Chapter 221: The Foundation of Livelihood
Chapter 221 -213: The Foundation of Livelihood
Of course, Song Gong could tell they were hungry.
They were just too embarrassed to say so.
Song Gong patted their shoulders and smiled. “You don’t need to blame yourselves. This had nothing to do with you. The others were just too greedy and weren’t willing to put in the effort, so naturally, they couldn’t get what they wanted. You two are different, and that’s why I’m willing to take you on as my apprentices.”
The two men’s eyes lit up. “When you said you’d take us as your apprentices… did you really mean it?”
Song Gong laughed heartily. “Of course, I meant it. I, Song Qiao, may not be some perfect gentleman, but I am a man of my word. Starting today, you two are my apprentices and official members of the Song Family Troupe.”
The two men were overcome with excitement. This was the opportunity of their dreams. After so many days of hard labor, they hadn’t dared to hope they could join the Song Family Troupe; they only wished to learn a few construction skills. They never imagined they’d actually be given the chance to become members. From now on, would they have to worry about finding work? Would they have to worry that the two meager acres of land back home wouldn’t be enough to support their wives and children?
So excited they were about to kneel, the two men were quickly stopped by Song Gong. “No need for that. I’m not one for such formalities. As long as you learn well and work hard, that’s worth more than any empty gesture.”
The two men nodded emphatically, their eyes growing red. Excitement was no longer enough to describe how they felt.
Bai Zhi came over with two large bowls, each holding four large steamed buns. She pressed the still-steaming buns into their hands and smiled. “Go home and eat. Tell your families the good news so they can share in your joy.”
Looking at the steamed buns in their hands, the men, whose eyes were already red, could no longer hold back their tears.
The reason they worked so desperately was to make life a little better back home. Their wives and children ate thin soups and wild vegetables day in and day out; the whole family was sallow and gaunt. They couldn’t bear to see it any longer. That was why they had pushed themselves to the limit, desperate to learn a skill to build a livelihood on. As for white flour steamed buns like these… they couldn’t remember the last time they’d eaten one.
“Yes, yes… Thank you, Song Gong. And thank you, Zhi. We understand your kindness. We will not let you down, no matter what.”
The village chief watched this scene, deeply moved. ‘If only everyone in Huangtuo Village were as practical and hardworking as Wu Jiang and Li Cheng, how wonderful that would be,’ he thought. ‘Would there be any need to worry about not living a good life?’
He watched Zhi’s slender figure and felt deeply gratified. ‘I certainly didn’t help the wrong person. Zhi is a fine girl, even better than I imagined.’
‘She’s quick-witted and intelligent, acts with propriety, and knows when to press and when to yield. Though she may seem sharp-tongued, her heart is incredibly kind. Truly a rare and wonderful girl.’
It occurred to him that his own grandson, Yuanguo’er, was now sixteen—the age to be considering marriage. His family was looking for a suitable match, but he had been unsatisfied with every girl they’d found, either complaining she wasn’t pretty enough or that she was too wooden.
‘According to Yuanguo’er’s requirements, the girl had to be pretty, clever, and lively. Wasn’t Zhi, right here in front of him, his ideal type?’
The village chief was overjoyed. The more he thought about it, the happier and more excited he became.
Once Bai Zhi and Hu Feng had finished handing out lunch, he hurried over, pulled Bai Zhi aside, and asked in a low voice, “Zhi, tell me honestly, are you and Hu Feng actually engaged?” After all, since they were all but living and eating under the same roof, he felt he had to get a clear answer.