Chapter 241: A Similar Scene

Upon hearing this, the trio understood their situation. “Yang Nuo, may we visit your home? Rest assured, we won’t complain,” Mingyuan expressed.

To ease any worries, Wang Qian added, “Or shall we go look at your own home? Don’t worry, we won’t say anything.” Surprised by Wang Qian’s suggestion, Yang Nuo hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed, feeling they had done something wrong that day.

Upon seeing the situation at Yang Nuo’s home, even Mingyuan felt distressed. An elderly lady and several children were there gluing paper boxes, all looking thin and weak, reminiscent of when they were separated from the family at the beginning.

Wang Xuan empathized, remembering how her younger siblings had been similarly thin and frail, their hands almost as slender as reed sticks.

Mistakingly assuming her grandson had brought a classmate to play, the elderly lady quickly got up to greet them, “Yang Nuo, why didn’t you mention when a classmate came? Look at our untidy house, making your friends laugh.”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, the elderly lady invited the three siblings inside to sit down. Wang Qian politely declined, saying, “Grandma, don’t trouble yourself. We’ll just have a quick chat with Brother Yang Nuo at the door. We’ll come to visit you in a couple of days.”

The children in the yard, who were assembling paper boxes, eagerly looked at Yang Nuo, “Brother, did you bring food back? I’m hungry.”

Yang Nuo just gave a wry smile, “Wait, I’ll bring food for you all tomorrow. You carry on, I’ll be back in a while.”

Hearing this, Wang Qian couldn’t understand what was happening; she was truly puzzled. Every day, Yang Nuo went out to find food for the family. How could so many children survive on food from paper boxes? It reminded her of the situation with Zuo He and Hao Lianchun in the past. She couldn’t help but sigh.

Wang Xuan spoke up, “Sister, we still have plenty of grain at home. Why don’t we help them out? Seeing their situation reminds me of the times when our family lacked food.”

Looking up at Yang Nuo’s tall and slender figure, with a decent appearance but likely suffering from malnutrition, his complexion wasn’t good.

“Cong Tao, where is your home?” Wang Qian asked the skinny guy.

Yang Nuo answered on Cong Tao’s behalf, “It’s right next to our house. Yes, this is Cong Tao’s home. Their grandfather is unwell and can’t work, just like us, relying on assembling paper boxes for a living.”

Sighing inwardly once more, recognizing the various forms of misfortune in unfortunate families and the commonalities in happy homes, Wang Xuan addressed Yang Nuo, “You and Cong Tao stay at home. We have some grain at home; we’ll bring some over for you. We’ll discuss further arrangements later.”

The three siblings returned with heavy expressions, causing Zhang Lan and the others to worry. Despite their anxious wait for the children to return for dinner, even Wang Zhenhe had come back, but the siblings were still missing. After searching around and seeing the dejected trio return, with Mingyuan sporting injuries, a sense of alarm swept over Zhang Lan. Could something have happened to them?

“Wang Qian, what’s going on? Why did you disappear after going out, and where did Mingyuan get hurt?” Zhang Lan, as a mother, naturally felt distressed seeing her son injured.

Touching her son’s face and checking his bruised body, Zhang Lan reassured him, “It’s okay, it doesn’t hurt. Just listen to me slowly explain.”

Mingyuan recounted the incident in detail to his parents, leaving all three adults in the room sighing in concern. “Zhenhe, after the children finish eating, take some food over there. Although our kids are hurt, those children are bleeding. Regardless of right or wrong, they’re still children. We can offer some help; their parents will likely return soon. Old Chen has already straightened things out, so we shouldn’t delay too long.”

Wang Qian shared the same sentiment, understanding the importance of immediate help rather than solving the entire problem. With their families struggling to feed themselves, once their parents returned, everything would improve.

Zhang Lan quickly instructed the three to wash up for dinner. Although Wang Qian had initially suggested eating at a restaurant, Wang Xuan and Mingyuan disagreed, emphasizing the wastefulness of spending money when home-cooked meals were already prepared. They knew their family’s cooking was superior to any restaurant’s offerings.

“Mom, your cooking is still the best. I don’t see any restaurant matching your flavors. My mom is the best.” Mingyuan, showcasing his charming side, complimented while eating.

“Of course, your mom has inherited my authentic skills. How could it not be delicious?” Geng Lianhua responded proudly.

After dinner, Zhang Lan tidied up to head home; she had chores awaiting her, especially tending to the household pets’ needs.

Wang Zhenhe and Mingyuan took a bag of provisions to Cong Tao’s home. Seeing her grandson return injured, Cong Tao’s grandmother, upon questioning him, learned the truth. The grandmother, heartbroken and tearful, felt a mix of emotions. She couldn’t bear to see her grandson hurt and blamed herself for not providing enough food. Looking at the hungry mouths at home, she felt utterly drained.

Upon Wang Zhenhe’s arrival and seeing the grandmother’s distress, Cong Tao felt relieved when Mingyuan and the others returned. He quickly introduced them to his grandmother. Seeing Wang Zhenhe visit, the grandmother felt apologetic.

“Nephew, I’m truly sorry. Our children misbehaved and caused you trouble. I will make sure to educate them properly,” she expressed remorsefully.

Misinterpreting the situation, Wang Qian and the others thought the grandmother misunderstood and believed they had come to confront them with their parents.

“Auntie, there’s a misunderstanding. We came to check on Cong Tao. Although there was a scuffle involving our children that led to your grandson’s injury, as parents, we’re here to apologize. This bag of provisions is for Cong Tao’s well-being. Please don’t feel burdened,” Wang Qian clarified.

The grandmother looked at Wang Zhenhe in surprise, thinking she had misheard, but seeing the provisions handed to her, she was deeply moved. Their food supply had run out, relying on potatoes to sustain themselves. Now, with food for the children, she felt touched, encountering a kind-hearted person today.

Wiping away a tear, the grandmother instructed her grandson to accept the provisions, then took Wang Zhenhe’s hands, trembling slightly. “Nephew, what can I say? Today’s incident was caused by my grandson, but your family came to visit. You are truly kind.”

Wang Qian and the others entered the house and noticed several cooked potatoes on the stove. Cong Tao, feeling embarrassed as they eyed the potatoes, explained, “These potatoes are our dinner tonight. To save fuel, we try to use the stove less. My grandfather also needs to take medication.”

Taking out a bottle of honey from her backpack, Wang Xuan handed it to Cong Tao. “Cong Tao, this is specifically for your grandfather. My grandma uses this to treat illnesses. Give it a try. In the future, stop getting into trouble. Focus on your studies and find work. Your family can support itself. You and Yang Nuo should stay away from those bad influences. Look at your situation at home; there’s no point in following them. Listen to my advice; your family will improve, but you need to take charge first. Once your parents return, everything will be fine.”

Cong Tao nodded vigorously. The Wang family had been incredibly kind to him; at that moment, he felt like he was in a dream.

Leaving Cong Tao’s home, they headed to the next house where Yang Nuo was assembling paper boxes inside. Spotting Wang Qian and the others, he leaped up excitedly, exclaiming, “Grandma, I told you they would come, and here they are!”

Surprised, the elderly lady watched as the group entered the house. At noon, her grandson had mentioned someone would bring them food, but she had thought he was lying. To her surprise, the children returned shortly after and even brought an adult along.

Yang Nuo bow deeply to Wang Zhenhe, “Uncle, thank you.”

Seeing the polite gesture, Wang Zhenhe quickly helped him up, saying, “You’re a good kid. I understand the situation now. Take the provisions inside first.”

The elderly lady from the Yang family, feeling emotional, held Wang Zhenhe’s hand, “Comrade, your generosity is overwhelming. We can’t accept this for nothing. I feel uneasy about it. Every household faces hardships, and we can’t just accept without giving back.”

Wang Qian recognized the genuine nature of the elderly lady, despite life’s toll on her appearance; her grace was unmistakable, contrasting with the elderly lady from the Cong family in terms of upbringing.

“Auntie, please don’t be so formal. Today, our children and yours have made a connection. It’s fate that they’ve met. I’ve heard about your situation. Don’t worry about the limited supplies. If you ever need help, you can send Yang Nuo to find me or any of our family children,” Wang Qian reassured.

Tears of gratitude filled the eyes of the elderly lady. It had been a long time since she had felt such warmth and care. When her son faced troubles, even close relatives distanced themselves. Those who cared were few, and their own circumstances hindered their ability to help.

She and her elderly neighbor had supported each other through tough times. Just when she was about to give up, Wang Zhenhe and the others appeared, bringing life-saving provisions.

The four children at home eagerly eyed the bag of provisions, unable to contain their excitement and swallowing nervously. Wang Zhenhe, moved by the scene, felt a pang in his eyes. It reminded him of their own past struggles.

“Comrade, I truly must thank you. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. Our home is a bit chaotic, but please don’t mind,” the elderly lady expressed gratefully.

As they entered the house, Wang Qian couldn’t help but sigh at the simplicity of the surroundings, reminiscent of their own past challenges.

“Grandma, do we have food to eat now?” a timid fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl inquired.

Grandmother Yang lovingly caressed the girl’s thin face, “Xiao Mei, this uncle brought us food. You must thank him.”

The girl led her younger siblings to bow to Wang Zhenhe. “Uncle, you are kind. You will surely be rewarded for your kindness.”