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“Yes, Sister-in-law,” Tan Xiaomei replied, turning to carry Little Qiyue back into the house.
Old Tan watched his younger sister disappear into the house with Little Qiyue in her arms. The more he thought about her words, the more they made sense to him. He turned to Wan Chunmei and asked, “Wife, don’t you think our lives have truly changed since we started raising Little Qiyue?”
Wan Chunmei, knowing where his thoughts were heading, quickly interrupted him. “Husband, I know what you’re thinking, but that’s a bit too far-fetched. I still believe it’s all just coincidence, mere coincidence.”
As she spoke, she walked toward the trees in the backyard for a closer look. When she approached, she suddenly gasped and called out, “Husband! Husband! Come look at this!”
“What is it?” Old Tan hurried over. Standing in front of the trees, he realized they weren’t growing from the ground at all. They had been freshly cut and leaned against the small hill behind the yard.
Because the trees’ lush branches hadn’t been trimmed and the roots were partially hidden by the chicken coop, they had appeared to be growing from the soil when viewed from a distance.
Old Tan stared in shock, finally regaining his composure after a long pause. “So that’s it. I was wondering how trees could suddenly sprout up overnight. Turns out someone cut them and left them here.”
Wan Chunmei chuckled. “See? It’s not as mysterious as Xiaomei claimed. There’s no such thing as something that strange happening in this world.”
Old Tan nodded. “True, but now the question is, where did these trees come from?”
Just as he finished speaking, their neighbor, Old Man Chen, stepped over the yard’s fence and called out, “Xiao Tan! Xiao Tan!”
Startled, Old Tan looked at him and exclaimed, “Uncle Chen, could these trees be from your land?”
Old Man Chen didn’t deny it. Smiling, he walked over and said, “I took your chickens, so of course, I have to keep my word and give you the trees.”
Old Tan was stunned. “These trees… did you really leave them here?”
Old Man Chen nodded. “I had someone cut them this morning and had them brought to your yard right away.”
Old Tan shook his head, refusing adamantly. “I can’t accept this! These trees are far too valuable.”
Wan Chunmei, standing nearby, couldn’t help but sigh in amazement. These trees weren’t light, yet Old Man Chen had gone to the trouble of delivering them himself.
Seeing Old Tan’s hesitation, Old Man Chen seemed to guess the reason behind it. He pulled him aside and said, “Little Tan, I know you’re worried about my wife and eldest son. But don’t worry. Since I’ve already decided to give you these trees, they’re yours. No matter what schemes they come up with or how much trouble they make, it won’t change a thing.”
His expression darkened slightly as he continued, “Besides, my ungrateful son has already run off with his troublesome wife. Even if they wanted to meddle, they couldn’t.”
Old Tan looked at the older man before him, his beard streaked with white and his face marked by years of hardship. Deep gratitude filled his heart. He leaned closer to Wan Chunmei and whispered, “Wife, what should we do now?”
Wan Chunmei replied quietly, “It wasn’t easy for Old Man Chen to bring these trees to our backyard. If we refuse again, it might hurt his feelings. Why don’t we just accept them for now?”
Old Tan considered her words and nodded. “All right, let’s do as you say.”
Turning to Old Man Chen with a smile, he said, “Uncle Chen, we’ll accept the trees for now. But it doesn’t feel right taking something without giving anything in return. You’ll have to take a few more of our chickens so we can feel at ease.”
Understanding the family’s nature, Old Man Chen didn’t object. He laughed heartily and said, “Fine, I’ll take them.”
Wan Chunmei quickly grabbed four chickens from the coop and handed them over, smiling as she said, “These chickens are nowhere near enough to repay you for the trees. But if you ever feel like having chicken again, just come to our yard and take as many as you need.”
Old Man Chen bent down to secure the chickens in his hands, chuckling. “All right, all right. If I ever want more chickens, I’ll come to you.”
Hearing his agreement, Old Tan and Wan Chunmei finally felt at ease.
The couple walked Old Man Chen back to his house.
On the way, Wan Chunmei asked, “How is Aunt Chen doing these days?”
Old Man Chen sighed. “Ever since that scoundrel son of mine ran off, she hasn’t spoken a word.”
Wan Chunmei gasped. “Is she so upset she might do something rash?”
Old Man Chen shook his head. “Don’t worry, she doesn’t have the courage for that. She eats and sleeps just fine—she just doesn’t want to talk. Honestly, I think it’s a good thing. You know how sharp her tongue used to be.”
Wan Chunmei nodded. “That’s a relief. But if anything does happen, don’t hesitate to come to us for help.”
Old Man Chen nodded in agreement. “Thank you. To be honest, Xiao Tan, your family is the best in Fengping Village.”
Old Tan quickly laughed and replied, “Uncle Chen, you’re exaggerating. We’re not the best—probably the poorest, if anything.”
Old Man Chen patted his shoulder. “Your family is hardworking and honest. Things will get better for you.”
Old Tan nodded. “I hope so.”
“They definitely will,” Old Man Chen said with confidence.
By this time, they had reached his house. Old Man Chen bid them farewell and went inside.