"Why? That's a question I'll have to think about how to answer." Grandpa Liu pondered briefly. "To say everyone is selfless is naturally impossible , but the environment around a person can change him.
When someone is in a kind environment, where most people around show goodwill and extend hands in times of trouble, over time, that person's mental state will change accordingly.
As long as that person isn't evil to the core, I think, he will learn how to be grateful in such an atmosphere. Then in due course, when others also need help, he will also help out appropriately and enjoy the joy of giving. As a human being, that's the way it should be. The kindness you receive from others makes you feel warm, and the kindness you give others makes you feel happy.
This is the best atmosphere for people to get along with each other."
Liu Yusheng listened in silence, her mind greatly shaken.
Grandpa might not have a university degree, a high status or a broad horizon, but his feelings were all accumulated from his life experiences, which was the transparency and open-mindedness that came with age.
He could touch people's hearts more than the so-called "chicken soup of the soul" of the so-called literary talents in books.
"Nannan, you have to remember, to be a person, always be kind to others in every way. Make good ties, so that you won't feel lonely anywhere you go. No matter how much advantages a selfish person has, his heart will always be empty."
"I'll remember, Grandpa."
Her heart used to be cold.
But in this life, this family has infused her heart with warmth. From now on, she would remember her grandfather's words, be someone who could make her grandfather and family proud, be someone who could make herself happy and bring happiness to others.
She wanted everyone in her family to straighten their backs anywhere and anytime and proudly say to others, "Look, that's our Nannan!"
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Li Da's courtyard wasn't at all calm.
"We have accepted this money. Brother Liu must be aware of our situation and was trying to help us out. We have to remember this favor." Li Da gripped the purse and sighed lightly.
"Dad, don't worry, An and I will keep it in mind." Li Ping vowed solemnly.
Li An, who was sullen by nature, didn't speak, but nodded vigorously.
Yang blinked away the wetness in the corners of her eyes and smiled: "We really owe this blessing to Brother Liu's family. Their family is already so poor that they can see the bottom of the pot. I didn't expect that when we helped them burn some wine jars, in the end, it was our family who was helped instead."
"13 taels of silver. After deducting the costs, we can earn six taels. We've just earned a year's worth of hard labor in just two months. Wife, save the money and look for a nice girl for Ping again. We must show that family that someone who marries into our Li family would have a good life!"
"Dad, I'm not in a hurry. Besides, that's over and done with. There's no need to fight with anyone. I'm thinking of saving up for two more years, and then we can handle An's marriage along with me. He'll be old enough to marry soon," Li Ping said.
At the mention of marriage, the wooden Li An blushed, "Brother, I'm not in a hurry. Even if I wanted to, you have to marry first. Let's talk about my matter later."
"Okay, you don't argue. I was thinking, husband, our kiln shouldn't be closed. I think that little girl, Nannan, can really bring good fortune. Maybe we can also burn porcelain for her someday! If that's the case, shall we work for a year or two before worrying about these two boys' marriage?"
Yang grew more and more excited, and chanted with confidence.
The three looked at her, got up together, lifted their stools and left.
"Eh? Why are they all gone? If you don't agree with what I'm saying, just say so!"
"Eh, yah, we agree! What a nag!"
There was laughter and scolding in Li's courtyard, while on the other side, Liu Yusheng and Grandpa Liu just walked through the gates, and were petrified.
Few people in the countryside went walking outside after nightfall. Seeing a cold dark shadow so suddenly at the threshold of the house, neither moving nor speaking, the cowardly souls would have been scared away.
"Shengsheng." Rang a soft childish voice belonging to Axiu.
"Brother Axiu!" Liu Yusheng was a bit surprised. Why did he suddenly visit so late? "Is something wrong?"
Grandpa Liu patted Liu Yusheng's back and pinched her ear to scare her off, "Axiu? Why don't you go in when you're here? Let's go in and talk about it. Don't be afraid, I will take care of everything for you."
Axiu shook his head and took two steps closer, his whole body seemingly melting into the darkness: "I haven't seen Shengsheng all day, so I came over to see if things went well."
He hadn't seen her all day, and was restless.
"Without a hitch! Brother Axiu, our wine is sold out. I didn't have time to go to the cabin when I got back today. I was going to tell you about it tomorrow morning!" Struggling to get down from Grandpa Liu's arms, Liu Yusheng walked over and took Axiu's hand.
In autumn, the weather was still hot and dry, but Axiu's hand was a bit cold.
"Grandpa, you go in first. I'll talk to Brother Axiu!" Seeing him standing still, he shouldn't want to enter the door. Considering his peculiarities, Liu Yusheng shooed someone away.
"This little girl, if you have something to talk about, then go inside. It's dark everywhere, but you two little kids know nothing about fear." Grandpa Liu muttered, reluctant to enter the door. He didn't go far and stood not far from the gates to give the two children courage.
"Brother Axiu, let me tell you, all our wine is sold out for 500 Wen a jar!" Liu Yusheng was in spirits and poured out all the things that happened in the day in whispers. Her little mouth chattered in one breath until her mouth went dry: "Wanjin Restaurants will send someone to fetch the wine in four days, so Brother Axiu, I may not be able to go to the cabin for a few days. I have to help Grandma and Grandpa. Why don't you come to my house? Come help me package wine and play with me!"
"Okay!" Reaching out and touching the top of the baby's head, Axiu's lips rippled with a shallow smile. It was dim so Liu Yusheng couldn't see. "I'm glad you're okay. I'm leaving now."
"Okay, goodbye Brother Axiu! Come stay with me tomorrow!"
"Okay, I'll leave once you get in the door."
He watched until the little child entered and closed the courtyard gates, before he turned around to leave.
Unlike how restless he was when he arrived, his mood has changed, and he surprisingly felt the peace and tranquility unique to this small village.
On the way back to the cabin, his ears were filled with the delicate and soft voice of the little child, chattering non-stop like a lark.
He didn't feel irritated at all. He liked listening to her talk. He liked watching her focus on his eyes as she spoke. He liked the animated look she displayed whenever she talked in front of him.
All of this made him extremely happy.
He was like a fatally poisoned patient, and Shengsheng was his only medicine.