Divorce with three kids? I'll build a house and eat meat, driving my in-laws crazy.

Chapter 54 How much would it cost to hire so many people?

Li Ruru rushed anxiously through the doorless gate, and the three girls were almost in tears.

A murderous glint appeared in Xiao Yishan's gloomy eyes.

Suddenly a figure rushed in front of the group, wiping his sweat and saying, "Aunt Li, you're back."

Before Li Ruru could ask, Chu Xiu led everyone on a tour.

"I found all these people, Auntie. Don't worry, more people means more work, and we can finish today."

Seeing a large group of strong, busy laborers in the yard, Li Ruru blinked and asked, "Did you hire these people to repair the house?"

Chu Xiu nodded and continued, "Yes, I also asked them to protect the fruits, vegetables and flowers that Auntie planted."

Li Ruru breathed a sigh of relief. "Young Master Chu is so thoughtful. But how much will it cost to hire so many people?"

Li Ruru waved her hand, "Aunt Li has given enough. Besides, these people were all sent by my father to help out, and their wages are very cheap."

Daya pursed her lips, "Your dad is so good." Much, much better than her bastard dad.

Chu Xiu said smugly, "My dad said Aunt Li's cooking is delicious, so this is his thank-you gift."

Then he whispered to Li Ruru, "Auntie, I've already arranged for someone to take care of the matter you mentioned last time about changing the surnames of the three girls."

Li Ruru was startled, "You... don't push yourself. It's okay if you can do it or not."

Don't cause any trouble over a bad surname.

The wealthy merchants of Da Tang were of low status, so it would be really difficult for them to get involved in lawsuits.

Chu Xiu knew that Aunt Li was the best to him, always worrying about him.

Xiao Yishan had naturally joined the work team, and Li Ruru pulled him out.

"You don't need to do any work. You've been busy all morning and you must be tired. You rest first, and I'll go cook."

Xiao Yishan chuckled, "I'm just killing time anyway."

"Then come to the kitchen and help me."

Upon hearing that her mother was going to cook, Er Ya cleverly led San Ya to gather firewood.

The place where they gathered firewood was on the back mountain, and they took Qiqi and the cow out for a walk.

As usual, Da Ya went to fetch water with Chu Xiu. Although it was said that the two of them went to fetch water, there were actually three of them.

Xiao Wu followed nervously, while Daya anxiously reminded them from the side, both of them afraid that the noble young master Chu Xiu would fall into the well.

While picking vegetables, Li Ruru said to Xiao Yishan, "From now on, you'll come with us every day to make and sell konjac tofu."

Xiao Yishan nodded; he had a fulfilling and happy time these past few days.

“I will give you 50 coins a day, including three meals a day.”

"How can this be?" Xiao Yishan was flattered. She was feeding him and there was meat in every meal. How could he possibly ask Aunt Li for money?

Li Ruru thought he thought it was too little, so she raised the price, "60 coins is fine too."

Xiao Yishan was startled. "No, Auntie, what I meant was that I don't want wages, I just need food."

“No way. If you don’t agree, I’ll raise it to 100 coins.” Li Ruru raised an eyebrow; she didn’t want to exploit people’s labor.

Xiao Yishan followed her around, helping with household chores and market work. And this kid was always busy, doing all sorts of tasks.

This is even more of a long-term laborer than a farmhand; 100 coins is really not expensive.

Xiao Yishan frowned. He knew that if he refused, Aunt Li would really raise the price to 100 coins.

"Then... 50 coins it is." He thought for a moment, "Auntie, please keep it for me, and I can ask you for it if I need it later."

"That's fine."

Both of them breathed a sigh of relief; lunch today was also quite plentiful.

Li Ruru has come up with a new way to cook potatoes: French fries.

The meat dish was a large plate of sweet and sour pork, and the vegetable dishes were cold bitter chrysanthemum salad and stir-fried lettuce.

After finishing their work, the whole family gathered around the large desk.

Li Ruru brought out a large bowl of white steamed buns, with freshly made chili sauce in the middle.

He said to Chu Xiu and Xiao Wu, "You two give some to the people who are working."

Although meals were usually provided after wages were paid, she didn't want them to watch them eat. Chu Xiu thought it really wasn't necessary, but to avoid revealing his father's identity, he got up anyway.

My father said that he must not reveal his identity as the son of a county magistrate outside, otherwise he would bring disaster upon himself.

He initially scoffed at the idea, but since his father had agreed to help Aunt Li repair her house, he compromised.

If he doesn't want to talk about it, then so be it. Anyway, he's indifferent to this identity, and even feels a lot of pressure from it.

Xiao Wu, carrying a large basin of food, said to the crowd, "Everyone, please stop for a moment. My young master is treating you all to some food."

There were more than twenty people working, which shocked everyone.

The magistrate's son actually invited them to eat; they must have heard correctly.
Chu Xiu said irritably, "Come here quickly."

These people are so slow and indecisive, we shouldn't delay their meal.

What's the point of a busy morning if not for this hot meal?

In just a few days, Chu Xiu had transformed from a cold and aloof young master with no desires into a vulgar person who cared too much about food and drink.

Of course, he didn't like the food cooked by others, and for some reason, Aunt Li's cooking always suited his taste.

Everyone gathered around to eat, each person holding a large steamed bun and chili sauce.

Steamed white flour buns, piping hot and fragrant, coated with chili sauce, the sauce seeping into the buns, one bite brings pure satisfaction.

Li Ruru then asked Xiao Wu to serve everyone soup, and Xiao Wu simply brought out the pot.

"The soup is here, and the bowls and chopsticks are over there. Everyone, please help yourselves."

He was also eager to eat, and when the two returned to the table, they saw that no one had touched their chopsticks and was waiting for them.

Xiao Wu felt a little ashamed, and for no reason recalled how he had scolded Aunt Li the first time they met.

Chu Xiu was somewhat touched. At home, he usually ate a whole table of food by himself, with no one waiting for him.

Dad is so busy he's like a headless fly; you hardly ever see him.

Now he has a whole family eating with him, which is wonderful.

Li Ruru handed Chu Xiu a hot steamed bun with chili sauce, saying, "You're a hero today; the house is all thanks to you."

Chu Xiu proudly took the steamed bun and took a bite. "The steamed bun that Aunt Li personally served is just the best."

Seeing this, everyone objected. Er Ya blinked her eyes and looked at Li Ruru pleadingly, "Mom, I want one too, can you get one for me?"

Sanya had already eaten one, and without thinking, she raised her hand, "I want one too."

Da Ya and Xiao Yishan ate their sweet and sour pork in silence.

Li Ruru smiled and said, "You should learn from your eldest sister and be self-reliant."

But she was proven wrong as soon as she finished speaking.

Daya and Xiao Yishan handed the steamed buns to Li Ruru without saying a word, only looking at her earnestly.

Li Ruru: "Um... okay, okay."

Xiao Wu also joined in the fun, and in the end, everyone got their wish and received a chili seed pod personally made by Li Ruru.

After finishing his steamed bun, Chu Xiu elegantly picked up a French fry and put it in his mouth.

"Mmm...delicious." Once you take one bite, you can't stop; your happy cells are dancing.

"Auntie, is this made of potatoes?"

Li Ruru pushed the ketchup towards him, "Hmm, it's made from potatoes, it's called French fries, it tastes even better with the sauce."

After eating the fries coated in ketchup, Chu Xiu felt like jumping three feet high on the spot.

"This is absolutely delicious!"

Li Ruru covered her mouth and laughed, "This is nothing, there are so many delicious ways to cook potatoes."

Er Ya also took a bite and praised, "Mom, this stuff could be sold!"

Daya said happily, "Mom has made potatoes in eighteen different ways, and they're all delicious."

As everyone was eating, two constables suddenly entered from outside. "Is Madam Li here?"

Li Ruru was taken aback. Had she done something wrong?

(End of this chapter)