Uncle Cao had no choice but to nod.
"Also, the kidnapping case has not been adjudicated. This child ran away from the government office, so he should be reported. It would be bad if he were implicated in conspiracy. If you have other plans in the future, you can report him again. Both his parents are deceased, and he has no relatives to rely on. If he voluntarily registers as a new resident, and you are willing to adopt him, the government will always be happy to see it happen."
Uncle Cao was speechless at her insight into his thoughts, her thorough and profound considerations. This had happened more than once, ever since they'd met. The actions of this young woman, along with her display of insight, talent, kindness, and generosity far beyond the ordinary, had always impressed him. She seemed unfettered by the commonplace, yet she possessed a deep understanding of the principles and rules of the world. She was natural, easily friendly without appearing cunning, earning others' trust with her sincerity. Yet, when one truly approached her, one discovered an insurmountable chasm between them. One dared not act rudely in her presence, fearing she would look down upon them.
Uncle Cao didn't know what to say for a moment. After a long pause, he sighed, "I've certainly been attracted to this child since the first time I saw him, but I didn't think as deeply as the boss. If he and our family truly have such a connection, as the boss says, it will be a gift from heaven and a credit to the boss." He wiped his face, cheered up, and smiled, "I'll go home right away and have my wife and daughter-in-law clean up the house. I'll come pick him up this afternoon, from the county government office..."
Xu Jiang continued, "No rush. I'll report to you after you bring the person back. No one knows the whole story better than me. I'm free today anyway, and I can also retrieve the house deed and the newly registered household registration."
"I feel relieved now that the boss is there in person. Please take care of the child first. I will come to pick him up in the afternoon."
"Don't worry," Xu Jiang said with a smile, "this poor kid can't run away anymore."
Uncle Cao also laughed when he heard this.
Xu Jiang sent him out and went back to the house to see the child. The child was awake, and when he saw her, he remembered that he was naked at that moment and had been seen naked by her earlier. He was so ashamed and angry that he didn't know where to look. Finally, he could only shrink into the mattress and wrap himself like a cocoon.
Xu Jiang couldn't help but step forward and pat the small bump on the couch. She said to him, "The old man who took care of you before was named Cao. You can call him Grandpa. He's gone home now. He'll come and take you away after he's prepared a room for you. He'll take care of you from now on. Are you willing?"
The child reluctantly revealed half of his face and asked in a low voice, "Then will you still send me to the government office?"
Xu Jiang raised an eyebrow. "If you acknowledge him as your grandfather and enter his family tree, he won't send you back, and you can stay in Kyoto forever."
The child was precocious and very sensible. He nodded decisively and made the decision, "I recognize him as my grandfather. He is a good man."
Xu Jiang chuckled, "She's good at saying nice things. Even when she goes to his house, she has to be sweet-talking, okay?"
Her smile made the child feel hot all over. He actually had no other choice. Now as long as he could stay in Kyoto, he would be willing to follow a beggar.
"I will report your whereabouts and situation to the authorities, and the officials will come to inspect your residence. Just say that you acknowledge Uncle Cao as your grandfather and are willing to inherit his ancestral temple and serve him until the end of his life. Then you can be included in his clan register and stay in Kyoto. Do you remember?"
The child said obediently, "I remember it clearly."
"Besides telling the officers, you must also engrave these words in your heart, understand?"
The child nodded with red eyes, "I understand. I will inherit Grandpa's ancestral temple and serve him until the end of his life to repay his kindness in adopting me."
The child is teachable.
Xu Jiang patted his head as if to reward him, "Rest well, I'll go make you some soup noodles."
"Thank you, sister." The child rubbed her palm.
Xu Jiang thought to herself that this person's judgment was much better than hers before, and more likable.
After noon, Uncle Cao came as promised, and his son Cao Dali also came with him. The two of them got an ox cart from somewhere and laid cushions in the cart, as if they were afraid that people would be bumped into.
"Hello, boss." As soon as the car stopped, Cao Dali got out and greeted Xu Jiang, then couldn't wait to go to the backyard.
Uncle Cao followed behind, carrying a bundle. He smiled and said to Xu Jiang, "Da Li happened to be home. When he heard about the child, he insisted on coming to pick her up in person. He even borrowed the ox cart from a friend."
“That’s thoughtful.”
"The old woman and daughter-in-law were also very happy. When they heard that he had no clothes to wear, they quickly went to buy him two sets of clothes, saying that they wanted the child to enter the house in a respectable manner."
Xu Jiang couldn't help laughing when she heard this. "This child has finally found his home. It's a blessing after all the hardship."
The two chatted and laughed as they entered the backyard. As soon as they entered, they saw Cao Dali and Lu Zhen already chatting away. Seeing Lu Zhen so young and already covered in injuries, Cao Dali's eyes turned red for such a strong man. Seeing his father and Xu Jiang come in, he shyly turned his head away, wiped his tears, and made room for them.
When Lu Zhen saw Uncle Cao, he called out "Grandpa" in a crisp voice. Uncle Cao couldn't resist and cried out "Ah" several times, then rushed over to hug him and called him his darling. Xu Jiang watched the two of them recognize each other with a half-smile, staring at Lu Zhen's round hair whorls and thinking: He is so smart at such a young age, his future is limitless.
The Caos, father and son, wereted no time, taking care of the anxious women in the family. They changed Lu Zhen's clothes and carefully lifted him onto the oxcart. Xu Jiang brought the donkey, locked the door, hung a sign saying she was out on business, and followed the oxcart back to the Caos' home.
The road was muddy, but the sunlight dispelled the gloom, casting a golden light. The old ox, carrying the three members of the Cao family, resembled an auspicious beast on its journey, its bells ringing as it passed through the deserted streets, spreading blessings to every household. Xu Jiang, riding a donkey, followed leisurely behind the oxcart, her eyes blinded by the scorching sun.
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