Dressed as a farmer's widow, she brought her daughter to stock up on food and reached the top

Zhou Xiaoxiong shook his head and pushed the bowl towards Hongmei: "Mom, please eat. Everyone cares about us."

Tears welled up in Hongmei's eyes, and she hugged Zhou Xiaoxiong into her arms: "My son is so good."

Hongmei looked at Zhou Xiaoxiong, her heart filled with emotion. Ever since the tragedy at home, her son had grown much more sensible. With a gentle gaze and a touch of heartache, she gently stroked Zhou Xiaoxiong's head.

In the past, Little Bear was always naughty and mischievous, causing her a lot of worry. But now, he will take the initiative to help with the housework, no longer pestering for this and that, and has become much more sensible. It seems that the child has grown up overnight.

Hongmei remembered that once she accidentally knocked over the basin of water, and Little Bear immediately ran over, picked up the rag and helped wipe it dry without saying a word. His serious look made her both relieved and sad.

Every morning, the little bear would get up by himself without being called, and then go to the yard to fetch water.

Hongmei looked at his small figure carrying the bucket with difficulty, and felt as if her heart was pricked by a needle.

At night, he would sit quietly by the bed and tell the injured Hongmei the interesting things he heard outside, just to make his mother happy.

Hongmei secretly vowed that no matter how difficult the days were, she would stay strong for her son.

……

The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, the villagers couldn't wait to bring the old hens they raised at home to Xiuying's house to exchange for chicks.

People's faces were full of anticipation, and some even wore new clothes as if this was a major festival.

Xiuying's yard was packed with people, a bustling clamor rising and falling. Taohua and Shiliu were methodically distributing broiler chicks, carrying lists of those helping with the spring plowing and autumn harvest. Taohua read out the names aloud, while Shiliu carefully checked them off.

"Zhang San!" Taohua called out. Zhang San immediately rushed forward excitedly, handed over the old hen, and in return received chicks, his face beaming with joy.

Those whose names were not called waited anxiously on the side, craning their necks to look around from time to time.

At this time, Wang Ermaizi, who was not on the list, tried to cut in line to exchange chicks, but was sternly stopped by Shi Liu: "Wang Ermaizi, those who are not on the list cannot be exchanged, so don't make trouble here!" Shi Liu put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows.

Wang Ermaizi retreated angrily, muttering, "Hmph, I'll help with the work next time, and I'll definitely get it in exchange." The yard was filled with a lively and joyful atmosphere, and people were full of hope for the future.

Mrs. Sun and her family live at the entrance of the village. When they got up last night to go to the bathroom, they saw Zhou Dazhu returning to the village in the dark.

Mrs. Sun rubbed her sleepy eyes, wondering why Zhou Dazhu came back so sneakily in the middle of the night.

When she came to change the chicks early this morning, Mrs. Sun couldn't help but tell everyone about this.

As she handed the old hen to Xiuying, she described it vividly: "Last night, I got up to pee and saw Zhou Dazhu sneaking into the village. I was scared." As Mrs. Sun spoke, she patted her chest.

When everyone heard this, their eyes widened in surprise and they began to whisper to each other.

"Isn't Zhou Dazhu in jail this week? Why is he back?"

"Did he escape?"

"Escape from prison, I don't think he has the ability to do that."

Everyone was talking and guessing.

Mrs. Sun continued, "I'm wondering too. I don't know why he came back so suddenly." She frowned, her face full of confusion.

Xiuying said, "Xiao Laoliu was not sold by him. He just kidnapped her and lost her. No money was exchanged. I guess the government just gave her a lecture and put her in jail for a few days before releasing her." Xiuying's voice was clear and loud, and her expression was calm.

Everyone had different expressions on their faces after hearing this. Some nodded as if suddenly understanding something, saying, "So that's how it is. That's really a bargain for him."

Some people still frowned and said, "Even if they didn't sell it, kidnapping is still a serious crime."

Xiuying went on to say, "No matter what, since he's back, everyone should keep a close eye on him and don't let him make any more mistakes. Our village won't tolerate these unhealthy tendencies." She looked at everyone with a firm gaze and a serious tone.

Everyone responded: "Xiuying is right, we can't let him make trouble again." For a moment, the atmosphere became serious and solemn.

Just then, a small figure came running in, clutching a skinny, malnourished old hen. It was Zhou Xiaoxiong. His small body looked strained, and beads of sweat covered his forehead.

Zhou Dazhui neither helped with the spring plowing nor the autumn harvest, and Zhou Xiaoxiong only helped pick up the rice that fell in Xiuying's rice fields during the autumn harvest. He had never thought of exchanging for chicks.

But last night his father suddenly came home. Zhou Xiaoxiong's eyes revealed a hint of surprise and uneasiness. Zhou Dazhu, looking exhausted and guilty, looked at his son and his wife on the hospital bed and said to Zhou Xiaoxiong, "Son, let's try to replace the chicks. Dad will work hard in the future and let our family live a good life." But he had other plans in mind.

Zhou Xiaoxiong looked at his father's determined eyes, nodded, and came early in the morning with the family's only old hen. His clothes were a little worn, and the edges of his shoes were worn out. He looked particularly thin and helpless in the crowd.

At the Spring Banquet last night, Zhou Xiaoxiong timidly put his seal on the document. Xiuying saw it all, but she had no intention of embarrassing a child.

One old hen was originally meant to be exchanged for two chicks, but if it was just given to Zhou Xiaoxiong, it would be a bit unfair to the others. Xiuying frowned, thinking to herself.

After thinking for a moment, Xiuying turned to Taohua and said, "Taohua, go pick out a bigger chick for Zhou Xiaoxiong." There was gentleness and determination in Xiuying's eyes.

After hearing this, Taohua immediately responded, "Okay!" Then she quickly walked to the chick basket and carefully selected a chick that looked particularly strong.

Xiuying watched Taohua hand the chicks to Zhou Xiaoxiong, and a relieved smile appeared on her face. She knew that this was hope and encouragement for Zhou Xiaoxiong's family.

Mrs. Sun advised, "Xiao Xiong, go back and ask your father to mend his ways. Look how magnanimous Xiuying is. Last time your father kidnapped Lao Liu, Xiuying didn't even bother with you."

As Mrs. Sun spoke, she took Zhou Xiaoxiong's hand, her eyes full of sincerity.

Zhou Xiaoxiong bit his lip, his eyes showing a hint of determination, and nodded vigorously, "Aunt Sun, I know, I will persuade Dad."

Mrs. Sun patted Zhou Xiaoxiong's shoulder gently and said earnestly, "Good boy, if your father can get on the right path, your family's life will be better too."

The surrounding villagers also echoed

"That's right, Xiaoxiong, you have to persuade your father more." Everyone looked at Zhou Xiaoxiong with sympathy and expectation in their eyes.