Zhang Hongyan could sense the sincerity in Zhu Xiaoli's tone, but she still refused: "Xiaoli, I appreciate your kindness, but we don't lack anything at home."

They were definitely short of things, but Zhang Hongyan didn't want her sister-in-law to feel like she was taking advantage of her because of these small items. She thought it better to just go to the neighbor's house and exchange some.

She was willing to accept the basket of vegetables because she knew that the family's vegetable garden was managed by Grandma Xia and Grandpa Xia, and that taking things from her parents was not the same as taking things from her older brother's family.

“Okay, Auntie, feel free to call me anytime if you need any help,” Zhu Xiaoli said with a smile.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Zhu Xiaoli suddenly changed the subject: "Second Aunt, why haven't I seen Qingqing and Gou Dan, the siblings?"

Zhang Hongyan pointed towards the room: "She's catching up on sleep in her room. She didn't get enough rest on the train these past two days."

"I need to take a good rest. I'll come and talk to Qingqing again when I have time," Zhu Xiaoli said with a smile.

Actually, she felt a little regretful. She wanted to spend more time with her outstanding cousin so that her unborn baby could benefit from her intelligence.

“Sure, you can come over and visit sometime,” Zhang Hongyan said politely.

She was unaware of Zhu Xiaoli's hidden thoughts; if she had known, she would probably have been very happy.

How proud Zhao Fengxia was after giving birth to the Xia family's eldest grandson! Old Mrs. Xia doted on this grandson. If Xia Jiashun was the Xia family's treasure, then her Qingqing was not even worth as much as grass.

But what happened? Now Xia Jiashun's wife hopes that her child will be like her cousin Xia Qingqing. What does that mean? It means that her Qingqing is outstanding.

Zhu Xiaoli didn't stay long; after exchanging a few pleasantries, she went back.

Before leaving, Zhang Hongyan gave her a bag of brown sugar. If she didn't know her niece-in-law was pregnant, she could let it go, but knowing that she was pregnant, it wouldn't be right to leave without showing any appreciation.

......

The next day, the Xia family received a rare guest.

Xia Heping's second sister, Xia Chunlan, brought gifts to visit her second brother, something that had never happened before.

Whether it's Chinese New Year or other holidays, Xia's sisters-in-law always visit the old house when they go to see relatives. There's nothing wrong with that, since their parents are there, and daughters naturally prioritize visiting their parents when they return to their parents' home.

In addition, Xia's daughters also knew that Xia Heping's family had a bad relationship with the old house, so they would not go out of their way to get close to their brother, otherwise they would only upset their parents.

Xia Heping was already used to the way his sisters acted, so it was hard not to be surprised when these people, whom he hadn't been in touch with much before, suddenly showed up.

The first thing Xia Chunlan did after entering the room was to hand Xia Heping the 20 eggs she had brought, and then she began to chat with him with a smile:

"Second brother, I heard you came back from Beijing, so I quickly took the time to visit you and sister-in-law."

"Hmm, that's thoughtful of you," Xia Heping replied calmly, placing the eggs on the table.

He and his younger sister were never very close because they were close in age and often fought over food when they were young. After they grew up and started their own families, they spent even less time together.

Xia Chunlan didn't mind his cold attitude. She looked at Xia Qingqing sitting on the stool next to her and said, "Our Qingqing is getting more and more beautiful. She is smart and filial. Second brother, you are so lucky to have such a good daughter."

If you listen carefully, you can hear a hint of sourness in her tone. How could she not be sour? She also has two daughters, and compared to Xia Qingqing, they are completely outclassed.

When Xia Chunlan first learned that her niece Xia Qingqing had been admitted to university, she was envious, but she didn't think it was anything special. After all, she was just a girl who would get married sooner or later, so how much could she possibly amount to?

Until last year, when she heard that Xia Qingqing had taken her parents and younger brother to live in Beijing, she felt incredibly regretful. If she had known that her niece was so capable, she should have come over earlier to build a good relationship with her.

Unfortunately, it was too late for her to regret it. Her second brother's family had all gone to Beijing, and it was too late for her to try to please them.

So yesterday she heard that her second brother's family had returned, and she rushed over early this morning.

When Xia Heping heard his second sister praising her daughter, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face: "Yes, my Qingqing is a good child."

"Second Brother, actually I came to see you today because I have a small favor to ask you for," Xia Chunlan said ingratiatingly.

Xia Heping was taken aback. Although he knew that his younger sister would not come to his house unless there was something wrong, he did not expect that she would so bluntly state her purpose before they had even exchanged a few words.

Xia Heping couldn't refuse directly: "Tell me what it is."

Upon hearing this, Xia Chunlan felt hopeful about the matter and quickly said, "My Shengjie is going to take the college entrance exam next year, right? I'd like Qingqing to tutor Shengjie. Second brother, you certainly won't refuse me for such a small thing, will you?"

She genuinely didn't think Xia Heping would refuse her. After all, she and Xia Heping were blood-related siblings, and her own son was Xia Qingqing's cousin. What was wrong with tutoring her cousin? If Shengjie became successful in the future, Qingqing, as his older cousin, might even benefit from it.

Xia Qingqing rolled her eyes quietly as she sat next to her. Was this second aunt a little too self-important? And she was sitting right next to her, a grown woman. Why didn't she just ask her for tutoring? What was the meaning of this?

Xia Heping was also speechless. He thought the boy was going to ask him for money, but it turned out that he wanted Qingqing to tutor Shengjie.

“Chunlan, if you want Qingqing to tutor Shengjie, you should discuss it directly with Qingqing. I can’t make that decision.”

Xia Chunlan said dismissively, "You're Qingqing's father, how can you not make decisions for her? Second brother, just give me a straight answer, will you agree or not?"

Xia Qingqing suddenly chuckled and looked at Xia Chunlan with a half-smile, saying, "Second Aunt, my dad isn't lying to you. He really can't make decisions for me. Just tell me what's on your mind."

"Alright, Qingqing, you shouldn't refuse your second aunt, right? Anyway, you're just staying at home with nothing to do, so you can tutor your cousin. Once your cousin gets into university, your second aunt will definitely give you a big red envelope," Xia Chunlan said, trying to paint a rosy picture for Xia Qingqing.

“Tutoring is no problem,” Xia Qingqing said with a smile.

Xia Chunlan immediately beamed with joy upon hearing this: "Oh my, as expected, our Qingqing is the most sensible. Then Auntie will bring Shengjie over tomorrow. There's no need to go through the trouble of preparing a special room for him; he can just sleep with Gou Dan."

Xia Qingqing greatly admired her second aunt's shamelessness; someone like that would be perfect for sales and would definitely be a top salesperson.