Upon hearing this, Chen realized that children's immune systems are weaker, but in this famine year, with so many people in the family, it was already a stroke of luck that they didn't go hungry. Where would they get extra money to take a stranger's child to see a doctor?
While she was trying to save the child, she couldn't bring herself to watch a tiny toddler die right before her eyes.
But should I ask her to pay for a doctor for her?
She's already sick and she's managing on her own, why should she spend this money?
Shen Lili was chilled by the wind and felt dizzy, letting Yang Shi wipe her body. She kept snuggling into Yang Shi's arms because she was cold.
Chen made up her mind and said, "Mother, I think we don't need to call a doctor. I'll go and make her a bowl of ginger soup now."
Chen still didn't dare to talk back to her mother-in-law, so she tentatively asked.
Yang moved her lips, seeing Old Lady Shen frowning, and considered her mother-in-law's attitude: "Although this is not our child, we can't just watch the child get sick."
Old Mrs. Shen remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.
Actually, both daughters-in-law made valid points; neither of them was wrong, they just had different perspectives.
Shen Lili also understood the aunt's concerns. This family seemed to be in a bad situation, so it was understandable that they were unwilling to spend money on her, a stranger.
Shen Lili gently tugged at Yang's sleeve. Yang looked down at her, and Shen Lili gave a big laugh: "No, that's not true!"
Ms. Yang was at a loss for words. This wasn't her child, but seeing how sensible the girl was, why did she still feel so heartbroken?
Looking at the child who couldn't even speak clearly, Old Lady Shen sternly ordered, "What, are you expecting me to just watch her die?"
Knowing that her mother-in-law had decided to fetch a doctor, Chen pouted and said sheepishly, "I know, Mother."
Chen reluctantly left the house.
Hearing this, Madam Yang looked at Old Lady Shen with some gratitude.
Shen Lili silently took everything in. She had just observed that this was probably in a village, and the family that had rescued her were farmers from that village.
Judging from the furnishings, the house wasn't exactly poor, but it wasn't luxurious either. However, everything inside and out was spotless and tidy, indicating that the family was diligent.
To them, she was just a stranger, yet they were willing to call a doctor for her. She didn't know if calling a doctor was expensive these days, but she figured it must be pricey.
What a kind family!
It's okay to be poor now, your pears are here!
Seeing that Yang was clearly taking a liking to the baby, Old Lady Shen pulled her aside and whispered, "Third son's wife, I have something I'd like to ask for your opinion on."
Madam Yang was taken aback: "Why do you say that, Mother? Just tell me what's on your mind!"
“I’ve heard about what happened today from the second brother’s family. It’s fate that you were able to save this child. And what happened between you on the official road later, I reckon this child is probably blessed with some good fortune.”
Yang had a vague idea of what Old Lady Shen wanted to say, and her face lit up with excitement.
Old Mrs. Shen observed Yang's expression and nodded in satisfaction.
"The eldest and second sons already have two sons, and now only your third branch has Luo Ge'er. This child is pitiful; he was abandoned by his biological parents. I would like to ask your third branch if you would be willing to adopt Lili?"
Upon hearing this, how could Madam Yang possibly refuse? She had always wanted a daughter, and after meeting Li Bao today, she felt an instant connection with her!
Seeing how pitiful Li Bao was, her heart ached too, and she wished she could treat Li Bao like her own daughter!
"I do, Mother! My husband has always said he wants a little girl too, he'll definitely want one too!"
Old Mrs. Shen nodded, feeling even more satisfied with her third daughter-in-law.
Shen Lili nestled in the blankets, her round almond-shaped eyes fixed on them. When she saw the two looking over, she generously revealed her dimples.
Yang's eyes were full of joy as she looked at the well-behaved and adorable Li Bao and smiled.
Just then, Mrs. Liu arrived home, carrying the two large, fat fish in her arms.
Seeing that no one was in the courtyard, Liu called out, "Second sister-in-law, third sister-in-law!"
Hearing her eldest daughter-in-law's call, Old Lady Shen said, "Here I am."
Liu called out "Mother," then went to the doorway and peeked in, asking, "Third sister-in-law, how is it?"
Yang was rummaging through a box next to her looking for clothes for Shen Jialuo when he was one year old. Although Lili was over two years old, she was pitifully thin, and Shen Jialuo's clothes for when he was one year old could fit perfectly.
Hearing this, she looked up at Liu and said, "Mother has already asked Second Sister-in-law to find a doctor, so don't worry, Eldest Sister-in-law."
When Liu heard that Old Lady Shen had actually sent someone to find a doctor, she was quite surprised.
Liu was still carrying the two fish in her hands. These fat fish were quite heavy, so Liu decided to go to the kitchen to get a basin to keep them in.
Suddenly sensing something, Shen Lili watched as Liu Shi took a step to leave, and secretly pinched the flesh on her waist with her little hand, whimpering.
The baby's delicate cries suddenly rang out. Liu paused, turned around, and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden?"
Mrs. Yang came over and patted the baby's back: "Lili, what's wrong? Are you cold?"
Strange, she was just quietly staying in bed, why is she suddenly crying?
Ignoring Yang Shi, Shen Lili stretched out her two small hands, turned to Liu Shi, and groaned haphazardly in the air, "Fish...fish..."
Old Mrs. Shen and Mrs. Yang were still pondering, "What kind of fish?"
Liu looked at the fish in her hand with suspicion, and walked up to Shen Lili: "How did you know Auntie had a fish? Do you want to play with the fish?"
Regardless of what she said, when she saw Liu coming over, Shen Lili shakily got up and threw herself at Liu.
"Bang!"
A loud bang came from somewhere, startling all three members of the Shen family.
Old Mrs. Shen was the first to react, saying, "The sound seems to be coming from the kitchen, from the eldest son's house. Come with me to take a look."
"Why."
When Granny Shen and Madam Liu went to the kitchen, they found that the beam on the kitchen roof had indeed fallen down.
The Shen family lives in an old house passed down from their ancestors. A while ago, they discovered that the wooden beams in the kitchen were loose, but they haven't had time to repair them yet.
It suddenly fell down today. Luckily, no one was in the kitchen at that time. Otherwise, if a man were hit by such a thick beam, he would either be dead or crippled!
Old Mrs. Shen frowned, planning to have her sons thoroughly repair the place that afternoon.
When Old Lady Shen turned her head, she saw Liu looking pale-faced at the wooden basin next to the wooden beam that had fallen down.
"Hey, what's wrong, eldest sister?"
Liu pointed tremblingly at the wooden basin, clutching her chest and panting, "Mother... I was just going to the kitchen to get a basin to keep the fish in..."
Old Mrs. Shen was startled.
Liu continued, "Thank goodness... If that little girl hadn't suddenly started crying for fish, I probably would be lying here already..."
Liu looked relieved, but felt a lingering fear in her heart.
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