The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

In the days that followed, the group remained on the water.

The large ship would usually stop at a dock for supplies every three to five days, at which point a few of them would disembark for a walk.

Though Gouwa still didn't speak, he had become much healthier.

Previously, he ate two meals a day, and it was just coarse rice porridge. It was called porridge, but it was quite watery. Aunt Hong would make him food from time to time, but it was still limited.

Moreover, they had to hide it from her daughter-in-law, so Aunt Hong always hurriedly urged him to eat quickly. Children have weak stomachs; how could they endure such a diet?

Now it was different, he ate refined white rice and flour, and everything was served warm.

He had three meals at regular times and proportions, with a doctor nearby to adjust his diet as needed.

Old Doctor Zhao would take his pulse while he slept and, as he gradually became familiar with Gouwa, he finally examined his throat.

Everything was normal; there were no damaged areas.

Old Doctor Zhao felt that the reason Gouwa didn't speak was likely because he chose not to.

Of course, he also had a suspicion — perhaps during the stage when Gouwa should have been learning to talk, something he ate damaged his throat, causing his speech development to halt.

Regardless, he could only gradually nurture him back to health.

After more than twenty days, Gouwa had noticeably put on some weight.

When Shu Yu held him, she found her arms felt much heavier.

So, during the subsequent disembarkations, he either walked by himself or was carried by Meng Yunzheng or Zhao Xi, with Shu Yu rarely needing to take over.

A few more days passed, and the ship finally stopped at Huajiang Prefecture.

Shu Yu exhaled a breath and said to Gouwa, "We've finally disembarked; let's take a carriage back afterward."

Gouwa's reactions were now much more frequent than before. When Shu Yu spoke, he would lift his head to look at her and then nod.

Shu Yu couldn't help but stroke his soft, fluffy little head.

Gouwa's hair, which looked sparse and yellowish like a skinny monkey's, now looked entirely different.

"Yu, why don't you go sit over at that stall and have a bite to eat. We'll bring down the luggage and carriage."

Shu Yu nodded, "Okay, take your time, no rush."

It was not yet noon; there was still plenty of time.

Shu Yu took Gouwa's hand and slowly led him to a bun shop, stopping in front of it amidst the various stalls in the square near the dock.

This spot was close to the dock, and they could observe the ship from here. Shu Yu ordered two big buns and two bowls of soup, then lifted Gouwa onto a stool.

"Let's eat while we wait for them."

Gouwa nodded and started nibbling on a bun with his tiny hands.

He no longer clutched the wooden beads in his right hand because they might easily fall.

In the past, at the Hong Family's house, even if they fell, they'd stay within the courtyard and he could simply pick them up.

But a few days ago, the wooden beads nearly fell overboard, scaring him pale.

Shu Yu suggested he keep them in his pouch and take them out to look at before going to sleep at night.

Gouwa found this acceptable and obediently stored them away.

In this state, it didn't quite seem like he had autism.

Seeing him eat happily, Shu Yu couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, there was a conversation from the neighboring table.

"Which Lord is returning to the Capital this time? There seem to be quite a few people standing on both sides of the official ship; it's impressive."

"Not as grand as when Lord Qi returned to the Capital last time."

On hearing Qi Chan's name, Shu Yu instinctively raised her head, looking in the direction they mentioned.