Zhao Si Dan’s eyes widened. “I only have three pieces. I can’t even get full eating them all by myself.”
Cheng Luan Luan had a bit of a headache.
When a child refuses to share their snacks with other children, what should a parent do? She regretted not having read those parenting books posted by various accounts before. A single person like her truly didn’t know how to raise children.
Although Dong Hua’s act of reaching out for food was improper, Zhao Si Dan being so stingy was also not good.
She walked over to Zhao Si Dan and whispered, “Give Dong Hua one piece, and tomorrow, Mother will buy you another packet.”
Zhao Si Dan’s eyes lit up, and he immediately compromised. He took out the pastry, carefully picked up one piece, and placed it in Zhao Dong Hua’s hand.
Dong Hua devoured the pastry in one bite, pursed her lips, and her gaze remained fixed on the pastry hidden under Zhao Si Dan’s sleeve.
Zhao Si Dan looked at Cheng Luan Luan, the meaning in his eyes very clear. If he gave another piece, would Mother buy him another packet?
Cheng Luan Luan: “…”
The truth proved that using snacks to trick children into learning to share was indeed a big mistake.
She opened her mouth. “Chun Hua, it’s getting late. Quickly take your sister home.”
Chun Hua obediently took Dong Hua’s hand and walked out of the courtyard. Along the way, Dong Hua pouted. “First Aunt is so stingy. She didn’t even give me one piece of pastry…”
Chun Hua frowned. “Didn’t First Aunt tell Si Dan to give you a piece? If you say that, First Aunt will get angry.”
“That tiny piece, no bigger than a fingernail, I couldn’t even taste anything.” Dong Hua licked her lips. “I saw a lot of fabric on the table in First Aunt’s main house. Big Sister, First Aunt must have earned a lot of money. From now on, Brother Si Dan will have lots of pastries to eat every day…”
Chun Hua also saw those fabrics, all sorts of new and fresh colors. She hadn’t had new clothes made in years.
The two sisters hurried towards the Zhao family home.
The adults of the Zhao family were sitting in the courtyard, enjoying the cool air, working and chatting.
“I heard First Sister-in-law earned quite a bit of money,” Sun Shi said vaguely. “She bought over half a catty of meat, and also dozens of ducks. How much money did she earn to dare to spend like that?”
Old Madam Zhao’s fingers paused slightly. “Buying ducks is a good thing. Raising ducks can lay eggs to exchange for money. First Daughter-in-law is truly about to live a good life.”
Sun Shi’s face darkened. The Old Madam was truly too biased; she could even praise this.
She curled her lips. “It’s First Sister-in-law’s first time earning money from business to buy meat. It’s fine if she didn’t buy pastries for the children, but why didn’t she buy some for Mother and Father to taste?”
These words were indeed blatant instigation.
Old Madam Zhao coldly raised her head. “Third Daughter-in-law, if you’re too idle, you can go to the back of the house and cut some bamboo for me. A basket in the house just broke…”
Before her words were finished, Chun Hua led Dong Hua in.
Sun Shi, having no outlet for her anger, vented all her frustration on the two girls. “You wretched girls, where did you run off to so late? It’s pitch black on the mountain. It would be better if a wolf caught you, saving me from two troublemakers…”
“That’s enough!” The Old Madam scolded. “There are people patrolling the mountain now. How could a living child be carried off by a wolf? Chun Hua, Dong Hua, come to Grandma. Tell Grandma where you two went?”
Chun Hua whispered, "Auntie bought lantern grass, so Dong Hua and I went up the mountain to pick it."
Dong Hua quickly added, "My big sister and I picked over five catties, and Auntie said it was eleven copper coins in total!"
The anger on Sun Shi's face instantly vanished. She hurriedly asked, "Where are the copper coins?"