C11 The Big Fish and Big Meat Celebration!

For a shoemaker, clearing out old stock and breaking even is rare; selling anything for a dollar is a win. With the stock finally cleared, Shen Jian felt a weight lift off his shoulders—his back didn't ache, and he was full of energy. Yet, he couldn't help but scold his son, "You just cause trouble when you're here. Even little Joey, who's only three, behaves better!"

Shen Heming protested, "I did call out to customers!"

"Those calls were just for your own ears!" Shen Jian retorted.

Bai Shengli chimed in, trying to calm him down, "Let it go. He's just a kid; what does he know?"

Heming, shameless as ever, didn't see what the fuss was about. After being scolded, he turned his frustration on Joey and tried to pinch her again. This time, Joey wasn't having it and bit his finger.

Heming wailed, earning himself another scolding from his dad. As they packed up, Shen Jian had to carry Joey on his back. Bai Shengli, seeing how exhausted he was, offered, "Let me carry her."

Shen Jian, nearly worn out, gasped, "No, it's fine. When we get home, I'll have Heqiu deal with him."

Heming, usually unfazed by his parents, was terrified of his older brother. Just hearing his name made him tremble. He quickly started crying again, pleading, "I won't do it again, Dad! Please don't tell my brother!"

Shen Jian scoffed, "Now you're scared? Too late!"

"Look at what you've put your dad through!"

In the end, Bai Shengli still brought over the little basket carrying Qiaoqiao.

No matter what, the two brothers were in great spirits today.

Before heading back, they stopped by the market at Bless Coming Gate and bought about seven pounds of pork for three dollars.

Qiaoqiao was clamoring for some organ meat. It was cheap but a hassle to clean, so Bai Shengli hesitated.

Shen Jian chimed in, "Let's have a meal together today. Don't worry about your wife; Jinlan can help out."

With that, he paid for it himself.

Afterwards, Qiaoqiao spotted someone selling chicks and ducklings and insisted on buying some.

"They're so fluffy and cute!" she exclaimed.

Previously, due to tight finances, Lin Yuefen hadn't raised many chicks or ducklings, relying instead on a few hens to lay eggs for the kids.

But raising chickens and ducks in the countryside is easy; just let them roam, and they'll lay eggs!

Shen Jian waved his hand, "Let's get some for Qiaoqiao!"

He thought the child just found them amusing, not realizing she was thinking about the eggs. He planned to buy one as a gift for her.

Bai Shengli, having earned more in a few days than he used to in over half a month, was feeling flush. He figured raising more chickens and ducks wouldn't be a loss, so he spent five dollars to get a bunch of each.

Qiaoqiao beamed with joy. Seeing the adults in high spirits, Heming chimed in, "Dad, can you get me a dog? Look how cute and fluffy it is!"

Shen Jian's face darkened, "Why bring one home? The last one you had didn't last long under your care!"

Despite Mao Jinlan's fiery temper, she has a soft heart. When the last puppy met its unfortunate end because of Heming, Mao Jinlan was so upset she cried. If Shen Jian bought another puppy for this little rascal, he'd have to call him Dad!

The group pulled a small cart loaded with chickens, ducks, and freshly bought meat and vegetables, happily heading home.

That afternoon, after finishing her work, Mao Jinlan went over to the Bai family to help Lin Yuefen with dinner preparations. They cooked up a storm, with the aroma of stewed meat wafting for miles. Bai Rui even brought back some fish.

When Heqiu returned, he helped clean the fish. Lin Yuefen was generous, making fish soup and adding a few fried eggs, turning the broth a creamy white. The meal was as festive as a holiday feast.

Mao Jinlan had Lin Yuefen set aside portions for Bai Feng and his family, and then both families sat down to eat. Bai Shengli and Shen Jian enjoyed a few drinks, their faces glowing with happiness.

Qiaoqiao eagerly sat next to Shen Heqiu, drawn to the allure of a childhood hero.

Shen Heqiu glanced at her. "Craving some fish?" He assumed she was following the aroma of the fish soup in front of him.

Qiaoqiao grinned. "Yeah, I’d love some."

"Let her have some soup first," Mao Jinlan quickly suggested, worried about fish bones.

Shen Heqiu ladled a bowl of soup for her, realizing he couldn’t resist the little one’s charm. He carefully picked out the fish bones and placed the clean fish meat into Qiaoqiao and Bai Rui’s bowls.

Qiaoqiao was thrilled. "Thank you, Heqiu!"

With so much delicious food, Bai Rui was already in high spirits. He added more fish to Qiaoqiao’s bowl, exclaiming, "Let my sister have it! I can handle the bones myself!"

Shen Heming chimed in, "I’d like some fish too..."

His older brother shot him a look, reminding him of the unresolved issues with their dad.

Shen Heming sulked, thinking, "What's the big deal? I’ll just eat it myself!"

Just as everyone was enjoying the meal, a noise came from outside.

"Wow, having something good today, huh?"

Bai Shengli turned to see Uncle Bai Yuvliang from the family’s main branch.

He quickly said, "Great-Uncle is here, please have a seat. Yuefen, go grab an extra pair of chopsticks for him."

Bai Yuvliang was the most senior great-uncle in the Bai family. At over eighty years old, he was still in good health, but his age meant he couldn't eat much due to a sensitive stomach. Looking at the table laden with fish and meat, he regretted having filled up on sweet potato strips before coming.

Bai Qiaoqiao glanced at him. She didn't have any memories of this great-uncle, but she figured he wouldn't have come without a reason.

Bai Shengli and Shen Jian, oblivious to this, sat down and started boasting to the great-uncle about how amazing Little Qiaoqiao was, selling so many shoes. The old man listened with half-closed eyes, nibbling on some meat, and remarked, "Shengli, this isn't a sustainable business. A kid shouting a few words is nothing special, so don't think you're about to strike it rich. Look at this feast you've laid out, with all this fish and meat—you're going to ruin the family."

Shen Jian laughed heartily and said, "No need to worry, Great-Uncle. The fish were caught by Bai Rui and our friend Heqiu. As for the meat, it's just for everyone's enjoyment today."

The old man added, "Why are you letting the kids catch fish? Are you out of your mind? If they drown, don't come crying to me."

Watching him eat, grease dripping down his chin, he kept licking his lips to catch the remaining oil, all while muttering unpleasant words. Bai Shengli and Shen Jian were starting to lose interest.

At that moment, Shen Heming suddenly looked up at him and said, "Grandpa, you're getting on in years. Let's not talk about death so casually; it's bad luck."

Though he wasn't directly related to the old man, by the local custom, he was considered a great-grandfather figure, referred to as "Grandpa." The comment nearly made the old man choke on a fish bone.

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