Upon hearing this, Cheng Yue almost burst into laughter. Wasn't this what they called wishing for something to come true? It was like a pillow being delivered when you were sleepy—everything you wanted to happen had come true!
Moreover, her eldest son is truly amazing! She only mentioned the spice packet once, but he took it to heart! Who would dare say his mind isn't quick enough!
Chen An keenly sensed Cheng Yue's emotions, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up. This was indeed a good thing!
After delivering the message, Ah Mao and Ah Gou were about to leave. Cheng Yue thought that it would be too tiring to make a round trip, and it was already afternoon. By the time they got back to the county town, it would probably be dark. So she let the two children stay overnight.
Since she's going to the county town anyway, we might as well go together. Why make the two children make an extra trip?
I also found them two sets of Chen Lin's old clothes and shoes to change into. That night, the cats and dogs took their first good baths and cried for most of the night under warm, soft quilts.
The next day, Ah Mao and Ah Gou woke up before dawn because they had something on their minds and couldn't fall back asleep.
He couldn't lie still, so he got up and tidied the room several times. Then he just sat there staring at each other until he heard a noise at the second door, at which point he jumped up and went out.
"Madam! Please buy us! We can do everything! We can do laundry, sweep the floor, feed the pigs, and even farm!"
We can sign a contract of servitude, without money or wages. We only hope that you can give us food and a bed to sleep in!
They knew that selling themselves meant losing their freedom and even their lives, so they would rather be beggars than sell themselves for food.
But Cheng Yue is different, and her whole family is different; this is the result of their careful consideration all night.
Since their mother died, they have never felt this kind of warmth again, that someone cares whether they are hungry or thirsty.
If they followed Cheng Yue, they would not be mistreated, and they would no longer live in fear.
Trading freedom for a peaceful life is worthwhile!
As soon as Cheng Yue opened the door, she saw the two of them kneeling down in front of her with a "plop," which immediately scared away the half-drowsy feeling she had left.
After a long pause, he finally spoke: "Please pass on my message. Staying one night is nothing. These two old clothes are ones that Xiaolin no longer needs. Don't worry about such a small matter. Get up!"
It's obvious that the two children were moved to say such nonsense. It's like someone who lacks love encountering a little bit of goodness and wants to rush headlong into it. They're too impulsive!
A contract of servitude? Cheng Yue shook her head. She just thought the two children were still young and that walking so far would hurt their feet. How could staying one night be considered selling herself?
If we actually agree, wouldn't that be taking advantage of their young age and lack of understanding of the seriousness of the matter?
To everyone's surprise, not only did the cat and dog not get up, but their eyes reddened, and their tone became even more determined, "Madam, we mean it, we're not joking!"
Although we're still young, we've been around the streets for a while and know a lot! We know what a contract of servitude is, and we know who the good guys are!
We want to follow Madam. We'll do anything she asks us to. We can learn what we don't know. We just want a peaceful life and enough to eat.
We never want to go hungry again, never want to be cold and without clothes to wear, and never want to be looked down upon or bullied!
They've seen so many people; they can tell the difference between good and bad.
When they helped Cheng Yue keep an eye on Chen Ping and Zeng Youcai before, they could tell that Cheng Yue's family were reliable people.
Although they weren't wealthy or influential people in the county, they were kinder than those people, who would only yell at them and beat or scold them.
Only Cheng Yue's family treated them like human beings, speaking to them gently and keeping their promises of money. They could tell that these were truly good people.
Cheng Yue took a deep breath; it seemed these two children were serious.
She did intend to buy the person, after all, there would be more and more things to do in the future, both at home and in business, and someone would need to take care of things, but not now.
But the two of them were speaking with tears streaming down their faces, and she couldn't bear to listen.
Ah Mao and Ah Gou are both smart and sensible, and reliable in their work. She can tell that she likes them very much, but since they are both single, she feels that such a hasty deal makes her feel like she is taking advantage of them.
Cheng Yue helped the two up, and after thinking for a moment, she said, "Since this is the result of your serious consideration, then I agree. There are indeed things to do at home."
"But forget about the indenture. Let's sign a long-term labor contract. It'll be like I'm hiring you to work. I'll pay you your wages as owed, and I won't stop you from leaving if you want to."
The child is still young, so doing odd jobs is fine, even if it's just a little pay and includes room and board. A confidentiality agreement can be signed later once the workshop is up and running.
The cats and dogs shook their heads like rattles, "No, no, no! Madam, we really can do anything, please buy us!"
We'll follow you for life, we'll never go anywhere! If you buy us, we'll feel secure, and you'll have peace of mind too!
They just want a peaceful life and don't want to go anywhere!
These words made Cheng Yue laugh. She was quite good at promoting herself. She had never seen anyone so eager to sell themselves!
However, since things had already come to this point, Cheng Yue had no choice but to agree. What they said wasn't unreasonable; having a contract of servitude would indeed make both parties feel more at ease.
As long as you do your job well and don't betray your Lord for personal gain, she will treat people kindly. A piece of paper doesn't mean anything.
"Okay, I promise you, get up now!"
Seeing that Cheng Yue had agreed, Ah Mao and Ah Gou finally stopped crying and smiled, wiping away their tears and saying happily, "Thank you, Madam!"
Cheng Yue sighed helplessly. Was this a classic case of someone selling themselves out and then helping the seller count the money?
"Once I've finalized the business deal, we'll go to the government office to sign the contract. You can also pack up anything you need to move in today."
"Oh no! I've made a mistake!" Ah Mao slapped his forehead, then remembered something and stammered, "Madam, I have a younger sister. Would you like to buy her too?"
Although she's only seven years old, she can do so many things! I guarantee you won't regret buying from her; she doesn't want money, just a meal!
Cheng Yue thought something was wrong, but the person was about to sell her sister. However, "Ah Mao, whether or not to sign a contract of servitude is up to your sister. You two should discuss it and decide."
But don't worry, even if your sister isn't willing, she can move in with you. As long as she does what she's supposed to do, I won't mistreat her.
Selling oneself is no small matter. Just because some Tom, Dick, or Harry is willing doesn't mean a young girl is. It's best to ask clearly beforehand.
She couldn't separate her own siblings, so she definitely had to take them in. As long as the girl's heart was pure, losing a piece of paper wouldn't matter.
Since she had the indentures of any Tom, Dick, or Harry in her hands, she had no worries.
Ah Mao smiled brightly, "Thank you, Madam, I will talk to my sister properly!"
He told his sister that Cheng Yue's family were good people, so his sister would definitely agree!
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