Chapter 222: Xiaosi’s Progress
Wang’s mother had a great relationship with her. When she frequently visited her, she would talk to her about all the things happening at the Bai household. Recently, she had been complaining a lot about Bai Ruozhu. Alleging how Bai Ruozhu was scheming against their family, how Bai Ruozhu’s family was taking the spotlight from hers, etc. So the moment Wang’s mother pointed at Bai Ruozhu, all her feelings naturally came into play. She was ready to fight with Bai Ruozhu.
Before she could rush forward, she was stopped by Wang Luji. Wang Luji brought out the style of an officer, his stern eyes shouted: "No noise or fighting is allowed at the entrance of the County Government Office. Otherwise, if the officer blames us, none of you will be able to afford it!"
Wang’s mother dared to act rashly but not against an officer, the moment she heard this, she froze. Not knowing what to do for a while, it was her father and elder brother who hurriedly pulled her back and said a few kind words to Wang Luji.
The old lady Wang sat on the ground and started crying. While crying, she said, "Even if my daughter lied to her in-laws and adopted a child from outside, that’s a family matter. It’s the in-laws who should punish her according to their family laws. Who ever has heard of reporting your own relatives to the Public Hall? The heartless Jezebel, she wants to kill my daughter!"
Bai Ruozhu exchanged a glance with Er Lang, intending to leave this place of controversy. Both Wang’s mother and Wang were unreasonable people, talking to them was just a waste of time.
"They didn’t initially report your daughter, but Wang’s accomplice Niu Pazi went to blackmail them. The ones they reported was Niu Pazi. It was just an interrogation at the Public Hall, but who knew that your daughter, not knowing her advantage, would miss her time and deceive the officials?" Wang Luji, with full authority, reprimanded the Old Lady Wang, making her hesitant and speechless.
Bai Ruozhu nodded appreciatively at Wang Luji and then left with Xiaosi and Er Lang.
The three of them went to their stall. Bai Zepei showed the adoption papers for Xiaosi to Lin Ping’er. Seeing the papers with the County Government’s official seal, Lin Ping’er, despite not recognizing all the characters, was so delighted that her hands trembled.
"His father, this is excellent. From now on, Xiaosi is our son. " Lin Ping’er held back her tears as she spoke.
Bai Ruozhu smiled at Xiaosi and said, "See how happy your parents are. You have to start calling them ’mum and dad’ too, okay?"
Xiaosi’s expressions had improved from before, he nodded and said, "Alright." Although he agreed, he didn’t rush to call them ’mum’ and ’dad’. Perhaps he was not used to it yet or maybe it was because he had spent a long time at the old mansion without calling anyone.
Lin Ping’er and others didn’t mind. They knew that Xiaosi was different from other children. He needed more patience and love from them.
Lin Ping’er, nervously handed the papers to Er Lang, saying, "You take it home and keep it safe. I’m afraid I’ll dirty it."
Er Lang couldn’t help but laugh, "The Government Office has a record."
"You should still keep it safe, and then go back to read with Mr. Xie." Lin Ping’er directly urged Er Lang to leave, fearing he would waste his reading time.
Bai Ruozhu called to Er Lang, "Er Lang, wait for me." Then she told Lin Ping’er, "Mother, Mr. Xie deliberately attended the hearing today to help us. Otherwise, things would not have been this smooth. I’m going back to the Residence to prepare a grand meal to express our gratitude to Mr. Xie and Sister Hongxiu."
Upon hearing this, Lin Ping’er immediately agreed, "Right, right. We must thank them properly. You go back quickly. Your father, elder brother, and I will take care of the stall here."
Bai Ruozhu informed her father and brother, then left with Xiaosi and Er Lang for the Xie Residence. She directly took Xiaosi to thank Mr. Xie and Yu Hongxiu. Mr. Xie, somewhat embarrassed, said, "If you had told us earlier, we could have done more to help. This way, the child would not have suffered so much."
"We also just found out that Xiaosi isn’t my aunt’s biological child. Otherwise, with his biological parents alive, we couldn’t do anything." said Bai Ruozhu.
Mr. Xie sighed, " Fortunately, the truth has been revealed. From now on, you guys live a good life with him, caring about him more."
"Yes, we will treat him well." Bai Ruozhu looked at Xiaosi and showed a sincere smile.
Mr. Xie nodded. He found that Bai Ruozhu’s family was very good and he was also very assured of Bai Ruozhu. He returned to the bookshelf, picked a book, and gave it, a brush, and an inkstone to Xiaosi, saying, "Here’s a book to teach you to read and write. Can you practice writing when you have time?"
Xiaosi didn’t accept it immediately but looked up at Bai Ruozhu for her opinion.
"Accept it. Don’t let down Mr. Xie’s kind intentions. You have to practice writing well." Bai Ruozhu patted Xiaosi’s head and said with a smile.
Only then did Xiaosi accept Mr. Xie’s gift and said stiffly, "Thank you."
In fact, both Bai Ruozhu and Mr. Xie saw it. He clearly liked the gifts. His normally dull eyes showed some brightness. But he had closed off his mind for too long and still didn’t know how to interact with others.
Bai Ruozhu afraid that Mr. Xie might think Xiaosi was impolite, explained, "Xiaosi is really happy. It’s just that he still can’t express himself well."
Mr. Xie nodded, "I understand. This child is eager to learn and mentally strong. You guide him well. He will definitely have a bright future."
While talking, Yu Hongxiu came over, smiling and holding up a piece of clothing to measure it against Xiaosi, saying, "I had someone tailor this for Xiaosi. I don’t know if it fits or not. Let’s measure it first. If it fits well, we can finish it by tomorrow and get it delivered to you."
Bai Ruozhu secretly scolded herself for being disoriented in the past few days. Xiaosi was still wearing old, ragged clothes, even too thin for this season. She hadn’t thought about buying him new ones. How derelict of her duty.
"Thank you, Sister Hongxiu. You thought of this before me." said Bai Ruozhu, blushing.
Yu Hongxiu laughed and playfully scolded her, "You’re being formal with me again! Don’t I know how busy you have been these past few days? I also like this child. Having a piece of clothing tailored doesn’t cost much. It’s just my little token."
Xiaosi promptly said "Thank you" to Yu Hongxiu. Bai Ruozhu felt that although Xiaosi was reticent, his heart was brighter than anyone’s. He knew who treated him well and he knew how to be grateful.
Moreover, she felt it was right to let Xiaosi interact with more people. Xiaosi’s personality would gradually become more open. Look at how much progress he made in thanking people today.
Bai Ruozhu didn’t find Xiaosi’s current state to be abnormal. She was striving to help Xiaosi out of his shadow and let him grow up like other children. One day he would grow up, face life, get married, have children, support his family. He couldn’t live in his small world avoiding people forever, and she wouldn’t be able to care for him for the rest of his life. Once he was old enough, he would have to fly on his own, and explore the wider world.