They walked and stopped frequently before finally carrying the snails home. They then soaked the snails in water. Exhausted, they sat down on stools to drink water and rest, too tired to move. Suddenly, Tangyuan asked Tianyu:

"Does Mother like Uncle Chen?"

"Why do you ask that? Doesn't Tangyuan like Uncle Chen?" Tian Yu was a little surprised. Did Tangyuan have some thoughts about this?

"I like him. Uncle Chen is a good hunter and can help Mother. Mother, do you want to be with Uncle Chen?"

"Tangyuan, what's wrong with you? Why are you asking these questions?"

"Tangyuan was just thinking that since Daddy hasn't come back, it must be very hard for Mommy to take care of Tangyuan all by herself. If someone could take care of Mommy and help her share the burden, then Mommy wouldn't have to be so tired every day."

"Mommy isn't tired. As long as Tangyuan is doing well, Mommy doesn't feel tired."

"If it's Uncle Chen, I can accept Tangyuan, but not anyone else."

"Accept what? Tangyuan, what are you talking about?"

"Only Uncle Chen can be Tangyuan's father. Tangyuan doesn't agree with anyone else, especially the person we met by the river just now. Tangyuan doesn't like them."

"Tangyuan, you're overthinking it. No one wants to marry your mother. Your mother will always be with you," Tian Yu said, squatting down in front of Tangyuan and gently hugging him to comfort him.

"Really? Mother won't leave Tangyuan? But many mothers in the village have abandoned their children, married other people, and never came back."

"Tangyuan, look at your mother. Your mother will never abandon you. Even if your mother finds someone else one day, she will still be with you, as long as you are happy."

"Really? Does Mother take Tangyuan with her wherever she goes?"

"Of course, if Tangyuan is willing, Mother will take Tangyuan with her wherever she goes."

"Tangyuan is willing, but Mother cannot marry Zhao Xiucai; she can only marry Uncle Chen."

"Zhao Xiucai? You mean Zhao Jincheng? How could he possibly be interested in your mother? He's a Xiucai, he's going to be an official in the future, he won't marry your mother, don't worry."

"But he always smiles at you."

"Laugh? That's just politeness. Don't you smile when you see someone you know?"

"No, Tangyuan only smiles when he sees someone he likes. He must like his mother too, that's why he always smiles."

"Alright, alright, even if he likes Mother, Mother won't marry him. Didn't you see how much his sister hates Mother?"

"But, but..."

"It's nothing. Is that why you look unhappy? Doesn't Tangyuan trust her mother?"

"believe"

With Tian Yu's gentle comfort and explanation, Tang Yuan gradually let go of her worries and unhappiness. However, this also made Tian Yu rethink things. What if she really did end up with Chen Chong one day? What would happen to Tang Yuan? Chen Chong promised to treat Tang Yuan well, but she hadn't considered whether Tang Yuan would accept it. Fortunately, he was willing to accept Chen Chong now. But what if Zhao Moyan came back one day and found out about Tang Yuan's existence? How would things end then? What would Tang Yuan think?