Chapter 116: Apprenticeship

Chapter 116: Apprenticeship

Auntie Zhong, true to her reputation, was the island's know-it-all, and her extensive network of connections was evident even in this small setting. Almost everyone greeted her, and she could chat and smile with anyone. The children were thrilled to be riding together for the first time, chattering away excitedly. Uncle Mu was eager to hold Chenchen, but Su Taotao only let him do so for a short while before taking Chenchen back.

In the 1970s, there were no child car seats, and Su Taotao didn't dare take the risk of an emergency stop, as Uncle Mu himself might not be able to stay steady. She fastened Chenchen to her lap with a small harness, propping herself up against the front seat back, acting as a makeshift seat. She made sure the harness was slightly loose to allow him some movement.

Su Taotao figured it was time to ask Fu to make a child safety seat for Chenchen. After obtaining her driver's license, she planned to drive herself, and Chenchen would need to sit alone in the back, requiring a proper safety seat.

Amidst the laughter and chatter among Auntie Zhong and the others, they soon arrived at the central square.

Auntie Zhong and Uncle Mu had to rush to the train station to pick someone up. Uncle Mu and Fu Yuanhang staged a dramatic farewell, which was quite entertaining. Su Taotao decided to throw in a few extra oysters next time she grilled some. Fu Yuanhang's current cheerful and lively demeanor was largely thanks to him.

The supply and marketing cooperative was still crowded with people. Su Taotao carried Chenchen in one arm and held Fu Yuanhang's hand with the other. It was too hot, so she didn't use the harness after getting out of the car. Chenchen's straw hat was also causing her discomfort, and after a while, she began to feel the strain. Fu Yuanhang offered, "Sister-in-law, let me take Chenchen for a bit."

Su Taotao didn't refuse and placed Chenchen on his back. She noticed, "Yuanhang, have you gotten a bit taller?"

Fu Yuanhang smiled, "Maybe it's because I play basketball every day. Uncle Mu said the same thing."

Su Taotao felt a surge of pride, "Keep it up, aim to grow as tall as your brother."

Fu Yuanhang nodded with a smile, "Okay, I'll try." He thought to himself that by then, he could help her with even more things.

Su Taotao pinched Chenchen's chubby cheeks, "You too, grow up big and strong."

The child nodded seriously, "Mhm~~"

After finally getting inside, Su Taotao would have bought more, but without Fu Zhengtu's assistance, she only bought two pounds of White Rabbit milk candies. She also picked up a few apples when she saw they were in stock and then checked out.

Outside, Chenchen patted Fu Yuanhang's shoulder and kicked his little legs, "Uncle Shu~~ I can walk on my own~~"

Su Taotao put the child down and let Fu Yuanhang hold his hand.

Passing a vegetable stall, Su Taotao bought some celery, scallions, and garlic shoots, asking the vendor to tie them together with a water grass.

The two pounds of White Rabbit milk candies were divided into separate packs. One pound was set aside for the children's snacks for the next month, and the other was for the apprenticeship gift.

In ancient times, the apprenticeship gift, known as "shu xiu," included ten strips of dried meat, along with celery, red beans, red dates, and more, each symbolizing different meanings. For example, celery represented diligence, red beans symbolized good luck, and red dates stood for early success.

Su Taotao's simplified 1970s version also had six items. The shu xiu was basically salted pork, but they used fresh pork belly instead, as the sentiment was the same. The items symbolized diligence (celery), intelligence (scallions), calculation skills (garlic shoots), sweetness (White Rabbit milk candies), and safety (apples)—all carrying good meanings.

Just as Su Taotao finished preparing the "shu xiu six gifts," Mr. Tang's amused voice came from behind them, "I just walked around and didn't see you. I thought you weren't coming today."

Su Taotao didn't mention the time spent queuing at the supply and marketing cooperative and simply said, "We were delayed by something."

Fu Yuanhang bowed to Mr. Tang, "Hello, Grandpa Tang."

Chenchen followed his uncle's lead and bowed, "Hello, Grandpa~~"

Mr. Tang grew fonder of the two children the more he looked at them. Stroking his goatee, he laughed heartily and took each of their hands, "Good, good, good children. Let's go, we'll talk more at my place..."

Mr. Tang was certain they had come to see him.

Su Taotao calculated the time. From the central square drop-off point to Mr. Tang's house, it only took about seven or eight minutes at their slow pace. She decided that in the future, Fu Yuanhang could take this bus off the island, and Mr. Tang could walk over to pick him up without it being too tiring.

Su Taotao made up her mind not to bring up the idea of inviting Mr. Tang to the island just yet. She would wait until he expressed interest himself.

Once inside, Grandpa Mute was visibly happy to see them. He served tea and brought snacks for the children. He particularly liked Chenchen and couldn't take his eyes off him.

Chenchen wasn't afraid of him. When Grandpa Mute handed him a candy, Chenchen accepted it and then took one from his own little backpack to give back, smiling all the while.

The mute old man happily accepted Chenchen's candy, wiping his hand on the cleanest part of his clothes repeatedly to ensure it was free of any dust before gently patting Chenchen's little head.

Chenchen, with the candy in his mouth, bared his tiny teeth and grinned at him.

The mute old man's smile stretched wide, his mouth agape.

After observing the interaction between the elder and the child, Su Taotao smiled and presented the prepared "Six Gifts of Shu Xiu" to Mr. Tang.

"Mr. Tang, this is Yuanhang's apprenticeship gift, thank you for recognizing his potential. Please take good care of him in the future."

Mr. Tang disliked old-fashioned formalities and flowery language, so Su Taotao kept it brief, emphasizing the importance of sincerity over ceremony.

Fu Yuanhang picked up a teacup, bent forward, and respectfully presented it with both hands: "Teacher, please have some tea."

This was unexpected for Mr. Tang. He had always been casual and indifferent to such formalities, believing that genuine learning was far more important than rituals.

But hearing Fu Yuanhang's words, "Teacher, please have some tea," he suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of responsibility. Traditionally, a teacher's role was to impart knowledge, resolve doubts, and guide students. Accepting Fu Yuanhang as a student meant his skills would be passed on, securing a successor.

Mr. Tang's hands shook as he accepted the tea, sipped it, and placed it aside: "Good, from now on, you are my student, Tang Boyong. The master guides you in, but cultivation depends on the individual. Only through repeated tempering can one become strong, and even drops of water can erode stone.

The sea of learning is vast, and diligence is the path through the mountains of books. There are no shortcuts in learning; persistence is essential. Avoid quitting halfway. I hope you will persevere and one day surpass your teacher."

Fu Yuanhang bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle: "I will remember your teachings and study diligently, not to disappoint your expectations."

Mr. Tang, palm up, lifted Fu Yuanhang's hand: "Alright, just this once. No need for such formalities in the future. I dislike these rituals; they make me uneasy. What's important is to follow me and learn diligently."

Fu Yuanhang nodded: "I understand, teacher."

Mr. Tang pointed to the green onions, garlic, and celery he had just set aside, instantly grasping their symbolic meaning. He stroked his goatee, smiling so widely his teeth showed: "Little Su, your Six Gifts of Shu Xiu are thoughtful and quite interesting. I like them very much."

He had known since the train journey that this family was well-mannered and thoughtful.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have raised such a good child.

The pork belly could be stewed by Old Wu for the children at noon, and the White Rabbit milk candies could be kept here for the children to enjoy later. He was very pleased to accept such an apprenticeship gift.