Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 156 - 77 Midnight Search_2

Chapter 156: Chapter 77 Midnight Search_2
Most of these children knew each other and none of them were very old. They either enjoyed the excitement or wanted to help, so they followed them. Now that it had gotten dark, even though country kids are tough, it wouldn’t be good if they stayed out playing too late, or if something happened, it would be hard to explain to their parents.
"Duoduo has bound feet and hasn’t suffered hardships. She seldom walks far and is unfamiliar with this place; where could she possibly hide?" Lian Shouxin muttered to himself. Unable to find Lian Duoduo till now, Lian Shouxin was increasingly worried that a child trafficker might have taken her. Hearing what Lian Manman said, he quickly nodded in agreement.
"Manman is right," Lian Shouxin said.
Some kids who heard that they were being sent home were reluctant. Lian Shouxin didn’t care whether they were willing or not and sent each of them back home, into the hands of an adult.
"Duoduo is still not found; what if there are kidnappers? We need to keep a close eye on the children," Lian Shouxin said as he delivered the children home, reminding their families.
Everyone felt Lian Shouxin made sense and agreed to watch their children closely at home, not letting them out again.
Only then did Lian Shouxin feel relieved.
While walking on the road, Lian Manman heard a "gurgle" sound. Eh, what was that sound? Lian Manman found it strange and listened closely, then heard another "gurgle."
It turned out to be Xiao Qi’s stomach growling, which Lian Manman heard clearly.
"Xiao Qi, are you hungry?" Lian Manman asked, taking Xiao Qi’s hand.
Xiao Qi nodded, "Second sister, I’m hungry. I’ve been hungry for a long time now, but I didn’t dare say anything."
They hadn’t had dinner before going out to look for Lian Duoduo, and because of Lian Huahua’s situation, they had only eaten little at lunch. Now, not only was Xiao Qi feeling hungry, but Lian Manman was hungry too.
"Dad." Lian Manman called out to Lian Shouxin.
Lian Shouxin stopped in his tracks. It had become so dark; the adults could continue the search, but the children should go back and eat, and rest.
"Dad will take you home first. To see if your second uncle and your third uncle have found Duoduo," Lian Shouxin said.
"Okay," Lian Manman nodded, but she knew very well that Duoduo must not have been found yet; otherwise, someone would have sent a message already.
Upon entering the Lian Family’s gate, they saw that both the Upper Room and the side wing rooms were lit. Lian Shouxin took the children to the West Wing Room first, having been out for half the day, he wanted to check on Lady Zhang first.
Lady Zhang was sitting under the light, sewing clothes stitch by stitch. Seeing Lian Shouxin and the children return, she immediately asked them to sit and rest.
"You’ve been out half the day; I’ve been worried at home," Lady Zhang said.
"What’s there to worry about with me leading them? Now that it’s dark, I brought the kids back first," Lian Shouxin said.
"It’s been dark for half the day now," Lady Zhang replied.
"Have the second brother and the others come back yet, or have they not found her?" Lian Shouxin asked.
"They all came back, and didn’t even find a shadow," Lady Zhang sighed and said, "You all haven’t had dinner, you must be hungry. I steamed a basket of buns; they’re still warm in the pot, come and eat."
"Mom, why are you doing fieldwork again?" Lian Manman complained.
"Since when have I been that precious? I only stopped because you insisted on it, otherwise I would’ve gone out to work long ago," Lady Zhang replied, her tone uneven, yet clearly amused. "It was your third auntie and Yeye who did the work for me. They came back before you, I started mixing the dough, but your third auntie took over and did everything, leaving nothing for me to do."
"Oh, if it’s like that, then it’s fine," Lian Manman finally felt relieved.
"You eat first; I’m going to the Upper Room to talk to dad and see if they’ll continue the search later," Lian Shouxin rose from his seat and said.
"They’ve made food in the Upper Room as well, and a few people who helped search also stayed behind. Take a look and then come back, don’t eat in the Upper Room," Lady Zhang said.
"Alright," Lian Shouxin agreed and headed to the Upper Room.
Lian Zhizhi brought in water for washing, and all the children washed their hands and faces, then set the dining table. Lian Manman lifted the lid of the pot only to find a steamer full of white wheat buns, a hot bowl of minced meat sauce, and a pot of squash soup underneath.
"Don’t take it outside yet; I’ll go and pick some green onions," Lian Zhizhi said as she went outside. Soon she came back with a handful of green onions, washed them in water, and placed them on the table.
By this time, Lian Shouxin had also returned.
"Dad, let’s eat," Lian Manman invited Lian Shouxin.
"You and your mom go ahead; dad has to go to the Upper Room to eat with the villagers. Once we finish eating, we’ll go out and search again," he replied.
Losing a child was no small matter.
Lian Shouxin then walked out, pausing at the doorstep.
"Sister-in-law and Yeye haven’t had dinner yet, and there won’t be enough room for everyone at the table; they won’t know when they can eat," Lian Shouxin addressed Lady Zhang.
"I was just thinking about looking for them. I purposely made extra dough, and I brought their share out," Lady Zhang replied.
"I will go and call them," Lian Manman said.
Following behind Lian Shouxin to the Upper Room, Lian Manman saw the rooms on both sides filled with people. Lady Zhou sat at the end of the kang (a traditional heated bed platform) in the east room, holding Niuniu in her arms, while Lady He, Lady Zhao, Lady Chiang, Lian Yeye, and even Lian Xiuxiu and Lian Yaya were busily moving around on the floor. The table was set, and in a short while, dishes were served; Lady Zhou, Lady He, Lady Chiang, Lian Xiuxiu, and Lian Yaya squeezed together at the table with the womenfolk. Lady Zhao and Lian Yeye stood at the foot of the kang, hesitating whether or not to join.
"It’s too crowded; just watch from down there and eat later," Lady Zhou said to Lady Zhao.
A village woman scooted over to make room, "What is there to fear about crowding in a tenant farmer’s home? Eating squeezed together has its charm. Lian Sister-in-law, you and Yeye come sit beside me and eat."
Lady Zhou’s face immediately drooped.
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After the Dragon Boat Festival, it isn’t too far off to reach 185 votes for an update. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)