Gan Taoniang initially wanted to struggle a bit more, but seeing the village chief's intimidating gaze, and remembering that she was only able to live in the village because of him, she knew that if she offended him today, no one would help her anymore.
Thinking of this, how could she dare to say anything more? She could only watch helplessly as Xiao Si left with Gan Li.
Xiao Si's brothers watched enviously as Xiao Si walked further and further away with Gan Li, feeling a mix of envy, jealousy, and inexplicable resentment.
They knew that things were different now. Gan Li was a rich man. They heard that her restaurant was several stories high, and the dishes were like delicacies from land and sea. It was always packed with customers, and she made money hand over fist every day!
Xiao Si is with her, he must be eating and drinking well every day, he's living a life of luxury.
And what about them? They could only stay in this dilapidated home, with their lame mother, living a life of meager rations... no, they might not even have rations, and would only go hungry.
The eldest brother couldn't help but nudge the second brother: "Look at how smug Xiao Si looks!"
"That's right! We're in for a treat from now on." The second brother replied absentmindedly, his gaze still fixed on the fourth brother's back, his eyes full of envy.
The third brother, thinking of his younger brother who had always been inferior to him, was about to enjoy a life of luxury, and complained resentfully:
"Why should Xiao Si live a good life while we have to stay here and suffer?"
This short sentence reflects the shared sentiments of several children; the more they thought about it, the angrier they became, and the more unfair it seemed.
Why don't they have the same good luck as Xiao Si?
Gan Tao Niang glared at their departing figures, her heart burning with hatred for Gan Li, yet she was helpless.
When Ganli led Xiao Si back to the inn, it was just after the mealtime, and everyone was busy cleaning up the mess.
Gan Tian also had a rare day off today and was helping to tidy up the table. Her little face was flushed from running around.
The sudden appearance of Xiao Si stunned everyone. Gan Tian was the first to react, holding a rag in her hand, her eyes wide:
"Mother, isn't this Sister Tao'er's fourth brother? Why is he back with you too?"
Ganli smiled and pushed Xiao Si forward a little: "It's a long story. He'll be with us from now on."
Upon hearing this, everyone gathered around. Gan Mingyi put down his teapot, looked Xiao Si up and down, and asked curiously, "Gan Tao's younger brother? How did he end up here?"
Ganli took a sip of water and then briefly recounted what had happened, immediately causing an uproar among the crowd.
"What? A thousand taels! Why doesn't she just rob someone! She'd sell her own son! I told you she wasn't a good person, and now I see she's utterly worthless!" Zhao slapped her thigh, spitting as she cursed.
Grandma Gan also grumbled and cursed, utterly unable to understand: "I really can't understand how my own son could be so despicable?"
Gan Mingli succinctly concluded: "She's a heartless wretch!"
Xiao Si stood to the side, his thin body trembling slightly. He clutched the hem of his clothes tightly, listening anxiously to the adults' conversation. He stole a glance at Gan Li, his heart filled with unease, wondering what his future held.
After everyone had finished scolding Gan Tao Niang, they began to worry about Xiao Si's accommodation.
"Ah Li, what are your plans for this child?" Old Man Gan asked, his tone tinged with worry.
Xiao Si was already nervous, and upon hearing this, before Gan Li could speak, she stepped forward and anxiously said:
“I…I can work! I can wash dishes, wipe tables, and sweep the floor…I can do a lot of work! Please…please let me stay, I can support myself…”
He looked up at Gan Li with pleading eyes, as if afraid she would send him back.
Looking at Xiao Si's pitiful appearance, Gan Li felt both amused and heartbroken. This child was far too sensible.
Although in this era, there are many children as young as Xiao Si who go out to become apprentices, she is a modern person at heart and has no interest in employing child laborers.
In her time, children as young as Xiao Si were still in kindergarten...
A thought flashed through Gan Li's mind. She looked at Xiao Si and suddenly asked, "Xiao Si, do you want to go to school?"
"Go...go to school?" Xiao Si's eyes widened in disbelief. Going to school was something he never even dared to dream of.
Gan Li nodded firmly: "That's right, going to school. From now on, you'll go to Fengxian School with your sister Gan Tian."
She jokingly said with a smile, "Study hard, so you can be my accountant when you grow up."
When Xiao Si heard that he had a task to complete when he went to school, he felt relieved. He nodded vigorously, his little face full of seriousness: "I will definitely study hard!"
Gan Tian quickly replied, "Mother, don't worry, I will definitely take good care of him."
Gan Li patted Gan Tian's head and praised her for being well-behaved and sensible, saying that she would definitely feel at ease entrusting Xiao Si to her.
Xiao Si was still young, so Gan Li thought about it and put him in Gan Quan's room, so that Gan Quan could take care of him.
Gan Quan naturally had no objections. Even if Xiao Si was a stranger, let alone Gan Tao's younger brother, he would still feel sympathy for him when he saw how pitiful he was.
After arranging things for Xiao Si, everyone dispersed and went about their own business.
Gan Mingyi stayed, however. He had found it strange when Gan Li recounted what had happened. How could things be so coincidental? Gan Tao Niang wanted to sell her son, and just then, a wealthy merchant appeared?
“Little sister,” Gan Mingyi lowered his voice, “tell me the truth, that wealthy businessman… was it your doing?”
Gan Li smiled slyly and said meaningfully, "Second Brother, how many coincidences are there in this world?"
The wealthy businessman was naturally someone they had arranged. The matchmaker, Li, was dealt with, but as for the 'wealthy businessman,' he had already been released long ago.
After hearing the whole story, Gan Mingyi said admiringly, "It's still you who's the best; your mind is really sharp."
"Thank you for praising me, Second Brother, but you've praised the wrong person this time. I didn't really get involved in this matter. I just gave the order, and Quan-ge took care of the specifics."
Gan Mingyi was even more surprised upon hearing this: "Gan Quan? How old is he? You're letting him do this kind of thing? What if he messes it up..."
Ganli, however, didn't care at all: "A child who is always controlled will never grow up. Why not let him try? Maybe there will be some surprises. Look, isn't the result very good now?"
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