Chen Yu took Qin Shuli by the hand and led him over to the group of women. "Dear sisters," she introduced, "this is my eldest grandson, Qin Shuli. He is fifteen years old this year. He’s a well-behaved boy, and most importantly, he has a kind heart. At home, he takes good care of his mother and his younger siblings, and he’s always been so good to his grandfather and me. He just got back from out of town and bought gifts for everyone in the family."
Several of the older women crowded around Qin Shuli, showering him with endless, flowery compliments. Embarrassed, Qin Shuli lowered his gaze, and his eyes happened to fall upon the hem of a middle-aged woman’s cloth shoes, which were stained with green grass juice. In Four-Nine City, greenery was hard to come by outside of a few parks, and given the constant dusty winds, city folk rarely ventured beyond the city walls. Qin Shuli didn't think much of it; food was scarce these days, and it was common for people to go outside the city to forage for wild vegetables.
That evening, the family sat together in the main hall. Qin Laogen, seated at the head of the table, looked over at the family members seated at the two tables—one large and one small—and said earnestly, "Dashan, Dahai, you must remember that the reason our entire family can live in Four-Nine City today is because of your eldest sister-in-law and your eldest nephew. You must always remember their kindness. Even after your mother and I are gone, she will still be your el…
Chapter 412