Chapter Thirteen: Returning with a Full Load_1
"Alright, be careful not to drop your sister."
Mother and daughter shared a connection, and Li Xiu'e understood her feelings. She bent down and gently placed the baby girl into her arms.
"Thank you, little sister."
Sister Qiao had never felt such genuine happiness as she did at this moment, welcoming the baby girl into her family as her own kin.
The eight-year-old girl seemed to have grown up in an instant, understanding her parents' gratitude towards the baby and silently promising to love and cherish her little sister like her parents did.
"Sister Qiao needs to go to school and needs to buy some pens, ink, paper, and inkstones."
Su Hu, watching his daughter grow up, also felt happy for her, and the silver coins in his pocket once again had a purpose.
"No need to buy too much, she's still young and can't write that much."
Upon hearing that her husband was going to buy, Li Xiu'e's eyes twitched, and she subconsciously retorted.
"I'll gladly buy for Sister Qiao, I don't mind spending the money."
Su Hu noticed Sister Qiao's sudden nervous expression and quickly stepped forward, confidently reassuring her.
"Dad is so good."
Sister Qiao looked up at him, her surprise hard to conceal.
"Just play the good guy in front of the children, I don't care anymore."
Li Xiu'e laughed and rolled her eyes at her husband, taking the baby girl back and turning to leave in a huff.
"Your mother is like that, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. When we get to the bookstore, I'll buy for you."
Su Hu watched his wife leave and chuckled without concern, chatting with his kids as they casually followed behind.
Sister Qiao's eyes sparkled: "Sister Qiao understands, and I won't blame Mom."
"Doudou wants to go to school too."
When Doudou heard that his sister was going to school, he didn't want to be separated from her. The four-year-old tugged at Su Hu's sleeve and shook it vigorously.
"Alright, when our Doudou grows up, he'll go to school too."
Su Hu bent down, picked up his son, and deliberately rubbed his rough beard stubble against his tender little face.
"Ouch, it hurts!"
Doudou's soft face felt the painful pricking sensation and leaned back to avoid the torment.
"Hahahaha."
Su Hu laughed heartily, feeling happier than ever before.
*******
This time around in Furong Town, Su Hu emerged victorious against Li Xiu'e's wishes with the support of their three children.
They made lavish purchases at the boutique and bookstore, before heading to the back street with the kids and buying a large amount of rice, noodles, grains, oil, and two pounds of pork belly.
As evening fell, the family returned home with their bounty, boarding the donkey cart to cross the river back to their home. The night sky darkened and the moon rose as they made their way back.
Both Qiao and Doudou were overjoyed, lively and energetic on the donkey cart and only starting to wilt once they reached home. Exhausted, they collapsed onto the kang in the main room and fell fast asleep before dinner was even ready.
Su Hu and Li Xiu'e found it amusing, carrying their children to their respective rooms and tucking them in under the covers.
After a long day, the couple was tired too. They ate their dinner, washed up, and went to bed.
Concerned about leaving the baby unattended while they slept, Li Xiu'e placed the baby girl next to the window side of the bed, close to the wall to prevent her from falling off the bed.
*******
In the quiet night with the bright moon hanging high, the scattered starlight shone through the window and bathed the baby girl in its glow.
Rich spiritual energy flowed along the starlight into the baby's body, nourishing her Eight Extra-Meridians and pooling at the Golden Core.
In her past life, the protagonist had sacrificed herself to protect the human race, and thus received divine favor in her current life. Even without intentional practice, she could absorb the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth while asleep!
Truly a blessing envied by all!