Chapter 5: Going Up the Mountain
So, she had actually been transported into a novel she had just read?
But most of the novel focused on the male and female leads. The villain's mother wasn't even mentioned once in the entire story.
So even though she knew she was now in the world of the novel, it didn't seem helpful for her current situation.
But now that she knew the fate of these two adorable children, Su He absolutely couldn't let the events of the novel play out again.
They were such sweet, well-behaved kids—she had to guide them right.
"You two wait here at home for now. I'll go up the mountain first to gather firewood."
After saying this, Su He went to the kitchen to grab a sickle, found a worn-out basket in the corner, and slipped on a long-sleeved shirt before heading up the mountain.
"Mom, I want to go too! I want to be with you." Niu Niu had always been clingy with her mother, and now that Su He was treating them so kindly, she didn't want to leave her side.
Seeing her pout, Su He couldn't refuse. She glanced at the beaten path leading up the mountain and figured there shouldn't be any danger, so she agreed.
When she turned around, she saw Zai Zai, who wasn't as whiny as his sister, but his eager look at his mother was unmistakable, making Su He's heart go out to him.
So little yet so mature, knowing not to compete with his sister.
So Su He walked over and ruffled Zai Zai's hair, saying, "Does Zai Zai want to come with Mom too?"
This was the first time Su He had spoken to him in such a gentle tone. Zai Zai was momentarily stunned by her soft voice and could only nod wordlessly in response.
Su He smiled warmly, spread a shirt inside the basket, and had the two little ones sit inside before hiking up with them.
Some villagers were weeding in the nearby fields. When they gawked in surprise at Su He actually leaving the house—and even carrying two kids in a basket—they couldn't help but stare.
She passed several villagers, but without exception, they all steered clear of her. No one greeted her.
Su He didn't recognize any of them and didn't know who might be relatives. Afraid they'd realize she wasn't the real Su He, she didn't speak to anyone and simply took the two kids straight up the mountain.
As soon as she left, an older woman couldn't help but say, "Was that Fu Tinghua's wife? Did the sun rise from the west today? She actually went up the mountain."
The uncle next to her glanced at Su He's heavy frame and shook his head. "Probably ran out of food at home. I heard from He Sheng that she traded all the rice, oil, and salt in the house to pay off her gambling debts."
"Tch, how could someone as outstanding as Fu Tinghua—the only college graduate in our village—end up married to someone like Su He?" the woman muttered.
"Don't meddle in other people's business. If word gets back to Tinghua's mother, she'll definitely come and pick a fight with you."
Tinghua's mother couldn't stand anyone mentioning Su He. She hated her with a passion and didn't even like the two kids.
Her son was her pride, but he had been ruined by such a despicable woman.
"I'm just saying what we all think," the woman said awkwardly before letting it go.
Meanwhile, Su He's hike was uneventful. The weather was clear, and the path was easy to walk.
When she reached a flatter spot, she finally set the two kids down from the basket.
Climbing the mountain was exhausting, especially with her heavy body.
As soon as she put them down, Su He plunked down, panting so hard she couldn't even speak.
Sweat rolled down her face in fat drops, as if it cost nothing.
"Mommy, wipe your sweat." Niu Niu immediately took out the clothes Su He had placed in the basket and used them to wipe her sweat.
"Thank you, Niu Niu." Though tired, Su He didn't want to neglect the children.
Cool gusts of wind blew down from the mountains, instantly refreshing Su He's spirits.
After years in the city, she had almost forgotten what the countryside was like.
"It's so nice and cool up here!" Niu Niu couldn't help but say.
"Mm-hmm, Mommy's going to gather firewood. You two can wait here for me, okay?" Su He spoke gently to the siblings.
Unexpectedly, Zai Zai piped up, "I'll help you."
Not to be outdone, Niu Niu chimed in, "I want to help Mommy gather firewood too."
Su He gave a fond smile and nodded but still cautioned them, "Alright, but don't go too far. Just pick up some firewood around here."
The three of them began working together, dividing the tasks.
But to kids, it was all fun—they weren't finding gathering firewood tiring at all. In fact, they were having a blast, even competing to see who could collect more.
Su He let them be, knowing that country kids always seemed happier anyway.
Dry firewood was everywhere. Su He cut some vines to bundle the wood, planning to make several trips to carry it all back.
Even with her bulk, her hands and feet were surprisingly nimble.
At some point, the two children had come over, eyes wide as Su He lashed the bundles.
"Mommy, I gathered firewood too. Can you tie mine up as well?" Niu Niu bounced.
"Sure, Mommy will tie it for you." After finishing her own bundle, Su He immediately helped the kids with theirs.
In no time, the kids had piled up a small heap.
Su He didn't bundle all of theirs, instead tying four or five thin sticks for each of them. "Alright, later, Zai Zai and Niu Niu can each carry one bundle down the mountain. Think you can manage?"
Their faces brightened as they answered in unison, "Yes!"
Su He shooed them off to play while she continued with her tasks.
There were so many things missing at home, and she knew too little about the original owner. For now, self-sufficiency was the way to go.
Only after bundling five loads of firewood did Su He finally stop.
Sweat streamed off her, drenching her completely—thanks to her size.
Luckily, she was wearing long sleeves, so her undergarments weren't visible through the wet fabric.
Just as she was about to rest, the kids gasped in unison. Su He's heart lurched, and she rushed over anxiously. "What's wrong? What happened?"
"Mommy, look! These mushrooms look so pretty!" Both Niu Niu and Zai Zai were crouched on the ground, goggling at the mushrooms that had been hidden under dry grass beneath a large tree.
They'd brushed the grass aside, revealing the mushrooms.
Before the words left her mouth, her system pinged in her head.
"Rare plant detected nearby. Host, would you like to exchange this plant for points?"