Chapter 170: Chapter 170: Gifts, Five Hundred Yuan

He Lin couldn’t believe it—so many gifts were actually for their family. She hurriedly waved her hands. “Sister… Sister, we really can’t accept these. Last time, you already gave my big brother so much money and so many things.”

Before she could finish, Zhong Luoning smoothly pulled out the fifty-five yuan she had prepared and stuffed it into He Lin’s pocket.

“This is just a small token from me. Last time, your brother saved my daughter, and I haven’t properly thanked him yet.”

Both women tried to persuade He Lin to accept, making her so anxious she spun in circles.

“We really can’t… can’t accept…” Little Han chimed in from the side.

Just as the scene was becoming chaotic, a slightly hoarse teenage boy’s voice called out, “What are you all doing?”

He Jie had come back. He was wearing a tattered, patched-up black cotton coat, with a large burlap sack slung over his shoulder.

Ever since the school holiday started, he’d been going out to scavenge for scraps whenever he had free time, trying to help out with the family expenses.

He was almost fifteen now. By rights, he could have started helping out with heavier work, like pedaling a rickshaw, but his big brother absolutely refused, saying he was still growing and hard labor would ruin his health.

Besides, he wasn’t yet of age, and the rickshaw company wouldn’t rent a cart to him anyway, so he could only sneak out to pick up scraps and earn a few coins here and there. Today, he’d been lucky and found a big chunk of iron, which should fetch a bit of money, so he came home early.

As soon as he entered the yard, the younger kids ran over to tell him there were guests at home, and he walked in on this scene.

Seeing his misunderstanding, He Lin quickly explained, “Second Brother, these two are the benefactors Big Brother told us about. They came specially to visit us and brought all these gifts. We really can’t accept them—Big Brother would be upset if he knew. Sisters, please take them back.”

He Jie realized his mistake and gave an embarrassed smile, quietly tossing his scavenged sack into a corner by the door.

“My sister’s right. Thank you for thinking of us, but there’s no need for the gifts. Please take them back.”

This family was truly good people. He Qiang, the eldest brother, really took care of his younger siblings and raised them well.

Their home was small but tidy, their clothes patched but always clean. Life was hard, but they never forgot to study. Living in a humble house, yet always aspiring to something better—surely, such a family would have a bright future.

Gu Qinghuan was moved by the sincerity in the children’s eyes. Her own eyes grew moist. She exchanged a glance with Zhong Luoning, and the two silently decided—they would give these gifts no matter what.

“Once I give something away, I never take it back. If you really don’t want it, just throw it out,” Gu Qinghuan said, pretending to be angry.

This startled the children, who shrank back like quails who’d done something wrong, unsure how to react.

After all, in their whole lives, they’d never met anyone who insisted on giving them things like this.

Little Han, being young, spoke up, “Sister, please don’t be mad…”

Zhong Luoning patted his head. “I’m not angry. I just hope you’ll accept these things. The New Year is almost here—let your big brother make you some new clothes and buy some good food.”

The thought of new clothes and delicious food made He Han’s heart fill with longing.

Gu Qinghuan sighed softly. “These things are yours now. Do what you want with them—keep them or throw them away. We’ll be going now.”

If she didn’t leave, she really wouldn’t be able to hold back her tears.

As she and Zhong Luoning stepped out the door, He Lin chased after them, calling, “Thank you, sisters!”

He Jie hurried after as well.

“These are just some little things I made myself—not worth much, but maybe your kids at home will like them. Please don’t mind,” the boy said shyly. He wasn’t sure if they’d value his homemade trinkets, but it was the best he could offer.

After his big brother had gone to eat at the foreign-style house, he’d come back and mentioned that Sister Gu’s family had three children.

He Jie handed over the box. Gu Qinghuan quickly took it and peeked inside—there were quite a few things: bamboo dragonflies, wooden spinning tops, little birds and animals he’d carved himself, and even wooden rabbit lanterns. All were rare toys for children in this era.

Gu Qinghuan noticed the calluses and scars on his hands. Clearly, he’d made these to sell for some money during the New Year.

Life truly wasn’t easy for them.

A warm current surged in Gu Qinghuan’s heart. People are always moved by sincerity.

“Thank you. I’ll accept these, then. I’m sure the kids at home will love them,” Gu Qinghuan said approvingly.

“These are wonderful! You’re really talented,” Zhong Luoning praised, picking up a rabbit lantern.

Their praise made He Jie blush. He scratched his head and said, “You get better with practice. My big brother used to make these to support us before he found work at the rickshaw company. Now I make some to sell from time to time, just to help out.”

“You’re all good kids. You’ll have a bright future,” Gu Qinghuan said.

Gu Qinghuan and Zhong Luoning brought the toys home, and the children loved them. Each picked out something they liked and danced with joy.

Lanting had already visited Grandma Gu, who was doing well in the temple, living a peaceful life.

Ming Ruxue had also brought back four sleeper train tickets for the trip to the Northeast the next morning.

Since the three kids were still young and couldn’t sleep alone, Gu Qinghuan would take Beibei, Gu Lanting would take Dabao, Zhong Luoning would take Youran, and Ming Ruxue would have a bed to herself.

Ming Ruxue might seem carefree, but she was actually very attentive and reliable. She’d already arranged the seats so the whole family could have a small compartment together.

They’d also received the introduction letter.

All the farewells had been said, all the New Year’s gifts delivered.

Now all that was left was to tidy up the house and luggage, and get ready to leave the next day.

The fresh vegetables in the fridge had all been given away except for what they’d eat that night. Gu Qinghuan and Zhong Luoning were making dinner, while Gu Lanting and Ming Ruxue played with the three kids in the yard.

Suddenly, He Qiang arrived, pedaling his tricycle.

“Sis, why did you give us so many gifts? When are you leaving?” In the dead of winter, He Qiang was sweating from pedaling so hard, wiping his brow as he spoke anxiously.

“Why are you in such a rush? It’s not that much. Buy something nice for the kids for New Year. We’re leaving tomorrow morning.”

He Qiang finally caught his breath and pulled a wad of cash from his pocket. “You left your money in the gifts and forgot to take it out. I brought it back to you.”

Gu Qinghuan had secretly tucked five hundred yuan into the gifts—a bit of help and goodwill, the most she could do. She just couldn’t bear to see people suffer.

She’d been afraid they wouldn’t accept the money if she gave it openly, but they still managed to return it.

“He Qiang, this money is for you. Please take it.

I didn’t know your family’s situation before. It’s not easy raising so many kids on your own.

Just take it as a thank-you for saving Youran,” Gu Qinghuan tried to persuade him.

He Qiang shook his head. “Sis, I can’t. Last time you already gave us so much—that’s more than enough.”

“He Qiang, if you really see me as your sister, listen to me and don’t refuse. It’s hard raising so many kids alone, but I have the means to help. Let me give you a hand.

You need to find a way to get Xiao Han’s leg treated. Even if it can’t be cured, at least don’t let it affect his independence in the future—he’ll face enough hardships as it is.

And He Jie and He Lin—I saw all their awards on the wall. They’re doing well in school. Make sure they keep studying, and you’ll be rewarded for it.

The New Year’s coming—buy the kids some warm new clothes, and after the holiday, try to move to a bigger place. Lin’s a teenage girl now—it’s not right for her to keep squeezing in with you all.

There are so many things your family needs money for. Don’t be polite with me,” Gu Qinghuan said sincerely.

Her words also tore away He Qiang’s last bit of pride. He squatted down, hugging his head, and began to sob quietly.

Men don’t cry easily—unless they’re truly heartbroken.

He was proud and always thought he could take care of his siblings, and he worked hard at it. But the truth was, no matter how hard he tried, he could barely keep them fed and clothed.

Aside from the luxury of letting them go to school, there was little else he could give them.

He was just so tired—so very tired, all these years.

Gu Qinghuan watched him with a pang of guilt, blaming herself for being too blunt and hurting his pride.

But if she hadn’t pushed him, He Qiang would never have accepted the money.

She shot a glance at Gu Lanting.

Gu Lanting instantly understood and came over to comfort He Qiang. “Brother He Qiang, don’t cry! You’re amazing, and you’ll definitely make something of yourself. This is all just temporary. My sister’s giving you this money—just take it. When you’re able, you can pay it back.

A gentleman’s gratitude can wait ten years—you’re not worried you won’t be able to repay her, are you?”

Maybe men understand each other better—these words shifted He Qiang’s focus and made him feel a bit better.

As long as he worked hard, he thought, one day he’d make it.

Dabao also came over. “Uncle He Qiang, I believe you can do it. My mom says, when you keep striving upward, the whole world will make way for you.”

He Qiang nodded. “Thank you, Dabao. I’ll remember your words.”

He wiped his tears and stood up awkwardly. “Sister Qinghuan, thank you for your help. I’ll listen to you.

I won’t make any big promises, but I, He Qiang, will always owe you this favor. If you ever need anything, I’ll do my best, even if it costs me my life.”

He Qiang wasn’t well-educated and couldn’t say anything fancy, but he meant every word.

Gu Qinghuan nodded. “That’s more like it. I don’t want you to risk your life—just live well, that’s enough. There’s still one more dish in the pot. Come eat with us!”

He Qiang couldn’t refuse and only left after dinner.

Before leaving, he agreed with Gu Qinghuan that he’d bring a few of his brothers to help take them to the train station at eight the next morning.

He Qiang had wanted to return Zhong Luoning’s money too—the fifty-five yuan. It wasn’t just fifty, which meant it was probably all the money she had. He knew her situation—divorced, raising a child alone, with nothing to her name. He couldn’t bear to take her money.

But Zhong Luoning scolded him. “Why is it okay to take Gu Qinghuan’s money, but not mine?”

In the end, He Qiang had to accept both.

After He Qiang left, Zhong Luoning pulled Gu Qinghuan aside.

“Huanhuan, you don’t blame me for putting on airs, do you? I know you’re the one supporting me, but I still wanted to give He Qiang money,” she said, a little embarrassed.

Honestly, if Gu Qinghuan didn’t have money and they were struggling, Zhong Luoning wouldn’t have given away everything she had.

But after living together for a while, she’d sensed that Gu Qinghuan had her own ways of making money. She was always generous with spending, and the family never lacked for anything, so Zhong Luoning felt comfortable doing this.

Gu Qinghuan shook her head. “What are you talking about? Don’t I know you? We’re family—there’s no such thing as who supports whom.

We share blessings and hardships together.

Besides, I just bought a piano worth over a thousand yuan—what’s a little more?”"