Ge Qiuqin stayed at home coaxing her child. Since she had no relatives in Yongning, she could only stay at home during the Spring Festival and couldn't go anywhere.

Zhang Zhicheng was happiest this year for Chinese New Year. Not only did he have new clothes to wear, but his family also bought more candy and peanuts than in previous years, including a whole bag of dried persimmons.

"Mom, will our family be able to eat this much good food every year from now on?"

He spoke to his mother.

"Of course! In the future, when Mom earns more money, she'll make sure you eat delicious food every day. Aren't you happy?"

"Happy, Mom, when I grow up and earn money, I will buy you lots and lots of delicious food."

Ge Qiuqin patted her eldest son's head. The eldest son was the oldest and the most sensible.

He was born during the most difficult time for his family in the countryside.

At that time, Zhang Xingang had just joined the army and was taking care of his child at home by himself.

Her mother-in-law, Erbannu, didn't take care of her at all during her postpartum period. In the dead of winter, she was still boiling water and washing diapers for the baby herself.

If I want a hot meal every morning, I have to go out and cook it myself; if the water tank is empty, I have to go out and fetch water myself.

Because she didn't take proper care of herself during her postpartum period, Ge Qiuqin developed a chronic illness; her arms would ache whenever it got cold in winter.

Finally, having no other choice, she took her child back to her parents' house, and that made her feel a little better.

When Erban's wife saw her daughter-in-law take the child back to her parents' home, she stood at the gate and started cursing, saying that her daughter-in-law was a jinx who didn't live in her own home after giving birth and was trying to find ways to run back home.

"Your eldest son is the most sensible. Hearing you say that warms my heart."

"Mom, don't work too hard. I'll help you soothe your younger siblings. You go to bed and rest."

Zhang Zhicheng went to the washroom to wash his little hands, preparing to give his mother a back massage.

Zhang Xin pushed open the door and walked in. He had been pressured by Chen Yan for the past two days to kill these four children.

Today, Chen Yan got really angry and said that if the child's problem wasn't resolved, she would never see Zhang Xin again.

Having no other option, Zhang Xin went home and planned to take the children out to play while looking for an opportunity to strike.

"Honey, why are you back? Didn't you say there was something going on at the army?"

Ge Qiuqin was somewhat surprised. Zhang Xin had clearly said that he would be working overtime in the army these days and therefore wouldn't be going home.

Why did you suddenly come back today?

"Oh, I'll come back and visit when I'm done with my work."

Zhang Xin felt guilty. He answered Ge Qiuqin's questions, but dared not look her in the eye.

His tone had lost its usual confidence and softened considerably.

"Have you eaten? I'll make you some dumplings. My daughter and I just finished eating."

Ge Qiuqin got up to cook for her husband.

After all, it's rare for him to come back and visit his family in such a short period of time.

"No need, I've already eaten. I ate dumplings at the army base. I came back because I wanted to take the kids out to play; staying cooped up at home all day isn't good."

The children should be taken out for a stroll during the Chinese New Year.

Ge Qiuqin was overjoyed. She never expected him to say such a thing today. In the past, she would have been annoyed to see four children surrounding her.

So when he came back, the children were all scared and hid in the inner room.

"Oh, okay... We were just getting bored at home. The kids will be happy to hear you mention it. Let's go get dressed."

Ge Qiuqin got dressed and took her child out with Zhang Xin.

"Qiuqin, you should just stay home and rest! I came back this time hoping you could get some rest. I'll take the kids out for a stroll."

You've been taking care of the children all year; I know it's been hard on you. Today, just rest at home. I'll take the kids out; it'll be a good opportunity for us to bond as father and son.

Zhang Xincai didn't want Ge Qiuqin to go with him; if she went, his plans would definitely fall through.

With her gone, there might still be a chance to make a move; otherwise, Chen Yan would definitely not see him.

Chen Yan spoke so resolutely today; if the child's problem isn't resolved, she definitely doesn't plan to contact me again.

Ge Qiuqin was stunned when she heard this. What was wrong with Zhang Xin today? He was actually saying these words of hard work.

Although I really wanted to go with Zhang Xin, my family had never left Yongning City since we arrived, so this opportunity was truly rare.

But since Zhang Xin has said so, it wouldn't be right for me to insist on going. He's right, after all, he's the child's father, and it would be good for him to take the child out to foster their relationship.

"Okay... you guys go ahead, I'll stay home and rest. Tell me what you want to eat tonight, and I'll prepare it for you in advance."

Seeing her family enjoying each other's company again, Ge Qiuqin was happy. This was what made the New Year's atmosphere feel like; otherwise, it would be so dull and lifeless.

"You can do whatever you want, I can do anything."

"Okay, then I'll make dumplings, and then stew chicken and stew fish."

The four children were somewhat unhappy when they heard that their father was going to take them out to play while their mother was not going.

They were afraid that if their father got angry again and hit them, their bottoms would be covered in red marks again.

"Mom, I don't want to go out with Dad. Can I not go out with Dad?"

"Mom, I don't want to go out either. I want you to go out and play with me."

Zhang Zhicheng stood aside, unwilling but not saying a word, afraid that he would say the wrong thing and provoke his father to beat his mother and younger siblings.

I still feel uneasy thinking about the time I had to pay for rain boots.

The scars on my arm that faded are still visible to this day.

"Dad is taking you out to play today, don't be afraid, okay? Mom will cook you something delicious at home, and when you're tired from playing, Dad will bring you back."

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