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After all that fuss, Jiang Xia was stubborn in her insistence. Only now did she relent, and Liu Xing couldn’t help but wonder what could possibly make this obstinate little girl change her mind.

He figured, most children love to eat and can’t resist sweets. If Jiang Xia wanted candies or toys that children love, perhaps Liu Xing could actually indulge her.

Normally, one would only find these items in shopping mall; the supply store wouldn’t stock such non-essential items. But, fortunately, Liu Xing’s wife was seven months pregnant and due soon, so he had stocked up on toys, milk powder, and candies. If Jiang Xia really wanted some, he could bear the pain of parting with a few of them.

Liu Xing had already put his hand into his pocket, searching for candies.

However, he noticed that Jiang Xia’s eyes were glued to the coal brazier, watching the feeble flames lick the glowing coals, their surfaces already covered in grey ash.

Following her gaze, both men looked at the brazier. Liu Xing felt a pang of guilt. Could it be that she had her eyes set on his coal?

He knew just how scarce coal was. All his coal was obtained through connections; this type of transaction couldn’t be made openly, and he certainly couldn’t trade it to Jiang Xia.

Moreover, Xiao Li, initially naive in his thoughts, might now be considering the coal too because of Jiang Xia’s mention.

If they wanted to barter for something else, even at a higher price, Liu Xing might consider it. But this coal, if he really parted with it, who knows what kind of trouble he might get into!

Sure enough, when Xiao Li heard about the coal, his eyes lit up with longing.

Liu Xing quickly shifted, blocking their view. “This won’t do. The coal is regulated by the state. Without a coal tickets, I can’t give it to you.”

Jiang Xia revealed her cute little fangs, smiling innocently, “But Uncle Liu, we really need coal.”

Liu Xing felt a chill from her smile, as if he were prey under watch.

Jiang Xia’s expression changed instantly. Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked pitifully at Liu Xing. “Uncle Liu, this winter is so cold. We don’t have enough coal at home. I often wake up freezing. To save coal, all four of us huddle on a single bed.”

This was the truth, not an exaggeration. More beds would mean more coal consumption. To save coal, they could only sleep on the large bed in Jiang Chuan and Zhou Lan’s room. More bodies together also meant more warmth.

Jiang Xia continued with her pitiful act, “When it’s cold, people get lazy. When they’re lazy, they don’t have time to make pickled vegetables. Without pickles, there’s no supply. And without supply, Uncle Liu, you’ll be the one worried!”

“Uh…” Liu Xing inwardly praised her logical reasoning, but he still couldn’t give in.

Jiang Xia was naturally cute, and now she was intentionally acting adorable and pitiful. Anyone would soften and feel sympathetic seeing her like this.

Seeing that such expressions worked, Xiao Li immediately imitated Jiang Xia’s teary look.

Liu Xing frowned, thinking there was really no need for such a grown man to act like a little girl!

Xiao Li was a big, burly man, accustomed to farm work and tanned by the sun. His oily face now even reflected light. Making that pitiful expression looked absolutely ridiculous, and Liu Xing couldn’t bear it.

Exasperated, Liu Xing stopped them. “You… both of you, stop making those faces! Let’s talk sensibly!”

Recognizing the effectiveness of their tactics, both returned to normal expressions.

Liu Xing’s hand had been gripping the candy so tightly it had softened. Originally, he wanted to placate Jiang Xia with it. Now, realizing it wouldn’t help, he placed it back in his pocket.

He gritted his teeth and looked at the two, making one last attempt, “We can discuss anything else, but you can’t expect me to break the law, right?”

He had coal reserves, and aside from what he needed for the winter, he had plenty left. He had considered secretly selling some on the black market, but fearing consequences, he refrained.

If this were in the past, he might have taken the risk, but now he had a child and a family to think about.

Jiang Xia began her tearful act again.

And Xiao Li followed suit.

“Enough, enough! Stop looking at me like that!” Liu Xing was on the verge of losing it. “Can we talk sensibly?”

Jiang Xia, with her obedient expression, replied, “Uncle Liu, as long as we keep it a secret, it’s fine, right?”