Even when Xia Xiaoli was pregnant, she never planned to give up her job because she had experienced hardship and been abandoned by her family, and she didn't want to go back to that kind of life.

After thinking for a moment, Xiang Shulan said, "Okay, if I can work then, I'll go. Like you all said, I also want to find a life of my own."

“Actually, I also went out to work. Dali is a soldier, and this job is too dangerous. I also need a job so that I can have an income and more security.” Having lived in the family compound for many years, Xiang Shulan has seen too many soldiers who sacrificed their lives, and their wives and children who were forced to leave. The despair and helplessness on their faces are evident.

In this residential compound, many women are unemployed. After their husbands passed away, they were so distraught that they couldn't walk on their own.

There are countless cases of women having their pensions taken away by their in-laws or being kicked out of their homes by their in-laws.

As they said, we should try many things, learn to think independently and live self-reliantly, and learn to face everything that happens.

Looking at Xiang Shulan, Shen Qiaoyue felt much more at ease knowing that she was living a happy life.

"Sister-in-law Shulan, you care too much about what others think. The most important thing in life is not to care about what others think, then you can be happier. You always care about what others say, and you don't even associate with me. I'd like to ask if I did something to offend you?" Shen Qiaoyue said in a half-joking tone.

Xiang Shulan realized that Shen Qiaoyue had come to settle scores later.

She gave an awkward laugh and said, "No, I didn't! It's just that you're too busy with work every day! And you take care of the kids in the evenings, so I didn't want to bother your family."

In this residential compound, Xiang Shulan got along best with Shen Qiaoyue and truly considered her a good friend. However, given the disparity in their social standing and the gossip, she didn't want to put Shen Qiaoyue in a difficult position or for others to accuse her of trying to please others.

"If you ask me, sister-in-law, the more you care, the more people will think you're just trying to curry favor with the powerful! Don't worry about what others say, just do what you want to do," Xia Xiaoli advised Shulan.

Shen Qiaoyue continued, "That's right. Everyone living in this family compound is the same. They all got where they are through their own hard work. Don't worry too much about it. We're all neighbors, and we live close by. We help each other out. Our children are in the same daycare center, so it's not a bad thing that we get along well."

Xiang Shulan nodded and smiled, "You're right. We'll keep in touch, so we're not afraid of what they say."

Shen Qiaoyue then looked at Xiang Shulan with satisfaction.

For some reason, when Shen Qiaoyue looked at Xiang Shulan, she felt disgusted by the helpless look in her eyes from her past life.

Many things have changed in this life, but Shen Qiaoyue still feels indebted. She doesn't want Xian Shulan to become like she was in her previous life.

Perhaps she shouldn't have said those words, but Shen Qiaoyue still said them anyway.

She wanted to change, and she also wanted to change Xiang Shulan, such a gentle and kind girl. Although she didn't know any big words and was clumsy in communication, she would always change her mind because of a few words from others. But she had a kind heart and never hesitated to show her love for her children when it came to their education.

That's the difference.

Xiang Shulan considered Shen Qiaoyue her only good friend, and she didn't want to disappoint Xiang Shulan.

Xiang Shulan's kindness made Xia Xiaoli who she is today and changed her future.

Shen Qiaoyue chatted with the two of them for a while, but she was too tired, so she went home to rest.

The next day, she took the children back to her parents' home to pay New Year's respects. Shen Qiaoyue's father, Shen Yuanfan, also finished his work and was transferred to work in Beijing after the New Year.

This is good news. From now on, Shen Qiaoyue can see her father whenever she wants.

Lu He's wedding was arranged to be held during the National Day holiday.

Everything is moving in a positive direction.

After the New Year, Shen Qiaoyue began preparing Lu He's dowry.

Shen Qiaoyue was already impatient for their wedding day.

In the new year, Lu Chen was much busier than usual, and the couple were both busy with their own things.

Xia Xiaoli's child was born, and just as she had said, it was a daughter.

Just like Shen Qiaoyue said before, her nickname is Zaozao, and her formal name is Li Nianhuan.

Shen Qiaoyue took her two children to visit Xia Xiaoli, who had just given birth.

Several months have passed, and both the Lunar New Year and the Lunar New Year have grown quite a bit taller, especially the Lunar New Year, who ate a lot and grew a lot taller.

He turned four after the Lunar New Year, and he carried a small schoolbag on his back.

Shen Qiaoyue carried a bag of fruit and came in with Jiang Jinyao.

Da Nian, Xiao Nian, and Xiang Xiang all peeked in after the door opened.

Li Qingming and Xia Xiaoli were looking at their daughter, chatting about everyday things, with happy smiles on their faces, a harmonious family scene.

"Sister-in-law Qiaoyue, you've arrived?" Xia Xiaoli, wearing a hat and leaning against the bed, greeted Shen Qiaoyue happily as she saw her bringing her children to visit her.

"Xiaoli, congratulations!" Shen Qiaoyue came in with a smile, and her first words were congratulations.

When Li Qingming saw Shen Qiaoyue arrive, he quickly stood up, hugged his daughter, and a rare happy smile appeared on his face.

Shen Qiaoyue and Jiang Jinyao came in and put the fruit on the table.

"I heard you gave birth last night. We're at work today and didn't have time to come see you during the day, so we'll come over after get off work. Congratulations!" Shen Qiaoyue congratulated Xia Xiaoli first, then looked at Li Qingming and said, "Battalion Commander Li, congratulations!"

"Thank you, Sister-in-law Qiaoyue." Li Qingming hugged his daughter and accepted Shen Qiaoyue's blessing with a smile.

Jiang Jinyao smiled and said, "Qiaoyue has already said all the congratulations, so I'll just give her a red envelope. My mother used to say that giving a red envelope when a child is born symbolizes a peaceful and safe life, and it should be doubled. Here you go."

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