New ink fragrance in old times

Lin Xuebo nodded and said seriously, "Dad, Mom, don't worry. I promise I'll go as soon as there's work to do. I won't be lazy."

Seeing Lin Xuebao's sincere attitude, Mr. Lin's expression relaxed. He nodded and said nothing more.

Lin Mo listened to the conversation between several people and thought in his heart: Uncle is gone, and Third Uncle will leave at any time. At least a large amount of soybeans in the family will be confiscated. This is really bad news. We have lost two main laborers at once. When will this life end?

On the second night after Lin Xueqin left, Lin Mo walked home with a brisk pace, with an indescribable joy and relief in his heart.

After working hard in the soybean fields of Songjiapo for days, the fatigue seemed to dissipate with the afterglow of the setting sun, and was replaced by a sense of relief that the task was about to be completed. He couldn't help but want to laugh out loud.

On the way, Lin Mo hummed various cheerful songs in his heart. Everything around him was so pleasing to the eye, and his good mood infected everyone around him.

However, excessive joy leads to sorrow, and fate always seems to like to gently turn its wheel when people are most proud.

Lin Mo had no idea that behind the joy of the impending harvest lay a new challenge. He fully expected that after finishing the soybean harvest at Songjiapo and spending two or three days clearing the back hill, he would finally have a long-awaited break. Little did he know, "beyond the mountains lie even higher mountains."

"Brother, you are finally back!" There was a hint of joy in the voice of old man Li. He had already been standing outside the threshold of the Lin family courtyard, looking at the old man Lin who had just returned with a smile.

Old Master Lin smiled and replied, "Yes, Old Li, it's been a while since we last met. You're still in great shape. It's nice to visit. It makes our home lively."

"Brother, you too, are full of energy." Old man Li continued to greet Grandpa Lin.

Mrs. Lin came out of the kitchen and said to Old Man Li, "Old Li is here. Have you eaten yet?"

"I've eaten." Old man Li said to old lady Lin with a smile.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and then Mrs. Lin went to the kitchen, leaving Mr. Lin and Old Man Li sitting in the yard chatting.

Others went to the backyard to tie up the cows, unload the truck, and put things into the house.

Lin Mo, Lin Sizhe and several other children were resting in the yard.

Lin Mo listened to the conversation between Mr. Lin and Old Man Li, and thought: This farmer's conversation has a unique flavor.

As the two chatted, the topic naturally turned to this year's harvest.

"Brother, your crops are growing well this year. Judging from the weather, the harvest should be good, right?" Old man Li asked tentatively.

Old Master Lin nodded with a smile on his face: "Yes, the weather has been good this year, and the harvest is indeed better than in previous years. However, farming also depends on the weather."

Just when the atmosphere was warm and harmonious, Old Man Li suddenly changed the subject and his expression became serious: "Brother, I came to see you today because I have something to discuss with you. I know this may not be very authentic, but I really have no other choice. Time waits for no one."

Lin Mo pricked up his ears and eavesdropped: Is there any melon?

Hearing this, Mr. Lin's smile gradually faded. He looked at Old Man Li and said, "Oh? Old Li, are you in trouble? Just tell me, we're neighbors, and we'll definitely help each other if we can."

Old man Li explained anxiously, "Brother, I came here this time to borrow your ox to plow the fields."

Old Master Lin frowned slightly, as if recalling something, and then slowly spoke, "This... Old Li, I remember we did have an agreement that your family would use our cattle first during next year's spring plowing. But it's still some time before spring plowing, and you're in such a hurry to use them. Is there any difficulty?"

Old Man Li sighed and explained, "Brother, you know me. I just paid my taxes, and I'm short on cash. My family is anxious to plant wheat. The Cold Dew season is approaching, and if we don't plant now, it will be too late. I really have no other choice, so I was thinking of using your cow in advance."

Lin Mo: Wait, what did I just hear? Why didn’t I hear it clearly?

Old Master Lin frowned slightly, looking troubled. "Old Li, you've come at the wrong time. You know, our family relies on these few acres of land and a few livestock to make a living. Tomorrow is the Cold Dew Festival, and we have to plow our fields in time."

Mr. Lin paused and said, "It's not that I don't agree, but my family has a lot of land. If I lend you all these cows, I won't be able to plow the land."

Seeing the hesitation on Mr. Lin's face, Old Man Li quickly clarified, "Brother, don't misunderstand me. I'm not greedy and want to borrow all your cows. The work on my farm can't wait, so I want to borrow an ox to plow the land first so that I can catch up with the planting in the Cold Dew season."

After hearing this, Mr. Lin pondered in his heart. He knew the difficulties that Old Man Li faced and remembered his previous promise to the Li family. He sighed softly, as if weighing the pros and cons.

After a moment's silence, Mr. Lin slowly spoke: "Old Li, I understand your difficulties, but you are also aware of my family's situation. However, since you said so, I am not unreasonable."

When Old Man Li heard there was a good chance, his eyes lit up. "Don't worry, brother. I'm not the kind of person who takes advantage of others. I promise you, when your family goes to the county to pay taxes, I will lend you my donkey, mule, and cart. No hesitation."

Hearing this, Old Man Lin looked up at Old Man Li, shook his head, and said sternly, "Old Li, what are you talking about? I did say before that I would let your family use my cattle to plow the land during next year's spring plowing. How could I, Lin, go back on my word?"

As he spoke, Mr. Lin stood up, dusted himself off, and appeared remarkably determined. "Come on, let's go to the backyard and pick out some cattle. You can use them first. Neighbors should help each other and overcome difficulties together. Life is not easy, but kindness can always make life easier."

After hearing this, the old man's eyes moistened slightly, and his gratitude overflowed from his words: "Thank you very much, brother. I, Li, will remember your kindness in my heart. If you need me in the future, just ask, I will never refuse."

Lin Mo, watching from the sidelines, felt his heart surging like waves, yet on the surface he maintained a strange calm. He listened to the conversation between Old Man Li and Old Man Lin, every word reaching his ears clearly, yet it felt as if a veil separated them, making it difficult to grasp the truth.

"Wheat...why is there wheat..." Lin Mo repeatedly asked himself in his heart why these two words sounded so strange.

"I must have heard it wrongly." He muttered to himself, trying to convince himself that it was just an illusion.

However, as Old Man Li led the cow farther and farther away, Lin Mo was still immersed in deep self-denial and self-doubt.

"No~, I want to go home."

Chapter 67: The Oldest Son and the Oldest Grandson, the Old Lady’s Lifeline