Chapter 453 - Chapter 453: Chapter 460: Eyes Well Up with Tears (2/2)

Hearing her eldest son’s voice, Mrs. Liu Huang hurriedly went out to greet him, only to see him panting and soaked from carrying a large bundle of firewood back in the rain. Her eyes reddened with emotion—her child had grown too sensible. In the past, he had been a bit mischievous, running around with other boys from the Village, causing a ruckus with chickens and dogs. Ever since his father had left to join the army, the boy had suddenly become much more mature, becoming more obedient and knowing to help out at home like a little man.

“Cheng Zi, weren’t you at Grandma’s house to play? I thought you wouldn’t return until tomorrow. Why have you carried such a big bundle of firewood back now? Didn’t I tell you, you’re still young and shouldn’t be doing such heavy work? I can handle these things,” Mrs. Liu Huang said as she helped unload the firewood from Cheng Zi.

“I was planning to come back tomorrow, but I was concerned the firewood at home might not be enough. Grandfather is getting older, and my younger brother is still small. Mother has a lot to do every day, so I decided to come back early. Besides, I was just playing at Grandma’s house, it’s better to be home,” Cheng Zi replied.

Seeing his mother’s eyes growing ever redder, he quickly added, “Mother, don’t worry. I’m big enough to help out at home now. Since Dad isn’t here, I need to be the pillar of the home, helping Grandfather and Mother keep everything together. Besides, look around the Village, all the other children do the same—I’m no more precious than anyone else.”

“Mother knows you’re a sensible child, but it hurts to see you like this,” Mrs. Liu Huang said, touching the tears by her eye. She was a woman accustomed to hardship; no matter how tough things were, she rarely complained. Yet, in moments like this, she found herself easily moved.

Shu Qin and Shu Xiang, observing from the side and realizing this was Old Man Liu’s eldest grandson, were impressed by Cheng Zi’s sensibleness. Seeing Mrs. Liu Huang wiping her tears, they quickly came over to comfort her. “Sister-in-law, you should be happy to have such a sensible child. A child like that is sure to succeed.”

“Yes, Sister-in-law, don’t be sad. You are fortunate to have such a child who will bring you blessings in the future. Now’s not the time to cry. The child is all wet; quickly get a hot bath and change into dry clothes, so he doesn’t catch a cold.”

“That’s right. What the girls said makes sense. Cheng Zi, hurry to your room and change your clothes. I’ll bring hot water right away.” Ultimately, a mother always cares most about her son’s wellbeing. Prompted by Shu Qin and Shu Xiang, Mrs. Liu Huang was no longer occupied with her emotions and quickly set to work.

Cheng Zi didn’t find the presence of so many strangers in the house unusual; he had already heard from the villagers that a caravan was staying at their home. And since it wasn’t appropriate to ask too much in front of outsiders, he acknowledged his mother and went back to his room to change. Cheng Zi himself knew the importance of staying healthy. Since the family needed him to support Grandfather and Mother, he couldn’t afford to fall ill.

Unnoticed by those inside, three little guys were squatting outside the kitchen window. Having heard the exchange between Cheng Zi and Mrs. Liu Huang, they seemed thoughtful.

“Brother, this big brother is so sensible and knows how to help out at home. Shouldn’t we also help Mother with something?” Si Yu, never one to hold back her thoughts, asked her elder brother.

“Yes, big brother, our sister’s right. Our Daddy isn’t around either, and we should help out at home too. I and big brother are the men of our house, and we need to act like pillars,” Brother Chen spoke thoughtfully.

Brother Xing, holding his younger siblings’ hands, was pleased that they had such thoughts and feelings. Clearly, reality was the best teacher. Though Brother Xing had often taught his younger siblings, they were still young and inclined to be mischievous and disobedient at times. Taking this opportunity, he lectured them again, helping the two little ones learn a lot.