Chapter 20

After giving his father the supplementary card, Su Xiaoqi observed that his father didn't feel anything special. He continued weaving the winnowing basket.

It seemed that the speed had increased a bit, and the weaving became tighter.

He made a winnowing basket with the front half slightly larger than the back half, which was smaller and more solid.

Su Youfu didn't know what was going on, but he held the winnowing basket in his hands, examining it from different angles. He couldn't help but feel that there was something strange about the way it was made, something not quite right.

However, being a practical person, he didn't say much and continued picking up bamboo sticks from the ground, starting to make the frame of the winnowing basket. Because he had been doing it for years, it was an easy task for him, and Su Xiaoqi was helping by handing him the bamboo strips.

Su Youfu felt that everything was going exceptionally smoothly today, fast and good. He thought it was probably because his daughter was home.

Su Xiaoqi accompanied her father in making the winnowing basket when Third Grandmother came by carrying a bag of things.

She had called her daughter before dinner, but unexpectedly, her daughter said she didn't bring anything and asked Su Xiaoqi to bring some fruits that were given by a patient. Third Grandmother was worried that her daughter might have some taboos, so she didn't let Su Xiaoqi bring them over. She only asked Su Xiaoqi to take them back home for her parents.

It had happened before when Su Simei brought back a big bag of fruits, and her sister-in-law looked unhappy, saying that the things from the hospital were unhealthy for children. It made her angry, and since then, she hadn't brought anything back, and she also visited less often.

Since her daughter didn't bring anything, it must have been Su Xiaoqi who sent them.

Su Xiaoqi was a well-behaved child, and Su Youfu and his wife were also kind-hearted. They probably thought it was the holiday season and wanted to send something.

However, Third Grandmother was happy in her heart, using her daughter's name as an excuse. She lived with her son and daughter-in-law, but her daughter was divorced and living alone. Third Grandmother was very worried, but there was nothing she could do. Her daughter had a straightforward temperament and couldn't get along with her sister-in-law. When Su Xiaoqi brought the things over today, her daughter-in-law was quite happy and mentioned having a family gathering when her older sister had a day off, so they could roast a duck.

That's how family relationships are. Her son is married now, and her daughter is considered part of another family. No matter how close they are, there will always be interactions.

Knowing that it was Su Xiaoqi's family who sent the things, Third Grandmother didn't reveal it but still came over.

"Third Grandmother, you're here." Su Xiaoqi stood up and went to the kitchen to pour a glass of water.

"No need to hurry, I'll just sit here. I heard you found a tutoring job, not bad. I brought a piece of cured meat. Take it to your aunt tomorrow," Third Grandmother said. Since Su Xiaoqi and her daughter would eat together, both of them would be able to enjoy it.

"Okay, cured meat can be stored for a long time. It's delicious to slice and steam it with rice. Thank you, Third Grandmother," Su Xiaoqi quickly accepted it.

Su Youfu felt a little embarrassed.

"Third Aunt, you're too polite."

Upon hearing that Third Grandmother had come, Mom Su also came out of the kitchen. She wore an apron and came out with a smile, exuding a refreshing energy.

"Third Aunt is here. I just braised some chicken feet. Xiaoqi loves them, so I made some extra for her to take. Third Aunt, please taste them, and later I'll give some to Hao as well."

Third Grandmother refused repeatedly, but Mom Su had already put a bowl full of it. In the countryside, they used bowls when giving food.

Third Grandmother felt a little embarrassed. She brought over a piece of cured meat, but she also packed a bowl of chicken feet.

It's not easy for the couple, Su Youfu and his wife.

Having a child studying in college makes their lives more difficult than those of other villagers.

"Will there be enough money for Xiaoqi's university tuition? If it's not enough, I have some money here. Just let me know," Third Grandmother offered.

Su Youfu felt even more embarrassed.

Xiaoqi had dinner at her elder cousin's house and didn't pay. It was troublesome to ask Third Aunt for money again.

Although Third Aunt had never worked in her life, she received a small pension every month. During the early years of the war, she had contributed to the Red Army by donating the soles of her shoes. She was one of the earliest party members.

So they were living quite comfortably.

Su Youfu was too shy to ask for help.

Mom Su, wearing an apron, left the major decisions in the family to her husband.

Xiaoqi quickly said, "Thank you, Third Grandmother, there's no need. I found a tutoring job outside, so I can earn some money. Mom said we can also sell the pig at the end of the month to make up for the tuition fees. If it's still not enough, I'll come to you."

Hearing her daughter's words, Su Dad and Mom Su breathed a sigh of relief.

When you're poor, your self-esteem and dignity become more important. This was probably their last bit of dignity and bottom line.

Third Aunt was a kind person, and they had some extra money on hand, but they were still living with their son and daughter-in-law. If they asked Third Aunt for money, her son might not say anything, but her daughter-in-law would definitely have objections.

Su Youfu thought that if there was no other way, he could sell the mountain. When his daughter was young, he had planted trees and created a forest. He could lease out this forest if they really didn't have enough money. It could be selectively harvested.

The trees weren't very big yet, so they wouldn't fetch much money, but at least it could help cover his daughter's tuition fees.

Third Grandmother didn't stay long. She left with the chicken feet, saying she had to go back to take care of her grandson.

"Third Grandmother is a good person," Su Youfu sighed.

Su Youfu continued to work on the winnowing basket. In the time they had been talking, he had already made significant progress. Unconsciously, he was working much faster than usual.

He held the winnowing basket in his hand and couldn't help but like it more and more. It seemed better than usual.

It was as if he had suddenly gained insight.

This winnowing basket unexpectedly turned out exceptionally well. He had made it just like he always did, but when he held it in his hand, it felt different from his usual work.

Neat and proper, every joint was smooth, the curvature was just right, and the gaps between the bamboo strips were perfect, with one fitting snugly against the other, as if it could hold water.

A truly well-made bamboo utensil could hold water.

There were overlapping parts between the two bamboo strips, tightly woven together.

Su Youfu had been making them himself for decades, and the more he looked at it, the more he liked it.

"Dad, you've done a great job," Xiaoqi also noticed the difference and praised happily.

Su Youfu blushed instantly.

"It's nothing. I've been making them for so many years."

Xiaoqi knew her father's lack of self-confidence, so she deliberately bought that book for him.

"Dad, look, this bamboo weaving is amazing, and it can sell for a lot of money. I saw it at the bookstore last time. Take a look."

Su Youfu never expected his daughter to buy him books. Although he dropped out of junior high school, he had no problem reading and his handwriting was quite good. During the Lunar New Year, he even helped others write couplets.

He also loved buying books, but he was often ridiculed by people in the village.

As he flipped through the pages, Su Youfu found the illustrations on the cover increasingly intriguing.

His heart couldn't help but feel a bit more lively.