"Tsk, your family is so poor you can't even afford a meal, and you're raising someone else's daughter? Who'd believe that!"
Mrs. Zhang mumbled quietly, but since Lin Sanshui spoke with a stern face and firm tone, she didn't dare to go too far.
Not long after, Mrs. Zhang's fox-like eyes darted around enviously, eyeing the rabbits tied at Lin Sanshui's feet, and reached out to uncover their basket, "I say, Brother Lin, what's in your basket that you have it covered so tightly!"
Such a gossip, truly annoying.
Gu Nian placed a hand over the layer of wild grass covering the basket, and in a childish voice, she questioned, "Auntie, don't you know that you can't touch other people's things without their permission?"
"Hey, you little girl, I just wanted a peek, it wouldn't hurt to look, would it? After all, I'm an elder. What's with your attitude? Really lacks upbringing!" Mrs. Zhang, embarrassed by Gu Nian, angrily retorted.
"Am I wrong?" Gu Nian furrowed her little brows in confusion and asked the others, "So in the future, can I also just touch other people's things without their consent?"
Hearing that his child could even think like this, Lin Sanshui hurriedly wanted to correct her, "Niannian shouldn't think this way. We should be polite and well-behaved children. Touching others' things without their consent is something impolite people do."
As he spoke, Lin Sanshui looked coldly at Mrs. Zhang, "Sister-in-law, I don't usually meddle with how you conduct yourself, but don't go leading my child astray."
Mrs. Zhang suddenly felt that she couldn't defend herself, "I was just curious about what's in the basket, but this little girl keeps blocking me. Is there something inside that can't be seen?"
"What's it to you? How's it your business?" Lin Sanshui retorted, displeased, "Claiming to be the child's elder, at least act like one. Look at yourself, I fear being too close to you might corrupt my child."
"You..." Mrs. Zhang's old face turned pale, her chest trembling with anger.
Can't blame Lin Sanshui for his harsh words. In just this short time, such a sensible child like Niannian even thinks it's okay to touch others' things without consent.
Known for her sharp tongue, it was rare to see Mrs. Zhang being at a loss for words, and the other few people on the ox cart couldn't help but laugh to themselves.
Who would've thought that someone like Mrs. Zhang could be rendered speechless by a man.
Gu Nian also didn't expect that Lin Sanshui, who seemed like such a good-natured person, could be so sharp-tongued.
After about an hour, the mule cart finally arrived at the town.
Qingshan Town was quite bustling, with small stalls lining both sides of the street selling all kinds of food, drinks, and toys, making Gu Nian's eyes wander.
The ancient market was quite lively, more interesting than the modern ones she knew.
Passing by a candy seller, Gu Nian watched as the person skillfully twisted their fingers, quickly creating a small figurine, fascinating her immensely.
Lin Sanshui thought Gu Nian was craving sweets and, holding her hand, coaxed, "Niannian, let's find a stall to sell our things first. Once we have money, I'll buy you some candy, alright?"
Not bringing much money when they left, Lin Sanshui regretted it, realizing if he'd brought more, he wouldn't have to let the child merely stare greedily.