Chapter 2130: Saved Up Quite a Bit (Patreon)

Chapter 2130: Saved Up Quite a Bit

Yu Shi's remark was clearly meant for Shu Yu, trying to make her aware of her efforts.

However, Aunt Hong felt a bit embarrassed by this and chuckled, saying to Shu Yu, "She's just shallow-minded; don't mind her."

Shu Yu was well aware of Yu Shi's character, but she was surprised that someone like Yu Shi would go to such great lengths to celebrate Aunt Hong's birthday. Could it be for the sake of collecting gifts or money?

But that didn't make sense either. Nowadays, the customary gifts and money for such occasions were not substantial. In the case of Aunt Hong's family, the guests would likely bring simple gifts like eggs, persimmons, or red sugar. It wouldn't even come close to covering the cost of the dishes on that round table. There was no way Aunt Hong's family could recoup their expenses.

Shu Yu had just been pondering this when she noticed that Xiao Songle was taking something out of his bag.

She suddenly snapped out of her thoughts and saw that the young boy had taken out a handful of coins from his bag. He eagerly stuffed them all into Aunt Hong's arms as soon as the guests outside had left.

Aunt Hong felt her arms grow heavy and exclaimed, "Gouwa, what are you doing?"

When she looked down, she was astonished. She quickly gathered the scattered silver coins and widened her eyes, asking, "Where did you get so much silver?"

Xiao Songle grinned and explained, "I saved it up. Over these past three years, I've received New Year's money from Uncle, Aunt, Aunt-in-law, Aunt's mother-in-law, Uncle's second uncle, Grandpa, Great Uncle, Third Uncle, Auntie, Fourth Auntie, Uncle Niu, Aunt Lan, and many others."

He counted them off one by one on his fingers, and Aunt Hong was left dumbfounded by the sheer number of names.

"Uncle and Aunt said I was young, so they asked me to keep the New Year's money. I don't really need it for everyday use. Uncle and Aunt also provide me with clothes and food. When I go out, Aunt takes care of my expenses. And on my birthday, I received many gifts and red envelopes, which I saved up. It's just this much."

Aunt Hong swallowed hard.

Shu You explained, "Originally, his Uncle was holding onto these New Year's gifts for him. They were meant to be given back to him when he was older. But this time, when he wanted to buy a gift for you, his Uncle gave them all to him, so he could choose by himself. As it turns out, he picked that cotton-padded jacket, and what's left he's giving to you."

Xiao Songle nodded beside her and added, "This way, Auntie can buy whatever she wants with the money. But you must hide it well, so others don't know you have money. It's called not flaunting your wealth."

Aunt Hong's eyes grew slightly moist, and she touched the little boy's head affectionately. "I don't need this much. Keep it for yourself!"

After saying that, she firmly stuffed the coins back into his bag, not allowing him to take them out again.

Xiao Songle looked at her with some uncertainty and then turned to Shu Yu.

Shu Yu reassured him, "Aunt Hong should keep it. It's not a lot of money; it's just a heartfelt gesture from you. Really, it's not much. Although Xiao Songle received quite a few red envelopes, he often bought small gifts to congratulate Meng Yunzheng after his exams. For Shu You's birthday, when Old Madam was in a bad mood and Quan Quan cried, he also bought some small things."

Zhao Xi had once jokingly said that this was probably called "taking from you and using it for you."

Aunt Hong, however, shook her head. "I can't accept it. My elder son and the others will come and search; this money will bring trouble if they find it."

Shu Yu was taken aback. "What do you mean?"