Chapter 9: The Lu Family

 Chapter 9: The Lu Family

The Lu family was a bit far from the village entrance, located behind the Shishi village.

Shu Yu followed San Ya and had already surveyed the village by the time they arrived at the Lu family's residence.

Shishi village wasn't very big, and the houses were not built in a particular pattern. Most of them were old, including the village chief's house, which was only a slightly bigger mud house.

Upon reaching the Lu family's doorstep, San Ya quickly ran ahead and pushed open the half-closed door, shouting, "Dad, Dad, I'm back!"

Shu Yu followed behind and closed the door behind her, placing her backpack in the corner of the yard before looking at the small courtyard in front of her.

It was tiny, probably less than fifteen square meters, but still cluttered with many things. However, it was apparent that the Lu family members were hardworking and kept the place clean.

Shu Yu walked through the courtyard and entered the main room.

San Ya had already rushed over, sweating profusely, and said hesitantly in a low voice, "Sister, my dad's not home, he might have gone out."

"Your family members are all out?"

San Ya shook her head, "They're all out working. Sister, can you wait here for a bit? They'll be back soon. I'll go pour you some water to drink."

With that, she turned and ran to the kitchen, coming back a moment later with a bowl with a small chip on the edge. She placed it on the table in front of Shu Yu and pushed it towards her, whispering, "Sister, I washed this bowl again, it's clean. It doesn't have any cracks and won't cut your mouth. You must be thirsty after walking such a long way. Please drink it."

Even the best guest bowl had a chip in it, which gave an indication of the family's situation.

Looking around the room, Shu Yu noticed the places where the wind came in, and the walls that were slightly leaning. To her, this house was a hazardous house that could collapse at any moment.

Shu Yu looked at the little girl, who was anxiously fidgeting with her clothes as if holding a broken bowl of water was a heinous crime. She paused for a moment and then reached out to touch the girl's head, saying, "Thank you."

After that, she picked up the bowl and took a sip of water, followed by a pause and a smile. "This water is very sweet."

The little girl became happy, "This is spring water. My brother fetches it from the mountain every day." She didn't mention that her family didn't usually drink it; they only used it to brew medicine for her father.

Shu Yu was about to inquire about the family's situation when she pulled the girl over to sit on a nearby stool and asked, "Do you have a brother? Besides your father, you and your brother, is there anyone else in your family?"

"And my mother and my grandmother."

"Do you have any sisters?" 

At the mention of her sisters, Sanya's mood inexplicably became low. She nodded slightly and said, "My eldest sister and second sister... my eldest sister got married two years ago, and my second sister..."

She didn't continue, instead lowering her head and rubbing her sleeves anxiously. Shuyu noticed this was her way of showing unease.

Was she referring to herself as her second sister? Did the young girl know about her situation?

Shu Yu had intended to ask more questions, but Sanya looked up and urged her, "Sister, drink some water. If it's not enough, I can go and pour more for you."

It was clear she didn't want to talk about her second sister, and Shuyu didn't press her further. She quickly changed the subject, "Since there's no one at home, why isn't the front door locked? What if a thief comes in?"

Sanya blinked and shook her head, "We don't have anything in our house. My grandmother says even rats go around it."

(End of chapter)