An ger has recovered well, and the father and sons all look much better and more spirited. Chen Yuchun took the two kids back home.

They stayed at the Chen family for several days without returning home, so the place must be in chaos.

Dazhuang only had a slight cough. After taking a few pills from Dr. Shen, he didn’t even go to the Shen family, and the cough improved.

Dad Chen sighed, “Dr. Shen’s medical skills are truly impressive. Don’t learn from your big brother, who would rather go to town to find a doctor to save a few coins. In the end, he spent even more money than he would have. Just when we managed to save some money, it looks like we’ve spent almost all of it now.”

“Dad, the five-spice tea eggs are selling well. Why not let Big Brother buy a few hens to raise?” Chen Yuping knew his dad had a tough exterior but a soft heart and offered a suggestion.

“Your uncle came over a few days ago and hinted that the tea eggs sell well and he needs to sell eggs. His family has saved quite a few too. Your uncle has a heavy burden, in the past, life was tough, and thankfully your father and his two brothers helped out.” Dad Chen felt a bit troubled.

When they bought eggs before, both Big Brother and Little Brother were asked, and it just so happened that Little Brother had just exchanged their eggs for money in town, so they bought all of Big Brother’s eggs. After that, they kept buying from Big Brother, and Little Brother really did face some difficulties, only coming to visit after a while.

Chen Yuping remembered, “Dad, you should visit Uncle’s house. We only have two eggs left at home. If we sell those today, we won’t have any left tomorrow.”

With twenty chickens at home, Big Brother had eighteen, and Little Brother had sixteen. On average, they could collect fifty eggs a day. The braised pig intestines had boosted their business, and they were selling about one hundred fifty shrimp sauce buns a day, while the five-spice tea eggs had increased to eighty. They had to buy eggs frequently.

“I’ll go later, your uncle will surely be very happy. The weather hasn’t been too hot lately, and they’ve accumulated a lot of eggs over half a month with twenty chickens at his place.”

While the kids napped, Chen Yuping and Dad Chen worked hard to prepare the pig intestines they would use the next day.

The more they cleaned, the more efficient they became, but it was still exhausting.

When Cui Yuanjiu arrived, he caught a whiff of the strong odor from the pig intestines and frowned.

He approached the house, which was closed up, as they were probably working by the well behind the house.

He turned around the back and called out, “Uncle Chen, Ping ger.” He immediately spotted the sleeping boy in the corner, who was peacefully napping, and a soft smile crossed his face. The little one didn’t seem bothered by the smell at all.

Speaking of the smell, when they first started selling the braised pig intestines, the business was good, but the strong odor lingered. After lunch, when Chen Yuping and Dad Chen cleaned the intestines, the stench was overwhelming.

The villagers quickly learned that if they wanted to enjoy the delicious food, they had to come in the morning, otherwise, the foul smell in the afternoon would turn them away.

Braised pig intestines were delicious! Spicy and flavorful, they were worth the price. Cleaning the stinky intestines, however, was a tough job, especially when there were dozens of pounds to clean. It was hard work, and making money was not easy in these times.

“Yuanjiu, you didn’t come this morning? It’s a bit late now, we’ve already closed up and have no food to sell.” Dad Chen welcomed him warmly.

This young man came daily to buy food, and after several conversations, Chen had learned most of his background. His name was Cui Yuanjiu, he lived on the other side of the mountain, and he was seventeen this year, looking more robust than Chen children. He spoke clearly and logically.

His mother had a difficult delivery, leaving him weak, and she passed away when he was ten. His father had injured his left leg when young, making work difficult for him. As Yuanjiu grew older, he learned some martial arts from an old hunter in the mountains, and their lives gradually improved. Now he mainly made a living working at the escort agency in the county, returning home after a while to rest.

Most importantly, Dad Chen had quietly noticed that this young man often watched Ping ger, and he seemed to like the little ger. Cao Ge, too, appeared to like him. He smiled readily at Yuanjiu, which was unusual as he didn’t smile at just anyone.

It must be fate!

Cui Yuanjiu didn’t know why Dad Chen favored him, but he saw it as a good sign. “I was busy in town this morning and got delayed,” he said, adding, “Washing pig intestines is quite a chore. I’m strong and have nothing else to do, so I can help out.” He rolled up his sleeves and squatted by the well.

Chen Yuping caught a glimpse of his arms, and he thought, wow! Those muscles are impressive, what a real man!

“It is indeed tiring.” Dad Chen, harboring unspoken thoughts, didn’t stop him. He mused, could it be that Yuanjiu was interested in his Ping ger for the sake of food? He had subtly mentioned that Cao Ge didn’t have a father.

Although Yuanjiu was younger, he seemed reliable, and a good candidate for a partner.

Dad Chen observed him discreetly. Seeing that Yuanjiu had quickly figured out how to clean the intestines, he noted, “Young people really know how to get things done, it’s clear you’ve done plenty of work before.”

“There’s only me at home, so I have to do everything myself, and I’ve become quite efficient over time.”

As Chen Yuping listened to the two chatting away, he thought it was funny how well his dad and Yuanjiu got along. They could talk for ages every morning.

If it weren’t for the age gap, one might think they were a couple in love, chatting endlessly as if they had an unending supply of conversation.

Chen Yuping felt something was off about his dad’s unusual warmth towards Yuanjiu. It seemed a bit excessive. What was he plotting? It felt a bit ominous.

Lost in thought, he glanced at Yuanjiu, who immediately caught his eye and flashed a bright smile back at him. Chen Yuping, caught off guard, could only smile shyly in return, feeling his cheeks warm.

As expected, he’s taken a liking to Ping ger! Dad Chen suppressed his excitement and his eyes sparkled. Ping ger also seemed to have some interest in Yuanjiu, and there was a nice vibe between them.

No need to rush, it was still early. He would watch to see how things developed without revealing anything.

As the saying goes, the more a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the more satisfied she becomes. Dad Chen was in that subtle state of mind. This young man, Yuanjiu, seemed just right. If things worked out, he’d be willing to shorten his life by three years, as long as Ping ger could find a dependable partner to lead a smooth, fulfilling life without worries about food or clothing.

Having an extra hand around was beneficial, and Yuanjiu worked efficiently.

In just over an hour, they had cleaned a pile of pig intestines, and the foul smell in the air began to dissipate.

“If you’re not busy, stay for dinner. I’m so grateful for your help today, my old back and arms could use a rest,” Dad Chen said, feigning a stretch.

“It’s nothing, just helping out,” Yuanjiu replied.

Dad Chen chuckled, “You say that lightly, but it’s not easy work. It’s settled then, you’re staying for dinner.”

At that moment, Cao Ger, who had been napping in the corner, woke up, crying for reasons unknown. Maybe it was hunger or a need to pee.

Chen Yuping quickly wiped his hands and rushed over, beaming as he soothed him, “Cao Ger is awake, my little treasure! Let’s see if you’re hungry or need a change.” He checked the diaper and found it wet. “Ah, it’s time for a change, I’ll help you.”

“We should also prepare some fruit powder for Cao Ger,” Dad Chen added. “I’ll get warm water to wash him up.”

Seizing the opportunity, Yuanjiu said, “How about I fetch the warm water? Uncle Chen can prepare the fruit powder. It’s not good for little ones to go hungry.”

“Alright, that would be a big help.”