"Mom, where are we going?" Song Yu held Song Xinran's hand as they walked along the unfamiliar street.
The weather was cool today, and since it wasn't market day, there weren't many people on the street. Song Yu felt a bit braver, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He spotted a restaurant where several people were sitting inside eating noodles.
Song Yu patted his stomach. He had also eaten noodles this morning, with broth made from chicken soup – absolutely delicious! Mom had even boiled an egg for him.
Back at his aunt's house, this used to be a privilege only Cai Yang enjoyed. Cai Yang got to eat a boiled egg every morning.
Song Yu used to envy him, but not anymore – now he had his own mother!
He also noticed clothing shops lining both sides of the street. Feeling pleased, he looked down at his own clothes. Since Mom was taking him out today, he was wearing relatively new clothes without any holes.
"Taking Xiao Yu to the barbershop for a haircut," Song Xinran said.
Hearing this, Song Yu immediately shook his head: "Don't want to go to a shop. Auntie can cut my hair."
He had no memory of ever getting a haircut at a barbershop. When his hair grew long before, his aunt would always cut it for him, just like many other children in the village.
But Cai Yang had been to a barbershop once. When Cai Yang's hair grew long, his uncle took him out, and when they returned in the afternoon, Cai Yang's hair was much shorter.
Song Yu had been amazed. Cai Yang told him that his dad had taken him to a barbershop in town, spending lots and lots of money. The auntie at the barbershop had even washed his hair, making it smell really nice.
While telling the story, Cai Yang kept scratching his head, insisting that Song Yu smell whether it was fragrant or not.
Song Yu had a sharp nose and didn't need to get close to smell it. He took two steps back and nodded, saying it was very fragrant.
Cai Yang became extremely proud, saying that getting a haircut at the barbershop was scary – the haircut auntie had many pairs of scissors, all very sharp, and she would use all the different scissors to cut your hair. Finally, she would use something called clippers to shave your head, buzzing loudly, which was really frightening.
But Cai Yang had been very brave, not scared at all, and successfully got his haircut.
Finally, Cai Yang declared it had been like a great adventure! He was the super invincible warrior who had conquered the challenge!
But Song Yu felt a bit afraid. So many scissors, plus clippers – wouldn't they cut off his ears? He touched his ears, his small body trembling slightly.
"Mom, Auntie can cut it for me. It doesn't cost money." Of course, he also remembered Cai Yang saying that getting a haircut at the barbershop cost lots and lots of money.
Song Xinran said gently: "Xiao Yu doesn't need to worry. Mom has money now, and Xiao Yu helped Mom earn money last night too. The barbershop gives better-looking haircuts."
Song Yu murmured: "Don't need it to look good."
Song Xinran thought to herself that this child was too sensible, already learning to save money at three years old. She didn't like poverty-stricken education: "But Mom wants to take Xiao Yu to the barbershop. Mom wants to see how much more handsome Xiao Yu can look."
Song Yu's cheeks flushed slightly as he touched his hair. But he felt too embarrassed to say he was scared, feeling very conflicted inside. Finally, he bravely clenched his little fists: "Okay."
When they reached the barbershop, the child looked up at the tall door, gathered all his courage and walked in. The moment he entered and saw all the scissors, his whole body trembled instantly.
The shop owner immediately came forward when she saw customers, smiling as she asked: "What kind of hairstyle would you like?"
On market days in the town, there were many mobile haircut stalls that charged half the price of regular barbershops. Most people waited for these days to get a cheap haircut from any random stall. Those who came to the barbershop were usually particular about their hairstyle and came from relatively well-off families.
Therefore, the shop owner was extremely enthusiastic when she saw customers. She glanced at Song Xinran, then at Song Yu, and asked, "Who's getting the haircut?"
Song Xinran said, "My child. Please cut it shorter for him, thin out the sides, trim the bangs and the top, and make the back of the head look fuller…"
Hearing this, the shop owner concluded that this was a customer who had specific requirements for the hairstyle and clear ideas of her own, so she communicated more carefully.
The shop owner had never cut such a hairstyle before. Most townsfolk who came to the barbershop simply asked for a shorter cut that looked decent.
After understanding Song Xinran's request, the shop owner said, "I can do it, but it'll cost three yuan. We usually charge two yuan for a haircut. Your requirements are quite detailed, miss."
Song Xinran nodded, "Three yuan is fine, as long as you can achieve the look."
Pleased, the shop owner immediately seated Song Yu in the chair.
Song Yu sat there dazedly, staring motionlessly at his reflection in the mirror.
The shop owner praised, "Your child is so well-behaved. Many kids are afraid of haircuts and start crying and fussing as soon as they sit down."
She had no idea that Song Yu was actually terrified. Looking at the scissors and all the unfamiliar tools, he felt as if his ears had already been cut off. He was trying his hardest not to burst into tears.
Song Xinran smiled, "Xiao Yu is very obedient."
Hearing her words, Song Yu sat up even straighter. No matter how scared he was, he couldn't cry. His uncle had told him that nobody likes children who cry in public.
The barber studied Song Yu's hair for a moment, picked up a pair of scissors, and started cutting.
Listening to the snip-snip sounds, Song Yu gripped the armrests tightly with his small hands, praying desperately in his heart: Don't cut off my ears, don't cut off my ears.
Finally, the shop owner finished the initial trimming and set aside the first pair of scissors.
Song Yu's tightly clenched hands relaxed slightly. Seeing his ears still intact in the mirror, he prepared to climb down from the chair when the barber pressed his shoulder and said with a chuckle, "Don't move, little one. We're not done yet."
She then picked up a second pair of scissors.
Song Yu furrowed his small brow, pressed his lips together, shifted back in the seat, and straightened his posture.
Buzzzzzz!
Hearing this sound, Song Yu's whole body trembled.
It's here, it's really here! he thought. The clippers that even Cai Yang was afraid of!
He squeezed his eyes shut tightly, not daring to look anymore.
The shop owner used the clippers to carefully define the hairline. By now, the basic shape of the hairstyle was emerging. Having been in this business for many years, she could tell at a glance that this style would look really good.
"Miss, how did you come up with this hairstyle? It's going to turn out really well," the shop owner remarked.
Song Xinran thought to herself that she had seen it in her previous life – many young boys wore this haircut, and it even had a specific name: textured crop with fringe.
However, the shop owner had cut the bangs shorter in front. Song Xinran could understand why – after all, most people at this time got haircuts not for style, but to keep hair out of their eyes.
"But children's hair grows fast. With this cut, you'll probably need to come back for another trim in less than two months," the shop owner reminded her.
Song Xinran said, "That's fine. We'll come back to you when it grows out."
The shop owner happily acknowledged and worked faster with her hands.
The haircut took half an hour. When all the tools finally stopped, Song Yu's ears regained their quiet. He remained tense, not daring to relax until he heard the words: "All done."
Only then did Song Yu cautiously open his eyes.
"So adorable," came his mother's praise.
As he opened his eyes, he saw the child in the mirror. His hair looked completely different. The shop owner was also complimenting him, making Song Yu so shy he couldn't bear to keep looking at his reflection.
Song Xinran gently touched Song Yu's head. His hair was dark and soft, pleasant to touch. With his new haircut, his eyebrows were fully visible – delicate black arches that gave him a refined appearance.
Though only three years old, he already had well-defined features. He was somewhat thin, but it didn't diminish his cuteness at all.
Song Xinran thought to herself that this hairstyle had definitely been the right choice.
"Miss, could I discuss something with you?" the shop owner asked, turning to her. "Would you mind if I took a photo of your child? I'd like to develop it and display it in my shop. I won't charge for today's haircut if you agree."
"As you can see, I have several photos in my shop already. I only take pictures of the best haircuts."
The moment she finished cutting his hair, the shop owner recognized its appeal. The hairstyle was stylish and the child was cute – such a photo would surely attract more customers.
Song Xinran shook her head. "No photos, but I'll pay the regular price. You're welcome to give other customers this hairstyle without asking me – I saw it on someone else anyway."
She didn't like the idea of having her child's photo displayed in the shop where people might comment on it.
The shop owner happily agreed and ultimately gave them a discount, charging only two yuan.
After leaving the barbershop, Song Yu kept touching his hair. "Mom."
"What is it?"
A small smile appeared on his lips. "I had a big adventure too."
It took Song Xinran a moment to understand, then she thought how imaginative children could be. Smiling, she said, "Yes, Xiao Yu was very brave."
Holding her hand, Song Yu happily bounced along.
He thought to himself that when he saw Little Yang again, he would tell him that he'd also been to the barbershop for a haircut. He'd seen all sorts of scissors and clippers, and he hadn't been scared at all! He'd also undergone a big adventure and was now a mighty warrior!
After the haircut, Song Xinran took Song Yu to buy pajamas.
In this remote small town, the concept of dedicated sleepwear hadn't really caught on yet. Most people either wore old clothes or their daytime clothes to bed.
Song Xinran checked several clothing stores before finally purchasing a soft yellow pure cotton long-sleeved top and matching mid-length pants. She deliberately chose items without printed patterns for better comfort during sleep.
She also bought herself a set of cotton pajamas. Song Yu insisted on carrying them for her, walking happily while holding the bag.
Originally, Song Xinran had wanted to order fresh milk daily to help Song Yu build up his health – he was too thin, and drinking more milk would help him grow taller. However, after searching around town, she couldn't even find a store selling boxed milk, let alone fresh milk.
Most stores only sold bagged milk powder, with even canned varieties being scarce.
Although this was a world from a book, it felt more like a parallel version of the world she'd lived in before. Many major events were the same, including the nationally shocking tainted milk powder scandal that would occur six years later.
Song Xinran thought this town was still too remote, where even daily shopping wasn't very convenient. If given the chance, she'd need to move to a bigger place.
After some simple shopping, Song Xinran went to buy ingredients needed for today's stall.
Compared to yesterday, she spent much less money today. The ceramic pot didn't need to be purchased, and seasonings were still available at home. She only needed to buy some ingredients and items for making the broth.
Today, Song Xinran decided not to buy a whole free-range chicken. Firstly, it was too expensive, and secondly, Bobo Chicken only required chicken broth. They hadn't finished yesterday's chicken yet.
It would be great if she could buy chicken frames, but while many vendors were selling chickens, none were selling chicken frames.
Firstly, vendors mostly sold whole or half chickens at this time, rarely breaking them down unless customers requested and paid extra. Secondly, even if others had them, they wouldn't sell them because the price was too low—a chicken frame would only cost about one or two yuan.
After some thought, Song Xinran ultimately bought half a chicken at the market for twenty yuan.
When buying meat, Song Xinran still went to Huang Yun. They had agreed in advance that from now on, whenever Song Xinran needed pork for making Bobo Chicken, she would get it from Huang Yun, who naturally offered a discounted price.
The two chatted for a while, and finally, Song Xinran left carrying a bag of at least four or five jin of meat. This included not only what was needed for today's Bobo Chicken but also meat for her family to eat.
The vendor next to Huang Yun noticed this and said with a hint of envy, "Huang Yun, you're really lucky to have landed another big customer. From the sound of it, they'll be ordering every day. With so many customers, can you handle it all?"
Huang Yun chuckled, "Big customers start as small ones. If you look down on small customers, how would big ones come? Don't you think so?"
The vendor fell silent. They often chatted and complained about some customers buying too little meat and being picky, only wanting specific cuts.
Huang Yun continued tidying her stall cheerfully, thinking she hadn't misjudged Song Xinran. The first time she met the girl and heard her speak, she felt comfortable and happy.
And sure enough, it hadn't been long before Song Xinran moved to town, her stall business was booming, and her life was clearly getting better and better.
After buying the meat, Song Xinran went to buy vegetables, preparing slightly less than yesterday since there was no need to treat guests today.
Back home, after carefully calculating the costs: a haircut and clothes cost 52 yuan, and Bobo Chicken ingredients cost 65 yuan. Yesterday, just one chicken had cost 50 yuan!
Today's profits were sure to be substantial. The thought made Song Xinran smile.
Before they knew it, it was time to set up the stall in the afternoon. With yesterday's experience, Song Xinwen was much more composed today.
"If only we had bought another ceramic pot, we could have sold more," Song Xinwen sighed, looking at the three large, full ceramic pots.
Song Xinran laughed, "Sis, with our limited manpower, making Bobo Chicken for three pots is already a lot. Don't bite off more than you can chew. The most important thing in business is quality."
Song Xinwen thought it made sense and felt a bit embarrassed. Seeing how everything sold out early yesterday, she kept thinking about earning more money, but Xinran was right.
She was the same when shopping. When a store first opened, if their products were solid and affordable, she'd go back every time. But if the quality declined later, she'd complain and stop going.
"If we can't make more, how can we earn more?" Song Xinwen muttered casually.
Song Xinran casually replied, "We can add other varieties to sell, but lowering quality or raising prices is absolutely out of the question."
As she spoke, the stall was set up. Song Xinran glanced at her watch—it was 5:10, just ten minutes before the students of Third Middle School finished classes.
She thought to herself, surely today wouldn’t be like yesterday, when there wasn’t a single customer at first.
Just then, Song Xinwen nudged her with an elbow and whispered, "The owner of the fried skewer stall next to us is staring at us."
Having lived in the countryside for years, Song Xinwen immediately sensed the hostility.
"Maybe I should take some food over to let them try and strike up a conversation to build some rapport," Song Xinwen suggested.
They were the new stall here, while the other had been around for a long time. In any confrontation, the newcomers would likely be at a disadvantage. Song Xinwen still believed in the old saying: "Don’t hit a smiling face." A friendly chat could ease the tension.
Song Xinran stopped her, saying, "No need, Sis. We’re competitors. A little food or a few words won’t smooth things over. Besides, why bother? Let’s just focus on selling our own products."
Song Xinwen hesitated. After all, she’d always been taught to get along with others and make as many friends as possible.
Song Xinran said bluntly, "Sis, by setting up our stall here, we’re taking business away from them. Would you try to befriend someone who’s taking money out of your pocket?"
"How is that taking money? Anyone can set up a stall. If customers buy from us, it’s because our food tastes better!" Song Xinwen retorted immediately.
Song Xinran smiled, and Song Xinwen quickly realized her own contradiction, dropping the idea.
As she mulled over Xinran’s words, she found herself agreeing more and more. She couldn’t help thinking that her sister had not only become more open-minded but also wiser and more perceptive in handling situations.
At 5:20, the school bell rang on time, and students from Third Middle School soon streamed out. The scenario Song Xinran had worried about earlier didn’t happen at all.
The first student to rush out of the school headed straight for their stall and called out as soon as he arrived:
"Auntie, I want ten vegetarian skewers in different flavors!"
Song Xinran promptly packed them for him.
Right after taking payment, the second, third… and then a whole crowd swarmed over. "So this is Bobo Chicken? It doesn’t smell like much!"
"But it tastes amazing! I even dreamed about it last night! Boss, why don’t you set up in the evening?" a girl in school uniform asked. "We rushed over after evening self-study, hungry, but couldn’t find you anywhere after searching for ages."
Hearing this, Song Xinwen grinned from ear to ear. "Little classmate, we sell out before evening self-study ends. If you like it, come earlier!"
"Ah!" a student wailed in disappointment. "Can’t you make more? There’s never enough!"
In the past, Song Xinwen would have agreed without hesitation—only a fool would turn down money. But after listening to Song Xinran, she understood better and said, "Sorry, we don’t have enough hands. We can only manage these three ceramic pots at most. Any more, and we can’t guarantee the taste."
Middle schoolers were already quite reasonable. They thought about it and agreed—flavor mattered most when it came to food. This Bobo Chicken was truly a conscientious chicken!
Before they finished serving this crowd, students from Central Primary School were let out at 5:30.
Thanks to Ding Sisi’s enthusiastic promotion, nearly all sixth-grade classes (though there were only three classes in total) knew about the delicious Bobo Chicken stall at the entrance of Third Middle School.
As soon as school ended, everyone rushed over, making the already bustling stall even more crowded.
Seeing this, Song Xinran quickly shouted, "Don't push, classmates! Everyone will get their turn. I'll serve those who are queuing first."
Since they were all students—sixth graders around twelve or thirteen years old, and middle schoolers just a couple of years older—they obediently formed a line upon hearing Song Xinran's words.
Thus, a peculiar scene unfolded: during the brief after-school break of just over an hour, many students were actually wasting precious time queuing to buy snacks?
Curious onlookers drew closer to see what was happening, and the even more curious joined the queue.
Elementary school students who had tried the Bobo Chicken yesterday and craved it again today were shocked to find such a long line in front of the treasure stall—and it was all middle schoolers!
A chorus of dismay erupted!
Ding Sisi was among them, but she didn't join the lament. Instead, she was feeling quite proud!
She was different from the others—if she wanted to eat, she could take a shortcut and buy directly from Aunt Song!
Just then, a classmate spotted her and hurried over, "Ding Sisi, don't you know the auntie who sells Bobo Chicken?"
Feeling pleased and thinking she deserved full marks as the publicity committee member, Ding Sisi straightened up and said, "Yes, Aunt Song is my mom's best friend!"
"Then can you ask the Bobo Chicken auntie to set up her stall at our school gate? That way, we could buy it first."
Other classmates nearby chimed in, "Yeah, didn't you say the Bobo Chicken auntie likes you the most? If she sets up at our school, we wouldn't have to come all the way here."
"Right, I don't want to queue either."
"Ding Sisi, go talk to her."
Ding Sisi felt both proud and conflicted, still hesitating, when a middle schooler in the queue suddenly exclaimed:
"These mere elementary schoolers dare to steal our middle schoolers' food?!"
"Exactly, no respect for elders or care for the young!"
"How ruthless these elementary schoolers are, showing no sense of fairness or justice!"
Hearing this, Ding Sisi flushed with embarrassment and didn't dare suggest moving Aunt Song's stall anymore.
The elementary schooler who first proposed the idea also fell silent. Though only two or three years older, middle schoolers seemed like entirely different, much older kids in the eyes of elementary students—no one dared to challenge them.
They quietly joined the queue, not daring to utter another word.
But the middle schoolers from Third Middle, having won this first skirmish, weren't about to let it go.
Having studied a few more years, their repertoire of indirect insults was far more extensive, leaving the elementary and middle schoolers utterly outmatched.
Meanwhile, Song Xinran was busy taking money and handing out Bobo Chicken, completely unaware of the silent battle raging in the queue.
Students would go to great lengths for their favorite snacks.
Perhaps because of this, most students only bought one or two yuan's worth. Song Xinran found this surprising—she knew pocket money was scarce among students. Those like Ding Sisi, who had one yuan daily, were considered average.
In their village, some elementary students had no pocket money at all. The situation was slightly better in town, but most only had a few dimes.
Yao Xu even took out a hefty fifty yuan. Song Xinran hesitated slightly when accepting the money, knowing that many children would secretly take money from adults to satisfy their cravings, only for the adults to later come demanding refunds. After all, fifty yuan still had considerable purchasing power these days.
"I'll have five pork skewers, and one of each vegetable skewer for the rest." Yao Xu wanted to act like a big spender, but unfortunately, his means fell short. This fifty yuan was secretly given to him by his grandmother during his trip to the city—he couldn’t possibly spend it all.
Song Xinran glanced at Yao Xu, finding him somewhat familiar. "You came to buy some yesterday too, right, kid?"
Yao Xu was surprised that the Bobo Chicken auntie remembered him despite her bustling business. He immediately grew excited and started chattering away—about how he was Ding Sisi's classmate, how he'd only had two yuan yesterday after buying cards and could only afford a little, but today he'd brought all his savings to spend more.
Song Xinran understood immediately. She counted out several skewers for him and gave him his change. "That'll be four yuan total."
Yao Xu:!!
"So cheap!" He had thought buying everything would be expensive!
Song Xinran thought to herself, what a little rich kid. She smiled. "Meat skewers are forty cents each, vegetables are twenty cents. We have ten types of vegetable skewers today."
Yao Xu declared, "I'm going to come eat here every day!"
Song Xinran found the child's spending habits quite endearing and said with a laugh, "You're always welcome."
With business booming, the three prepared basins of Bobo Chicken sold out within just an hour. Students who arrived later were disappointed, muttering, "This is too popular! If you come late, it's all gone. We'll have to come earlier tomorrow!"
Though Song Xinran hadn't planned it at all, she had inadvertently stumbled upon the beginnings of scarcity marketing.
After packing up and returning home, Song Xinran started calculating the day's profits. She was full of confidence—today's profits were sure to be much better!
Counting the money with Song Yu confirmed it: today's total sales were 188.2 yuan, with ingredient costs of 65 yuan, leaving a gross profit of 123.2 yuan!
A fortune!
It was important to remember that incomes weren't high these days. The original host had been considered well-off earning six hundred yuan a month at the glass factory, while Cai Yongde bragged about his eight hundred yuan monthly income while doing nothing at home.
Song Xinran counted out fifty yuan and knocked on Song Xinwen's door.
Song Xinwen was about to go to bed but immediately refused when she learned why Song Xinran had come. "You're my sister! I should help you. Why are you giving me money? Take it back!"
"Sis," Song Xinran said, "you've earned this. Temporary day labor in town pays about this much, and you've helped me so much—not just with the stall but also cooking and watching the kids. Even if I hired someone else, I couldn't find anyone as caring and trustworthy as you. If you won't take this money, are you saying you're worse off here than a stranger would be?"
Hearing this, Song Xinwen quickly shook her head. "Of course not! Things are great here!"
"Then take the money."
Song Xinwen had no choice but to accept it. Only then did Song Xinran cheer up and return to her room to sleep.
After holding the money for a while, Song Xinwen realized something: what did she mean about being worse than a stranger if she didn't take the money? Xinran really had a silver tongue—she'd completely talked her into a corner!
But Song Xinwen also felt touched and happy.
She thought about her life at home, where she did even more work than here. What had Cai Yongde done?
He gave her five hundred yuan a month to cover all household expenses—food, clothing, everything. The remaining three hundred yuan he kept for himself to buy alcohol and eat out with friends.
Five hundred yuan was enough for a household without emergencies, but Cai Yang was mischievous—breaking neighbors' windows meant she had to pay for repairs, illnesses required doctor visits, and his clothes wore out faster than other children's. Sometimes when money ran short, she'd have to ask Cai Yongde for more.
Cai Yongde looked utterly shocked. "You've already spent the five hundred I gave you? I work hard for my money—you need to be more frugal! Just because you don't labor yourself doesn't mean money grows on trees!"
Song Xinwen retorted sharply at the time, but inwardly she felt a pang of discomfort. Asking her husband for money was never easy.
Having never worked outside the home, she only knew that earning money was difficult—certainly harder than farming.
But now, holding the fifty yuan she'd earned in just two days, she realized Song Xinran must have given her extra. Still, it proved she could earn her own keep, and far more easily than through farm work, without having to beg anyone!
Clutching the money, Song Xinwen slept soundly that night, comforted by the knowledge she wasn't confined to village labor for survival.
While she rested peacefully, chaos reigned at their Shiyan Village home.
Cai Yang slammed his bowl down, wailing, "I want Mom! I hate your cooking—it's disgusting!"
Cai Yongde, already frayed, scowled. "If you won't eat it, get lost! I work all day and still have to cook for you—since when are you so picky?"
Sobbing, Cai Yang choked out, "Mom always made me steamed eggs, stir-fried meat, and sliced pork! I don't want pickled cowpeas and spiced tofu!"
Pickled cowpeas were meant for congee. Whenever Song Xinwen made congee, she'd add some pickled vegetables, but since Cai Yang disliked them, she'd chop them finely and scramble them with two eggs—the only way he'd eat them.
"Your mom's gone. Starve if you won't eat!" Cai Yongde snapped bitterly.
He'd been swamped lately. Before, he could linger at the factory after work chatting with friends, but now he rushed home to a hungry son and livestock clamoring to be fed.
The incessant squawking of chickens, ducks, and geese made him wish he could slaughter them all, but he only knew how to kill—not clean or cook them. Wasting meat pained him!
Grudgingly, he'd release the animals to feed, then suffer trying to herd them back. Song Xinwen made it look effortless, but when he tried, the birds scattered everywhere, forcing him to enlist Cai Yang's help.
The chubby boy resented the interruption to his play, complaining, "Mom never made me help!"
Cai Yongde whacked him with a stick, temporarily subduing him.
But the discipline was short-lived. Now Cai Yang revived his plea: "Dad, let's eat out."
They'd gone to a restaurant the first day Song Xinwen left.
Cai Yongde glared. "Do you know how much that costs? Where's your money?"
Cai Yang burst into fresh tears. "I don't want pickled cowpeas! I want meat! I want Mom!"
Already irritated—with no one to wash clothes, he was running out of clean outfits—Cai Yongde lost his temper and smacked the boy's bottom.
Cai Yang darted outside, yelling, "He hit me! Dad hit me! I want Mom!"
His shouts drew neighbors to their doors, chuckling, "Yongde, where's Xinwen? Haven't seen her in two days."
Cai Yongde was a man who valued his pride and simply said, "She went to her sister's place to visit. She'll be back in a couple of days."
But the moment he turned around, he went after Cai Yang: "Cai Yang, get back here this instant!"
He cursed inwardly, What an embarrassment!
Although Cai Yang was chubby, he was surprisingly agile, darting around everywhere. For a moment, Cai Yongde genuinely couldn't catch up with him.
The entire area echoed with Cai Yang's loud crying and fussing, drawing quite a scene. Everyone had already been gossiping behind closed doors about Song Xinwen leaving home, and now it was out in the open for all to discuss.
When Cai Yongde finally managed to grab hold of Cai Yang, the boy was still struggling, his face flushed from crying: "I don’t want to go back to the smelly house! There’s chicken poop everywhere! I want Mom to give me a bath!"
Since they were outside, Cai Yongde didn’t want to make a spectacle of himself, so he had to coax him: "Dad will take you to find Mom tomorrow."
Cai Yang lifted his tear-reddened eyes: "Really?"
"Really!" Cai Yongde gritted his teeth.
He hadn’t planned to go looking for Song Xinwen so soon. What livelihood could a woman who had never worked outside or earned money possibly have? Song Xinran was also unemployed now. The two sisters might have left, but he figured they were probably already blaming each other.
At most, he’d wait another two days. Song Xinwen was bound to come back. To be honest, the fact that she had managed to stay away for two days had already far exceeded Cai Yongde’s expectations.
He was determined not to back down. He’d wait for Song Xinwen to return on her own, so she would realize where her true home was and who her real family was. Then she wouldn’t side with outsiders anymore.
But he hadn’t expected Cai Yang to be so useless. For the sake of his child, he had no choice but to swallow his pride this once.
Still, Cai Yongde thought to himself, when he found Song Xinwen tomorrow, he certainly wouldn’t give her a warm welcome.
Maybe as soon as he showed up, she’d see him and willingly follow him back!
Thinking that someone would be back to take care of the house tomorrow, Cai Yongde couldn’t be bothered to do the laundry. He’d leave it for Song Xinwen to wash when she returned.
For the next two days in a row, Song Xinran’s Bobo Chicken business did quite well. Each day, she prepared three large basins, and they sold out in less than an hour after school let out.
She paid Song Xinwen 25 yuan a day in wages, and after deducting costs, she still made a profit of 100 yuan!
With the money she earned, Song Xinran took Song Yu to buy new clothes.
The temperature was dropping day by day, and Song Yu didn’t have any thick winter clothes. Song Xinran had originally planned to buy a down jacket, but the small town didn’t have any. The best option available was a cotton coat.
Song Xinran bought a good-quality one for 45 yuan.
When Song Xinwen saw this, her heart stirred a little. She had been away for four or five days now. While she was busy working, she didn’t feel it much, but during idle moments, she couldn’t help but miss Cai Yang—after all, he was her own child.
Seeing Song Xinran buy clothes, and with over a hundred yuan saved from her few days of work, she thought she had more than enough to buy Cai Yang an outfit.
A mother always knows her child’s clothing size by heart, and Song Xinwen quickly picked out a garment.
Song Xinran asked, "Sis, are you planning to go back?"
Song Xinwen hesitated. Life here was undoubtedly better for her, but a child is a mother’s tether—she couldn’t stop worrying about Cai Yang.
Still, these past few days had greatly influenced her, especially in terms of her mindset. The mere thought of Cai Yongde now struck her as irritating.
Even if she were to return, Song Xinwen thought, she wouldn’t go back to living the way she had before. Cai Yongde could earn money at the pottery factory, but she could earn money outside, too. It wasn’t as if she couldn’t survive without him.
Song Xinwen said, "Let me think."
Carrying their clothes, the two chatted as they walked. But as soon as they turned a corner, they spotted two familiar figures talking to the shopkeeper at the entrance of a small store.
Those two were none other than Cai Yongde and Cai Yang.
Cai Yang was the first to notice Song Xinwen and immediately rushed over, shouting loudly, "Mom!"
Song Yu's eyes lit up with pleasant surprise. "Little Yang."
Hearing the commotion, Cai Yongde looked up and was stunned at the sight of them.
What was going on? They seemed to be doing just fine!
In Cai Yongde's mind, they should have been resentful toward each other, disheveled, and not even speaking. Yet here they were, standing close together, smiling, dressed neatly—Song Xinwen even wearing new clothes! Not to mention, both were carrying bags in their hands!
Cai Yongde's heart sank, sensing that something was off, but he maintained his composure and walked over with a stern expression.
"You've been out for days and still haven't returned? Were you waiting for me to come pick you up?"