Chapter 24: Shu Yu Goes Shopping
When the old lady heard that Shu Yu was returning to Shangshi Village, she could not help but feel relieved.
She admitted that she was selfish. She was afraid that Shu Yu would never come back after leaving, and consequently, her second son's leg could not be treated since they did not have the money.
The old lady quickly instructed Daniu, "Take good care of Miss Shu. Don't drive the cart too fast, understand?"
"Grandma, I know," Daniu promised, "Don't worry."
It was getting late, and they were all hungry from all the activity. The old lady had brought with her some coarse-flour steamed buns from home as rations. She also brought the leftover meat from yesterday especially for Shu Yu to eat as a side dish, while she and Daniu ate the steamed bun with pickled vegetables.
She did want to prepare something better for Shu Yu, but there really was nothing good at home, so she could only make do.
Shu Yu didn't take the food. She asked the old lady to eat the meat quickly, or it would go bad. Then, she got up and said as she headed for the door, "I have to go shopping. I'll be back in a while."
Shu Yu didn't go far. First, she had a bowl of noodles at a stall outside. Then, she went to the rice shop. The Lu family should have run out of grains yesterday. Since she was going back to Shangshi Village, she naturally had to buy some food.
To be honest, her appetite was not bad, but she was too embarrassed to eat too much in the Lu family.
Shu Yu bought a bag of rice and a small bag of flour. She remembered that the dishes from yesterday did not have much oil, so she also bought a small bottle of oil before going to the market to buy a cut of pork.
The original owner of this body had starved when she was young, and now, Shu Yu didn't want to mistreat herself.
Shu Yu didn't bring a basket, so her hands were already fully occupied with these items. She couldn't carry anything more.
However, when she passed by the grocery store, she couldn't help but think of the Lu family's bowls that were full of cracks. Last night, the meal had been sumptuous, which was a rare treat. Thus, Sanya gobbled down the food and accidentally cut the corner of her lips.
Shu Yu couldn't resist the urge to go in and buy a few sets of bowls and plates.
Although she didn't have much money on hand, she couldn't stop her desire to shop.
She had to think of a way to earn money as soon as possible. Not only did Lu Erbai need money for his leg treatment, but she would also need money in three months if she ultimately ended up in exile.
Shu Yu sized up the huge county town, thinking about how to make a fortune in a short time.
It was just that the things in her hands were quite heavy. It seemed that she had to find another opportunity to do some market research.
After that, Shu Yu returned to the clinic with rice, flour, oil, and pork. At that point, Lu Erbai had already woken up and was eating the food prepared by the clinic. The consultation fees mentioned by Doctor Xu also included the cost of accommodation and food.
That being said, the old lady who was staying behind as a caregiver had to pay for her own meals, though she had saved on the accommodation fees.
When the old lady saw the things in Shu Yu's hands, she was stunned, "Miss Shu, you..."
"Oh, I was hungry, so I bought some food."
The old lady's gaze was complicated. Shu Yu was saying that, but since she was bringing those things back to the Lu family, it would definitely be for everyone to share.
Miss Shu was really a generous person. Erbai had saved her before, yet she was not only repaying him but the entire Lu family as well.
However, the old lady had selfish motives. After all, there really was nothing to eat at home. Never mind Madam Ruan, but it would be good if Dahu and Sanya could have a good meal.
As such, she didn't say much. Seeing that it was getting late, she asked Daniu to bring the ox cart over. It was better to hurry back to Shangshi Village earlier.
Shu Yu went to Doctor Xu alone and asked him to help prepare the old lady's meal as well. She would pay for it later along with the consultation fee.
Either way, it wasn't a penny too much, so why bother the old lady with more work?