Chapter 3 Troubles In Front Of A Widow

"Uncle Andy, where are you going?" Celia asked, slowing her pace.

"Celia, I heard that you and your mother had moved out of your house. When I heard about it, I figured you didn't have enough food, so I am here with some. By the way, are you all right?" Andy Wang simpered and asked with a flattering smile.

"I am fine. Nothing is wrong with me."

"It's getting dark already. Where are you going with an ax?" Andy Wang glanced at the ax in Celia's hand and asked curiously.

"I will be going up the hill to cut two bamboos. Uncle Andy, there's something I want to talk with you about. But I am not sure if it is right to talk about it." Celia hesitated, as she looked into Andy's eyes.

"Hey, when did you become so polite? Come clean and tell me what is bothering you." Andy wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Okay, don't misunderstand me. It is just that some filthy people are questioning my mother's honor. They have been doubting her with..."

Celia found it hard to finish her sentence. However, glancing at Andy, she was clear he got her meaning. Of course, she also knew that there was nothing going on between her mother and him. But people liked to dishonor other people. As a daughter, Celia didn't like it when people questioned her mother. Hence she hoped that Andy would keep his distance.

At the same time, Celia knew that Andy genuinely cared about them. She didn't want him to think she was accusing him of anything.

After all, he was a good man!

Hearing Celia's words, Andy was surprised. He smiled bitterly and said, "I'm sorry that your mother had to hear things because of me. I'll leave right after I give the food."

After saying that, he walked straight to the woodshed.

Watching Andy leave, Celia shook her head. Mixed emotions coursed through her body. But she told herself to concentrate on her present task.

She reached the bamboo forest, cut two bamboos and dragged them back. She was so tired that she began to sweat profusely. After returning to the woodshed, she sat panting on the ground.

"Why did you bring these two bamboos? You look tired. Are you all right?" Wendy tenderly offered a cup of hot water.

Celia looked up at her mother who seemed to be in utter confusion. Celia drank some water and smilingly said, "These bamboos are the tools we will be using to change our lives."

"Bamboos? What do you have in mind?" Wendy asked in confusion, looking at her clever daughter.

It was true that bamboos could be made into sieves and dustpans to make money. However, in the D Village, there were many workers and almost everyone was able to make some bamboo products. The market was running out of space. It was unrealistic to make money using these products. Wendy didn't know what her daughter had in mind.

"Mom, can't you make a variety of things with these bamboos? You make it and I sell it. I promise we can make money soon," Celia said optimistically.

"Don't be so unreasonable. You know how many craftsmen are available in our village. We don't stand a chance." Wendy smiled bitterly. She didn't think it was good to dwell on such dreams.

However, Celia didn't think so. She continued, "Most people make baskets, coffins, dustpans and so on. These are very common items. After all, the market is quite big. We have to find a new path." For a while, Celia was lost in thoughts. And then, she went on, "I am trying to think outside the box. Hmmm... I guess nobody thought of making fruit dishes, brush pots or something of that sort with bamboos. We could give it a try." Realizing her mother wasn't convinced yet, she added, "Of course, we won't go to the village in order to sell them. If we sell these things in the county, we could earn a lot!"

Wendy stared at Celia in surprise. She had never thought of turning bamboo into fruit dishes.

Even so, she still remained suspicious. She asked Celia, "Will this work? Will the people in the county buy these things?"

"Nowadays, people are aware and concerned about the environment. Bamboo products are free from pollution so people are going to like it. From now on, you should put all your effort into making cute and beautiful vegetable baskets and fruit dishes. After three days, we will go to the county and try to sell all that we have. If it doesn't work then we can find another way." Celia took a deep breath and looked at her mother. She was determined to try it.

Wendy looked at Celia and was in a dilemma. Earlier, Wendy had thought of digging herbs to make money. But truth be told, both of their ideas seemed unrealistic. It wouldn't fetch them 500 dollars in half a month.

So when Celia suggested making vegetable baskets and fruit dishes, she hesitated, because they had no time to waste.

"Mom, trust me! It is worth a try!" Celia understood her words hadn't convinced her mother. Slowly, she held her mother's hand.

Wendy had no option but to comply. She just couldn't resist Celia's plea. She sighed helplessly and said, "Well, if it doesn't get sold after three days, you have to help me dig the herbs. The herbs are cheap, but at least some people will buy them."

"Okay! If my plan fails, I will help you with yours!" Celia agreed.

Since this was sorted, they ate some millet congee and got started with the work. Celia was responsible for the design, and Wendy was in charge of bringing it to life.

The work was quite time-consuming and complicated. They had to go through a lot of processes such as chopping, sawing, cutting, pulling and knitting. But none of that was a problem for Wendy. While chatting with each other, they forgot all about their troubles.

"Mom, did Uncle Andy bring the bag of rice?" Celia glanced at the bag full of rice and asked cautiously.

"Well, I insisted he took them back but he just wouldn't listen..." Wendy lowered her head since felt extremely uncomfortable talking about him. The way her mother-in-law had humiliated her came rushing back to her mind. She didn't want to be called dishonorable.

"Anyway, what we lack most is food. Now that he has sent it here, we can accept it and return it to him in the future. By the way, what do you think of Uncle Andy?" Celia asked while she took a sip of water.

"What do you mean? Your grandma doesn't believe me, don't you believe me either? Nothing happened between me and Andy." Wendy was anxious. She wanted to explain her innocence to her daughter, but she found it hard to speak.

"I didn't imply anything. Why are you jumping to a conclusion? Uncle Andy is a nice, honest man. Besides, you have been alone for eighteen years. This is making it hard for you to raise me up. If you could find a partner, that would be nice!" Celia was trying to put this idea into her mother's head, in the form of a joke.

"So do you think there is something between me and Andy?" Celia now glared at Wendy.

"Mom, this is not what I am trying to say. I was merely telling you that it isn't easy to live a life as a single woman. If you don't like my suggestion then just forget it. Okay, you make it, and I'm going to chop some more bamboo!" Celia said and walked out of the room.

Watching Celia walk away, Wendy sighed with frustration.