Chapter 109: Unable to Resist Showing Off

When the six boiled pig heads were placed on the ancestral hall altar for offering, someone specifically asked Bai Xi for her opinion. Bai Xi waved her small hand dismissively. “Offer them, of course.”

Thus, even the pig head that had been slightly charred by lightning was set on the table. Each time Little Hei glanced at that pig head, he felt a faint ache within himself. Yet, hearing the villagers praise it for bravely protecting them, the pain seemed less intense.

The meat Bai Xi received was quickly processed: the fatty parts rendered into lard, the lean portions hung up to dry, and the mixed cuts salted and smoked over fire. Some fresh pieces were also hung up. With Little Hei around and Bai Xi’s subtle aura lingering, no one dared to steal a bite.

Chen Daliu and the others carried the heavy pork into town, returning only after nightfall. Since there were over ten people in their group, they encountered no danger, even without Little Hei accompanying them partway.

Upon returning, they heard that Grand Aunt had distributed the meat and even shared a meal with everyone. They admitted they envied her, but when their families recounted Grand Aunt’s words, their hearts were warmed.

The total sum was 1,416 yuan, of which Bai Xi took fifty for herself. The remaining amount was divided equally among the eighty-six households in the village, with each family receiving nearly sixteen yuan.

Sixteen yuan was equivalent to more than half a month’s salary for a regular city worker, not to mention the share of meat. Bai Xi held the money, momentarily stunned. She felt she hadn’t done much, but refusing the money would be improper—after all, she was part of this village. So she quickly tucked the money into her pocket.

Though she’d spent some money on the previous trip to town, now with fifty yuan coming in, Bai Xi thought to herself, Am I rich again?

Soon, New Year’s Eve arrived. The countryside lacked the bustling excitement of the city but was far from dull. Every household busily prepared for the celebration. From time to time, villagers stopped by the treehouse—not only inviting Bai Xi to celebrate with them but also offering help.

Annoyed by the constant disturbances, Bai Xi took Little Hei to visit the Bai family ancestral home.

To be honest, she had passed by the Bai ancestral home many times since arriving but had never entered. Though Bai Xi didn’t live there, the house was impeccably tidy. The tables and chairs were neatly arranged, spotless, showing that villagers regularly came to clean.

Under the eaves hung a straw hat and a raincoat, with hoes and other farming tools resting in the corner. The vegetable garden in the backyard was nearly bare but clearly tended often.

Bai Xi understood that this was thanks to the villagers. No one had forgotten the Bai family’s old home. After all, if they had, they certainly would have neglected her.

At noon, as firecrackers rang out near Bai Xi’s treehouse, the village’s celebrations began.

Old Mrs. Zhang had long since prepared dumplings, waiting only to cook them. Once ready, she wasted no time scooping a large bowlful into a basket and happily carried it toward the treehouse.

Along the way, she greeted villagers cheerfully.

“Sister Li, have you eaten yet?”

“My family will eat soon. I’m just on my way to bring dumplings to Grand Aunt.”

“Mr. Chen, have you eaten? Not yet? Then hurry up. I have to get going.”

“Aunt Li, stop scolding the kids! I smell something burning from your stove. You should check it quickly.”

“Oh, Uncle Bai, are you off chopping wood today? No, I’m just bringing dumplings to Grand Aunt.”

“Mrs. Chen, where are you headed? Oh, I haven’t eaten yet. I’m just delivering some dumplings to Grand Aunt.”

Of course, Mrs. Chen was delighted. Grand Aunt had specifically requested her dumplings—who in the village wouldn’t envy that? She dared not delay, so early in the morning she and her mother-in-law had busily wrapped dumplings. As soon as they were cooked, she hurried to deliver them.

At that moment, Bai Xi was gently rubbing Little Hei’s head as he acted spoiled.

“You really shouldn’t be going to the ancestral hall for no reason.” She couldn’t understand why Little Hei wanted to see the pig head.

Little Hei nuzzled her palm shyly, unable to explain that the more he thought about it, the angrier he felt. He wanted to check on the pig head’s fate.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to you someday.”

As Bai Xi spoke, the figure that had just appeared on the horizon paused briefly before vanishing immediately. This time, it was so quick that even Little Hei didn’t notice.

“Grand Aunt, Grand Aunt, are you home? I’ve brought you some dumplings,” Mrs. Chen’s voice came from below before she had even reached the stairs.

Upon hearing this, Little Hei promptly poked his head down. Mrs. Chen smiled warmly, carrying the basket upstairs.

Chen Zhaodi had also made dumplings for Bai Xi, but when Mrs. Chen delivered hers, Bai Xi graciously accepted and even ate a few, praising their taste.

Indeed, the flavor was excellent. The dumplings were immediately dipped in sesame oil, seasoned just right, filled with a generous portion of pork. Though the wrappers were not made from the finest white flour, they were crafted from fresh wheat—a rare treat. Bai Xi happily ate one after another, her cheeks puffed out with joy.

Of course, Little Hei received about ten dumplings as well. Seeing Bai Xi pleased, Mrs. Chen beamed as if she had tasted them herself.

“How are they? How are they?” she asked excitedly.

Her mother-in-law, worried by her daughter-in-law’s return, immediately inquired.

Mrs. Chen smiled. “Don’t worry, Mother. Grand Aunt loved them. She ate several in a row.”

“Oh, that’s a relief.” Her mother-in-law was glad her earlier effort consulting Chen Zhaodi about Grand Aunt’s preferences hadn’t been in vain.

“Look, Grand Aunt’s gift,” Mrs. Chen said, opening the basket to reveal a piece of dried venison weighing over a pound.

“Oh no, that won’t do.” The elder Mrs. Chen was immediately anxious. “Grand Aunt must have only a few pieces left. Taking this from her—it’s a burden. If the villagers find out, they’ll scold us.”

They had come to deliver dumplings, not take Grand Aunt’s venison.

“Mother, don’t worry. This is Grand Aunt’s gift. She said that during festivals, it’s one thing for the young to show filial respect, and another for her to reward the young. I accepted it.”

Mrs. Chen certainly knew the situation. If Grand Aunt lacked food, she wouldn’t accept such gifts, but since she was well-provided for, she took it.

“Mother, this is also Grand Aunt’s blessing for our family. Congzi’s father often travels afar, but with Grand Aunt’s care, I can rest easier.”

Hearing this, the elder Mrs. Chen nodded silently, saying no more.

After Bai Xi and Little Hei finished eating, Bai Xi asked Little Hei to return the bowl.

When Mrs. Chen and her mother-in-law heard a strange noise at the door while talking, they found it odd. Opening the door, they saw a large bowl placed there. Peering out, they caught sight of a white figure dashing back toward the treehouse.

The two exchanged glances, their eyes filled with admiration and awe.

Grand Aunt truly was formidable.

Had Bai Xi known what they were thinking, she might have blushed. In truth, she was simply too lazy to wash the bowl and had asked Little Hei to return it for her.