Early the next morning, Fu Yunrou picked a few heads of lettuce from the field, grabbed a winter melon, and went to the pork stall to buy a catty of pork ribs. She also brought along the twenty free-range eggs she had bought from Aunt Mei's house the night before. With the baby strapped to her back, she rode her donkey to work.
Having memorized the way, she no longer needed Aunt Mei to accompany her. Today, she rode a little faster and reached her destination in about twenty minutes.
Her donkey cart stopped in front of the iron gate. Fu Yunrou took out her keys and examined the keyhole. After a quick look, she selected the key that seemed to fit best and unlocked the gate. Sure enough, the door opened smoothly. She pushed the donkey cart inside.
She had arrived quite early—it was only seven o'clock. Knowing the temperature would rise as the day progressed, she had woken up early to avoid the midday heat.
After parking the cart, she made two trips to place the vegetables in the kitchen refrigerator.
When she walked back into the living room, her attention was immediately drawn to an addition: a small wooden baby bed.
The rectangular bed was about 1.5 meters long and 70 to 80 centimeters wide, with a thick layer of soft cushions, small pillows, and quilts. It was clean and looked well-maintained, though slightly old. Railings surrounded the bed, high enough that even a one-year-old wouldn't be able to climb out. The bed was equipped with rollers on its four legs, making it easy to move around.
This bed hadn't been here yesterday—was it brought in specifically for the baby?
Fu Yunrou couldn't help but wonder. She remembered Uncle Guo's indifferent attitude towards them the day before, how he had barely acknowledged their presence. But now, it seemed he cared more than he let on.
Just then, Uncle Guo walked out from the flowerbed. His black boots were muddy, indicating he had been up early watering the plants. He rinsed off his boots at the tap and then stepped inside the living room. Seeing Fu Yunrou staring at the baby bed, he looked uncomfortable but maintained a stern face.
"There were things lying around the house gathering dust. If you need them, use them. If not, throw them away," he said gruffly.
"Thank you, Uncle Guo!" Fu Yunrou turned and flashed a big smile. "This is perfect. Wen Wen and I both love it!"
She remembered Aunt Mei mentioning that Uncle Guo didn't have children of his own. He must have asked someone to find this bed for her baby, and even took the time to add clean cushions. Fu Yunrou felt touched by the unexpected kindness. Ever since arriving here, she had encountered so much warmth.
All the hardships the original owner of this body had faced now felt like a distant memory, as though they belonged to a past life.
Uncle Guo, still keeping up his stern demeanor, walked over to a door on the right side of the living room. He opened it and said, "You can arrange this room however you like from now on."
Curious, Fu Yunrou walked over to take a look.
The room was small, furnished with only a simple 1.8-meter-long bed, a small wardrobe, and a tiny table. A mat covered the bed, and curtains hung over the glass window. Apart from the baby's belongings that she had left in there the previous day, the room was empty but clean.
Fu Yunrou beamed with joy. Uncle Guo, despite seeming gruff, was considerate and soft-hearted. He had gone out of his way to make her stay with the baby more convenient.
"Thank you, Uncle Guo!" she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Uncle Guo, looking slightly uncomfortable, glanced at the baby on her back before turning and leaving the room.
Once alone, Fu Yunrou placed the baby on the bed and said with a laugh, "I thought Uncle Guo was hard to get along with, but he's actually really nice!"
She couldn't help but think it was thanks to the baby. After all, her baby was the cutest in the world—who wouldn't like him?
Still smiling, she placed the baby on the new wooden bed and began organizing the baby's belongings.
Chi Wen stretched his tiny limbs, equally surprised. Yesterday, based on Uncle Guo's demeanor, he thought the old man disliked him. But now, seeing all the effort Uncle Guo had put in for their comfort, he realized the old man had silently done a lot for them.
Seeing his mother in such a good mood, humming to herself as she worked, Chi Wen felt pleased. He was especially happy to no longer have to stay in the pram all the time.
The small room was clearly meant for them to rest in during the day. The wardrobe was empty but clean and without any signs of wear. Fu Yunrou quickly folded the baby's clothes and placed them inside. The bottles and creams went on the table, and diapers were stashed in the drawer.
There weren't many items, so it didn't take long for her to finish. The room now felt less bare.
When she turned around, she saw the baby lying contentedly on the bed, playing by himself. He seemed happy. After thinking for a moment, she moved him to the small wooden bed in the living room.
The bed's board was hard, with only a mat on top. She didn't want the baby lying there too long, fearing it would be uncomfortable. But with this new bed, it would be much easier for her to keep an eye on him without worrying about him falling out of the pram.
Even though the baby wasn't crawling or walking yet, leaving him unattended in the pram didn't feel safe. Now, she felt reassured.
Sometimes, the baby would take naps. Even though he would wake up quickly when she wasn't beside him, she could still use that time to get some work done.
At this moment, though, the baby was still full of energy. Fu Yunrou didn't leave his side just yet. Instead, she grabbed a broom and began sweeping the floor.
The bungalow was quite spacious. On the left side of the living room was the kitchen, and next to it was another room—likely Uncle Guo's. On the right side, there were two rooms: the one she was using and a second room filled with various supplies like shovels, hoes, and fertilizers.
She had three keys: one for the front gate, one for her room, and another for the main door of the house.
Outside the kitchen, two small rooms housed the bathroom and toilet. There was also an iron staircase leading up to the roof.
Fu Yunrou climbed the stairs and found potted plants spread across the rooftop. Some pots were empty, while others contained green seedlings or blooming flowers.
Back downstairs, she noticed how calm the baby had become. She didn't need to hold him all day, and he wasn't making a fuss. However, every time she tried sneaking out to study the orchids, the baby would soon call her back.
It wasn't yet noon when Uncle Guo suddenly appeared from the flower shed.
Fu Yunrou, surprised to see him so early, quickly said, "Uncle Guo, I haven't finished cooking yet."
She had planned to call him once lunch was nearly ready, but her pork ribs soup still wasn't done.
Uncle Guo's face remained impassive, and she couldn't tell whether he was upset. Nervous, she added, "Uncle Guo, can you watch Wen Wen for a bit while I finish cooking?"
Without waiting for a reply, Fu Yunrou rushed to the kitchen.
Lying in his small bed, Chi Wen stared at Uncle Guo with wide eyes. Remembering the small bed and room the old man had prepared for them, he smiled sweetly.
"Yiya!" Chi Wen called out cheerfully, expressing his gratitude. He was someone who knew how to repay kindness.
Standing stiffly by the baby bed, Uncle Guo remained silent, his face as unreadable as ever.
Chi Wen couldn't be sure whether the old man liked him or not. With his stern expression, most children would probably burst into tears. But Chi Wen wasn't afraid. He waved his chubby arms and legs, signaling that he didn't mind being held!
In the kitchen, Fu Yunrou saw that the pork ribs soup was almost ready. She quickly stir-fried some lettuce and set the table. When she returned to the living room, she found her baby excitedly waving his arms on the bed, while Uncle Guo stood by, looking awkward.
She couldn't help but laugh as she picked up the baby. "Wen Wen really likes Uncle Guo," she said, gently waving his little hand. "Isn't that right, Wen Wen?"
"Ah, ah," the baby responded, as if agreeing.
Smiling, Fu Yunrou said, "Uncle Guo, lunch is ready."
Uncle Guo said nothing, merely snorting lightly before heading to the table.
Fu Yunrou placed the baby in his stroller and wheeled him over to the dining area.
Uncle Guo remained silent as they ate, though he didn't seem displeased with the pork ribs soup. When the meal was over, he handed Fu Yunrou 1,000 yuan in cash, stating it was for the month's food expenses. With a gruff tone, he added, "Lunch is included. I can afford it."
Fu Yunrou accepted the money with a smile. After a moment, she thought for a while and asked, "Uncle Guo, can I come later tomorrow?"
Fu Yun Ruo was a little embarrassed to "postpone" work after only two days of work. In fact, Uncle Guo did not specify the working hours. She did not think it was a big deal if she came early, but she had to tell him if she came late.
"I want to go to town tomorrow to buy something."
Uncle Guo said lightly, "Up to you."
Fu Yun Ruo knew that he had agreed and left happily.
Fu Yunruo went to town first and bought a small donkey.
Two thousand yuan was a lot of money to her now. She felt a little pained to spend it, but it was necessary. She could not always use Aunt Mei's money.
Then, she went to the grocery store to buy a set of mattresses, quilts, and other bedding. She went to the street to buy some fruits, some seasonings, and half a kilogram of lean meat.
The prices in town were relatively low. 1,000 yuan was enough for lunch. Fu Yunruo decided that if she was free in the afternoon, she would also cook dinner.
There were vegetables in the flowerbed. Her old house also had melons and vegetables. She mainly bought seasonings, meat dishes, and fruits that were not available in the flowerbed.
It was good for the elderly to eat more fruits.
Fu Yunruo was like a little hamster. She moved a little today and moved a little tomorrow. Soon, the small room was decorated warmly and comfortably. The kitchen was also full of things, and the refrigerator was full.
Wen Wen Baby's territory in the living room had also increased.
Other than the small moving bed, there was also a corner in the living room. It was covered with a floor mat and many toys for the baby to play with.
Of course, this was not made by Fu Yunruo. The baby's things were all bought by Uncle Guo.
Fu Yunruo could tell that Uncle Guo liked Wen Wen very much. The way he expressed his love was to give her some small toys from time to time. Fu Yunruo wanted to say a few words, but he still insisted on doing it.
After half a month, Fu Yunruo, her son, and Uncle Guo got along well with each other, and their days became more regular.
Every day, they would arrive before 7: 30 am. Wen Wen Baby would stay on the small bed or the floor mat. He would eat at 12: 00 am sharp.
Uncle Guo would usually be back before 12: 00 am. When Fu Yunruo was cooking, he would stay in the living room to look after the baby. Although he would still watch from the side and rarely carry the child, the baby would become familiar with Uncle Guo and would not make trouble.
At 6: 00 am, Fu Yunruo would bring the child back to the old house and occasionally chat with the neighbors.
At the same time, her knowledge of orchids slowly increased.
Uncle Guo saw that she often observed the flower seedlings, but he did not say anything. It was as if he had completely forgotten that he had once said that she was not allowed to touch the flowers without his permission.
Fu Yunruo "took an inch and wanted a mile" and slowly studied it.
On this day, she fiddled with an orchid plant and felt that this orchid plant was "sick".
After thinking for a while, she carried the potted plant and asked Uncle Guo.
"Uncle Guo, this orchid plant feels strange. Could there be a problem?"
Uncle Guo was a few meters away from her. He looked at the potted plant that Fu Yunruo carried over. He took it and observed it for a moment before returning it to Fu Yun Ruo.
"What's the problem?"
Eh? There was no problem? Then her judgment was wrong.
Fu Yunruo blushed. "It's good that there's no problem."
Old Man Guo glanced at her. "What do you think is the problem?"
Fu Yunruo blushed and said, "I just felt that the color of the leaves changed, so I thought there was a problem …"
Recently, she had been observing these potted plants often. It was not her first day studying this potted plant, but she felt that it had changed a little. It was indeed an illusion.
If Fu Yunruo showed off in front of Master Guan, she would be so ashamed that she could not wait to hide in a crack and run away.
"What's the problem?" Uncle Guo's tone was unreadable.
Fu Yunruo braced herself and said, "Maybe the root system is a little damaged …"
She crammed her knowledge every night and specially studied the signs and symptoms of the disease of orchids. If the leaves at the root suddenly turned dark brown, it should be a sign that there was a problem at the root.
"Okay, you can go and deal with it."
After Uncle Guo finished speaking, he turned and walked towards the flower shed, leaving Fu Yunrou holding the potted plant in a daze.
Ah? What did this mean?
Fu Yunruo was stunned for a long time before she reacted.
Did Uncle Guo mean that her judgment was not wrong? Let her deal with it? But she did not know how to!