Chapter 11 Helping In A Time Of Crisis

Cheng Longxiao smiled at Song Zhenyu and said, “What do you mean by wasting time? I've finished all my work at home today. Helping you cut some grass isn't a big deal. Besides, we've been close since we were kids. If I don't help you now, how could I sleep peacefully later?” He added, “Plus, there have been several sunny days in a row. Who knows when it might turn cloudy and rain heavily? Your wife just had a baby. She can't get wet in the rain? Say no more. Let's get to work.” Cheng Longxiao descended from the mountain, not even pausing to catch his breath before he began cutting grass. Song Zhenyu was deeply moved. His voice was slightly choked up as he said, “Thank you.” After speaking, he stopped being polite. Picking up the sickle, he continued to cut the grass. As the sun set and dusk fell, they had cleared a large patch of wild grass. Cheng Longxiao also helped twist the cut grass into ropes and tied it into large bundles. “Zhenyu, when are you planning to renovate? Are you starting tonight? If you are, I'll come over after dinner to help weave the grass. The weather's good tonight, and there's moonlight,” Cheng Longxiao said while tying the grass. Song Zhenyu felt grateful but declined. “Longxiao, I appreciate your kindness, but there's no need to help. I can handle it myself when I have time. You have your own difficulties, so focus on your family.” Cheng Longxiao's situation wasn't much better. He had been burned as a child, leaving him with a limp. Although he was the youngest son, his two elder brothers were seven or eight years older. Being a cripple, he wasn't favored by his parents. His wife, Mdm. Qin, was also disabled due to childhood burns, with scars on her face and a hand missing all but part of her thumb. They had two daughters but no sons, and their family situation was not ideal. He was often scolded at home for helping others. Cheng Longxiao lowered his eyes, swallowing hard. “Zhenyu, why is life so hard for us? But I don't care. You've always been my brother. If it weren't for you saving me when we were kids, I wouldn't even be here. And it's not like I neglected my own work. I'll help you no matter what anyone says.” Tears welled up in Cheng Longxiao's eyes. He wasn't tall or strong and had never been liked by his parents, who thought he was an embarrassment. But they never considered who was responsible for his disability. As a child, his older brothers, who were much bigger, would snatch his food while his parents ignored it. He was lucky just to survive. Once, they even pushed him into a flooding river, and it was Song Zhenyu who risked his life to save him. Since then, Cheng Longxiao had always stuck close to Song Zhenyu. When Song Zhenyu found bird eggs, he would share them, and he'd do the same with wild fruits. These small acts of kindness had deeply engraved themselves into Cheng Longxiao's heart. He had never forgotten any of them. Looking at Cheng Longxiao, Song Zhenyu found it impossible to refuse him again. He patted his shoulder and said with a bitter smile, “As long as I won't die, I'm not afraid. Come over after dinner. I'll remember this favor, and if I ever get the chance...” He would certainly repay Cheng Longxiao. Before he could finish, Cheng Longxiao interrupted with a laugh. “Even if you get the chance, I don't want you to repay me. This is just me repaying you.” Cheng Longxiao helped Song Zhenyu carry a bundle of grass home. Seeing that Song Tianqi and his siblings had cleaned up the well, Cheng Longxiao felt less worried for Song Zhenyu. Though Song Tianqi and Song Tianheng had mental issues, they were obedient. Song Zhenyu looked at the well, which was mostly clean, and felt relieved. Another round of cleaning tomorrow afternoon would make it usable. He patted the children's heads. “Good job.. Go wash your hands, and let's make dinner. Later, I'll roast chestnuts for you in the firepit.” “Okay!” The children nodded enthusiastically. Song Ruying immediately ran off to help with the fire. Dinner was, as usual, a thin broth with bits of cured meat. Occasionally, they would bite into small pieces of meat. Song Tianqi, Song Tianheng, and Song Ruying never fought over food. Once Song Zhenyu served their portions, they quietly ate. If they found a tiny piece of meat, their eyes would light up, and they'd chew it carefully. Song Zhenyu brought a bowl of food to Zhang Yingyue. As she ate, she urged, “Zhenyu, you should eat too.” Song Zhenyu nodded, feeling a wave of warmth at her thoughtfulness. He smiled and said, “Don't worry about me. I'll check on Shuying first.” Song Shuying looked intently at her father and yawned. Her father's gaze said it all—he adored her. She must be the cutest little girl in the world. Of course, Song Shuying had never looked into a mirror and didn't realize she'd never been bathed since birth. There was still a layer of vernix on her skin and dirt in her hair. Yet, none of that mattered to Song Zhenyu. He loved looking into her lively, bright eyes. Just seeing her expression helped him understand what the doctor meant about her eyes having a certain spirit. She truly was special, and he cherished her. “My sweet daughter, be good. I'm going to eat now. Once I finish my work, I'll hold you properly.” Song Zhenyu spoke to Song Shuying, even though talking to a baby seemed a bit strange. After all, she couldn't understand. B Song Zhenyu didn't see it that way though. He believed his little daughter could understand him. Every time he spoke, she would look at him intently with her big eyes and open her tiny, round mouth as if saying, “Oh, oh, oh, I understand!” Song Zhenyu couldn't help but chuckle. He then turned to Zhang Yingyue and said, “Yingyue, let me know when you're done eating, and I'll fetch more for you. I'm going to have my meal now.” Zhang Yingyue smiled and nodded. “Okay. Go have dinner now.” She felt sorry for Song Zhenyu, knowing how hard he worked. She just wanted him to eat as soon as possible. After working all day, there wasn't much to eat at home, and he must have been starving. Song Zhenyu went out to eat. There was barely any white rice in the meal as most of it was ground cornmeal. He was reluctant to take much soup or vegetables, so he scooped a little broth to go with the meal. After finishing, he told Song Ruying and her two brothers to wash the dishes together. Once the dishes were cleaned, they could dig out the chestnuts buried in the hearth to eat. Meanwhile, he carried a small wooden stool and began weaving grass. The dried wild grass was ready for use, with most of it usable as is. The bottom layer had to be woven tightly to prevent leaks. He had been weaving for an hour when Cheng Longxiao arrived. Without saying anything, the two of them simply got down to work in silence. As the night deepened and it neared midnight, Song Zhenyu lowered his voice and said, “Longxiao, I'm done for the night. You should go home and rest too.” Song Zhenyu urged Cheng Longxiao several times to leave, but he refused. Song Zhenyu didn't want to stop working either, but it was almost midnight, and he knew Cheng Longxiao would exhaust himself if he stayed any longer. So Song Zhenyu decided to stop first. Cheng Longxiao smiled and stopped. He said, “Zhenyu, I'll head home for now, then come back tomorrow. I may not be able to help much with your roof repairs, but I can spare some time to cut grass and weave with you.”