The child from Lady Bai's family next door was also taken to the River God Temple last year, which is why Lady Bai could empathize and offer her comfort.
Although she was heartbroken too, unlike the original owner who had only one son, she still had two grown sons to care for.
"Child, if there's anything you want to eat, just say so. The villagers will prepare it for you. It's just these few days left. Comfort your mother well...."
Faintly, one could hear the sorrowful voice of Lady Bai outside, followed by the reply of a young, slightly trembling boy, "I know."
Not long after, Su Li heard footsteps approaching the door. With a creak, a pair of thin, frail hands pushed the wooden door open.
A small child with pigtails smiled while holding a bowl of plain noodles, offering it to Su Li like a treasure.
He gazed eagerly, involuntarily swallowing, yet moving his hands two inches closer to Su Li, "Mother, eat."
"These were sent by the villagers. I cooked them for you. Eat."
