Gu Zi was preparing to bathe Lele and decided to do the same for Shi Tou as well. She considered it a convenient task.
Observing the copious amount of yellow mud spread across the ground, Su Shen realized it was a massive undertaking. Without delay, he called upon his two sons to continue the work.
Boys, by nature, are fond of playing with mud, and they didn't find the task of kneading the mud into strips tiring.
After Gu Zi had bathed the two children and dressed them in clean clothes – Shi Tou's clothes had been fetched from his home by Su Li at Gu Zi's request – she led them downstairs. Aunt Zhang was waiting there to take Shi Tou home and expressed her apologies for the inconvenience.
Gu Zi assured her it was no trouble, and after seeing off Aunt Zhang, she turned to find that Su Shen and the boys had finished kneading the mud into strips. Indeed, many hands made work easier.
The advantage of having many men in the house was evident.
Gu Zi instructed Su Shen and their sons to move the mud strips next to the model. She then used the strips to build the kiln body, stacking them like bricks from the bottom up around the base of the model.
Observing Gu Zi's method, Su Shen followed suit, constructing the kiln body next to the model. Once the model was covered in mud strips, the couple, along with their children, shaped the surface into a honeycomb pattern. They then covered the entire kiln body with a layer of beer bottles, revealing to Su Shen the purpose of the bottles.
Another layer of mud strips was applied over the beer bottle layer, and the surface was smoothed out.
Finally, Gu Zi taught Su Bing and Su Li to use the remaining mud to shape four bear ears and attach them to the kiln body. They also created bear eyes, a bear nose, and a bear mouth, adding some finishing touches. Two chubby bear heads appeared before everyone, looking incredibly cute and endearing.
Gu Zi explained, "Once they dry slowly in the shade and the sand inside is removed, we can use this to cook delicious food for you all! "
Su Bing stared at the clay kiln, pondering for a long time, but couldn't figure out how it could cook food. He was completely engrossed in his thoughts.
Su Li was also contemplating the same question, but upon hearing his mother mention cooking delicious food, his thoughts were immediately occupied by what they would eat. "Mom, can we bake bread? The bakery in the city smells so good every time I pass by!"
Gu Zi nodded, "We can also roast chicken, suckling pig, pigeon, and so much more."
Su Li was salivating at the thought.
Seeing their excitement and anticipation, Su Shen planned, "I'll find time to build a roof over it, so we won't have to worry about rain." Gu Zi and Su Li both agreed.
Su Bing finally snapped out of his thoughts and asked seriously, "Mom, can you explain the principle behind this to me?"
Gu Zi was a bit taken aback. So, he had been silent because he was contemplating the principle behind it? Truly a future leader!
Of course, Gu Zi was willing to explain. She took Su Bing to the living room, where it would be easier for him to understand with the design diagram in front of him.
Watching his mother and brother discuss the matter, Su Li felt a bit left out. He still had homework to do!
From then on, he decided not to indulge in play and strive to complete his homework after class like his brother. That way, he would have more time to ask his mother questions!
In the living room, Gu Zi calmly and clearly explained the process of making and baking a clay oven. Su Bing listened attentively, his eyes fixed on the design diagram in her hands.
Sitting to one side, Su Shen was also engrossed in the explanation. His gaze fell on the blueprint in Su Bing's hands, where a line marked in red read: "When the arch height is 63% of the sand mold height, the heat utilization and circulation are optimal."
This woman's knowledge was impressive, far surpassing that of a high school student, and more akin to a university student.
He couldn't help but wonder, had he married a master of all trades? And he couldn't help but question, with Gu Zi's capabilities, why had she felt compelled to marry him?
Before going to sleep that night, Su Shen looked at Gu Zi for a long time before asking, "Are we really going to that banquet?"
In truth, Su Shen didn't want to go, nor did he want her to go, but he couldn't infringe on her freedom.
Gu Zi, her arm wrapped around his, nodded. "Of course we're going. How else will we see the spectacle?"
Su Shen agreed to go.
Although he didn't want Gu Zi to meet Gong Zhan, if she was willing to go, he would accompany her.
Regardless of whether she was going for the spectacle or to see someone.
After a while, Su Shen said, "Tomorrow morning we'll go to the hospital, pick up mom, and head to the police station. They've made a decision about Dad's assault."
The next day, Su Shen and Gu Zi woke up early. Su Le was still asleep. Gu Zi thought it best not to bring Lele to the police station, so she dropped her off at Aunt Zhang's house for her to watch over Lele.
Su Shen drove to the hospital to pick up Mother Lin and then headed to the police station. As soon as they got out of the car, before they even entered the building, they ran into Old Lady Lin.
Upon seeing Gu Zi and Mother Lin, Old Lady Lin charged forward like a madwoman, causing a ruckus. Pleas were useless, so she let her true colors show.
"I see clearly now," she raged. "You mother and daughter are hell-bent on taking revenge on us! You've blown a small family matter out of proportion.. Are you happy now? Are you satisfied?"
...