Tears and Tenderness: A grandmother's Fear of Parting

Aunt Zhao's face flushed even deeper with rage, her eyes narrowing into furious slits as she pointed an accusatory finger at Fu Bao. "Jealous? Me, jealous of a lazy little brat like you? Look at yourself! All you do is laze around like a little piggy, while other kids your age are out working hard. And you have the nerve to talk about being loved?"

Her anger stemmed from the fact that her two teenage sons, like many other boys in the village, adored Fu Bao. They found her cute and endearing, like a cherished doll, and often showered her with treats and gifts. Even her own sons sometimes gave Fu Bao snacks that were meant for the family, leaving Aunt Zhao seething with frustration.

"Aunt Zhao, how dare you scold my daughter like that? Say another word and you'll regret it!" Mrs. Li's voice quivered with anger.

Since Fu Bao was five years old, her family had always spoken softly to her, reluctant to raise their voices. As a result, she felt particularly stung when someone yelled at her.

Seeing her grandmother's face contorted with rage, Fu Bao quickly rose to her feet and reassured her, "Grandma, don't let someone like her upset you. I sense she's having a bad day, destined for misfortune!"

As Fu Bao grew older, her spiritual sensitivity increased. Though still weak, she had regained the ability to discern a person's luck. Those with bad luck had a black tint to their Yintang—the area between the eyebrows. If it was severe, a dark aura would linger above their head. Fortunately, Aunt Zhao's face shone with a red light.

At that moment, Aunt Zhao's Yintang darkened, indicating impending misfortune.

Her reaction was immediate. Aunt Zhao nearly jumped out of her skin, glaring at Fu Bao and snapping, "You insolent brat! How dare you curse me with such foul words?"

"You impudent wretch! Keep insulting my daughter, and I'll have a go at you!" The old lady Li stormed over from the fields, wielding a hoe.

Despite her age, the sixty-year-old woman's ferocity sent shivers down the spines of the nearby women. Even Aunt Zhao appeared somewhat intimidated, swallowing nervously.

Her companion leaned in and whispered, "Let it be, Aunt Zhao. Don't take a child's casual words to heart. In any case, the Li family spoils that girl rotten, but it doesn't concern us."

Aunt Zhao seethed with jealousy towards Mrs. Li but refrained from taking any action against her. She knew that such behavior would invite gossip in the village, tarnishing her reputation as a troublemaker.

Biting back her frustration, Aunt Zhao spat, "Humph! What a family of fools, spoiling a girl rotten like that! Even if you pamper her to the skies, she'll just marry off one day. Once she's gone, don't expect her to come back and show any gratitude. She'll have no more attachment to this house!"

With those bitter words, Aunt Zhao feigned indifference and left with the other women.

As Mrs. Li watched them depart, a mix of emotions flooded her, causing her eyes to well up with tears.

"Grandma, what's the matter?" Fu Bao was taken aback by Mrs. Li's sudden tears. She hurried over, offering comfort, "Grandma, they're just jealous of me. Don't cry!"