When Xiao Shi heard the news that evening, he felt abandoned. Why didn't he know that Huanhuan was going to the market?
Stomping her feet and muttering, "Huanhuan, I want to go too."
Liu Huan knew it was impossible for Xiao Shi to go with them, since they were too young. "I'll go check it out first, and you can go next time, okay?"
Little Stone looked dejected and said, "Okay, but I still don't feel happy."
Liu Huan began to comfort her.
Actually, it wasn't just him; even Cao'er felt a little uncomfortable. She was ten years old and had never been to town, while Liu Huan was only three and could go.
But she knew she was the eldest sister and couldn't do that. Huanhuan was smart, and it was normal for her parents to dote on her.
When Liu Huan finally managed to coax Xiao Shi back to his senses, he turned around and saw Cao'er's forlorn expression.
She pretended not to see and went up to hug Cao'er: "Sister, I'm so lucky to have you as my sister."
Cao'er forced a smile, but still managed to muster her spirits and say, "You're so good at talking."
She hesitated for a long time before finally speaking up: "I... I don't know what's wrong with me. I get upset because you can go to town, even though I'm not a child anymore."
Liu Huan pretended to be relaxed and joked, "I guess my sister is afraid that I'll get lost in town and never be found again."
Cao'er spat twice, her mood completely improving: "What nonsense are you talking about? Go and hold Shi Tou's hand tightly, and don't be naughty."
Liu Huan nodded obediently, "I know, I love you the most, sister."
Hearing her innocent words, Cao'er felt a warmth in her heart. Yes, Huanhuan is so kind, how could she possibly steal her parents' love?
After thinking it through, she replied to Liu Huan, "I understand, don't be ashamed."
Liu Huan chuckled, "It's a pity I don't have any money, otherwise I could have brought a gift for my sister."
Upon hearing this, Cao'er led her into the house, took out five copper coins that she had treasured in her handkerchief, and handed them to her, saying, "Take these and buy some food."
Liu Huan was moved to tears, "Sister, how can you be so kind?"
She saw the handkerchief embroidered by the grass next to her; the stitches were meticulous, but it looked dull because it was made with poor-quality embroidery thread.
"Sis, who taught you that?"
"It was Aunt Zhang who taught me."
Aunt Zhang, also known as Widow Zhang at the end of the village, is very beautiful. Her husband bought her in town; I heard she used to be someone else's maid.
After giving birth to a son and a daughter, the man passed away, leaving her, her children, and her ailing mother to struggle to make ends meet.
Liu Huan had heard all of this, but she never expected that the woman's embroidery skills were so good.
"Sis, haven't you used these to buy anything?"
She remembered watching TV and seeing people selling handkerchiefs, but she didn't know if they did here.
Grass gently touched her masterpiece: "No, I don't know if I can sell it."
Liu Huan said, "Okay, I'll take it. If I can sell it, I will. I'll let you know when I get back."
Cao'er happily tidied everything up and handed it to her: "These are all here, you can take them all. If you sell them, you can use the money to buy food."
Liu Huan nodded happily and began to pick out the ones she thought looked good. If they could really be sold for money, then her sister could save up some dowry.
That evening, Liu Huan prepared the clothes she wanted to wear, all of which were altered from what Cao'er had worn. She chose the one with the fewest patches, as well as the pair of cloth shoes she had always been reluctant to wear.
Despite being prepared to get up early, she was still startled by how early it was; she couldn't see the road at all outside.
Su's mother prepared breakfast and even baked a few wild vegetable pancakes.
He straightened her clothes and told her, "This is your first time going on a long trip. You have to keep your hand on Stone the whole time. If you get lost, you'll be sold to a faraway place."
Liu Huan pretended to be scared and trembled as she said, "Mother, I understand."
She then instructed Shi Tou, who was combing her hair, "Shi Tou, when you go, you must keep a close eye on Huan Huan and don't indulge her in everything."
Stone nodded and said, "Don't worry, Mother, I'll take good care of her."
Seeing that Su's mother wanted to say more, Shi Tou was afraid that what she said would frighten someone, so she had no choice but to stop her: "Mother, don't say anymore, or you won't dare to go later."
Liu Huan thought they were going to walk in the dark, until Su's mother took out a torch and handed it to Su's father, saying, "It doesn't matter if you don't do anything else, just remember the two children."
Having never left the house before, they caused Su's mother a great deal of worry.
The villagers gathered at the village entrance, each holding a torch.
Su's father prepared to carry Liu Huan on his back, but Shi Tou refused, saying, "Dad, I'll carry her myself."
The group didn't say anything when they saw the two of them, as everyone knew that the Su family doted on their adopted daughter.
When they reached the depths of the mountains, everyone formed a circle with their torches facing outwards. They walked silently and very quickly, each consciously keeping the two children in the middle.
The faint sound of wolves could be heard from the mountain. Liu Huan was frightened by this and clung tightly to the stone's neck.
It was still dark when we came in, but it was already light when we came out of the deep mountains.
Liu Huan asked Shi Tou to put her down.
It turned out that children who are too young really shouldn't go out freely. It took a full two hours, or four hours, to get from Maocao Village to the town.
When Liu Huan saw the city gate, she almost cried. What kind of human suffering was this?
Suddenly I understand that saying I saw online in my past life: it only takes you a few hours to walk into the mountains, but it may take your whole life for your child to leave.
Looking at the town, Liu Huan realized it was similar to the pseudo-ancient towns she had visited before. It wasn't big, and it wasn't as grand and bustling as the ones on TV, but it had everything you needed.
The aroma of meat wafting everywhere, and the large meat buns being hawked by vendors, made her keep swallowing.
Feeling the hand holding her tighten, she looked up and heard Shi Tou cautiously say to Su's father, "Dad, could you buy Huanhuan a steamed bun? Just one."
Tears welled up in Liu Huan's eyes. She knew she should refuse, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. She missed that taste so much.
Mr. Su smiled kindly, "Why not? Come on, let's go buy it."
A steamed bun costs one coin. When Su's father said he wanted two, Shi Tou shook his head. "Dad, one is enough. I'll eat the flatbread I brought."
Thinking about the money he would need soon, Su's father listened to his advice and only bought one.
He handed the bun wrapped in vegetable leaves to Liu Huan: "Here, Huanhuan, this is a steamed bun. You've never seen one before, have you?"
"Thank you, Dad~" Liu Huan took the big white steamed bun, which was as big as two of her hands. It was hot, but she couldn't bear to let go of it.
The aroma of wheat wafting from the steamed buns made her mouth water.
She carefully broke off half for Su's father, then broke off another piece for Shi Tou, her eyes red as she said, "Let's eat together."
Neither of them refused her offer, knowing that she wouldn't eat it if they didn't accept it.
Tears streamed down Liu Huan's face as she took a bite. Something she wouldn't have chosen for breakfast in her previous life had become a luxury here.
She ate in small bites, afraid of finishing it all, wiping away her tears and telling herself that there would be bread and milk.
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