Chapter 7: A Very Serious Question

"What are you doing? We’re all neighbors here; wouldn't anyone lend a hand if they ran into this situation? Shitou was submerged in water and got a fright; take these chickens back to help him recover."

Old Madam Tong knew that every family was struggling during this drought year, so how could she possibly accept these two hens?

Seeing that Old Madam Tong had no intention of accepting the hens, Tong Chunsheng grew anxious. He knew that Tong Annian had saved the life of his only son, and that two hens were a meager token of gratitude, but it was all his family could offer right now.

"Auntie, are you worried that the gift is too light? Don't worry, once I go to town and find some work to earn money, I’ll buy more good things for Annian."

Tong Chunsheng stood up and spoke with great earnestness. Hearing this, Old Madam Tong realized that Tong Chunsheng had misunderstood her intentions.

"What do you mean by light or heavy? Times are tough, and every household is struggling. I’m telling you to take the chickens back so Shitou can build up his strength. How about this? I’ll make the decision for our Nianbao—leave one chicken here and take one back with you. Otherwise, don't leave any at all."

Old Madam Tong could see that if she didn't keep at least one hen, it would definitely make Tong Chunsheng and his wife overthink things, so she decided to keep just one.

Tong Chunsheng and his wife were reluctant, but Old Madam Tong insisted they take the hens back. With no other choice, they left one behind.

"Annian, your aunt was small-minded. You saved Shitou, and I still said those things to you. Please don't hold it against me. From now on, I’ll treat you like my own daughter."

Thinking back to the things she had said when Tong Annian was saving her son, Shitou’s mother felt ashamed. The child was busy saving her son, yet she had accused the child of being on the verge of death.

Although she felt embarrassed as an adult apologizing to a child, she knew she was in the wrong, so she apologized to Tong Annian sincerely.

"That’s right, Annian. Your aunt just has that kind of temper; she speaks without thinking. Don't take it to heart." Tong Chunsheng naturally knew what Shitou’s mother was referring to, so he apologized as well.

"It’s okay... Uncle, Auntie... you were just worried... about Shitou. Nianbao... doesn't mind. Besides, Nianbao’s... body is... much better now." Tong Annian gave them a sweet smile. To be honest, she hadn't really listened to what Shitou’s mother had said at the time; she had been entirely focused on saving Tong Shitou.

"Good, good, good. Annian is such a good child. From now on, Auntie will never speak nonsense again. If anyone dares to speak ill of Annian, I’ll fight them to the death."

Shitou’s mother wiped away her tears. Tong Shitou, perhaps still frightened, remained huddled in Tong Chunsheng’s arms, watching Tong Annian and the others without saying a word.

However, no one would hold anything against a child.

"Uncle, Auntie, we’ll be heading back now. If you need anything at home, just give us a shout." After chatting with Old Master Tong and the others for a while longer, Tong Chunsheng and his family saw that it was getting late and prepared to leave.

"Alright, you all head back now." Old Madam Tong asked Tong Zhengye to see them off, then looked at Tong Annian with a face full of pride. The gazes of the others naturally fell upon Tong Annian as well.

Being stared at by a whole group of people, Tong Annian felt quite uncomfortable. There was no helping it; their gazes were simply too intense, giving her a bad premonition.

They were definitely going to ask her how she knew the method to save someone, right? How was she supposed to explain that?

"Our Nianbao is truly amazing. You go out to play and end up saving a life. But, Nianbao, can you tell Grandma how you knew that doing that would save Shitou?"

Old Madam Tong took Tong Annian from Tong Zhenyang’s arms and held her close, feeling both proud and puzzled.

Tong Annian: "..." See? She knew they would ask that!

This was a very serious question. How should she answer?