Chapter 30 On the sixth day of the first lunar month, Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao brought...
After Yu Zhengmin left, He Shumei and Nie Qingqing went to work together. Before going to work, they helped deliver Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan.
After sending the children to school, He Shumei finally voiced her concerns: "Sigh, my sister-in-law and Xiao Qi went there, I'm really afraid they'll fight."
Xiao Qi came here to demand an explanation, probably to use this incident as a pretext to negotiate and reach some kind of agreement.
Nie Qingqing asked, "What did you say to Xiao Qi?"
This time, He Shumei didn't meddle and simply recounted the events as they happened.
“I told Xiao Qi that her niece had gone to Zhi Gao on her own initiative and deliberately let Tang Yuan see her. I didn’t say anything else. Xiao Qi called Zhi Gao, and Zhi Gao said that her niece had already left. Xiao Qi didn’t believe it and insisted that my sister-in-law go with her. My sister-in-law was planning to go to my brother’s place to see him anyway, so she couldn’t be stopped.”
That's something you can't stop them from doing; they were just looking for a reason to go over there.
Nie Qingqing asked, "Go ahead, but you didn't try to persuade Xiao Qi to get a divorce this time, did you?"
He Shumei: "Everyone has their own way of living, you can't persuade them otherwise."
Nie Qingqing: "That's right. In the past, when we mediated, it was always the honest people who suffered. Neither Xiao Qi nor Zhi Gao are honest people. They can negotiate on their own."
...
A few days later, news came from Pengcheng.
Yu Zhengmin called back and said that Xiao Qi's methods this time were ruthless. She contacted her older sister's in-laws, who had previously arranged a marriage between Xiao Qi and her niece. Xiao Qi brought her niece over, and the other party didn't dare to do anything. Now that no one was interfering, her older sister's in-laws and the family that arranged the marriage went over and took her back to get married.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Qi is ruthless enough to cut off all ties with her elder sister. This time, she has truly severed all ties with her maternal family.
Nie Qingqing asked, "What about Zhigao?"
He Shumei couldn't understand Zhigao's character: "He didn't show up, yet he was nice to girls. But when something happened, he was the first to run away. What kind of person is he?"
Nie Qingqing guessed, "It seems that Xiao Qi and Zhi Gao have reached an agreement, so you don't need to worry about it."
He Shumei didn't care about anything else, but she was concerned about Nie Qingqing's family: "By the way, Boss Yan wants to merge your brother's pastry shop, what are your plans?"
Nie Qingqing guessed correctly. The friendliness that Boss Yan had shown before was because he regarded her brother and sister-in-law as reserve talents. When the time was right, he would recruit them. This was a great opportunity for her brother and sister-in-law.
She said happily, "Boss Yan said that he would let my brother go to the production workshop as a production team leader, and let my sister-in-law go to the product development department. The salary is two hundred yuan a month, and he will give her a 3% bonus."
He Shumei has a concept of percentages; in her eyes, 0.03 is too little.
"The salary is okay, 400 yuan for the two of us combined, which is pretty good. It's just that the bonus is too small, only 3%, which is practically nothing."
Nie Qingqing smiled. The factory was built from scratch, and she wanted her brother and sister-in-law to work there with peace of mind, which is why she gave them dividends.
She said, "Boss Yan's business is big. With 3%, I estimate he can get a dividend of ten or twenty thousand a year, which is quite a lot."
Even so, He Shumei still felt she was being taken advantage of: "But I think your brother and sister-in-law's pastry shop can be turned into a factory in the future, then it will all belong to them. It's a pity that they are helping others make money now."
Nie Qingqing said, "Song Zhao said the same thing, but my brother and sister-in-law have very limited strengths. Even if we tell them to start a factory, they can't do it. They should go to Boss Yan's place instead. They can learn from him and broaden their horizons."
This analysis makes a lot of sense. How can one achieve success overnight without learning?
“You’re right. We’re just ordinary people. We can’t think about things too far ahead. It’s good enough if we can seize the opportunities in front of us.”
Nie Qingqing nodded: "Right? That's what I'm thinking. I'll tell my brother and sister-in-law after get off work."
...
Nie Qingqing analyzed the situation for her brother and sister-in-law, presenting both possible outcomes: starting their own business could mean opening a factory or remaining in a small pastry shop forever.
Going to Mr. Yan's place will broaden your horizons. The two of you together earn a combined salary of four hundred yuan, and at the end of the year, you'll receive a bonus of ten to twenty thousand yuan.
Achieving a household with 10,000 yuan a year was something Nie Weibin and Zheng Fanghui dared not even dream of. They could bury themselves in hard work, but they couldn't make decisions or lead. The conditions Mr. Yan offered were already very good.
Mr. Yan's side presented a good opportunity, and the aunt also agreed. The couple discussed it and decided to go.
Tang Guizhi supported: "Following these bosses will broaden your horizons. Otherwise, you two will just keep guarding that pastry shop. If a few more open next to it in the future, it will drive you crazy."
Nie Qingqing suggested, "Then let's hurry up. I'll go find Attorney He to draft the cooperation documents."
...
Mr. Yan was also very agreeable; after having a meal, the cooperation was finalized.
Nie Weibin and Zheng Fanghui held the agreement as if in a dream. They knew their own limitations perfectly well, so even after the agreement was signed, they couldn't understand it. Only after Mr. Yan left did they dare to ask.
Why is Mr. Yan letting us make this money?
Nie Qingqing knew: "You don't need to overthink it. Mr. Yan's son isn't cut out for business. He's looking for some honest and reliable people to work in the factory now. With these experienced employees around, at least his hard work won't be wasted by his son."
Attorney He also knew: "I asked Boss Yan, and his thoughts are similar to Qingqing's guess. Seeing that his son can't be raised to be successful, and that his grandson is still a long way from growing up, he needs a group of loyal subordinates. There are no relatives in his factory. When you go there, no one should be able to make things difficult for you. Don't overthink it."
...
After the agreement was signed, the brother and sister-in-law's pastry shop was renovated, the signboard was changed, roasted nuts and seeds from the melon seed factory were added, the shop's employees wore uniforms, and the shop reopened with a discount event. The service was as enthusiastic as ever, and business was still very good.
My brother and sister-in-law received a month's salary of four hundred yuan, which is one or two hundred yuan less than their monthly income from running the shop. However, they work on time and have days off, making their job much easier. Moreover, there is a year-end bonus, which is the real big part of their income. The couple is even happier than when they ran the shop.
Xiaoyin has been living at school for a month now, and Nie Qingqing picks her up every weekend when she has a break.
After picking her up a few times, Xiaoyin insisted on taking the bus back by herself. She returned to school on Sunday afternoons, and she took the bus there by herself as well.
She added, "Aunt Qingqing, I don't want to give up painting. I can practice for an hour and a half at noon. It won't interfere with my studies, okay?"
It's possible, but that would be too strenuous.
Nie Qingqing had a serious talk with Xiaoyin: "If you're going to a regular university, you don't need to practice drawing like this. If you're going to an art school, you don't need to be so stressed about your academic performance. Why are you making yourself work so hard?"
Xiaoyin said, "Aunt Qingqing, I know you support whatever choice I make, but my mother has high expectations for me. I have my own reasons for doing this. Can you please not ask? Just pretend you don't know about what's going on at school."
Nie Qingqing understood that Xiaoyin had made up her mind and didn't want to implicate her and be blamed by her own mother, so she didn't want her to know.
What a sensible child! While pursuing her dream, she also thinks about taking care of everyone's feelings. Nie Qingqing hopes that Xiaoyin can get through the three years of high school as soon as possible. Once she becomes an adult, she won't have to worry about so many things or be so tired.
...
Nie Qingqing stopped paying attention to Xiaoyin's studies and painting arrangements, pretending not to know, but she had to talk to Song Zhao about it.
"Xiaoyin's grades are consistently in the top five of her class. With such excellent grades, is it really a waste for her to go to an art school?"
Song Zhao said, "She has a talent for art and studies hard. It would be a pity to choose between painting and art school. It would be a pity to choose between academic subjects and art school. There is always a choice to be made. It is selfish for parents to be happy. So why not let her be happy? Turn her hobby into a job and she will be happy for the rest of her life."
Hearing this, Nie Qingqing stopped hesitating and started worrying about other things.
“Yun Li will definitely disagree. If she finds out, you and your daughter will be scolded to death.”
Song Zhao said, "It's fine if you scold us, just sever ties with us. I can't let Yun Li interfere with Xiao Yin's future when she doesn't care about anything else."
Okay, Nie Qingqing pretended not to know and endured it for two days, but finally couldn't hold back. Lawyer He was knowledgeable and experienced, so she asked, "Lawyer He, Xiaoyin is determined to go to art school. What kind of jobs can she find after studying fine arts?"
Attorney He earnestly explained to her: "There are so many options. You can be a teacher, a designer in any industry, or do anything that requires artistic skills. It's always good to have more skills. Xiaoyin is so independent; she won't let herself starve. So don't worry."
Nie Qingqing was relieved: "You guys are more knowledgeable. I was worried for several nights, but I'm not afraid now."
...
Just a few days into the second month, Director Yu's salary arrived, amounting to 450 yuan, of which he kept only 50 yuan for himself.
He Shumei was especially happy. Only after experiencing it firsthand did she understand how thoughtful Nie Qingqing's previous words were.
“Qingqing, you’re right. Let’s not think about development for now. The money we get every month is something we can really touch.”
That's right, Nie Qingqing likes to focus on the present and live each day well before thinking about the future.
Factory Director Yu sent the money back triumphantly, wanting to celebrate. She suggested, "I'll go with you to withdraw the money, and we'll go out for dinner tonight to celebrate."
He Shumei said happily, "Then I'll invite him. Yu Zhengmin said that thanks to Song Zhao's help, he was able to find a suitable factory to work in so quickly. He called me today and was in a good mood, saying that working there is much better than being mistreated in this factory."
Nie Qingqing also had something to be happy about today: "I got my driver's license, so I'll treat you."
"You're really amazing, you've gained another skill."
Now that there are no private cars, those who can drive all work in companies. In He Shumei's eyes, being able to drive is a great skill.
She forced a smile and said, "I know you'll have to go with Attorney He when he gets transferred. I'll really miss you once you're gone."
Nie Qingqing comforted her, "Once Director Yu has settled down over there, he should be able to bring you over in the second half of next year."
...
The second half of the year passed quickly. Nie Qingqing received several remittance slips from Song Zhao, and before she knew it, winter vacation had begun.
Yunli's family went on a trip during the summer vacation, so we didn't run into each other. Now that winter vacation is here, I wonder what her plans are?
Nie Qingqing didn't want to ask proactively, because if she did, someone would casually suggest that she send her child away for winter break, which would only cause her trouble.
It wasn't until close to the Lunar New Year that Yun Li called, saying that they were still collecting debts and would be going back to their hometown for the holiday, meeting again in the first month of the lunar calendar, which suited Nie Qingqing's wishes perfectly.
After handing over his work, Attorney He returned to Pengcheng ahead of schedule. Before leaving, he made arrangements with Nie Qingqing to start working there on the eighth day of the first lunar month.
Regarding her living arrangements, Attorney He made arrangements for her: "I'll go back first and help you rent a three-bedroom apartment in my neighborhood. I'll also use my connections to help you transfer to Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan's schools. In that case, you'll have to live in my neighborhood. The advantage is that the school is right next door, but the disadvantage is that it's a forty-minute walk from the factory where Song Zhao works."
"What does it matter?" Nie Qingqing said. "By combining the two, the priority is to make it convenient for the children to go to school. Song Zhao won't have any objections."
Attorney He gave her a red envelope: "Okay, see you next year."
...
After Attorney He left, Nie Qingqing took a vacation. She went to buy New Year's goods and delivered one to Huazhi Lane.
Tang Guizhi knew that she had a day off today, so she went to buy groceries early and picked up the children to cook a big meal.
Nie Qingqing helped out by steaming the steamed pork with rice flour, and reported to her mother: "Attorney He helped us with everything, including where we used to live and the school Tangyuan went to. We are so grateful to her; she saved Song Zhao so much trouble."
Tang Guizhi understood the ways of the world and advised her, "People are helping you because you're worth the effort. Don't slack off at work and don't disappoint Attorney He."
Nie Qingqing: "Of course I know. Once I leave, I'll only be able to come back during the winter and summer vacations."
Tang Guizhi was optimistic: "Go ahead and leave, don't be reluctant. Look at all the people who have come out of this alley, they're all doing quite well."
...
After the Lunar New Year, Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan were happy to reunite with their father. Xiaoyuan was reluctant to part with Tanggao, but Tangyuan was not. His joy had overshadowed his reluctance, and he couldn't wait to go. However, he dared not show off in front of Tanggao, or he would get a beating.
Tanggao was very unhappy because she suddenly lost two playmates, and even sweet and sour fish couldn't cheer her up.
"Auntie, it won't be lively at home now that you've left."
Nie Qingqing quickly comforted her, "I know, we'll bring you over during the winter and summer vacations, so we can reunite for three months every year."
Xiaoyin's mindset during the training was good. She said to Tanggao, "We can't stop others from taking a better path just because of our own preferences. If Aunt Qingqing and Tangyuan Xiaoyuan stay, they and my dad won't be able to reunite for several years. That's not right."
Tanggao: "I know, sister, we can get into the same university in the future. From today onwards, I will study hard!"
...
After dinner, Nie Qingqing delivered New Year's gifts to Song Zhao's parents. Song Zhao's mother said, "Your family will come to reunite on New Year's Eve. I won't ask you to cook. Come with peace of mind."
Nie Qingqing agreed and then went to deliver New Year's gifts to Song Zhao's father.
Song Zhao's father told her to take half of it back with her, saying, "This year, a few of us old friends are going to the sanatorium to visit another old friend. He doesn't have much time left, so we'll spend the New Year with him. You don't need to come over during the first month of the lunar calendar."
Nie Qingqing agreed as before, and after exchanging a few words with him, she was about to leave when Song Zhao's father called her to wait.
He pulled out his phone book, copied down two phone numbers, and gave them to Nie Qingqing: "These are two old friends of mine in Pengcheng. When you arrive in Pengcheng, take advantage of the New Year to visit relatives and friends and build relationships. If you encounter any problems, these two old friends of mine can help you."
Nie Qingqing was quite surprised: "Dad, you said before that you wouldn't help any of our family members, but now you're taking the initiative to build relationships. Thank you, Dad. We'll definitely visit you after the Lunar New Year."
Song Zhao's father said, "Saying we won't help is just for outsiders to hear. Cheng Dong's potential is limited, and we can't let him squander our connections. You and Song Zhao are self-aware, hardworking, and ambitious. If you can make good use of the connections your father has given you, then go ahead and use them."
Nie Qingqing was overjoyed and shared the good news with Song Zhao.
Song Zhao guessed that it was because his father's friend was seriously ill that it touched on his concerns, and he was worried that if he were not around one day, he would have to quickly hand over the connections he could use to them.
Song Zhao said, "Then let's do as my dad says. Yu Zhengmin and I have bought the tickets. We'll leave the day after tomorrow and arrive at the station early the day after that."
...
Early in the morning, Nie Qingqing and He Shumei took the children out, and He Shumei also brought her son Douding along.
Nie Qingqing squeezed the blanket; it was thick enough, and Dou Ding's face was warm. It was so early, yet the little guy was still asleep.
Nie Qingqing said, "It's so cold, why are you still bringing him? He'll be back in a bit."
He Shumei said happily, "It was Yu Zhengmin who said that. He missed his child and wanted to see him as soon as he got off the bus. I dressed him up and wrapped him up tightly. It's okay."
The train was a little late, but thankfully it wasn't long. Song Zhao and Yu Zhengmin had lined up early and were at the front of the queue. As soon as the doors opened, they got off first.
"Dad!" Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan insisted on squeezing through.
"Daddy." The little parrot mimicked, but the baby couldn't remember what his father looked like. After looking at him for a while, he didn't want Yu Zhengmin to hold him.
Yu Zhengmin felt a pang of sadness; he vowed to bring Shumei and the child over next year.
Both of them were carrying large bags and small bags, their hands full. Song Zhao couldn't free up his hands to carry Tangyuan Xiaoyuan, so he complained to He Shumei while holding up the things in his hands: "Half of the things I'm carrying belong to your family."
Yu Zhengmin moved house like he was moving house, while Song Zhao brought very little.
He Shumei wasn't embarrassed at all: "When Qingqing, Tangyuan, and Xiaoyuan come with you in the first month of the lunar calendar, you'll all be carrying big bags and small packages, and Yu Zhengmin will have to help carry them. What are you complaining about?"
Song Zhao: "I can't complain about even the slightest of Yu Zhengmin's shortcomings in front of you."
Yu Zhengmin boasted, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Meimei has become nicer to me."
Nie Qingqing urged everyone to hurry up and get out of the station: "We can talk about it at home. Let's help the children get out first."
...
Back home, both families packed up the things they had brought back. Song Zhao mainly brought food, as he would be leaving in a few days and bringing too much would be a burden.
Yu Zhengmin brought a lot more things, almost bringing back a whole box. He took out a large brown paper bag from the bottom of the bag and handed it to He Shumei: "It's the year-end bonus. It's only been half a year, so it's not much. It will be much more next year."
He Shumei pinched the thickness and estimated it to be two or three thousand. Song Zhao went earlier and received a larger share of the profits, so he probably brought back quite a bit as well.
He Shumei said contentedly, "If you hadn't left and had stayed in the factory, you would have had such a miserable New Year. This is already very good. We should be grateful. By the way, what did my brother and sister-in-law say? They called and said they were coming back for the New Year. Why aren't they with you?"
Yu Zhengmin said, "They are busiest at the end of the year, and they probably won't be able to arrive until the 29th of the lunar year. The tickets have already been bought, so don't worry, they will all be able to come back."
...
On the 29th of the lunar year, He Tonggui's family returned. Zhigao went upstairs to deliver New Year's gifts to He Shumei's family and also delivered a gift to Nie Qingqing's family.
He Shumei pulled him aside and asked, "After the New Year, will Xiao Qi come with you?"
Zhigao said, "I drive a car every day, what would she be doing there? She's pregnant, she should stay home and take good care of herself."
It's not surprising that she got pregnant after being reunited for several months; the young couple are not ordinary people, so it's not surprising that they were able to reach an agreement.
He Shumei was too lazy to care anymore, and just told him: "I can't interfere in what you two do. You're about to become a father, it's time for you to settle down."
Zhigao laughed and said, "Auntie, we're doing fine. As long as she doesn't cause trouble, life is good. You don't need to worry about us."
At home, Nie Qingqing opened the New Year's gifts that Zhigao had sent one by one. They were the same as those sent by He Shumei's family. These gifts were worth at least two or three hundred yuan. She didn't know how to reciprocate.
She showed Song Zhao: "Look at the New Year's goods that Zhigao has prepared. He's so generous with the gifts he gives away. It seems he's made money in the past six months."
Song Zhao glanced at it: "It's to repay a favor for his uncle. Just accept it. There's no need to feel embarrassed."
...
On New Year's Eve, Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao spent the holiday at her mother-in-law's house with their children. Cheng Dong's wife was also pregnant, and the young couple and He Suwen were overjoyed.
Cheng Dong had been selling small appliances for half a year and was quite well-off. He gave each of the three children, Xiao Yin, Tang Yuan, and Xiao Yuan, fifty yuan as New Year's money.
Nie Qingqing felt it was too much and asked Song Zhao, "Is it appropriate to accept this?"
Song Zhao said, "This is Cheng Dong repaying a favor. He gave a lot, but he earns even more. Just keep it."
Cheng Dong moved next to Song Zhao, serving him tea and fruit with great enthusiasm: "Brother, I have a classmate in the Industry and Commerce Bureau. We've been thinking about opening a small appliance store. Could you help us find suppliers?"
This is not a troublesome matter; the factory has multiple sales channels and won't refuse.
Song Zhao said, "You should complete all the procedures for opening a shop first, then the supply of goods will not be a problem. If you don't have all the procedures, it means you can't make a living this way, so just continue to set up a stall honestly."
Song Chengdong said happily, "Brother, it's settled then. I'll take care of these things on the eighth day of the new year."
Nie Qingqing was quite curious and asked Song Zhao, "Do you think Cheng Dong can make it happen?"
Song Zhao said, "He does legitimate things. If he asks my dad for help, my dad will find connections for him, and it should work out."
...
Song Zhao's father was not at home for the New Year. He didn't have to go on the first day of the Lunar New Year, but went to Flower Lane on the second day.
Song Zhao originally planned to leave on the third day of the Lunar New Year, but He Shumei wanted Yu Zhengmin to come with her. They insisted on setting off on the sixth day, arriving on the morning of the seventh day, resting for a day, and starting work on the eighth day.
Nie Qingqing agreed: "I'm leaving now, and I need to visit all my relatives. Leaving on the sixth day of the new year is just right. Also, Xiaoyin and Xiaoyuan need to stay with their mother for a couple of days."
Song Zhao was willing to leave whenever Nie Qingqing said so; he simply didn't want to indulge Yun Li's habits.
"It's Ji Chengtian's business if he's willing to compromise. We have no obligation to compromise. Are you sure we won't leave on the third day of the Lunar New Year? You didn't even discuss it in advance. Just because you let the kids go on the day of the Lunar New Year, do you expect me to send them off?"
Nie Qingqing coaxed him, "You're right. It's the New Year, and if we adults get into a fight, how sad will Xiaoyin and Xiaoyuan be? One is their biological father, and the other is their biological mother. How can they choose? I'd rather we give in a little. These are all small things. But if it's a matter of principle, I definitely won't give in."
...
Like Ji Chengtian, Yunli visited relatives on the second and third days of the Lunar New Year. She only sent her children over on the fourth day. She heard that they were leaving on the sixth day, so she sent the two children back on the fifth day. They only stayed there for one night.
We're leaving tomorrow, so I need to pack my things today. Nie Qingqing was busy when Tangyuan ran over to her and complained, "Mom, Xiaoyuan said my brother hit him! I'm so angry! I told him not to go next time!"
Nie Qingqing was completely dumbfounded. Such a young child, already hitting people? Is this some kind of joke?
But Xiao Yuan has a soft and gentle personality. He won't say anything unless he's really upset. So he only tells Tang Yuan.
She was furious and wanted to go find Song Zhao to discuss getting an explanation for Xiao Yuan.
Tangyuan quickly stopped her: "Mom, you can't tell anyone. I don't want Xiaoyuan to say I'm untrustworthy. He told me not to tell my sister and dad, but he didn't say I couldn't tell you, so I told you."
Nie Qingqing calmed down and asked, "Does Xiaoyuan's mother know?"
Tangyuan asked very carefully, then shook her head: "Aunt Yunli doesn't know. Xiaoyuan said that when there are adults around, his younger brother doesn't hit him, but when no one sees, he throws toys at him. Doesn't his younger brother like Xiaoyuan? Xiaoyuan is so good, why doesn't his younger brother like having another older brother?"
How could Nie Qingqing know? Perhaps, subconsciously, the child didn't want his mother to love another brother he had barely met.
She instructed, "Tell Xiaoyuan nicely that next time you go, if your brother hits him again, let him hit back. If he gets scolded for it, then you don't have to go again."
Tangyuan nodded vigorously: "Mom, that's what I think too."
...
While packing her things, Nie Qingqing was absent-minded. She was angry at first, but now she felt sorry for Xiaoyin and Xiaoyuan. She would never let Xiaoyin and Xiaoyuan go over there again. Even if Yunli brought it up, she would refuse if she could!
Just when she was in a bad mood, Tangyuan's father came over. Someone had told him that she was going to Shenzhen.
Nie Qingqing slammed the door shut, saying irritably, "No one is allowed to open the door. I don't want to see him."
Tangyuan rolled her eyes but didn't say a word.
Song Zhao could tell that the child really wanted to talk to his father, so he discussed with Nie Qingqing: "Don't go see him, I'll take Tangyuan to see him instead."
...
Nie Qingqing was taking her anger out on Tangyuan just now. She's leaving tomorrow, and if Tangyuan isn't allowed to talk to her father, the child will definitely keep this on her mind.
She nodded in agreement, and pressed her ear against the door, she heard Tangyuan call out "Dad," followed by Song Zhao inviting her downstairs to talk.
Let them say what they want. No matter what they say, Tangyuan will never be with his biological father, and Nie Qingqing is confident of that.
A little while later, Song Zhao returned first and said, "Tangyuan's dad said he wanted to talk to Tangyuan alone, so I came up first."
Nie Qingqing said, "Whispering? Doesn't he understand Tangyuan's personality? When Tangyuan comes up, he'll repeat everything they said."
Song Zhao laughed and said, "Isn't that great? I'd also like to hear what Tangyuan's dad has to do here?"
...
Not long after, Tangyuan rushed upstairs and burst into the room laughing: "Mom, I tricked Dad into telling the truth. Dad can't have any more children. He emphasized that it's not that he can't, but it's hard for me to let my stepmother have any more children. He even said before that I'm not his biological child. From now on, Dad will only have me as his child, and he'll have to watch his stepmother's face. Mom, isn't that funny?"
Nie Qingqing didn't quite understand. If it was possible, how could it be impossible to have children? Never mind, whether he could have children or not, she couldn't give him Tangyuan.
She instructed, "Alright, stop yelling and go pack your things."
Song Zhao was not happy, worried that Tangyuan's biological father would come back and take the child away.
"Tangyuan's father said he wants to use his father-in-law's connections from his second marriage to start a business. What if he succeeds and tries to take Tangyuan away from us?"
Nie Qingqing wasn't afraid: "His current wife has a child, and his father-in-law's family is powerful. Do they think they're stupid? It's not Tangyuan's turn. Look at how clever Tangyuan is, who can steal him away? I'm not worried, so why are you?"
Tangyuan pledged her loyalty to Song Zhao: "Dad, you're even closer to me than my own father. I will never leave this family."
...
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Nie Qingqing, Song Zhao, and Yu Zhengmin, the three adults, took Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan out for a day trip, which was relatively easy.
After arriving at the station, Yu Zhengmin went back to his factory dormitory. Lawyer He came to pick him up and handed the keys to the house he had rented before the New Year to Nie Qingqing: "It's the building next to my house. I won't take you there. Come to my house before you go to work tomorrow, and we'll walk together from the garage."
When he came over, Attorney He said that everything was prepared in the rented house. All he needed to bring was clothes, towels, toiletries, and commonly used items such as spare sheets, pillowcases, etc. Everything else was provided.
She quickly asked, "Attorney He, how much did you spend on this? I'll bring it to you when I get to work."
Attorney He waved his hand: "What's the rush? I'll give you the list tomorrow. It'll be a little over a thousand. I'll deduct it from your salary, a hundred a month, and you'll pay it back in a year."
When Nie Qingqing came over, her salary was doubled, with a deduction of 100 yuan, which was more than she earned back home. She said gratefully, "I really don't know how to thank you for all this trouble."
Attorney He said, "This is an additional condition for you to continue working for me. You're welcome."
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