Chapter 5: Dead Man, Why Are You Staring at Me Like That!

After cooking all the rice, Jiancheng Tang realized that the rice jar at home was already empty, the oil was running low, and the only seasonings left were salt and MSG—there was nothing else. This household was truly poor.

In fact, Jiancheng Tang wasn’t exactly lazy; he was fairly diligent with farm work. During the off-season, he would join other villagers to do temporary factory jobs outside the village to earn some extra money. Throughout the year, he could make a few hundred yuan, which was quite valuable at the time.

Unfortunately, the family was large, and even if each person ate only a little, the total amount added up to a surprisingly large figure.

Moreover, because Jiancheng Tang had so many daughters, villagers often mocked him. Gradually, his temper worsened; he picked up smoking, drinking, and gambling, learning all these vices, which only accelerated his spending.

“I have to find a way to earn money quickly and support the family. Without a material foundation, all promises of protection are meaningless,” he thought silently, contemplating his next plan to earn money.

After starting the meal, Jiancheng Tang searched the kitchen and found only a few potatoes, half a winter melon, a large Chinese cabbage, and several jars of pickled vegetables.

As for meat... there was none at all.

Jiancheng Tang sighed deeply and began washing the potatoes, peeling and shredding them, then soaking them in water. He washed the winter melon, peeled it, removed the seeds, and cut it into chunks to set aside. Then he washed the cabbage.

His eight daughters watched him busily moving back and forth, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and surprise.

Curious that their father could cook.

Surprised that their father actually knew how to cook.

Yet none of the eight daughters stepped forward to help—not because they didn’t want to, but because they dared not.

When Jiancheng Tang finished washing all the vegetables without leaving any behind, the youngest daughter, just seven years old, couldn’t help but ask, “Dad, you’ve used up all the vegetables. What will we eat tonight?”

Jiancheng Tang’s hands paused mid-wash of the cabbage, and he turned to ask, “Is there nothing left in the fields?”

“Long gone. These vegetables were brought by Grandma,” the youngest replied. “Grandma said to save them because the heavy snow has sealed the mountains. Even if there were vegetables outside, we couldn’t dig them up.”

“No matter, we’ll eat this for lunch. We’ll figure out dinner later,” Jiancheng Tang said, then started stir-frying.

Though there wasn’t much oil or seasoning, Jiancheng Tang had lived alone for more than forty years in his previous life and was a decent cook. The dishes he prepared were full of color, aroma, and flavor.

The enticing aroma made the eight daughters’ mouths water, and even Fangfang Liu, who was in confinement after childbirth, was drawn by the smell.

“It smells so good!” Fangfang Liu inhaled deeply.

Jiancheng Tang glared and said, “You’re still in your postpartum month. Why are you wandering around? What if you develop a chronic illness?”

Fangfang Liu knew Jiancheng Tang cared for her and felt a warmth in her heart. She softly replied, “I’m just walking around the house. It’s fine as long as I don’t go out in the wind.”

At that moment, little Qi, over four years old, suddenly ran up to Fangfang Liu and tattled, “Mom, Dad used up all our rice and vegetables!”

“Really?” Fangfang Liu asked, looking down at her.

“Yes!” Qi nodded emphatically.

Fangfang Liu was charmed by her earnest expression and smiled, squinting her eyes as she ruffled the child’s hair. Then she looked up at Jiancheng Tang and said, “Are you giving up already?”

Jiancheng Tang stared at her blankly.

Speaking of which, Fangfang Liu was quite beautiful, with a good figure that hadn’t changed despite having given birth to nine children. Perhaps because she had just given birth, her chest was especially full, making her figure even more alluring.

Having not seen his wife for over forty years, Jiancheng Tang was suddenly struck by her radiant smile just now, as if she were the warm and beautiful winter sun.

“Dummy, why are you looking at me like that?” Fangfang Liu blushed.

Jiancheng Tang snapped out of his reverie and chuckled. In front of the children, he refrained from saying the words on the tip of his tongue—“Because you’re so beautiful”—and instead said, “Wash your hands, time to eat!”

With Fangfang Liu there, the children’s spirits lifted considerably. The younger ones began to show their true nature—quarreling, grabbing, crying—and the kitchen became lively.

The older children were still somewhat afraid of Jiancheng Tang. Even with Fangfang Liu present, they dared not act out, fearing to provoke his anger and receive punishment.

Jiancheng Tang didn’t rush to mend his relationship with the children; after all, there was plenty of time.

As long as he truly cared for them, they would surely feel it.

After the meal, the eldest daughter, showing great initiative, took on the task of washing the dishes and pots. Jiancheng Tang couldn’t help but praise her, “My eldest daughter is so sensible!”

Hearing this, the eldest daughter almost dropped a bowl in fright.

In the past, Jiancheng Tang had said the same words, and she had initially thought it a compliment. Unexpectedly, it was sarcasm. Just as she was feeling proud, she was met with a severe beating from him.

Seeing the eldest daughter’s fear, Jiancheng Tang sighed inwardly.

In his previous life, it was this sensible daughter who had been scared into a mental illness. This time, he vowed not to repeat the same mistake.

“There’s no rice or vegetables left at home. I’ll go out and find a way,” Jiancheng Tang said, then stepped outside.

Fangfang Liu was already alarmed by Jiancheng Tang’s series of unusual behaviors. In the past, even if the family went without food for days, Jiancheng Tang wouldn’t have cared. But today, he seemed unusually attentive, clearly with something in mind.

Fangfang Liu also understood what he was thinking and glanced at her daughters.

Who would he sell?

Looking at them, they were all pale and thin, but they had inherited her good looks—none were ugly.

If only their nutrition improved and they were groomed a bit, they would be lively and striking.

Village rumors said that people who wanted to buy children were usually families who couldn’t have their own. They preferred young children because such kids had no independent thoughts or memories of their original family, making them easier to raise.

Fangfang Liu saw that four of her children fit this description, but all her children were her flesh and blood, making it hard to choose.

“Forget it. Let that idiot choose! Whoever he wants to sell, he can sell,” Fangfang Liu gave up.

Just then, the youngest child, Xiao Jiu, began to cry in the room; she needed to nurse.

Though Fangfang Liu truly hated the idea of selling her children, she knew their family was too poor, with many daughters who often suffered Jiancheng Tang’s beatings and others’ ridicule.

Maybe selling them to a wealthy family would give them a better life.

Unaware of Fangfang Liu’s thoughts, Jiancheng Tang stepped outside, seeing the thick blanket of white snow. When he stepped on it, it already reached his ankles.

In this weather, where could he possibly find food?

Jiancheng Tang’s mind raced quickly, and suddenly he recalled something from the past. Without hesitation, he headed toward his parents’ house next door.