Chapter 370: Mother’s Career

**Chapter 370 – A Mother’s Pursuit**

“You’re so impressive, sis,” Jiang Yi said as she watched Xu Linfeng walk away, then turned back to chat with Ye Xiaoxiao.

“No need to go overboard,” Ye Xiaoxiao replied, shaking her head. “Just wish everyone good health.”

Besides, she didn’t need a big reputation. She was happy just doing her research in peace.

“Not just my family!” Jiang Yi exclaimed. “And if I send them your way, they’re the ones who benefit! Who wouldn’t want good care?”

“Fine, fine, whatever makes you happy,” Ye Xiaoxiao said helplessly.

Jiang Yi, always upbeat, added, “Once Little Xin is better, we’ll take you out for a meal together!”

“Don’t rush. Just let him focus on getting better,” Ye Xiaoxiao replied.

After reviewing Zhang Runxin’s condition, she felt confident leaving him in the hospital and told him to call her if any issues came up.

New Year’s was still two weeks away.

Ye Xiaoxiao went back to the family compound for a visit. On New Year’s Day, her in-laws and grandparents had formal gatherings to attend.

Grandma Lu said, “We’re guests of honor at the New Year celebration—some young folks are putting on a show for us!”

Grandpa Lu chimed in, “Xiaoxiao, come along if you’re free!”

The elderly couple had security escorts, so Ye Xiaoxiao didn’t have to worry about their safety.

“I’ll sit this one out. You two should enjoy the show!”

Grandma Lu chuckled, “Of course we will! Back in my day, *I* was the performer. Now it’s my turn to sit and watch others!”

Ye Xiaoxiao thought the old woman sounded adorable.

Even so, Grandma Lu clearly missed her youth. The army’s performers back then weren’t like today’s—she’d carried a rifle and seen combat.

Ye Xiaoxiao stayed overnight at the compound and left early the next morning.

The moment she walked in the door, she got a call from Miao Cuifang.

“What’s up, Mom?”

Miao Cuifang replied, “Xiaoxiao, I’ve got something to ask you.”

Hearing her serious tone, Ye Xiaoxiao said, “Shoot, Mom.”

“Well, Xiaoxiao,” Miao Cuifang continued, “you know I’ve been helping your second brother and his wife with their kid in Shenyang. Now that she’s gone back to work, she thought I might tire myself out, so they hired a housekeeper to help out.

With less to do now, I’ve been going for walks in the park, doing calligraphy, and painting scenery.

But lately, a lady from my walking group approached me, saying she wants to buy my paintings—paying 500 bucks a piece!

Is this a scam?”

Ye Xiaoxiao knew her mother was good at calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting. Nothing major, but back in the village, all the embroidery designs used to be drawn by Miao Cuifang.

But whether they were worth anything, she wasn’t sure.

“Mom, send me a few of your paintings. I’ll have friends check them out. Art’s all about personal taste anyway.”

After thinking for a moment, Ye Xiaoxiao added, “Tell me that person’s name too—I’ll ask around.”

Miao Cuifang: “Alright. Those are just doodles I did casually, but if they want me to paint for them, I’d have to use the supplies they give me. I’d hate to waste their stuff.”

Ye Xiaoxiao reassured her, “If they’re asking you to do it, they must dig your style. Maybe they even like that loose, natural vibe. If you get too stiff, you might lose that.”

That only made Miao Cuifang more nervous. “Then… what should I do? Maybe I should say no.”

Ye Xiaoxiao: “Mom, we’re not hurting for money. Just relax and paint like you always do. If it turns out well, that’s icing on the cake. If not, there’s nothing to lose.”

Miao Cuifang felt comforted. “You’re right, Xiaoxiao. I won’t stress over it. As long as they’re not bad people, I’d even give them a painting for free.”

Ye Xiaoxiao: “Mom, I’m glad you feel that way.”

Miao Cuifang: “I’ll mail you the paintings later, and I’ll throw in some homemade goodies I’ve made recently. The home-cured sausages are ready too—I’ll send extra for you.”

Ye Xiaoxiao told her not to push herself too hard, then mentioned that this year’s Lunar New Year might involve visiting Grandpa Lu’s hometown.

“That makes sense. You are part of the Lu family now.” Miao Cuifang added, “Actually, where our own family will spend the holiday is still up in the air. With Jiajia so little, the trip home would be rough on her.

Inside it’s fine, but the road trip would be freezing. And if we hit heavy snow, driving wouldn’t be safe either.

Your second brother and I were talking—maybe we’ll just stay in Shen City this year.”

Ye Xiaoxiao: “You’re right, Mom. But if you’re staying in Shen City, what about Dad and my eldest brother?”

The Ye family had never spent New Year apart before.

Ye Jianguo was open-minded, but pretty traditional in some ways.

Plus, with Grandpa and Grandma still at home, he’d definitely go back to do the New Year’s visit.

As for Miao Cuifang, if she stayed in Shen City, she’d miss her father and kids back home; if she went back, she’d worry about her second son’s family. No way to make everyone happy.

Miao Cuifang: “That’s why we’re still discussing it. I probably won’t be able to go back. Your eldest brother can bring Grandpa here to celebrate with us instead.”

“How about you all come to Beijing for New Year? I won’t be going back home with Grandpa and Grandma until after New Year’s. Both my third brother and I have places here—we could all stay together.”

Ye Xiaoxiao thought it sounded great. “Beijing’s much warmer too. At least compared to Baishi Village and Shen City—you could get by with just a t-shirt indoors.”

“Oh wow,” Miao Cuifang laughed. “Wouldn’t that be going even further out of the way?”

“Mom, just consider it. My third brother would love that too. Once you’re here, you can bug him about getting married—he’s dragging his feet big time.”

Ye Xiaoxiao pleaded over the phone. In the end, Miao Cuifang said she’d talk it over with the family again to find something that works for everyone.

...

A week later, Ye Xiaoxiao received a package from the post office. Along with some food and a letter, there were several paintings wrapped in brown paper.

Among Ye Xiaoxiao's friends, only Su Tong and Jiang Yi were artists, so she made time to show each of them the paintings.

Ye Xiaoxiao hadn’t seen Su Tong in a long time either, so she invited her to meet at her little courtyard.

It was Su Tong’s first time visiting this place, and being an art student, she fell in love with it at first sight.

Especially the herbs growing in the sunroom at the backyard—thriving and vibrant, even in winter, full of life.

With so many rooms, every space indoors was cozy.

Ye Xiaoxiao set up a small tea stove in the living room, and the two of them sat around it, steeping tea and talking about life.

"I invited you here because I want your opinion on a few paintings."

Su Tong held her teacup and chuckled, "No need to be so formal with me! Let me see what kind of paintings they are."