Fang Qiao was watching the child learn to walk.

The twins will be one year old soon and can already walk on their own, but they are still not very steady and stumble around, so someone needs to keep an eye on them.

Hearing Xiao Jing's cheerful voice, Fang Qiao turned around with the child in her hand and asked with a smile, "What's the good news? You look so happy."

"Qiuju is pregnant! I'm going to be an aunt!" Xiaojing ran up to Fang Qiao with cheerful steps and handed her the letter: "Sister-in-law, look!"

Fang Qiao took the letter and saw that it was indeed news of Qiu Ju's pregnancy.

She closed the letter and said with a smile, "Qiuju and Xiaoqiang have been married for two years, and this is their first child. It's a joyous occasion! As elders, we should buy some gifts and send them back to our hometown."

“That’s what I was thinking too,” Xiaojing said. “The department stores in the city have everything, and the New Year is just around the corner. We were planning to go to the city to buy New Year’s goods anyway, so we can take care of things at the same time.”

“Okay.” Fang Qiao nodded: “Tomorrow is Sunday, your older brother is off, so our whole family can go to the city together.”

When Cheng Baidong got off work that evening, he brought home the New Year's bonus from his company.

It contains two jin of refined flour, one jin of rice, one jin of apples, four liang of peanuts, and two liang each of salt and sugar.

He put the things in the kitchen and, upon hearing Fang Qiao mention Qiu Ju's pregnancy, nodded in agreement: "You're right. As elders, we should show our appreciation and send some things back. Go to bed early tonight, and head to the city first thing tomorrow morning."

As the Lunar New Year approaches, although employees in various organizations are still working hard to maintain production and have not had a holiday, the streets are already decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.

Department stores are overflowing with New Year's goods, so many stalls have moved outside, and the streets are filled with them. Of course, there's no shortage of chicken, duck, fish, and meat, which are rarely seen on ordinary days, but also fresh, vibrant green vegetables, a winter delicacy. Things that wouldn't sell for a penny a pound in the summer are now being snapped up for a few cents a pound.

There are also Spring Festival couplets, window decorations, and firecrackers everywhere, as well as all kinds of beautiful clothes, a dazzling array that is hard to resist.

The closer they got to the street near the department store, the more people there were, making it impossible for the jeep to drive in. Cheng Baidong decisively found an open space and parked the car outside.

Before getting off the bus, Fang Qiao gave Tian Tian and An An a few worried instructions: "After you get off the bus, stay close to each other and don't run around! Hold onto your parents' hands and don't let go. It's crowded outside, and if you get separated, you won't be able to find your way back. If someone kidnaps you and you can't get home, you'll have nowhere to cry! Do you understand?"

"Okay, Auntie, I promise I won't run around," Tian Tian quickly promised, raising her hand. As she spoke, her eyes kept glancing outwards, clearly her heart had already flown away.

Following her sister's example, An'an raised one hand and promised, "I know, Mom."

Fang Qiao then opened the car door and patiently gave him another set of instructions.

Although everyone carries a safety charm left by Cheng Baidong, ensuring their safety, it is still difficult to find them once they get separated. It is best to avoid such trouble.

After getting off the car, Cheng Baidong carried the twin brothers in his arms, one in each arm.

Fang Qiao held An An's hand, while Xiao Jing led Tian Tian. The whole family walked towards the department store in a grand procession.

Children love excitement. It was the first time they'd seen so many people. The little ones stared wide-eyed, looking here and there, their eyes practically unable to take it all in.

An'an was small and short, and when Fang Qiao led her, she could only see the buttocks of the people in front, behind, and to the sides.

Unable to see anything, she jumped up and down in a panic, constantly tugging at Fang Qiao's clothes: "Mommy, Mommy, hug me, I want a hug."

An'an is already two years old and weighs a good 25 pounds. She's quite heavy to carry, and it's very tiring. So Fang Qiao usually lets her walk on her own and doesn't like to carry her unless absolutely necessary.

However, Fang Qiao wouldn't remain indifferent when An An asked for a hug.

Fang Qiao bent down and picked An'an up from the ground, saying, "Mommy is holding you, so don't move around, or Mommy won't be able to hold you anymore."

An'an nodded obediently.

As they walked towards more crowded areas, An'an wrapped her arms around Fang Qiao's neck, as if she had transformed into a walking encyclopedia of questions, constantly asking Fang Qiao: What is this? What is that?

Finally, at the entrance of the department store, I saw a sugar painting stall and couldn't move on.

"Mom, I want that one!"

Fang Qiao turned her head to look over.

No wonder An'an wanted it; the sugar painting was just too good. The twelve zodiac animals and various small animals were all drawn so vividly.

The sugar painter was a master craftsman, painting quickly and steadily. In no time, a lifelike little animal was born from his hands.

Fang Qiao was eager to try it, so she didn't refuse An An's request. She carried her to the queue and bought one for her and one for Tian Tian, ​​according to their zodiac signs.

Having received the sugar painting she wanted, An'an clapped her hands happily. She hugged Fang Qiao's neck, kissed her on the cheek, and exclaimed, "Thank you, Mom!"

Then, satisfied, it licked it and said, "So sweet, Mom."

"Eat it if it's sweet."

Fang Qiao patted An An's head, then turned her head and found that the two boys in Cheng Bodong's arms were looking at her.

Especially Chuan Chuan, that kid is a glutton, his eyes were fixed on An An's mouth without blinking, and he was drooling without even realizing it.

Yueyue actually wanted to eat too, but he didn't make it too obvious. He would even try to cover it up, staring at it for a few moments before pretending not to care and looking away.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!