Chapter 839: Chapter 842: Offering Shelter
After a few sips of water, Little Shitou’s mother handed back the dipper and asked in a weak voice, "Little Shitou, is there someone else in the room?"
For someone who couldn’t see, her ears were exceptionally sharp. Although Little Liufu was quietly held in her arms and they hadn’t spoken, the footsteps were still audible.
Thinking that it would be better to explain more clearly since she couldn’t see, Xiaoxiao spoke up, "Sister-in-law, we are a family of three: my husband, our one-month-old son, and me. We come from another place and are just passing through. We would like to stay for the night. We are grateful to your son, Little Shitou, for kindly taking us in."
Little Shitou’s mother, instead of reacting like some other villagers who were averse to their stay, said embarrassedly, "I see, our home is too simple, as long as you don’t mind, feel free to stay."
"We don’t mind, not at all. It’s great to have a place to stay. We’ve been staying out in the wilderness before, thank you, sister-in-law," Xiaoxiao quickly replied, noticing that this sister-in-law seemed like a kind-hearted person. It was just a pity that she couldn’t see.
Little Shitou’s mother continued in a weak voice, "I’m really sorry, I can’t entertain you in my current state. If you need anything, just tell Little Shitou."
"Oh, no need, sister-in-law, we can manage on our own." Xiaoxiao thought it would be better not to disturb this sister-in-law who was ill, so she said, "Then, sister-in-law, we’ll head out first. You should rest well."
"Okay, Little Shitou, go help them," Little Shitou’s mother instructed.
"Got it, mom."
With the homeowner’s permission, Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming quickly got to work. They made use of Little Shitou’s kitchen. Yang Ming fetched quite a bit of water and began boiling it, bathing the child and doing laundry. The whole family felt refreshed.
After that, Xiaoxiao was busily working in the kitchen, preparing the dry food they had brought along for the journey. Given the weather, the dry food would last at most three days. Three days was better than having to stop constantly to cook.
There were vegetables in Little Shitou’s garden. With Little Shitou’s permission, Xiaoxiao picked some veggies. Besides preparing dry food, she also cooked dinner. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of food, and considering Little Shitou’s mother’s illness, Xiaoxiao thoughtfully made some rice porridge for her.
The aroma of the meal made Little Shitou’s mouth water, yet he restrained himself and continued helping out by either washing vegetables or tending the fire.
Finally, the dishes were ready and the rice porridge was also done. Xiaoxiao specifically served them to Little Shitou and his mother, "Little Shitou, take these dishes and eat with your mom."
Little Shitou stood there, though tempted, he didn’t move. His mother had told him not to eat things given by others.
Seeing Little Shitou’s hesitance, Xiaoxiao explained, "We also used your vegetables, think of it as a fair exchange."
"A fair exchange?"
"Yes, trading one thing for another. See, we provided the rice, and you provided the vegetables."
"..." Little Shitou glanced over; he thought that the rice was much more valuable than their vegetables.
"Hurry and take them to your mom, she needs good food to recover," Xiaoxiao reasoned, thinking that the mention of his mother might persuade the hesitant child.
Sure enough, after hearing that, Little Shitou went to get the food, but he didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he asked, "Auntie, can I have the accommodation Silver now?"