Chapter 14

He turned to look at Gu Xinxin, and Second Aunt waved her hand at her: "Go and pour Second Aunt a bowl of water. You were so busy shouting today that you didn't even have time to drink a sip of water yourself."

Gu Xinxin went out to get some water, and Second Auntie spoke earnestly, "Because of Gu Chen, you probably think Xinxin and Xiangrong are bad and unlucky, but today I have to tell you that our Xinxin is blessed. She is so successful now because of the guidance of your previous daughter-in-law..."

Gu Xinxin hadn't walked far yet, and she couldn't help but twitch her lips.

Then he nodded in agreement. Yes, Gu Xiangrong is a lucky man, otherwise how could he meet a sister like him?

The original owner was really unlucky and died of an illness.

If he had been sent to the pharmacy earlier, he might have had a chance to survive. What a pity.

Who should be blamed? Blame Mrs. Gu, Gu Daniu, and Old Lady Gu. They are the elders, and they bear 80% of the responsibility for the child's death.

"Look, Xinxin's idea has earned us two years' worth of money in just one day." Second Auntie added, "Even if this business doesn't last long, is the money we earn real?"

Gu Daniu remained silent, and the second aunt continued, "You're going to disappoint the child. Even if the child has a good idea, he will never tell you. Then you'll have to watch other people make money while you can't even get a share. How will you feel?"

"You should treat the child better. After all, she's your own flesh and blood. How could she really be unfilial to you? Would she just abandon you and ignore you?" Second Aunt paused and held out her hand. "To be frank, Xinxin is capable. Even if a little slips through her fingers in the future, it will be enough for you to eat and drink. You can make money hunting now, but in ten years, will you still be able to draw a bow? In twenty years, will you still be able to climb mountains?"

Ten or twenty years later, when he can no longer make money, will Gu Chen still serve him like she does now?

"By then, how you live your life will all depend on your children's filial piety. Even if Xinxin can't take care of you personally, if she has money, can she buy you a maid to serve you?" Second Aunt asked. Gu Daniu pursed his lips and waved his hand: "I understand what Second Sister-in-law said, but after all these years, I'm afraid Xinxin will have resentment towards me and may not give me money in the future."

"What are you afraid of? Isn't that filial piety? If she doesn't obey you, the village elders won't let her off." Second Aunt said, "Besides, I don't think Xinxin is so heartless. Even though you haven't been very kind to her over the years, she's grown up, hasn't she? What child grows up on empty air?"

Isn’t it because our parents provide us with food and drink that we grow up?

Gu Xinxin rolled her eyes outside, and Gu Xiangrong came over: "Sister, do you really want to give Dad some advice and let him make money?"

Gu Xinxin reached out and poked him on the forehead: "Think about your studies first. Maybe tomorrow Dad will agree to let you study. But I'm warning you, the rest of my life depends on you. If you don't study hard, I'll beat you to death, do you understand?"

Merchants were the lowest class among the four classes of scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans. She had ideas for making money, but no magic weapon to protect herself. Class was too deadly and too unreasonable, and it could never be solved with money.

Gu Xiangrong nodded quickly: "I know, I know. Don't worry, sister, I will definitely study hard. When I have a promising future, I will protect you and will never let you suffer again."

Second Aunt left very quickly.

Gu Daniu called Gu Xinxin in. Gu Xinxin smiled and sat opposite Gu Daniu. Gu Daniu immediately frowned: "Did I ask you to sit down?"

Gu Xinxin was surprised: "Dad, you wanted me to stand? Why didn't you say so earlier?"

She didn't move, but leaned forward and asked, "Dad, did Second Aunt say anything about harvesting potatoes?"

It wasn't harvest time yet, and if Second Auntie wanted to make money quickly, she had to buy potatoes from the village; she didn't have that many of her own. Although Gu Daniu was a hunter, he also had an acre of land at home, which was usually taken care of by Gu Chenshi.

Of course, in the past, it was mostly Gu Xinxin and Gu Xiangrong, brother and sister, who did the work.

That acre of land was not used to grow potatoes, but only grains, spring wheat and autumn millet, which were not enough for the family's food supply for a year, and had to be purchased separately.

Then there is the small vegetable plot that Gu Chen opened at the entrance of the village, about two mu, where she grows vegetables, fruits and melons.

His family didn't have potatoes, but Second Auntie's family only had one son. If he followed Second Auntie into the business, harvesting potatoes would be too much for him. Plus, he'd have to wash and cut them. The Gu family had three branches in the village, so if Second Auntie needed help, she'd definitely choose someone from the Gu family first. And since the idea for making money was from Gu Xinxin, she'd definitely turn to Gu Daniu first.

Gu Daniu shook his head: "I said, I didn't agree, you said you have other ways to make money."

Gu Xinxin understood that Gu Daniu looked down upon the money earned from hard labor. She paused for a moment before asking, "Did Dad agree to let Xiangrong go to school?"

Gu Daniu's face darkened: "Are you negotiating terms with me?"

Gu Xinxin nodded and smiled: "Yes, although I trust my father, I don't trust my stepmother. If things are not finalized now, my stepmother will definitely whisper in your ear."

Gu Daniu felt a little uncomfortable: "What nonsense are you talking about, little kid?"

Gu Xinxin raised her eyebrows. "I have a way to make money, but Dad has to let Xiangrong go to school first. I know Dad must have some money, so our family won't be left without food."

She stood up and said, "It's getting late. Dad has been tired all day. We should get some rest. If there's anything, we can talk about it tomorrow."

After saying that, he left.

The next morning, Second Aunt went to the eldest wife's house again. The eldest wife had a large family, with three sons. Although Gu Daniu also had two sons, they were still young and could not be used.

So it would be appropriate to find a big house to buy, wash and cut potatoes.

Everyone in the village was curious about the business of Second Aunt's family, and some people wanted to know how much she earned, but Second Aunt kept her mouth shut and didn't reveal a word.

Gu Daniu's house was also very quiet, because Second Aunt did not reveal that it was Gu Xinxin who came up with the idea, and no one came to find Gu Xinxin for a while.

Gu Daniu brought Gu Xiangrong back at noon. As soon as he came back, he called the whole family to sit together and said, "I have decided to send Xiangrong and Wenshu to study in town."

Gu Chen was stunned for a moment, and then she was happy and frowned: "Xiang Rong is already this age..."

Gu Daniu glared at her. Gu Chen was silent for a moment, then reached out and pushed Gu Daniu's arm. Of course, in Gu Xinxin's opinion, her action was more like flirting, after all, she didn't use much strength.