Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 926 - 473 Night Reading_2

Lian Manman sat there, watching Xiao Qi practice his calligraphy, occasionally tilting her ear to listen to Mr. Loo’s explanations inside.

After a while, the door to the study was pushed open, and Lady Zhang entered from outside.

"Manman, why are you here?" Lady Zhang came over, sat on the edge of the kang, and asked softly.

"I came to bring hot tea to Mr. Loo, my brother, and Xiao Qi," Lian Manman replied. "Mother, are you making late-night snacks again?"

"Yes, it’s about to be served. I asked your father to watch over it in the kitchen while I came to check in." Lady Zhang glanced into the inner room and asked, "Can we bring it over now?"

Lian Manman, having listened to Mr. Loo’s lesson just moments ago, reckoned it would soon be wrapping up, so she nodded to Lady Zhang.

Lady Zhang turned and left, and shortly after, she returned carrying a two-tiered food box. Lian Manman hurriedly put on her shoes and jumped from the kang to assist her mother in unpacking the food box and placing the dishes on the table.

Tonight’s late-night snack prepared for Mr. Loo, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi was rib noodle soup. Two large bowls were meant for Mr. Loo and Wu Lang, while a slightly smaller bowl was for Xiao Qi. Each bowl of noodles was heaped with tender, meticulously cooked little ribs, the broth glistening with tempting oil droplets and sprinkled with vibrant green scallions. Lian Manman knew there must also be eggs nestled in every bowl.

Besides the noodle soup, Lady Zhang had prepared two plates of crisp, refreshing side dishes.

After arranging the bowls and chopsticks, Lian Manman lifted the curtain to the inner room and called Mr. Loo and Wu Lang out for their late-night snack.

Once the three had finished their meal, Wu Lang and Mr. Loo returned to the inner room to continue their late-night studying. Lady Zhang and Lian Manman tidied up in the outer room.

"Xiao Qi, you’re not taking the exam this year, so don’t stay up as late as your brother," Lady Zhang said as she cleaned, discussing with Xiao Qi. Wu Lang still had another half-hour of reading before he would rest. "Why don’t you come to the back courtyard to sleep with me tonight?"

It had been a long time since she had cuddled her youngest son, and Lady Zhang missed him dearly.

Xiao Qi thought it over and shook his head.

"Mother, I haven’t finished my homework yet. Once I’m done, maybe in a couple of days during my break, I’ll come to the back courtyard and sleep with you," Xiao Qi replied to Lady Zhang.

Occasionally, Xiao Qi would indeed sleep in the back courtyard.

After reminding Xiao Qi to sleep earlier, Lady Zhang and Lian Manman finally left the study.

"Xiao Qi has grown up; it’s like a blink of an eye," Lady Zhang said softly to Lian Manman, her tone tinged with melancholy.

Lian Manman offered to help Lady Zhang wash dishes in the kitchen but was refused.

"Your father and I will manage it—it’ll only take a moment. You go back and rest early with your sister," Lady Zhang said.

Lian Manman agreed and returned to the inner courtyard.

When Lian Manman reached her room and tidied up with Lian Zhizhi, preparing to sleep, Lady Zhang and Lian Shouxin had already finished cleaning the front yard and returned.

Lady Zhang carried a food box and took out two bowls of noodles from it.

"For the two of you." Under the candlelight, Lady Zhang’s smile seemed even warmer.

"Mother, didn’t I tell you not to keep bringing food for us?" Lian Manman complained as she looked at the rich and hearty rib noodles. "Look, I’ve gained weight over the past few days."

Lady Zhang often brought extra meals for Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman when making late-night snacks for Mr. Loo and the others.

"Yes, Mother, we’re not working as hard as Wu Lang," Lian Zhizhi added.

"It’s just one pot; it’s the same to make more as make less. I’ve brought portions for both of you, so eat it while it’s hot," Lady Zhang replied.

In this era of farmstead households, the concept of dieting didn’t exist. While a slim figure was nice, a plump body with some flesh was more admired—it symbolized health and prosperity.

Parents, in any era, typically worried about their children eating too little or not being sturdy enough, except for cases where excessive weight compromised health.

Seeing Lady Zhang insist, Lian Zhizhi and Lian Manman couldn’t refuse again.

Lian Manman fetched two more sets of bowls and chopsticks, dividing the noodles into four portions.

"Mother, bring Father over. The four of us can each have a bowl," Lian Manman said, smiling.

Lady Zhang smiled too and truly called Lian Shouxin over. The four sat together under the warm candlelight and shared the noodles. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Perhaps because of the warm noodle soup, Lian Manman slept especially soundly that night.

...

Soon, it was Awakening of Insects. The wind brushing against the face was still chilly, but the hints of spring were unmistakable, with frozen soil everywhere beginning to thaw, emanating a faint fragrance of earth.

Taking advantage of the time before spring planting began, Lian Manman’s family prioritized digging their fish pond.

They once again hired the father and son duo Wu Yugui and Wu Jiaxing, and secured an experienced fish farmer from Shajintang. His name was Zhang Wuju, a 35-year-old bachelor who had spent five to six years raising fish at Shajintang. He was skilled in every aspect of fish farming. According to Wu Yugui, Zhang Wuju was honest and diligent but had a tough fate. It was said he had been cursed by the heavens—a "Heavenly Solitary Star," losing his parents at a young age and having no siblings. Years ago, he had a wife and child, but they had passed away due to illness.

Another worker was found from Du Family Village in the neighboring county, named Du Deshui. He was forty years old and had worked for a household in the outer province, handling fish ponds as well as lotus planting.

Both men came with strong recommendations. After meeting them and asking about their fish farming and lotus-growing experience, Lian Manman decided to hire them.

Each was offered a ten-year contract with an annual salary of Two Thousand Four Hundred Wen Money. The contract included meals, lodging, seasonal clothing, and additional benefits during three major festivals. It also stated that if their work satisfied the family and yielded a good fish harvest, they would receive an end-of-year bonus.

With experienced workers at hand, Lian Manman immediately began recruiting more people to start digging the fish pond.

****......*********

The second update is here, asking for pink support.

******...*******

Ruoyan’s completed farming novel recommendations:

Book Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Complete with main story and extras) (Direct link below, click to navigate)

Synopsis: Transmigrated as a wronged woman accused of losing her chastity, she finds herself with a little bundle of joy, embarking on a sweet life with a financially prudent man.

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)