After thinking for a while, Shi Tou said while twisting the hem of his clothes, "I think we should drop this idea. You know, Brother Hu, what the situation is like at home. I don't think I will be able to..."
Chen Hu cut him off before he could finish. He signaled for them to come closer, then spoke in a low voice.
"You don't have to worry about fees. Yesterday, early in the morning, I saw Da Niu from the Mo family going out. His basket was covered with cloth, but I saw they were hazel mushrooms."
He paused to let the information sink in.
"I think he sells them on the black market. We can talk to him and supply mushrooms to him. Apart from hazel mushrooms, there will be frozen mushrooms too. We can dry them and sell them for fifteen to twenty cents per jin. What do you say? I will talk to my aunt and find out about the fees. You all should go and talk to your parents."
Shi Tou was still hesitant because of the weather, but Chen Hu didn't let him speak. He assured him that he would take care of everything.
---
After the discussion at breakfast, Madam Chen didn't waste any time. She took five eggs and headed to the Li house to ask Li Min to tutor the two children.
Upon hearing this, Father and Mother Li first asked Li Min if she was okay with it.
Seeing that Li Min had no problem, Madam Chen immediately stuffed the five eggs into Madam Li's hands and also decided to give two yuan to Li Min for teaching the children.
Li Min accepted the eggs but refused the money.
Madam Chen would not hear of it. How could she ask someone to teach her children for free? Her face wasn't that thick. She stuffed the two yuan into Li Min's hands and immediately bolted out.
Li Min looked at the two yuan clutched in her hand.
This was her first income.
Father and Mother Li were also happy to see their daughter finally ready to move past that incident.
---
When Madam Chen came back, Chen Meixiang immediately asked, "What did Li Min think about tutoring?"
"What would she think? Has your mother ever failed at something she wanted to do? The matter is set." Madam Chen waved her hand. "She said she can tutor both of them for two hours every day."
Upon hearing this, Meixiang's tense shoulders relaxed. She had been worried about not having time to teach her daughter. Now it seemed her worry was unnecessary.
---
While eating dinner, Madam Chen picked up some vegetables and placed them in Su Rui's bowl. "Go to Li house tomorrow to study," she told the children.
Upon hearing this, Chen Hu's eyes flickered. His chopsticks slowed down.
Seeing her nephew's reaction, Meixiang asked, "If you want to ask something, then ask. What are you daydreaming for?"
Chen Hu snapped out of his trance. "Oh, it's nothing. I have a friend who also wants to come to school with me. But his family is poor."
Chen Meixiang thought for a moment. She realized this brat must be talking about Shi Tou. "So what's the problem? You want my help?"
When Chen Hu heard this, he knew his aunt had a way.
"Can you help him?" Chen Hu asked excitedly.
"I can ask," Chen Meixiang said, pausing. Then she smiled. "But why do you think I should help?"
To Chen Hu, that smile looked eerie. How could he forget? His family was not one of saints. He understood — he was like his aunt in many ways. But Shi Tou was his friend.
"I can do whatever you ask," Chen Hu said.
Chen Meixiang's smile widened. "Whatever, remember that, you brat. I can ask around, but I don't know if it will work."
Chen Hu nodded. He knew it would not be easy.
The system was also listening the conversation while talking with Rui Rui.
Upon hearing that this brat has a friend who wants to go school the system was really surprised.
From the plot it knew all friends of this brat has no interest in study. Did he make new friends which were not mentioned in the plot .
But it didn't mattered as long as this brat stay away and don't ruin it's precious darling.