The Delicate Darling with Her Rough Man

There weren’t many children’s books available back then, mostly just simple picture books. Gu Jiaojiao picked out a few and gave them to the children.

It was the first time the two children had ever owned books of their own, and they were ecstatic. Regardless of whether they could understand the stories, they held the books close every day. Whenever Gu Jiaojiao had a spare moment, she would read and explain the stories to them.

Because of these picture books, several other children from the village started coming over to play with Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang.

After all, every household was poor back then. No one had spare cash to buy something as ”useless” as books for their children to read. The kids could only learn from their school textbooks; extracurricular reading material was virtually nonexistent.

And just because of these few picture books, Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang became the center of attention among the other kids.

The two children were generous and shared the books with their friends.

Everyone treasured the books and was careful not to get them dirty or torn.

Chen Erniu often played with Sweet Girl now. As she watched Sweet Girl holding the picture book, she felt a pang of envy.

”Sweet Girl, Brother Leng and Sister Gu are so good to you,” she said. ”My mom would never spend the money to buy me a picture book. They’re so expensive.”

The other children chimed in with agreement.

Their parents wouldn’t spend the money either. They were just too expensive.

Sweet Girl nodded.

’Of course they’re expensive. One book costs fifty cents! They picked out six of them, which came to three yuan. My heart ached just watching them pay.’

’But Gu Jiaojiao didn’t seem to mind the cost at all. She paid for them without a second thought and even told us we should read more.’

”Sweet Girl, I wish I could trade places with you,” one of the boys said. ”I want to be Sister Gu’s little brother.”

’Being Sister Gu’s little brother... I’d get to play with toys and read picture books. How wonderful would that be!’

’And best of all, I’d even get to eat meat every day!’

Hearing this, Sweet Girl’s hackles rose.

”No way.”

’Gu Jiaojiao is my sister, and Leng Yuan is my brother-in-law. I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world!’

Sweet Girl even shot her playmate a wary glance, her eyes full of defensiveness.

Chen Sandan didn’t notice her reaction. He was too busy wondering how anyone could be so good to Sweet Girl and Xiao Yang—even better than most of the biological parents in the Qingshan Team.

When Gu Jiaojiao got back, she saw the group of children chatting and laughing. She said a quick word to Sweet Girl, then decided not to disturb them.

A short while later, Leng Yuan returned, bringing with him a load of supplies for the New Year.

Their last trip to the County Town had been delayed for a long time because they were treating Zhu Wanqi’s face, so they hadn’t bought many New Year’s supplies. This time, however, Leng Yuan had managed to buy a complete haul.

He’d bought two old hens, some tea leaves, and liquor. The latter two were quality items, perfect for entertaining guests.

Besides those, there was a small pail of oil, a jug of soy sauce, and some candy and pastries. After Gu Jiaojiao had unpacked everything, she found several sheets of red paper at the bottom of the bag.

Back then, the red couplets for people’s doorways were all handwritten by the villagers, so all you needed to do was buy the red paper.

The moment she saw the red paper, it really began to feel like the New Year.

Gu Jiaojiao put everything away and began to prepare dinner.

The children played until it was quite late, only stopping when their parents came over to call them home.

Chen Xiaoli arrived with Xu Chongfeng, a wide smile on her face. Ever since her troublesome sister-in-law had left, she felt that life was absolutely wonderful. There were no more messy, frustrating dramas at home.

Gu Jiaojiao could tell just from her smile that she had been living a very comfortable life lately.

Chen Xiaoli sent Xu Chongfeng to get their child while she sidled up to Gu Jiaojiao to gossip.

”I made a big batch of sticky rice cakes at home today. They’ll be ready to steam tomorrow, and I’ll bring some over for you then.”

Gu Jiaojiao felt she couldn’t possibly accept, but Chen Xiaoli wouldn’t take no for an answer. ”What’s this? You’re allowed to give me things, but I’m not allowed to give you anything in return? If you’re going to be so formal, then I’ll start being formal with you from now on, too.”

Gu Jiaojiao had no choice but to accept.