BYBOTE Chapter 53: Working Hard for a New House!

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"Qing-ge, if we were to build a new house, would we build it on the same land where our current house is?" Luo Fei asked. After buying the shop, he hadn't dared to think about building a house, but now that they had a relatively stable income, he began to consider it again. He and Xi Yanqing were used to their current home, but with a child in the picture, he wanted to provide a better living environment.

"We'll see. If we can save enough money by spring, we might buy another plot of land. Or maybe we could build near Luo Yong and Jing Rong, become neighbors. Jing Rong will likely extend his newly bought house to manage his sheep more conveniently. If we build further south, we'd be closer to Chen Huazhang’s family, and you'd be nearer to Han Xu. That way, if I go out to work, you'll have company," Xi Yanqing explained.

"That sounds great! We really need to work hard," Luo Fei said. It would be nice if they could all build houses together instead of doing it separately over multiple years. He liked tackling big tasks all at once.

"Hopefully, the ice pops sell well in town," Xi Yanqing said as he carefully removed the frozen treats from their molds. Thanks to the cold weather, the liquid mixture froze solid in under an hour. Otherwise, with their limited number of molds, making 500 in a day would have been impossible.

"Should we ask Chen Huazhang to make more molds and ice pop sticks?" Luo Fei asked. They were running short on sticks, so they had to stack the ice pops in two layers, making them look uneven.

"Not for now. Let’s see how this batch sells first. If they sell quickly, we can ask him later." Xi Yanqing knew that when Chen Huazhang first made molds for them, he didn’t charge, but they couldn’t keep asking for favors. His time and effort were valuable.

"Hope for the best!" Luo Fei carefully counted and recorded the numbers before heading inside to prepare quilts. Xi Yanqing had suggested it—something Luo Fei hadn't thought of. Since Luo Yong and Jing Rong had recently settled in, and Jing Rong had just bought a house, they probably didn’t have enough bedding. They didn't have any particularly grand gifts to offer, so they decided to make two quilts for each of them.

Since there was no embroidery needed, Luo Fei worked quickly. He only had to sew the covers, while his mother helped with stuffing the cotton. No matter how many times he tried, he still wasn’t good at it.

After finishing the ice pops, Xi Yanqing called from outside, "Wife, I’m heading to Jing Rong’s place to tend the fire. I’ll be back soon."

"Wait for me! I want to go too!" Luo Fei shouted.

The ground was covered in snow, making the roads slippery. He didn’t want to go out alone and risk falling, so he might as well go with Xi Yanqing. The sun was shining brightly today!

Xi Yanqing waited for Luo Fei, and the couple headed off together. He also wanted Luo Fei to check out the location.

To get there, they had to pass by Qin Guizhi’s former house. Xi Yanqing had seen Qin Guizhi a few times before, but he hadn't made a fuss about it. He figured she’d find out eventually. He just didn’t expect "eventually" to be today.

After selling her house, Qin Guizhi had been so stressed that she developed mouth ulcers. How could she not be? She used to be the wealthiest woman in the village, practically walking around like she owned the place. Now, people wouldn’t even look her in the eye. She always felt like they were laughing at her behind her back.

Since the weather was freezing and she couldn’t stand people gossiping about her, Qin Guizhi rarely went out. But today was different—she suddenly remembered that she had left her fermented bean paste blocks in the old house. She had prepared them before the twelfth lunar month, planning to use them in spring. She could have stored them at home, but her son complained about the smell, so she had left them at her parents’ house instead. When she sold the house, she had been too focused on repaying debts to remember them.

She hadn’t returned since selling the house, but she had once seen smoke rising from the chimney, so she assumed Jing Rong had already moved in. However, when she opened the door—

Forgive her for still not being used to the fact that this was no longer her home—but the first person she saw inside was Luo Fei!

"You—you little fox spirit! What are you doing here?!" Qin Guizhi shrieked, exploding like a firecracker.

"I can be wherever I want. What’s it to you?" Luo Fei shot back. He had no intention of arguing with Qin Guizhi and quickly stepped inside. Was he supposed to be afraid of her?

"Ah!" Luo Fei staggered from the sudden grip, clutching his waist. "Ugh…"

"Wife!" Upon hearing the commotion, Xi Yanqing quickly came out and caught Luo Fei in his arms. "Qin Guizhi, are you crazy?!" He held Luo Fei protectively. "Are you okay?"

"My waist hurts…"

"Who—who let you people be here?! This isn't even your house!" Qin Guizhi, seeing Luo Fei's pale face, felt a sudden sense of satisfaction, as if she was getting revenge. "Get out of here now!"

"This house was bought by my brother! If anyone should leave, it's you! If you don't get lost, I'll report you to the authorities for trespassing!" Xi Yanqing scooped Luo Fei into his arms and carried him inside, laying him down carefully. "Don't be scared, wife, it'll be okay."

"I was just startled, but my waist seems to be a bit strained…" Luo Fei kept holding his waist. "That crazy woman… Damn, every time I see her, it's never good."

"You've got some nerve, Xi Yanqing!" Qin Guizhi finally realized what he meant. "You tricked me with your brother? I curse you to be childless forever! I curse your child to be born deformed! Pah! Let’s see what kind of freak Luo Fei can give birth to!"

"Splash!" Xi Yanqing threw a whole bucket of water at her.

"Ah!" Qin Guizhi screamed. She tried to dodge, but still got splashed. Xi Yanqing didn't even hesitate; he went to fetch another bucket.

"Are you leaving or not? If you don't, I'll keep pouring!"

"You, you, you—you give me back my fermented bean curd!" Qin Guizhi saw the look in his eyes and didn't dare curse anymore, but she still wanted her fermented bean curd.

Xi Yanqing had already smelled it earlier and knew exactly where it was. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and threw it outside. "Take it and get lost! I'm not as patient as my wife. If you dare say another word, I'll make sure Zhang Yangfan pays for it."

Qin Guizhi shivered violently. Gritting her teeth, she picked up the fermented bean curd and left. How could she have forgotten? This man had been to war and killed people!

Xi Yanqing himself didn't realize how terrifying his expression was at that moment, but Qin Guizhi saw it. She never wanted to see it again for the rest of her life.

Luo Fei lay on the heated brick bed, warm and comfortable. After a while, he gradually recovered. But thinking about how he had twisted his waist earlier still made him a little nervous.

Xi Yanqing was worried about him and carried him to see Doctor Liang. Only after Doctor Liang assured them that there was nothing serious did he finally relax. For the next three days, Xi Yanqing didn't let Luo Fei leave the bed except to use the toilet. At most, Luo Fei sat on the bed to keep accounts and finished sewing the last blanket.

Luo Fei didn't dare move around too much, so he obediently rested for three days. On the fourth day, he suddenly heard a chorus of sheep bleating outside.

"Baa~~~"

"Qing-ge, is it Jing Rong and Luo Yong?" Luo Fei called out from inside. Xi Yanqing was outside, making ice pops.

"It's Jing Rong," Xi Yanqing said as he opened the door. "Whoa! That's a lot of sheep!" Around forty to fifty sheep were driven into the yard, creating quite a sight.

"You think this is a lot? This isn’t even a tenth of my family's ranch," Jing Rong said. "But they did well on the journey here—arrived safely. I was worried when we set out."

"I'll get them some water. You rest a bit. By the way, where’s Luo Yong?" Xi Yanqing didn't see him.

"He went to Qi-ge’s mother's house—to see San Guniang (Third Miss). I was in a hurry to find a place to rest in town, but he insisted on buying some snacks first. Then he went straight to Qi-ge’s mother’s house." Jing Rong shook his head in exasperation. "I just don’t get it. I’ve never liked someone that much. How does one day apart feel like three autumns to him?"

"Forget it. Come inside first. Qi-ge and I haven’t had dinner yet. Let's make something good and have a nice meal together."

"Alright!" Jing Rong entered and looked at Luo Fei. "Haven’t seen you in a few days, Qi-ge—you’ve gotten rounder."

"Just say I’ve gotten fat!" Luo Fei could tell himself, but he accepted it. He ate a lot and moved less these days—of course he gained weight. But he wasn’t going to starve himself or start exercising more just because of that.

"Being chubby is good. It’ll help my future nephew grow stronger." Jing Rong took out a small silver lock and handed it to Luo Fei. "Qi-ge, I bought this in Huangtan Town. Keep it for my nephew when he's born."

"So delicate." Luo Fei examined it. "But isn’t this too expensive?" It was silver! In the countryside, this was a big deal!

"It’s not expensive at all. You’re not an outsider. I consider Xi-ge and Luo Yong as real brothers, so naturally, your child is my real nephew. What’s a little gift for my nephew?" Jing Rong said. "Right, Xi-ge?"

"Yeah, no need for formalities with him," Xi Yanqing told Luo Fei. "Wife, how about we cook some cured meat tonight? And make some cabbage and potato soup—what do you think?"

"Sounds good, I’ll do it," Luo Fei said. "Qing-ge, bring in some firewood and fill up the water. Watch me show off my cooking skills tonight!"

"Then I’ll leave it to you." Xi Yanqing smiled. "By the way, Qi-ge even made you and Luo Yong two blankets." He turned to Jing Rong. "Last time Luo Yong came, he didn’t bring one. I saw you didn’t have one either, so I made them in advance. That way, you won’t be cold when you stay over."

"Thank you, brothers." Jing Rong was surprised. "I didn’t even think of that." Should he admit that back in Huangtan Town, he and Luo Yong just piled on some clothes to sleep? If his clothes got torn, he’d just patch them up himself—no one in his family cared for him like this. Having a wife really made a man more thoughtful…

Jing Rong was lost in thought until Luo Yong returned, snapping him out of it.

Luo Yong had a slight smile on his face—he had clearly seen Luo Ru.

Luo Fei was surprised. His mother actually let Luo Yong see Luo Ru? Or did Luo Ru come out by herself…?

"Luo Yong, how did you manage to see her?" Luo Fei was curious. His mother would never allow Luo Ru to meet someone alone.

"I just stood at the door and didn’t call out. I waited until she came out, then left the snacks at the door and talked to her for a bit," Luo Yong said. "Smart, right?"

"Pfft! Smart." Luo Fei nearly spat out his porridge laughing. "Why didn’t you just wait until she left the house and abduct her?"

"I’d love to! But I have to consider her reputation." Luo Yong, a grown man, blushed slightly. "Xi-ge, Qi-ge, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to find a matchmaker to propose marriage to the Luo family."

"Aren’t you afraid my sister will get mad?" Luo Fei asked.

"I’m not afraid! I’ll just marry her and make it up to her later!" Luo Yong was determined. "I need to find a good matchmaker!"

"Just don’t pick Madam Wang. The others should be fine," Xi Yanqing said. "If you’re unsure about anything, you can ask me. I had to figure everything out myself when I got married, but now I know the process well."

"Then I’ll take you up on that," Luo Yong said. "Tomorrow, Jing Rong and I will tidy up his new place first, and then I’ll find a matchmaker."

"No need, it’s all been taken care of. Just warm up the brick bed when you go back, and you’ll be fine," Xi Yanqing said. "I also brought some straw—you should have enough firewood for three days. But we’ll still need to gather more later."

"Alright. Then we’ll go chop firewood later." Luo Yong had a look of sheer determination on his face, as if he were downing a bowl of liquor, and gulped down his porridge in one go.

The group continued chatting about raising sheep and selling ice cream for a while. Later, Luo Fei gave them some bedding, and the two young men hurried back with the sheep. Luo Yong carried the bedding on his own, while Jing Rong herded the sheep. When they returned home, they found that everything had been tidied up— even the stove was cleaned, and the roof had been patched up.

They hadn't expected to sleep so warmly in an old house within their new home— even warmer than in Huangtan Town. Luo Yong and Jing Rong already had a good impression of Xi Yanqing and Luo Fei, and now that impression had only deepened.

They suddenly understood why people said, "An elder brother is like a father, and an elder sister-in-law is like a mother."

One of them had lost his parents early, while the other had parents but had never truly received their care. Now, with Xi Yanqing and Luo Fei treating them so well, despite the couple being young— with Luo Fei being the youngest— they couldn't help but feel admiration and gratitude.

Jing Rong's eyes turned slightly red when he recalled that Luo Fei had even given them steamed buns to heat up for breakfast the next morning.

_

The next day was another sunny one. As soon as Xi Yanqing finished his chores at home, he began collecting the ice cream. Jing Rong and Luo Yong arrived early again. Luo Yong wanted to ask in more detail about preparing for a matchmaker and what he needed to be mindful of, while Jing Rong wanted to ask Xi Yanqing and Luo Fei where he could buy forage.

The dried forage he had brought was running low and would only last another five or six days. His family had plenty of it, but his stepmother had refused to let him take any.

However, he had to ensure the sheep were well-fed, so he needed to buy more as soon as possible. Many households that raised livestock usually had some stored, and some people specifically sold forage, especially since there were families in town that kept horses and even a few who raised dairy sheep. Buying would be the only option for now, but once spring came, things would be easier.

Xi Yanqing said, "Jing Rong, go find Han Yang. His second uncle knows many people who raise livestock and will definitely know where to buy forage. I have to take care of things here and then head to town, so I can't go with you. But don't worry, Han Yang will definitely help you."

So, Jing Rong went to find Han Yang.

Meanwhile, Xi Yanqing borrowed an ox cart from Luo Ji and took the ice cream to town before heading to the Shi residence. "Brother Li, how are the sales in the county?"

Li Siyuan smiled and said, "Very well. Since the New Year is approaching, many families are stocking up, and those who have tasted it think it's good. They buy ten or eight at a time. Some have even sent people to ask for more, so I think we can sell a lot before and after the New Year."

This was just as Xi Yanqing had expected, and he finally felt relieved. "Then I'll make more when I get back."

Li Siyuan said, "Alright, let's settle that. Now go talk to Shi Shi about the tooth powder. He was planning to look for you this morning, but I told him you were coming today, so he held off. He's quite excited."

"Brother Xi, come with me to see if what my friend sent matches what you mentioned." Shi Shi took Xi Yanqing to the study, where several pieces of ore and some purified white crystalline substances were laid out on the desk. "I followed your instructions and put this in water, and it did indeed make the water freeze."

"That's right, this is it." Xi Yanqing examined it carefully. "But the ice made from this can't be directly consumed, so we'll have to use indirect freezing methods."

"That’s not a problem. As long as we're sure this is the right substance, we can proceed." Shi Shi had been tinkering in the study all morning, looking like a child with a new toy— it was rare to see him so intrigued by something.

"Is it easy to obtain this powder? It can be reused, but if we really want to sell ice in the summer, we'll need to get a lot of it."

"Leave that to me. For now, you should focus on developing more varieties of ice cream. If we want to sell ice, we'll first need to build several large ice cellars, which will take time. In the meantime, selling ice cream should remain our main focus. Although sales are modest now, once we have ice in the summer, we can sell it nationwide and make a substantial profit."

"Alright, I'll handle that. As for the whitening powder, I'll leave it to you, Brother Shi. Get as much as you can— this stuff is never too much." After all, it could also be used to make gunpowder.

"Understood. By the way, I have something for you." Shi Shi took out a small box from the drawer, containing two pills. "I made extra while preparing them for Siyuan. Keep them. They are for calming the mind and nourishing pregnancy— Luo Fei can take them."

"Does he just take them directly?"

"Yes, they are highly effective for stabilizing pregnancy."

"Thank you, Brother Shi." Xi Yanqing took the medicine and discussed some ideas about ice-making before heading back. But as he left, something felt off. Why had Shi Shi made pregnancy-nourishing pills for Li Siyuan? Little Changle was already so big…

"Brother Shi, forgive my slow reaction, but does this mean Brother Li is expecting again?"

"Yes." Shi Shi looked in the direction of Li Siyuan and smiled warmly. "Changle is going to have a younger sibling."

"Congratulations!" Xi Yanqing was genuinely happy for them. After some more chatter, he finally went home.

_

That day had been exhausting— rushing around, with his mind full of things. The thick snow and difficult roads only made it worse. But thinking about how they were earning more money, he felt quite pleased.

After setting aside money for materials and handing the rest to Luo Fei, Xi Yanqing recalled Shi Shi’s words and said, "Wife, do you think we’ve missed anything? Brother Shi said that more variety would be even better. Today, I saw the saltpeter he brought— summer ice-making is guaranteed. And from what I gathered, he’s planning to continue selling ice cream as a long-term business."

Luo Fei was counting the money and putting it into a pouch. Without hesitation, he said, "There's plenty of variety! Isn’t it almost New Year? We should get a carpenter to carve molds with words like 'Fortune,' 'Happiness,' and 'Auspiciousness'— a whole set! Ancient people love this kind of thing. Plus, during festivals, people seek good omens. Sell them in sets— a pair of couplets and a horizontal scroll!"

Xi Yanqing thought about it— why hadn’t he considered that?

Luo Fei also planned to make sachets. Since getting pregnant, he hadn’t gone to town much. The last time he saw Boss Li, the man had even asked why he wasn’t embroidering anymore, saying that many people came to the fabric shop specifically for his work, only to leave empty-handed.

With New Year approaching, embroidering some sachets seemed like a good idea.

Xi Yanqing went to find Chen Huazhang and ordered a batch of festive molds. Meanwhile, Luo Yong had also secured a matchmaker.

The matchmaker, Madam Qiao, had a good reputation and was particularly persuasive— few matches she arranged failed.

Now, it all depended on whether the third young lady agreed!

After all, when Luo Yong delivered jujubes to her the other day, she had accepted them!

Luo Yong now wished time would pass in a flash, but ironically, it seemed to drag on even more.

The matchmaker had only gone for a day, yet Luo Yong had already asked Luo Fei ten times, "Brother Qi, is there any news from the third young lady?"

The matchmaker had gone to the Luo family to perform the betrothal rites, but without a response from them, Luo Yong couldn’t proceed with his proposal.

Luo Fei was too tired to even roll his eyes. "I haven’t left the house all day— how would I know? Don’t worry, it’ll work out! If not, I’ll go talk to my mom and Sanbao tomorrow! If that doesn’t work, I’ll kidnap Sanbao for you, okay? Damn, my ears are about to sprout calluses from your nagging!"

Luo Yong scratched his head. "Oh."

Luo Fei said, "Don't worry. Since Sanbao accepted your gift, she definitely wouldn't take it for no reason. She's someone who distinguishes between love and hate clearly. You just focus on preparing to marry your wife."

Jing Rong chuckled. "I think so too. If you're this anxious and still can't get married, you might end up making yourself sick from frustration."

Luo Yong: "Get lost!"

Luo Fei rested his chin on one hand. "Jing Rong, what kind of person do you like? I'll find someone for you too."

Upon hearing this, Jing Rong's smile faded slightly, as if recalling something. After a moment of thought, he said, "Someone who is loyal to the end."

T/N: Please give support on my ko-fi page, it's a big help, thank you🌰🌰🌰