Chapter 90 What does "transformation" mean?
"Either is fine," Guo Peng said. "I have no objection. Mom, you can choose whichever you think is more suitable."
"The person you... will spend your life with is not me and her." Guo's mother did not expect Guo Peng to say this.
"My judgment is poor," Guo Peng scoffed, "just look at what kind of person Li Hui is."
"..." Guo's mother fell silent.
Now, Guo Peng is truly indifferent; he no longer feels the need to marry someone he likes. Guo Peng believes his parents are right—marrying a virtuous wife isn't about marrying a pretty girl and guaranteeing happiness.
Guo Peng's situation is considered good. He was originally a soldier, but later retired from the military, and everyone knew about Li Hui's affair. That's why Guo Peng and Li Hui were able to divorce so easily. If it were someone else, it would be much more difficult; they would probably have dragged it out for years before getting a divorce.
When Guo's mother returned to Fan Yani's house, she told Fan Yani about Guo Peng's decision. "He said he wanted me to see everything and make arrangements. How am I supposed to make arrangements? I'm not very familiar with these people; I don't know them well."
"Let's find out what's going on," Fan Yani said. "After all, this is my brother's second marriage. Although Furong isn't with him now, she's still his adopted daughter. I wonder if she'll mind, and what her demands will be... I'm afraid they can't be the same as in his first marriage."
When Guo Peng was getting married for the first time, he had plenty of options, but now that it's his second marriage, he doesn't have that many choices. It would be quite good if no divorced woman was willing to marry him.
After what happened with Li Hui, Guo Peng couldn't possibly hand over most of his money to her like before. Li Hui had taken most of the family's money, and Guo Peng didn't have much money left.
"Yes, that's right." Guo's mother naturally understood this principle, but as a mother, she still wanted her son to marry a better girl.
Guo's mother went to great lengths for Guo Peng's sake. She specifically inquired about the girls and ultimately chose a hardworking woman for her son. This hardworking woman had a younger brother, and as an older sister, she would naturally dote on him more. Guo's mother's plan was that as long as Guo Peng controlled most of the money, if her daughter-in-law wanted to help her brother, it would be through the money in her daughter-in-law's hands.
Don't assume those women don't have siblings, and don't think they don't help their siblings at all. That's untrue and would seem too heartless.
Guo Peng's remarriage is a natural thing.
At this time, Cao Fang was in her postpartum confinement period and would soon be out of it.
Song Fenglan specially brought some things to visit Cao Fang. She had originally planned to come a few days earlier, but she was too busy and got home late each time, so she couldn't come to see Cao Fang.
Cao Fang's biological mother even came to help her during her postpartum period, but Cao's mother didn't need to help much; there were also servants to help take care of Cao Fang.
Cao Fang never imagined she could live such a good life. Her current life is so blissful, it feels unreal.
Cao's mother was very respectful to the Song family. Knowing that her son-in-law's family was wealthy, she didn't dare to say anything unpleasant and was rather cautious. Song's second brother, a grown man, couldn't possibly manage so much, but Song's mother told Cao's mother to be more relaxed, though Cao's mother remained quite careful.
"I've been too busy the other day, so I'm only getting around to coming over now." Song Fenglan said as she entered the house.
"Go about your business, I'm fine here, so many people are taking care of me," Cao Fang said. "You don't need to worry."
"I'm not worried, I just have to come and see you." Song Fenglan said with a smile, "You are my second sister-in-law, if I don't come and see you, people will think I have a problem with you."
Social obligations still had to be maintained, but fortunately Cao Fang knew how busy Song Fenglan was, so she didn't say anything else.
"You're too tired, get some rest," Cao Fang said. "I'm in postpartum confinement, it's not a big deal. My mom, your mom, and your second brother are all here."
“It’s so close, but we still have to walk there,” Song Fenglan said. “If you need anything, just tell Mom or Second Brother, and they will definitely take care of it.”
"Okay, I understand," Cao Fang said. "Don't overwork yourself."
"Mm." Song Fenglan nodded.
Cao's mother knew that Cao Fang had originally protected Song Fenglan, and she thought Song Fenglan was exceptionally capable. If it weren't for Cao Fang protecting Song Fenglan, Cao Fang wouldn't have had any contact with Song's second brother, and Cao Fang wouldn't have been able to marry such a good man. Cao's mother was very grateful to Song Fenglan; none of the Song family objected to Cao Fang's marriage to Song's second brother, the Song family gave a generous dowry, and they handled everything very well.
Cao's mother was very pleased with such a good in-law.
Cao's mother boiled some eggs, intending to give them to Song Fenglan, but Song Fenglan had to leave first because she had something to do.
"Mother-in-law, I'm going back now," Song Fenglan said.
"These are freshly boiled eggs. Have one before you go," said Cao's mother, holding a bowl of eggs in her hand.
"I'm not eating anymore, I have other things to do," Song Fenglan said. "Mother-in-law, please eat more. You've worked hard taking care of my second sister-in-law, you need to replenish your energy."
"What do I have to offer? I eat well and live well," said Cao's mother.
"I'm leaving now." Song Fenglan walked out.
Cao's mother watched Song Fenglan leave, and after Song Fenglan left, she went to Cao Fang's room.
"You can keep an eye on your sister-in-law," said Cao's mother.
"She's incredibly capable," Cao Fang said. She had always thought that if anything happened, she would stand in front of Song Fenglan; she could sacrifice herself, but Song Fenglan couldn't be harmed. That was also what her superiors had instructed her to do—to protect Song Fenglan at all costs.
Even now, Cao Fang no longer protects Song Fenglan, but she still thinks the same way. Whenever she's with Song Fenglan, she has to protect her.
"I boiled some eggs for her, but she was too busy and left in a hurry." Cao's mother wasn't upset; she just said, "She's working too hard."
“She is needed in many places,” Cao Fang said. “If we can’t do without her, she can only do more.”
"The capable should do more," said Cao's mother. "Things are better now than before. The more you work, the more you earn, and you can get more money. Unlike before, when everyone did the same things and got paid the same amount, there was no motivation to do anything."
“That’s right,” Cao Fang said. “But her family is wealthy, so her overtime pay isn’t much.”
“That means you love your work,” Cao’s mother said. “If it were me, even if I had money, I wouldn’t like doing these things. I’d just want to stay at home. I’m enjoying myself here with you. You said you were here to take care of you during your postpartum period, but you don’t need me to take care of you at all.”
Cao's mother sighed, saying that she didn't need to worry about her daughter not doing well at all; her daughter was doing very well.
"Now that you're here, please have some fun and look around," Cao Fang said. "I live in the capital, while you live in your hometown, so it's rare for us to see each other."
Cao Fang married far away from her family. Her parents didn't usually come to visit, but her mother only came when Cao Fang gave birth.
"It cost you money," Cao's mother said softly. "So much money was spent, and my son-in-law..."
“Don’t worry, he won’t be upset. He said that money is meant to be spent,” Cao Fang said. “As long as our family members don’t think about working at my man’s company, there’s no problem.”
Having spent a lot of time with Song Erge, Cao Fang came to understand his and the Song family's personalities. The Song family liked to clarify things clearly to avoid future conflicts. If things weren't settled early on, and things became unclear and disputes escalated, family bonds would crumble.
After Cao Fang married into the Song family, Song's second brother told her about these things to prevent her from feeling that the Song family didn't value family ties. It wasn't that they didn't value family ties, but rather that because they had experienced many things, they felt it was better to be clear about the distinctions.
“Well…you know what, we have relatives who want to work in the capital and they were hoping their son-in-law could arrange it for them,” Cao’s mother said. “Your father said no, we’ve already saved so much money at home.”
With the dowry from the Song family, the Cao family bought a house in the county town, and the family members could live comfortably without having to squeeze together like before. With the dowry money, Cao Fang's brother was also able to set up a small stall and do some business, making their lives much better.
If they keep eyeing the Song family's possessions, the Song family will probably be unhappy.
When the two families were discussing marriage, Song's mother didn't mention those things, but Cao's mother could sense that the Song family didn't want to go through so much trouble.
“Your brother and his family are doing very well now,” Cao’s mother said. “They have their own houses and can even run small businesses and make money.”
"That's good," Cao Fang said.
“Everyone thinks we’re selling our daughter.” Cao’s mother thought of what those people had said.
People said the Cao family had no conscience, that while they seemed to treat their daughter well, they were actually selling her. Cao Fang's in-laws gave such a large dowry, but the Cao family kept most of it. The Song family said they could keep it, but even after the Cao family said so, no one else believed them.
The Cao family's relatives knew that the Song family was wealthy, and they said a few words in support of the Cao family, but it was to no avail.
The saying "three men can make a tiger" applies here; people believe rumors to be true, regardless of the truth of the matter.
"Who cares about them? As long as we live a good life, that's all that matters," Cao Fang said. "Mom, you don't need to worry about money. If they just need some money, we can still give it to them."
“We can’t always take your money,” said Cao’s mother. “Your husband’s family gave such a large dowry, and we haven’t prepared much for your dowry.”
After Cao Fang married Song Erge, Cao's mother and others stayed in their hometown. Cao's mother was worried that the Song family would think that the Cao family was too heartless, and that the Song family would think that Cao Fang's dowry was too small.
“Mom, my in-laws always tell the truth. They don’t like to say the opposite of what they mean,” Cao Fang said. “They say what is true. They’re not thinking about how much dowry I need. It’s true, so please don’t think about those things.”
"But...you gave birth to a daughter." Cao's mother wished her daughter had given birth to a boy; she was afraid the Song family would be unhappy if she had given birth to a girl.
“Daughters and sons are the same,” Cao Fang said. “My mother-in-law and the others are not dissatisfied. My mother-in-law comes less often because her health was damaged when she was sent to a farm before, so she is not in good health. That’s why she can’t always keep an eye on me and take care of me. They have prepared a lot of things for me and the children, so you don’t need to worry.”
"Can she still have children?" Cao's mother asked, "My son-in-law isn't here."
If you work in a government department, not within the system, and then have another child…
“If I have another child, I won’t have a job.” Cao Fang understood what her mother meant. “We are not planning to have another child. I still need to have a job.”
People in the countryside generally value boys. When Cao's mother was young, she wanted to have more sons, because the more sons she had, the more important her status would be in her husband's family.
"My son-in-law is making money," said Cao's mother.
“But we can’t just rely on him,” Cao Fang said. “Women also need to have a career; a woman’s future isn’t just about having children.”
"If it's about the daughter, then the son-in-law's company... should it be given to his nephew?" Cao's mother said, glancing around as if afraid of being overheard.
“For our daughter.” Cao Fang heard her mother say this, and it sounded completely different.
In some families, there are no sons, only daughters, and their belongings may be taken away by their cousins.
“Mom, what era are we living in? Daughters can be heirs too,” Cao Fang said. “It’s not necessary to have a son. Daughters can marry into the family. Even if they don’t, it’s fine. The child may not have the surname Song, but he will still have Song family blood in his veins.”
"Did my son-in-law say that?" Cao's mother found it hard to believe that someone would say such a thing, that the child should have the surname Song.
"Does he even need to say that?" Cao Fang looked at her mother with amusement. Seeing her mother's nervous expression, she was speechless. "I can feel it when I'm with him. You see, they all dote on my sister-in-law. As long as you have the ability, boys and girls are the same."
"..." Cao's mother was still a little skeptical. "If possible, you should have another child."
Cao's mother meant that Cao Fang and her husband didn't need to worry about family planning; she believed her son-in-law would definitely have a way.
“Mom, I just gave birth,” Cao Fang said.
“We didn’t tell you to give birth right now,” Cao’s mother said. “You still need to take care of your health. You can have another baby when you’re fully recovered.”
When Song Fenglan returned home, Qin Zihang was doing his homework.
"How much more is needed?" Song Fenglan asked.
"Almost done," Qin Zihang said. "I still have my study notebook, so I can write other things. After I finish writing for a while, I'm going to my grandma's house to play with my brother."
Qin Zihang had his time meticulously planned, knowing exactly what to do at what time and only going out to play after finishing his tasks.
"You really have a plan," Song Fenglan remarked.
"Mom, are you going out?" Qin Zihang asked.
“Yes, I need to go out for a bit,” Song Fenglan said. “You’re going to your grandmother’s. Just be careful on the way.”
"I know." Qin Zihang nodded.
As children grow older, they become less dependent on their biological mothers.
Song Fenglan felt herself gradually distancing herself from her child, no longer as close to him as before. There was no way around it; her child was a boy, and boys grow up, they have their own privacy, and boys' personalities are fundamentally different from girls'. Song Fenglan couldn't always keep a close eye on her son, couldn't micromanage everything, and still had to respect his opinions.
"Mom, if you're working overtime, remember to eat properly and don't go hungry," Qin Zihang reminded his mother. "Going hungry will upset your stomach."
"Okay, I'll definitely eat well." Song Fenglan chuckled.
After Cao Fang finished her postpartum confinement period, the baby's one-month celebration was held, and Cao's mother went back home. The Song family asked Cao's mother to stay longer, but she did not.
Cao's mother's thinking was simple: she didn't have to do anything at her son-in-law's house, there was no room for her to contribute, and there was no point in her staying. When Cao's mother left, Song's second brother gave her a large red envelope, saying that he was sorry to trouble her to take care of Cao Fang.
Cao's mother refused to accept the red envelope, but Song Erge insisted. Cao Fang finally persuaded Cao's mother to accept it, and only then did Cao's mother accept it.
After learning that Song Erge's wife had given birth to a daughter, Tian Kexian mocked Song Erge in front of her mother.
"He already has a daughter, would his wife still want to have another one?" Tian Kexian sat at her mother's house. "His wife finally managed to transfer to the capital and get a job... But whether she has a job or not is irrelevant now, she's climbed the social ladder. These outsiders, they just want to stay in the capital, they want to..."
Tian Kexian went on and on, implying that Cao Fang was bad and that if she, Tian Kexian, married Song Erge, she would definitely do this and that.
"Say less. You're a married woman," said Tian's mother.
“He’s taken the money to gamble again. I’ve told him so many times, but it’s no use,” Tian Kexian said. “I threatened to divorce him, but he just ignored me. He has no intention of living a good life with me. Life is too hard. We’re dirt poor.”
“This is your own choice,” said Tian’s mother. “You like him, and you insist on following him.”
"That's because I was young back then and didn't think that much." Tian Kexian really wanted to go back in time and slap herself twice.
Her husband was only nice to her before marriage; he was just pretending. After they got married and had children, he wasn't as loving towards her anymore, and he even started finding fault with everything she did.
“Life is not easy at all.” Tian Kexian said with a headache, “As soon as there is any money in the family, no matter where I hide it, he knows it.”
"Keep the money on your person," said Tian's mother. "Don't keep it all at home."
“I was worried about losing my money if I hid it on my person,” Tian Kexian said.
"..." What could Tian's mother say? Tian Kexian couldn't possibly hand over the money to her.
By the end of the year, Guo Peng got married. The bride didn't care about Guo Furong's existence. Before the wedding, Guo's mother had told the bride that Furong would live with Fan Yani, but Guo Furong would still be Guo Peng's adopted daughter, and the bride agreed.
No one cared where Li Hui went, who she eloped with, or whether she was doing well. Everyone thought she had eloped and that someone with such low character was fine living anywhere.
After remarrying, Guo Peng's wife treated the Guo family well, even inviting them over for meals, unlike Li Hui who was so picky about them. Compared to Li Hui, everyone thought Guo Peng's new wife was excellent—polite, caring towards her family, and the best person imaginable.
This gossip is like a TV series that's been on hiatus for a long time before a new episode airs.
Song Fenglan, who lives in the capital, had this feeling when listening to gossip from the southern part of the city; it would take several months to hear even one piece of gossip. Indeed, real life isn't a TV drama; time doesn't move as quickly in reality as it does in television shows.
"People always have to go through some things before they can find the right person," Song Fenglan sighed. However, she didn't like going through so many things; it wasn't about going through a lot of things, but rather about enduring hardships.
"Have some tea." Qin Yizhou poured Song Fenglan a cup of tea.
“I don’t drink tea, it’s hard to fall asleep if I drink tea. I’ll drink milk instead,” Song Fenglan said.
They were sitting in the living room for a while, while Qin Zihang was playing outside. The children are older now and run around everywhere; they don't like staying at home.
"Didn't you say you wanted to have tea yesterday?" Qin Yizhou said, then suddenly slapped his forehead. "That was yesterday."
"Did I say that?" Song Fenglan looked at Qin Yizhou. "I don't quite remember."
"Stop drinking tea, go to sleep if you're tired."
"Rest a bit," Qin Yizhou said.
“Speaking of which, we need to rest,” Song Fenglan said. “If you don’t get enough rest, you can easily die suddenly.”
Song Fenglan still longs to live a long life. She hasn't seen her children grow up and start their own families, hasn't seen her country become stronger, and hasn't lived to see the arrival of the internet age. Song Fenglan now just wants the internet age to arrive quickly and for personal computers to become commonplace.
“You’ve been so busy these past few days, and you’re still drinking tea to perk yourself up. That won’t do,” Qin Yizhou said.
"Then why did you pour me tea?" Song Fenglan raised an eyebrow.
“I didn’t pour you tea, and you said I didn’t. Next time I’ll ask you first,” Qin Yizhou said.
"Ask me? Can't you decide for yourself?" Song Fenglan laughed after saying this.
Qin Yizhou smiled too; he always paid attention to Song Fenglan's attitude.
After the New Year, Song Fenglan was going on a business trip to Nancheng. The fighter jets at the Nancheng Aircraft Research Institute had encountered problems during test flights, and the issues hadn't been resolved for several days. So, the staff requested that Song Fenglan be transferred for a period of time to investigate the problem.
When Song Fenglan went on a business trip, she also took her graduate student Ding Wenbo with her.
Duan Yue and Ding Wenbo are in the same major and even live in the same dormitory. Ding Wenbo is going on a business trip with Song Fenglan. He didn't expect his advisor to take him along, so he was naturally very happy.
Ding Wenbo made the right choice in following Song Fenglan. Song Fenglan arranged for him to study with others, and Ding Wenbo could also listen in when she gave lectures to people at the research institute.
"Are you really going on this business trip with your advisor?" Duan Yue asked as he carried a lunchbox into the dormitory.
If one person in the same dormitory is missing, everyone knows they've gone out. Ding Wenbo's business trip will last for several days, and he couldn't possibly keep it from Duan Yue.
"Yes, I'm going on a business trip," Ding Wenbo said. "My teacher is taking me with him."
"..." Duan Yue found Ding Wenbo's smile irritating.
Duan Yue's advisor wasn't as outstanding as Song Fenglan's, but he was still considered a top expert. Duan Yue wasn't the only graduate student under his advisor; he also supervised other graduate students. When his advisor took students out, it was usually on a rotating basis, or it depended on who the advisor valued most.
Song Fenglan only has one graduate student, Ding Wenbo, so she has no other choice but to mentor him.
“If you want to go, you can have your mentor take you,” Ding Wenbo said. “It’s always good to go out and broaden your horizons.”
Damn it, Duan Yue felt frustrated. His mentor had many students, did Ding Wenbo even understand that? Duan Yue suspected that Ding Wenbo was saying this on purpose, that Ding Wenbo was just trying to annoy him.
Duan Yue could only endure it. Everyone's mentors were different now, but who knew what they would be like in the future? The real competition would begin after graduation; now… now it didn't matter.
That night, Duan Yue tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He was heartbroken and saddened by the thought of missing out on such a wonderful mentor. If he hadn't missed out on Song Fenglan, she would have taken him on business trips and to exchange conferences, allowing him to meet more people and further enhance his abilities.
But there's no going back in life. Duan Yue's dark circles were obvious, and there was nothing he could do to change reality.
Song Fenglan was going to Nancheng, and she bought some things to give to Fatty Sister-in-law. Song Fenglan quite liked Fatty Sister-in-law; she was a decent person, and Fatty Sister-in-law had helped Song Fenglan before.
"Mom, school is about to start, why are you going at this time?" Qin Zihang said dejectedly.
If Qin Zihang goes during his winter or summer vacation, he can go with his mother.
“When someone goes on a business trip, nobody knows when they’ll go,” Song Fenglan said. “It’s all uncertain.”
"Mom, could you please take some things to Brother Xiaohu for me?" Qin Zihang said, as he was going to get some food.
Qin Zihang felt that sending food was the most practical thing to do, as Little Tiger Brother loved it the most. It had to be something that could be stored for a while, but not something that couldn't be kept for too long.
"Okay, I'll help you carry it," Song Fenglan said. "Don't take anything too heavy, it'll be hard to carry."
"Just take some," Qin Zihang said, "some good food, some things that Little Tiger Brother hasn't tried before."
"It's cold now, so it can stay for a few more days. But it's best to take it..."
"I know, I know," Qin Zihang quickly replied. "Mom, let's buy a new schoolbag for Brother Xiaohu. That way, Brother Xiaohu won't have to use his brother's old schoolbag."
Qin Zihang always remembered Zhang Xiaohu's old schoolbag, and Zhang Xiaohu was particularly envious of him having a brand new schoolbag.
“Buying a schoolbag is fine, it’s not heavy,” Song Fenglan said.
“And…and…how about we bring him a piece of cloth? Let his mother make him new clothes?” Qin Zihang suggested.
“Okay,” Song Fenglan said.
Song Fenglan agreed to all the small things. Anyway, it was difficult for her to carry them, and she had an assistant; it wasn't like she was carrying all those things by herself.
"Do you want to call your brother Xiaohu?" Song Fenglan asked.
"No, let's wait until Mom goes before showing it to Brother Xiaohu and give him a surprise," Qin Zihang said. "I haven't forgotten Brother Xiaohu. Even though I have other friends now, I still remember Brother Xiaohu."
“Okay, remember that, remember that. Nobody said you forgot,” Song Fenglan said, watching Qin Zihang plan what to give him.
In the evening, Song Fenglan noticed an extra suitcase. Oh well, it was her son.
“It’s not full, Mom. You can still fit more things in,” Qin Zihang said. “If you stuff it in a little more, you can still fit more in.”
“Okay, let’s stuff it in,” Song Fenglan said. “It’s very heavy to stuff so much stuff in.”
"Let Dad take it, and I'll go with him to take Mom to the station." Qin Zihang said a little embarrassed.
“You don’t need to carry it. We’ll take the train,” Song Fenglan said. “When we get to the train station, if we have too much stuff, we can ask someone to help us put it on the train.”
"Won't it... cost more money to hire someone?" Qin Zihang asked.
"What, why are you suddenly worried about money?" Song Fenglan asked back.
"I'm all grown up now, I'm in sixth grade already," Qin Zihang said. "Soon I'll be going to junior high. Mom, junior high is much harder than elementary school, so I need to learn arithmetic a lot. I can't be ignorant of these things, otherwise, it'll be easy for people to cheat me. Nine yuan and ninety cents, you give someone one cent in change, not one yuan. Three cents is 0.3 yuan, not 0.03 yuan."
“That’s true.” Song Fenglan nodded. “You’ve definitely reached the age where you should know more things. You can’t always be ignorant of everything; that won’t do.”
“Right, right?” Qin Zihang said, “Mom, I’m all grown up now, and I understand a lot of things.”
“You should learn more from your father. If you don’t understand something, ask your father. Ask him more questions.” Song Fenglan sighed. Her son had grown up so much in a short time, but she still remembered how small he looked.
"Is everything packed?" Qin Yizhou walked over and looked at the suitcase Qin Zihang had prepared.
The suitcase was placed downstairs, and Qin Zihang kept putting things into it; there were quite a few things inside.
"It's all packed," Qin Zihang said. "There's nothing else to pack, Dad. Do you need to pack anything else?"
"Shall we put some things in?"
"No need, just pack what you want to deliver inside," Qin Yizhou said.
"It's a gift for a friend," Qin Zihang said.
“If your father wants to send it, he has the money. He can just mail it directly. There’s no need for me to carry it over,” Song Fenglan said.
"I want to earn more money in the future so I can use my own money to mail things," Qin Zihang said.
This time, Qin Zihang used his own pocket money to buy things. He wanted to give the gifts to Zhang Xiaohu himself, not someone else. He had to be sincere and couldn't always let his parents pay for them.
Qin Zihang has plenty of pocket money. He received a large red envelope during the Chinese New Year, and his parents and other relatives also give him red envelopes on ordinary days.
“Okay, I’ll wait until you make a lot of money in the future,” Song Fenglan said.
Back in the room, Song Fenglan asked Qin Yizhou again, "Don't you have anything for me to take to Nancheng?"
“You don’t need to take them to give to others,” Qin Yizhou said. “Didn’t you say you could mail them? Besides, my comrades-in-arms are capable of supporting themselves; they don’t need me to send so many things. Zihang has prepared so many things; are they easy to carry?”
"It's alright, it's just an extra suitcase, not a lot of extra stuff." Song Fenglan thought of her son's expression as he packed his suitcase like a little mouse moving house. In order to put things away properly, Qin Zihang took things out and put them in, then took them out again. Qin Zihang spent quite a while tidying up there. "Zihang really likes Zhang Xiaohu."
"We were classmates in school, and friends for many years," Qin Yizhou said. "This kind of bond is unmatched by most people. And you, aren't you also thinking about Sister-in-law Pang?"
"Hmm, I'm thinking about it," Song Fenglan said. "Sister-in-law Pang isn't a very educated person, and she's quite different from the people I've met before. She has a sharp tongue but a kind heart; she's a very nice person."
When Song Fenglan first met Fatty, she thought Fatty had a bad temper, but later she realized that Fatty just had a loud voice. Fatty was someone who longed to fit into the family compound; she wanted to behave as well as possible, which Song Fenglan could tell from Fatty's various behaviors. For example, Fatty would deliberately go downstairs to wash clothes in the tenement building; Fatty just wanted to interact with others more.
In Fatty Sister's eyes, daily necessities were the most important things, and she believed that she should start her interactions with others by discussing these topics. Fatty Sister tried very hard to connect with those people and even flattered them.
"She also called you to tell you those gossips," Qin Yizhou said.
“Yes, but she doesn’t call or write letters often,” Song Fenglan said. “She’s a little reluctant to spend money on things. But even though she’s reluctant, she still calls me.”
This shows that Song Fenglan holds a special place in Fatty Sister's heart; Song Fenglan doesn't need anyone to tell her, she knows it herself.
"Even though we're from different places, there are still times when we have to part ways," Song Fenglan remarked.
“You can have a good talk with her this time,” Qin Yizhou said.
"We can take a look, but we probably can't talk for too long," Song Fenglan said. "Fortunately, I'm just on a business trip nearby, so if I have time, we can still meet a few more times."
"How long will this business trip last?" Qin Yizhou asked.
“Subtracting travel time, it will take one or two weeks,” Song Fenglan said. “It depends on how serious the problem is. If it’s simple, he can come back sooner. Keep a close eye on Zihang. Don’t assume he’s at a friend’s or Mom’s just because he hasn’t come home. We need to find out where he is.”
"Don't worry, I did the same thing when you were here," Qin Yizhou said. "Now that you're away on a business trip, I have to keep an even closer eye on him."
"Okay, sure." Song Fenglan nodded.
Early in the morning, Song Fenglan went out. Someone helped her carry her things to the car, which made things a little easier for her.
Qin Zihang watched Song Fenglan leave. He wanted to go to the train station, but his mother refused.
"Dad," Qin Zihang looked up at his father, "Mom won't let me go to the train station, and she won't let you go either. Aren't we a burden?"
“You can be the burden if you want, I’m not,” Qin Yizhou said.
“I’m not a burden. Dad, you’re so big, you’re twice my size,” Qin Zihang said. “Mom doesn’t want you to go because she’s worried you’ll take up a seat.”
“One person, one seat. Even if I can do the work of two of you, it’s still one seat.” Qin Yizhou reached out and gently flicked Qin Zihang’s head.
Qin Zihang quickly covered his head, "Dad, aren't you being childish? I'm so old already, and you're still like this."
"Take advantage of your youth and be childish for a while," Qin Yizhou said. "Once you grow up, it won't be good to be childish anymore."
"..." Qin Zihang was speechless. "Dad, I'm not your toy."
“If you were my toy, I wouldn’t have to worry about so much. I could just put the toy in the box and leave it alone,” Qin Yizhou said. “Your mother isn’t home; she’s on a business trip. She told me to take good care of you. Be careful, so you don’t get sick like you did the last time your mother went on a business trip.”
"No way, I'm not the same person I used to be. I wouldn't get sick so easily," Qin Zihang said. "Dad, don't tell me I'm fine and you're the one who's sick."
"Impossible," Qin Yizhou said. "Dad, I still have training."
"I trained with my dad," Qin Zihang replied.
The father and son stared at each other for a while, then looked in the direction Song Fenglan had left. They had to wait for Song Fenglan to return home, the two of them waiting together.
Qin Zihang looked at his father. He thought about going to his maternal grandmother's house, but after thinking about it, he decided that he should stay at home and keep his father company.
"Your eyes are darting around, what are you thinking about?" Qin Yizhou asked.
"I'm thinking of staying home with Dad. When Dad isn't home, I'll go to my grandparents' house," Qin Zihang said. "Since Mom isn't home, it's only Mom's child who can keep you company."
Qin Zihang gently patted his chest. His mother wasn't home; he had to support the family.
"Thank you so much," Qin Yizhou said.
"No need to thank me, no need to thank me. It's because you and Mom gave birth to me together. My maternal grandparents gave birth to Mom," Qin Zihang said.
When the Qin family learned that Song Fenglan was away on a business trip, Qin's mother was eager to go and see Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang, and talk to them. She reasoned that while Song Fenglan was home, Qin Yizhou didn't allow her to visit, but now that she was gone, she could go herself.
Song Fenglan went on a business trip in the morning, and Qin's mother came over in the afternoon.
However, Qin Yizhou did not let his mother go in; he made her stay at the door.
"Won't you let me in for a while?" Qin's mother asked. "Your wife isn't even home, what are you afraid of?"
“She’s not home, and this house is hers too,” Qin Yizhou said. “If you have something to discuss, we can go somewhere else.”
"I didn't come to see you for anything special, it's just... why don't you go home with Zihang for dinner?" Qin's mother said.
"I'm busy, I'm not going," Qin Yizhou said.
"Isn't Zihang on winter break?" Qin's mother asked. "Why is he so busy?"
"Dad, I want to go play with my brother." Qin Zihang walked to the door.
“Listen to this, Zihang is going to go play with his brother, let him go.” Qin’s mother thought Qin Zihang was referring to her beloved eldest grandson.
Qin Zihang walked out the door and headed straight for his maternal grandparents, ignoring his mother's outstretched hand.
"Zihang, you've gone the wrong way, this isn't the direction," Qin's mother said.
“That’s right, I’m going to visit my cousin and my grandparents’ house,” Qin Zihang said deliberately.
Qin Zihang disliked his mother. He didn't remember much of what happened in the past and still harbored resentment towards her, as well as the Qin family. Song Fenglan didn't speak ill of the Qin family in front of Qin Zihang, because Qin Zihang himself didn't like interacting with them.
Upon hearing Qin Zihang's words, Qin's mother's face immediately darkened.
"He's just your cousin, you should hang out with your other cousin," Qin's mother said.
“No, cousin. He’s your precious child, not mine,” Qin Zihang said. “I’m going to be my grandparents’ precious child now.”
Qin Zihang waved to his mother and then ran off to find his maternal grandparents.
"Who taught him that? Was it his mother?" Qin's mother protested. "I'm his own grandmother, I..."
"Be careful," Qin Yizhou said. "I'll see you off."
"He's such a big man..."
“He’s still young, he hasn’t even started junior high yet.” Qin Yizhou saw his mother grab his hand, so he pried her hand off. “I’ll go take him there, I’ll be back in a bit.”
Qin's mother was heartbroken. How could these people do such a thing?
Qin Yizhou quickly caught up with Qin Zihang. "Was that on purpose?"
“Yes, I did it on purpose. They can deliberately treat me badly, so why can’t I do it on purpose?” Qin Zihang said. “My mother didn’t teach me that.”
“I know, your mother doesn’t teach you these things.” Qin Yizhou understood his wife’s mindset; she was afraid of setting a bad example for the child, which was why she didn’t talk much about the Qin family. But the child could sense that the Qin family wasn’t all that great, so Qin Yizhou didn’t blame his wife. “Your mother is a very good person.”
"Good people are easily bullied," Qin Zihang said.
"So you want to be a bad guy?" Qin Yizhou asked.
"No." Qin Zihang shook his head. "I can't be a bad person, Mom will be angry. Of course I'm a good person."
When Qin Yizhou returned after dropping Qin Zihang off at the Song family's house, fifteen or sixteen minutes had passed. Qin Yizhou didn't run back but walked back, so he was a little late.
"Qin Yizhou, what do you mean by this?" Qin's mother asked coldly. "Do you still consider me your own mother?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
