Do Not Approach

82

Xiaoxiao accepted them with a grin. The elderly always wanted to give something to visiting children. With no candy to offer, the grandmother gave fruit from her own stash, and Xiaoxiao always made sure to eat every last bit. She glanced over at the foreman and the workers, nodding in acknowledgment.

Including those from a nearby village, the foreman had brought five workers-some of the strongest laborers around. With proper pay, they promised to finish the house quickly, even offering to work overtime at night. Hearing this, Zhang Qiao was delighted. "Maybe in three months, by the time we leave, the house will be almost done."

Mu Xiaoxiao carefully reviewed the contract. The price seemed fair. If she took on a few more jobs, she could pay it all off by the time the project finished. Glancing at the workers, she hesitated for a moment. Then she turned to the grandmother, "You and Xiaohua should stay at Teacher Zhang's place for a few months."

The grandmother, not one to impose on others, waved her hand. "No need, no need. We can stay in the side room. Xiaohua will be fine there too."

Zhang Qiao hesitated and looked at Mu Xiaoxiao, who lowered her gaze slightly. "Grandma, please listen. Stay with Teacher Zhang for a few days. She can also help Xiaohua catch up on her schoolwork-she's fallen behind."

Zhang Qiao pursed her lips. She was beginning to understand what Xiaoxiao meant. Knowing Xiaoxiao's personality, she would never say something to upset the grandmother, but she clearly didn't feel comfortable leaving the two of them there alone.

Perhaps childhood memories had made Mu Xiaoxiao overly sensitive. She couldn't bring herself to trust having a group of men working overnight while the grandmother and Xiaohua were there.

Mu Xiaoxiao wanted to believe in the goodness of people, but her experiences had taught her to be wary. Even small things could stir painful memories.

Seeing how insistent Mu Xiaoxiao was, and knowing her granddaughter's education was important, the grandmother finally agreed. She went inside to pack, but after looking around, she realized there wasn't much to take-just a few clothes and a quilt. Her heart ached a little.

Xiaohua, sensing her grandmother's sadness, clasped her hand tightly. "Don't be sad, Grandma. You have me."

Mu Xiaoxiao saw this moment and nudged Zhang Qiao with her elbow. "Hey, don't you think this kid has a knack for our line of work?"

Xiaohua had a talent for comforting people. Though she didn't say much, she could quickly pick up on negative emotions and provide just the right reassurance.

Zhang Qiao, hands in her pockets, chuckled. "That's exactly it."

The two exchanged knowing smiles. The future was bright, and they could start training Xiaohua early. With her talent, she might be ready to help out in just a few years. After all, she had always wanted to make money.

Mu Xiaoxiao took the grandmother and Xiaohua to settle in at Zhang Qiao's place. Zhang Qiao was overjoyed-she loved being surrounded by people. Ever since moving here, she had felt stifled living alone. She would have loved to hang out with Mu Xiaoxiao more, but she had Qin Yi, so Zhang Qiao couldn't always intrude.

"Hey, Xiaoxiao, bring Sister Qin over tonight! I'll make dumplings for you all!"

Mu Xiaoxiao glanced at her. "You know how to make dumplings?"

Zhang Qiao shamelessly pointed to Xiaohua, who had already grabbed a broom and started cleaning. "The kid knows how!"

"Shameless!"

......

Xiaohua was truly hardworking-she reminded Xiaoxiao of herself when she was little. Sometimes, seeing Xiaohua's small, frail figure, Xiaoxiao vaguely felt like she was looking at her younger self.