BTYFOV Chapter 26

Chapter 26: With a son, everything is complete

How about I tie a rope around your hand, and I'll walk in front, leading you?

─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───

Gu Wuyi was feeling anxious. "Is it really that unusual to start doing business at the age of ten?"

When Gu Xiao’er saw his older brother lose his composure, he quickly spoke up: "How is this even considered doing business?"

The elderly couple’s attention immediately shifted toward him.

Gu Xiao’er put on an innocent face.

Old Qin pointed at the money. "And this doesn’t count?"

Gu Xiao’er scrunched his nose in disdain. "It looks like a lot, but after deducting costs, we’ve only made a few coins."

Old Qin was astonished. "And that’s not much? Do you even know how much your aunt used to earn in a month? How old was she back then, and how old are you two now?"

Gu Xiao’er was momentarily speechless.

Gu Wuyi’s anxiety eased, and he quickly followed up: "Grandpa, if you don’t believe me, ask my dad. Selling popsicles isn’t really a big deal."

Madam Zhou chuckled. "You’re missing the point. What your grandpa means is that, at your age, it’s impressive you even thought of selling popsicles. We adults wouldn’t have come up with the idea to sell them in the fields."

"Oh…" Gu Xiao’er finally understood. "If that’s the case, you can only blame my dad for teaching us well."

Madam Zhou was at a loss for words.

After all, she couldn’t exactly blame her son for teaching his kids practical skills.

Old Qin asked, "Your dad knows about this too?"

Gu Xiao’er shook his head. "We were worried that the villagers wouldn’t believe we made them ourselves, so we didn’t dare tell him."

Old Qin grew even more curious. "Weren’t you worried you wouldn’t be able to sell them?"

Gu Xiao’er replied confidently, "I like eating them myself. I figured if adults wouldn’t buy them, kids definitely would."

Old Qin was left speechless.

And Gu Xiao’er was right.

Kids love to cool off — in the dead of winter, they’ll even gnaw on icicles hanging from the eaves. So, in this scorching weather, who could resist a cold, sweet popsicle?

Old Qin suddenly remembered something: "What did you mean earlier when you said the popsicles weren’t set yet?"

"Before we came here, we made another batch of sweet water popsicles." Gu Xiao'er glanced at the sky, calculating the time. "They should be ready soon."

Madam Zhou couldn’t help but exclaim: "You two are really something!"

Gu Xiao'er took it as a compliment and beamed with joy.

Seeing his reaction, Madam Zhou felt both amused and exasperated. "Fine, let your grandpa go fetch them later."

"Then the money we make goes to Grandpa," Gu Wuyi immediately suggested.

Old Qin waved it off. "Do you think I need your little bit of money? Give it to your dad and let him save it for your college tuition."

Gu Wuyi had agreed to let his younger brother sell popsicles partly with the future in mind.

While college was currently tuition-free, in a few years, that policy might change. The brothers were only a year apart in age, meaning their tuition and living expenses would hit at the same time, potentially draining their father Qin Feng’s savings.

Although selling popsicles wasn’t a huge moneymaker, it at least covered their family’s basic daily expenses. That way, Qin Feng could keep saving. Even though they only had one summer to sell, with bonuses added in, they could still save a few hundred yuan — enough to cover a semester’s living expenses.

"Grandpa, just take the money. Use it to buy us whatever we need." Gu Wuyi insisted as he handed over the money. "It’s still early in the summer."

Old Qin did some mental math and realized they were still a month away from the hottest days of summer. "Alright. Besides sugar and mung beans, what else do you need?"

Gu Wuyi thought for a moment. "Red beans, maybe? And powdered milk?"

"I’ll ask your dad about it later," Old Qin replied.

Madam Zhou interjected: "Enough talk about popsicles for now. Let’s get the wheat loaded up first."

Old Qin stood up. "Xiaoda, there’s plenty of shade near the threshing ground. Take your brothers over there for now."

Gu Wuyi thought about it. Despite having the soul of an adult, he was still only ten years old. Knowing he wouldn’t be much help with loading the cart and might even get in the way, he obediently grabbed a box and headed toward the wheat field.

However, as soon as they reached the field, everyone there — whether they were turning the wheat or chatting under the trees — asked, "Got any more popsicles?"

Seeing how eager they were to buy, Gu Wuyi decided that once Old Qin finished loading the wheat, he’d go back to get more popsicles.

When Old Qin came back pushing the cart with the popsicle box, Gu Wuyi stayed home to make mung bean soup. They planned to make another batch of popsicles after lunch, just in time to sell them when the factory workers got off work in the evening.

Old Qin, worried that Gu Wuyi was too young to lift a heavy pot of mung bean soup, warned him: "Once it comes to a boil, turn it to low heat and let it simmer slowly. I’ll clean up when I get back from selling the popsicles."

Gu Wuyi, afraid of burning himself and causing trouble for the elders, didn’t dare act recklessly.

There were a lot of people in the village, and no one else was selling popsicles. By the time Old Qin got to the threshing ground, he sold out quickly.

Since the wheat stalks were drying under the sun at noon, there was no need to turn the grain or roll the stone roller over the field. With the box empty, Old Qin and Madam Zhou took the two kids — one big, one small — back home.

It was only a little past eleven, and Qin Feng hadn’t come home from work yet.

Gu Wuyi asked the two elders to sit on the lounge chairs and rest while he went to slice some watermelon.

As they were eating the watermelon, Gu Xiao'er noticed that watermelon juice was dripping from Miaomiao’s hand, trickling down to his elbow, and finally dripping onto the ground.

Suddenly, an idea struck him. "Brother, we should make watermelon-flavored popsicles!"

Gu Wuyi, busy eating his slice, didn’t react right away. "What?"

"Watermelon-flavored popsicles!" Gu Xiao’er repeated.

Old Qin couldn’t help but look at him. "You’re really getting the hang of doing business, aren’t you?"

Gu Xiao’er shot back, "Why not?"

Old Qin wasn’t sure if it was possible. After all, he had never seen anyone make popsicles out of watermelon juice before.

Gu Wuyi shook his head.

Seeing this, Old Qin said, "Did you see it?"

Gu Wuyi chuckled. "Grandpa, I’m not saying it won’t work. The thing is, we don’t have enough molds at home, and Dad’s wrapping paper and wooden sticks are almost used up."

"Then ask your dad to buy more!" Old Qin said, his eyes lighting up with a sudden idea.
"Yeah, from now on, anything you need, have him buy it. I’ll help you save the money you earn. If your dad has money in his hands, he’ll spend it anyway. So you might as well make him buy what you need instead."

Madam Zhou nodded in agreement, pointing to the ceiling fan, the fridge in the corner, and the washing machine behind the door. "Even the factory director’s house isn’t as well-equipped as ours. I’ve lived this long and never seen anyone as spendthrift as him. I honestly don’t know who he takes after."

Gu Wuyi decided it was best to stay quiet on that point. "Grandpa, I’m not done talking yet. I want to observe the situation first."

"What situation?" Old Qin asked.

Gu Wuyi explained honestly, "The fact that we sold out two half-boxes of popsicles in half a day — the whole village must’ve noticed."

Old Qin understood immediately. "You’re worried they’ll copy you?"

Gu Wuyi nodded. "Exactly. I want to check what flavors the popsicle factory already makes. Then, we’ll focus on making flavors they don’t have. We can introduce a new flavor every few days. That way, we won’t have to worry about them copying us. If we make everything all at once, they’ll go to the wholesaler and ask, ‘Do you have mung bean, red bean, or watermelon?’ If the factory starts producing those flavors, we’ll lose our advantage."

Old Qin was wide-eyed with amazement. "You’re right." He couldn’t help but marvel, "Kid, what’s going on in that head of yours?"

Gu Wuyi replied calmly, "The more you see, the more you understand."

Old Qin nodded in agreement. "That’s true. I never would’ve thought that ugly earthen stove your dad built outside could actually bake bread!"

Just as he finished speaking, Qin Feng walked into the yard and overheard the remark.

He couldn’t help but silently grumble, "Wow, thanks, Dad. Truly my own father!"

"What are you saying about me?" Qin Feng strode in with large steps.

"Daddy?" The little one cried out in surprise and dashed toward him.

Qin Feng quickly dodged to the side.

The little boy froze in place, confused and bewildered.

Qin Feng suddenly remembered that the child seemed to struggle with feelings of insecurity. Panicking a bit, he pointed at the boy and said, "Look at yourself!"

The boy glanced down at his clothes. His pure cotton vest, which Madam Zhou had made for him, was completely soaked with watermelon juice, especially the chest area. Qin Feng suspected that if he wrung it out, he could probably get a cup of juice from it.

However, the child was too young to realize what the problem was.

Gu Wuyi chuckled and explained, "Your vest is covered in watermelon juice. If you hug Dad like that, you’ll get him all sticky. Have you finished eating? If you’re done, I’ll take you for a bath. Once you’re squeaky clean, Dad will hold you."

The little boy let out a satisfied burp.

Madam Zhou quickly interjected, "Don’t let him eat any more."

Gu Wuyi snatched the remaining watermelon from the little one’s hands.

Old Qin took it and gnawed at the red flesh, leaving only the rind behind.

Madam Zhou suggested, "How about we cook the watermelon rind for lunch?"

Gu Wuyi glanced at the messily chewed rinds and couldn’t help but frown.

Madam Zhou chuckled and reassured him, "We’ll cut off the parts you’ve gnawed on. We’ll also peel off the outer green skin."

Gu Wuyi finally looked satisfied. Then he instructed Gu Xiao’er, "Go fetch some hot water."

Qin Feng, worried that the boy might accidentally spill the hot water and burn himself, took the thermos and poured a mix of hot water into the washbasin. Gu Wuyi stripped the little one down and placed him in the warm water.

Seeing the little one’s smooth, round head and chubby, white body, Qin Feng couldn’t help but smile. "If only we had a camera. This is a moment worth capturing."

Old Qin quickly interjected, "Don’t you dare buy another gadget!"

For a brief second, Qin Feng seriously considered getting a camera with his next paycheck. But seeing his father’s stern expression, he realized it wasn’t worth the nagging he’d get.

"Alright, alright, I won’t buy one." He squatted down and began washing the boy, then called out, "Xiaoda, pass me a towel."

Gu Wuyi not only brought a towel but also fetched the clothes hanging on the line.

Qin Feng quickly dried off the little one and handed him over to Gu Wuyi to get dressed. "Now go play with your brothers."

As the kids ran off, Old Qin glanced at the remaining half of the watermelon. "Should we put this in the refrigerator?"

Qin Feng cut off a slice for himself and placed the rest in the fridge’s crisper. "Save it for later. The little one’s stomach is weak. If he eats too much, he’ll get diarrhea."

Madam Zhou, suddenly reminded of Gu Wuyi eating a popsicle earlier, hurriedly asked, "Do we have any medicine at home?"

Qin Feng shook his head, "Don’t worry. He had the popsicle hours before the watermelon. He should be fine."

Relieved by her son’s reassurance, Madam Zhou went to peel the watermelon rind for cooking.

Meanwhile, Old Qin couldn’t help but praise Gu Wuyi, "Your Da Xiaozi is really something. Only ten years old, and he already knows how to run a business. And he’s so thoughtful too!"

Qin Feng chuckled to himself. Of course. He’s not a little bird; he’s a fledgling phoenix.

Out loud, he said, "That’s nothing. In big cities, kids his age already go out on their own to run errands and explore."

Old Qin waved his hand in alarm, "Don’t let him wander off! His legs are as thin as my arms. Some crook could carry him off with one hand!"

Qin Feng laughed, "I know, I know. Don’t worry. He won’t be going anywhere alone."

After wiping the table clean, Qin Feng noticed watermelon juice on the floor. Frowning, he went to grab the mop. "From now on, eat watermelon under the tree in the yard."

Old Qin looked puzzled, "Why?"

"Mosquitoes." Qin Feng started mopping the floor. After a moment’s thought, he added,
"And you two shouldn’t eat inside either when you get home. Oh, right—I bought a few boxes of mosquito coils when I got the wooden boxes for the popsicles. Take a box with you when you leave."

Madam Zhou casually remarked, "We’ve got mosquito nets."

Qin Feng nodded while continuing to mop, "Still, it’s best to light a coil by the kitchen door in the evening. Keeps mosquitoes out of both the kitchen and the yard."

As he finished mopping, he set the mop aside and went to find the mosquito coils.

Old Qin, seeing his son so busy, waved him off, "I’ll get it. You sit down for a bit. Leave the floor to me."

When Madam Zhou saw the large box of mosquito coils, she raised an eyebrow, "Must’ve cost a pretty penny, huh?"

Qin Feng shrugged, "Burning through one box a night costs about the same as a watermelon."

At first, it sounded expensive, but then she realized—watermelons were dirt cheap. One large watermelon only cost a few cents.

During the peak of summer, watermelons sold for just a penny per pound.

Hearing the word "watermelon," Old Qin immediately thought of the watermelon-flavored popsicles the kids had mentioned earlier. He couldn’t resist asking, "Hey, Feng, what do you think? Can we make popsicles out of watermelon juice?"

Qin Feng nodded without hesitation, "Of course. As long as it can freeze and hold its shape, you can make a popsicle out of it."

Madam Zhou grew curious, "What about rice soup? Can that work too?"

Qin Feng chuckled, "Want to try it out?"

Madam Zhou quickly waved her hands, "No, no, let’s not waste food on experiments!" Then, turning to Old Qin, she added, "Old man, make sure you tell Feng what Xiaoda needs. He can go buy it all tomorrow at lunch."

Qin Feng had been busy these past few days, returning from a work trip and needing to report back to his superiors while catching up with his duties. He barely made it home before dark each night.

But the next few days promised to be lighter. He figured he’d be able to leave work on time.

Sure enough, by four in the afternoon the next day, most of his tasks were wrapped up.

Unlike the factory workers, who had strict schedules and penalties for being late, Qin Feng’s job allowed for flexible hours. No docked pay for arriving late or leaving early, but no overtime pay for staying late either.

Calculating the time, Qin Feng realized he could make a quick trip to the city and be back by evening. Leaving the factory, he headed straight to the bus stop.

By the time he returned, he had everything Gu Wuyi needed—all the packaging paper and wooden sticks for making popsicles. The supplies would last them at least ten days to two weeks.

That evening, after having dinner at his parents’ house, Qin Feng took the three kids back home.

As they entered the house, Gu Wuyi spotted the supplies piled up on the small dining table. His eyes lit up with excitement, and he couldn’t help but jump for joy, "Dad, you really bought everything!"

Qin Feng chuckled, "Of course. I said I would, didn’t I?"

Gu Wuyi ran over, checking the supplies with a wide grin on his face. His excitement was infectious, and even the younger kids started cheering along.

Watching his son’s enthusiasm, Qin Feng felt a sense of pride. "Looks like tomorrow will be another busy day for you, Xiaoda."

Gu Xiao'er couldn’t help but snort softly.

Gu Wuyi, snapping out of his excitement, glanced over. "What’s with you now?"

Gu Xiao'er gave him a sideways glance and headed straight to the kitchen to fetch some hot water for his bath.

Not one to let things slide, Gu Wuyi followed him.

As Gu Xiao'er poured water into the washbasin, he muttered under his breath, "You’re always saying I forget how old I am, acting like a kid all the time. But look at you—you’re the same."

Gu Wuyi shook his head, "No, we’re not the same."

Gu Xiao'er frowned, "What’s the difference? You were jumping around like a little kid just now."

With a calm yet serious expression, Gu Wuyi explained, "I wasn’t excited because Dad bought me a bunch of stuff. I was happy because it means he supports me. Understand?"

Gu Xiao'er shrugged, unconvinced, "It’s all the same to me."

"You just don’t get it!" Gu Wuyi waved him off dismissively. "Hurry up and finish your bath. I’m next."

Gu Xiao'er chuckled mockingly, "Don’t leave just yet. Help me carry the basin out."

At that moment, Qin Feng walked in. Seeing the washbasin filled to the brim with warm water, he frowned, "There’s still hot water in the thermos. If it wasn’t enough, why didn’t you just add more? Why fill the basin all at once?"

Gu Xiao'er, caught off guard, couldn’t admit that he was too busy teasing his brother to notice, "My hand slipped!"

Qin Feng shot him a stern look, "Be more careful next time." He grabbed the washbasin and carried it to the bathroom.

Once he was back, he pulled out the stove and began heating more water. As he worked, he thought about making a pot of mung bean soup. If he placed it under the fan, it would be cool enough by bedtime to pour into molds for frozen popsicles. By the next day, they’d have homemade mung bean ice pops ready to go.

While tending to the stove, Qin Feng remembered what his father had told him at lunch—that morning, they’d already sold two half-boxes of popsicles.

Turning to Gu Wuyi, he asked, "Da Xiaozi, how many boxes did you sell this afternoon?"

Gu Wuyi promptly reported, "Around three in the afternoon, we sold half a box—right when everyone was threshing grain. Then around six, we sold another half box, but that time we sold right at our doorstep."

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow, pointing at the front gate, "You sold them right here?"

Gu Wuyi nodded enthusiastically, "Yep! I didn’t ask Grandpa for help. Xiao'er and I carried a table to the door, set the ice box on it, and used a vegetable basin to carry the popsicles out bit by bit."

Qin Feng’s lips curled into a rare smile. "Not bad! That’s initiative. Let me guess—Grandpa didn’t know about it?"

Gu Wuyi grinned, "Nope, he had no idea."

Earlier that afternoon, he had tried to mention the idea to his grandparents, but before he could finish, the old couple had shut him down with a firm "No!" They worried that selling popsicles in front of their house would embarrass Qin Feng in front of the other residents in the staff residence.

Their refusal didn’t deter Gu Wuyi one bit. After all, he had a plan—and a little bit of stubbornness to see it through.

Gu Wuyi didn’t feel embarrassed at all. He wasn’t stealing or doing anything wrong—he was simply being upfront about his business. When the wheat was brought home, he quickly told his grandparents that they should wait for his father.

Qin Feng, however, didn’t arrive in time to catch the sales in action. By the time he was called over for dinner, all the popsicles had already been sold.

Though Gu Wuyi didn’t offer any explanation, Qin Feng, knowing his parents well, easily deduced why his son hadn’t told them. With a chuckle, he remarked, “I’ll talk to your grandparents about this. Especially Grandpa—after two years of private schooling, he acts all high and mighty sometimes.”

Gu Wuyi raised an eyebrow, "Really? Grandpa even plays the erhu."

Qin Feng laughed, "That’s part of the Six Arts of a gentleman: rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. Grandpa sees his erhu and suona playing as 'music.' Back then, he didn’t have the luxury of being proud, though—he couldn’t even fill his stomach. Now that things are better, he’s got a bit of pride."

Gu Wuyi nodded, understanding, "So you’re saying what I did was right?"

Qin Feng shook his head, "You did nothing wrong by selling popsicles, but you shouldn’t have kept it from him. You’re just ten years old. If he knew, it wouldn’t just make him worry—it might keep him up at night, thinking about it."

"Then what should I do if he doesn’t agree?" Gu Wuyi asked, his curiosity piqued.

Qin Feng grinned, "Tell him I’m okay with it. That’s what we call a ‘white lie.’ But no more lies between us. If you do, don’t blame me when I have to enforce the family rules."

Gu Wuyi’s eyes widened in curiosity, "Family rules? What does that even mean?"

Qin Feng walked over, picking up a feather duster from his mother’s shelf, weighing it in his hand.

Gu Wuyi, clearly alarmed, immediately turned to run.

The little one froze in place, wide-eyed and motionless.

Qin Feng chuckled as he scooped up the frightened child, tossing the feather duster onto the table. "Come on, little one. Let’s go play."

Just then, Gu Xiao’er’s voice came from the bathroom, "Dad, I forgot my clothes!"

Qin Feng sighed, "Then you better come out and get them yourself."

"Huh?" Gu Xiao’er exclaimed in surprise.

Gu Wuyi, knowing his younger brother wasn’t a child anymore and wouldn’t be coming out of the bathroom, quickly reassured him, "I’ll grab your clothes for you."

As he turned to fetch the clothes drying on the line, he noticed Feng Mai Miao and Xue Qing approaching.

Instinctively, Gu Wuyi glanced at his father.

Qin Feng gestured for him to go ahead.

People in the staff residence were different from those in the village. In the village, people didn’t hesitate to cause a stir in broad daylight, but in the residence, even arguments were usually kept behind closed doors.

The sun had set, but it was still light out. People were gathered outside, enjoying the cool evening air. Feng Mai Miao wouldn’t come here to quarrel—she was probably just here for a chat.

Gu Wuyi figured this out quickly and felt reassured. He went ahead to deliver the clothes to his brother.

As for Qin Feng, he chuckled and asked, "What brings you both here?"

Xue Qing spoke up, "We heard you had popsicles?"

Qin Feng nodded. "I bought some molds from the capital, thinking the kids could play around with making them. Didn’t expect the little rascals to start selling them."

Feng Mai Miao asked, "Do you have any left?"

Qin Feng shook his head.

Xue Qing couldn’t help but glance into the house, "Not even one left?"

Qin Feng smiled, "You’re a little late. But they are tastier than the ones sold on the street." He glanced down at his youngest son in his arms, "In one day, the sugar I bought for them is already all gone."

The people in the village often heard rumors that popsicles sold on the street were made with saccharin, so they didn’t let their children eat them. Feng Mai Miao and Xue Qing had heard similar things.

After Qin Feng’s comment, Feng Mai Miao sighed, "No wonder." She paused, then, not ready to give up, asked again, "Didn’t they save any?"

Qin Feng casually responded, "The condition for selling them was that they could only have two per day—one in the morning, one in the afternoon."

"Are you making more tomorrow?" Xue Qing asked.

"In the morning, I'll make mung bean ones. In the afternoon, milk-flavored ones. I bought two boxes of milk powder for them." Qin Feng replied.

Xue Qing quickly responded, “Make sure to save a few for me. My two kids are five years old and still don’t know what popsicles are."

Feng Mai Miao, worried about the popsicles running out, hastily asked Qin Feng to reserve a few for her as well. She’d come by tomorrow at noon to pick them up.

Qin Feng readily agreed, seeing them out. Then, he called for Gu Wuyi, "Not bad."

Gu Wuyi grinned widely, revealing a gap in his teeth.

Qin Feng noticed the missing lower tooth,"Be careful eating the popsicles. Don’t knock out that newly grown tooth."

Gu Wuyi quickly covered his mouth, feeling embarrassed.

Qin Feng ruffled his hair and asked, "Want to go for a walk with me?"

Gu Wuyi has never gone out for a walk with his elders in his past or present life. While he often went with his grandfather, Engineer Gu was always busy and never had the patience to truly spend time with him. Engineer Gu believed that as long as the kids were fed and clothed, that was enough. He never considered whether they needed companionship.

Gu Wuyi couldn't help but ask, "How do you walk, then?"

Qin Feng paused, momentarily stumped.

How does one walk?

Thinking for a moment, Qin Feng playfully teased him, "Should I tie a rope to your hand and walk ahead, pulling you along?"

Gu Wuyi’s eyes widened in horror.

Qin Feng burst out laughing.

Realizing his father was joking, the boy instinctively made a move to strike back.

Qin Feng scooped up his youngest son, Miaomiao, and sprinted outside.

Gu Wuyi, still a bit stunned, immediately followed, a grin on his face as he trailed behind his father.

Qin Feng stopped, turned around, and asked, "Now you know how to walk, huh?"

Gu Wuyi roughly understood.

He saw other children either holding onto their mother's hand or pulling their father's arm.

Gu Wuyi looked on enviously and couldn't help but tug at Qin Feng's sleeve.

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow, put down Miaomiao, and took Gu Wuyi's hand, making him hold Miaomiao’s hand.

Gu Xiao'er came out in slippers, saw this scene, and squeezed between his brother and Miaomiao, one hand pulling his brother and the other hand pulling the child.

The four stood in a row, blocking the way, forcing others to bypass them through the green belt.

The neighborhood aunt couldn't help but say, "You guys really know how to walk."

Qin Feng let go of Gu Wuyi and let the children walk ahead.

Gu Wuyi glanced at the other children. Some were following their parents, while others ran ahead of them. He then pulled Miaomiao forward.

The neighborhood aunt was finally able to get through, but her pace was similar to Qin Feng's. "Not busy today?"

Qin Feng: "I haven't accompanied them out in over twenty days, including my business trips."

The neighborhood aunt thought for a moment, then replied, "You really should spend time with the kids. Otherwise, they’ll grow distant after a long time."

Qin Feng nodded, accepting her advice.

Seeing how obedient he was, the neighborhood aunt stopped nagging him. "The wheat at home is almost ready, right?"

Qin Feng: "Almost, about one-third left."

The neighborhood aunt casually added, "Next up is the grain tax?"

Qin Feng nodded, suddenly recalling something.

He remembered his father saying that every year when it was time to pay the grain tax, the line at the grain station would be long. Even if their wheat had no husks or dirt, if they were late, they might not get their turn before dark. So every year, his father would have his mother make steamed buns the day before, and they'd bring the buns and a water jug the next day.

A few times, his uncle was late, and when the grain station closed, he had to take the grain back to their home.

The weather was getting hotter, and even before the hottest part of summer, it was almost like the height of the heat. Those standing in line for grain were definitely thirstier than those harvesting wheat.

He needed to work, and his parents had to take Miaomiao to pay the grain tax. The two older children needed to go to school, but there was no one selling popsicles.

The next morning, while Qin Feng was helping his parents harvest wheat, he mentioned the matter.

Before he could finish speaking, Old Qin interrupted him, saying, "Making money isn't worth rushing over a day or two."

Qin Feng asked, "Mom, do you understand what I mean?"

Madam Zhou didn’t understand, but since he called her specifically, she thought carefully and seemed to understand. "You want your cousin or uncle to sell it?"

Qin Feng replied, "They can borrow the popsicles box for two days."

Madam Zhou wiped her sweat, saying, "How can they use it for so many kids? What if your sister finds out? She might say something behind our backs. I’ll take half a day off tomorrow and go talk to them, so they can buy their own."

Old Qin asked, "So the popsicles is made by us?"

Madam Zhou couldn’t help but glance at him, "What are you thinking? You want the kids to make popsicles for him? How could you even say that?"

Old Qin just asked out of curiosity.

Fearing an argument, Qin Feng quickly interjected, "I know where to get it. If it’s too late to sell, we can let them stay at our house. Anyway, Uncle won’t let us down."

"Let’s see," Madam Zhou replied, a little less concerned about her nephew now, fearing he might turn out to be ungrateful.

The Zhou family was her maternal side, and Qin Feng didn’t say much more. After half an hour of working in the wheat field, when there was only about five acres left to harvest, he stopped.

They rested at the edge of the field, and soon the three kids arrived.

Gu Xiao'er was carrying a water bottle and holding Miaomiao’s hand. Gu Wuyi was holding a lunch box.

When Qin Feng saw them approaching, he picked the little one up and sat him on his lap, "Are you tired?"

The child shook his legs.

Qin Feng rubbed his back.

Gu Wuyi placed the lunch box on the ground. "Miaomiao, let Dad eat. Come over to your brother."

When Old Qin heard the noise, he came over, and Gu Xiao'er immediately handed him the water bottle, then opened the lunch box.

Madam Zhou couldn’t help but sigh, "You’re more sensible than your aunt and uncle. When they helped us harvest the crops, I had to go home and cook for them." As she spoke, her expression subtly changed.

Qin Feng noticed his mother’s change and understood what she was thinking. Since they had finished harvesting the wheat today and his sister hadn’t shown up, he said, "Mom, looks like your daughter thinks having a son means everything is taken care of."

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