New ink fragrance in old times

On the way home, Lin Mo couldn't help but ask Lin Wenhong:

"Grandpa, when you rejected Manager Zhu just now, why did you say that the corn and beans were still on the shelves? Isn't that telling him that we actually still have food?"

Hearing this, Lin Wenhong smiled kindly and explained, "Sanlang, you ask a good question. I'm actually telling Manager Zhu that we don't have enough food left over, and we still have a lot of work to do. This way, he won't force us to sell the rice. At the same time, it will also help him understand the hard work and difficulties our family faces."

After hearing this, Lin Mo nodded in sudden realization.

I see, that's really clever! I've learned that when I reject someone from now on, I should talk more about my own difficulties.

Mrs. Lin, who was standing by, smiled and said, "Sanlang has become a completely different person these past two days. He's so lively that it makes people happy just by looking at him."

Lin Wenhong nodded and agreed, "Yes, Sanlang has been much more cheerful these days."

Old Mrs. Lin breathed a sigh of relief: "Sanlang has been listless for the past two months. I was a little worried. Seeing Sanlang like this, I feel relieved."

Lin Siyuan happily took over the conversation: "That's right, Sanlang has been much more studious recently. He has been asking us a lot of questions these days."

After Lin Siyuan finished speaking, he asked Lin Sixuan beside him: "Don't you agree, big brother?"

Lin Sixuan glanced at Lin Mo gently and nodded: "Indeed."

"Our Sanlang is really smart. His brain works faster than anyone else's."

As Old Lady Lin spoke, she gently stroked Lin Mo's head with her wrinkled hands, her eyes full of love. "In two years, when you're older, I'll send you to school myself. You must study hard and pass the imperial examinations. You'll bring honor to our family and allow me to hold my head high in the village."

Other members of the Lin family also echoed the sentiment, and the voices of praise were endless.

Lin Siyuan was the one who laughed the most. He patted Lin Mo on the shoulder and joked, "Hey, Sanlang, it seems you are going to surpass me, your second brother! But it doesn't matter. I am happy to see it happen. When you pass the exam and become the top scorer, don't forget me, your brother!"

As Lin Mo listened to the Lin family's words, he felt an indescribable joy and satisfaction. He had never imagined that his performance over the past two days would attract so much attention.

But then, an inexplicable panic crept into my heart.

He secretly glanced at the Lin family a few times, muttering to himself, "I've been acting a little strange these past two days. I've been asking too many questions, which is very different from my usual self. Will the Lin family find it strange? Have they started to suspect me?"

Just when Lin Mo was feeling uneasy, Old Lady Lin noticed his little action.

She laughed and joked, "Is our Sanlang shy? Look at his blushing face, like a ripe apple."

This sentence caused everyone to laugh again, and the atmosphere became more relaxed and cheerful.

Lin Mo's face flushed even more after hearing what Old Lady Lin said, as if there was a real fire burning on his cheeks. He lowered his head shyly, rubbing the corners of his clothes unconsciously with his hands, feeling a little embarrassed for his sudden reaction.

Everyone burst into laughter again at Lin Mo's appearance.

"Haha, it's really rare to see Sanlang being shy!" Lin Xuejin couldn't help laughing when he saw this. There was a bit of pampering and teasing in his words, but there was no intention to make Lin Mo feel embarrassed.

Lin Siyuan laughed so hard that he fell backwards. He was a cheerful person by nature, and seeing Lin Mo's expression, he couldn't help but make fun of him: "Haha, Sanlang, are you embarrassed by the compliments?"

Lin Sixuan's deep gaze fell on Lin Mo, as if penetrating the superficial changes and exploring the deeper reasons.

When Lin Mo mustered up the courage to look up, his eyes met Lin Sixuan's. Lin Sixuan raised the corner of his mouth slightly, sketching a gentle smile, and nodded at Lin Mo.

The moment the rent was paid, the Lin family resolved a major problem.

In the Lin family's courtyard, a rare tranquility and leisure quietly descended.

However, for hardworking farmers, real rest is always short, because there is always endless work waiting for them. But even so, this short break is enough to make everyone feel a little satisfied and comfortable.

Mrs. Lin patted her chest lightly, breathed a sigh of relief, and said with a smile, "Finally, a big thing has been resolved. We can have a peaceful New Year this year."

Old Mrs. Lin swept her eyes over everyone in the Lin family yard and began her "division of labor meeting."

"Second and third sons, you two are strong, so go and pound the rice. Once we process this year's new grain, we won't have to worry about the New Year." Old Mrs. Lin's words were full of trust in her sons.

"Okay, Mom, don't worry!" Lin Xuejin and Lin Xuebao responded, and they walked tacitly to the large stone mortar in the corner of the yard, picked up the heavy wooden pestle, and started their work.

They walked to the large stone mortar in the backyard in tacit understanding, picked up the heavy wooden pestle, and began pounding rice for the afternoon.

The wooden pestle hit the rice in the stone mortar forcefully, making a "dong dong" sound, which seemed particularly rhythmic in the quiet afternoon.

"Second brother, look how full the rice is. This year's harvest is good!" Lin Xuebao looked up at Lin Xuejin while pounding rice, his eyes flashing with joy for the harvest.

"Yes." Lin Xuejin wiped the sweat from his forehead, his smile full of satisfaction, "We must continue to work hard to make our lives better and better."

Seeing this, the two little girls Xing'er and Hua'er hurriedly followed. Although they were not very strong, they were extremely serious in doing their work.

Xing'er picked up a small winnowing basket and carefully picked out the impurities from the rice; Hua'er took a bamboo broom and swept the debris around the stone mortar from time to time. The two of them sang in unison, adding a bit of fun to the busy scene.

"Hua'er, be careful and don't be blinded by the rice husks." Xing'er reminded her while working, her eyes full of love for her sister.

"I know, Sister Xing'er." Hua'er responded sweetly, her smile as bright as a flower.

The three daughters-in-law of the Lin family were busy in another corner of the yard. They spread the grain that had been carried to the drying yard on bamboo mats and turned it over carefully with rakes to ensure that every grain of grain could be bathed in the warm sunshine.

While working, they chatted about family matters, and occasional bursts of laughter added a bit of warmth to the busy scene.

"Second sister-in-law, you are becoming more and more skilled. The grains you dry out will definitely dry quickly." Mrs. Lu praised without stopping the work in her hands.

"No, no, my third sister-in-law is the best. Not only does she tan quickly, she also knows how to prevent insects." Han responded modestly. The atmosphere between the three of them was harmonious and friendly.

Chapter 89 Building a House