Chapter 37: So, You Know What I Mean

Forty-five minutes later.

Lu Jianshen collapsed to the side, too exhausted to move, feeling like a dog that had just run a marathon.

He gave up. He was done. Completely drained.

He couldn’t keep up. Not even close.

His little sister looked so delicate and fragile, like a breeze could blow her away.

But in reality, that small body of hers seemed to contain endless energy.

She never ran out. Not even close.

Digging the ground? She could do it.

Sowing seeds? No problem.

Turning over the soil? Easy.

Watering? She called it a piece of cake.

Even that thick cement pole stuck in the ground nearby—she pulled it out in one go and stuck it right back in place like it was nothing _(:3」∠)_!

It was absurd.

He didn’t believe it at first, so he went over to try lifting it himself.

Dear god, it was heavy. His elbows were shaking from the effort.

Then he looked over at Lu Qingqiang, who was handling the cement pole like it was a twig.

Effortless. Like it was nothing.

At that moment, he admitted defeat.

Alright, maybe Mom was right after all.

This little sister of his probably had a tough life growing up. A perfectly good girl, but treated like a boy at home because of the circumstances.

Over time, she must have built up all that strength.

Thinking about it made Lu Jianshen feel a pang of sympathy for her.

“All done, Mom. The vegetables are planted. Just follow the watering schedule I gave you from now on,” Lu Qingqiang said.

“Okay. Qingqing, you really know so much. You’re amazing,” Madam Lu praised her.

“It’s nothing, really.”

“You’ve worked so hard today. You must be tired. Why don’t you stay the night?” Madam Lu looked at her expectantly.

“Mom, I still have to go back to the orphanage. I do room checks at night. If the kids don’t see me, they’ll feel unsettled.”

“But don’t worry. I’ll come by whenever I have time.”

“Besides, aren’t we all going hiking together soon?”

“Until then, you should get some rest,” Lu Qingqiang added.

“That’s true. Then stay for dinner, and let your second brother drive you back.”

“You’re a young lady, and so pretty too. It’s not safe for you to be out alone,” Madam Lu said.

“Alright.”

Seeing that Lu Qingqiang agreed, Madam Lu beamed and immediately called Lu Shenlin, urging him to come home quickly.

After the call, she gave special instructions to the cook and housekeeper to prepare a rich and nutritious dinner.

Once that was done, Madam Lu even went into the kitchen herself and stayed there for quite a while.

In the living room.

Lounging lazily on the leather sofa, Lu Jianshen casually chatted with Lu Qingqiang for a bit before asking, “By the way, Lu Qingqiang, is there anything the orphanage still needs?”

“Second Brother, are you thinking of sponsoring us?”

“Mm-hmm. You’re part of the family now. If I don’t do anything, Mom will definitely scold me.”

“If the orphanage is short on anything, just say it. We’re siblings. No need to be shy.”

“Or if there’s something you personally want, just tell me.” As he spoke, Lu Jianshen fiddled with his lighter.

“Well, since you’re asking, I won’t hold back.”

“You know that mountain behind the orphanage? It’s been cleared recently.”

“I had people follow a plan to build chicken coops, duck pens, pigsties, cow sheds, and sheep enclosures up there…”

“They’re all built now, but the thing is, they’re still empty. So, you know what I mean!” Lu Qingqiang said.

Since her second brother had taken the initiative to ask, she wasn’t about to be polite.

Being too formal with family only created distance.

Things like insecurity, sensitivity, or excessive pride—none of that applied to her.

“…” Lu Jianshen was stunned for a moment, then spoke.

“Lu Qingqiang, are you running an orphanage or a farm?”

“Who raises that many animals in an orphanage?”

“If you’re worried the kids aren’t eating well, I can just give you money. You can make sure they have meat at every meal. Why go through all this trouble?”

“Second Brother, the orphanage is a place for the kids to live. It’s their home.”

“To me, it’s not just a shelter. It’s a big family.”

“Now that I’m in charge, I have to take responsibility for their future.”

“My job isn’t just to care for them and raise them.”

“I also want them to learn, to get hands-on experience, to understand real life.”

“Some work needs to be done, and some things need to be learned.”

“You only gain something through effort.”

“They’ve been abandoned and forgotten by others. Yes, that’s tragic. But we can’t spoil them just because we feel sorry for them.”

“If they want something, they need to work for it.”

“They can’t just take everything the orphanage provides for granted.”

“They have me now, but what about later? What happens when they enter society? Who’s going to help them unconditionally then?”

“The only people they can truly rely on are their own hardworking and courageous selves.”

“Well said!” A voice came from outside—it was Lu Shenlin.

“Dad, you’re back!”

“Dad!” Lu Qingqiang stood up and called out.

“Sit, sit.”

“Qingqing, that was very well said. I support you.”

“Shenshen, even your little sister understands such a simple truth. How can you still not get it?”

“Your Uncle Wang used to sponsor a poor college student. But when Uncle Wang ran into a bit of trouble with his business and wanted to delay support for two months…”

“What happened? That student didn’t even ask if anything was wrong. Instead, he accused your uncle of breaking his promise and even tried to stir up online hate against him.”

“Now tell me, what did your Uncle Wang do wrong?”

“Dad, I get it now!” Lu Jianshen thought it over and nodded.

Alright, maybe he had spoken without thinking.

“Qingqing, how are things at the orphanage lately? Any difficulties?”

“…”

They hadn’t chatted for long when Madam Lu personally came out carrying a bowl of bird’s nest soup.

“Old Lu, you’re back? Perfect timing. Dinner’s ready.”

“Here, Qingqing, I made this bird’s nest soup myself. Try it and see if you like it.”

“If you do, I’ll make it for you often.” Madam Lu’s voice was gentle, her eyes full of expectation.

“I’ll try it. Thank you, Mom.”

“Old Lu, go wash your hands. Qingqing’s orphanage made dumplings for lunch today. They were delicious. I brought you some to try.” Madam Lu glanced at Lu Shenlin and urged him.

“Alright, alright, I’m going.”