Male Lead's Canon Fodder Wife - Chapter 1167

Chapter 1167: Brother And Uncle
By the time they finished, their bamboo baskets were almost full. Still eager to explore further, Doctor Xie suggested, “Let’s go a bit farther before heading back.”

Along the way, they discovered many medicinal materials. From common medicinal herbs to rare medicinal herbs, they were scattered all over the places in the mountains. This discovery made Doctor Xie smile from ear to ear. He no longer had to worry about medicine shortages.

Unbeknownst to him, the current situation was thanks to Lu Jueyu and Li Chenmo who came to scattered seeds and watered the mountain with space lake water, which effectively improved the quality of the mountain soil and allowed vegetation to grow vigorously.

Fortunately, Doctor Xie brought a few sacks with him when he went out today. Otherwise, he might regret it until his intestines turn green. After filling four sacks with herbs, they finally decided to leave the mountain.

Pleased with the bountiful harvest, Doctor Xie said cheerfully, “Xuanzi, I will send a telegram to your father and let him know you will stay here for another month. It’s so convenient having you to help gather herbs.”

Xie Xuanzi’s eyes lit up at first when he heard this, but then they dimmed as he said with a sigh, “Uncle, I have a lot of work waiting for me in the capital. Even if I want to stay with you longer, I have to go back tomorrow.”

Realizing his nephew’s responsibilities, Doctor Xie didn’t press the issue and said, “Alright. When you return, take some tonic wine for your father.”

Knowing that his uncle has a good tonic wine, Xie Xuanzi readily agreed,”Okay, thank you, Uncle!”

By the time the three of them arrived at Doctor Xie’s house, the sun was already setting on the western horizon. Carrying the sacks and bamboo basket, Xie Xuanzi opened the gate while calling out, “Shushu, we are back.”

He expected his niece to come out and welcome them. Instead of his niece, he was greeted by the sight of Chen Jianmin washing vegetables near the well as soon as he stepped into the yard. The moment he saw him, the smile on Xie Xuanzi’s face disappeared instantly, replaced by a dark expression.

Noticing several large basins filled with vegetables, he was inwardly surprised but didn’t show it on his expressions. Instead, he glared at Chen Jianmin and asked coldly, “Brat, what are you doing here?”

Hearing the sharp tone, Chen Jianmin was not angered. He stood up and greeted him with a relaxed smile, “Uncle, you are back. Shushu is cooking, and dinner will be ready soon.”

Xie Xuanzi gritted his teeth at how casually the boy treated the house like his own. After hearing his words, a thought flashed through his mind that this boy and his niece seemed to be a couple.

Feeling annoyed by his own thoughts, he repeated his question, emphasizing each word, “I asked what you are doing here.”

Intending to intimidate the boy, Xie Xuanzi tried using the commanding tone he reserved for subordinates in the military. To his frustration, Chen Jianmin simply ignored him.

To further annoy the older man, Chen Jianmin walked over to Doctor Xie instead. Taking the bamboo basket from him, he said cheerfully, “Grandpa, let me help you carry this.”

Doctor Xie let out a chuckle when he saw his frustrated nephew, and replied, “Ah Min, did you bring vegetables over again? We haven’t even finished the last batch you brought over. Now you bring more, how can we finish it?”

Carrying the bamboo basket on his back, Chen Jianmin explained, “Grandpa, I helped Aunt Li harvest her vegetables today, and she gave me quite a lot. My mother said we wouldn’t be able to finish it all, so I brought half here. I plan to pickle and dry some so you and Shushu will have plenty of vegetables to eat during the winter.”

Doctor Xie nodded approvingly when he heard his words. His granddaughter needs a balanced diet to improve her health. Therefore, vegetables are indispensable in her diet.

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Ah Min,” he said in a great mood.

Watching his uncle accept the brat’s vegetables so readily and treat him so well, Xie Xuanzi felt his irritation grow. This boy clearly had ulterior motives regarding his niece, yet his uncle treated him like family. No wonder he was so bold.

While Xie Xuanzi fumed silently, Xiao Yiguan placed the sacks and basket near the well. Glancing at the basins filled with fresh vegetables, he couldn’t help but salivate.

Over the past few days, he had grown fond of the fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots Chen Jianmin brought. Every meal had been a feast for him.

Thinking about the wilted, yellowed vegetables waiting for him back in the capital, he suddenly felt reluctant to leave the village. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Chen Jianmin, can I buy some of your vegetables?”

The unexpected question made everyone pause and look at him with varying expressions. Doctor Xie gave him a knowing smile, while Xie Xuanzi frowned disapprovingly.

Chen Jianmin, on the other hand, looked shocked by his unexpected words. After a brief silence, he quickly approached Xiao Yiguan and reminded him, “Brother Xiao, you shouldn’t say such things so carelessly. If someone hears you, you might get reported!”

Hearing this, Xie Xuanzi’s annoyance boiled over. He glared at Chen Jianmin and snapped, “Brat, Yiguan is my friend. Why do you call him ‘Brother’ but call me ‘Uncle’?”

Turning to face him, Chen Jianmin replied with an innocent expression, “Because you are Shushu’s uncle. If I call you ‘Brother,’ wouldn’t that mess up the generational hierarchy?”

Xie Xuanzi’s eyes widened in fury the moment he heard this. He knew it! This brat was targeting his niece!

Before he could say a word of complaint, Doctor Xie gave him a firm slap on the back and asked, “Why are you still standing here? Go wash the mushrooms and medicinal herbs before it gets dark.”

Feeling the pain in his back, Xie Xuanzi sighed and headed toward the well reluctantly.