After the Scholar Rejected Me, I Married the Rogue and Got Rich - Chapter 57

Wang took the fabric, its softness and warmth filling her hands. She beamed with delight, stroking it repeatedly: “Oh my! This child! So thoughtful! This fabric is wonderful! I was just thinking of making a new vest! And the color is dirt-resistant too!”

He then handed Boss Lin a brand-new hunting knife with a leather sheath. The handle was made of solid wood, and the blade gleamed coldly, clearly indicating that it was very sharp and durable.

“Uncle, I noticed that you usually handle things like lamb offal and chopping firewood. A good knife would be more convenient for you. This knife has a hard edge and is durable.”

Boss Lin was a straightforward man who loved practical tools. He took the knife, drew half of it, and looked at the gleaming blade with obvious delight. A broad smile spread across his honest face.

“Great knife! Great knife! Han’er, this is so useful! It’s much better than my old, chipped one!”

Lin Bai was given a thick, warm dog-skin hat with a wide brim that could cover his ears. “Brother Bai is getting older, so it will keep him warm when he goes out to work.”

What was given to Lin Song was a large bag of Liangzhou’s specialty dried meat and milk curds. The oil paper package was opened, and the salty and milky aroma wafted out. “Song-ge’er is growing, so this can help him eat something when he’s hungry. It’s chewy and filling.”

The two boys were thrilled to receive their gifts. Lin Bo immediately tried on the hat, which fit perfectly and kept him warm, making him grin from ear to ear.

Lin Song couldn’t wait to break off a small piece of milk curd and put it in his mouth. He squinted at the rich milky taste and then carefully wrapped it up again.

Finally, Zhou Han took out a small red envelope containing a pair of brightly colored hair ties tied with red silk thread and adorned with small bells, as well as a small packet of exotic-style candied fruits wrapped in pretty oil paper.

“Little Miao, tie your hair up and sweeten your lips.”

Lin Miao’s eyes lit up instantly when she saw the bright red hair tie and the jingling little bells. She cheered and took it, immediately asking her sister to tie it up for her.

She clutched the bag of beautiful, unfamiliar candied fruit to her chest as if it were a precious treasure.

Seeing that everyone in the family had received a thoughtful gift, and the main room filled with laughter, Wang looked at Zhou Han with indescribable satisfaction and emotion in her eyes.

This child, though seemingly quiet, has everyone in his family on his mind, even considering the children’s preferences and needs.

This genuine care is more precious than any sweet words.

Lin Sang stood aside, looking at the smiles on her family’s faces, and then at the man who, though tired, had gentle eyes and was surrounded by his younger siblings. Her heart was filled with a great sense of happiness and peace.

He brought back more than just gifts; he brought back proof that he cares deeply about his family and every single person in it.

Wang insisted that Zhou Han stay for dinner, but Zhou Han declined, saying, “Auntie, I need to go back and let my mother know I’m safe. She must be worried about being home alone.”

Wang then realized what had happened and slapped her forehead repeatedly, “Look at me! I was so happy! Yes, yes, go back quickly! Tell your mother that she must come over for dinner tomorrow! Let’s have a good time!”

Zhou Han agreed, “Okay, I’ll definitely come.” Then he turned around and prepared to go home.

“Brother Zhou, wait a moment,” Lin Sang called softly, then turned and quickly walked into the house.

Zhou Han stopped and waited patiently in the courtyard. The winter night fell early, and the cold moonlight and the dim yellow lights in the courtyard intertwined, casting a faint shadow on his tall figure.

A moment later, Lin Sang came out of the house, carrying a square package wrapped in dark blue coarse cloth.

She walked up to Zhou Han, her eyelashes slightly lowered, and handed him the package, her voice softer than usual: “This… is for you.”

Zhou Han took it with some doubt. It felt thick and soft to the touch. He opened the package and saw a pair of very thick, dark gray cloth knee pads. The knees were carefully padded with thick cotton, and they felt soft to the touch.

There was also a pair of equally thick, finely stitched gloves of the same color, with the fingers spread apart and the wrists tightened, which kept them warm without restricting their movement.

“Mother said…you are often out and about in the freezing cold, and your knees and hands are most susceptible to cold.”

Lin Sang raised her head, her eyes clear and bright in the moonlight, with a hint of barely perceptible concern. “I made this in my spare time, using thick cloth and new cotton. You… you can use my needle and thread when you go out in the future. Don’t mind.”

Zhou Han looked down at the heartfelt gift in his hand, stitch by stitch, and then looked up at Lin Sang’s slightly shy but incredibly sincere face. He felt a surge of heat rush to his heart, and his throat felt blocked, leaving him speechless for a moment.

His rough fingers carefully traced the fine, even stitches on the knee pad, as if he could feel her focused expression and the warmth of her fingertips as she sewed it. This was heavier and more precious than any gift he had brought back.

After a long pause, he finally raised his head, looking intently at her, his voice low and hoarse, filled with unprecedented solemnity: “…Thank you, it’s sewn so well, it’s very warm.”

He carefully rewrapped his knee pads and gloves, clutching them tightly in his hands as if they were rare treasures.

“Then be careful on the road,” Lin Sang whispered.

“Yes,” Zhou Han nodded emphatically, giving her a deep look as if trying to etch her image into his heart. “I’m leaving.”

He turned and strode steadily into the night, carefully tucking the package containing the knee pads and gloves into his bosom, close to his chest.

Inside, there were not only clothes to keep out the cold, but also a heartfelt sentiment that could warm the entire winter.

Lin Sang stood at the door until his figure completely disappeared into the night before gently closing the gate, a reassuring, faint smile on her lips.

———

Back at the Zhou family home, as soon as she pushed open the gate to her own courtyard, she saw that Aunt Zhou was sitting in the main room doing needlework. Hearing the door open, she immediately looked up and saw that her son had returned safely. The anxiety that had been hanging over her for days finally subsided, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

“Mother, I’m back,” Zhou Han said, walking quickly into the house.

“It’s good to be back! It’s good to be back!” Aunt Zhou put down her needlework, stood up, and looked her son up and down, holding his hand. “You’ve lost weight and gotten darker! Did anything happen on the way? Are you cold? Are you hungry? Let me heat up some food for you!”

“Mom, I’m fine. The journey was smooth.” Zhou Han helped his mother sit down and took out a thick, soft wool blanket that he had brought back from Liangzhou and bought especially for her. “I brought this for you. You can put it on the bed or cover your legs. It’s warm.”

Aunt Zhou touched the soft blanket, feeling warm inside, but she scolded, “Why spend this money! I don’t lack food or clothing! Your safe return is more important than anything!”

She hurriedly asked, “Have you gone to the Lin family? Are Sangsang and the others alright? Is the stall okay?” She had vaguely heard villagers talking about how someone at the dock was jealous of the Lin family and always said sarcastic things, which had been a source of worry for her.

Zhou Han then briefly explained how Yang Laowu had caused trouble and how he had arrived just in time to intimidate him. He concluded by saying, “It’s all resolved, so don’t worry. Aunt Lin said she wants me to come over for dinner tomorrow.”

Aunt Zhou was finally relieved, a relieved smile spreading across her face: “Good, good! It’s resolved! Go tomorrow and thank them properly! Also, talk to Sangsang more!”

Looking at her son’s steady and reliable demeanor, she felt a surge of pride and anticipation for the future, feeling that life was becoming more and more promising.