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nChapter 17

nThe next day, Li Qingyu looked at the few baskets of oranges in the backyard and rubbed her eyes in shock. Could it be that there was windfall again?

nShe quickly went to call the Chu family over. “Look, oranges.”

nChu Qingzhi also came, “I picked the oranges.”

nEveryone immediately surrounded Chu Qingzhi.

nLi Qingyu asked nervously, “Qingzhi, the orange trees nearby all belong to others. You didn’t steal it, did you?”

nChu Qingzhi said seriously, “Mother, you can’t question my character. I went to the forest to pick it. It doesn’t belong to anything.”

n“That’s good, that’s good…” Li Qingyu suddenly realized something. “You went to the forest to pick oranges? You’re a girl. How can you go to the forest to pick oranges at night?”

nShe quickly pulled Chu Qingzhi over and examined her carefully, afraid that Chu Qingzhi would be injured.

nEveryone was also very nervous. Even the most skilful hunter in the village did not dare to go to the forest at night. How could a little girl like Chu Qingzhi dare to go?

nChu Qingzhi felt everyone’s concern and felt warm in her heart. “I’m fine. I was very careful.”

nSeeing that Chu Qingzhi was unharmed, Li Qingyu felt relieved. “You scared me to death.”

nChu Rong said solemnly, “You’re not allowed to go in the future. What if something happens?”

nChu Qingzhi nodded. “I understand, Father.”

nShe turned to Li Qingyu and Madam Zhao and said, “Mother, Grandma, go and make breakfast. I’ll teach Father and the others to make ice cream bars. When the time comes, we’ll sell it in the county to earn some money.”

nEveryone was puzzled. “What is ice cream bar?”

nChu Qingzhi winked and said playfully, “You’ll know in a while.”

n…

nEveryone gathered around Chu Qingzhi curiously.

nChu Qingzhi began to instruct. “First Brother, Third Brother, wash the oranges and put them in the bamboo sieve to dry.”

n“Second Sister, Fourth Sister, go and prepare two square pieces of cloth. One meter wide is enough. Then wash them and dry them.”

n“Father and Grandpa, go and make a mold, a wooden stick, and a wooden box.” Chu Qingzhi handed a piece of paper to Chu Rong. “I’ve already drawn the style. Just follow it.”

n“Sixth Sister, Eighth Sister, go wash the stone mill. You must wash it clean. There can’t be any mud.”

n“Seventh Brother, Ninth Brother, go and find a few wooden buckets. Wash them and dry them.”

n“I’m in charge of answering your questions at any time.” Chu Qingzhi clapped her hands. “Everyone, let’s begin.”

nEveryone looked at each other, then dispersed and got into action.

nChu Qingzhi grew up in the county and was knowledgeable. She was not like the villagers whose knowledge was limited.

nIn addition, Chu Tai and Chu Rong felt that their family was in a difficult situation and wanted to change it. Now that Chu Qingzhi had a way, they wanted to give it a try.

nIn the kitchen.

nLi Qingyu said worriedly, “Qingzhi has a lot of ideas. Just now, she said that she wants to sell ice cream. Mother, do you think it’s feasible?”

nMadam Zhao was very optimistic. She smiled and said, “Qingzhi is very capable and even knows medicine. Just let her do what she wants.”

nLi Qingyu thought for a moment and agreed. “That’s true. Qingzhi is different from us. Moreover, as soon as she came back, our family became better. She’s our family’s lucky star. It’s definitely not wrong to listen to her.”

nMadam Zhao smiled and said, “That’s right, so don’t stop her. She won’t harm us. Even if she does, we’re poor and have nothing to lose.”

nLi Qingyu smiled. “Mother, you’re right.”

nMadam Zhao pointed at the cabinet where the eggs were placed and said, “Cook one for Qingzhi. She needs to nourish her body.”

nLi Qingyu thought of what Chu Qingzhi said about not treating her differently from others and said, “Mother, what if Qingzhi refuses to eat it alone?”

nMadam Zhao hesitated for a moment. “Then make one for each of us as a celebration for Qingzhi’s return.”

nLi Qingyu replied, “Okay, Mother.”

nEveryone was given an egg for breakfast. The Chu family felt that it was very extravagant. Usually, they would sell the eggs. This was the first time they ate them.

nAfter breakfast, everyone continued to get busy.

nZhao Xiuhua, who was next door, passed by their door and looked at the Chu family suspiciously. What was wrong with this family? Why didn’t they go to water the fields?

nNow, she had become the laughing stock of the entire village, she couldn’t take this lying down. With consuming resentment, she started to think of ways to teach Chu Qingzhi a lesson.

nThe Chu family did not know that Zhao Xiuhua was up to no good. At this moment, they were trying their best to do what Chu Qingzhi had instructed them to do.

nAfter an entire morning, everything was finally ready.

nChu Qingzhi took out the big rock. “Let me show you a miracle.”

nShe took out a bowl filled with water and placed it beside the big rock. The water in the bowl immediately froze.

nEveryone widened their eyes. This, this, this…

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