Chapter 40 – Going Out for Fresh Air

“One jin of flour and one jin of water make seven steamed buns this size. The leftover water from steaming the buns should also be returned to everyone,” Yan Lao’er organized as the villagers gathered around him, watching the round, plump steamed buns and seeing him place the remaining six buns on the scale.

It weighed about one jin and two liang. If you included the one given to the Cui family’s wife earlier, it would be around one and a half jin.

“See? The scale is high. It can’t compare to the ones sold in town—our flour is coarse, while theirs is fine—but it’s still better than those dry, throat-scratching flatbreads. They’re too tough for the elderly and children to eat easily.

“As for this water, from now on, we must stop drinking raw water—it easily causes illness. We’ll share this pot of water daily so that we don’t have to start another fire just for boiling water.” Yan Lao’er explained.

“Brother Yan Er, can I trade for one to taste first?”

Thanks to Sister-in-law Cui’s enthusiastic praise, the villagers were eager to try the steamed buns.

Yan Lao’er made it clear that they weren’t competing with the finely milled steamed buns sold in town.

Honestly, if he hadn’t steamed this batch right in front of them, they wouldn’t have realized that the same amount of flour, when made into buns instead of flatbreads, yielded so much more.

“How do you expect Brother Yan to trade just one?” Sister-in-law Cui chimed in. “My family is small—if I exchange a whole jin, we won’t finish it before it spoils. How about we split it? Half a jin of flour and half a jin of water from each family?”

Qi Da’s wife tugged at her sleeve and whispered, “I’ll join you and exchange half a jin.”

Sister-in-law Cui turned and, seeing who it was, smiled, “Alright, little sister, let’s go get the flour and water.”

Yan Lao’er quickly stopped them, “Sisters-in-law, if you bring the flour and water now, the buns won’t be ready until tomorrow morning. The dough needs time to rise.”

“We know,” Sister-in-law Cui rolled her eyes at him. “We saw it all—the dough has to become big and sticky before it can be steamed.

“If only we’d known it was this easy! Why did we ever bother buying them in town? Making them at home is so much cheaper.” She pulled Qi Da’s wife along, muttering as they left.

With someone taking the lead, the others quickly paired up, each bringing their share of flour and water.

Yan Lao’er kept track of everything as people came and went, not making a single mistake.

Yan Lao’er: This is nothing!

For a small business owner who ran a shop near a school, keeping track was basic operation.

Kids often forgot their money but still wanted ice pops—if his memory were bad, how would he collect the money from those little rascals later?

Li Xuemei saw him kneading dough, sweating profusely, and felt bad. “Tomorrow, you should teach them so they can make it themselves.”

Yan Lao’er, still working the dough, said, “They’re even stingy with water for washing their hands—how can I expect them to make their own?”

“Pick a few people and keep an eye on them. You can supervise instead of doing everything yourself—there’s too much work for one person.” Li Xuemei suggested.

Yan Lao’er agreed, “I’ll bring it up tomorrow and see who’s interested.”

The next day, he got up early and steamed two large batches. Even then, it was only enough because he had borrowed steamers from other households the night before—otherwise, he’d still be at it.

That morning, everyone ate steamed buns made from their own wheat.

They also drank the hot water left over from steaming.

The meal was exceptionally satisfying.

The village women were enthusiastic about learning how to steam buns.

They brought their flour and water early. Yan Lao’er didn’t hold back, patiently explaining each step. His only requirement was that their hands must be washed clean.

Anything eaten must be hygienic.

As for whether their dough was perfectly shaped—who cared? It would still be edible.

Since they were all used to cooking, it only took a couple of days before they got the hang of it.

With things running smoothly, Yan Lao’er discussed with the villagers and selected three particularly efficient and clean-handed women to continue the flour-and-water-for-buns trade.

The villagers were grateful that he selflessly taught them the skill. Since they could see that the Yan family wasn’t taking any advantage of them and was even putting in extra effort, they agreed to help gather firewood for steaming the buns daily.

For those not chosen, Li Xuemei suggested they weave straw sandals in their spare time.

Everyone walked a lot, and shoes wore out quickly.

Cloth shoes were durable, but straw sandals were easier to make—the materials were everywhere, free for the taking.

They could weave a pair during their daily travel time.

Besides, thanks to Yan Huaiwen’s arrangements, they had plenty of free time.

Country folk couldn’t stand being idle. Without something to do, they felt restless.

Following Li Xuemei’s advice, they started gathering to weave straw sandals in their free time. Those with better skills helped the less experienced ones, chatting and laughing, which eased their homesickness.

Yan Yu’s eyes burned as she watched the growing rows of straw sandals.

Those long strings of sandals weren’t just footwear to her—they were beautiful digital balances!

She counted down the days eagerly, and finally, on May 30th—

The platform countdown appeared!

“Father, can you take me out at noon?” Yan Yu pleaded pitifully.

She couldn’t take it anymore!

Her uncle wasn’t just making her recite books—now he was watching her write!

Her posture had to be correct, her grip had to be correct…

Her poor little wrists! They were too weak for this kind of suffering!

In the cart, she had to recite.

When the cart stopped, she had to practice writing.

This was NOT a proper childhood!

She was still a baby!

Even her eldest brother looked at her with pity.

The most tragic part? Her older cousin was also studying, but at a much slower, much easier pace.

The difference was a devastating blow.

Yan Lao’er sneaked a glance at Old Yan in the distance.

“Daughter, your uncle is only pushing you because you’re smart. He just wants to teach you more.”

If Old Yan was watching her, then he wasn’t watching him—freedom for one at the cost of another!

Yan Lao’er grinned, “Come on, do your best! You don’t want to be illiterate, do you?”

Yan Yu: …

She never expected this from her own father!

“Don’t think I don’t know!” She huffed. “If Uncle is watching me, then he doesn’t have time to watch you, right? If you don’t take me out, I’ll tell him you’ve forgotten everything you learned! You probably don’t even recognize half the words anymore!”

“Oh, my precious darling, let’s not sabotage each other! Fine, fine, I’ll go talk to your uncle and get you a break.” Yan Lao’er surrendered.

Not because he feared her tattling, but because he truly pitied his daughter.

“Big Brother, I want to take Er Ya out for a bit,” Yan Lao’er said softly.

Yan Huaiwen studied him for a moment, then nodded.

Yan Lao’er beamed, his expression instantly coming to life.

“Be careful and come back early,” Yan Huaiwen instructed. “Get her a straw hat—kids have tender skin and shouldn’t get sunburned.”

Yan Lao’er happily went to find his wife.

Li Xuemei had recently bonded with the straw-weaving women and was learning how to make proper straw sandals.

Upon hearing his request, Hu’s youngest daughter found a small straw hat for him.

When Yan Yu put it on, half of her little head disappeared inside. She tugged it backward, only to have her father push it back down.

“The sun is harsh. You need proper coverage, or you’ll suffer later.”