Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Tang Qingqing knew that Tang Jianguo and Su Rong had come over when she was investigating an arson case in another town.

It was cold in winter, and every household would prepare plenty of firewood for the season. No one knew which heartless person had burned someone else's stored firewood.

This was a series of arson cases, specifically targeting others' firewood.

Since it was just firewood and not valuable, timely assistance prevented any further damage to other houses or people. Thus, everyone didn't take it seriously, thinking it might have been an accidental dropped cigarette or children playing with fire. They simply considered themselves unlucky and didn't think about reporting it.

However, repeated incidents made them realize something was amiss, so they reported it to the local police station.

The rural police station sent investigators, but unfortunately, they found nothing.

Those whose firewood was burned usually didn't have any grudges against anyone, nor did they have any connections with each other.

A heavy snowfall in winter covered up all traces, making it impossible to find any clues.

Not only was this act heartless, but the arsonist also dared to provoke the police by setting fires during the investigation, burning two places in nearby villages on the same day while the police were conducting interviews.

The police station was furious but clueless, so they invited Tang Qingqing to help investigate.

The arsonist was very cautious and liked to leave misleading traces, confusing the police and wasting their time.

Perhaps hearing of Tang Qingqing's reputation, the arsonist stopped once she arrived.

With the recent heavy snowfall, finding clues was challenging for Tang Qingqing, who braved the wind and cold to search everywhere.

"I bet the arsonist is young; otherwise, they wouldn't be so heartless! Or maybe they're just crazy, otherwise, they wouldn't do such things."

Lu Weihong, wrapped in a thick coat, kept stomping her feet to stay warm.

Lu Weihong was a female police officer at the local station who volunteered to assist Tang Qingqing in investigating the arson cases.

She had long heard of Tang Qingqing's fame and admired her greatly. Upon learning that Tang Qingqing was invited to investigate, she volunteered to support her work.

Although Lu Weihong mainly handled registration, due to understaffing, she often joined field investigations.

Sometimes, issues with registrations or statistical work required her to visit households.

As a new recruit, she was like a brick in the police station, ready to be moved wherever needed.

Her request to join the field investigation wasn't refused because she was a woman; the workload was increasingly heavy, and everyone was treated equally.

Tang Qingqing brought Tao Dazhuang along, as Wang Heizi was busy with a deal and assigned Tao Dazhuang to protect her safety.

Tao Dazhuang shielded Tang Qingqing from the wind, trying to keep her warm.

The sudden cold snap made the temperature drop sharply, and the wind was strong.

Tang Qingqing's eyelashes were covered in snowflakes, and her body was coated with snow, yet she remained focused despite the chill.

Lu Weihong felt frozen and wondered why she had volunteered to endure this cold, but seeing Tang Qingqing's dedication, she couldn't complain.

"Let's go inside to warm up if we don't find any clues. Don't freeze ourselves."

Lu Weihong couldn't help suggesting, though Tang Qingqing had refused her several times before.

Tang Qingqing wasn't being stubborn; she had adapted to searching outdoors in winter and had taken appropriate precautions.

Though still cold, she wouldn't get frostbite.

"Alright."

Lu Weihong was surprised, thinking she had misheard.

Unexpectedly, Tang Qingqing actually went to the squad leader's house.

After drinking a cup of tea and warming up a bit, she said, "We've found the arsonist. You should bring the militia to arrest him."

Lu Weihong was shocked. The arsonist was found? Who was it?

"The man from the first family whose firewood was burned."

"What?! Why would he burn his own firewood? How will he survive the winter?"

"His family accidentally burned their own firewood. Perhaps feeling bitter, he decided to make others suffer too by burning their firewood."

The squad leader's wife slapped her thigh, "You're right! Zhang Lao San is just like that! If anyone offends him, he'd gnaw their flesh off."

Lu Weihong was incredulous, "He cursed the arsonist so fiercely, wishing to dig up their ancestors' graves. And now he turns out to be the arsonist?"

His overly aggressive behavior and cooperation with the police, plus being a victim himself, had led them to overlook him.

Some people could curse their own ancestors, truly leaving one speechless.

No one doubted Tang Qingqing's judgment, trusting her expertise.

Even after being caught, the arsonist continued cursing, especially at Tang Qingqing, until his mouth was gagged.

His eyes glared at Tang Qingqing, as if wanting to tear her apart.

Tao Dazhuang stood between them, blocking the malicious gaze.

Lu Weihong, rarely exposed to criminals, shivered at the sight.

"This person is terrifying. If he's released, he might cause trouble for you."

Tang Qingqing, familiar with such looks, was no longer afraid, but cautioned:

"I'm lucky not to be from around here; he won't find me that easily. You need to be careful in the future."

Lu Weihong nodded repeatedly, truly understanding now why her parents were so worried about her working outside.

People with such malicious intentions, even if caught and punished, often don't think they are wrong and blame those who caught them.

If they have a strong sense of revenge, it's easy for them to retaliate.

Especially since she looks like a woman with no fighting ability, making her an easier target.

Tang Qingqing returned to town, where the local police station chief saw her and said,

"I was just about to look for you. Someone from the commune called earlier, saying your family needs you urgently and that you should go back quickly."

Hearing this, Tang Qingqing knew that Tang Jianguo and Su Rong must have returned.

She had been hesitant to imagine the scene when they would appear, feeling quite uneasy. But strangely, once they arrived, Tang Qingqing felt inexplicably calm.

With the case solved, Tang Qingqing and Tao Dazhuang took the last bus back to the commune.

As soon as they got off, they saw Wang Heizi and Tang Xingqiang waiting at the station.

"Sis!" Tang Xingqiang rushed over, his expression complex. "Sis, your birth parents are back."

Wang Heizi added, "I can arrange transportation for you right away to take you back."

Tang Qingqing shook her head. "No rush, let's talk about it tomorrow."

Both Wang Heizi and Tang Xingqiang were observing her expression, trying to guess her feelings through it.

"Did they arrive today?"

Tang Xingqiang nodded vigorously. "I met them at the station."

While unloading cargo at the station, Wang Heizi and Tang Xingqiang saw two people rushing by.

They clearly seemed anxious, far from the glamorous image Tang Xingqiang remembered. They looked worried.

Tang Xingqiang had almost no memory of Tang Jianguo and Su Rong, but Wang Heizi still remembered them.

Tang Jianguo was the most successful person from their Rongshan Brigade. Every time he came back, Wang Heizi's great-grandfather would personally welcome him and chat with him.

The scene could be described as being surrounded by stars, bringing prestige to the entire brigade.

Most people returning to town were familiar faces, so encountering strangers naturally drew attention. A little inquiry revealed their identities.

They had long guessed that the couple would return and had been keeping an eye out, so they recognized them immediately.

Tang Xingqiang didn't approach them. Despite his usual chatter, he didn't know how to explain the situation.

"Let them sort things out first before I go back."

Tang Qingqing wasn't foolish enough to rush back and get involved.

If not for the case being solved, she wouldn't have hurried back at all.

Tang Xingqiang glanced at her. "Sis, aren't you eager to recognize them?"

Tang Qingqing's attitude was too calm. These were her birth parents, separated for so long, yet she showed no excitement.

Tang Xingqiang knew a girl, about the same age as Tang Qingqing, who had been abandoned by her parents. When her birth parents found her, she was very emotional.

Regardless of resentment or love, one shouldn't be so composed.

Especially since Tang Qingqing wasn't abandoned because she was disliked but due to a deliberate switch.

Despite Tang Jianguo and Su Rong's good conditions, Tang Qingqing seemed indifferent.

"Since they're already here, they won't leave immediately. There's no rush."

Tang Xingqiang and Wang Heizi exchanged glances, unsure what to say.

Wang Heizi suggested, "Let's go for a big meal today. The work went smoothly, and we'll likely earn a lot this time."

"Sure, sure! We've been so busy these days, we haven't had a proper meal. Our bellies are empty!"

The three of them went to a new small restaurant in the commune. Though small, the food was excellent.

It was said that the owner used to work in a state-owned restaurant but was only a helper. He had skills but couldn't advance due to lack of connections and remained a temporary worker.

Now that things were more open, he opened his own restaurant, which did well.

On their side, everyone ate until satisfied, enjoying the meal. On the other hand, the atmosphere at the Tang household was not as pleasant.

Tang Jianguo and Su Rong heard everything the brigade leader said and saw the proof. Su Rong collapsed on the ground, her last bit of hope shattered.

"How could they do this! What did we ever do to them! How could they!"

Su Rong burst into tears. Her child, whom she carried for ten months, had been secretly switched with someone else's.

They had provided her with good food and opportunities, only to find out she wasn't their child!

If it were strangers, she might understand, but it was their own relatives who did this!

Brigade Leader: "If Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua secretly switched the children, I can accompany you to report it."

Su Rong gritted her teeth. "Report it, we must report it!"

"No, no reporting!" Old Lady Wu cried, grabbing Tang Jianguo's clothes. "Jianguo, Jianjun is your brother. You can't be so heartless!"

Tang Jianguo took a deep breath, feeling as if his chest would explode.

"Mom, how could you do such a thing! What have I, Tang Jianguo, ever done to wrong you? Even though I was adopted out, I still thought of home. Whenever I had something, I always shared it with the family. Look at what you've done!"

Tang Jianguo, a grown man who had never shed a tear despite facing countless hardships, even breaking his leg during repairs and continuing to work for hours without complaint, now found his eyes welling up with tears.

Tang Jianjun sneered, "If it weren't for your tricks back then, it would have been me who was adopted out, and I would be in your position now! Not just your youngest daughter, but all three of your sons were raised in the countryside! This is what you owe me!"

Zhao Dahua retorted, "How dare you blame us! It was clearly your mistake in identifying the child. How could we be blamed? You thought Tang Zhenzhen was your smart child and never considered any other possibility. We didn't want to upset you; is that wrong?"

Su Rong laughed in anger, "If you hadn't deliberately mistreated our child, would we have made that mistake?"

Zhao Dahua scoffed, "Oh, so because your child was dressed a bit messily, you thought she wasn't yours? That's ridiculous. Besides, didn't you choose Tang Zhenzhen because she met your expectations, while Tang Qingqing, being clumsy, didn't fit your image of a child? Maybe you knew the truth all along but wanted a pretty, cute, and smart daughter instead of a dirty, dull, and sickly one, so you intentionally switched them!"

Su Rong's face turned red with anger. "You, you're talking nonsense! Not only did you make mistakes, but you also refuse to apologize and even blame us!"

Tang Fengzhi, who had been present all along, tried to mediate. "We are all family. Can't we talk this out calmly? The situation is already like this. Blaming each other won't help. Let's think about how to solve the problem. Do we really want to cut ties over this?"

The team leader, seeing the family's argument, found an excuse to leave.

It's hard for an official to resolve family disputes, especially such complicated ones. He couldn't get involved.

The team leader walked out of the courtyard, shaking his head. He sighed, thankful that Tang Qingqing wasn't at home, otherwise, hearing those words would have broken her heart.

He was also glad that she had carved out her own path and become outstanding through her own efforts, not needing to worry about being rejected by her biological parents. Otherwise...

The team leader chased away the onlookers, not wanting their idle gossip to reach Tang Qingqing's ears.

He didn't rush home but went up the mountain to find Old Liu.

Now it seemed that only Old Liu was truly Tang Qingqing's family, genuinely caring for her.

When Tang Qingqing returned the next day, people gathered around her at the village entrance.

"Qingqing, your birth parents are back. Now you can leave here and live a better life. You won't have to work so hard anymore."

"Oh, Qingqing, you'll soar high like a phoenix now!"

"You're already a phoenix, Qingqing!"

Tang Qingqing smiled politely at the aunties but didn't comment.

Aunt Gui Hua joined the conversation. "Qingqing, there was quite a commotion at your house yesterday. It didn't settle down until late into the night. But today, it seems they reached an agreement. Your birth parents don't plan to report the matter."

She pulled Tang Qingqing aside and whispered, "I heard that the price of not reporting it is that Tang Zhenzhen will stay with them and be their daughter. She won't need to come back to recognize her current parents or take care of them. They have no right to interfere with Tang Zhenzhen's affairs."

Tang Qingqing pursed her lips but remained silent.

Tang Xingqiang, overhearing this, became furious.

"What about my sister? Aren't they going to acknowledge her?"

"They will, of course. I didn't say they wouldn't."

"But how can they live under the same roof? Seeing someone who stole her life being pampered by her own parents—won't that drive her crazy?"

Aunt Gui Hua said, "That Zhenzhen is your real sister..."

"I only have one real sister, and that's Tang Qingqing! When she came back, she looked down on us and treated everything as if it was dirty!"

Tang Xingqiang was young back then, but he wasn't naive. He clearly sensed Tang Zhenzhen's disdain and contempt for them.

Aunt Gui Hua sighed. "Qingqing, I'm telling you this so you can prepare yourself and not let these things affect you. You're not young anymore and should know better. Having such parents will make your life easier."

"My sister doesn't need such parents to live well! She's capable enough!"

Aunt Gui Hua shook her head disapprovingly. "You can't say that. They live in the city and are factory managers. The starting point is different. Don't you want to continue your education? While you can pay for your studies now, staying here to finish high school won't be easy. If you go to the city with your birth parents, it will be different. The teachers there are much better than ours. And I heard that the high schools outside are far superior to ours. Our commune high school barely has anyone getting into college."

Aunt Gui Hua, whose son was a student and whose brother-in-law was a educated youth, paid close attention to these matters. She was also good at gathering information and thus understood the situation well.

In recent years, the number of educated youths from outside who got into college was similar to that of local students. Considering the small number of educated youths, it showed how poor the quality of education was here.

Tang Xingqiang fell silent, realizing the implications for Tang Qingqing's future.

Although he felt that teachers weren't necessary—he always topped the class without attending lectures—he didn't voice his opinion.

Aunt Gui Hua continued, "Even if we ignore all this, can you let someone take advantage of you and enjoy the benefits of your birth parents while you suffer in the mountains? Think about it; isn't it unfair?"

Tang Xingqiang, who initially dismissed the idea of acknowledging his birth parents, changed his mind upon hearing this.

"You're right; we can't let that woman benefit unfairly!"

Tang Qingqing remained silent, and Aunt Gui Hua didn't get angry.

After all, anyone would be stunned by such a major event.

"In any case, listen to Auntie. Don't be stubborn. Go where it's beneficial. After all, they are your biological parents and owe you. They will definitely dote on you. The little grievances aren't worth worrying about. Don't dwell too much on Tang Zhenzhen. After raising her for so long, it's natural for your birth parents to feel attached, but that doesn't mean they don't value you."

Tang Qingqing walked into the room, and everyone's gaze fell upon her.

Su Rong immediately stood up from the kang bed, scrutinizing the daughter who looked nothing like she remembered.

"Qingqing... Zhenzhen..."

For a moment, Su Rong was unsure what to call her.

She couldn't help but feel angry. Tang Jianjun and Zhao Dahua still had the nerve to claim their innocence. If there hadn't been a premeditated scheme, how could they have deliberately confused the children's names?

Tang Jianguo also looked at Tang Qingqing, surprised that the daughter raised in the countryside had grown so graceful and beautiful, not inferior to their pampered daughter.

He felt slightly relieved, thinking that her life in the countryside might not have been as bad as he imagined.

Tang Fengzhi saw Tang Qingqing standing there motionless and said directly, "Qingqing, these are your parents. Why aren't you greeting them?"

Tang Qingqing pursed her lips and remained silent.

Tang Jianguo and Su Rong were also at a loss, unsure how to face this grown-up daughter of theirs.

Despite being the closest of relations, they felt an overwhelming sense of strangeness.

Both sides were awkward, and the atmosphere in the room became tense.

Tang Fengzhi: "Didn't you get very upset that day? Now that your parents are here, why aren't you saying anything?"

Tang Qingqing remained silent, and Auntie hurried to smooth things over.

"It's been so many years since you've seen each other, and everything happened so suddenly. She needs time to adjust."

Tang Fengzhi snorted coldly. "You acted so capable, figuring everything out on your own, and now you're pretending."

Su Rong was displeased by this remark. "If it weren't for someone's wrongdoing, we wouldn't be in this situation!"

Tang Fengzhi shut her mouth, looking displeased.

Old Lady Wu: "Don't speak so harshly. The incident back then was a misunderstanding. Everyone is fine now, right?"

How can anyone be fine!

Su Rong was furious inside. Such a significant matter was brushed aside so lightly, as if it wasn't a big deal.

If this hadn't happened, her biological daughter wouldn't be so distant.

Tang Jianguo spoke cautiously, his eyes sincere:

"Qingqing, we are your real parents. We just found out about this. You've suffered these past few years. Rest assured, we will treat you well and won't let you suffer any more."

Su Rong also suppressed her anger, knowing that things were already this way and they could only try to make amends.

"Qingqing, come home with us, okay? Your three brothers are waiting for you. They'll be thrilled to have another sister."

Tang Qingqing glanced around the room and then looked at Su Rong and Tang Jianguo.

"If I go home with you, will you respect my choices, not interfere with my studies, and not force me to marry someone I don't like?"

Tang Jianguo and Su Rong were taken aback. This was far from the reunion scene they had imagined.

Even without tears, there should at least be mutual expressions of hardship.

Yet Tang Qingqing spoke so calmly, as if discussing someone else's affairs, showing little expectation of familial warmth and focusing more on her rights.

Su Rong felt a pang in her heart. If they hadn't been separated, her daughter wouldn't speak to her like this.

Seeing their complex expressions, Tang Qingqing explained, "That day, we argued because I wanted to study, but they didn't allow it. I didn't want to get married, but they insisted."

Tang Jianguo sighed deeply. "We promise we won't force you to do anything."

Su Rong added, "We are your biological parents. How could we harm you? We can't wait to spoil you."

"I'm taking the high school entrance exam next semester. If I go with you, can I continue my studies and go to college?"

Tang Jianguo and Su Rong exchanged glances. They had spent the entire previous day arguing about the past and hadn't discussed Tang Qingqing's situation.

They had traveled for two days by train, slept late last night, and woke up late today, so they hadn't gathered much information about Tang Qingqing.

Old Lady Wu and the couple had always claimed they hadn't mistreated Tang Qingqing. Now, the girl seemed to have her own mind.

From Old Lady Wu, they learned that Tang Qingqing was currently in her third year of junior high and had gone to the commune, which is why she wasn't at home.

Tang Jianguo knew the educational standards of the commune, so he wasn't hopeful.

Su Rong felt the same. Tang Qingqing was almost eighteen and had just started her third year of junior high. Most people her age would already be in college or at least high school.

At her age, her academic performance must be poor, yet she was confident about getting into high school and college.

However, given Tang Qingqing's strong desire to study, Tang Jianguo wouldn't refuse her request.

"As long as you want to continue studying, of course you can."

Tang Qingqing looked at Su Rong, who quickly added, "If you want to go to school, that's great. We will support you."

This was different from what books described, perhaps due to different circumstances and requirements.

"Do you really want to take me back? Actually, I'm doing fine now," Tang Qingqing said seriously.

Upon hearing this, Tang Jianjun and Su Rong's expressions changed.

"We are your parents, of course we want to bring you home! Family reunion is the most important thing!"

"You're cutting our hearts with those words!"

Tang Qingqing felt helpless, not understanding why this was something to get so upset about.

Although they shared the closest blood ties, their long absence from each other's lives had made them very unfamiliar with one another.

Once she returned, many changes would occur, and many troubles would arise. She was merely asking rationally.

If it wasn't convenient, being honest wouldn't be an issue. It was better than forcing a relationship that might turn them into enemies later.

Tang Qingqing realized that she seemed unnaturally calm, completely different from what she had imagined.

She thought that gaining the love of her parents that she had always lacked would be incredibly moving, but in reality, she didn't seem to care as much as she thought she would.

Clearly, she used to eagerly anticipate being close to her parents, hoping they would treat her like they treated her brothers.

Even when she sensed their favoritism, she still tried to get closer, constantly striving to make herself more likable.

But after this dream shattered, she no longer expected anything. Even now, with her biological parents here, she couldn't recapture the innocence of her childhood.

Perhaps it was because she wasn't entirely without family; she had already found genuine kinship with Old Liu. That's why she didn't feel regret and could face things rationally.

That night, Tang Jianguo and Su Rong were discussing Tang Qingqing in bed.

Su Rong: "Did you feel it today? Qingqing is different from ordinary children. She's too composed, nothing like a girl her age."

Tang Jianguo sighed: "I went out to inquire today. Jianjun and the others weren't kind to her. She found a master outside and has had a different upbringing than most people."

"If that's the case, seeing us should have made her more emotional."

"Maybe she doesn't know how to express it, and perhaps she still remembers things from her childhood."

Su Rong fell silent. Back then, they hadn't recognized her at all and immediately believed Tang Zhenzhen was their child. They never grew close to her.

Perhaps there is such a thing as fate between parents and children. When she looked at her three sons, she always felt a mysterious connection, able to recognize them instantly among crowds.

"When I first gave birth to her, my mental state was terrible. I barely recognized myself, and I didn't have the patience with her that I did with the other children. Sometimes I even wanted to take her with me to die, thinking she was a burden. Perhaps these negative emotions never fully dissipated, affecting my judgment."

Tang Jianguo sighed. When he saw Su Rong back then, he was shocked; he almost didn't recognize his wife.

Su Rong was a strong-willed person who always maintained her image in public. Though she didn't dress extravagantly, she kept herself and her children neat and tidy.

But back then, she was a mess.

Her hair was like a chicken coop, her face unwashed for days, and her clothes looked like pickles pulled from a jar.

She was so thin her features were gaunt, her eyes sunken, making her look much older and extremely haggard.

The three children were also unkempt and disheveled, looking very pitiful.

Her mental state was poor, suffering from insomnia and losing clumps of hair.

It took a while for her to regain her strength.

"This isn't your fault. Giving birth to Qingqing took a huge toll on you. And I wasn't home, and my mother... well, everything was on your shoulders."

"What do we do now? She's already grown up. Can we still warm her heart?"

"Let's take it slowly. Once she returns, we'll gradually make amends. Isn't she very filial to her master? She seems to be a grateful child."

Su Rong could only think this way. For now, they would bring Tang Qingqing back and slowly build a relationship.

Tang Qingqing is seventeen years old, not too old, with many years ahead.

"Today, she mentioned wanting to stay until after the high school entrance exam."

"I'll talk to her tomorrow and suggest she go straight to the city to study. We can find her a tutor to help her catch up."

The Machinery Plant's school system covers from kindergarten to high school. The Machinery Plant High School is renowned in Yang City, with a consistently high college admission rate since the restoration of the college entrance exams.

Many non-plant employees' children want to attend the Machinery Plant High School due to its educational resources.

"But middle school can be faked; what about high school? If her foundation is too weak, high school will be a disaster."

"She wants to go, so we have to let her. This is her only request, and we shouldn't refuse."

Su Rong sighed: "She looks good. If it doesn't work out, we could send her to the Art Troupe."

"No, if she wants to study, let her. We've missed so many years, and our relationship is distant. Doing this would push her away further."

"We're doing this for her! Why does it feel like we're step-parents having to cater to her?"

Tang Qingqing stayed with Old Liu that night, and he also talked to her about reuniting with her biological parents.

"Girl, go. No matter what, they are your biological parents. You need to try to get along."

"What if we can't get along?"

"That means you don't have the right connection, and you shouldn't force it. But before that, you should give it a try. Having a loving father and mother makes a difference."

"Master, I have you, and that's enough!"

Old Liu laughed: "Nonsense."

"Really!"

"But I want to see more people loving you. They aren't showing it well now, but no parent is perfect, including me. Conversely, children aren't perfect either.

Parents can't disown their children just because they aren't perfect, and children shouldn't disown their parents for the same reason. Relationships grow over time; you won't know if you don't try."

Tang Qingqing nodded: "Master, I understand."

"That's right. No matter what, your biological parents are much better than your current adoptive parents. At least they have status and position; to maintain their reputation, they wouldn't dare do anything disgraceful because the cost is too high.

If they dare to mistreat you, as long as you stand up to them more forcefully and show no fear, they will back down. But your current parents are different; they indulge you in small matters, but if there's enough temptation, they would sell you without batting an eye. Even if you come back and scold them, it won't make any difference."

"But, Master, I can't bear to leave you."

Old Liu's eyes welled up with tears, and he turned his head away for a moment before turning back.

"Master will be fine, don't worry about me. I'll talk to Tao Dazhuang and stay at his place for now."

Tang Qingqing's eyes lit up: "Master!"

Old Liu waved his hand: "I'm only staying there temporarily. I'm waiting for you to give me a big house and take care of me in my old age."

Tang Qingqing was overjoyed, never expecting that Old Liu would be willing to leave here!

"Master! I will definitely bring you away soon. I want to take you to the capital to see the Great Wall and watch the flag-raising ceremony!"

"Good, good, good, I'll wait. Focus on your studies, and Master will wait for you to bring me happiness. If anyone bullies you outside, don't be afraid; Master won't let them off easily! Despite my age, I still have some skills!" Old Liu said, waving his fist.

Tang Qingqing nodded vigorously and affectionately held onto Old Liu's arm.

She felt that her slender Master seemed particularly tall and mighty at this moment.

Old Liu patted her hand, "If you're not happy out there, don't force yourself. Come back; Master will always be here waiting for you to return home. Don't be afraid, child, be brave and forge ahead! Master will always be here to support you!"