Chapter 548: Chapter 282 Unclear Intentions_1
There were six people standing at the field’s edge. The one in the lead, recognized by Lian Manman, was indeed Old Jin. The other four were sturdy, tall young men, aged from eighteen or nineteen to just over thirty. There was also a shorter teenager who looked to be only fourteen or fifteen years old.
The man in his early thirties was holding a plough handle. The plough handle was almost twice the size of the one at Lian Manman’s family’s home, pulled by two large mules. The teenager had the reins of the mules in his hands. The mules stood there, seemingly impatient, pawing the ground and neighing twice.
The teenager scolded softly and pulled the reins tighter, calming the mules down.
Old Jin, wearing a padded jacket over his shoulders, chuckled and walked toward Lian Manman’s family’s field.
"Dad." Lian Manman hurriedly called out to Lian Shouxin, telling him Old Jin had arrived. "It looks like he’s here for us."
Lian Shouxin lifted his head, saw the commotion, and quickly went to meet Old Jin.
"Old Fourth, brother, all this land is yours, right?" Old Jin warmly grabbed Lian Shouxin’s hand. "Look at you, short of hands for farming, why didn’t you tell your elder brother? Just you and your elder sister alone, the children are still young, their bodies are not yet fully grown, you must not wear them out. See, I’ve brought your nephews over, we’ll get this bit of land planted in no time."
"Ah, Old Jin and his sons are here to help us farm?" Old Jin’s voice was loud and clear, almost like a shout, so Lian Manman and the others in the field heard clearly what he said.
The children and Lady Zhang were all surprised. Their family usually had no dealings with Old Jin. Since when did they become close enough for Old Jin to bring his sons to help them farm?
Lady Zhang put down her work and walked toward Lian Shouxin and Old Jin. Lian Manman thought for a moment and followed.
"This, this really isn’t necessary!" Lian Shouxin was also startled and hurriedly declined. "Old Jin, brother, you see, we can manage on our own. And your lands are not exactly small either..."
"Old Fourth, brother, why the formality with me?" Old Jin didn’t take Lian Shouxin’s rejection to heart, his tone growing even more enthusiastic. He began signaling to his sons. "You guys come over, say hello to Uncle Fourth, Auntie Fourth."
The young men indeed came over, smiling as they called Lian Shouxin "Uncle Fourth" and Lady Zhang "Auntie Fourth."
"This is my eldest..." Old Jin introduced each of his sons to Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang, finally pulling the youngest boy toward him, "This is my youngest son, named Xi Bao. He’ll be fifteen this June."
Lian Manman clutched Lady Zhang’s clothes and peered from behind her, locking eyes with the large eyes of the young Xi Bao.
Lian Manman blinked, not averting her gaze. It was only upon getting closer that she could clearly see the boy’s features. Xi Bao had thick eyebrows and big eyes; although he hadn’t grown much in stature, he was quite sturdy.
Xi Bao’s face turned red when he caught Lian Manman staring at him. The youth quickly looked away, and then, as if embarrassed by his reaction, stubbornly turned back to glance at Lian Manman’s face, before shifting his gaze away again instantly.
Old Jin burst into laughter and suddenly gave Xi Bao a nudge.
Xi Bao, caught off-guard, stumbled forward. Lady Zhang, who was right in front of him, quickly reached out to steady him.
Xi Bao’s face, already embarrassed, seemed to catch fire, and he shot Old Jin an angry look in return.
Old Jin appeared to greatly enjoy his youngest son’s awkwardness, laughing even louder. Xi Bao’s brothers all seemed to be holding back their laughter.
"Thank, thank you, Auntie." Xi Bao thanked Lady Zhang, his eyes quickly sweeping behind her, before he turned and walked back.
"Old Jin, brother, you are truly blessed. Strong and robust, with a thriving family." This incident slightly eased Lian Shouxin’s suspicions and tension regarding Old Jin’s intentions.
"Ha-ha," Old Jin laughed heartily, Lian Shouxin’s words had hit the spot.
"Thanks to your auspicious words, brother, these boys almost ate me out of house and home back in the day." Old Jin joked with a tone of complaint that was clearly boasting, "if you guys are fond of one, I’ll give you one for free."
With that, Old Jin looked at Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang with a beaming smile.
Old Jin’s comment left Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang at a loss for words.
"Enough, Old Fourth, brother, let’s chat later. Let’s have your nephews get the job done first." Old Jin laughed and gestured to his sons.
