Chapter 34.2

Gu Zhijin had heard of children with similar symptoms before. They typically withdrew into their own inner worlds, showing little reaction to external stimuli, disliking interaction and rarely speaking—just like this child.

Watching the little boy nestled obediently against Li Hehua, Gu Zhijin couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity. Yet he also believed that fate had its own sense of balance; perhaps the child’s unique talent was compensation for his challenges.

Despite understanding the child’s special needs, Gu Zhijin remained firm in his decision. “Boss, I understand the child’s situation. I will tailor my teaching to his specific needs. You don’t need to worry.”

Li Hehua was overjoyed, never expecting Gu Zhijin to be so kind. Even after learning about the child’s condition, he was still willing to accept him as a student. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she stammered, “Master Gu, thank you so much! I’m truly grateful!”

Gu Zhijin smiled. “You can start preparing the child now. Once you’re ready, you can bring him to my school.”

Li Hehua nodded eagerly, then asked about the necessary supplies for school, carefully noting each item.

As soon as Gu Zhijin left, Li Hehua scooped up the little one and twirled him around. “My darling, Master Gu has accepted you! You’ll be going to school now! Aren’t you excited?”

The child wrapped his arms around her neck and gazed up at her.

Li Hehua was eager to share the news with Zhang Tieshan, but he hadn’t come to town that day. She figured he must be busy. After all, farmers rarely had time to run to town every day unless they had urgent business.

I’ll tell him about the little one next time he comes, she thought.

Her heart brimming with joy, Li Hehua worked briskly, feeling a surge of energy. When it was time to pack up, she impulsively grabbed the edges of the table, trying to lift it like Zhang Tieshan. Instead, she stumbled, nearly dropping it, but a large hand steadied her.

Li Hehua turned to see Zhang Tieshan.

Embarrassed, she quickly changed the subject. “What brings you here?” she asked, surprised. She’d assumed he wouldn’t come today.

Zhang Tieshan didn’t answer. He silently lifted the table onto the cart, carrying it as effortlessly as if it were a chick.

Li Hehua felt her own strength was all for show, utterly useless.

Zhang Tieshan worked swiftly, loading all the tables and chairs in a few quick motions. He picked up the game he’d left on the ground and added it to the cart.

Only then did Li Hehua notice the game. So he’d come to sell his hunt, and stopped by to check on the little one.

Zhang Tieshan immediately helped push the cart into the small courtyard. Li Hehua, at a loss for words, could only tell him that Gu Zhijin had agreed to take Shulin as a student that day.

Zhang Tieshan nodded, a rare, faint smile gracing his lips, clearly pleased.

Li Hehua couldn’t help but wonder: Is the little guy quiet because of his autism, or did he inherit his father’s taciturn nature? Could it be both, combining to make him who he is now?

While Li Hehua’s mind wandered, Zhang Tieshan pushed the cart into the courtyard. Instead of leaving immediately as usual, he pulled a handful of silver coins from his inner pocket and offered them to her.

Li Hehua looked puzzled. “What’s this for?”

“Shulin needs to study,” Zhang Tieshan said. “This is his tuition. Take it.”

Li Hehua waved her hands hastily. “No, no, I have money. I’ll pay the tuition.”

Zhang Tieshan ignored her protests, his hand still extended, his voice firm. “Take it!”

Seeing his insistence, Li Hehua hesitated for a long moment before finally accepting the coins. These ancient men must have such strong patriarchal pride, she thought. They believe providing for the family is a man’s duty and would be embarrassed to use a woman’s money. If I refuse, would I hurt his pride?

She decided to accept the money. After all, it would all be spent on the little one, and she wouldn’t use his money for herself.

Seeing Li Hehua accept, Zhang Tieshan nodded in satisfaction. “I’m leaving.”

As he turned to go, Li Hehua quickly called out, “Hey, hey! You forgot your game! You didn’t take the prey!” She pointed to the cart loaded with the animals.

Zhang Tieshan didn’t stop. He simply tossed over his shoulder, “That’s for Shulin to eat,” and strode away.

Li Hehua was speechless. A whole rabbit and a wild pheasant—how could Shulin possibly finish all that? He’d be lucky to eat a few legs. If he tried to eat it all, how long would that take?

Sighing, Li Hehua kissed her little one’s cheek and murmured, “Baby, your father thinks you have a bottomless stomach! Do you?”

The little one blinked his big eyes in response.

Li Hehua patted his back. “Alright, then Mommy will make it in different ways for you. Eat lots and grow nice and chubby.”

That evening, Li Hehua processed the pheasant and prepared to make a pot of diguo ji—a traditional stew cooked in an earthenware pot.

Diguo ji consists of two parts: the chicken stew and the flatbreads.

First, she kneaded flour into a dough, added a pinch of salt, and set it aside to rest. This would be used for the flatbreads.

Next, she chopped the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cleaned them thoroughly. She heated oil in a pot, added garlic cloves, and fried them over low heat until golden brown and wrinkled. After removing the garlic, she added ginger, garlic, and other aromatics to the oil and sautéed until fragrant. Then she added the chicken pieces, along with a spoonful each of white sugar, cooking wine, and soy sauce. Stirring well to coat the chicken evenly, she poured in boiling water. She brought it to a boil over high heat, then reduced to low heat and simmered for about fifteen minutes.

While the chicken cooked, she prepared the flatbreads. She divided the rested dough into equal portions, shaping each into a round ball. She soaked the dough balls in water to make the flatbreads softer and more flavorful.

Once the dough had soaked sufficiently, she removed each ball, flattened it, and stretched it into an oblong shape. She arranged the flatbreads around the edge of the pot, half submerged in the broth and half exposed. She covered the pot and steamed for a few minutes.

To finish the dish, she scattered chopped green and red bell peppers and the fried garlic cloves over the chicken. Her earthen pot chicken was ready!

The rich aroma instantly filled the kitchen, making Li Hehua herself salivate. The little one stared intently at the pot, clearly eager to eat.

Li Hehua was pleased with the result.

Before they started eating, Li Hehua took out a large bowl and filled it with the stewed chicken. She turned to the little boy and said, “Sweetheart, this is for your teacher tomorrow—Master Gu. He’ll be your teacher from now on, so you need to study hard under his guidance. That means we should always remember to share our best food with him.”

In this era, teachers were highly respected, their status nearly equal to that of parents. Students would go to great lengths to assist their teachers. Li Hehua figured the little boy was still too young to understand the importance of honoring his teacher, so she would take care of it for now. When he grew older and wiser, he would naturally do it himself.

The chicken stew was perfect for Gu Zhijin. His own children would surely enjoy it, and since it wasn’t anything too extravagant, he would likely accept it.

The chicken Zhang Tieshan had brought was exceptionally large, filling their biggest iron pot to the brim. Even after setting aside a generous bowl for Gu Zhijin and his family, there was still plenty left—far more than Li Hehua and the little boy could finish.

After a moment’s thought, she took out another large bowl and filled it. “Let’s save some for your father too,” she said to the boy. “After all, he hunted this chicken. We should show our gratitude, don’t you think?”

The little boy blinked, and Li Hehua knew he agreed.