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◎The Twelfth Day of the King of Scrolls◎

When Xia Meilin saw that Director Wang had agreed to the investigation, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a smug look.

She quickly added, "Director Wang, you must find out the truth quickly. If she gets in here by deception, it would be extremely irresponsible for the future of the children in our commune."

"Besides, she has such a young child at home, so she'll definitely focus all her attention on the child in the future. How can she wholeheartedly teach students?"

Director Wang waved his hand impatiently: "Alright, alright, I know what I'm doing. Since you've provided this clue, go back now. I'll let you know when the investigation results are out."

Having achieved her goal, Xia Meilin didn't dare to say anything more and left Director Wang's office.

As she walked down the commune corridor, imagining Shen Xinglian being disqualified and slinking away, she felt exceptionally cheerful and even hummed a little tune.

—

A few days later.

Jiang Renzhou walked steadily and firmly into the village entrance, carrying large snakeskin bags in both hands.

He stood tall and straight, like a pine tree that stands firm in the wind and rain.

Jiang Wanzhou walked straight to the residence of Jiang Wanzhou and Shen Xinglian.

Upon entering, Jiang Renzhou's tightly pursed lips twitched slightly. After a moment of silence, he said in a deep and firm voice, "Xinglian, little sister, I have some news."

Shen Xinglian, who was playing with the baby in her arms, suddenly raised her head upon hearing this.

She asked eagerly, "What news? Tell me quickly."

Jiang Renzhou nodded slightly: "The number of places for the commune teachers has been decided."

"With you."

Shen Xinglian covered her mouth in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes: "Really? This...this is so sudden. How did you know? Is this information reliable?"

Jiang Renzhou said calmly, "I went to the recruitment office and saw the announcement with my own eyes."

After saying that, Jiang Renzhou's gaze involuntarily fell on the sleeping baby in Shen Xinglian's arms.

Those gentle eyes seemed to melt the ice and snow of winter.

He found a place to put the snakeskin bag down.

Jiang Renzhou slowly reached out his hand, his voice growing softer: "Shall I hold the baby for a while?"

Shen Xinglian carefully handed the child over, and Jiang Renzhou took it with both hands, his movements slightly clumsy.

The baby stirred in his arms, seemingly a little uncomfortable.

Jiang Wanzhou walked in carrying soup and couldn't keep her composure when she saw Jiang Renzhou.

She only recovered after noticing Shen Xinglian giving her a meaningful look.

Jiang Renzhou treated his original sister quite well. Part of his reason for joining the army was his own beauty, and he also supported his sister's education.

In the original story, there was no intention to send the younger sister in.

You could say he's a total sister-supporting fanatic.

However, Jiang Wanzhou guessed that it was because her mother was upset about her second son.

When Jiang Renzhou saw that Jiang Wanzhou was neglected just like he was when he was a child, he felt a strong urge to redeem her.

This affection stemmed from Jiang Wanzhou's almost childlike upbringing; Jiang Wanzhou, as a child, also felt heartache and compassion for Jiang Renzhou.

After Jiang Wanzhou did something wrong, he blamed himself for not having time to take care of his younger sister while he was in the army, which led her down the wrong path.

In a way, since he had been caught in the rain himself, he wanted to hold an umbrella for Jiang Wanzhou.

Jiang Wanzhou couldn't help but smile. She said softly, "Big brother, the way you're holding the baby is wrong. It will make the baby uncomfortable."

Jiang Renzhou frowned slightly, looked down at the child in his arms, and a rare look of embarrassment appeared on his face, but he quickly regained his composure.

He paused for a moment, then looked at Jiang Wanzhou.

Jiang Wanzhou understood and went over to help him adjust: "You should do it like this, supporting his head and neck, and using your other hand to firmly support his little bottom. This will make him more comfortable and feel more secure."

Jiang Renzhou watched Shen Xinglian's movements intently, his eyes filled with seriousness and a learning attitude.

Jiang Wanzhou kept his hands still until the end.

The baby was very kind to him, blowing bubbles at him.

Jiang Wanzhou watched this scene with warmth and relief in her heart. She said softly, "Sister-in-law, my eldest brother will definitely be a good father in the future."

Shen Xinglian didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly.

As Jiang Renzhou listened to their conversation, he glanced around the room, thought for a moment, and then continued in a low but clear voice, "Has anyone cooked at home? We're going to eat at my uncle's house tonight."

Jiang Wanzhou and Shen Xinglian exchanged a glance. Shen Xinglian spoke softly, "We haven't started yet. It's better to eat at my uncle's house so that my younger sister won't have to work so hard. She's been taking care of me during my postpartum period."

Jiang Wanzhou nodded with a smile, "My uncle's family has helped my sister-in-law and me a lot; they even paid for this house. Brother..."

Shen Xinglian interrupted Jiang Wanzhou: "Honey, can we pick some of these things for our uncle's family? You can send them over first."

Jiang Renzhou nodded and gently handed the child back to Jiang Wanzhou.

Then, he took out items one by one from the snakeskin bag he had brought back on the ground—a bottle of simply packaged wine, a military overcoat with a rugged military feel, and some other miscellaneous daily necessities.

He picked up these things, wrapped them in his military overcoat, and went outside.

Jiang Wanzhou watched Jiang Renzhou's departing figure, then turned to look at Shen Xinglian.

She lowered her voice and asked, "Xingxing, should I talk to my brother and ask him to let me stay tonight to help you take care of the child?"

Shen Xinglian gently shook her head, a happy smile on her face: "It's so nice to have someone help us take care of the child."

Jiang Wanzhou frowned slightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

She asked, "Xingxing, do you think we can go back to the modern world? If we can't, would you consider accepting me as your older brother?"

Shen Xinglian was slightly taken aback, then her gaze became firm.

She gently held Jiang Wanzhou's hand: "Whether it's a dream or not, let's try our best to live well here and take it seriously."

Jiang Wanzhou squeezed Shen Xinglian's hand tightly: "It's good to have you by my side."

A series of steady footsteps came from outside the door, and Jiang Renzhou's tall figure appeared in the doorway, holding several packages wrapped in oil paper.

He walked into the house, placed the snacks on the table, and said in a low voice, "My uncle asked me to bring these back so the children can have a taste."

Shen Xinglian smiled and thanked her.

Jiang Renzhou nodded slightly without saying much, but the slightly reddened tips of his ears betrayed his inner unease.

He turned to Jiang Wanzhou and Shen Xinglian and said, "Let's go once we're ready. Our uncle is waiting for us."

After the family finished getting ready, they headed towards their uncle's house.

Moonlight bathed them, casting long shadows. Jiang Renzhou carried the child, while Shen Xinglian and Jiang Wanzhou walked side by side, exchanging a few words every now and then.

Although Jiang Renzhou still doesn't say much, he does speak occasionally.

When we arrived at my uncle's house, it was unusually quiet inside.

The three of them sat stiffly, without a smile on their faces.

Jiang Weiguo and Aunt Fang noticed and warmly invited them to start eating.

Jiang Weiguo smiled and said to Jiang Renzhou, "Renzhou, you are the pride of our family. You have made meritorious contributions in the army and you take such good care of the villagers. We must have a good drink together."

Jiang Renzhou stood up and said respectfully, "Uncle, you flatter me. This is what I should do. I'd like to toast you and Auntie to thank you for taking care of me and Wanzhou Xinglian all this time."

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.

Jiang Weiguo is not a person with gender prejudice; he is happy when the younger generation is outstanding.

So he toasted Wanzhou.

"Wanzhou, you have to do a good job raising pigs. The commune is watching closely. If you do well, the commune will not treat you unfairly."

Jiang Wanzhou nodded vigorously: "Uncle, don't worry, I will definitely raise the pigs to be fat and strong, and live up to your and the commune's trust."

Everyone raised their glasses, and laughter echoed throughout the room.

The child was also caught up in the lively atmosphere, his big, round eyes wide with curiosity as he looked around, occasionally letting out a giggle.

Back home, Jiang Renzhou went to the river to fetch water and filled the water vat.

Jiang Wanzhou suddenly remembered something. She walked towards Jiang Renzhou, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Big brother, I have an idea that I'd like to discuss with you."

"My sister-in-law is going to work, and raising pigs and taking care of the children isn't too busy. I'm thinking of getting up early to make some steamed buns so I can earn some extra income. What do you think?"

Jiang Renzhou thought about it carefully for a moment and said, "That's a good idea. However, raising children and raising pigs isn't easy either. If you get tired, just tell us. Be careful in this situation. It's okay if things are lost, but you need to be safe. I have some money here. I'll withdraw it for you tomorrow after your sister-in-law agrees."

Shen Xinglian stood at the door holding the child, nodding in agreement: "I support my younger sister. I'll get it for her tomorrow. Let's work together to make this family better and better."

Jiang Wanzhou looked at them with emotion.

—

Lin Yu walked hurriedly yet cautiously toward Jiang Wanzhou's house.

His shadow was stretched long by the moonlight, and every step he took was filled with urgency and unease.

Jiang Wanzhou was a light sleeper. Hearing the slight noise from the window, she had an idea. She quietly put on her clothes and tiptoed out of the room.

She spotted Lin Yu immediately.

"Didn't you say you were off today? Why are you here at this hour?" Jiang Wanzhou asked in a low voice.

When Lin Yu saw Jiang Wanzhou, it was as if he had seen his pillar of support. He hurriedly walked to her side and said anxiously, "Sister, my mother was injured and hospitalized these past few days. I really can't get away and haven't been able to come and help you these past few days."

His voice carried a hint of guilt and helplessness, and his brows were tightly furrowed.

Jiang Wanzhou's heart tightened, and she quickly asked, "Is it serious? How many days will I need to stay in the hospital?"

Lin Yu sighed softly and said, "Sis, my mom will be discharged from the hospital today. I've been asking around these past two days trying to find a reliable person to deliver meals to her. Once this is settled, I'll come find you right away."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wanzhou reached out and gently patted Lin Yu's shoulder, comforting him, "Don't worry, things at home are more important. Your mother's health is the most important thing. Take your time finding someone to deliver the food; make sure it's someone reliable. Don't worry about me."

Lin Yu nodded vigorously: "By the way, Sister Zhou. My mom said that Director Wang from the commune is investigating your sister-in-law's past at school."

"My mother's close aunt and relative is Director Wang."