I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s

Shen Xiaobin entered the house with apprehension. Wang Guizhi was already having a warm chat with Shen Meng, with Lv Qinlan and Su Xiaomei also sitting around them, the two sisters-in-law taking turns making pleasant conversation with Shen Meng and the children, expressing their concern for them in the cold weather.

"Xiao Long, come here, your auntie and uncle are here, come over quickly and say hello. In a bit, you’ll be going to learn carpentry, and your auntie and uncle will surely be a help to you then."

Xiao Long appeared bashful, his face painted with two patches of highland red, and he shuffled over to Shen Meng’s side. It wasn’t that he was afraid of people; it was just that his impression of Shen Meng had been too deep-rooted, and he wasn’t quite sure how to get close to her. As for Lu Zhenping, admiration was mixed with a bit of awe; his uncle was no ordinary man, having been a soldier on the battlefield, and all the village lads envied him for having such a formidable uncle.

"Auntie, hello Uncle."

"Xiao Long, you’re going to your master’s house after this month ends. If you start to miss home, just tell your master and his wife, and they will let you come back. When you’re not busy in Lu Family Village, come to your auntie’s house. I’ll make something delicious for you, okay?"

"Yep, thank you, Auntie." After Xiao Long spoke, his hopeful gaze turned to Lu Zhenping, wishing to receive some advice.

Lu Zhenping looked at Xiao Long, thinking that once he went to the army and Shen Meng went to work in the county, it would be a good time for him to come home and help take care of Ming Kai.

"Xiao Long, you’re getting to be a big boy now. Carpentry is a trade that once mastered, can take away the bread from your master’s mouth. Typically, apart from teaching one’s own children, few pass their skills on to outsiders. Your master has agreed to take you on, and your auntie has made quite an effort; it’s not just about giving some gifts, it’s that simple. Your auntie saved the lives of your master’s wife and little sister, which convinced your master to take you on as an apprentice. When you get to your master’s, learn well, put in hard work, and ask questions boldly if you don’t understand anything. Don’t be shy, and don’t be afraid. If your master is strict with you, it means he wants to teach you well. If he isn’t strict, then that would harm you. When you’re not busy, take care of your younger brothers and sisters at home as well, be diligent, understand?"