Xu Mumu got up early to exercise. It's a holiday today, but she feels her body is still too delicate.
"Mumu, what are you up to? Breakfast will be ready soon." Madam Chen watched Xu Mumu wipe her face and prepare to head out, feeling a bit puzzled.
"Grandma, I'm going for a jog to exercise, I'll be back soon," Xu Mumu said with a smile, then waved at Madam Chen and went out.
"This child, what does she need to exercise for? She's in such good health." Madam Chen was a bit confused. Xu Mumu had been well taken care of, with her fair and tender skin, she was so much better compared to the rest of the family who appeared sallow and skinny.
When Xu Mumu returned, her forehead was sweaty. Qian Ying immediately prepared wash water for her.
"Thank you, Auntie," Xu Mumu smiled at Qian Ying.
"No need to be polite, we're all family," Qian Ying said shyly. She was timid and didn't even dare look directly at Xu Mumu. If she didn't take good care of Xu Mumu, her mother-in-law would definitely give her trouble.
Seeing Qian Ying's timid appearance, Xu Mumu didn't say more. Her behavior was so weak that it made Xu Mumu feel like bullying her a bit.
Xu Mumu wiped her face. They had congee for breakfast, and now that everyone was up, there wouldn't be lunch unless they went to work in the fields. They'd only have dinner then.
If they didn't eat, they'd be hungry for the whole day.
However, today was different because Uncle Xu was coming home, so there would be a meal at noon.
"Minglei, get your books out, I'll teach you." After breakfast, Xu Mumu was ready to start teaching her younger brother.
"Sis, we just ate, can we play for a bit?" Xu Minglei's smile fell instantly, thinking his sister was being a taskmaster.
"Then don't eat what I bring back. I'm heading out in the afternoon and thought of bringing you something tasty, but forget it, I'll just bring some for Jiaojiao and them," Xu Mumu said calmly.
"No, sis, I'll study, alright?" Xu Minglei immediately got interested.
Xu Mumu hadn't told anyone about her tutoring job on weekends.
"Alright, then get your books out," Xu Mumu said with a smile.
"Got it, sis." Xu Minglei quickly got his things out, and Xu Jiaojiao and her siblings also gathered around.
"Sis, where are you going this afternoon? Can I come with you?" Xu Minglei asked hopefully, looking at Xu Mumu.
"I'm not going to play, I'm tutoring a classmate to earn some money. I'll bring you some nice snacks when I return." Xu Mumu pinched her little brother's chubby cheeks, seeing that he was living quite well.
"How much do you make?" Xu Minglei asked enviously, amazed that his sister was already earning money.
"One yuan for half a day," Xu Mumu said with a smile, being honest with them.
"Wow! One yuan, that's enough to buy some meat." Xu Jiaojiao's eyes widened in admiration, looking up to her big sister. So knowledge could earn money? She decided she must learn a lot so she, too, could teach others and earn money.
"Daughter, are you serious?" Li Caixia came over unexpectedly, followed by Xu Minghui, who looked the same as ever, unserious and aimless.
"Yes, it's true. I had thought of using the money to buy you gifts but didn't expect to let it slip so early." Xu Mumu said with a smile. Her goal was just to inspire her family to strive for more and not to live aimlessly like this.
Her parents were content since the grandparents were still active and had some money, leaving no room for ambition in them, while Xu Minghui and his siblings weren't concerned about much.
Then again, some were worried. Xu Minghui was nineteen already, around the age others in the village might have settled down with kids.
Xu Minghui's laziness was quite renowned in the community, and although some introduced potential brides to him, he only liked beautiful ones.
Given his lack of capabilities, it's no wonder the pretty girls wouldn't be interested in him.
Honestly, if Xu Minghui weren't her brother, she wouldn't regard him highly either. He had no income; how was he going to support a family?
Even girls from poorer families weren't good enough for him or Li Caixia, who somehow believed her children were the best.
Transforming this family would indeed be a long and arduous task.
The easiest to influence would be her young brother, who was quite young and willing to listen to her advice.
"Oh, I knew my daughter would be the most prosperous one. She's finally showing her worth!" Li Caixia was ecstatic, looking at Xu Mumu like she was a shining gold piece.
No, she had to go and brag about how capable her daughter was and make everyone envious.
Her closest friend was Liu Cuixia, who lived nearby, so she'd go see her.
Xu Mumu watched her mother's somewhat robust form quickly disappear from view, slightly dazed, then realized what just happened. She felt a headache coming on; her mother's temperament was indeed unmatched.
"Brother, what are you still doing here? I need to give little brother a lesson," Xu Mumu said, looking at Xu Minghui's complacent demeanor, feeling the urge to shake him up. Lacking any masculinity, his lethargic appearance made her want to slap him to shape.
"I'm just idle, I'll listen while you teach," Xu Minghui said lazily and sat in front of Xu Minglei.
"Fine, if Big Brother wants to learn, let's study together, but don't give up halfway," Xu Mumu said seriously, looking at Xu Minghui, who had only graduated from primary school.
Next year was the restoration of the college entrance exams, and the first year wouldn't be too difficult. Xu Minghui could try, and if he didn't succeed on his first attempt, he could try again the next year. He needed something to work towards.
"Big Sis, can we listen too?" Xu Tao looked at Xu Mumu hopefully, still a bit afraid of their older brother, who was fierce when fighting.
"Of course," Xu Mumu nodded with a smile. Compared to her own siblings, the two kids from the fourth household were obedient, studious, and beloved by teachers.
Xu Mumu's lessons were simple and easy to understand. There was no need to go in-depth with primary school material, and the two kids from the fourth household actively raised their hands whenever they didn't understand something. It was a very good habit.
To be honest, in these few days, Xu Mumu had grown fond of the sibling pair, as they were quiet, gentle, and never caused trouble.