A few years ago, there was a nearly perfect puppet in the village.

The doll made of locust wood seemed like a real person nourished by blood, even the touch felt as tender as a child's skin.

I heard it was bought by a merchant from somewhere for one million.

Ordinary wooden dolls are mostly used for singing and entertainment for children, but ours is different.

The ones with slightly lower quality are used as Yinqin brides to pacify the deceased. Some wealthy families' children often die young, and they look down on paper brides, while living brides are too expensive.

The ones with better quality are kept by businesspeople. They not only bring wealth and fortune but also protect the household and guard against ill-intentioned people.

Of course, there are also certain customers with specific preferences who favor this.

My mother complained a few words and focused her attention on me. She hoped that I could also raise a perfect puppet.

"Xiaoman, have you delivered today's offering?"

She stared straight at me.

"Del... delivered."

My mother nodded satisfactorily and instructed me to invite the midwife in the village.

Sister-in-law is going into labor tonight.

Aunt Li has been a midwife in the village for decades, and there haven't been any accidents with the children she has delivered.

When we returned, we could already hear sister-in-law's painful wailing.

My father and brother anxiously waited outside the door, and their eyes brightened when they saw Aunt Li.

"Aunt Li! The fortune of the Lao Lin family depends on you!"

She waved her hand and calmly arranged for us to do things.

Soon, the crisp cry of a baby resounded from the room.

My mother came out smiling and holding a doll.

It's a girl doll with a wrinkled little face, somewhat ugly.

But they didn't care.

My brother's smile stretched to his ears, and he repeated "Little Lucky Star" several times.

I knew that what he saw was not his own daughter, but money, wealth.

Tired-looking Aunt Li said a few auspicious words to my parents and, as she was leaving, she whispered to me, "Xiaoman, they will harm you!"

I was stunned and about to ask her when I met Aunt Li's guilty and pained gaze.

She shook her head at me and left.