Traveling Through Farmhouses: Taking the Baby on a Famine Escape

Zhou Dashan thought it best to share the meat with everyone, and save the sweet potatoes. He instructed his two sons to kill the chicken and rabbit, then walked into the crowd and announced loudly, "Fellow villagers, tonight Da Bao's mother is treating you to meat. When the meat is cooked, each family should send one person with a bowl to serve it."

Upon hearing that they could eat meat, the villagers became excited and expressed their gratitude to Zhang Xixi. Those who had previously harbored some resentment towards her also put the matter aside!

After all, you're obligated to do what others do!

After Zhou Dashan finished speaking, he came over and went with Zhang Dacheng to set up the stove, and even brought out his own big iron pot.

Zhang Xixi felt a little embarrassed about only eating meat, so she asked, "Big brother, what about the sweet potatoes?"

"Sister-in-law, keep the sweet potatoes for yourselves. After all, food is scarce right now, and being able to eat meat is already a blessing!"

"All right!"

There wasn't much meat, but when she got back she saw some wild yam vines, so she dug them up and stewed them with the meat. Zhang Xixi greeted her mother and then took her two nephews to dig for yams.

Before sunset, Zhang Wenbo and Zhang Wenhong's teams returned, both looking worried because they hadn't found Zhang Xixi.

When Zhang Xixi saw them, she quickly ran over to greet them, "Big brother, second brother, you're back!"

Then he looked at the men behind them and said, "My dear nephews, I'm so sorry to have made you go out to look for me. Thank you for your trouble!"

"Third Aunt, it's good to see you back. Don't wander off next time!"

"Auntie, it's so good to see you back!"

"Yes! It's good that Auntie is back. There's no need to talk about how hard it was."

These rural men were all quite honest and simple, but Zhang Xixi felt even more embarrassed! Zhang Wenbo and Zhang Wenhong also thanked them, saying, "Thank you all, we've really troubled you all today!"

When Zhou Dashan saw that the people had returned, he was relieved and quickly greeted them, "We're all family, no need for formalities. Your aunt is treating us to meat tonight, it's already stewed, go back and have someone from your family come and get the meat."

Upon hearing that there was meat to eat, everyone's eyes lit up. No wonder they could smell the aroma of meat from afar. They hurried back to their own camp.

Zhang Wenbo and Zhang Wenhong, however, did not move. They looked at Zhang Xixi seriously, preparing to give her a good talking-to.

The two older brothers looked so serious that it was intimidating. Zhang Xixi couldn't help but lower her head under their gazes. "Big brother, second brother, I really know I was wrong. I promise I won't run around like that anymore."

Seeing her sincere apology, Zhang Wenbo and Zhang Wenhong's expressions softened a bit. "Little sister, you're a mother now, you should be more sensible. What would happen to your two nephews if something happened to you?"

Zhang Xixi knew her older brother was right, and she was touched by her family's concern. But she... sigh! It seems she needs to find a time to reveal her abilities, lest her family still see her as a weak parasitic plant.

"I'm sorry to have worried everyone!"

"Alright, big brother, little sister already knows she was wrong. Let's go eat first!" Zhang Wenhong couldn't bear to see his little sister looking so pitiful.

"Yes, big brother, second brother, let's go eat first, there's meat today!"

Everyone enjoyed the meal. After cleaning up, everyone gathered together to chat. The children were laughing and playing nearby. It had been a long time since we had felt so relaxed.

Meanwhile, at the Zhang family's side, Zhang Xixi helped her mother sit under a tree, preparing to present the treasure. She took out the shoes from the basket on her back and handed them to Chen Shi, saying, "Mother, when I was packing, I actually found a few pairs of cloth shoes under my mother-in-law's bed. Take a look and take them back for Dad and the others to wear."

Chen glanced at the shoes in her hand. The workmanship was so-so, and the cloth was just ordinary. She didn't suspect anything. "Girls, you can keep them for yourselves!"

"Mother, I can't wear all these clothes. I can make them when we get there."

Chen thought about it and agreed. She could make more for her daughter and the others later. The main problem was that the family's shoes were worn out and walking on mountain roads would wear them out quickly. So she didn't stand on ceremony with Zhang Xixi. "Daughter, keep two pairs for yourself and give me the rest."

"Mother, no need, these are all for you. My uncle and I already have our own."

“Look, these shoes are of very good quality, and they don’t tire your feet at all. You should wear them tomorrow, they’re really comfortable,” Zhang Xixi said, showing off her feet.

"it is good!"

Looking at the large cat beneath her two grandsons in the distance, Mrs. Chen thought, "That cat is huge! It really won't eat people. My daughter is so brave!" "Daughter, that big cat is still too dangerous!"

"Mother, don't worry. Your daughter had a wonderful encounter on this trip. The white tiger listens to me and won't hurt anyone."

"What an amazing encounter!"

Zhang Xixi whispered in Chen's ear, "I met an immortal in a cave. He asked me to help him find some rare treasures, and then he would pay me as a reward."

Mrs. Chen suspected that her daughter was either delirious from the fever or had been deceived. What kind of immortals could there be in these mountains? She touched Zhang Xixi's forehead; it wasn't hot!

Zhang Xixi saw her suspicion and felt guilty, but she had to tell this lie! She placed the basket in front of Chen Shi and said, "Mother, look, everything in here is my reward for today, and the white tiger, no, that big cat, was a gift from him to me in case I encountered danger while searching for rare treasures."

"This is a sturdy and durable cloth, this is sugar, and this is milk powder, which turns into something like milk when you add boiling water," Zhang Xixi introduced them one by one.

Mrs. Chen was shocked when she saw the colorful fruit candies and the white milk powder! Could it be that her daughter had really met a fairy?

Zhang Xixi took a piece of candy, peeled off the outer oil paper, and fed it to Chen Shi. "Mom, isn't it sweet! The sweet potatoes I brought back today were also his reward!"

It had been a long time since she had eaten such sweet candy. After a moment of silence, Chen asked, "Daughter, didn't that immortal say why he chose you? He wouldn't be after anything from you, would he?"

I'm pretty resilient, I figured it out in no time!

"Oh, Mom, don't worry! It's just an equal exchange. He probably thinks your daughter is lucky to have chosen me, and besides, I'm penniless right now, what would he want from me!"

Chen thought it made sense, but since that person must be exceptionally capable, why didn't he find the rare treasures himself?

“Daughter, if this matter will hurt you, then don’t go looking for it. Your parents can still support you.”

"Don't worry, Mom, your daughter isn't stupid."

Madam Chen patted Zhang Xixi's head and instructed, "Don't tell anyone about this for now, not even your father or your brother!"

Zhang Xixi nodded in agreement. "I definitely won't tell anyone else. I only let you know so that you can help cover for me."

"Mom, could you please make a few pairs of shoes for Da Bao and Er Bao, and also a pair for Yu Han and Er Sao?"

"Didn't your second sister-in-law do a good job?"

"Oh dear! Mother, my second sister-in-law doesn't need to walk anymore, and all your shoes are worn out. Just make her new ones!"

Zhang Xixi urged again, "Mom, you must make sure Dad and the others wear these shoes. There are many benefits to them, you must!"

"Okay, Mother understands!"