The Old Man's Ailment: Fubao's Concern for Grandpa

I apologize for the inconsistency. Let's correct that.

Fu Bao pouted and said, "Grandma, I didn't lie to you. I really didn't see it clearly. I just saw a small head. It looked like a boy, but I didn't see it clearly."

Mrs. Li sighed with relief but still couldn't hide the worry in her eyes. "Fubao, you must be more careful. If you see someone strange again, come home immediately and tell us. Don't take risks."

Fu Bao nodded obediently, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I will, Mama Li. I won't run around, and I'll be careful."

Li Xiaolei, aged ten, made a mocking remark, observing that Grandma Li showed no concern for him.

In response, Grandma Li admitted that her primary concern was their daughter, Fu Bao, prompting Li Xiaolei to express his agreement, stating that he, too, felt the most anxious for his sister.

Fu Bao found amusement in Li Xiaolei's words, causing him to join in her laughter. He found joy in seeing his sister happy.

Grandma Li, with a stern expression, reminded Li Xiaolei of his responsibility to look after Fu Bao while she worked, warning him of the consequences should anything happen to her.

Li Xiaolei readily accepted the responsibility, expressing his willingness to fulfill his duty.

For lunch, the usual fare consisted of plain white steamed buns, sweet potatoes, and a bowl of gruel accompanied by a small dish of salted radish.

Fubao's bowl of porridge, however, was of a higher quality. It contained minced meat, emitting a particularly appetizing aroma. This special porridge was prepared by Mrs. Li specifically for Fubao, and Li Xiaolei didn't receive any.

Li Xiaolei didn't mind at all. He believed it was only fair that the best food should go to his sister. So, despite the tempting smell, he refrained from touching the bowl of porridge.

Before starting their meal, Fubao went to visit Grandpa Li. She knew that seeing her would brighten his mood, and she wanted to bring him some joy.

Fubao attempted to offer her bowl of porridge to Grandpa Li, but he waved it away, saying, "Fubao, this is meant for you to enjoy. Put it away quickly. Grandpa won't eat it."

"Grandpa, please take a few spoonfuls. You need to eat more to regain your strength."

"That won't do, Fubao. My grandpa's mouth is sore, and he can't chew meat. You should eat it, my dear," Grandpa Li said, coughing a few times. Fubao quickly climbed onto the bed and patted his back gently to help him feel better.

Ever since Grandpa became bedridden, he also developed a coughing illness. He would cough incessantly, sometimes sounding like he was coughing up his lungs, which deeply worried the entire family.

When Grandma Li and Li Xiaolei heard the coughing, they hurried into the room. Seeing Grandpa coughing so harshly, Grandma Li asked anxiously, "Grandpa, are you alright?"

After the coughing fit subsided, Grandpa Li replied hoarsely, "I'm fine. Take the children outside. Don't let them stay in here too long."

Grandma Li immediately picked up Fubao, concerned that Grandpa's constant coughing might make her sick. Despite feeling sorry for Grandpa, she knew it was best to take Fubao and Li Xiaolei out of the room.

Fu Bao sat at the table, picking at her porridge, her mind filled with thoughts of Grandpa Li's frail and gaunt figure. Her heart ached, and she lost her appetite completely. She glanced over at Grandma Li and sighed, "Grandma, should we take Grandpa to the doctor?"