Chapter 148 Did she soften her heart by speaking less?

“Erniu is still in Nancheng. If she gets really angry later, she can just leave Nancheng and not come back here,” said the fat woman. “Once she leaves, Gao Xiuxiu might not be able to find Erniu.”

“That depends on Erniu herself,” Fan Yani said. “Many people are unwilling to leave their hometown where they have lived for many years unless they have no other choice.”

Fang Erniu doesn't need to go out to do business, so someone like her definitely doesn't want to leave Nancheng. If she really leaves Nancheng one day, it must be because she's forced to.

Gao Xiuxiu's attitude towards Fang Erniu was indeed terrible. If Gao Xiuxiu had been even a little nicer to Fang Erniu, Fang Erniu wouldn't have had to move out.

“Gao Xiuxiu is so good to Daniu, and Daniu still has something to say,” said the fat woman. “This family is really a mess. I really don’t know if it’s a good thing that Gao Xiuxiu didn’t have a son. If she had a son, maybe Daniu wouldn’t have turned out like this.”

“That’s not necessarily true,” Fan Yani said. “If Gao Xiuxiu had a son, Da Niu would most likely not have gone to high school. She would probably have started working much earlier. Da Niu might also have been thinking about getting married early and escaping her family of origin.”

"That's true." The plump woman nodded; Fan Yani's words made perfect sense.

Mothers and daughters like Gao Xiuxiu and Fang Daniu are relatively rare. Most mothers don't feel as much love for their daughters; they love their sons more.

Fang Danu had just given birth not long ago and hadn't gone back to work. She had visited her husband's family several times after her postpartum confinement period, but they didn't seem to care about her at all. Even when she made a scene at the door, it was to no avail. Even when she brought her daughter with her, they wouldn't come out to see the child.

In the groom's mother's eyes, her son would have other children in the future, and they didn't need to focus on the daughter Fang Daniu had. It was just a girl, not a boy. If it were a boy, they would still want to bring the boy back, but a girl didn't matter.

Fang Daniu dropped out of school and didn't want to work; she wanted to get married. She figured that if she got married, someone else would support her.

Therefore, at the end of the year, Fang Daniu asked Fang Xudong to introduce her to a potential partner. Gao Xiuxiu only knew a few people from the residential compound, while Fang Xudong, being a local police officer, knew more people.

This left Fang Xudong speechless. How could he introduce Fang Danu to a potential partner? Fang Danu had given birth before. If he were to introduce her to his comrade's son, people would think Fang Xudong was trying to make an enemy.

"Let's see after the New Year," Fang Xudong said.

"Dad, even if we wait until after the New Year, you still have to find me a suitable partner." It's not that Fang Dani doesn't want to wait for the man who went abroad to come back, but he's gone abroad, and it's uncertain when he'll return. He might even get married overseas. Even if he comes back, he doesn't necessarily have to be with Fang Dani; he can still choose someone else.

"You...you need to change your temper." Fang Xudong really didn't know what kind of partner to introduce to Fang Danu, and was afraid of ruining her life.

If Fang Danu hadn't caused trouble at school, and hadn't gotten into university, it wouldn't have mattered much. The key issue is that Fang Danu had a child, and many men care about that.

"Dad, do you not want to introduce me to anyone? Do you think I'm embarrassing you?" Fang Danu asked.

"..." Fang Xudong didn't want to speak.

"Mom." Fang Daniu looked at Gao Xiuxiu.

“Xudong, introduce a boyfriend to Daniu. If Daniu is doing well, we can rest assured,” Gao Xiuxiu said. “Your mother is so old, she’s worried about Daniu.”

"It's not that I didn't introduce her to potential partners, it's just that she had a child."

"If we introduce her to someone soon, will they be willing to accept?" Fang Xudong said. "For better-off families, they can choose someone else. A blind date isn't based on any emotional foundation; it's not like someone has to marry her just because they've met her once."

Fang Xudong really had no idea about Fang Daniu's situation. He couldn't introduce her to any acquaintances for fear of causing problems. Fang Xudong thought it was better to let things take their course. After all, Fang Daniu already had a child, so it didn't matter whether she got married or not in the future.

In the capital, Qin's father was not in good health, so Qin Zihang went to visit him. Qin's father did not ask Qin Zihang to help his elder brother's child, nor did he ask Qin Zihang to come more often.

Qin's father was weak, but he could hold on for a while longer. Qin Zihang brought him some food, and after eating some, he asked about the twins.

“Xu Yan has the child, so I don’t need to worry too much,” Qin Zihang said. “There are also servants at home.”

"Okay, sure." Qin's father sat down in a chair near the window, where the sun could still shine in. "It's good that someone is looking after you."

"Yes," Qin Zihang said. "That's what everyone says. It would be quite difficult for my wife to take care of both children by herself. She would have to look after both of them. It would be much easier if it were just one child."

“They will be just as smart as you in the future,” Qin’s father said. “They will do scientific research just like you. Your father made the right choice in marrying your mother.”

"Of course." Qin Zihang didn't know what his father had said when Qin Yizhou and Song Fenglan got married. Qin Zihang only knew that his parents had a good relationship.

“You…” Qin’s father looked at Qin Zihang, “You have been raised very well by your mother.”

In his early years, Qin's father noticed Qin Zihang's dislike for him and his mother, but while he disliked them, he didn't harbor hatred. Qin's father knew it wasn't Song Fenglan who had taught Qin Zihang; if it had, Qin Zihang's attitude towards the Qin family would have been more than just dislike.

It's all the Qin family's fault for not doing things right, which is why Qin Zihang dislikes them.

"Yes, my mother did a great job," Qin Zihang said. As long as his father didn't speak ill of Song Fenglan, Qin Zihang could stay here for a while longer.

When Qin Zihang heard what he said, his father thought that Qin Zihang must deeply respect his mother, and that Qin Yizhou's place in Qin Zihang's heart was not as high as Song Fenglan's. His father couldn't say Qin Zihang was wrong; Song Fenglan had done so much for him, how could Qin Zihang not like her?

As Qin Zihang was preparing to leave the Qin family, he ran into Qin Li'an. Qin Li'an nodded to Qin Zihang but said nothing else.

Zhu Meng made chicken soup, which Qin Li'an brought over for his father to eat.

Qin Zihang went to Song Fenglan's house first, and he told his mother about his father's situation.

"I reckon Grandpa's days are numbered," Qin Zihang said. "He's very weak."

"Okay." Song Fenglan nodded. "If there's nothing else going on with your grandfather, you can go visit him more often."

“Grandpa said you raised me very well,” Qin Zihang said.

“…” Song Fenglan smiled but did not speak.

Back when Qin's mother was making things difficult for Song Fenglan, Qin's father hadn't said those things. Perhaps he felt it was a matter between women and didn't want to get involved. In any case, Qin's father was far superior to Qin's mother, and Song Fenglan didn't mind Qin Zihang glancing at him a few more times.

"Dad just wanted to say something at this time." Qin Yizhou brought over a plate of cherries. He knew what his father meant. His father just wanted to behave well during this period. He didn't need to ask Qin Zihang to help the Qin family. His father wanted Qin Zihang to understand the hardships the Qin family had gone through.

Qin Yizhou didn't know if Qin Zihang had noticed, but he had. Qin Yizhou's relationship with his elder brother wasn't what it used to be, and Qin's father must know. He still hoped that Qin Yizhou and his son would care more about the Qin family, but saying it directly would only annoy people, so he preferred to say things that were more agreeable. If Qin Yizhou and his son treated the Qin family better, that would be ideal; if not, there was nothing that could be done.

"Zihang, just listen to what your grandfather said," Qin Yizhou said.

“My mom is really amazing,” Qin Zihang said.

“Yes, your mother is formidable,” Qin Yizhou said. “What I mean is that your grandfather said those things just to make you feel sorry for him.”

"I can't just give in to emotions so easily," Qin Zihang said.

Because Qin's father was in poor health, he wanted the whole family to have New Year's Eve dinner together, and invited Qin Ya and her husband to come with their children. Song Fenglan agreed, and Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang went to have New Year's Eve dinner with Qin's father. Song Fenglan, Xu Yan, and the twins also ate New Year's Eve dinner together.

Qin's father was somewhat disappointed that he did not see Song Fenglan and the others.

"The child is still young, so we didn't bring him along," Qin Yizhou said.

Qin Zihang glanced at his father; of course, he couldn't bring the twins along. They were still so young; he couldn't let them be frightened. Besides, bringing the twins would only cause harm, not benefit, so it was better not to bring them at all. Qin Zihang felt that it was already quite good enough that he and his father had come to have New Year's Eve dinner with his grandfather.

Xu Yan didn't take the twins back to her parents' home for New Year's Eve dinner; she had no intention of doing so. Besides, her brother and sister-in-law might not be willing to see a married woman like her return for New Year's Eve dinner. If she went back, what about her sister? Regardless of whether her sister went back or not, as long as Xu Yan went back to her parents' home for New Year's Eve dinner, her sister would criticize her.

To avoid trouble, Xu Yan simply brought her child to have New Year's Eve dinner with Song Fenglan.

Aunt Song also came to Song Fenglan's place. She didn't see Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang, and asked them a question.

“They went to the Qin family’s place for New Year’s Eve dinner,” Song Fenglan said. “Yizhou’s father is in poor health, and this might be the only New Year’s Eve dinner he has left. So Yizhou and Zihang went over to have New Year’s Eve dinner with Yizhou’s father.”

"Oh, I see." Aunt Song really hadn't thought of that.

"Yes." Song Fenglan nodded. "There's nothing we can do about it. Zihang's grandfather isn't in good health. The old man only had this one small wish, so we sent Yizhou and Zihang over. The rest of us didn't go; we just had our New Year's Eve dinner at home."

"That's good too," said Aunt Song. "Going to someone else's house for New Year's Eve dinner is fine if you have a good relationship with them, but if you don't, it's easy for conflicts to arise."

“That’s what we all think,” Song Fenglan said. “If we go there less often, things will be easier to resolve.”

Song Fenglan didn't want to think about what problems she would face later. Qin's father was better than Qin's mother, but that didn't mean Song Fenglan had to bow down.

“Stay home, we women can eat together,” said Aunt Song.

"Twins, a boy and a girl," Song Fenglan said with a smile.

"Yes, yes, there is a baby boy." Aunt Song chuckled.

Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang were having their New Year's Eve dinner at the Qin family home. Qin's eldest brother said a few words at the table and offered Qin Yizhou a toast, but Qin Yizhou refused to drink. Qin Yizhou didn't drink, Qin's second brother-in-law drank very little, but Qin's eldest brother drank quite a lot by himself.

When someone drinks too much, they tend to talk nonsense, and Brother Qin is like that.

“Yizhou, we brothers should talk more, we…”

"Brother, you've had too much to drink." When Sister Qin saw this, she felt something was wrong. She guessed that Brother Qin had drunk too much and was trying to act like he was the boss.

Upon hearing this, You Yun quickly put the wine bottle aside and said, "Come on, let's eat dumplings, let's eat dumplings."

You Yun didn't want Brother Qin to say anything unpleasant at this time. Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang were already giving the old man face by coming to have New Year's Eve dinner with him, and they couldn't ask for anything more.

"There's chive and pork filling, and cabbage and pork filling, you should try them," You Yun said. "They all taste pretty good, they're all very good."

You Yun picked up some dumplings for Brother Qin, saying, "Come on, eat some more. Drinking too much alcohol is bad for your stomach. Drink less alcohol and eat more dumplings. The dumplings taste pretty good."

"Can't I even say a few words?" Brother Qin said.

"You've had too much to drink, so shut up," You Yun said. Brother Qin was a leader in a private company, and it didn't matter if he acted aloof in front of You Yun, but he couldn't do that in front of Qin Yizhou and his son.

You Yun believed that once Brother Qin regained his senses, he would regret saying those incoherent things. Therefore, You Yun had to stop Brother Qin now and prevent him from saying them.

"Say less, I'll say less," Brother Qin said.

"Eat dumplings." You Yun directly picked up a dumpling and put it in Brother Qin's mouth, telling him to eat the dumpling and not talk.

Brother Qin ate his dumpling and didn't say anything else. As long as Brother Qin said anything else, You Yun would let him eat dumplings.

Qin Yizhou knew what his older brother Qin wanted to say, and as long as he didn't continue, that was fine. After the New Year's Eve dinner, Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang sat for a while longer.

Second Sister Qin did not say that Qin Yizhou absolutely had to do as...

So what? She is Qin Yizhou's older sister, that's true, but some things can't be decided by her. Second Sister Qin isn't like Big Brother Qin; she doesn't feel she's been hurt as the older sister, and she doesn't think Song Fenglan and Xu Yan did anything wrong by not coming.

Just because Qin's father is getting old doesn't mean Song Fenglan has to compromise and Xu Yan has to bring the twins over.

The twins are still so young, it's best not to let them come over, lest they pass on their illness.

You Yun helped Brother Qin to rest, letting him relax first and have some hangover soup. She told him not to start talking so much after only a little alcohol.

Qin Li'an sat to the side with his wife and daughter, saying little. Qin Ya and her husband also came over; Qin's father was old, so they all came as they could.

Aunt Qin and the others didn't come over; it wasn't like Qin's father wanted Aunt Qin and the others to have New Year's Eve dinner together.

"It's so cold, shouldn't you go back early?" Sister Qin said. "If you go back, you can have a meal with your family."

Second Sister Qin wasn't planning to go back so soon; she could stay here a while longer. She said these things intentionally, hoping Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang would return sooner rather than later, so that her eldest brother wouldn't have to talk to her when he came downstairs.

"I need to go back and check on the babies," Qin Zihang said. "Both children are here."

"Let's go back together," Qin Yizhou said.

With Qin Erjie speaking up, there was a way to save face, so it wasn't that Qin Yizhou and his son weren't accompanying Qin's father.

"Go back early," said Qin's father. He didn't let Qin Yizhou and his son stay any longer; they had New Year's Eve dinner together, and that was enough.

Qin's father knew that if he waited for his elder brother to come down before saying anything else, it would be unpleasant to hear. It was better for Qin Yizhou and his son to go back as soon as possible; the facade of peace had to be maintained.

About half an hour after Qin Yizhou and his son left, Brother Qin came downstairs.

Brother Qin hadn't drunk too much, and after drinking the hangover soup, he felt much more sober. Since he didn't see Qin Yizhou and his son, he knew they had gone back.

"You're going back now?" Brother Qin said.

"Yes, we're going back," said Sister Qin. "Brother, you shouldn't drink too much. Drinking is bad for your health."

"I was so happy today that I couldn't control myself and drank too much," Brother Qin said. "We haven't gotten together for so many years, but... this is good, it's good."

Brother Qin originally wanted to say that Song Fenglan and the others hadn't come, but these people clearly didn't care whether Song Fenglan came or not.

“That’s really good,” said Qin Erjie. “Big brother, Yizhou and the others have given Dad a lot of face.”

If it weren't for Qin's father's sake, Qin Yizhou and his son wouldn't have come. Qin's older brother alone doesn't have that much influence.

"Hmm." Brother Qin understood. "I didn't say anything else just now, did I?"

"Sister-in-law, you're eating a few more dumplings, that's fine," said Sister Qin.

"Okay, fine." Brother Qin thought that as long as he didn't say anything else unpleasant, that would be fine.

Brother Qin had just had too much to drink and suddenly felt emotional; he just wanted to say something. He's used to being a leader outside, which is why he couldn't control himself.

Neither Qin Yizhou nor Qin Zihang paid any attention to their elder brother. They couldn't pretend they knew nothing, but they could choose not to say anything. After Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang returned, Song Fenglan and the others didn't barbecue in the courtyard; instead, the chef grilled the meat and placed it on the table.

The twins were still so young, so Song Fenglan and the others naturally couldn't just ignore the two children.

Xu Yan didn't go for the barbecue; she still had to breastfeed her baby and was quite particular about her food, so she ate some cake. Xu Yan didn't eat any herself, but she didn't stop others from eating.

Aunt Song is here, so Song Fenglan asked the chef to prepare more food so that Aunt Song could have more to try.

Last year, Aunt Song treated the elderly to a meal at her home, but she didn't do so this year. Before the Lunar New Year, Aunt Song visited some of the elderly people, some of whom were even younger than her but in poor health. She gave them New Year's gifts and red envelopes.

Aunt Song's health is still good, but her eyesight isn't very good anymore. These days, when she's filming TV dramas, she always needs someone else around her. Aunt Song has decided to step down and let others do the filming, while she can watch from the sidelines, just without having to be responsible for as much as before.

When Song Fenglan and the others saw that Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang had returned so early, they even checked the time.

"So soon?" Song Fenglan asked. She thought Qin Yizhou and his son wouldn't return until after 10 o'clock or even until dawn.

"We sat for a while after finishing our New Year's Eve dinner, and since we didn't have anything else to do, we came back first," Qin Yizhou said. "Are you having barbecue?"

"It's freshly baked," Song Fenglan said. "You've come at just the right time."

Qin Zihang took off his coat, looked at the twins, and then at Aunt Song, saying, "Grandma."

"Your two children are adorable," Aunt Song said with a smile. "And they're good-looking too."

“Kids are all so cute,” Qin Zihang said. “I just don’t know if they’ll still be this good-looking when they grow up. The older brother doesn’t need to be too good-looking, but the younger sister does need to be pretty.”

Girls all want to be pretty, and Qin Zihang hopes his daughter is pretty, but he doesn't care about his son.

"Yes, yes," said Aunt Song. "Your parents are so good-looking, and you two are so good-looking too, your child won't be ugly, he won't be a deformed child."

“No, not at all.” Xu Yan nodded. “These two children will definitely look like their grandmother when they grow up.”

Xu Yan really liked her mother-in-law, Song Fenglan. Her own father often said that she had married into a good family, and that it was amazing that someone as remarkable as Song Fenglan was her mother-in-law. Xu Yan felt that her status in her own family had risen significantly, and she really enjoyed this feeling.

"Why doesn't she look like me?" Qin Zihang asked.

“You…” Xu Yan looked at Qin Zihang, “Mom is prettier than you.”

Qin Zihang looks more like Qin Yizhou, so Xu Yan can't say that the child can't look like Qin Zihang.

"Yes, Mom looks good." Qin Zihang nodded.

"As long as you look good, it doesn't matter who you look like," Song Fenglan said.

Fang Erniu did not come to her home to celebrate the New Year. She had never had a good New Year at home before, and the celebrations always ended badly. It was even less likely that she would celebrate the New Year at home now.

Gao Xiuxiu and Grandma Fang didn't care where Fang Erniu spent the New Year. It was only when Fang Xudong went to Fang Erniu's place at noon that he brought some food. Fang Xudong specifically bought the food outside, instead of taking it from home. If Fang Xudong had taken things from home to Fang Erniu's place, Gao Xiuxiu would have had something to say.

Gao Xiuxiu felt that since Fang Erniu didn't spend the New Year at home and didn't listen to her, Fang Erniu had no right to eat the food at home.

To avoid Gao Xiuxiu causing trouble, Fang Xudong bought the food himself. He went to Fang Erniu's place briefly and returned quickly, as he didn't want to stay there too long. Fang Xudong ate New Year's Eve dinner with Gao Xiuxiu and the others. During the meal, the baby was still crying, which annoyed Fang Daniu.

"Cry, cry, cry! What are you crying for?" Fang Danu had no patience for the child.

Fang Daniu ignored the child. Only after finishing her New Year's Eve dinner did she glance at the child again. What use was this useless girl, a child who couldn't make her father feel sorry for her?

If it weren't for her parents' willingness to raise this child, Fang Danu would have wanted to throw the child away and pretend she had never given birth to him.

Fang Daniu didn't want to spend much time with the child, so Gao Xiuxiu could only hold and comfort her. Gao Xiuxiu didn't have a son, and she always felt sorry for Daniu, and also wanted to make sure the child would take the surname Fang, which is why she took care of the child more.

“All children are like that,” Gao Xiuxiu said. “They all cry and fuss.”

“She’s making such a fuss,” Fang Danu said. “She’s still crying over there during the New Year, is she crying about her father who went abroad?”

Fang Danu rolled her eyes. "Her dad doesn't want her anymore, and even her own grandmother doesn't come to see her."

"Alright," Fang Xudong said. "Didn't I say? Her surname is Fang, so she'll call us Grandpa and Grandma from now on. Stop thinking about that side. What can you do if they won't let you in or let the child in?"

“Yes, there’s nothing I can do,” Fang Daniu said. “I just can’t stand looking at this child. Can’t she be quiet? Everyone else is having fun, but she’s crying over there.”

Fang Xudong was speechless. It was just a child, not even a year old yet, how could Fang Daniu say such a thing? Fang Xudong finally understood that he couldn't expect Fang Daniu to be good to the child; he and his wife would have to take better care of him.

After the Lantern Festival, Qin's father passed away.

Before his death, his father had someone change him into his military uniform, as he thought of his comrades who had died on the battlefield. He himself had survived, had sons and grandsons, and even saw his great-granddaughter; he had lived long enough.

Qin's father also told his eldest son to scatter his ashes under a tree, so that he wouldn't be buried with Qin's mother. Qin's father didn't want to hear Qin's mother's nagging after he died; they had been together for a lifetime, and he didn't want them to be together in the next life.

Brother Qin naturally listened to his father. Song Fenglan and her husband went over, and Xu Yan also went over. The twins were still too young, so they weren't allowed to go over.

Qin's father did not make too many demands on Song Fenglan and her husband, nor did he ask Qin Zihang to do anything. Everything went relatively smoothly.

After Qin's father's funeral was completed, everyone went home.

When he got home, Brother Qin felt that his home was about to change drastically.

With Qin's father gone, Qin Yizhou will likely come less often, and Qin Zihang is even less likely to come.

"I've been brothers with Yizhou for so many years, and I'm afraid we'll see each other even less often in the future." Brother Qin didn't dare say this in front of his father's portrait, so he said it in front of You Yun.

“You’re all so old now, you all have your own families, you’re all grandfathers, how can things still be the same as before?” You Yun said. “That’s enough, don’t dwell on these things. It’s fine to talk about it at home, but don’t talk about it outside.”

“How could I dare say that outside?” Brother Qin said.

Given their past actions, how could anyone else possibly stand on their side? They would only side with Qin Yizhou and his wife.

Brother Qin was just lamenting at home that with the elders gone, it would be difficult for his siblings to get together again. They were all of the same generation, but their perspectives differed.

“Actually, it’s best to say less at home,” You Yun said. “Don’t let the children hear it; it’s easy for them to go astray.”

"Mm." Brother Qin nodded.

You Yun's son didn't have much contact with Qin Zihang and his group, so he didn't have many thoughts about them. You Yun always taught her children not to compare themselves with Qin Zihang, nor to resent him. She said that Qin Zihang hadn't done anything wrong; it was Brother Qin and his group who had made mistakes first.

No matter how well Qin Zihang's family lives, it has nothing to do with my family.

Besides, our family is already living better than many other families.

Song Fenglan never expected Qin's father to pass away like this. She thought of her own parents, who were also quite old. They seemed healthy enough, but the elderly could pass away at any time, and Song Fenglan wanted to spend more time with them.

"Do you regret not spending more time with your father?" Song Fenglan asked Qin Yizhou in the room.

"I don't regret it," Qin Yizhou said. "I've been there for Dad, and I've done everything I could."

Qin Yizhou believed he had done a good job; he hadn't neglected his father or failed to visit him.

“Some people have fallen out with their parents, and even if their parents want to see them before they die, they don’t go,” Qin Yizhou said. “I spent a relatively long time with my dad. In the last few days of his life, Zihang and I were busy taking care of him. That’s enough. Didn’t you go and see your dad back then? That’s fine, that’s enough.”

Qin Yizhou was speaking from the heart. Some things are done, and that's enough. There's no need to think about whether you can do more.

"It's good that you don't regret it," Song Fenglan said.

“My feet are my own body,” Qin Yizhou said. “It’s not that you won’t let me go. I’ve been there so many times and even had New Year’s Eve dinner with Dad. I just never expected… I never expected that Dad would not want to be buried with Mom.”

This was something Qin Yizhou and his elder brother never expected; they had both hoped their parents would be buried together. But since their father had said those things, they had no choice but to follow his will and not have their parents buried together.

If Qin's mother were still conscious, she would probably be cursing and swearing, saying that Qin's father had fallen for another woman, or that he had a white moonlight he couldn't forget.

Qin Yizhou didn't speculate on those things, but he knew that some people would definitely speculate more.

At the funeral, some relatives were talking about how Qin's father had a girl he liked when he was young, and how he almost married her, and so on. They seemed to know a lot about it. Some of the people of Qin's father's generation were still alive, and they knew a lot more; some had even told their younger relatives.

When those people learned that Qin's father did not want to be buried with Qin's mother, they began to have doubts.

Qin Yizhou didn't approach those people. He didn't confront them; it was pointless. Even if they didn't say it, they would still think about it. When they went back, they might tell others. There's no way to completely stop this kind of thing.

"If you didn't think of it, then I certainly couldn't have." Song Fenglan overheard the others saying a few words, but she didn't ask Qin Yizhou.

There's no point in asking about Qin's father's extramarital affairs now, especially since both his father and mother are gone.

“Maybe Dad just doesn’t want to hear Mom nagging about those things,” Qin Yizhou said. “When Mom starts nagging, it never ends. She doesn’t care what other people think; she only cares about what she thinks.”

"Want a banana?" Song Fenglan handed Qin Yizhou a banana.

Qin Yizhou took the banana and looked at Song Fenglan, "You've worked hard these past few days, get some rest."

Tang Lu is a relatively well-known female pilot; she can fly and also train students. Tang Lu didn't plan to transfer from Nancheng to the capital. It wasn't that she didn't want to spend more time with Aunt Song, but rather that if she went back to the capital, the Tang family would cause trouble again, so it was better not to transfer back.

When Tang Lu had a holiday, she went to the capital to take a look.

"Mom, your eyesight isn't good, so you should get glasses." Tang Lu came back to see Aunt Song. She was in Aunt Song's living room.

"I wear glasses, but I don't wear them unless I'm doing something," Aunt Song said. "How long are you staying this time?"

"I'll stay for ten days or half a month, then I'll go back," Tang Lu said.

"Haven't you considered transferring back to the capital?" Aunt Song asked.

"No, thank you," Tang Lu said. "I like life in Nancheng. I feel free and at ease there."

Without the Tang family around, and with no one pressuring Tang Lu to get married early, Tang Lu lived a very comfortable life in Nancheng.

If there's anything Tang Lu can't let go of, it's her biological mother; she wants to see her more often.

"You just don't want to see the Tang family much, do you?" Aunt Song said. "It's good to stay in Nancheng. When you need to retire in the future, you can go to the retirement home. There will always be a place for you to stay."

“I bought a house in the south of the city,” Tang Lu said. “I have my own little home there. When I have free time, I also visit the welfare home and do some volunteer work.”

Tang Lu felt her life was fulfilling; she didn't need to worry about her children or grandchildren, nor did she need to take care of other men or her in-laws. Tang Lu envied Song Fenglan's life, but she knew she could never be like Song Fenglan.

It's not that Tang Lu couldn't afford a nanny, but rather that she lacked Song Fenglan's carefree attitude. Song Fenglan could ignore the opinions of those around her and disregard her in-laws, while Tang Lu, being married, might not be able to completely disregard them.

Song Fenglan is a researcher; she is very busy, yet she is also a very important person. No one criticizes her for anything she does.

Don't be fooled by Tang Lu's seemingly successful career; there are many people more capable than her. She's not unique, and she's not exceptionally talented.

“That’s fine, live the life you want,” said Aunt Song. “I’ve donated a portion of my family’s assets.”

Over the years, Aunt Song had donated some of her property, so there was no need to wait until her death to make the donations. While Aunt Song was alive, she could still do more things; once she was gone, she couldn't control what became of her wealth. Aunt Song hoped to help those in need, not those who appeared poor but were actually not.

Some people who receive financial aid spend money on designer clothes and shoes. Aunt Song is not saying that these people cannot buy these things, but that they obviously do not need the money that much, and they will not be affected if others do not provide them with financial aid.

"Donation is great," Tang Lu said. "Have my brother and the others come looking for you again?"

“Yes, they come over every month,” Aunt Song said. “They know I donated my property, so they tell me I’m still alive and not to worry. Do you think I don’t know what they’re thinking? They’re worried they won’t inherit much. I’ve told them I can’t leave my property to them, but they still think about it.”

Aunt Song was utterly speechless at the Tang family; all they ever did was scheming against those...

They didn't even consider what they had done in the past. Aunt Song remained firm in her stance, while those people thought that Aunt Song would soften her heart sooner or later.

There was nothing to be soft-hearted about. Aunt Song knew exactly what she was thinking; those people were just hoping to get away with it.

“Let them think that way,” Tang Lu said. “They’ll find out what the outcome will be later.”

"And you, don't you have any ideas?" Aunt Song asked.

“I have enough money to live on, and I own a house. Food, clothing, housing, and transportation are not problems for me,” Tang Lu said. “I don’t need to spend that much money on my own. When I retire, I will have a pension. I can live a very good life and do not need to inherit any more property from you.”

Tang Lu truly believed this. She didn't know what others thought of her, or whether they could understand her; this was simply her attitude.

"That's a good idea," said Aunt Song. "Personal possessions are things you can't take with you when you're born or when you die; enough is enough. Have you ever thought about adopting a child?"

"No, thank you." Tang Lu shook her head. "Even biological children can be unfilial, so don't expect anything from adopted children. I can go to the orphanage to see those children and help them, but as for adoption, forget it."

Tang Lu never considered adopting other people's children. She couldn't wholeheartedly care for those children; she had many things to do and didn't have time to pay much attention to them.

“Wasn’t my cousin very busy back then? She didn’t even have time to take care of Zihang,” Tang Lu said. “Although I’m not as capable as my cousin, I haven’t been idle either.”

“It’s fine that you didn’t adopt a child.” Aunt Song glanced at Tang Lu a few more times.

Aunt Song had once thought Tang Lu was faking it, that Tang Lu wanted her, her own mother's, sympathy. But now, Aunt Song thought Tang Lu was already so old; there was really no need for her to go to such lengths just for her sympathy. It wouldn't do for Tang Lu to secretly get married in Nancheng without telling Aunt Song, would it?

Tang Lu had no need to hide the fact that she was getting married; Aunt Song had already made it clear to her long ago.

Regarding her misunderstanding of Tang Lu, Aunt Song didn't think she was wrong; she only blamed the Tang family for being too good at pretending. Tang Lu was a member of the Tang family, so it was understandable that Aunt Song was cautious.

"You can stay here," said Aunt Song. "It's fine for a few days, but not for an extended period."

Aunt Song's attitude towards Tang Lu was a little different from her attitude towards the rest of the Tang family. Tang Lu was a woman and not yet married, so Aunt Song was willing to let Tang Lu stay for a few days.

“Mom.” Tang Lu’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t expected her mother to say that. Tang Lu had originally planned to stay in a hotel. She hadn’t considered staying at the Tang family home. The Tang family was large and diverse, and Tang Lu wanted to keep things simple.

“Since you’re living here, you have to do something too. Don’t always think about getting up when the sun is high in the sky,” Aunt Song said. “You’re not your cousin. Your cousin only gets up late because she’s too busy.”

"Of course, I will definitely get up early and spend more time with you," Tang Lu said.

When the Tang family learned that Tang Lu had returned and that she was staying with Aunt Song, they naturally had something to say.

Tang Shaotao came to find Tang Lu, wanting to know if Aunt Song's attitude had softened.

"How is Mom's health?" Tang Shaotao asked.

"I think you don't want to know how Mom is doing; you want to know how she's going to manage her assets." Tang Lu was stopped by Tang Shaotao at the intersection.