Siheyuan (traditional courtyard house): Don't touch my parents!

I know, Mom. I'm not stupid!

He Yuzhu took the cloth bag and weighed it in his hand.

The silver coins clattered together, making a crisp, tinkling sound.

Upon hearing this, Chen Shuxiang helplessly pressed her temples.

There are probably only truly foolish people in this world.

He always says I'm not stupid.

Is it possible that my son's brain has only been working properly for two days?

Am I going to make a mistake again?

Or... how about we wait until your dad has some free time to go?

Chen Shuxiang changed her mind at the last minute.

Mother, you can rest assured, I can go by myself.

You've forgotten, I was the one who found Dr. Lin in the first place.

Besides, I'm just a teenager walking down the street.

On the contrary, it doesn't attract attention.

If my dad goes, it might be bad if he gets recognized.

Didn't my dad mention that Japanese soldiers died in that area?

He Yuzhu spoke eloquently, one sentence after another.

Your ears are quite sharp.

Okay, then remember to be careful when you go out and keep your eyes open!

Chen Shuxiang earnestly instructed.

Got it!

He Yuzhu readily agreed.

He casually tucked the small cloth bag into his pocket.

In reality, it had already been quietly stored in his personal space.

He deliberately hopped lightly twice inside the room.

Seeing that the landing was silent, he nodded in satisfaction.

Seeing his son's calm and composed demeanor.

Chen Shuxiang's previously anxious heart finally relaxed a little.

These days, no one is living a comfortable life.

She insisted that her son pay back the money.

First, they don't want to owe others favors.

Secondly, they were also aware of Jia Dongxu's abilities.

He was no match for his son.

Even if you do encounter one or two robbers on the road.

The son was more than capable of handling it.

Go as soon as possible and come back as soon as possible.

Otherwise, Da Mao will start bothering you again.

He's incredibly clingy.

I understand, Mother. I'll head out now.

After answering, He Yuzhu turned around and pushed open the door.

I just stepped out of the hospital.

They happened to run into Yi Li, who was going out to empty the dirty water.

He Yuzhu immediately smiled and took the initiative to greet him.

Aunt Yi is busy pouring water.

Zhu Zi, where are you planning to wander off to?

Yi Li asked casually.

Nothing much to do, just taking a walk around the neighborhood.

Oh dear, things aren't very peaceful outside these days.

Don't go too far, you'd better go home as soon as possible!

Yi Li's face showed concern.

I understand, Auntie, it's so cold outside.

You should go back inside and warm yourself up.

He Yuzhu obediently responded.

But it felt as if there was a layer of oil on the ground.

In the blink of an eye, they disappeared without a trace.

Watching He Yuzhu's figure gradually disappear into the distance.

Yi Li sighed softly.

He secretly thought to himself that he should definitely go to the He family later to remind Zhu Zi's mother.

The world outside is in turmoil and not peaceful these days.

How could I let such a child go out alone?

He Yuzhu walked out of the courtyard house.

There were still a few pedestrians on the street.

It was far from being lively.

He didn't take the bicycle out to ride.

After all, that was the era.

Private bicycles are extremely rare items.

Being too flamboyant will easily attract attention.

He did not walk directly towards Dongtangzi Hutong.

Instead, he deliberately took a detour and strolled slowly toward Dong'anmen.

He had long heard that there was a bustling market over there.

I have never seen the bustling scene of crowds in the old city of Beiping (Beijing) before.

He Yuzhu hummed an off-key tune.

They strolled leisurely to the entrance of the Dong'anmen Market.

We've come this far.

Most of the shops along the street had their doors half-closed.

The few pedestrians I occasionally encountered were all walking hurriedly and looking rushed.

He, however, appeared relaxed and nonchalant.

It was as if this chaotic and unsettling situation had nothing to do with him.

As soon as we stepped into the market area.

A strong, smoky aroma, a blend of spices, cooked food, and earthy scents, immediately hits you.

The shouts and calls rose and fell in pitch.

The vendors' cries and the customers' haggling mingled together, creating a noisy scene.

In an instant, the faint sense of unease in He Yuzhu's heart dissipated.

The market was bustling with people, shoulder to shoulder.

The stalls were lined up one after another, densely packed together.

This is a fabric shop displaying various colored fabrics and silks.

The soft fabric fluttered gently in the biting cold wind.

Over there was a metalware stall filled with brand-new hoes and sickles.

The cold metal surface gleamed with a faint, cold light under the pale winter sun.

There are also many small stalls selling children's toys.

Exquisite rattle drum, soft-soled children's shoes embroidered with tiger head patterns.

Seeing this, He Yuzhu couldn't help but think of the system's ridiculous sign-in reward from yesterday.

His gaze was quickly drawn to a food stall.

He stopped in front of a sugar figurine stall.

The stall owner's technique was extremely skillful and efficient.

A spoonful of scalding hot, thick syrup is poured freely onto the smooth bluestone slab.

In just a short while.

A lifelike, vivid sugar rabbit then appears before your eyes.

Such exquisite traditional craftsmanship.

Compared to those cold, mass-produced gadgets later on.

It is immeasurably superior and more brilliant.

He Yuzhu watched intently, completely absorbed.

I subconsciously touched my empty pockets.

My throat feels inexplicably dry and parched.

The stall owner saw his eager and tempted expression.

He greeted them with a smile.

Hey bro, wanna try one?

My sugar figurines are both beautiful and sweet, and the children all love them.

How much does one cost?

Five copper coins.

copper?

He Yuzhu subconsciously repeated the sentence.

At the same time, with a slight thought, he quietly began searching through his personal space.

Unfortunately, after searching for a long time, I couldn't find even half a copper coin.

Instead, they found several coins with a value smaller than the silver dollar.

Judging from its appearance, it should be a silver coin.

Yes, it's a copper coin.

The stall owner was kind and patiently explained.

He Yuzhu pretended to rummage around in his pocket for a long time.

It took a lot of effort to finally find a small piece of silver.

He handed it over and asked.

Give me two.

okay!

What kind of pattern do you want, bro?

The stall owner took the silver coin, his eyes immediately lighting up.

Their hand movements also became more nimble.

Could you make me a phoenix?

Suddenly, He Yuzhu had a flash of inspiration and spoke up.

You have a good eye for choosing, buddy.

Making a phoenix requires a lot of sugar syrup and effort.

Your money is only enough to make a basic style.

How about you change it to a butterfly or a carp?

The stall owner kindly offered this reminder.

It's okay, I just want the phoenix.

He Yuzhu's attitude was very firm.

Alright, please wait a moment.

He Yuzhu did this purely on a whim.

Although he is not carrying any flammable materials.

But since I've been given a second chance at life...

It's never a bad thing to wish for a "phoenix rising from the ashes" auspicious omen.

Not long after.

A lifelike phoenix sugar figurine, poised to take flight, is now complete.

The stall owner gently handed over the sugar figurine.

He Yuzhu reached out and steadily took it.

He held it carefully in his hand.

They strolled leisurely through the market.