"You're not trying to trick me into cooking for you, are you?" Ning Hong's eyes darted over.

"Of course not, how could I be that kind of person? I just hope you can go back to school."

Fang Liang said righteously, "Of course, if I have time, I can cook occasionally."

"Uncle, I'm only eight years old! How can you bear to make me cook in the kitchen every day?"

"Of course—I'm willing to give it up."

Fang Liang said with a grin, "Originally I was reluctant to part with her, but later I found that Ning Hong basically cooked for herself. Even when he didn't come over, she would still cook."

This guy is just too lazy; he often oversleeps in the mornings. Therefore, he rarely cooks breakfast.

Therefore, I usually bring him some milk and pastries for breakfast when he comes over. Of course, I also occasionally get some cooked food from restaurants to bring over, so he can have a different taste.

Eight years old is the age to start primary school.

He had already asked the villagers, and they told Fang Liang.

In fact, Ning Hongze is old enough to go to school.

However, there is no school in the village, so students have to go to the town to attend school.

Ning Hong is young and needs to go to school in town, so naturally someone needs to pick her up and drop her off every day.

Ning Fengshou naturally refused to let Lu Xiu leave the village. In the first few years, whenever Lu Xiu was out of his sight at night or when he went out during the day, he would lock her up and carry the key with him.

In the last few years, Lu Xiu has become much more obedient, seemingly focusing all her attention on her son. Only then did he relax a little, and in that moment of relaxation, Lu Xiu got him drunk and ran away.

As for himself, he just wanted to rest more and had no desire to run around picking up and dropping off Ning Hongze.

As a result, Ning Hong had never attended school until she was eight years old.

"Aze, studying is really important. I won't force you to have outstanding grades, but at the very least, you should be able to read."

Fang Liang patiently persuaded him for a long time.

Ning Hong remained motionless until the fishing line in his hand twitched, at which point he quickly lifted it up.

A big, fat fish is hanging on the fishing hook.

"We caught a fish! Let's go, we'll have sauerkraut fish today."

"Aze, can you hear me?"

Fang Liang sighed deeply. Sometimes, he really couldn't understand what this child was thinking.

But he felt a pang of guilt about abandoning the matter.

"I heard you, I understand."

Ning Hong nodded. "I will go to school."

"Really?" Fang Liang's face lit up with joy. "I'll go back and prepare a room for you later, you—"

"elder brother--"

Ning Hong suddenly became serious.

He always calls Fang Liang "uncle," but he's just teasing him.

"What?"

"I won't stay at your place, I'll live by myself."

"Why?"

"I'm used to being alone."

Ning Hong gently curled his lips. On the first day, he didn't remember who Fang Liang was, but after spending time together, he did.

In his past life, after his parents passed away and before he went to the orphanage, the policeman in front of him had taken him in for a period of time.

It wasn't exactly adoption; it was just out of pity for him that we provided him with food and clothing and even sent him to school.

However, his family and even his girlfriend couldn't understand why he would spend his salary on a complete stranger without any complaints.

Because of his actions, he has argued with his girlfriend many times, and has also argued with his parents several times.

After each argument, Fang Liang would look at him with a complicated expression.

He had actually considered leaving him alone, but he couldn't bear the guilt, so he kept him around.

Later, when Ning Hong came home from school, she heard him having a big argument with his girlfriend.

His girlfriend has already made it clear.

If Fang Liang still refuses to send Ning Hongze away, their relationship will come to an end.

Ning Hong stood outside the door, feeling extremely sad.

Later, he volunteered to go to the welfare home.

He could clearly sense that Fang Liang breathed a sigh of relief.

After arriving at the orphanage, Fang Liang would visit him every few days, bringing large and small bags.

But it later disappeared completely.

At first, Ning Hong thought that he must be tired of him, which was why he chose to ignore him. But later, he found out that his girlfriend was annoyed by his constant concern for him and they had a big fight.

Because he was in a daze, he was accidentally killed by a thief while chasing him.

When he went to pay his respects, Fang Liang's parents and girlfriend placed all the blame on him.

He didn't offer a single word in defense, but silently endured it.

If scolding him makes them feel better, then let them scold him.

Now that nothing has happened yet, he already knows how things will develop, so naturally he can't let the past repeat itself.

Therefore, he cannot stay at Fang Liang's house.

"You're just a kid, used to being alone. Are you kidding me?" Fang Liang frowned.

“I really like living alone, it’s quiet.” Ning Hong then put the fish into the bucket.

Moreover, with so many secrets surrounding him, it's naturally unsuitable for him to live with other people.

"I'll rent a place near your house."

"You have money?"

"Of course, if I don't have money, why would I rent a house?"

His father didn't leave him much money. Ning Fengshou was a heavy drinker, and whenever he had a little money, he would spend it on drinking and gambling. He would never have thought about him and his mother.

Honestly, it's not easy for Lu Xiu to have endured this for so many years.

Ning Fengshou's lack of money doesn't mean Ning Hongze is also penniless.

However, this matter must not be told to anyone—

Fang Liang took Ning Hong to complete the enrollment procedures and rented a small apartment for him near his home.

It's small, but more than enough for an eight-year-old.

Ning Hong expressed her satisfaction.

"Ahhh—don't hit me." After returning to the Lu family, Lu Xiu had nightmares every night.

In her dream, she didn't escape the village; she was captured and taken back.

Ning Fengshou handcuffed her tightly to the corner of the wall. Whenever she showed any desire to escape, Ning Fengshou would beat her severely.

Later, she couldn't take it anymore and committed suicide.

Not long after, Ning Fengshou also disappeared.

Lu Xiu looked at the child standing behind Ning's father, trembling all over, his face pale.

She longed to hold her child, but the moment her hands touched him, the child vanished in a puff of smoke. No matter how hard she searched, she could find no trace of him, no answer to his whereabouts.