Witnessing the sheer delight on the face of the elderly Mrs. Li, Lin Yanfen couldn't suppress her own laughter. "Mom, what's brought about this joy? Have you stumbled upon something good?"
"Oh, you won't believe it! Remember when Chengyuan and a couple of other children went out to catch snails last night? We ended up with a bounty—dozens and dozens of catties of rice eels and loach! Sold them for over 50 yuan today. Now we can prepare for Fu Bao's full moon wine!"
"Truly?" Lin Yanfen's delight surpassed her expectations. She had hoped for a modest catch, but this surpassed her expectations!
"Nanny, your luck must have rubbed off on us!" Mrs. Li showered little Fu Bao with kisses, melting her heart instantly.
Fu Bao's toothless smile added to the joyous atmosphere.
Seeing the smile on her grandchild's face, Mrs. Li's heart swelled with happiness, and laughter filled the household once more.
Mrs. Li held Fu Bao tightly, unwilling to let go. After some time, she finally relented and went to prepare lunch for the family. Following lunch, she headed out again, this time to the village tailor, to commission a special outfit for Fu Bao's upcoming celebration.
Little did Mrs. Li expect, two uniformed individuals would arrive later in the day, claiming to return something.
Surprised, Mrs. Li welcomed them into the yard. "Return something? But we haven't lost anything."
One of the men produced a small blue cloth bag. "Old lady, does this belong to your household?"
Mrs. Li was taken aback. It was her purse!
Overwhelmed with emotion, she opened the bag to find her missing money—thirty yuan, a significant sum.
The men explained that a thief, caught stealing, confessed to taking her money. They returned it promptly.
Fighting back tears of gratitude, Mrs. Li thanked them profusely.
This unexpected return buoyed her spirits. With Li Chengyuan teasing Fu Bao in the background, he rushed out upon hearing his mother's tears.
"What's wrong, Mom? Who were those men?" he inquired, concern etched on his face.
"It's nothing, dear! I'm just overjoyed!" Mrs. Li wiped her tears and revealed the returned money.
Li Chengyuan was incredulous. "He actually returned it? What luck!"
Meanwhile, Fu Bao basked in the warmth of her family's love.
Empowered by this turn of events, Mrs. Li wasted no time, leading Li Chengyuan and the older children to the town to purchase provisions and make arrangements for Fu Bao's upcoming celebration.