The little one's purse connects the two worlds, turning a desolate village into a paradise.

(Thanks to the awesome boss wuqu°o_ for the verification!)

Cao Xiulian proactively added Zheng Juan on WeChat, carefully inquired about the account number for water and electricity payments, and paid some water and electricity fees on the spot.

After Zheng Juan left, she looked around the shop, upstairs and downstairs, and then went to the department store next door to buy a bunch of cleaning tools such as mops, rags, and cleaning agents.

Carrying a bunch of things back to the shop, Cao Xiulian rolled up her sleeves and thoroughly cleaned and wiped the entire shop inside and out.

A lot of effort was put into the bathroom; oxalic acid was poured on and scrubbed repeatedly, turning the yellowed tiles white and shiny, making them look brand new. Even the old squat toilet was cleaned as if it were new.

I tested the water heater again, and the water flow was smooth and all functions were normal.

She even disassembled the shower head and rinsed it several times with disinfectant.

After the basic cleaning was done, Cao Xiulian carried the old mattress from the small bed in the attic out of the store. This mattress could not be kept. It had been there for so long and someone had slept on it. How many bacteria must be there?

The sprout is so small, what if it has an allergic reaction?

This little bed and loft are clearly meant for Ya Ya to rest in, so we need to tidy it up properly.

After throwing the mattress into the garbage station, Cao Xiulian washed her hands at a public tap and headed towards the nearby street where home furnishings were sold.

When I returned, I was carrying a lot of bags and packages.

I replaced the crib with a breathable and comfortable palm mattress and added a cotton quilt.

She specifically bought a children's pillow recommended by the shop assistant, which was said to be a back-protecting pillow suitable for children.

I also picked out a cream-colored floral tablecloth with lace trim, and spread it on the small low table next to me, which made the room much cozier.

After carefully spraying the disinfectant, Cao Xiulian went downstairs.

She looked at the honeycomb briquette stove in the corner several times, hesitated for a long time, but still didn't buy any honeycomb briquettes.

She hasn't decided whether or not to move.

After replacing the lock on the roller shutter door with a new one, Cao Xiulian rushed home with her newly purchased three-piece bedding set.

New duvet covers always need to be washed to feel safe.

There's no central heating at the morning market, so the clothes won't dry properly if I wash them in the shop. I'll take them home, wash them with warm water, and then dry them in the house with the heating on. They'll be dry by evening, and Ya Ya can use them when she comes over tomorrow.

Cao Xiulian bought a soft, light pink three-piece cotton bedding set.

The duvet cover is a light pink and white checkered pattern with a beige ruffle trim around the edge. There is also a large three-dimensional plush rabbit appliqué in the lower right corner, with milky white ears, round blue eyes, and rosy cheeks.

The duvet cover is also decorated with small strawberries, hearts, and flower embroidery.

The bed sheets are a soft, pure pink.

At first glance, Cao Xiulian felt that this outfit would suit Ya Ya very well, and she would definitely like it.

The gas water heater hummed as Cao Xiulian filled a large basin with warm water, moved a small plastic stool to her bathroom, and carefully washed herself by hand.

"Xiulian, what are you doing? It's so early in the morning, shouldn't you take a nap?"

The security door slammed open, and Zhao Yu walked in carrying a bag of toiletries.

Hearing the sound of running water in the bathroom, he peeked inside and was stunned when he saw the pink color that clashed with his home.

"Why are you thinking of buying pink bedspreads? Are you getting old? Or is it Hao Hao...?"

He vaguely remembered that Hao Hao liked purple now, and the bedspread was a newly bought Kuromi brand.

Cao Xiulian was wringing the bed sheet, grimacing, when she heard her husband's voice. Without even looking up, she said, "Oh, you're finally back! Come on, give me a hand, this thing is too thick, I can't wring it dry."

That fluffy little bunny looks adorable; its fur is really thick.

"This is for my little niece Ya Ya. Hao Hao just bought a new one, and Ya Ya's crib doesn't have a duvet cover yet."

Zhao Yu walked over and skillfully took the bed sheet, wringing out the water. "So it's for that little girl. You really dote on her. When are you going to invite her over for a meal?"

"But Xiulian, why don't you ask if she likes this stuff? Why wash it indoors? Once it's washed, you can't return it. If she likes it, wouldn't it be much easier for her to take it home and wash it herself?"

Cao Xiulian paused, thinking about her own affairs, just as Zhao Yu returned, and they discussed things together.

Her husband, Zhao Yu, is a night-shift truck driver. He took a long-distance fare a few days ago and said he wouldn't be back until tomorrow, but he came back early.

"Here's the thing, an elder from Ya Ya's village came over today and rented a storefront not far from my shed. My shed lease expires next month, right? Her grandfather said he'd let me help look after the child, and he'd let us use the storefront for free."

Zhao Yu raised an eyebrow. "Give it to us for free? Is that really okay? Won't the villagers come? What about the license? You're really comfortable letting a kid sell things on his own?"

Cao Xiulian scratched her head, looking worried: "That's what I was thinking too. We've only known that girl for a few days, and she's using my shop for no reason. I don't feel at ease."

"But you know, if I don't take the order, I'll still have to worry about Ya Ya every day. That little girl is so sensible, going through all that trouble in this freezing weather. Now she has a warm place, she doesn't have to come with me to be exposed to the wind, isn't that great? But how can she manage that shop all by herself? She has to go to all sorts of places, including the license and the street offices."

Her village is full of elderly people. Her mother-in-law is still in poor health and hasn't been seen visiting. The uncle who used to come often from the village broke his leg...

But if I accept, Lao Zhao, what gives me the right? Just because I care about her? Does that give me the right to take such a big advantage?

After listening, Zhao Yu didn't rush to speak. He first straightened the sheets and blankets, hung them on the radiator with a coat hanger, and then squatted down, his line of sight level with Cao Xiulian's.

"You're just too thoughtful, always struggling with yourself."

Don't always feel like you're taking advantage of others. Think back to when they first came here. You helped them by buying them steamed buns and clothes. Would you prefer them to refuse every time or accept it openly?

The grandfather and granddaughter are very shrewd. They didn't hire anyone and just asked you for help. Why? Because they know you genuinely care about Ya Ya and consider you your aunt. That's why they've been so generous in planning for both you and Ya Ya. This kind of trust can't be measured in money.

The length of time you've known someone doesn't really matter. Some people can be friends with you for a lifetime and still not truly understand each other, while others can open their hearts to each other after just one meeting.

True friendship isn't measured by days spent together, but by the sincerity of our hearts. If we live honestly and upright lives, without stealing, robbing, or scheming, but simply helping others and looking after children, our hearts will be at peace. This isn't about taking advantage; it's about mutual support.

Cao Xiulian frowned.

Zhao Yu patted her hand: "Aren't you just worried about whether to extend the shed? Aren't you just worried about that little girl getting cold and windy every day following you around?"

Isn't this a stepping stone bestowed by God? Let's step onto it confidently and not let their good intentions go to waste.

"Where should we rent? I'll go pay the utilities later and then go to the market to see what procedures we need to follow, so we can move to the new shop smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Cao Xiulian quickly waved her hand, lowered her head, and whispered, "I paid the water and electricity bills this morning."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu couldn't help but laugh.

His wife, oh dear.

"You...look at yourself..."

Cao Xiulian pursed her lips, her face quietly turning red.