C15 The Rain Kept Falling

The mother and daughter worked for a long time, finally managing to stop the roof from leaking so badly. Gu Yingchu changed into dry clothes, while Dung Qiu gathered up some broken pots and bowls to make room to stand.

Gu Yingchu glanced around, determined to find a solution once the rain stopped. She looked down at her neck, wondering how Qiuqiu was doing and when he might wake up. Dung Qiu noticed Gu Yingchu's gaze lingering on the red stone around her neck and frowned slightly.

Gu Yingchu's prediction was right; by nightfall, the rain was pouring even harder. The room was pitch black, and she spent the night listening to the relentless downpour. The rain continued, causing the creek to rise significantly.

Surprisingly, the bait Gu Yingchu set out yesterday had caught several large fish. Despite the ongoing rain, she returned soaked, carrying her catch. With no dry clothes left, Dung Qiu looked worried.

"I'll start a fire so you can dry your clothes," Dung Qiu suggested.

"Let's make some soup while we're at it," Gu Yingchu replied. "Mom, let's trade these fish for other supplies."

"Are you sure we shouldn't keep some?" Dung Qiu asked, concerned.

"No need to keep them. We can catch more later," Gu Yingchu reassured her. Watching the rain continue to fall, she thought about how the fish might soon overflow from the pond, making them less valuable.

"Make sure to get plenty of rice, nothing else," Dung Qiu nodded, wearing a straw hat and raincoat as he headed out.

Gu Yingchu sipped a bowl of porridge, with more fish than rice.

"Ma'am," a voice called from outside.

Gu Yingchu opened the door to find a young man wearing a straw hat and raincoat standing there.

"Yingchu."

Gu Yingchu thought for a moment. The young man in front of her was called Stone.

"You're home. I brought you some rice."

"Oh, you shouldn't have. I know things are tough for you too." Gu Yingchu recalled that Stone was an orphan without parents.

Stone handed the rice to Gu Yingchu. "You borrowed some rice from me before, but I really didn't have any yesterday. Now that I do, I brought some over for you and your mother. Yingchu, if you need anything in the future, just let me know."

Gu Yingchu looked at the man in front of her, his straw hat soaked with rain. "Come in and have a bowl of soup."

Stone wanted to come in, but he was drenched from the heavy rain. "No, it's fine..."

"You brought us all this, the least I can do is offer you some soup," Gu Yingchu insisted, stepping aside.

"Besides, the floor's already wet; a little more water won't hurt."

The house was already leaky, so Gu Yingchu didn't mind.

Stone removed his hat and set aside his raincoat. Gu Yingchu noticed his ears turning red and poured him a bowl of soup.

"The bowl has a chip, be careful."

"No worries," Stone replied with a smile at Gu Yingchu.

He opened his mouth and drank the fish soup in one go. After finishing, he said, "I should get going."

"Take care."

Gu Yingchu had no idea that such a small gesture would be blown out of proportion.

When Dung Qiu returned, carrying a bag of rice, she looked troubled. She set the rice down and turned to Gu Yingchu.

"Mom, if there's something on your mind, just say it."

"Did Stone come by?"

"Yes," Gu Yingchu nodded.

"Just now..." Dung Qiu couldn't finish her sentence.