Chapter 9: The System’s Half-Day Silence (A Brand-New World, A Fresh Experience—Are You Sure You Don’t Want to Come Take a Look?)

[But I see the three little ancestors aren’t upset about it at all.]

[Their way of getting along is just too harmonious.]

[This must be a form of family education. It’s said that the ancestors place great importance on upbringing.]

[After reading the comment above, I think I understand now. I really love the atmosphere in the ancestors’ home—I want to go pick peanuts with them.]

…

While the viewers in the interstellar livestream room were lively in their discussions, several young relatives came one after another, carrying freshly picked peanuts.

Each of them politely greeted the sisters-in-law and handed snacks to Yirongkun.

Sometimes it was pumpkin seeds, sometimes homemade dried fruits, or a couple of candies—in any case, no one came empty-handed.

Liu Guoxiang felt a warmth in her heart seeing her clan’s nephews and nieces bringing snacks for the little daughter.

Yet she kept insisting that the children’s snacks be saved for their own kids.

Of course, during the peanut picking, the women occasionally cracked a couple and popped them in their mouths or gave some to the children.

“The scorekeeper knows exactly how many she’s had but still manages to eat two herself,” Fan Yadi smiled. “Fresh peanuts are crisp and sweet, but eating too many can cause stomach upsets, so everyone should moderate themselves.”

“Don’t worry, sister-in-law, we’re not ignorant of that,” came the reply.

“Exactly, we know the scorekeeper is keeping count, so we won’t overdo it.”

Xie Xingfang reminded Liu Guoxiang, “For the youngest brother's family, prepare some to cook for the children at noon.”

“Nowadays, chances like this are rare,” Liu Guoxiang smiled. “No need. Last night, my eldest daughter-in-law pulled a few from our private field and cooked them for the kids—it was enough to satisfy their craving.”

“You’re just too honest,” Fan Yadi said helplessly. “The youngest brother’s child is one we’ve seen grow up. My second brother and I consider you as half-family.”

“I know,” Liu Guoxiang smiled. “Zhongxiang told me all this.”

“If it weren’t for you and the second sister-in-law taking care of him back then, Zhongxiang might not have lived this long.”

When Zhongxiang’s parents passed away, he was not yet ten years old. It was thanks to several older brothers and two sisters-in-law that he survived well.

“The men are almost done with work. Let’s pause the peanut picking for now and head back to make lunch,” Ou Guiying said, unable to stand the eldest two sisters-in-law always bringing up how they cared for the youngest brother.

They made it sound like their relationship with the youngest brother’s family was exceptionally close.

She was just a latecomer to the family; her husband was only a few years older than the youngest brother.

---

After finishing the handful of peanuts in her hand, she tossed the vines aside and stood up, brushing the dirt off her apron.

“If you’re not in a hurry, keep picking for a while longer. I have a big family and need to go cook.”

Liu Guoxiang smiled at the fourth sister-in-law. “Fourth sister-in-law, how about I bring you the grain, and you cook mine along with yours?”

“What are you thinking?” Ou Guiying shot her a glare. “You cook your own food. I’m not wasting my effort on that.”

“All right then, let’s all go back to cook,” Fan Yadi stood up. “I made extra this morning; just need to reheat it.”

“Sister-in-law…”

“Don’t call me that,” Fan Yadi waved her off. “I’m used to eating alone. Don’t think about making me join you.”

Hearing this, Liu Guoxiang swallowed the words she was about to say and smiled instead. “Fine, let it be.”

Xie Xingfang dusted the dirt off her apron and reached out, grabbing a handful of peanuts. “We’ve been too busy picking peanuts today; I haven’t even had a chance to enjoy this year’s harvest yet.”

“If you want to eat, just eat. No need for all that fuss,” Ou Guiying said disdainfully. “Even though the scorekeeper estimated the weight of the peanuts picked, there’s still some allowance left. Honestly.”

The sisters-in-law chatted as they headed home under the eaves.

Outside, the rain seemed to have stopped, but the sky remained overcast.

No one knew how long this rain would last.

Once dug up, peanuts must be dried immediately; otherwise, they risk sprouting or molding.

Sprouted peanuts might still be edible, but moldy ones are truly inedible—and dangerous.

[Raw peanuts taste different from boiled ones, but they’re just as delicious.]

[Exactly! Last night, through the livestream, I tasted the boiled peanuts from the little ancestor’s home. I thought peanuts could only be eaten boiled.]

[Yes, yes, raw peanuts have a bit of sweetness and a truly fragrant aroma.]

[Another day of envy for the ancestors. I wonder when the little ancestor will learn to read the comments. I so want to trade some natural food with them.]

[Who isn’t envious? Sadly, the little ancestor is still too young; she doesn’t seem to understand what a system is.]

[Hope the little ancestor grows up quickly and interacts with us. I really adore the three little ancestors.]

[The Star Network is tricking us about having children, but interstellar kids aren’t this quiet.]

[No need for our kids to be as quiet as the little ancestor, I’d be grateful if they were even as calm as the other two little ancestors.]

[Keep dreaming. Our interstellar kids are naturally hyperactive; there’s no helping it.]

---

At noon, Yirongkun’s family ate plain rice porridge. To fill their stomachs, Liu Guoxiang also brought about a dozen corn cakes.

The golden corn cakes placed on the table made everyone unconsciously swallow.

The viewers in the interstellar livestream room were also salivating.

“Ahhh, what is the little ancestor’s family making? It looks so delicious, and the aroma is amazing!”

“I want to eat it, I want to eat it, I want to eat it! My mouth has never produced so much saliva before; this is the first time.”

“Please, little ancestor, post the link—I want to buy some!”

System: “Ding. Little ancestor, please eat quickly. After the meal, please learn basic knowledge from Xiaotongtong.”

With no other choice, the system finally found a fitting nickname for its host by following the viewers’ example, calling her “little ancestor.”

Now sensing the viewers’ strong desire, it finally perked up from its silence to remind its young host.

“Huh? Tongtong, you’re talking again?”

Having heard nothing from Tongtong for a long time, Yirongkun thought it was gone.

She was about to eat when Tongtong reappeared.

System: “...I’ve always been able to talk. Hurry up and eat.”

Yirongkun protested, “No, I have to wait until the family is all here before I eat.”

Her second sister and third brother hadn’t returned from school yet.

System: “...Fine, no rush.”

“Little sister, did you ‘see’ anything today?”

Yirongqi came rushing back like the wind, dropped her backpack beside her little sister, and whispered.

Yirongkun blinked her wide, bewildered eyes and looked at her third brother. “Third brother, I can see everything.”

“Qiwen, stop talking nonsense and hurry to eat.”

“Exactly, Qiwen, you and Rongying finish eating quickly and go upstairs.”

Yironghua said sternly, “Stop asking about these silly things.”

Yizhongxiang glared at his youngest son with a warning: “If you dare say random things outside, I’ll break your legs.”