Chapter 40 Put Down That Country Bumpkin, Let Me Do It 16

Chapter 40: Let Go of That Country Bumpkin, I'll Handle It – Part 16

Luo Shuisheng's emotions churned intensely. He had attended school for a few years in his youth and had learned to recognize most characters, but he stopped studying after his father fell ill.

Later, busy providing for and raising his younger siblings, and with the village school closing down, Xiao Tao'er and Shi An never got the chance to attend school.

He had kept his old textbooks from childhood and had taught them some characters in his spare time, but that was about it. Life was just too busy and too difficult, making studying seem less important.

However, after navigating the black market in the county town and even the provincial capital these past few years, he had come to deeply understand the importance of knowledge.

Although he knew most characters, when people talked about more advanced business concepts, there were some things he couldn't understand. Even with big opportunities right in front of him, he couldn't take advantage of them.

This was exactly the pressing problem he faced—knowledge was limiting his development.

Yan Bai was truly his light. How could he possibly deserve this...

Without a second thought, Luo Shuisheng pulled him into a tight hug, his heart full of feelings he couldn't put into words.

Yan Bai was squeezed so tight it hurt. Shi An happened to come outside and saw the two of them hugging. She and Xiao Tao'er covered their mouths, giggling. Yan Bai was at a loss for words seeing this.

He patted Luo Shuisheng's back.

"We've got an audience laughing at us!"

Luo Shuisheng ignored it, holding him tightly without letting go. Yan Bai could feel his heart pounding hard. Emotions seemed contagious, and Yan Bai inexplicably felt a bit stirred too. He hugged Luo Shuisheng back and fell silent.

After a long while, Luo Shuisheng finally released him.

"I'll modify this desk to seat four.

Xiao Tao'er, Shi An, come here. Once Brother Yan moves in, we'll study for two hours every night.

This is a rare opportunity. With Brother Yan teaching you, you'd better study hard, or I'll break your legs."

How did watching the drama land them in the hot seat?

Although they also enjoyed learning characters and reading, threatening to break their legs was too scary!

For a moment, the two of them were at a loss, staring at Luo Shuisheng dumbfounded.

Yan Bai chuckled and swatted him lightly.

"Learning should be guided by interest. If you scare them like that, even those who wanted to learn might not want to anymore."

Luo Shuisheng's attitude immediately softened.

"You're right. From now on, I'll listen to you in everything."

It seemed like the head of the household had changed. The two clever little devils immediately sucked up to Yan Bai, their words sickeningly sweet.

"Brother Yan, we'll definitely study hard."

"Brother Yan, I'll listen to you in everything from now on."

"Brother Yan, go inside and rest for a while. I'll massage your legs..."

Yan Bai was taken aback by the sudden favor. Just like that, he was pulled into the house by the two children.

How did these two little rascals manage to whisk my wife away?

Luo Shuisheng shook his head with a smile, focusing on crafting the desk in his hands. He had to finish it today and apply a coat of clear varnish so it wouldn't scratch his wife's hands.

Entering the house, Yan Bai noticed many willow strips on the floor, along with two half-finished baskets.

Yan Bai knew that because the nearby mountains were rich in these wild willow strips, the main side business for Kaoshan Village in winter was weaving these willow baskets.

The village had specially set aside a large building where villagers gathered to weave baskets collectively, paid by the piece. The village committee then sold them uniformly to the supply and marketing cooperative, generating considerable income for the village each year.

At the end of the year, this money was used to distribute some New Year goods to every household, allowing them to have a prosperous New Year.

Seeing Yan Bai looking at the willow baskets on the floor, Xiao Tao'er explained:

"Basket weaving is supposed to be done collectively at the village workshop, but our family situation is special. There are no adults, and big brother has to take care of us, so we don't have to go.

But if we don't hand in baskets, we won't get a share of the New Year goods. In the past, big brother did it all by himself at home.

But big brother works too hard. He also has to go up the mountain to cut willow strips. Going up the mountain in winter to cut willow strips is very cold; the snow can reach halfway up your legs.

The willow strips are prickly and can easily cause injuries. Big brother really works too hard.

Later, we learned how to do it, so we help out too. But we don't know how to finish the rims; after we weave them, big brother finishes the rims. We accumulate a bunch before handing them over to the village together.

So for the past two years, we've also been able to get New Year goods."

Yan Bai looked at the children's rough hands and thought of Luo Shuisheng having to work on the mountain in the harsh winter. His heart felt a bit heavy.

"You're all good kids, knowing how to share the burden for your big brother. You're really sensible.

The hardship is only temporary. Study hard. Knowledge changes fate; knowledge drives technological progress. One day, we'll live a good life."

Xiao Tao'er looked up in surprise.

"Big brother said something similar. But he really didn't have time to teach us. Brother Yan, it's so good that you're here. We'll definitely study hard."

Yan Bai didn't stop the children from working. Working together for the family could make this little home more united and cohesive. Yan Bai didn't see anything wrong with it.

While the two children wove baskets, Yan Bai told them stories—about geography, history, biographies of famous people...

Although the original host had a difficult personality, he was someone who loved learning and reading. His mind was full of allusions and knowledge.

Yan Bai also had his own wisdom and experience, combining these dry stories with reality, making them vivid and interesting. The two children loved it.

Without the children noticing, Luo Shuisheng had quietly moved his tools inside, working while listening to the stories.

Yan Bai saw him and gave him a slight smile, telling the stories with even more enthusiasm.

These stories weren't just stories; they contained a lot of knowledge and wisdom. Unconsciously, all three of them benefited greatly.

In the evening, when the moon rose, Yan Bai reluctantly returned to the educated youth point. The three of them were even more reluctant to see him go.

The next day, he spent the whole day at Luo Shuisheng's house again. After dinner, the two went to the small room to be intimate. Yan Bai said to Luo Shuisheng:

"I have to go back early today. There's going to be a big drama at the educated youth point today."

Luo Shuisheng immediately became alert.

"What's going on? Do you need me?"

Yan Bai was pleased with his sharpness.

"I actually do need you. Gu Xiangdong wants to harm me—how could I not give him what he wants, right?"

Yan Bai filled him in on what happened.

"They're definitely waiting for tonight, for when the movie starts and everyone's watching, to make their move.

You should time it right and bring a group of young men to catch them in the act, huh?"

Luo Shuisheng's face darkened like a thundercloud.

"Feng Aiguo has a hell of a nerve!"

Yan Bai chuckled.

"Why get angry at such rotten people? Just make them pay the price."

Luo Shuisheng grabbed his hand.

"I'm worried about you. What if something goes wrong..."

"I'm clever enough, what could go wrong? As long as you show up on time, I'll put on a great show for you."

Luo Shuisheng pulled him into an embrace, burying his head against Yan Bai's shoulder, his voice muffled.

"One day, I'll stand at the top and make sure no one dares to covet you or bully you ever again!"

Luo Shuisheng's big, furry head rested on his shoulder, the prickly stubble tickling Yan Bai, yet he couldn't bring himself to push him away.