Chapter 81: Gu Xixi's Flower Protector

Shitou looked blankly at Mu Nan Zhao, then at Gu Xixi.

Gu Xixi said with a smile, "Actually we live in Huachi Du Cun, which is under Qing Tian County, not far from the county seat."

Shitou stared wide-eyed in surprise, "Ah?!"

"Before that, at Meng Dangni zi's house..."

The little kid suddenly covered his mouth with both hands and mumbled indistinctly, "Don't worry, Sis Xixi! My lips are sealed!!"

Gu Xixi found it a bit funny, "Meng Dangni zi already knows, no need for you to keep it secret."

Now the Meng family knows that Gu Xixi and Mu Nan Zhao's business identities are false.

Although Mu Nan Zhao's true identity is known only to Meng Chengping, his Chen Fang identity is no longer a secret.

Gu Xixi also specially visited Meng Dangni zi the day before yesterday to apologize for her earlier deception.

Meng Dangni zi is a smart person; although her younger brother Meng Chengping hasn't said it outright, she has guessed that there must be an unavoidable reason behind this.

Meng Dangni zi said she didn't mind, and added that she still regards Gu Xixi as a close confidante and friend.

Shitou let out a heavy sigh of relief, "That's good, that's good,"

In his mind, Meng Dangni zi is also a good person, and he doesn't want to deceive her.

Shitou went back to the house to pack his things, feeling relieved.

If other adults said they would take him home, he would definitely not foolishly follow—what if they were child traffickers?

But Sis Xixi is different; Shitou trusts Sis Xixi and admires her!

Anyway, no matter what, he has decided to follow her.

Gu Xixi lowered her head to drink tea; the Fu tea had a rich texture, a sweet and fragrant taste with a hint of bitterness, which actually paired well with the unique honey-like sweetness.

Warm going down, it was very moistening.

She blew on it, took several sips in a row before stopping, and smiled at Mu Nan Zhao, saying, "This is the first time I've known you brew tea so well; it's a pity I can't drink it every day."

In the Xi Bei region, tea leaves are not an everyday food that everyone can afford.

Even though Gu Xixi has escaped poverty and has no worries about food, clothing, shelter, or travel, this kind of superior Fu tea cake drunk daily is still unaffordable.

Mu Nan Zhao, however, said, "If you ever suddenly come into a windfall, don't forget to buy some good tea."

Gu Xixi took it as a joke and replied, "Compared to striking it rich, I'd rather hope to grow my own good tea trees; that's more realistic."

That afternoon, after Gu Xixi finished tending the entire nursery, she brought Shitou back to the village.

The nursery gate was locked with a heavy lock; if it snows, the whole winter won't need watering.

If there is little rain or snow this year, coming back once or twice in the middle to tend it will suffice.

The next morning, Shitou stood with his backpack in the Tudimiao of Huachi Du Cun, and only after a while did he come to his senses.

He realized he seemed, perhaps, to have been deceived.

"Sis Xixi, you said to study well—does that mean go to school?!"

Gu Xixi smiled, eyes narrowed, "Exactly, you're only six; what else could you do if you don't go to school?"

Shitou argued earnestly, "But I'm almost seven!"

Gu Xixi still smiled, eyes narrowed, "Even at seven you have to go to school."

Shitou: "……"

No wonder Sis Xixi yesterday reminded him to bring all the things he used for school before.

Shitou still wanted to struggle, "I've long since didn't want to study; I want to follow you and learn to plant trees."

Gu Xixi: "Wait until you finish school, then learning other things won't be too late."

She continued to dangle the bait, "My family has thirty-two mu of land; you can learn to plant whatever you want."

Shitou gasped, "Thirty-two mu?"

How many trees could that hold!

Shitou fell silent.

At that moment, Gouwa ran out of the schoolhouse, familiarly threw his arms around Shitou, and said, "Hey, you're Shitou? Your full name is Zhang Minglei, right?"

Shitou had never been this close with a peer before, and he shifted his shoulders uncomfortably.

"Who are you? How do you know me?"

Gouwa grinned, "I'm Qin Ruilin, I'm a year older than you; just call me Ruilin Ge."

"Come on, I'll take you to find a seat."

Gouwa had his arm around Shitou as they walked off, glancing back and winking at Gu Xixi, "Auntie Xixi, you can leave this kid with me; after school I'll still take him out to play!"

Gu Xixi laughed, "Good, I know you're sensible."

However, what shocked Shitou even more was still to come.

The Chen Dage who always seemed to have a mutual dislike with him turned out to be his teacher.

Thus, on his first day of school, Shitou was called up to recite twice, tested on comprehension once, randomly tested on character recognition three times, and asked to demonstrate writing once.

The teacher's reason was quite sufficient, "You've had one more year of schooling than others, so you ought to set an example."

Finally enduring until school let out, Shitou thought, If I say I want to go back now, it's probably too late, right?

Now that the farming season is idle and it hasn't snowed yet, Huachi Du Cun has already entered the life of wintering like cats.

That afternoon, a clatter of horse hooves shattered the village's tranquility.

Shitou was playing marbles with a few kids when he saw in the distance mounted officials heading toward his home.

Frightened, he stood up, said, "I'm not playing anymore," and took off running back.

The officials stopped outside Gu Xixi's house; the leading young general dismounted.

"Is Gu Xixi home!"

His voice boomed like thunder, startling the hoopoes overwintering in the trees into flight.

After a while, the door opened, and Gu Xixi poked her head out with a puzzled look.

Seeing the young general's face clearly, she froze for a moment, "General Meng?"

Meng Chengping still had that sweet, doll-like face, just a bit thinner than last time we met.

"Hello, sister-in-law!"

Gu Xixi felt embarrassed and said softly, "Didn't I tell you not to call me that?"

She turned to glance into the courtyard, "Do you have business with him?"

Speaking selfishly, Gu Xixi did not want Mu Nan Zhao to bring those "major affairs" into this home.

But Meng Chengping had already come to the door; considering his past lifesaving kindness, she also couldn't turn the guest away.

"Please come in and have a seat, General Meng."

Meng Chengping stepped over the threshold with a chuckle, "I have something to discuss, but I'm actually looking for you, sister-in-law."

Gu Xixi blinked, "Looking for me?"

Before Meng Chengping could respond, a small figure rushed over and slammed into him, shoving him hard.

Finding he couldn't be pushed, he turned and blocked Gu Xixi, arms spread, glaring angrily.

"If you're going to seize someone, seize me! What kind of hero bullies my sister Xixi!"

The several soldiers behind Meng Chengping were dumbfounded.

This kid actually dared to get physical with General Meng?!

Meng Chengping also stared for a moment, then threw his head back and laughed heartily, "Great kid! You've got guts, and you're not weak either!"

Gu Xixi tugged at the little rascal, "Shitou, weren't you off playing with Gouwa? How did you come back so fast?"

Shitou didn't answer, and bared his teeth at Meng Chengping, "What are you laughing at?"

Gu Xixi explained helplessly, "General Meng is a guest, not here to arrest anyone."

Only then did Shitou step aside; as Meng Chengping entered, he glanced at Shitou and smiled, "Looks like the sister-in-law has gained another flower guardian."

Gu Xixi chuckled, "General Meng really knows how to joke, but don't let his six years fool you—he's quite opinionated."

Meng Chengping gave Shitou another couple of looks, quite impressed.

Upon seeing Mu Nan Zhao emerge, Meng Chengping immediately wiped the smile from his face and said solemnly, "I have come on orders."

"The Grand General has a few words and some items for me to deliver to Miss Gu."