Chapter 6: News of He Daqing’s Departure Spreads

Chapter 6: The News of He Daqing’s Escape Spreads

He Yuzhu returned to the courtyard with Yushui. Just as they stepped inside, Yan Bugui heard the noise and came out to greet them, spotting the siblings.

“Zhuzi, I heard your father ran away?” Yan Bugui asked.

“Teacher Yan, where did you hear that? My father was only offered a high-paying job to be a chef in Baoding,” He Yuzhu replied.

He Yuzhu led Yushui toward their home.

As soon as He Yuzhu closed the door behind them, there was a knock. Opening it, he saw Yi Zhonghai standing there. “Uncle Yi, what brings you here?” he asked.

“Zhuzi, I heard your father ran off with the White Widow?” Yi Zhonghai inquired.

“Uncle Yi, who told you that? My father just got a job offer in Baoding,” He Yuzhu said impatiently.

“It’s all over the steel mill; they say your father abandoned you two to go to Baoding with the White Widow,” Yi Zhonghai said.

“That’s nonsense. My father is working, and he still sends money home every month. He’ll be back on vacation,” He Yuzhu reassured him.

“Alright, I just came to check on you. Zhuzi, as the elder brother, you know the saying: ‘The eldest brother is like a father.’ You must take good care of Yushui. You worked in the steel mill’s canteen with your father before, right? Want me to ask if you can get a job there helping in the kitchen? You need a job to support yourself and Yushui,” Yi Zhonghai said. Though worn down by old age, he was still willing to lend a hand.

“Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Yi, but it’s not necessary. My master has already arranged for me to work at Fengzeyuan,” He Yuzhu replied.

“Good to hear you’re settled. I just wanted to check on you and Yushui. You rest up now; I’ll be going,” Yi Zhonghai said, turning to leave.

“Thank you for your concern, Uncle Yi. You rest early too,” He Yuzhu said, seeing him out.

After closing the door, He Yuzhu was immediately embraced by Yushui.

“Yushui, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He Yuzhu asked, noticing her tears.

“Brother, did I misbehave? Did Dad not want us anymore?” Yushui sobbed.

“How could that be? You’re so good and adorable. How could Dad not want you? He’s just gone to work. He has things arranged and will come back during the holidays,” He Yuzhu comforted her.

“Really? Dad didn’t abandon Yushui?” she asked.

“Of course it’s true. Once Dad settles in Baoding, he’ll write to us,” He Yuzhu continued to soothe her.

“All right, no more crying. You’re crying like a little kitten.”

“I’ll go boil some water for you to wash up,” he said, rising to go to the kitchen.

“Brother, you won’t abandon Yushui too, will you?” she clung to him tightly.

“Yushui, you’re so good. How could I ever abandon you?” He Yuzhu reassured her again.

“Mm, I’ll be good. Brother, don’t leave me,” she said pitifully.

Seeing her insecurity, He Yuzhu scooped her up and promised, “Brother makes a pinky promise with you—won’t ever leave you.” He extended his pinky toward hers.

“Pinky swear, hang myself, a hundred years, no changing,” the siblings linked pinkies, and Yushui finally smiled again.

But as He Yuzhu went to boil water in the kitchen, Yushui followed closely, clutching his shirt.

Seeing this, He Yuzhu understood her lingering insecurity and let her hold on.

He boiled water and warmed the boxed meal he had brought back. After washing Yushui’s face, he asked, “Brother’s about to eat. Do you want to eat a little more with me?”

“Brother, I ate plenty at my master’s wife’s place. I’m not hungry. You go ahead,” Yushui said obediently.

“Then stay with me while I eat,” He Yuzhu said.

The two sat at the table. He Yuzhu opened the lunchbox and picked up a piece of meat to feed Yushui. “Ah, open wide.”

Yushui cooperated, opening her mouth wide.

“Is it tasty?” He Yuzhu asked.

“Delicious,” she replied.

After feeding her a few more pieces, He Yuzhu started eating. When they finished, he cleaned up while Yushui kept a close watch on him.

He prepared warm water for her to wash her feet, cleaned her up, and helped her onto the bed.

After washing his own feet, he planned to take out the notes left by He Daqing for some study but noticed Yushui still watching him from the bed. He asked, “Yushui, why aren’t you asleep yet? We have to get up early tomorrow.”

“I’m waiting for you, Brother. I’m scared alone,” she said.

Seeing her behavior tonight, He Yuzhu knew she still felt unsafe, afraid that once he fell asleep, he might disappear.

With this thought, he put aside his notes, took off his clothes, and lay down, saying, “Brother’s here; don’t be afraid.”

No sooner had he settled than Yushui crawled into his arms and held him tightly, finally replying, “Mm.”

“All right, close your eyes and sleep now,” He Yuzhu said gently patting her back.

Soon, Yushui fell asleep. He Yuzhu then focused his consciousness into the space.

Within the space, likely due to continuous drinking of the spiritual spring water, the chickens, ducks, and geese had grown and begun laying eggs. The piglets and lambs had grown as well. The crops and vegetables planted were mature. He used his will to harvest the crops, thresh them, and store them in the space’s static area. He also picked the ripe vegetables once. As for fruits, he left them unpicked since, in the space, as long as they weren’t harvested, they would remain ripe indefinitely. Although they could be stored in the static area, he preferred the freshness of eating them right off the tree.

He left some land fallow, as the harvest had increased and there was no outlet for selling the surplus. Keeping it planted would only take up space, and the storage space was limited. Besides, saving up for a future famine to donate or sell to the state wasn't practical. If a large stockpile appeared, the government would definitely investigate. Even with the space, he wasn’t about to challenge the state or talk about grand patriotic ideals. He was just an ordinary person who didn’t want to be used as a guinea pig.

He then went to the small lake to check the water. The fish had increased and grown considerably. The river shrimp had grown to palm-sized lengths. The turtles he had collected had begun laying eggs.

Next, he inspected the medicinal herb garden he had cultivated. All the plants were thriving. There were over twenty ginseng plants, which looked like gold ingots—pure money.

After his inspection, he used his will to form droplets of spiritual spring water and irrigated the entire space.

Having completed these tasks, he remembered he hadn’t practiced the Jade Clarity Technique today. Although, due to the scarcity of spiritual energy, there was no visible progress, He Yuzhu insisted on daily practice.

After running through the Jade Clarity Technique several times, the fatigue of the day dissipated, and he fell into a deep sleep.