Chapter 234 - 234: Happy Sister
At Qian Shan’s great-aunt’s residence, all the strenuous tasks fell solely upon his great-aunt’s daughter-in-law.
The onset of winter was still some time away, and the available firewood at home proved insufficient to kindle the fires.
Qian Shanmin extended his offer to assist his Third Aunt-in-law in the task of chopping firewood up in the mountains.
This act of aid persisted over numerous days.
However, upon learning that Su Lan and her family were preparing to journey to the nearby town, Qian Shanmin hastened his return to the village.
That very evening, he openly ventured to Su Bin’s household.
His intent wasn’t necessarily to rekindle a relationship with Su Lan. His aspiration was more rooted in reconnecting with her, allowing thoughts to linger about the prospect of future encounters.
Desiring to present a gift to Su Lan, he discovered her absence in the room.
Abstaining from inquiring about her whereabouts, he engaged in conversation with those present for a brief interval.
Yet, his demeanor betrayed his preoccupation.
Qin Zhenzhen, having reached her threshold for his distracted disposition, nudged Su Bin, having already assessed his capabilities. What other choice remained?
Only then did Su Bin divulge to Qian Shanmin.
“Brother Shanmin, my sister is at the back. She wishes to speak with you.”
“She has a matter to discuss with me?”
Qian Shanmin stood momentarily bewildered, before comprehending the situation. Swiftly, he made his way to the backyard.
Despite his agitation, he embraced the prospect of being teased, if it meant hastening to her presence.
That evening’s sky featured the radiance of the moon.
On the stone table within the backyard’s pavilion, an assortment of snacks was laid out. Su Lan occupied a seat at the table, her gaze fixed upon the silvery moonlight overhead, lost in contemplation.
Outside the pavilion, Su Ning engaged in playful antics with Xiaoyu.
Deliberately slowing her pace, Su Ning provided Xiaoyu the opportunity to glimpse a chance of catching her, yet she retained a level of elusiveness.
With each playful attempt, Su Ning offered words of encouragement to Xiaoyu.
“You can do it! Run faster, and you’ll catch me!”
As they drew close during these moments, Xiaoyu couldn’t resist seeking su Lan’s intervention.
“Mom, please hurry, come help me catch Aunt!” “Aunt promised to make yam bean candied haws for me if I catch her!”
“I really want some yam bean candied haws!”
Su Lan returned to the present moment with a smile. “Silly child, if I assist you, it wouldn’t be fair!”
Xiaoyu defended herself. “Of course it’s fair! Aunt said that if I manage to catch her, it’s valid. She never mentioned anything about not enlisting help.”
“Aunt, am I right?”
Su Ning chuckled. “Absolutely, Xiaoyu is absolutely right. If you can convince your mother to join in chasing me, then I’m ready to accept defeat!” Her intentions lay in bringing joy to her sister’s heart.
She sensed her sister carrying a burden lately, possibly concerning her marriage and Qian Shanmin’s situation.
This was the last evening, and Qian Shanmin had yet to approach her sister.
Likewise, her sister had refrained from seeking him out.
Su Ning harbored concerns that her sister’s desires might remain unfulfilled, yet she felt powerless to assist her directly.
Third Brother had stipulated that no one should summon Brother Shanmin to their home prior to his own arrival. Furthermore, they were cautioned against hinting to Brother Shanmin about their sister’s willingness to marry him.
Observing her aunt’s willingness to aid, Xiaoyu promptly sought her mother’s presence.
Witnessing her daughter’s enjoyment, Su Lan stepped out of the pavilion, compelled to follow.
In the Wang Family’s environment, Xiaoyu’s liveliness had been curtailed. Regrettably, she had been relegated to the role of a passive observer, learning to maintain a quiet demeanor from a tender age in an effort to minimize her presence.
As Su Lan emerged from the pavilion, her gaze fell upon Qian Shanmin in the backyard.
“Lanlan..
“Brother Shanmin…”
Almost in perfect synchrony, their voices echoed each other’s names..