Chapter 106: The Control Group for the Farm Family’s Lucky Baby – 16

Ren Xin was currently in a state of complete idleness. The grand task of feeding the pigs had been taken over by her eldest brother, and even preparing the pig feed had been snatched away by her second brother. Mother Ren, who was currently feeding the poultry, found both Ren Xin and Father Ren an eyesore no matter where they stood.

Ren Xin comforted Father Ren, “Dad, don’t overthink it. Mom just can’t stand the sight of you; I’m just caught in the crossfire.”

Father Ren: “???” Are you sure about that?

Not necessarily—it all depended on how fast she could spread rumors.

Bai Shengxuan’s thank-you gifts arrived as promised. Dozens of horse-drawn carriages pulled up laden with goods. According to the lead driver, one carriage was for the Village Head, one was for Zhang Qingmei, and the remaining dozen or so were all for Ren Xin.

There were rice, flour, grains, oil, and bolts of cloth—all practical items—along with a thousand taels of silver. Up to that point, everything seemed normal. But the most ridiculous part was that he had actually sent two donkey carts.

Yes, actual little donkeys prone to bucking their heels. This absolutely delighted the men of the house.

Ren Xin had a sudden feeling that she would no longer be the most important “ginseng” in the hearts of her father and brothers. She shot the two donkeys an annoyed glare.

“Hee-haw! Hee-haw!” What the hell are you staring at?

Book Spirit Number One cackled with glee, having picked up the signal and translated it for its host in real-time.

Ren Xin: “…” Sooner or later, I’m making stew out of you.

Ren Xin puffed out her chest and bragged loudly to her family, “What are these? These are the rewards for my kindness. I truly sacrifice so much for this family!”

Considering the sheer volume of goods, Mother Ren managed a rare moment of not acting disgusted with Ren Xin today, though she didn’t show much of a smile either.

Ren Xin asked with feigned concern, “Mom, aren’t you happy? Your precious daughter is so successful, unlike certain idle bystanders in this house.”

Father Ren couldn’t help but feel his daughter’s words were pointed directly at him.

Mother Ren frowned slightly and said with some irritation, “Just you wait. In a moment, those busybodies will definitely show up. They’ll either be here to borrow things or to drop sour remarks. Eldest, Second, drop what you’re doing and move everything into your sister’s room first. We’ll organize it properly tonight. Ren Xin, go back to your room. When they come, I’ll just say you’ve taken up embroidery work and aren’t coming out to see anyone.”

Eldest Brother and Second Brother were both mama’s boys; they didn’t ask questions. Whatever Mom said, went.

Just as Mother Ren expected, the “main army” arrived the moment the goods were tucked away. Ren Xin quickly slipped back into her room, listening to the cacophony of voices outside.

Most were asking what Young Master Bai had given them, claiming they just wanted to “broaden their horizons.”

Mother Ren dropped her usual fierce persona and smiled as she skillfully deflected their questions. Her strategy was simple: you can ask, but whether she answered was a matter of her own skill. If anyone tried to push their luck, they’d get a tongue-lashing!

Once everyone had been sent away, Zhang Qingmei came to visit. The resentment in her eyes was practically overflowing, yet she still maintained her facade of friendship and kindness, saying softly, “Ren Xin, can I talk to you?”

Ren Xin wasn’t interested. She was about to enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea befitting the daughter of a pig-gelder¹! She didn’t want to listen to nonsense.

But Zhang Qingmei persisted. Mother Ren gave Ren Xin a look: Hurry up and get rid of her.

Message received!

Ren Xin strolled outside, leading Zhang Qingmei along.

“Ren Xin, actually, we could have just gone to your room. The weather out here isn’t really suitable for a walk.”

She sure is high-maintenance, Ren Xin thought. Her room was currently the family treasury; it wasn’t a place for outsiders to peek into.

“Speak up. What do you want?”

Zhang Qingmei hesitated for a while before slowly asking, “Did Young Master Bai say anything to you?”

“Say what? He said my family’s pork is delicious!”

Zhang Qingmei: “…”

“No, I mean… did he say whether or not he’ll be coming back?”

Translator’s Notes