C7 Her Father Was an Idiot

In those days, eggs were a real luxury in rural areas. When Mao Jinlan brought out such a big bowl of egg custard, Lin Yuefen quickly said, "Jinlan, what are you doing? One egg a day is enough for this kid. And don't worry about Shen Jian's ideas; selling a few pairs of shoes while playing around is nothing."

Mao Jinlan then mentioned her son's fight with Bai Rui.

Lin Yuefen was unaware of this and asked Bai Rui in surprise, "Did you two get into a fight?"

Bai Rui, already captivated by the egg custard, nodded absentmindedly. "He kept trying to pinch my sister, and when she refused, he chased her. So, I fought him."

Shen Jian chuckled, "It's great that such a young kid knows how to protect his sister. Not like our two."

At this, Bai Qiaoqiao glanced up at him.

She remembered that Shen Jian's eldest son, Shen Heqiu, was the complete opposite of his brother, Shen Heming. Shen Heming was a spoiled brat, while Shen Heqiu was exceptional, much like her brother Bai Feng's best friend.

That guy seemed capable of anything—acing college, running a business, you name it. He had no weaknesses.

In the future, the Bai family would be supported by her brother Bai Feng, while Shen Heqiu would be the backbone of the Shen family.

What was he like as a kid?

Hearing Shen Jian's tone, Bai Qiaoqiao couldn't help but imagine a childish scene of the big guy and his buddies getting into fights, which made her chuckle to herself.

Oh, I can't wait to see what he was like as a child.

At the dinner table, Bai Shengli and Shen Jian talked about their business today. The two men got excited for a moment but then calmed down, realizing they couldn't rely on the little one to sell shoes every day. Still, they planned to make more today and take Little Fat Girl with them tomorrow if she was up for it. If they could sell everything, that would be a win.

Bai Qiaoqiao listened intently but kept her mouth shut, enjoying her meal with gusto.

Mao Jinlan couldn't help but praise her, "Qiaoqiao, you're so good with chopsticks. Such a capable girl."

Bai Qiaoqiao smiled back while continuing to eat.

Shen Jian and Bai Shengli didn't make much of it and shifted the conversation to the Bai family's second branch.

Shen Jian said, "I know this might not be what you want to hear, but Bai Yuanchao is no good. The kids shouldn't be with him..."

Mao Jinlan quickly nudged him. Although she felt the same way, it wasn't something you could just say out loud!

Everyone felt for the kids, but five boys? Who could afford to take them all in? That would just overwhelm Shengli and Yuefen.

Bai Shengli glanced at Lin Yuefen. Both wore expressions of deep concern.

Finally, Bai Shengli said, "Let's wait for Yuanchao to discuss this together. After all, the kids' parents left some money, and Yuefen has been saving it over the years."

He hoped that the Third Branch would agree, considering the money involved.

Shen Jian's expression changed as he reminded him, "You haven't mentioned the money to anyone else, have you?"

Bai Shengli paused, "I haven't had the chance. Why?"

Shen Jian sighed in relief. No wonder Bai Yuanchao and his wife couldn't find any money when they searched the second branch. It was all saved by Lin Yuefen.

Bai Qiaoqiao discreetly glanced at her naive father. Back when Bai Yuanchao stole money, he was beaten half to death, and now they're offering money to him? Well...

If her dad wasn't like this, he wouldn't have gone bankrupt in the past. Change takes time, and she was patient.

For now, she continued eating while attentively listening to the adults.

Shen Jian advised Bai Shengli, "Listen to me, Shengli. Once the kids are settled, then bring out the money and put it in their hands."

Bai Shengli looked puzzled, "Why?"

While they were talking, Bai Rui was still eyeing his egg custard, completely oblivious.

Bai Qiaoqiao sighed quietly to herself.

Silly Dad, still asking why? Of course, it's because you're worried about losing the kids without catching the wolf!

But Shen Jian really surprised her. Generally, who wants to get involved in someone else's family matters? Shen Jian couldn't articulate any grand reasons, but he always said, "Trust me, you won't go wrong." Yep, Mr. Shen is still the same as before—unable to explain things but loves to take charge.

...

In the afternoon, Bai Shengli and Shen Jian were busy making shoes. Bai Qiaoqiao went to check on them. Everything was handmade in this era, time-consuming and labor-intensive. Her dad was sweating buckets cutting tire soles. Maybe they could save up for some equipment later. But for now, she couldn't help much, so she decided to go out and play.

She thought the family meals were a bit lacking, so she took Bai Rui to the hills to dig for bamboo shoots. It was the perfect season for bamboo shoots, and every family with kids could gather enough for a fresh meal. However, the Bai family had a heavy burden with several kids in school, and Bai Rui was too young, so they didn't have much of this at home.

Bai Qiaoqiao and Bai Rui didn't know what bamboo shoots were or how to dig them up. But that was okay; she could observe. Following the older kids in the village, they sweetly called out to them, and soon the siblings learned how to spot and dig bamboo shoots.

Though they were still getting the hang of the job, they spent the whole afternoon working and managed to bring back just two large bamboo shoots. Bai Rui was thrilled, carrying the shoots home with a bounce in his step. "We should bring a basket tomorrow and dig up more," he suggested.

"But how will we carry them all?" Bai Qiaoqiao wondered.

Bai Rui thought for a moment. "We can tie them with a rope and drag them back."

It seemed like all his smarts were focused on food.

As the siblings dreamed of a bamboo shoot feast for dinner, they suddenly heard loud crying from the bamboo grove. Huh? That sounds like Shen Heming.

They turned around and saw a boy with a backpack slung over one shoulder, dragging a struggling Shen Heming out of the grove with one hand. Bai Qiaoqiao immediately recognized him—it was Shen Heqiu, who was ten this year.

He still looked like a lanky kid, tall and thin, with his brother bouncing around like a fish out of water beside him, while he remained expressionless.

As he approached, Bai Qiaoqiao beamed like a flower and ran over with the bamboo shoots in her arms. "Hey, Heqiu!"

Bai Rui felt a bit scared and wanted to run. He used to be good friends with Shen Heming, and since Shen Heming was afraid of his brother, Bai Rui was too. He thought Shen Heqiu was super tough, like an adult when he scolded his brother, not like a kid at all.

I didn't expect my little sister to run over there so quickly... I couldn't just leave her alone, so I had no choice but to follow her, even though I was nervous.

Shen Heqiu noticed the little one running to his feet and paused for a moment. "Bai Rui, Qiaoqiao, are you two digging for bamboo shoots?"

He was strong, holding onto his six-year-old brother as if it was no big deal. Seeing him stop, Shen Heming thought about making a run for it, but he didn't succeed.

Shen Heming exclaimed, "Wow..."

Shen Heqiu said coldly, "Shut up."

The little brother was so scared he stood up straight and didn't dare make a sound. Bai Qiaoqiao watched, wide-eyed and speechless.

The idea of brothers fighting was out of the question; the older brother had always been able to handle his younger sibling effortlessly.