Chapter 43 - Temporary Stay
Chapter 43: Temporary Stay
Of course, Su Sanlang knew this. He said softly, “Go home, Hu. Leave me here. You’re not well. Go back. You’ve done enough for my family already. You have a wife and daughter waiting for you. Go back.”
He would remember Chen Hu’s kindness for the rest of his life.
He could not implicate Chen Hu’s family. His misfortune was already destined. He could not let Chen Hu’s family suffer because of him.
Chen Hu looked pained. He looked at Su Sanlang with difficulty. “Sanlang, how can I go back?”
The words, the things that might happen, didn’t need to be said. They all knew it in their hearts.
Su Sanlang knew, and so did Chen Hu.
Chen Hu was in pain because he found it difficult to accept that this would be their last farewell.
Su Sanlang, on the other hand, smiled. “Brother Hu, life isn’t easy. I’m lucky to have a brother like you, and I have no regrets. I know you have feelings, but you also have a wife and daughter. It’s the best you can do. Don’t think about anything else. Go. It wasn’t easy for me to get my life back. I won’t fall like this. I’ll write to you after I’ve settled your sister-in-law and nephews.”
With a brother like Chen Hu, Su Sanlang was already very satisfied.
Even if the road ahead was difficult, he had to face it.
Even if he had to die, he had to fight. Even if it wasn’t for himself, he had to fight for his children’s survival. He couldn’t choose to end things without doing anything. He couldn’t be so cowardly.
Su Sanlang’s eyes showed determination. He pulled himself together.
Chen Hu sighed and said, “Alright, I’ll wait for your letter.”
After saying that, Chen Hu turned around and stroked the three children’s hair. “Good children. Be good and listen to your parents. Uncle will go back first.”
Madam Zhao thanked him softly. “Brother Hu, thank you.”
Chen Hu said nothing and strode away.
“Ahem, there’s still some money left after paying for the medicine. It’s not suitable for you to move for the time being. It’s best if you stay in bed and recuperate for a few days. If you really have nowhere to go, stay here temporarily.”
Old Wu coughed lightly and left with the medical kit.
Madam Zhao’s eyes lit up. She couldn’t help but smile and say to Su Sanlang, “Sanlang, let’s recuperate first.”
Su Sanlang had not expected to be able to stay with Old Wu.
Although there was money, money could not buy friendship.
Them living here as a family was definitely an intrusion. Old Wu had been living alone since he’d arrived in the village. He didn’t even have plans to get married, which proved he didn’t like crowds.
It was really a great favor for him to let their family stay temporarily.
Su Sanlang silently noted down his gratitude. If there was a chance in the future, he would come back to repay the favor.
“Darling, I’m incompetent. It’s been hard on you.”
Su Sanlang looked at Madam Zhao’s swollen eyes and felt guilty and sorry for her. Looking at the worried eyes of his children, his heart ached for a moment. Blood surged in his throat and he swallowed it silently.
Madam Zhao shook her head and said softly, “Sanlang, I’m not tired. As long as you’re alive, I’m not afraid of anything.”
With that, Madam Zhao stood up and said, “Father, rest well. I’ll get some medicine for you.”
As Madam Zhao spoke, she turned to Su Chong and Su Hua and said, “Chong, Hua, come with me and see if Doctor Wu needs any help. Sanmei, stay here and take care of your father and Simei.”
Su Sanmei nodded obediently and sat quietly by the bed.
Su Xiaolu was put on the bed. She was neither asleep nor crying.
After Madam Zhao and her two sons went out, Su Sanlang sighed. He looked at Su Sanmei and met her worried eyes. Seeing the fear in her eyes, Su Sanlang smiled and said, “Sanmei, don’t be afraid. Daddy will get better.”
Su Sanmei nodded gently, indicating that she believed him.
Su Sanmei obediently took care of Su Xiaolu. Although she did not get to drink any milk, Su Xiaolu did not cry. Su Sanmei’s eyes were filled with heartache. Her fourth sister was so obedient.
Madam Zhao brought her two sons to look for Old Wu. Seeing that there was firewood in Old Wu’s courtyard, she asked Su Chong and Su Hua to chop the firewood and sweep the courtyard.
Old Wu did not say anything. He took out the medicine and handed it to Madam Zhao before saying, “The silver is enough for your family to stay and recuperate here. Make yourselves at home. Use whatever you want in the kitchen. I don’t have many rules. When you cook, make my portion too. You don’t have to save the meat here.”
With that, Old Wu walked to the basket, picked it up, and carried it out the door.
Madam Zhao took the medicine bag and thanked him repeatedly. “Thank you, thank you.”
Old Wu ignored him. Women were troublesome.
Madam Zhao went to the kitchen. The kitchen was not clean, and there were still dishes in the pot that had not been washed for a long time.
Madam Zhao smiled and washed them with water.
Above the stove were about ten cubes of cured meat, weighing a hundred or two catties.
From the looks of it, they hadn’t been smoked for long yet.
Madam Zhao knew that Old Wu probably liked to eat meat. The rice bucket was also filled with white rice.
Madam Zhao was a little worried. Since she couldn’t find corn anywhere, she wondered if she should just cook the rice only.
She put these questions aside for the moment. She cleaned up the kitchen and started brewing medicine for Su Sanlang.
Su Chong and Su Hua obediently chopped the firewood and swept the courtyard clean.
Once they were done, they went to the kitchen to help.
Madam Zhao had brewed the medicine for Su Sanlang and brought it to him.
Only then did she have time to feed Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu didn’t eat and started crying. “Boohoo…”
She was suffocating. She needed to pee and poop.
However, now that they had no diapers, she couldn’t poop. She had to let Madam Zhao know that.
There was nothing she could do for this family except make herself easier to take care of and not cause more trouble.
Su Xiaolu refused to eat. After crying for a while, Madam Zhao understood.
After taking Su Xiaolu to the toilet, Su Xiaolu focused on eating and slept soundly.
Su Sanlang drank the medicine and felt a little better. The family gathered around.
Madam Zhao said, “Sanlang, you should rest. It’s getting late. Doctor Wu isn’t back yet. I’ll go cook and wait for him.”
Su Sanlang nodded.
Madam Zhao brought Su Chong and Su Hua to the kitchen. She didn’t know Old Wu’s preferences, so she simply cooked as per usual. She went to the backyard to pick vegetables and washed a piece of cured meat.
Sge stir-fried the meat, then cooked the vegetables and rice.
It was already dark when Old Wu returned. He put down the basket on his back.
Madam Zhao hurriedly went to the kitchen to bring the food to the main room.
After Old Wu washed his hands and entered the house, Madam Zhao had already left. She was so careful that Old Wu frowned and didn’t say anything.
Looking at the full meal and a bowl of meat, Old Wu ate a few mouthfuls and seemed to realize something. He got up and went out to the side room. The family had not eaten. After Old Wu came in, Madam Zhao stood up, looking nervous and worried.