Searching For You 127 Feel Thankful For Being Alive

Pao Hua went back to town and found a jewelry shop. He walked up to the owner and showed the bracelet to the shop owner. The owner tried to cheat him out by devaluing the bracelet but Pao Hua wasn't going to buy it. He knew the bracelet belonged to his sister who was from the palace. People from the palace does not wear something as cheap as what the shop owner made it to be. He knew his sister's jewelries are worth a lot more than what the shop owner priced at. What the owner doesn't know was the Pao Hua knew who the bracelet belonged to making Pao Hua have the upper hand at negotiating.

Although Pao Hua was still young, having learned to survived at such a young age by himself, have made him quite street smart. He acted nonchalantly and pretended that he'll go to the next shop. He thanked the shop owner, turned around and started to leave. When the shop owner saw Pao Hua walked out the entrance and is really leaving, he chased after Pao Hua. He asked Pao Hua to stop and pulled Pao Hua back into the shop.

The shop owner knew that the bracelet is quite rare and not many are available in the country. The boy must of knew the value of the bracelet so he can't cheat the boy. He rather the boy sell him the bracelet than go to the next shop. So, in the end, the shop owner finally gave in and bought the bracelet at a higher price than earlier, giving Pao Hua enough money to last for about a few months if he bargains and spend money conservatively.

With the money, Pao Hua bought some clothes, baby cloths, papers, inks and more supplies. He stacked more medicines from the pharmacy shop he visited the day before. He also bought more waters and food as well.

Pao Hua doesn't mind if he has to go to town every day to keep his sister's health out of dangers. He is willing to walk the earth with her and be her support. After he bought all the items, he stuffed them in the bag until the bag cannot fit anymore. He then carried the rest by hand. He made the journey back making sure no one is tailing him and even takes detours.

After several hours, he made his way back to their hideout. When he arrived back, he saw Hli Ja was still laying on her back in the carriage. She felt her baby dropped low after she was kicked in the stomach and the spotting made her worried. So she puts herself on bed rest, she tries not to be on her feet as much as she could.

Pao Hua removed some of the branches to allow sunlight to peek through the carriage. When he removed enough branches to let sunlight into the carriage, he put the stuff he bought in town away in one of the corners in the carriage. Pao Hua then proceeded to cook food for his sister and him. After he finished cooking, he got rid of the bonfire in the cave as to not leave any evidence. He brought the food back into the carriage and gave them to his sister.

Hli Ja thanked him again and took the food. She needs to keep her baby growing and stayed nourished. After she finished her food, Pao Hua handed her the jar of medicine. "This is your medicine. I made it before I cooked the food."

Pao Hua's act of kindness and thoughtfulness touched Hli Ja's heart deeply. She looked at her brother with warm eyes. How could someone be so cruel to such a well behaved and mature boy like him? Maybe the heaven knows she will meet ill fate and had brought him to her. She smiled and spoke, "I'm very lucky that the heavens brought you to my life. I want you to know that."

Pao Hua is not used to people being so nice and opened to him that he blushed. "Mm.. I'm very lucky that the heavens brought you to save me too." He mumbled shyly before eating his food.

After the brother and sister pairs finished eating, Hli Ja called out to Pao Hua. "Come here. Bring the papers and ink you bought from the store too."

"Mm.." Pao Hua complied. He searched for the ink and papers in the bag. He went closer to Hli Ja and handed her the supplies. She took the ink and paper from Pao Hua. "Pao Hua, I'm going to teach you how to read and write. Watch carefully. Every day, I will teach you something new. I want you to learn as much as you can before the baby comes. I may need you to do things that requires you to know them in order to help me deliver the baby, okay?"

Those words held so much responsibilities for a child, but still to Pao Hua, for the first time felt thankful for being alive. If he had decided to join his father and mother in the after world because he couldn't endure the abuse of cruel people, he would never be able to help his sister today. For the first time, he felt valued. Being needed and received appreciation felt wonderful, a feeling that he never thought he'll get to experience. Pao Hua felt there is a purpose for his life, a purpose to continue living, a purpose to be of use to someone. He nodded his head intently. "Mm.. I'll do my best."

Hli Ja proceeded to write letters, their phonic sounds, put them into words and asked Pao Hua to do the same. Pao Hua copied Hli Ja steps by steps and was able to produce results. For the next couple of weeks, Hli Ja spent hours teaching Pao Hua.

Children learned faster than adults so he caught on fast. He was very obedient, always watch carefully and listen intently to what Hli Ja taught him.