Hearing Shen Jianlin’s soft, tender voice, his heart softened instantly. He held little Fu Bao’s tiny hand and said,”Dad, mom, I prepaid this month’s wages to the foreman to cover a full moon party for my daughter. Thast’s what I had in mind..so, what do you think?”

“A Full Moon feast?” Grandma Shen’s face lit up. “Oh, I was about to mention that myself! The Shen family has finally been blessed with a little girl. Of course, we must celebrate, and we have to do it right! Jianlin, put your whole paycheck toward your daughter’s Full Moon feast.”

Lin Xiujuan hesitated, a little embarrassed. “Mother, if you want to throw a feast, then… let’s do it. But Jianlin doesn’t earn money easily. We didn’t make such a fuss for any of the four boys’ Full Moon feasts.”

“That won’t do!” Grandma Shen replied firmly. “Fu Bao is the only girl in our old Shen family. Her Full Moon feast must be grand, not just a small affair!”

The boys had no objections; in fact, they looked eager. They were already imagining a feast with real meat to eat instead of their usual fare of dried sweet potatoes and wild greens. They could hardly wait to dote on their baby sister!

“Xiujuan, I advanced my pay precisely to give Fu Bao a proper Full Moon feast. Don’t worry. Money can always be earned again, but we can’t skimp on celebrating our daughter.” Shen Jianlin’s tone was serious as he held Fu Bao’s tiny hand and made funny faces at her, trying to make her giggle.

Fu Bao “laughed,” letting out a cheerful squeal.

Her father was a bit silly, she thought, pulling faces that made him look ridiculous. But he meant well, so she smiled back, giving him the joy he was seeking.

As soon as he saw Fu Bao’s delighted smile, Shen Jianlin’s heart melted. He was overwhelmed with joy, feeling like every bit of his hard work had been worthwhile.

Lin Xiujuan laughed as well, watching them. It seemed Fu Bao really was a blessed little girl, cherished by everyone in the family.

And so, the plan for the Full Moon feast was settled. Word of it spread quickly through the village, where the news was met with bewilderment.

“What’s wrong with the Shen family? They’re holding a Full Moon feast for a girl and saying it will be more lavish than the ones they did for their sons. How absurd!”

“Just a girl—do they really need to go that far?”

This small village had only a few dozen families, so the gossip soon reached the Shens. Grandma Shen merely gave a cold laugh, undeterred in her plans for Fu Bao’s Full Moon feast.

After all, what did it matter what people with loose tongues had to say? Fu Bao wasn’t their baby. She was the Shen family’s cherished daughter, and they would celebrate her as they pleased. Who cared what others thought?

Those narrow-minded, feudal people had no idea what a blessing it was to have a daughter in the family.

That day, the weather was fine, with gentle sunlight—a perfect day for a trip to the market.

Grandma Shen took the money Jianlin had given her and planned to buy some meat in town. After all, a Full Moon feast needed good meat dishes, or it just wouldn’t feel right. She’d have to hire a few good cooks to prepare a big pot of rice and delicious stir-fried dishes.

Just as she was about to call for Jianlin to go with her, two unexpected visitors arrived.

A young woman, beautiful and appearing to be in her twenties, came into the Shens’ courtyard, holding the hand of a boy who looked about three or four. She called out, “Is anyone home?”

Grandma Shen stepped out and looked at the newcomers, slightly surprised. “Well, if it isn’t Huo’s wife! What brings you here?”