NOVEL WEB Chapter 419: Formalities
"Brother Dagen, you're overthinking it. Qin Shu and our two kids are close friends, so it's only natural for them to look after each other when they're out. Besides, having your family live in Hua Village has been a great help to us. You haven't just helped guard the village; you've spent months building this wall for protection. We really don't need to be so formal with each other."
Hua Chengtian said sincerely, feeling much more assured about Hua Village's safety with this wall in place.
The Qin family are truly benefactors of Hua Village. To be honest, it's Hua Village that has reaped the benefits.
The two adults' endless exchange of politeness made Hua Jin'er unable to hold back her laughter.
She chuckled, "Alright, Father, no need to be so polite with Uncle Qin." Then she turned her gaze to Qin Dagen, "Uncle Qin, do you have enough water at home?"
If not, Hua Jin'er planned to deliver a few barrels upon returning from her journey. Hua Village relied on Qin's family, they couldn't afford to let them lack water.
Hua Jin'er's concern was evident, warming Qin Dagen's heart. He quickly responded, "Plenty, plenty, plenty, not to mention the two big barrels you just delivered, there are over ten jars stored unused in the cellar, several in the rooms, plus the bamboo barrels. We've got plenty of water!"
"Good. If you ever do run short of water, Uncle Qin, just let Qin Shu leave a note in the back hills. There's no shortage of water where we live for now."
"Alright, alright, Jin'er girl really has us in her thoughts." Qin Dagen laughed, his face full of wrinkles.
In Qin Dagen's eyes, Hua Jin'er was like a lucky star for their family. Without her kindness, they wouldn't have known where to hide during the plague. Thanks to her, they can now live peacefully without worrying about water.
So whatever Hua Jin'er says, it's unconditionally accepted by Qin Dagen.
"It's Uncle Qin who is genuine," Hua Jin'er said bluntly.
If it weren't for this, she wouldn't have brought so many essential items to the Qin family.
"By the way, Uncle Qin, here's this month's compensation. Plus, I've brought two pounds of coarse salt, three taels of brown sugar, ten eggs, and an oil lamp. It's refined by our village folks. Feel free to use it. There's also cooling medicine, dozens of pounds of saltpeter..."
Hua Jin'er pulled over the large basket next to her father and showcased its contents one by one, especially the herbs, which could be life-saving when needed.
Excitedly, Qin Dagen watched Hua Jin'er, lips moving, unable to find words to express his gratitude, just continuously rubbing his hands, his eyes filled with thankfulness.
The family's consumption of sugar and salt had been excessive lately, especially salt. During the dry spell of the river, they caught plenty of fish every day, preserving them required much salt. Almost all the accumulated over a pound of salt was used for fish, very little was left.
And sugar—there were many residual effects of the recent heatwave. To maintain the family's health, they occasionally drank sugar water, which Hua Jin'er recommended to replenish energy.
And indeed, after drinking the sugar water, everyone felt much better.
Oil for lamps was also indispensable. With it, they no longer had to worry about lighting issues, or the torment of torches heating up the cellar. It was something the family desperately needed, unfortunately, Qin didn't know how to refine them. Otherwise, they wouldn't light torches in the house; with the heat of a torch, it got even hotter.
The items brought were truly timely, exactly what they needed.
"No need to say more, Uncle. Just let us know next time," Qin Dagen finally managed to say.
Then he quickly pulled out some silver from the compensation and handed it to Hua Jin'er, for the salt, sugar, medicine, and other items.
Bringing these necessities already made them extremely grateful, they mustn't exploit Hua Jin'er. Even if she didn't mention it, they needed to keep things in perspective, one mustn't be greedy.
"No need for so much." Hua Jin'er laughed, taking only a piece, returning the rest to the table.
"Must, must, Uncle isn't foolish. I know these items can't be bought with money. Frankly speaking, Uncle even gave too little." Qin Dagen, visibly embarrassed, once again placed the silver onto Hua Jin'er's hand, "Please accept it; otherwise, Uncle won't feel at ease."
Seeing Uncle Qin's earnest demeanor, Hua Jin'er pondered for a moment, eventually nodding.
Indeed, as Uncle Qin said, these items are priceless and cannot be simply bought; they're not something money could measure.
"Alright, I'll accept it then."
Hua Jin'er's straightforwardness deepened Qin Dagen's smile, and he breathed a sigh of relief, glad that she did. Without it, he would've felt uneasy.
Then, feeling awkward, he glanced at Hua Chengtian. Truth be told, he was taking advantage of Hua Jin'er, unsure if Brother Chengtian would be displeased.
Seemingly sensing Qin Dagen's uneasiness, Hua Chengtian chuckled, "Brother Dagen, don't overthink. My daughter's wishes are my wishes, be at ease."
These items are genuinely plentiful. Even Hua Chengtian stocked many of them in his own storage. Not to mention, Qin's family built such a formidable wall for Hua Village; this small amount of supplies, or even more, would be worth it.
Thus, Qin Dagen could finally feel at ease.
On another side, Qin Shu, with his two brothers, had finally settled the barrels. Upon returning to the room, he saw his father chatting happily with Uncle Hua. Though not eloquent, there was indeed conversation, then his eyes lingered a moment longer on the table before glancing at Hua Jin'er, smiling as he approached Hua Chengtian.
"Haven't seen Uncle Hua in a long time. He's still as handsome as ever…"
Hua Jin'er was surprised and looked at Qin Shu, unaware of this side of him, willing to compliment others.
Meanwhile, Hua Chengtian listened, brimming with joy, yet maintaining composure and modestly waving his hand, "Oh, getting old, getting old."
But the increasing grin revealed a bit of insincerity!
Hua Jin'er found it amusing to watch her father, who, despite restraint, couldn't hide his proud expression.
Thus, one praised while the other expressed joy, their chat was engaging. Upon learning about Hua Yunao's marriage, Qin Shu offered wholehearted congratulations.
Observing Qin Shu talking confidently, Hua Jin'er reflected on the once strong, principled yet somewhat shy and inarticulate Qin Shu. Time indeed changes everything.
While talking, time flew by. Li had prepared the meal. Unable to refuse, Hua Jin'er and her father stayed for dinner at the Qin household.
A dish of grilled fish, stir-fried shredded potatoes, scrambled eggs, white rice porridge, and freshly baked wheat bread—this was the best the family could offer. Even a few years back, these would have been considered good dishes.
Hua Jin'er and her father ate just enough to feel satisfied, leaving room for the Qin family to enjoy more.
After the meal, they shared the prescriptions for treating frostbite with Qin Shu's family, then bid farewell, carrying the tub of salted fish forcefully given by Li, headed back to their home—the current residence of the children.