Chapter 31: Catching Bugs, Eating Meat

“Get lost! Your second son’s already over ten—way older than that girl. How dare you say you’re close in age? Our big grandson, Doggy, is the perfect match!”

Before the man could finish his sentence, another cut him off with a look of utter disgust.

And just as quickly, his own words were silenced by someone else’s sneer.

“Your Doggy’s got tiny eyes and a huge mouth—how could he ever suit her? Our little boy’s the one who fits perfectly…”

“Your little boy’s always drooling with snot hanging from his nose—how dare you even think about our daughter?”

…

In no time, everyone was pulling out their own sons and grandsons, all eager to lock down a childhood betrothal with the Su family.

Xiao Tangbao was speechless.

She couldn’t even string two words together yet, and they were already scheming to marry her off?

Didn’t they worry she’d grow up crooked or worse—ugly?

“Hmph! My daughter isn’t getting engaged as a baby!” Old Su grunted, his face dark as thunder.

His expression had turned stormy the moment the first person opened their mouth.

His little girl? These kids? Not a chance.

“That’s right! Can’t you see what kind of scrawny little brats your kids are?” Su Erhu glared, already rolling up his sleeves, ready to throw punches.

Whoever dared dream of stealing his sister would have to go through his fists first.

Su Dahu, usually quiet and mild-mannered, now brandished his hoe like a weapon, looking ready to fight.

Even Xiao Liuliu’s little face was flushed with fury, fists clenched tight.

If it weren’t for Grandma Su holding them back, those brothers would’ve charged into the crowd and torn into them.

What kind of misfits were these? Dreaming of marrying his sister? They must be out of their minds!

Hearing Old Su’s firm refusal—and seeing the fierce anger on the Su brothers’ faces—the villagers quickly backed down, muttering excuses and drifting away.

They wanted a connection with the Su family… but not an enemy.

After all, the Sus had too many sons. Better not to provoke them.

“Mom,” said Su Da’s wife, Zhao Chunhua, frowning worriedly. “You gotta keep a closer eye on Little Auntie from now on. Don’t let anyone trick her.”

“From now on, wherever our sister goes, someone’s gotta follow her,” Su Dahu added.

Su Erhu and Xiao Liuliu nodded vigorously in agreement.

The whole family acted like they were guarding a priceless treasure under siege.

Xiao Tangbao: ……

Did she really seem *that* gullible?

“Catch bugs…” She decided the family was overreacting. Might as well chase grasshoppers instead.

To be fair, there were *plenty* of grasshoppers in the field.

Soon, the entire Su clan—old and young—joined in the chaotic hunt, chasing and shooing the hopping insects.

Xiao Tangbao wrinkled her brow, glancing at the distant sky.

The locust plague might actually be coming.

She dashed over to her sixth brother, chirping sweetly, “Brother… meaty!”

Then, she held up a wriggling grasshopper, aiming to pop it straight into her mouth.

Oh, how far she’d go to get what she wanted.

Come on, Six—stop me! Please!

She silently screamed inside.

“Sister! No! That’s not meat!” Su Xiao Liu yelped, startled, grabbing her wrist.

Xiao Tangbao blinked slowly. “…Meaty.”

Look how determined I am!

Su Xiao Liu scratched his head, flustered.

Xiao Tangbao: ……

She stared up at him, wide-eyed and hopeful.

Why was this brother so clueless?

But then—lightbulb moment!

“Wait here—I’ll cook you some roasted grasshoppers!” Su Xiao Liu’s eyes lit up.

A grin spread across his small face.

He wanted to eat roasted grasshoppers too!

When Da Pan and Er Pan heard the plan, they jumped up and down with excitement, circling around Su Xiao Liu.

“Six Uncle! We want some too!”

“Yeah yeah yeah… eat eat!” Xiao Tangbao chimed in, giggling along.