Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Lin Taohong had lain in the room for half the day, and her stomach was growling again. She stubbornly searched the kitchen, hoping to find that small river fish.

She couldn’t believe Lin Chunyan had taken everything away.

Finding nothing, she was both hungry and angry. She went to push Mrs. Zhang and told her what had happened.

"Big Sister has gone mad, using so much lard and flour. I wonder where she put everything. Could she have given it to some lover?"

Mrs. Zhang had eaten a bowl of egg flower soup and felt much more energetic, now able to recall the events of the past few days.

Although Lin Chunyan’s words were harsh, they made sense. If she really did die like this, wouldn’t it benefit that pair of shameless lovers?

Thinking about this, she felt a surge of energy.

She didn’t quite believe what Lin Taohong said.

Unlike Lin Taohong, who had many thoughts, Lin Chunyan was simple and honest.

But where could Lin Chunyan have hidden those things? Thinking about the flour and lard, she felt a pang of heartache.

When Lin Chunyan returned as the sun set, she saw Mrs. Zhang sitting upright in the room.

She put down her basket, and Mrs. Zhang began questioning her. Her voice was hoarse from not speaking for several days.

"Where have you been? I heard from Red Girl that you used a lot of lard and flour. Have you lost your mind?"

Seeing Mrs. Zhang so lively, she knew the matter was settled. In the memories of the original owner, Mrs. Zhang was not weak or dependent on men.

Her fighting spirit was well-known throughout the village, especially when someone mentioned her inability to bear a son. She would always rush to their door and argue until she won.

Such a person could only be scared into silence.

After all, divorce was a serious matter.

Lin Taohong had already rummaged through Lin Chunyan’s basket, hoping to find some river fish. After half a day, her hunger was unbearable.

But finding nothing, she immediately became furious.

"Where are the river fish? Did you give them to some lover?"

Before she could finish, Lin Chunyan slapped her back.

Lin Taohong, in pain and having eaten little these past few days, was no match for Lin Chunyan.

She immediately wailed and rushed to Mrs. Zhang, "Mother, Big Sister has gone mad. How can I live like this?"

Mrs. Zhang was also somewhat angry, but not because Lin Chunyan hit Lin Taohong. Lin Taohong had always been spoiled and spoke ill of others; getting hit was deserved.

What bothered her was the lard and flour.

Lin Chunyan noticed this and walked over, taking out two coins. "Here, consider this payment for the flour and lard."

Mrs. Zhang was surprised. "Where did you get this money?"

Even Lin Taohong stopped crying and stared at the two coins with wide eyes.

Lin Chunyan had never been able to save even two coins before.

"I traded the river fish for it."

If she wanted to continue trading, she needed to do it openly.

But she had to be cautious and not let Mrs. Zhang take too much. She still wanted to save money to buy a small cart.

With a cart, she could sell warm food, which would be easier to sell.

On her way back, she had wandered around town and even visited the dock.

The dock was bustling with people, including those who worked there year-round. Several vendors sold food there.

Unfortunately, without a cart, it would be difficult. Given Mrs. Zhang’s stinginess, she likely wouldn’t buy one.

Now that Mrs. Zhang was divorced, the three of them had to rely on their own skills for survival. Mrs. Zhang would hold onto money even tighter.

Mrs. Zhang quickly pocketed the two coins and looked at Lin Chunyan with a twinkle in her eye.

"Big Sister, tell me how you sold the river fish."

Lin Chunyan pulled her hand back and explained simply, "I earned five coins and kept three for myself. I need to save for a cart."

In fact, she had earned fifteen coins today. Mrs. Zhang didn’t seem reliable, so keeping the money herself was safer.

Mrs. Zhang wanted to say more, but Lin Chunyan had already gone to the kitchen.

After walking for so long, she was hungry.

There was still half a jar of rice left, enough to last for a while. She didn’t plan on buying more grain.

Seeing her prepare to cook, Lin Taohong finally breathed a sigh of relief and ran to the kitchen. "Big Sister, what are you making tonight?"

Lin Chunyan glanced at her. "Do you want to eat?"

Lin Taohong nodded eagerly and started gathering firewood.

Lin Chunyan handed her some scallions, ginger, and garlic. "Chop them."

Lin Taohong wanted to resist, but Lin Chunyan didn't indulge her. She first went to draw some well water and wiped herself down.

Only then did she feel refreshed.

While drawing the water, she also took out the melon that had been chilled in the well. Once it was cut open, a light sweetness wafted through the air.

Their home was near the mountain, with many trees planted in front, so they didn't feel the heat too much.

The melon was picked from their own field; it wasn't very large and was different from those of later times, not as sweet either.

But it was very refreshing to eat.

She sat in the courtyard eating, and Mrs. Zhang came over, holding a piece of melon, hesitating to speak.

She hadn't reacted earlier and had taken the two coins without thinking, but upon reflection, she realized that Lin Chunyan shouldn't have that money!

Just as Mrs. Zhang opened her mouth, Lin Chunyan stood up, startling her.

"What are you doing, scaring me like that?"

Lin Chunyan ignored her, thinking that lying in bed would be better than this nonsense.

"You're still too young to handle money. Don't let anyone trick you into buying candy. Give it to your mother; I'll save it for your dowry."

Lin Chunyan bit into the melon, giving her a faint glance. "No, not getting married."

"What kind of talk is that?"

Mrs. Zhang stood up in surprise. "What do you mean by 'not getting married'?"

Lin Chunyan saw Lin Taohong peeking out, but ignored her, only saying, "Watch the fire."

Seeing Mrs. Zhang standing there without pressing the marriage issue further, Lin Chunyan continued, "If you want this money, I won't go to town to sell anything. I won't take any income from it."

Seeing that she seemed serious, Mrs. Zhang couldn't gauge what Lin Chunyan was thinking and complained, "Why do you have so many thoughts? Could I possibly harm you?"

"Who knows? In this world, who can you really rely on?"

After saying this, Lin Chunyan looked directly at Mrs. Zhang, making her feel a chill run down her spine.

She must be talking about me! Definitely about me!