Cheng Xiaoxiao looked at the two families caring for each other and thought how fortunate she was to be reborn into this big family!
Suddenly, she felt like thanking 77, "Thank you, 77. If it weren't for you, I might not have met such a great family."
Should it take advantage of the host's good mood to report to her now?
"Uh, host, there might be some bad news I need to tell you." The system didn't expect that man called Yanlan to be so heartless. Ah! A man's heart is bottomless like a needle at the bottom of the sea.
Cheng Xiaoxiao said frustratedly, "Can't you let me have a good mood for once, huh? I haven't even settled the previous accounts with you." What should she do if she doesn't want this system anymore? Can she return it?
Feeling the host's dissatisfaction, the system trembled, and it didn't dare to mention that matter even more...
"What is it? Hurry up and tell me..." Cheng Xiaoxiao was a bit impatient.
"What? The man I saved didn't give back any Gratitude Points? Damn! Ungrateful wretch." Cheng Xiaoxiao was furious.
"Yes, host, the Energy Value from saving a life is collected as long as the person is saved, but the Gratitude Points require genuine gratitude from the saved person to be returned to the host."
The system was also indignant; it seemed easygoing but was actually a black-hearted scoundrel, a jerk!
Cheng Xiaoxiao wanted to question that ungrateful wretch immediately, but just as she stepped out of the room, Erya blocked her, "Sis, where are you going?"
Seeing Erya's wary face, she felt helpless; the past few days must have scared the little girl.
"Sis, nowhere, just going to the toilet... uh, just want to go to the outhouse." Sigh! It seems going out is difficult now.
"77, I really want to give that Mr. Yan a good beating, what should I do?" Cheng Xiaoxiao said unwillingly, while clenching her fists.
Such a bastard; ungrateful wretch; beast in human clothing. Listening to the host mutter continuously. The system truthfully said: "Host, do you know how to fight? Besides, the other party is an expert."
"I think not!" She was just running her mouth; after all, that person was from an Aristocratic Family, with the noblest status, and for ordinary folks like them, even talking to him is reaching high, let alone expecting sincere gratitude.
But... she was not from ancient times and didn't have such strong class concepts, so she chose to ignore it!
Next time she encounters such a situation, she must think carefully to avoid wasted efforts.
"77, can I choose whether to execute the tasks given by the system? What if the person to be saved is utterly evil?"
"Um, well! The main system will judge, we don't need to worry, rest assured, task takers, whether good or bad, have redeeming qualities, that's why the system chooses them."
"Alright then!" It seems she has no choice.
However, thinking of that nasty man Yanlan, she was still fuming, so she went to Brother Jia to get the IOU written.
Oh right, speaking of writing, she forgot an important thing: she's still illiterate.
My goodness! She still has to relearn the language and culture here, better get a grasp of the history too, just thinking about it gives her a headache.
Better handle the important things first! That has to be done step by step, she found Brother Jia, made up a casual lie, and got the IOU.
In the evening, they kept the eldest uncle's family for dinner, split into two tables, the men had a table in the main room, and the women had a table made by joining boards in the right ear room.
Looking at the full bowl of chicken soup and meat only in front of her, the little ones could only salivate silently. Their bowls contained thin porridge made from wild vegetables and a bit of millet, along with a coarse grain bun each, and a big bowl of mixed radish shreds as the only dish.
Seeing this made her feel uneasy, no wonder the whole family looked pale and thin. Eating like this every day, let alone whether the kids would get the nutrition they need, would the adults even have the strength to work?
Yesterday's meals were special for Erya, so she didn't feel it as deeply; now how can she feel comfortable eating alone?
She served a big bowl of meat soup for Brother Ran on the sickbed, one for her pregnant cousin and his wife as well, and distributed the rest to everyone from youngest to oldest, emptying the pot of chicken soup.
The crowd was puzzled and wanted to speak...
Cheng Xiaoxiao raised a hand to signal everyone not to argue, she had something to say.
On the way downhill, she had already thought about it; she couldn't mimic the life of an ancient farm girl all her life! For long-term planning, she needed to change gradually, subtly adapt the people here to the "new" her. Only then could she return to her original self and live freely in this world.
"Everyone, let's eat first, we can talk after the meal." As a result, everyone finished eating quickly, eager to hear what would follow.
Cheng Xiaoxiao didn't keep them in suspense, "I know it's hard for everyone to understand, but since I've been to the gates of hell and back, I've realized a lot of things; even if we scrimp and save, life will still be like this, and we might die from unexpected accidents without anything left."
She said, her eyes turning red. Wasn't this exactly how the original host ended? "Is this what everyone wishes to see?"
They were all silent, feeling ashamed thinking of Daya's misfortune.
But these are two different matters; everyone understands the reasoning, the problem is, isn't this how every family in the village lives?
Cheng Xiaoxiao paused and continued, "Therefore, we have to change our fixed mindset; money is earned, not saved. We rely on the mountain for survival, why can't we rely on the mountain to make money?"
"Rely on the mountain to make money." Cheng Hao murmured, "But how do we make money using the mountain?" They were all pondering...
Cheng Yong suddenly stood up, "No way, I don't agree." How could he let Daya take risks in the mountains?
"The mountains are so dangerous; even your Uncle Beiniu can't safely return from Mang Mountain." Mr. Cheng said angrily, fearing his daughter staying a night in Mang Mountain all over again.
"Dad, who said I was going hunting? Do I look like a hunter?"
That's right, his daughter's slender arms and legs wouldn't even withstand a wild beast's swipe. Knowing his daughter wasn't going on an adventure, this daughter-loving father sat back, his tone much gentler, "Then daughter, what are you trying to say?"
"Yeah, Daya, what's your plan, if you need to, just speak up, the eldest uncle's family is here to help." Finding a way to make money, no one could sit still, all eyes were eagerly on her.
She recalled Erya telling her that last year, their grandmother was seriously ill and stayed at the Baishan Pharmacy in the town for half a month, mostly taken care of by the original host, who also helped with odd jobs at the pharmacy. As for exactly what she did, the family didn't ask in detail. Now she had to use this matter as a cover.
"Do you remember Baishan Pharmacy?"
"Is that the pharmacy where Grandma was hospitalized last year?" Brother Jia quickly replied.
"Yes, our Brother Jia has a great memory," Cheng Xiaoxiao praised, patting her little brother's head, and continued, "During my free time, I helped them with odd jobs. When they were too busy, I also helped organize medicinal herbs.