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When Alai saw that they had only dug up two tiny Winter Bamboo Shoots—not even enough for lunch—he said, "Digging Winter Bamboo Shoots takes skill and experience. You definitely won't find any by searching blindly."

Qiao Wanqing said, "Hmm? You sound like you know a lot about it."

Perhaps because he had a wife now, Alai was no longer as tongue-tied as before whenever he spoke to Qiao Wanqing, though he was still a little shy.

He awkwardly scratched the back of his head and said, "I used to cut bamboo to sell. I dealt with bamboo all year round, so I know a bit about digging Winter Bamboo Shoots."

"Then take us up the mountain to dig tomorrow," Qiao Wanqing said. "We need a master like you."

"If the boss wants me to go."

Alai was now her "employee," paid by the day, so naturally he needed Qiao Wanqing's "approval" before heading up the mountain to dig Winter Bamboo Shoots.

"No problem. Approved."

She wanted to dig more and give some to her second uncle's family. Gu Yanqing had less free time to come here these days, so she could let him take some home to eat and send some to his parents in X City as well, so they could have a taste of something fresh.

The next day, they took baskets and hoes up the mountain to dig. Koukou clamored to go with them.

"Then you have to walk by yourself. Mommy won't carry you if you get tired," Qiao Wanqing said as she straightened his little clothes, which he had tugged into a complete mess.

Koukou eagerly agreed, clenching his tiny fists. "Koukou can do it himself! Can walk!"

Qiao Wanqing had no idea where the little guy got his confidence. "Then you can't cry if