When Chi Yiyuan first left, Chi Ge, just like Su Xiaotian, found it hard to adapt.
But now, he had clearly gotten used to this kind of life.
Although his grandson was not by his side, having so many children around kept him lively.
Especially Little Sweet, who often came to keep him company and relieve his boredom.
After Chi Ge came to terms with it, life became much easier.
On the first day of the holiday break, Su Xiaotian put on her thick cotton clothes early in the morning and, carrying a fortune of five hundred yuan, went to the orphanage.
Su Xiao Ba and Su Xiao Jiu accompanied their younger sister.
The once desolate courtyard was now bustling with activity. Even before entering, the sounds of children chattering could be heard.
"They've all started their winter break!" Su Xiao Ba said with a smile.
The three oldest children were already in school, and they weren't usually this noisy.
They pushed open the door.
A group of little ones, upon seeing Xiao Ba, Xiao Jiu, and Xiaotian, rushed over like a swarm, nearly causing Su Xiaotian to stumble.
"Slow down, slow down, you'll bump into your sister Xiaotian!" Li Yunniang called out.
The children clearly realized their mistake and quickly stepped back a little, apologizing to Su Xiaotian.
"Sister Xiaotian, we're sorry, we won't do that again!"
Led by the eldest, Xiao Wei, the little ones collectively apologized to Su Xiaotian.
"It's okay, but you need to be more careful in the future. It wouldn't be good if you fell and hurt yourselves."
Su Xiaotian said softly to the little ones, patting the fluffy little braids of Xiao Yuanyuan.
"Sister Xiaotian, are you on break too?" Xiao Guang asked Su Xiaotian, tilting his head.
"Yes, I'm on break too. Here, your brother and sister brought you some candy, two pieces each."
Su Xiaotian took out White Rabbit toffees from her bag and handed them to the eldest, Xiao Wei, asking him to distribute them to his younger siblings.
Su Xiaotian always brought snacks and fruits when she visited.
The little ones were already accustomed to it. After happily receiving the candy, they went to share it.
Su Xiaotian smiled and greeted the elderly people.
She was relieved to know that the elders were all in good health.
"Grandma Li, I heard you've started selling steamed buns now?" Su Xiaotian asked.
The smile on Li Yunniang's face faded slightly as she said, "The weather is getting colder, and fewer people are eating cold noodles and jelly. I thought I needed to find something to do, and the only skill I have is making steamed buns, taught by your grandmother."
Su Xiaotian asked with a smile, "How is business now?"
"It's okay. The first few days, business wasn't great, only earning ten yuan or so a day. It's much better now."
"That's good. But you two are getting old, you need to take care of yourselves."
Su Xiaotian urged, as they shouldn't overwork themselves for money.
The food business might sound easy, but the hardship involved was something others couldn't truly understand.
Just selling steamed buns, for instance.
They had to prepare the dough the night before, and wake up at three or four in the morning to chop the filling, knead the dough, and shape the buns, steaming them before others woke up.
All in all, the working hours were not short.
At their age, such labor might be too much for the two elders to handle.
"Da Fang and Xiao Xu, whom your grandfather found for us, are very diligent. They do all the heavy lifting. Recently, we've hired two women to help with making the buns, so it's not too tiring."
Su Xiaotian guessed that if it weren't for taking in these children, the elders wouldn't have to go to such lengths to earn money.
She took out a thick stack of money from her bag and handed it to Li Yunniang.
Li Yunniang quickly refused. Su Dan Novel Network
"Xiaotian, you're a student yourself, and we do have some income. We can't always take your money. Keep this for yourself."
Tan Zishi also said, "Xiaotian, don't always worry about us. We can manage here."
Su Xiaotian smiled faintly and said, "Grandpa Tan, Grandma Li, please accept it. I have enough money."
"This is also a small token of my affection for the children. The New Year is coming soon, and the children should eat something good and wear new clothes."
A piece of clothing or fabric might not cost much, but with so many children, one new outfit each would be a significant expense.
Upon hearing Su Xiaotian say this, Li Yunniang beamed.
"Taohua mentioned a few days ago that she would provide the clothes. Your fourth brother said he'd arrange for candy and melon seeds to be sent for the children during the New Year. Your mother also said she'd prepare the New Year's Eve dinner and have your brothers deliver it."
Li Yunniang was deeply touched. They had decided to run an orphanage out of kindness, but as winter arrived, their cold noodle and jelly businesses had declined significantly. It was indeed difficult to support these children solely on this income.
Fortunately, with the support of families like the Su, Chi, and Du families, who continuously provided financial and material aid, these children were able to live well.
Su Xiaotian couldn't help but smile as she listened to Li Yunniang list off all the families helping with the New Year preparations.
She was surprised that even her fourth brother would offer to send New Year goods; it was quite rare.
"Xiaotian, take this money back. When we're in dire straits, we'll ask you again."
Su Xiaotian insisted on putting the money into Li Yunniang's pocket and said, "Grandma Li, since we're selling steamed buns, why not open a breakfast stall directly? This money can be the startup capital."
Selling at a street stall was not only taxing on the person but also a waste of time.
Li Yunniang was also tempted by this suggestion.
Indeed, opening a fixed stall would lead to more stable income.
"In that case, I'll accept it. Xiaotian, from now on, we'll split the stall's earnings fifty-fifty, what do you think?" Li Yunniang directly brought up the profit sharing.
Su Xiaotian had always taken a share of the profits from the braised meat stall, for which she provided the recipe. Li Yunniang didn't think it was unreasonable for Su Xiaotian to receive a share for investing in a breakfast stall.
However, Su Xiaotian hadn't considered this.
She had intended this money for the children, so why would she take a share?
"Grandma Li, Grandpa Tan, no matter how the stall business goes in the future, my share of the profits will be reinvested in the orphanage to improve the children's lives."
Su Xiaotian felt that as the children grew older, the elders' burden would only increase.
After all, in a few more years, when the children were all in school, the expenses alone would be considerable.
When the children went to high school and college, the expenses would be even greater.
The Tan elders were getting older, and if they didn't save money soon, they would be less able to cope in a few years.
Tan Zishi was about to say something, but Li Yunniang spoke first.
"Xiaotian, I won't say too much with pleasantries. On behalf of the children, I thank you!"