; if there were a mirror, he’d be like a peacock showing off.

The big brother rarely made fun of the second brother; he kicked him lightly on the butt: "Okay, you look like you’re about to get married."

The second brother didn’t mind: "I’m wearing my sister’s new clothes, how does it bother you?"

"Listen to him, as if Mingyue were his sister alone. Luckily she bought for everyone."

Jiang Zhenmei, finally got a chance to speak.

"Mom, Big Brother, Second Brother, Mingyue bought me a sewing machine. Did you see it? A sewing machine! I thought I could never afford it in my lifetime."

Jiang Mingyue: "..." Third Sister, have some ambition, okay?

Mrs. Jiang felt more guilty and was more eager to make money.

The big brother was ecstatic; with a sewing machine in the family, it was easier to discuss marriage.

The second brother thought he’d have to hunt more, not knowing how much game he’d need to bring back to repay his sister.

"Mom, I also bought a coal stove and a hot water bottle, so when winter comes, we’ll have hot water."

The whole family fell silent: Yueyue, did you go back to your old family to borrow money? Is Zhenzhu giving you trouble again? Don’t do silly things like this. Tell us how much you borrowed; we’ll all go out to borrow house to house to pay it back for you.

Jiang Mingyue could guess their worries, feeling heartache.

So she briefly explained meeting Mr. Jiang and another uncle.

"Really, I sold them ham. They gave me a lot of money and coupons..."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Little sister scared everyone!

As dusk fell, Yun Di came over.

"Yun Di, you finally came. Wait a moment."

Jiang Mingyue went to her room and came out, stuffing a big package into his arms.

"There are clothes, shoes, and a bag of food; don’t go hungry or cold. By the way, are there empty houses in the village? Should you ask the village chief for a place to stay?"

Yun Di, bewildered by the hefty package, felt dazed.

All this time he felt like he was dreaming.

But every time, the person before him shone like a beacon, telling him: You can also have full meals and warm clothes. You can be a useful person. I believe in you!

"I... I thought you’d suspect me of running off with money."

Jiang Mingyue: "... Yun Di, are you doubting my judgment?"

"I..."

"Okay, I know you must’ve been caught up with something. I was waiting for Uncle Tiezhu to help inquire around. It’s good you’re back."

"Yes, in Liu Village I met an uncle who collapsed in illness, so I stayed to care for him, which delayed me. But, rest assured, the money spent on his medical treatment and medicine was reimbursed. I completed the task you assigned, and the items are in the cave. Do you want to take a look?"