This time, they encountered the old fraud Gu Qingyao had met last time, Old Master Guo. The Old Master was truly wealthy, and had plenty of good items. He was also a gourmand. Haha!
His eyes lit up like a three thousand watt light bulb when he saw Gu Qingyao’s many dumplings and wontons.
“Little girl! You’re too clever. The last time I ate meat, those fellows kept a close eye on me. Tell me, how many more years can an old man like me live? But they still try to bother me when I eat a little meat. They have no respect for the elderly!
“These dumplings are great! Although they are not as satisfying as meat… my wife will certainly like them. Hehehe!
“Give me a few more. I also want the wontons. Do you have any sesame oil? I want a little. I will definitely trade you some good things for them. My wife likes to eat dumplings dipped in vinegar, with a little sesame oil.”
Old Master Guo’s heart ached when he spoke of his wife.
The two of them had a son and a daughter. They had waited eagerly for their children to grow up and establish their own families and careers. But they had not expected disaster to suddenly befall their family.
Their son had been away when they were looted. He was not yet married. When the family met with misfortune, their son had also disappeared. Even now, he did not even know whether his son was alive.
His only daughter declared that she was cutting ties with them, and married into their oppressors’ family. Right now, that family was doing well, and their daughter was currently oppressing their old friends.
They had been demoted for many years, but their daughter had shown no concern for them. She had really broken off ties with them.
His wife had almost cried herself blind over this.
For many years, his wife had suffered from the pain of their daughter’s betrayal and their son’s disappearance.
As for him, he could only try his best to get his wife some nicer things to eat, and live a slightly better life!
They were once immensely rich, and his wife was the matriarch of an influential family. Now she had no choice but to sweep the streets with him. Even a few dumplings and wontons for the new year were considered a luxury.
He knew that when this era passed, his gold, silver and treasures would still be priceless. But he did not care. Right now he just wanted his wife to have a better life.
He must take care of himself. He must not die before his wife. How could she survive without anyone to take care of her?
Gu Qingyao had a good impression of this old man who looked so kindly, but still had a trace of craftiness. She gave him plenty of dumplings, wontons, sesame oil and some dried fruits.
Gu Qingyao’s heart ached when she saw the old man’s face, which was etched with the lines of suffering. She handed two bottles to him.
“The large bottle contains medicinal liquor, which can help to preserve the health of the elderly. It’s suitable for someone of your age. The small bottle contains medicine for colds and fevers. Take one pill twice a day if you fall sick.”
The Old Master was taken aback. He had not expected the girl to give him this?
In these times, medicines were extremely valuable. Even more valuable than food.
As “bad elements”, they could not seek treatment if they fell ill. The last time his wife had caught a cold and run a fever, she had barely made it…
“This… this…”
Gu Qingyao did not say anything else. “Hurry home! It’s not safe here.”
There were many trades going on at the end of the year. Although there were good bargains to be had, checks were also stringent. Considering Old Master Guo’s identity, the longer he lingered in the black market, the more risk he incurred.
Gu Qingyao left with Mo Beihan. Old Master Guo clutched his things, unable to speak for a long time.