Chapter 155: Xiao Mo Was an Obedient Child

Xu Ning paused for a moment before speaking to the two of them. “I’ve asked my brother to have the kid from the cowshed come over during the day to help wash the diapers. In exchange, we promised to give him a share of our grain when it’s distributed.

The kid and his parents have agreed to this, but no one else knows about it. Don’t mention it to anyone, okay?”

Both of them quickly promised. Wei Lanlan said, “Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone. That kid from the cowshed is really hardworking and well-behaved. It’s a good idea to let him come help out.”

Yang Xiaomei added, “Every time he sees us, he calls us ‘sister.’ He’s polite and works hard too.

The other day, I was washing diapers for my little Ya by the stream, and one got swept away.

That kid used a branch to fish it back for me. I tried to give him some candy, but he wouldn’t take it.”

Xu Ning smiled and said, “Yes, he’s quite good. Today, he helped wash all of Niupitang’s diapers, and he did it very thoroughly. He even helped with some chores around the house.”

Everyone took turns praising Xiao Mo.

Meanwhile, Xiao Mo, who was eating in the cowshed, suddenly sneezed. He exclaimed, “Could it be that Niu Pi Tang miss me? It’s only been a short while, and they already miss their uncle!”

Mother Xu laughed and said, “They do miss you. Hurry up and eat, there’s still a pile of diapers waiting for you to wash later.”

Upon hearing his mother’s words, Xu Mo immediately put his hand to his nose and sniffed.

When he didn’t smell anything, he replied, “Mom, why are you talking about diapers while we’re eating? Are you saying the meat I cooked doesn’t smell good?”

Aunt Lu handed him a piece of meat and laughed, “Xiao Mo, you worked hard today. Eat more meat.”

Xu Mo immediately took the meat and said, “Thank you, Aunt Lu. You’re the one who really cares about me.”

After saying this, he glanced at his mother.

Both Uncle Lu and Father Xu watched as Xiao Mo continually sniffed his hand, trying hard to stifle their laughter and not daring to say anything.

Grandpa Qi, smiling as well, picked up a piece of meat for him and said, “Xiao Mo is a good kid. Eat up!”

Xu Mo beamed and said, “Thank you, Grandpa Qi. You’re always so kind to me.”

Then, he glanced at his father.

Father Xu was trying hard to maintain a straight face, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes that made Xiao Mo suspicious. He furrowed his brow slightly.

Meanwhile, Mother Xu and Father Xu exchanged glances and couldn’t help but laugh at their son’s innocent confusion.

The playful banter in the cowshed went unnoticed by Xu Ning.

She was preoccupied with listening to Wei Lanlan recount the recent events at the educated youth camp.

“Yang Wenli and Pan Mi are dating. Pan Mi is the educated youth who came last time; she’s from your city, Beijing, and she’s a very cheerful girl.

Since Yang Wenli started seeing her, he’s become more cheerful himself. Now, they go to work together and back home together, and their relationship is really strong.

There’s also a male educated youth named Hu Cheng, who is Pan Mi’s classmate. He’s a decent guy with a good family background. He hasn’t been here long but already bought a bicycle, and he receives packages every month.

“I heard that his grandparents dote on him since he is their eldest grandchild, often sending him some of their snacks and nutritional products.”

Xu Ning knew that Hu Cheng had a good relationship with Xu An. Upon learning that she had a child, he asked Xu An to bring her a can of malted milk.

Lu Xiaotang roasted two wild rabbits he had hunted in the mountains and asked Xu An to give them to Hu Cheng to satisfy his craving.

Xu An said the boy devoured one rabbit in a single sitting and asked Xu An to bring the other one back, wondering if he could roast it again for him to take the next day.

Xu Ning and Lu Xiaotang couldn’t help but laugh at that.

Xu Ning asked, “Weren’t three educated youths supposed to come? Where’s the other one from?”

Wei Lanlan replied, “There’s another girl named Wang Hong; she’s from my hometown. But she probably won’t stay here long. She told me yesterday that she’ll be leaving in a few days. It seems her family has connections, and they found her a job.”

Yang Xiaomei added, “At least the educated youth compound has finally quieted down a bit. Gu Wenjing, who used to cause a lot of trouble, has been much more subdued lately.”

“Yes, it’s Gu Wenping and Lin Miao; they sometimes argue over trivial matters, but nobody pays them any mind. In a couple of days, they’ll be fine again.”

Xu Ning laughed and said, “Isn’t it better this way? Everyone can live their own lives in peace.”

The two of them chuckled and agreed, “We hope we won’t have to deal with any more troublemakers, causing chaos for everyone. We’re already exhausted from working all day, and on top of that, we have to manage them.”

Wei Lanlan asked Xu Ning, “What’s your husband’s current position? Is it possible for you to go with him?”

Xu Ning replied, “His position would allow us to go, but the three kids are still too small, and the journey is long, so we’re a bit worried. We thought it might be better to wait a couple of years until they’re older before making the move. Besides, my brother is here and can help take care of things.”

Once we go to the army, he’ll often be on missions, and it’ll just be the four of us at home.”

Wei Lanlan nodded and said, “If he’s frequently away, it’s better for you to stay here. Your brother is older now, capable, and he earns a good amount of work points. He can help take care of the kids at home.”

Yang Xiaomei looked at the time and said, “We should head back now. Our little Ya needs to be fed, and if I’m not around when she gets hungry, she’ll start crying.”

Xu Ning prepared to see them off, but the two of them quickly stopped her, saying, “It’s fine, it’s fine. You don’t need to come out. Just stay home and rest. Once the busy farming season is over, we’ll come back to visit you.”