Chapter 706

Chapter 706

You Get Half the Credit

Lin Nannan hesitated when questioned, not wanting to lie to her family but unable to explain clearly. Just as she wavered, Zhou Cuiwei, standing nearby, seemed to realize something, her expression shifting slightly.

“Is this what you earned from your two years away?” she asked her happy daughter in a firm tone.

After setting down the military uniform, Lin Nannan nodded and said, “You could say so, but this can't be talked about outside the family.”

Zhou Cuiwei replied knowingly, “I understand!”

The Lin family had many secrets, and she was used to that by now. But this time, it was her daughter whose fate had been transformed, and she was happier than anyone.

Lu Fang and Zhang Xiaofeng went along with it even more. Both were familiar with this kind of thing, given their own son’s experiences—knowing what could and couldn’t be discussed—so they simply didn't press further.

“That's wonderful!” Zhang Xiaofeng exclaimed, admiring the brand-new uniform and smiling at Lin Nannan. “Put it on and let us see how you look. I’m sure you'll look great in it.”

Lin Nannan smiled and said, “I’ll wait until A Hang and Du Du are back before I put it on for all of you.”

She would only wear it for her family; she wouldn't wear it any other time. Unlike Lu Hang, who was busy every day, she didn’t need to wear the uniform regularly. It was partly to keep her role quiet, but she still wanted to grant her family’s wish to see her in it.

“Oh, right, Du Du—go pick her up now. If we’d known you had plans today, we wouldn’t have gone out,” Zhou Cuiwei said, thinking of her granddaughter who was still at someone else’s house. As she spoke, she sorted through the items they had bought, selected a few, and packed them into a mesh bag before handing it to Lin Nannan. “When you pick up Du Du, remember to thank them properly. They’ve helped us out every time.”

“Alright,” Lin Nannan replied, putting away the uniform safely before taking the bag. As she headed out, she added, “I’ll go bring Du Du back now.”

When Lin Nannan arrived to pick up Lu Dudu, the little girl was holding a sweet-smelling cookie, crumbs dotting the corners of her mouth, her face beaming with joy.

“Little foodie, is it tasty?” Lin Nannan set the bag on the table, crouched down in front of her daughter, and gently wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.

“So tasty!” Lu Dudu exclaimed. “I’ve never had this kind before. It’s so fragrant and delicious.”

Hu Zhaoxia came out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of sweet soup she had just prepared. Hearing Lu Dudu’s words, she smiled and said, “My son sent these from who knows where. They’re creamy and sweet. Since Du Du likes them, I’ll pack up the whole box for her.”

“That won’t do. Those are your son’s gifts to you. It’s enough that Du Du got to try one,” Lin Nannan quickly declined.

“Neither of us has a sweet tooth. They’re best given to Du Du,” Hu Zhaoxia insisted firmly, leaving Lin Nannan no room to refuse.

Lin Nannan’s arguments were no match for Hu Zhaoxia’s insistence. The older woman made it clear the biscuits were for Lu Dudu, not for her, making it impossible to decline. In the end, Lin Nannan left carrying a box of biscuits, feeling embarrassed about it.

“You little foodie!” she scolded affectionately after they stepped outside, watching her daughter clutch the box tightly. She poked Lu Dudu’s forehead playfully.

Lu Dudu said pleadingly, “Mom, these are really delicious! Du Du loves them!”

“Even if you like them, you shouldn’t take things from others,” Lin Nannan reminded her seriously.

“But Granny isn't just anybody. She’s so good to me, Mom. I want to be good to her too. I realized Granny’s not well—can you help Granny?” Lu Dudu’s mood suddenly turned somber, surprising Lin Nannan.

Kneeling down, Lin Nannan looked into Lu Dudu’s slightly reddened eyes and asked earnestly, “What did you see?”

She remembered giving Hu Zhaoxia some medicinal pills earlier as thanks for taking care of Du Du—pills meant to improve her health. Had she not taken them?

“Mm,” Lu Dudu murmured. “I saw Granny doubled over in pain…”

Lin Nannan recalled that Hu Zhaoxia did indeed look unwell. She wondered if her pills hadn’t worked.

Wasn’t it said that she just needed to rest and recuperate at home? How could her condition be so serious?

"Do you want the cookies so that Mom can give her pills in return?" Lin Nannan asked, patting her head.

Lu Dudu nodded. "One shouldn’t accept gifts without reason—they wouldn’t just accept what you give them for nothing. But if we exchange it for cookies, that would be fine."

Lin Nannan’s heart melted. Her daughter was truly clever and kind.

"Du Du is right. Exchanging it for cookies is a good idea. Our Du Du is the cleverest!" she praised, then stood up and assured her, "Mom will make sure Granny is okay. Now, let’s go home, okay?"

"Okay!" Lu Dudu nodded.

Perhaps knowing that her mother would take care of Granny’s illness, Lu Dudu felt better. Holding the cookies, she skipped along happily. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to her mother, who was following behind, and asked, "Are Grandma and Granny back yet?"

"Yes, they’re all waiting for us at home!" she replied, patting the little one’s head.

"Great! Grandma and Granny promised me snacks. Mom, hurry up!" Lu Dudu urged.

Lin Nannan agreed, marveling at how simple a child’s joys and sorrows could be.

When Lu Dudu returned home, she was immediately pampered with treats and gifts from the three elders. In no time, her pockets were full.

Lin Nannan didn’t interfere. These precious family moments were so brief, and she wanted them to enjoy it to the fullest.

...

Lu Hang was unaware of what had happened with his wife. He had been busy all day and returned home soaked with sweat, and his daughter wrinkled her nose at his smell.

After showering and changing, he noticed the military uniform laid out neatly in the room. Surprised, he turned to Lin Nannan, who was keeping their daughter company, and asked, "Honey, is this uniform issued to you by the military?"

Lin Nannan shook her head. "It was issued from the capital."

"Honey, you’re amazing!" Lu Hang didn’t press for details, just as they had silently avoided discussing the specifics of her return. Instead, he praised her proudly, saying, "From now on, you’ll outshine me!"

There was no hint of jealousy in his tone—only genuine happiness and admiration.

"My success is half thanks to you!" Lin Nannan looked up at him with a smile.

Without his support, she wouldn’t have been able to stay hidden with Du Du for over two years, without looking over their shoulders.

"Then my success is half yours too!" Lu Hang replied with a laugh.

They supported and uplifted each other, understanding and encouraging one another’s careers without any blame or resentment.

"Me too, me too!" Lu Dudu butted in, wanting to be included. Lu Hang picked her up, touched his forehead to hers, and said, "Alright, you’ve contributed the most. Mom and Dad’s achievements are all yours, okay?"

"Okay!" Lu Dudu wrapped her arms around his neck and answered loudly.