Erni replied without hesitation, "Then we'll go back with you once Grandpa recovers."

Lu Zhixia responded with a "Mm".

Erni didn't disturb her but watched from the side. Her mother was a very capable person; she even knew acupuncture.

Seeing her grandfather's expression gradually soften, she knew that his pain had lessened.

The doctor had previously told him that his grandfather was actually in a lot of pain, but he was just enduring it, and prescribed some painkillers.

When I offered it to my grandfather, he refused to eat it, saying that it didn't hurt at all.

It was all a lie; Grandpa must be in a lot of pain!

Thinking about this makes my heart clench; I wish I could take Grandpa's pain away right now!

After finishing her acupuncture, Lu Zhixia rested for a while and observed the old man's expression.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"This feels so good, I've never felt so comfortable before," Old Man Fan laughed. "Your acupuncture is amazing!"

Lu Zhixia said, "It's a technique that someone taught me; it can relieve pain."

Old Fan slowly stood up, supporting himself with his hands on the kang (a heated brick bed).

"I haven't felt this comfortable in a long time. Before, I felt a sharp pain from time to time, and I thought it would never get better."

Erni demanded, "Grandpa, why didn't you tell me before?!"

Old Fan sat back down. "Telling you won't do any good. Besides, as people get older, stomach aches are a natural part of life." He pointed to the old tree outside. "Look at the tree; it's getting worse every year. It's been several decades!"

Erni: "But I don't want you to grow old!"

Old Man Fan said, "Silly child, everyone has to go one day, it's just a matter of time. I've already come to terms with it."

Erni burst into tears; she just wanted to cry.

Lu Zhixia said to the old man, "I'm taking the children outside for a walk. If you need anything, have the children in the yard call me."

Old Fan nodded to indicate that he understood, and watching the mother and daughter walk out, he felt truly gratified!

Lu Zhixia took her daughter outside, looked around at the surroundings, and went to another pile of stones. She chose a flat stone.

"Sit down! Let's talk!"

Erni obediently sat down and then asked, "Who was that man yesterday? What kind of person is my father, and why did he have to abandon me?"

Lu Zhixia looked into the child's eyes and said, "His surname is Gu, and he's the person I'm dating now. Your father and I are divorced now. He cheated on me, and he's in jail for breaking the law."

This was a lot of information, and Erni felt she couldn't quite process it.

"How did he break the law?"

Lu Zhixia didn't want to talk about that dirty thing. "Don't ask about it. I'll tell you when you're older."

Erni immediately guessed that it was something bad, but she didn't press the matter further. Instead, she said...

"The thing is, if we go back with you, will it affect your relationship? I mean, what if you break up because of this—"

Lu Zhixia tidied her daughter's hair. "We won't separate. We've already made a promise to get married, probably in a few months."

Erni: "Can I not call him Dad?"

Lu Zhixia nodded, "Of course you can. No one is forcing you. You can call out whenever you've thought it through."

Erni felt a warmth in her heart. "Actually, I was just worried that we would affect you."

Lu Zhixia said, "I know you're worried about money. Don't worry, I'll be able to support you and send you to school." She paused for a moment, then continued, "Your Uncle Gu also has a son. He's a good kid too, and we adopted him as well."

Hearing that they had previously adopted someone, Erni's inner conflict was completely resolved.

“They will be very well-behaved and will never cause you any trouble. I just want us to grow up quickly so that we won’t be a burden to you.”

Lu Zhixia thought her daughter was adorable. "After you come back with me, my restaurant will open, and I'll earn money to support you."

"Open a restaurant?" Erni exclaimed in surprise. "Like the restaurants on the street?"

Lu Zhixia nodded, "The house has been bought and is already being renovated. Once we get back and complete the formalities, we can start operating it."

Erni hadn't expected her mother to be so capable, especially considering her simple attire.

“Then we can all go and help out at the restaurant.”

Lu Zhixia said, "You guys just need to focus on your studies. Making money is an adult's job."

Erni thought of her grandfather, "You just said in the room that Grandpa's illness will get better."

Lu Zhixia said, "Actually, you should know a little about your grandfather's health. Old people are nearing the end of their lives and don't have much time left to live."

Erni's small eyes immediately reddened, and she asked desperately, "Why do people die?"

Lu Zhixia said, "I didn't have parents when I was a child. I don't know what they look like or what their names are. I was raised by my grandfather."

Erni immediately empathized, "Mom, were you adopted too?"

Hearing the child call her "Mom," Lu Zhixia was instantly stunned. After recovering, she looked at the child.

Did you just call me "Mom"?

Erni lowered her head shyly, "Yes! I wanted to call you!"

It turns out my mother is such a kind person, and like her, she had a very difficult childhood.

She came all the way here to find her, so why is she being so coy?

Lu Zhixia, "Call me again."

Erni cried out, "Mommy!"

Lu Zhixia responded with a "Yes!" and then hugged her daughter in her arms.

The warmth between the two touched Zhou An'an, who wiped away tears not far away.

At the same time, she thought of her parents and wondered if she could ask for leave to go back and see them.

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