CHAPTER 37: CHAPTER 37: CHANGE

Gu Ruhai was also taken aback.

Startled by what Gu Xiaoqing said.

These words came from a twelve-year-old child, yet they spoke a genuine truth. The second and third siblings didn’t do as much as he did, but their lives were still going well.

Their reputations weren’t ruined in any significant way.

In contrast, I’ve always been worried about this and that, but my reputation, well, I’m not unaware of what people say behind my back.

I’ve already been labeled as a fool.

The whole family has been branded as a silent and daft family.

All of this is the result of my actions over the years.

Actually, my daughter is right, reputation is a matter of one’s actions being observed by the heavens.

As long as I have a clear conscience, why should I care about others’ opinions?

Take our Xiaoqing, for instance. People may say she’s bold, but for her family, her siblings, and for us parents, she’s genuinely thinking for the good of the family.

She doesn’t hide her intentions at all.

Our daughter is really the best.

Gu Ruhai smiled, brightening his face, and said, "Yes, yes, Xiaoqing is right. From now on, we should live well and make sure our family prospers. We will fulfill our filial duties but won’t take on burdens that aren’t ours to bear. I promise to change my ways of being overly assertive. Your mother and I should live up to you children."

These words were truly heartfelt.

The happiest was Gu Xiaoqing. To think that just this once she could draw out such a candid reflection from her father, means her bold reputation was really worth it.

"Mom and Dad, our lives will only get better."

Gu Xiaoying couldn’t close her mouth from laughing. This was the best kind of atmosphere, the best moments with the family together.

Gu Xiaojie glanced around with his round black eyes and suddenly said, "Does this mean our family can have dumplings every meal then?"

The whole family burst into laughter.

This kid was still dreaming about dumplings.

"Alright, alright, you’ll have dumplings every meal, even if you get tired of them."

Li Xuemei laughed so hard her mouth spread to her cheeks.

The joyful meal came to an end.

Early the next morning, the family was busy again.

Gu Xiaoqing intentionally stayed out of it today, mainly because in just one day, she would start school.

The business matters had to be handled by the parents and Gu Xiaoying. Even if she wanted to help, her only time was on weekends.

Today, Gu Xiaoqing’s goal was to help improve her parents’ and Gu Xiaoying’s communication skills. Business not only relies on skills but also on eloquence. If you’re not articulate, you might end up selling fewer baskets than you could—this could make a big difference.

Their speaking abilities needed practice sooner rather than later.

This was the family’s biggest matter.

Both Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai were diligent. All morning, it was just the two of them bustling about, as they still had that blue-brick, tile-roofed house on their minds.

How could there not be motivation?

Gu Xiaoying seemed to understand something, doing everything herself today, preventing Gu Xiaoqing from getting involved, only asking her when she didn’t understand something.

Gu Xiaoqing admired her elder sister’s wisdom; in just a short time, she grasped her true intentions.

If nurtured well, her elder sister could probably have her own career in a lifetime.

Of course, Gu Xiaoqing also hoped that Gu Xiaoying would have different opportunities, far from the fate of being forced into marriage, living a humble life, being a housewife and a child-bearing tool.

In this lifetime, Gu Xiaoqing hoped her family could all walk down bright paths.

Once again, the family set off.

This time, they were familiar with the route and quickly arrived at the town.

The same old spot, looking at the time, they were early. However, since today was a market day, there were many more people coming and going, and more stalls selling things were set up around them.

Gu Xiaoqing and the others stayed at their original spot; since it was relatively secluded, no one else wanted to occupy it.

They soon set up the stove.

Basket after basket of dumplings were placed on the racks, and once the fire beneath crackled, the rising steam brought a distinctive aroma from afar.

Today, Gu Xiaoqing also specially prepared fried dumplings for a different taste. Fried dumplings appeared oily, but didn’t require much oil, a technique Gu Xiaoqing perfected in a past life.

A thin layer of oil was spread in a flat pan, and the dumplings were lined up neatly. Then a ladle of pre-mixed flour batter, proportioned just so, was poured over them.

It seemed plain, but after a while with the lid covered, the outcome was excellent. Crispy, golden, and shiny at the bottom, they were irresistibly enticing.

Gu Xiaoqing had long prepared a large porcelain basin and a wet steamer cloth with her elder sister. The cooked fried dumplings were placed in the basin, covered with the cloth to preserve the steam and freshness.

As soon as they started, a crowd gathered, primarily drawn by the aromatic scent.

Many had traveled from afar for the market and hadn’t eaten breakfast. Tempted by the aroma, they huddled around.

Gu Xiaoqing didn’t address them but pulled Li Xuemei aside. Gu Ruhai, overwhelmed by the crowd, was too nervous to speak, likely stuttering if he did.

Better not to attempt it.

Li Xuemei understood her daughter’s intentions but, being shy, found it hard to speak up.

After a long silence, Gu Xiaoying spoke up, "Uncles, aunties, these are our family’s exclusive Imperial Chef recipe for steamed and fried dumplings. Thin skin and big filling, one taste will leave you wanting more. Have a try!"

Even though she mirrored Gu Xiaoqing’s approach from yesterday, at least she spoke up.

Li Xuemei felt embarrassed that as a mother she couldn’t match her daughters, but finally, after much hesitation, she called out, "Thin skin, big filling, made with conscience."

Gu Xiaoqing was stunned, realizing her mother had a talent for advertising.

Before long, someone came up asking for the price. Hearing it was thirty cents for ten dumplings, many left thinking it was expensive, but some immediately paid to buy.

After all, they only accepted cash, not food stamps.

It was considered quite affordable.