Chapter 33 - 033 Suffering Cousin
Tian Sisi decided to bring Jianguo and his two brothers back home and let them recuperate properly, to avoid any long-term illnesses. As for the aunt, she dared not take them back, fearing it would upset the Old Man too much and make him ill. It would be better to gradually convince the Old Man later. Besides, with the three children gone, the food should be enough for the aunt for a month or so, and with Shou Yaowu’s assurance, her days in Huangkeng Village should not be too hard.
After deciding, Tian Sisi went out and fetched Tian Xinhua to come in and check the kitchen, and also to feel Jianguo and the others’ clothes. Tian Xinhua looked upset, as he really hadn’t expected the aunt’s days to be so tough, even tougher than the poorest families in Yuequan Village. He agreed immediately to Tian Sisi’s suggestion to first bring Jianguo and his brothers back and face the great-grandpa’s scolding if necessary.
Tian Sisi quietly added about ten kilograms of rice to the rice container, half a bowl of salt to the salt bowl, and half a jug of oil to the oil jug, being cautious not to take too much, as Tian Manlan wouldn’t suspect, thinking it was Granny Zhao who asked her and Tian Xinhua to bring these.
Tian Xinhua had already agreed with the aunt to take Jianguo and his brothers back home for a while. Tian Manlan originally wanted to refuse, as their father had never allowed them into the house before. She worried that this time would be no different. However, seeing the hopeful look on Jianguo and his brothers’ faces, she couldn’t bring herself to reject them. Perhaps with Ah Nan and Xinhua here, the father wouldn’t shut out the children completely?
The sun hung at mid-mountain, around three or four o’clock. Tian Xinhua didn’t say much, telling Jianguo and the others not to pack, just to leave directly. However, how they would get back became a problem; with only one bicycle, it was impossible to transport four people. After hesitating for a moment, Tian Manlan said, "Maybe we shouldn’t go today, how about another time?"
"No, we must go today; their clothes are too thin and it will strain their health," insisted Tian Sisi, her words making Tian Manlan blush. Hesitant at first, Tian Xinhua also firmed up, realizing how cold the mountain was. He couldn’t just walk away knowing this.
"Let’s do it this way. Brother Xin Hua, you take Weiguo and Baoguo back first. I and Jianguo will follow slowly on foot. Once you get home, ask the father to come pick us up."
"Can you manage to walk?" Tian Xinhua looked at Tian Sisi skeptically. Ah Nan detested walking and having her cover dozens of miles might make her ill. He preferred Ah Nan and Baoguo take the bike and let Jianguo and Weiguo follow on foot until they could come back to pick up the two brothers.