Chapter 86.1

On such a cold day, Su Xiaoxiao, as a key-protected individual, cannot go outside, and Xiao Doubao, the youngest, is also restricted from outdoor activities.

The three cubs went back to the house and found some chairs. Li Yufeng wondered what they wanted to do, so she grabbed Xiao Bao by the collar and said, “It’s too cold outside to stay out for so long. You can go out once the fish pond is ready.”

Xiaobao protested. “Grandma, if we wait for the pond to be ready, there won’t be any good spots left. My good brothers came all this way; how can they miss out on the good spots?”

Li Yufeng, both amused and exasperated, replied, “Should grandma go save a spot for you? Wait until the water is almost ready, and then you can go.”

Su Xiaoxiao shook her head and disagreed, “Mom, it’s too cold outside. You shouldn’t go. They exercise with Han Cheng every day, so they won’t easily get cold. I brought some brown sugar. You can boil it with some ginger and let them drink it before going, but they can’t sit there all the time. They should get up and move around a bit to stay warm. If they feel too cold, they shouldn’t tough it out and should come back quickly.”

Li Yufeng also thought about it—These kids exercised with Han Cheng every day, and their physical fitness is still good: “You’re right. I’m worried about their hands getting cold since we don’t have gloves at home. How about I bring a portable brazier over? They can warm their hands over it.”

A portable brazier is a common heating tool in their village during the winter. Li Yufeng would use bamboo to weave various things, placing a small earthenware jar filled with charcoal at the bottom and then weaving a cage around it using bamboo strips. There would also be a top handle, making it easy to carry, similar to a small basket. It’s quite convenient and operates on the same principle as a charcoal brazier, but it’s designed to keep children from accidentally touching the hot charcoal.

Su Xiaoxiao said regretfully, “Unfortunately, I don’t know how to knit gloves. I had some yarn left from knitting a scarf for Han Cheng last time, and I could have made a few pairs of gloves.”

“I can knit,” Zhang Chunying said, “Give me the yarn, and I’ll knit it. It won’t take long.” 

Her sister-in-law didn’t want to favor one child over the other, so definitely, Xiao Bao would definitely have a pair of gloves, so she was happy to knit for them.

Su Xiaoxiao replied, “I didn’t bring the yarn balls with me.”

Li Yufeng suddenly remembered something, “Doesn’t Xiao Bao have a sweater that doesn’t fit anymore? I was planning to gather some more yarn to knit a bigger one, but since it’s unexpectedly cold today, let’s unknot it and use it to knit gloves for the kids.”

Upon hearing that Xiao Bao’s sweater might be unraveled, Zhang Chunying hesitated a bit, but thinking about how her sister-in-law even bought a big cotton-padded jacket for Xiao Bao, she said, “Alright, let’s do it.”

Without wasting time, Zhang Chunying and Su Xiaoxiao started to unravel the sweater. Meanwhile, Li Yufeng brewed ginger tea and insisted that Su Weimin and Su Zhenhua drink a bowl before heading out. She made everyone else in the house do the same.

“Dad, second brother, let me help you,” Han Cheng said after he finished drinking his ginger tea.

Li Yufeng had just set up the charcoal fire in the brazier, ensuring it was at the right temperature before handing it to Han Cheng. She said, “Han Cheng, don’t go. There are plenty of laborers on the team, and you don’t have to do this. Your responsibility is to keep an eye on the children by the shore. It’s crowded out there, and it would be dangerous if anyone fell into the water. Let them gather around the brazier to keep warm.”

Han Cheng also thought about it and realized that although the kids weren’t naughty, they still needed supervision around other people’s children.

As soon as Xiao Doubao heard that his father was also going, he ran over and tugged at his father’s pants, reaching out for a hug.

Han Cheng put down the firewood and lifted the little one. “It’s too cold outside. Wouldn’t it be better to stay with Mom at home?”

Xiao Doubao turned his head to look at his mommy and said with a pout, “Mommy, I want to go~~~.”

Xiao Doubao rarely goes out to play with his brothers. Most of the time, he prefers to stay with his mother. It’s rare for him to want to go out, and Su Xiaoxiao can’t bear to refuse him. “Han Cheng, why don’t you hold him and hide him in your coat?  Just make sure he doesn’t get cold in your coat.”

Li Yufeng took out a bag that has probably been patched up countless times since Su Xiaoxiao’s childhood, wrapped Xiao Doubao tightly in it, and said, “You… this child… Xiao Doubao won’t be cold, but the wind will be blowing in Han Cheng’s arms. Won’t Han Cheng be cold?”

Su Xiaoxiao is embarrassed, isn’t it warmer if two people are hugging each other with buttons fastened?
Xiao Doubao was tightly wrapped in that piece of cloth like a blanket, and his ears were hidden in his hat, and only his little face was exposed. His skin looks even paler, and his big, watery eyes blink cutely.

Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but stand up and poke the little cub’s face. “If you get cold, tell Daddy to come back quickly.”

Xiao Doubao tilted his head, his pale face pressed against his father’s shoulder, and he said in a milky voice, “Mommy, I’m not cold~~~”

Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but poke the little guy’s face again and say, “Alright then, go ahead. Han Cheng, please watch over the kids, Zhuzi, Xiaobao, and Fantuan; make sure you stay safe too.”

The three big cubs squatted in front of the fire lantern. Zhuzi and Fantuan have never seen anything like it before. They touched it and found it surprisingly warm. Their little hands didn’t want to leave it; they were quite fascinated.

The three cubs raised their heads and said in unison, “We will pay attention!”

Each of the three kids carries a small stool, while Han Cheng holds Xiao Doubao in one arm and the fire lantern in the other, setting off for the fish pond.

Suddenly, a broadcast rings out across the fishpond, calling on the members to put on their waterproof gear.

Xiaobao: “Uncle, we better hurry, or everyone will rush to grab a spot when they hear the broadcast.”

Han Cheng: “You go first, I’ll follow you. The road is slippery, so you better be careful.”

The three cubs let out a whimper, and Fantuan said, “Come on, let’s race. Whoever gets to the finish line first wins.”

Xiaobao isn’t fooled, though. “You guys definitely can’t beat me.”

Zhuzi asks, “Why not?”

Xiao Bao: “Because you don’t even know the way, you’ll have to follow me. Hahaha…”