The wicked sister-in-law is in charge; meals include fish and shrimp.

Chapter 45 Helping Zhou Shen

"Your sister came out to look for you when she saw you hadn't gone back, and I was afraid she wouldn't be able to find her way, so I came along with her."

After Xie He finished speaking, she secretly rejoiced that she had come with her daughter.

They dare to rob us in broad daylight. If my daughter comes looking for help and gets bullied, she'll regret it to death.

Wen Luozhi glanced around and frowned slightly. The room reeked of damp, rotting wood, and several rats could be seen scurrying up and down on the roof beams from time to time.

The windows, which already prevent sunlight from entering the room, were tightly sealed, making the room dim even during the day.

Xie He also looked around, and the expressions on their faces were exactly the same.

How can anyone live in this place! Although it can provide shelter from the wind and rain, it's too oppressive! It's unbearable for such a young girl to stay in this house every day.

She looked at Zhou Yun, who was curled up against the wall on the other side of the bed, with heartache. The little girl was about the same age as Daya, but she was much thinner than Daya, and her face was pale and bloodless.

"Little girl, your aunt and this older sister are not bad people, they are your brother Zian's family," Xie He said softly as she walked to the bedside.

Zhou Yun glanced at Wen Zi'an, and only after seeing him nod at her did she gradually lower her guard and slowly move off the bed.

Xie He took out a chocolate from her sleeve and placed it in front of her; it was the one Wen Luozhi had given her before.

The children in the family each ate two, and she kept this one until she couldn't bear to eat it, carrying it with her wherever she went.

"This candy is delicious! You should try it, or it'll melt soon."

Xie He pointed to the chocolate she had placed on the bed, gesturing for her to pick it up and eat it.

Zhou Yun looked down at the chocolate, then looked up at Wen Luozhi and Xie He.

Wen Luozhi blinked at her and said, "Eat up, this is the best candy." She gave her a friendly and sweet smile.

Zhou Yun smiled shyly, picked up the chocolate, opened the strange packaging, and took a small bite.

The sweet taste with a hint of bitterness yet an unusual sweetness in her mouth made her eyes widen. She looked at Wen Luozhi with surprise in her eyes.

This beautiful lady wasn't lying; this is the best candy she's ever had! Even though she'd only ever eaten ordinary sorghum candy before.

The four of them stared at each other, finally waiting for Zhou Shen to return from work.

He was somewhat surprised to see three extra people in the room when he entered.

He was restless while working at the dock these past two days, always feeling that something was going to happen. He managed to get through yesterday, but this afternoon he couldn't take it anymore and went home early.

Upon seeing Zhou Shen return, Zhou Yun's eyes lit up as she rushed into his arms, appearing extremely attached.

When Wen Zi'an saw him return and told him what had happened at home, Zhou Shen was so angry that he got up and was about to go and settle accounts with the two old women.

"Child, listen to what your auntie has to say!"

Xie He stepped forward and grabbed him, saying, "Even if you settle accounts with them today, they'll still come knocking on your door tomorrow after you leave. How can that little girl manage at home alone!"

Zhou Shen squatted on the ground, helplessly clutching his hair. This wasn't the first or second time this had happened. Previously, they had simply taken the items and left, but this time they had actually resorted to violence.

Seeing him like this, Wen Zi'an felt bad too. He glanced at Xie He, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn't say anything.

"My mother's point is that it's not safe for a young girl like Zhou Yun to stay at home. If you're comfortable with that, you can leave her in our care."

"Anyway, this place isn't safe for you. You can come to our village to pick up your sister when we find a suitable place."

Wen Luozhi chimed in, "The best solution now is to get Zhou Yun out of here. Today it's just an old woman trying to steal our food, but what about tomorrow? By tomorrow, the girl might be sold off by who knows who when Zhou Shen comes back."

Zhou Shen suddenly looked up at her, his voice tight, "Is...is it okay?"

Wen Luozhi nodded, and Zhou Shen was so happy to receive her answer that his face lit up and his heart pounded.

He had considered this method before, but he and his sister were each other's only family and had no other relatives. He had no choice but to run back and forth between the dock and home, but he never expected that something would still happen.

“Sister…” Wen Zi’an called out to Wen Luozhi, his tall voice carrying a barely perceptible sob.

He had just wanted to beg his mother to let him take Zhou Yun home and raise her, so that Zhou Shen could work at the dock with peace of mind.

But now it's his younger sister who's earning money at home, and his mother listens to her, so he simply can't bring himself to ask her for money.

Xie He shoved him away and yelled, "Hurry up and help pack! My daughter needs to go home for her afternoon nap, don't dawdle!"

Xie He always listens to her daughter, and at the moment, this is the only safest method.

They are all unfortunate people; helping them is helping them is a blessing for their families.

Her daughter is so kind-hearted, otherwise how could she have been chosen by the old sage! She will support whatever her daughter does!

Now the family doesn't need a little girl to feed them, so it's good that this young man can put his mind at ease.

"Yes!" Wen Zi'an responded happily and began to help pack things.

Zhou Yun was holding a small bundle in her arms, looking down at her toes.

She was happy and excited that she wouldn't have to spend the whole day in this dimly lit room anymore. She liked Brother Zian and her kind aunt very much, and she couldn't help but want to get closer to that beautiful older sister.

She had heard from her brother Zian that there were many other people in the family, and she was worried that they might not like her.

Zhou Yun sighed softly, and suddenly felt a soft touch on her head. "My family doesn't support idlers, you know. From now on, the rabbits we have will be in your care with the kids in our family."

Wen Luozhi patted her head and a slight smile appeared on her lips. As an orphan herself, she could empathize with this situation.

Besides, helping my brother's friend is easy and no big deal.

Zhou Shen's thoughts were different from hers. These days, it's not easy for anyone to have enough to eat. For the two siblings, taking a little girl they had no connection with back home to take care of was nothing short of a life-saving favor.

He was about to kneel down when Xie He quickly stopped them, saying, "A man's knees are worth gold; he only kneels to heaven, earth, and his parents. What are you doing, child!"

"My daughter is still so young! You're shortening her lifespan! Zi'an is your good brother, helping out is nothing!"

"If you truly want to express your gratitude, then work hard and try your best to ensure this little girl can live a good life with you as her older brother."

Zhou Shen stood up and wiped his eyes with his arm. Zhou Yun looked up at her brother, knelt down with a thud, and kowtowed to the three of them.

Wen Luozhi was startled by the little girl's sudden knee strike and took a step back. Xie He quickly helped her up and checked if she had hurt her head.

"You little brat, you're so young but you're already so calculating! Your sister already told you to raise her rabbits as payment for their food, what are you doing doing this!" Xie He said reproachfully.

Zhou Yun shook her head and whispered, "I have to kneel. Ever since my parents passed away, no one has been this kind to my brother and me."