Upon hearing his words, everyoneâs lips twitched. They then discussed for a while longer in the room about everything that had happened since Xiaosuisui arrived at the Ji Family, and everyoneâs expression was grave.
"So Suisui has good fortune, but is this good fortune a good thing or a bad thing? Have you ever thought about that?" Ji Youranâs half-closed eyes finally opened fully. "Since you all think itâs too coincidental that the Li Familyâs third son was kicked by a pig, and that everything today is due to Suisuiâs good fortune, then consider this: what if the Li Familyâs second son really does break his leg when he goes to the capital? And what if her situation becomes known to someone with sinister intentions? Have you ever considered the consequences?" Ji Youranâs gaze settled on Zhu Xiuxiuâs face.
Zhu Xiuxiuâs expression tensed, and she quickly said, "Then what should we do in the future? We canât stop Suisui from talking, can we? Sheâs still a child and doesnât know about her own abilities."
"So, from now on, Suisui must not be left alone. We need to be careful and guide her when she speaks."
Everyone unanimously agreed, and the meeting finally concluded.
When they came out, they saw Xiaosuisui feeding earthworms to Xiaobai! Looking at Xiaobaiâs look of utter despair, everyone felt like face-palming and were reluctant to admit that this was the Ji Familyâs cherished darling!
At dinner, Xiaosuisui still had a plate piled high with delicious food in front of her. After resting for the afternoon, Wang Dongxue had cooked dinner for the whole family. Xiaosuisui loved the dinners she cooked the most and ate with great delight.
"This is delicious!" Xiaosuisui exclaimed after eating a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs. The sweet taste almost made her swallow her tongue.
"If itâs delicious, eat more. This whole plate is yours," Grandma Ji said. She shared the common trait of all grandparents: whatever their grandchildren liked became entirely theirs. So, Grandma Ji placed the entire plate of sweet and sour pork ribs in front of Xiaosuisui.
Xiaosuisui quickly shook her head. "Delicious food should be shared by everyone."
"This is for Grandma, this is for First Uncle, this is for First Aunt, Third Aunt, Fourth Uncle, Seventh Uncle, eat! Yummy!" The little girl gave everyone a piece of the ribs. Everyone was delighted and said, "Thank you, little treasure."
But when it came to Ji Youzhi, Xiaosuisui didnât receive so much as a "Thank you!" Instead, he grabbed her wrist. "This red string, where did it come from?"
Xiaosuisui giggled. "An old grandpa gave it to me. He said it brings good luck!"
Iâm so happy; this is the first time someone has given me a gift! And itâs made of silver.
"Today, when we went to the Zhou Family at the foot of White Cloud Mountain to return their gift," Zhu Xiuxiu explained, looking at the familyâs little treasure, her mood cheerful. "We met an old man who asked for some water. He gave us this, saying that our meeting was fated. We tried to refuse, but he insisted! Our little treasure is truly lucky. She just steps out the door, and someone gives her silver!"
It had to be said, Zhu Xiuxiu seemed to have dedicated all her attention in this life to noticing Xiaosuisuiâs good fortune. At this moment, she didnât even notice Ji Youzhiâs solemn expression.
"Is there a problem with this string?" Ji Youyuan looked at Ji Youzhi inquiringly. Ji Youzhi hesitated for a moment, then said without elaborating, "Letâs eat first! We can talk after dinner."
Zhu Xiuxiu became restless, and the food suddenly seemed tasteless. The whole family lost their appetite. Only Xiaosuisui, oblivious to it all, happily stuffed her mouth full and even managed to gulp down some soup!
"Iâm so full! First Aunt, your cooking is delicious!"
Wang Dongxue patted her little head. "From now on, your First Aunt will cook for Xiaosuisui. Good girl, go with your Third Aunt to wash up. First Aunt will wash the dishes first!"
The little girl was very obedient. She picked up her bowl and said, "Xiaosuisui wants to wash dishes too, to help First Aunt!"
Wang Dongxue wouldnât hear of it. "You donât know how to wash dishes. Go and play! First Aunt can do it herself!"
The little girl refused. "Xiaosuisui knows how! I have to earn my keep!"
Back at the Li Familyâs home, four-and-a-half-year-old Xiaosuisui was already accustomed to chores. Washing dishes was nothing to her; she also had to sweep the floor, feed the pigs, tend the fire, and chop firewood. Besides, Li Suisui chopped firewood every day, yet no one in the Li Family had ever realized her strength was far greater than that of an ordinary person.