Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

On the way home, Gu Qingyao reached into her basket and put the things into her inters.p.a.ce.

Chen Goudan, who was walking next to her, hung his head low and seemed unhappy.

“What's the matter?”

Chen Goudan raised his head and glanced at Gu Qingyao, then lowered it again. “Elder Sister Gu, I'll probably be beaten again when I get home. It doesn't matter if I'm beaten. Anyway, my skin is tough. But my little sister…”

He lowered his head and looked at his younger sister who was walking next to him, holding his hand.

Chen Xiaocao, who had been happy because of today's good food, immediately turned pale when she heard his words.

His eldest uncle's family had named her Xiaocao, and it reflected her place in the family.

The entire Chen family was used to abusing Chen Goudan and his sister. They would beat the children at the slightest excuse and refuse to give them food.

Sometimes when Chen Honghua and the others were in a bad mood, they would beat Xiaocao to vent their anger.

The siblings had no one to rely on. The rooms in the house had been taken by their eldest uncle's family and they had nothing. They even lacked proper names at their age.

This time, Chen Goudan had given his fish directly to Mo Beihan instead of bringing them home. The family did not dare to make trouble for Mo Beihan outside, but once Chen Goudan and Chen Xiaocao got home, they would certainly be beaten.

Gu Qingyao looked at the pitiful girl and frowned as she thought. “You can't go on like that. Goudan, actually, you are not greatly indebted to your eldest uncle's family now. Your grandmother brought you up in the past. Now, your grandmother has only recently pa.s.sed away, and your eldest uncle and his family have only supported you for a short time, right?

“Also, the house and the furniture belongs to your grandmother. Although there isn't much, they've taken it all, and that will offset your expenses. But as time goes by and you're still living together, it is equivalent to them bringing you up. Then Xiaocao's fate will be in your hands. If they marry Xiaocao off, that will cause a lot of trouble for you.”

Chen Goudan lowered his head and glanced at his 6-year-old little sister. He said to Gu Qingyao, “I've thought of that, but she's still young. But if we go on like that, it will lead to trouble later. My Eldest Uncle's family is really very difficult to deal with. I really… don't want any connection with them at all.”

“Then what's your plan?”

Chen Goudan looked at Gu Qingyao and said uncertainly, “Elder Sister Gu, do you think my sister and I can survive on our own apart from my eldest uncle and his family?”

Gu Qingyao did not say anything. She only listened as Chen Goudan continued, “I will work hard every day. Although my younger sister may not always be full, at least… we won't starve. In any case, we're always hungry in my eldest uncle's house. My little sister is so young, but she needs to work all day. My eldest aunt even makes her wash the clothes and cook. I don't want to go on like that.

“If we just manage for another two years, then I'd have grown up and can do more and more work. I've thought of moving out with my sister. Even if I have to beg, I won't let her starve.”

Of course, it would be good if they moved out, but Gu Qingyao knew that, as a child, it felt different to be without a family.

“Have you thought it through? You may not starve if you move out, but after all, both of you are children. Once you move out, there will be no adults with you. That feeling is different. Won't you feel afraid? Or insecure?”

Chen Goudan glanced at Gu Qingyao and mumbled, “I already feel insecure living with my eldest uncle's family now!”

Gu Qingyao: “…”