Chapter 90: Transformation, What Do You Mean by This?

**Chapter 90: A Shift in Perspective – What Do You Mean?**

"Either one is fine," Guo Peng said. "I have no preference, Mom. You pick—whichever you think is best."

"You... It's you who'll be living with her for the rest of your life, not me," Guo’s mother replied, surprised by her son's response.

"I can’t judge well—look how Li Hui turned out," Guo Peng scoffed.

"..." Guo's mother fell silent.

At this point, Guo Peng truly didn't care anymore. He no longer insisted on marrying someone he personally liked. He believed his parents weren’t wrong—marrying a good woman was more important than marrying a beautiful one. Looks don’t guarantee happiness.

Guo Peng’s situation was relatively fortunate. He had originally been a soldier before leaving the military, and everyone knew what Li Hui had done. That was why his divorce had gone so smoothly. For other couples, divorces could take years.

Guo’s mother returned to Fan Yani’s home and told her about Guo Peng’s decision. "He said to leave it all to me, to arrange everything. But how can I? I don’t know these women well—not like family."

"Ask around, see what they’re like," Fan Yani suggested. "After all, your brother is getting married again. Even though Furong isn’t living with him now, she’s still his adopted daughter. Who knows if the women will mind? The standards probably won’t be as high as for a first marriage."

Guo Peng had more options when he first married. Now, as a divorced man, his choices were limited. He’d be lucky if an unmarried woman was willing to marry him.

After what happened with Li Hui, Guo Peng wouldn’t give his wife control of most of his money like before. She had taken almost all of it, leaving him with very little now.

"Yes, that’s true," Guo’s mother acknowledged. Still, as a mother, she hoped her son could marry a decent woman.

For Guo Peng’s sake, she went the extra mile, carefully investigating potential brides. Eventually, she chose a diligent woman for her son. This woman had younger brothers, and as the eldest sister, she would naturally help them financially. Guo’s mother reasoned that as long as Guo Peng controlled most of the finances, any support his wife gave her siblings would come only from her own pocket.

She knew better than to expect a woman with no siblings or one who wouldn’t help her family at all—that would be unrealistic and even heartless.

Guo Peng’s remarriage was only natural.

Meanwhile, Cao Fang was recovering from childbirth, almost done with her recovery.

Song Fenglan went out of her way to visit Cao Fang, bringing gifts. She had wanted to come earlier, but her busy schedule kept her away until now.

Cao Fang’s own mother had come to help during her recovery, though there was little she needed to do—there were servants assisting as well.

Cao Fang had never imagined she would live such a comfortable life. Her current happiness almost felt unreal.

Cao’s mother was very respectful toward the Song family, aware of her son-in-law’s wealth. She was careful with her words, not daring to say anything inappropriate. Song Fenglan’s second brother, being a man, didn’t pay much attention, but Song’s mother encouraged Cao’s mother to relax, though she remained cautious.

"I’ve been too busy these past few days—only now could I come see you," Song Fenglan said as she entered the room.

"Focus on your work. I’m fine here—there are plenty of people taking care of me," Cao Fang replied. "Don’t worry about me."

"I’m not worried, but I still had to visit," Song Fenglan said with a smile. "You’re my sister-in-law. If I didn’t come, people might think I have a problem with you."

She had to keep up appearances, but fortunately, Cao Fang understood how busy Song Fenglan was and didn’t take offense.

"You’ve been working too hard—don’t push yourself too hard," Cao Fang said. "I’m just recovering; it’s not a big deal. My mother, your mother, and your brother are all here."

"Even though it’s close by, I still wanted to visit," Song Fenglan said. "If you need anything, just tell Mom or Second Brother—they’ll take care of it."

"Alright, I will," Cao Fang said. "Don’t overexert yourself."

"Mm," Song Fenglan nodded.

Cao’s mother knew that Cao Fang had once been assigned to protect Song Fenglan. She thought the world of Song Fenglan. If not for that duty, Cao Fang would never have met Song’s second brother and married into such a good family. Cao’s mother was deeply grateful to Song Fenglan. The Song family hadn’t opposed the marriage, had given generous betrothal gifts, and had handled everything right.

Such amazing in-laws—Cao’s mother couldn’t be more satisfied.

Mrs. Cao had boiled some eggs and prepared them for Song Fenglan to eat, but Song Fenglan had to take off early.

"Mother-in-law, I’d better get going," Song Fenglan said.

"These eggs are freshly boiled. Have one before you go," Mrs. Cao said, holding a bowl of eggs.

"No thanks, I still have things to do," Song Fenglan replied. "Mother-in-law, you should eat more. You’ve been looking after Second Brother’s wife and must be tired. You need to keep your strength up."

"Don’t worry about me. I eat well and live comfortably here," Mrs. Cao said.

"I’ll be going now," Song Fenglan said as she walked out.

Mrs. Cao watched Song Fenglan leave. After she was gone, Mrs. Cao went to Cao Fang’s room.

"Your sister-in-law looks so capable," Mrs. Cao remarked.

"She’s amazing at what she does," Cao Fang said. She had once thought that if anything happened, she would stand in front of Song Fenglan—she could sacrifice herself, but Song Fenglan must not be harmed. That was what her superiors had told her: protect Song Fenglan no matter what.

Even now, though Cao Fang was no longer assigned to protect Song Fenglan, she still felt the same way. Whenever they were together, she would always shield Song Fenglan.

"I boiled eggs for her, but she was too busy and left in a hurry," Mrs. Cao said without any resentment. "She’s always burning the candle at both ends."

"Everyone leans on her," Cao Fang said. "She can’t step away, so she has to handle more responsibilities."

"Those who can do more, do more," Mrs. Cao said. "But it’s better now than before—more work, more pay. Back then, no matter how much or how little you did, everyone got the same pay, so no one had the motivation to work harder."

"That’s true," Cao Fang agreed. "But the extra pay doesn’t mean much to her."

"Then it must be because she just loves her job," Mrs. Cao said. "If it were me, once I had money, I wouldn’t want to do these things. I’d just stay at home. Staying with you feels like a vacation. They call this ‘looking after you,’ but honestly, there’s nothing for me to do."

Mrs. Cao sighed, realizing she didn’t have to worry about her daughter’s well-being—Cao Fang was living very comfortably.

"Since you’re here, just relax and enjoy yourself," Cao Fang said. "I’m in the capital, and you’re back in our hometown. We rarely get to see each other."

Cao Fang had married far from home, making visits difficult. Her parents usually didn’t come, but Mrs. Cao had traveled to be with her during childbirth.

"We’ve spent so much of your money," Mrs. Cao said quietly. "All these expenses… what does your husband think?"

"Don’t stress, he’s fine with it," Cao Fang reassured her. "He says that’s what money’s for—to be spent. As long as our family doesn’t expect jobs at his company, everything will be fine."

Having been with Second Brother Song for a long time, Cao Fang understood his and the Song family’s temperament. The Songs liked to keep things clear-cut to avoid future conflicts. If things weren’t clarified early, disputes could arise, and family ties could fray.

After Cao Fang married into the Song family, Second Brother Song had explained this to her, so she wouldn’t misunderstand them as being indifferent to family ties. It wasn’t that they lacked affection—they had just experienced enough to know clarity was best.

"Well… I won’t lie, some folks back home have been talking about coming to the capital and asking your husband to arrange jobs for them," Mrs. Cao admitted. "But your father said no. Our family has already received so much from them."

Thanks to the big dowry from the Songs, the Cao family had bought a house in their hometown, giving them more space than before. With that money, Cao Fang’s brother had even set up a little street stall, improving their livelihood.

If they kept eyeing the Song family’s wealth, the Songs would surely be displeased.

During the marriage negotiations, Old Mrs. Song never came out and said those things, but Mrs. Cao could sense the family’s reluctance to complicate things.

"Your brothers are doing well now," Mrs. Cao said. "They have their own homes and small businesses, earning their own money."

"That’s good," Cao Fang said.

"People said we sold our daughter," Mrs. Cao added, recalling the gossip.

Others claimed the Caos acted like they cared about their daughter while actually cashing in on her marriage. The Songs had given a big dowry, and the Caos had kept most of it. Though the Songs had permitted it, nobody outside bought it.

The relatives of the Cao family knew the Song family was wealthy and had spoken a few words in the Cao family's defense, but it was no use.

When three people say it's a tiger, they believe the rumor—it didn't matter to them what the truth was.

"Why bother with them? As long as we live well, that’s enough," Cao Fang said. "Mom, don’t worry about money. If you just need some money, we can give it."

"How can we always take your money?" Cao’s mother said. "Your in-laws gave such a generous bride price, yet we didn’t prepare much wedding dowry for you."

After Cao Fang married Second Brother Song, Cao’s mother stayed in their hometown, worried that the Song family might think the Cao family too heartless or feel that Cao Fang’s dowry was too meager.

"Mom, my in-laws are straightforward—they don’t speak in riddles," Cao Fang said. "They say things exactly as they are. They never cared about a fancy dowry, really. Don’t dwell on it."

"But... you gave birth to a daughter." Cao’s mother wished her daughter had given birth to a son instead; she feared the Song family would be unhappy with a girl.

"Daughters and sons are the same," Cao Fang said. "My in-laws aren’t dissatisfied. My mother-in-law rarely visits because her health has been poor since being sent down to the farm years ago. That’s why she doesn’t constantly check on me or help with the baby. But they’ve prepared lots for us—don’t worry."

"Can you still have more children?" Cao’s mother asked. "Your husband isn’t a government employee. If you have another child..."

"If I have another child, it means I won’t have a job," Cao Fang understood her mother’s implication. "We don’t plan to have another. I still need a job."

Villagers mostly valued sons. When Cao’s mother was young, she believed having more sons would strengthen her standing in her husband’s family.

"Your husband makes good money," Cao’s mother said.

"That doesn’t mean I should rely solely on him," Cao Fang said. "A woman should have her own career. A woman’s life isn’t just about babies."

"What about your daughter? Will your husband’s company... go to his nephew?" Cao’s mother looked around cautiously, afraid someone might overhear.

"It’ll go to our daughter," Cao Fang replied, unbothered by her mother’s worry.

Some families without sons might see their property taken over by cousins.

"Mom, what century are we in? Daughters can inherit too," Cao Fang said. "It doesn’t have to be a son. A daughter can even take in a live-in son-in-law. Even if she doesn’t, the kids don’t have to carry the Song surname—they still have Song blood."

"Did your husband say that?" Cao’s mother found it hard to believe any family would accept this idea so easily.

"Does he even need to spell it out?" Cao Fang laughed at her mother’s nervous expression. "Living with him, I can tell. Look how much they dote on my husband’s sister. As long as they’re capable, boys and girls are the same."

"..." Cao’s mother still hesitated. "If possible, you should try again."

She meant they could bypass the one-child policy—she was sure her son-in-law had ways around it.

"Mom, I just gave birth," Cao Fang said.

"I’m not saying you should have one now," Cao’s mother said. "You should rest and recover first. Only when your body is strong can you have another."

Song Fenglan returned home to find Qin Zihang doing homework.

"How much left?" Song Fenglan asked.

"Almost done," Qin Zihang said. "Just the homework notebook. After that, I’ll go to Grandma’s to play with my brother."

He had his time mapped out—each task scheduled precisely. Only after finishing his work did he allow himself to go out and play.

"You’re quite the planner," Song Fenglan remarked.

"Mom, are you heading out?" Qin Zihang asked.

"Yes, I need to go out for a while," said Song Fenglan. "Go to your grandma's if you want, but be careful on the way."

"I know," Qin Zihang nodded.

Kids grow up and aren’t as dependent on their moms anymore.

Song Fenglan felt she was gradually letting go of her child, not as close as they used to be. It couldn’t be helped—her son was a boy, and boys grow up with privacy needs. Besides, boys and girls are just different by nature. She couldn't keep hovering around her son or managing every little thing. She had to respect his opinions.

"Mom, if you work overtime, remember to eat. Don’t skip meals," Qin Zihang reminded her. "Skipping meals will mess up your stomach."

"Alright, I’ll make sure to eat properly," Song Fenglan chuckled.

After Cao Fang recovered from childbirth, the family held the baby’s one-month celebration, and then Cao’s mother went back home. The Song family urged her to stay longer, but she declined.

Cao’s mother had a simple reason—she had nothing to contribute at her son-in-law’s place, so staying felt pointless. When she left, Second Brother Song gave her a large red envelope, saying it was in appreciation for her help taking care of Cao Fang.

Cao’s mother initially refused, but Second Brother Song insisted. Cao Fang told her mother to accept it, and only then did she take the money.

When Tian Kexian learned that Second Brother Song’s wife had given birth to a daughter, she made snide remarks about it in front of her mother.

"A daughter—does his wife even want more kids?" Tian Kexian sat in her mother’s house. "She worked so hard to transfer to the capital and get a job… But now, whether she has a job or not, she’s landed herself a cushy life. These outsiders—all they want is to stay in the capital, to…"

Tian Kexian went on and on, her words laced with contempt for Cao Fang. She implied that if she had married Second Brother Song instead, she would have done things differently.

"Enough. You're married," Tian’s mother said.

"Him? He took the money and gambled again. No matter how many times I warned him, it’s useless," Tian Kexian complained. "I even threatened divorce, but he just ignores me. He doesn’t care about making a proper life with me. It’s unbearable—we’re broke as hell."

"That was your choice," Tian’s mother said. "You liked him and insisted on being with him."

"Only because I was young and didn’t think things through," Tian Kexian lamented, wishing she could go back in time and slap her younger self.

Her husband had only been kind before marriage—just pretending. Once they married and had children, he stopped doting on her and started finding fault with everything.

"This life is miserable," Tian Kexian groaned. "No matter where I hide money at home, he always finds it."

"Keep it on you," Tian’s mother suggested. "Don’t leave it all at home."

"But then I worry about losing it," Tian Kexian fretted.

"..." Tian’s mother had nothing to say to that—after all, Tian Kexian couldn’t hand the money over to her.

By the end of the year, Guo Peng got married. His new wife was fine with Guo Furong’s presence. Before the wedding, Guo’s mother had explained that Furong lived with Fan Yani but remained Guo Peng’s adopted daughter. The new wife agreed.

No one cared where Li Hui had gone, who she had eloped with, or whether she was living well now. Everyone assumed she had run off with someone—a woman like that, it didn’t matter where she ended up.

After the remarriage, Guo Peng’s new wife treated the Guo family warmly, even inviting them over for meals—unlike Li Hui, who had always criticized the family. Compared to Li Hui, everyone thought Guo Peng’s new wife was wonderful—polite, thoughtful—everything you’d want.

The gossip was like a canceled soap opera, with long gaps between updates.

Song Fenglan, now in the capital, felt the same way about the gossip from Nan City—months could go by without updates. But then again, real life wasn’t a TV show. Life doesn’t skip ahead like TV.

"People have to go through some things before they meet the right one," Song Fenglan mused. But she didn’t like going through so much hardship—it wasn’t life lessons—it was pure misery.

"Have some tea," Qin Yizhou poured her a cup.

"No, tea will keep me up. I’ll have milk instead," Song Fenglan said.

At the moment, they were sitting in the living room. Qin Zihang was out playing somewhere—never home anymore. Kids grow up running around everywhere, never cooped up inside.

"Didn't you say you wanted tea yesterday?" Qin Yizhou said, suddenly slapping his forehead. "Oh right—that was yesterday."

"Did I say that?" Song Fenglan glanced at him. "I don’t really remember."

"Forget the tea then. If you're tired, just sleep," Qin Yizhou shot back. "Get some more rest."

"Speaking of that, I really should rest," Song Fenglan replied. "Not resting properly can cause you to drop dead."

She still wanted to live a long life. She hadn’t yet seen her child settle down—nor witnessed the nation grow stronger—or waited for the age of the internet to arrive. Right now, she just hoped the internet age would come sooner. She wanted personal computers to become widespread—[pre-internet 1980s China context].

"You’ve been busy these past few days," Qin Yizhou said, "and then you drink tea to stay alert—that’s not good."

"Then why did you pour me tea?" Song Fenglan raised an eyebrow.

"If I didn’t pour it, you’d say I didn’t. Next time, I’ll ask first."

"Ask me? Can’t you decide for yourself?" Song Fenglan laughed as she spoke.

Qin Yizhou chuckled too—he always followed her lead.

After the New Year, Song Fenglan had to go on a work trip to Nancheng. The Nancheng Aircraft Research Institute’s fighter jet had run into problems during test flights, and they hadn’t figured them out after several days. They called Song Fenglan in to troubleshoot.

She took her grad student Ding Wenbo along. Duan Yue was in the same field as Ding Wenbo and even shared a dorm with him. When Ding Wenbo learned his advisor was taking him on the trip, he was thrilled—he hadn’t expected the opportunity.

Sticking with Song Fenglan paid off. She arranged for him to learn alongside others, and during her lectures at the institute, Ding Wenbo got to sit in.

"You’re really going on a trip with your advisor?" Duan Yue asked, walking into the dorm with a lunchbox.

One of their roommates was out—it was obvious when someone wasn’t there. Since the trip would last several days, Ding Wenbo couldn’t exactly hide it from Duan Yue.

"Yeah, a work trip," Ding Wenbo said. "My advisor's taking me."

Duan Yue didn’t say anything, but he couldn’t stand Ding Wenbo’s grin.

Duan Yue’s own advisor wasn’t as accomplished as Song Fenglan, but he was still a big name. However, his advisor had multiple grad students, so these chances either got rotated around or went to the favorite.

Song Fenglan only had Ding Wenbo as her student—she had no other choice but to bring him.

"If you want to go, ask your advisor to take you," Ding Wenbo said. "It’s always good to get some real-world experience."

Dammit. Duan Yue’s gut twisted. Did Ding Wenbo not understand that his own advisor had too many students? He suspected Ding Wenbo was needling him on purpose.

But Duan Yue could only endure. Their advisors were different now, but who knew how things would turn out later? The real showdown would be after graduation—this didn’t count.

That night, Duan Yue tossed all night. The thought of missing out on such a great advisor ate at him. If he hadn’t missed his chance with Song Fenglan, she would have taken him on trips too, introduced him to more people, helped him grow stronger.

But there was no cure for regret. His dark circles deepened, yet reality remained unchanged.

Before leaving for Nancheng, Song Fenglan had bought some gifts for Auntie Fatty (literally “Fatty”). She’d always liked Auntie Fatty, who’d been decent to her and had helped her before.

"Mom, I’m about to start school. Why do you have to go now?" Qin Zihang whined.

If she had gone during his winter or summer break, he could have tagged along.

"You can’t schedule work emergencies," Song Fenglan said. "It’s unpredictable."

"Mom, could you bring some stuff for Brother Xiao Hu?" Qin Zihang said, as he went to grab some snacks.

Qin Zihang thought giving food was the most thoughtful—Brother Xiao Hu loved eating the most. It had to be something that wouldn’t spoil too quickly, not perishable stuff.

"Alright, I'll bring it," Song Fenglan said. "Don’t make it too heavy—it’ll be hard to carry."

"Just a little," Qin Zihang said. "Some good snacks, stuff he’s never had before."

"It's cold now, so they can last a few more days. But it's still best to take—"

"I know, I know," Qin Zihang quickly replied. "Mom, let’s buy a new backpack for Brother Xiao Hu. That way, he won’t have to use his older brother’s old one."

Qin Zihang always remembered Zhang Xiaohu using a worn-out backpack and how envious he was of Qin Zihang’s brand-new one.

"A backpack’s fine—it’s light," Song Fenglan said.

"And... and... how about some fabric? So his mom can make him new clothes?" Qin Zihang suggested.

"Sure," Song Fenglan agreed.

She said yes to all these little things. After all, her assistant could help—she wouldn’t be carrying everything herself.

"Do you want to call your Brother Xiao Hu?" Song Fenglan asked.

"No, I’ll wait till you’re there to surprise him," Qin Zihang said. "I haven’t forgotten Brother Xiao Hu. Even with other friends now, I still remember him."

"Alright, you remember, you remember. No one said you forgot," Song Fenglan said, watching Qin Zihang figure out what to pack.

In the evening, Song Fenglan saw another suitcase stuffed with stuff. Well, that was her son.

"It’s not full yet, Mom. You can still fit more in," Qin Zihang said. "Just cram it in—there’s room."

"Alright, cram it in," Song Fenglan said. "But all this’ll make it super heavy."

"Dad can carry it. I’ll go with Dad to send you to the station," Qin Zihang said, a bit sheepish.

"You don’t have to carry anything. We’ll take a car," Song Fenglan said. "At the train station, if there’s too much, we can pay someone to load it."

"But... wouldn’t that... cost more money?" Qin Zihang asked.

"Oh? Since when do you care about money?" Song Fenglan teased.

"I’m older now. I’m in sixth grade," Qin Zihang said. "Soon, I’ll be in middle school. Mom, middle school’s harder than grade school. I need to study more math. I can’t be clueless about this stuff—otherwise, people might trick me. Like, if something costs nine ninety, you give ten cents back, not a whole yuan. Three dimes is thirty cents, not three cents."

"That’s true," Song Fenglan nodded. "You’re old enough to know this stuff. You can’t stay ignorant forever—that won’t do."

"Right, right," Qin Zihang said. "Mom, I’m grown up now. I know a ton."

"Ask your dad more," Song Fenglan said. "If you don’t get something, just ask him—ask often."

She watched as Qin Zihang kept thinking, realizing how much her son had grown. She could still picture him as a little kid. She could still remember when he was just a tiny little boy.

"All packed?" Qin Yizhou walked over and checked the suitcase Qin Zihang packed.

The suitcase was downstairs, and Qin Zihang had kept cramming things in—it was already pretty full.

"That’s it," Qin Zihang said. "No more. Dad, do you want to put anything in?"

"No, just put in what you’re giving," Qin Yizhou said.

"A gift for my friend," said Qin Zihang.

"If your dad wants to send something, he can just mail it over. Why do I need to lug it there?" asked Song Fenglan.

"When I make more money later, I'll be able to mail things myself," replied Qin Zihang.

This time, Qin Zihang used his own pocket money to buy the presents. He wanted to give something to Zhang Xiaohu on his own, not because someone else told him to. He wanted to show that he meant it and not always rely on his parents to pay.

Qin Zihang had plenty of pocket money. He got big cash gifts in red envelopes during the New Year, and even on regular days, Grandma and Grandpa Song gave him money too.

"Sure, once you're rolling in cash," Song Fenglan said.

Back in the room, Song Fenglan turned to Qin Yizhou. "Don't you have anything you want me to take to Nancheng?"

"Don’t bother hauling stuff for people," he replied. "Didn’t you say we could just mail it? Besides, my army buddies can take care of themselves. They don’t need me sending them a bunch of things. Did Zi Hang pack a lot? Is it hard to carry?"

"It's manageable—just an extra suitcase, not too many things," Song Fenglan said, thinking about how her son had fussed over the suitcase like a squirrel packing for winter. He kept taking things out and putting them back in, rearranging everything again and again. "Zi Hang really likes Zhang Xiaohu."

"They’re classmates and have been friends for years," Qin Yizhou said. "That’s a friendship most people don’t have. What about you? Aren’t you thinking of Auntie Fatty too?"

"Yeah, I am," Song Fenglan admitted. "Auntie Fatty didn’t have much schooling, and she’s quite different from the people I used to know. But she’s all bark and no bite—she’s actually a good person."

When Song Fenglan first met Auntie Fatty, she thought she had a bad temper. Later, she realized Auntie Fatty was just loud. Auntie Fatty wanted to fit into the apartment complex and tried hard to make a good impression. From her actions—like washing clothes downstairs in the hallway to meet others—it was clear she wanted to connect with people.

To Auntie Fatty, the basics—food and household stuff—were the most important. She thought conversations should start there. She really tried to fit in and often flattered others.

"She still rings you up for the latest gossip," Qin Yizhou added.

"Yes, but not very often—fewer calls, fewer letters," Song Fenglan said. "It’s not cheap, so she hesitates. Still, she calls me."

That showed Song Fenglan held a special place in Auntie Fatty’s heart. She didn’t need anyone to tell her—she knew it herself.

"We’re still worlds apart, though," Song Fenglan sighed.

"This trip’s perfect for you two to chat," Qin Yizhou said.

"I’ll drop by, but it won’t be a long visit," Song Fenglan said. "Luckily, my work’s taking me close by, so if there’s time, I can see her a few more times."

"How long will this business trip be?" he asked.

"Excluding travel time, maybe one or two weeks," Song Fenglan replied. "Depends how serious the problem is. If it’s simple, I’ll come back sooner. Keep tabs on Zi Hang—don’t just guess he’s at a buddy’s house or at Grandma’s. Make sure you know where he is."

"Don’t worry. I’ve been doing that even when you’re here," Qin Yizhou said. "With you away, I’ll keep a tighter leash on him."

"Good," Song Fenglan nodded.

Early in the morning, Song Fenglan left. Someone gave her a hand loading the car, making it easier for her.

Qin Zihang watched his mother leave. He wanted to go to the train station, but she wouldn’t let him.

"Dad," he looked up at his father, "Mom wouldn’t let me go to the station, and she wouldn’t let you go either. Are we dead weight?"

"If you want to be, go ahead. I’m not," Qin Yizhou said.

"I’m not a burden! Dad, you’re twice my size! Mom didn’t let you go because she was worried you’d take up too much room."

"One person, one seat. Even if I take up as much space as two of you, it’s still just one seat," Qin Yizhou said, giving his son a playful flick on the forehead.

Qin Zihang quickly covered his head. "Seriously, Dad? I'm already grown up, and you're still doing this?"

"Be childish while you’re still young," Qin Yizhou said. "When you’re older, you won’t get to be silly anymore."

"…" Qin Zihang was speechless. "Dad, I’m not some toy of yours."

"If you were my toy, I could just toss you in a box and forget about you," Qin Yizhou replied. "Your mom isn’t home—she’s on a business trip. She told me to take good care of you. Be careful—don’t pull a repeat of last time she was away, when you suddenly got sick."

"That won’t happen. I’m not the kid I used to be—I won’t get sick so easily," Qin Zihang said. "Don’t fuss over me—you’re the one who might catch something."

"No way," Qin Yizhou said. "I still have training."

"I’ve been training with you," Qin Zihang answered.

The two of them stared each other down for a while before both turned their gaze toward the direction Song Fenglan had left. They had to wait at home for her return—together.

Qin Zihang glanced at his father. He considered heading to his grandma’s place but decided he should stay home and keep his dad company.

"Your eyes are wandering—what are you thinking?" Qin Yizhou asked.

"I was thinking I should stay here with you. When you’re not around, then I’ll go to Grandpa and Grandma’s," Qin Zihang said. "Since Mom isn’t home, her kid’s gotta keep you company."

He gave his chest a little pat. With his mom away, he had to hold things together.

"Thanks a lot," Qin Yizhou said.

"Don’t mention it," Qin Zihang replied. "It’s not like you and Mom had much say—you made me, and Grandpa and Grandma made Mom."

When the Qin family heard that Song Fenglan was away on business, Qin’s mom got antsy. She was itching to drop by and see Qin Yizhou and Qin Zihang, to talk to them. She figured that with Song Fenglan gone, Qin Yizhou wouldn’t stop her from coming over.

Song Fenglan left in the morning, and Qin’s mother arrived that afternoon.

But Qin Yizhou didn’t let her in—he left her standing at the door.

"Won’t you let me come in and sit?" Qin’s mother asked. "Your wife isn’t even home—what’s the big deal?"

"Even if she’s not here, this is still her home," Qin Yizhou said. "If you have something to discuss, we can talk somewhere else."

"I don’t have anything urgent. I just… wanted you and Zi Hang to come home for a meal," Qin’s mother said.

"No can do. Not happening," Qin Yizhou replied.

"But Zi Hang is on winter break, isn’t he?" Qin’s mother pressed. "What’s keeping you so busy?"

"Dad, I want to go play with my brother," Qin Zihang said, stepping to the door.

"See? Zi Hang wants to play with his brother—let him go," Qin’s mother said, thinking he meant her golden boy.

Qin Zihang walked out, heading straight toward his maternal grandparents’ place, ignoring Qin’s mother’s outstretched hand.

"Zi Hang, you’re going the wrong way—it’s not that direction," Qin’s mother said.

"No mistake. I’m going to play with my cousin—at Grandpa and Grandma’s," Qin Zihang said deliberately.

He couldn’t stand Qin’s mom. Even if the details were fuzzy, he still resisted her and disliked the Qin family. Song Fenglan had never spoken ill of them in front of him, but Qin Zihang steered clear of them on his own.

At that, Qin’s mom’s face fell.

"Some cousin?" she said. "You should play with your paternal cousin instead."

"My paternal cousin is no good—he’s your favorite, not mine," Qin Zihang retorted. "I’d rather be Grandpa and Grandma’s favorite now."

Qin Zuhang waved at his grandmother Qin and quickly went to find his maternal grandparents.

"Who taught him this? Did his mother teach him?" Mother Qin said discontentedly. "I'm his real grandmother, I..."

"Be careful," Qin Yizhou replied. "Let me walk you home."

"He's already grown up..."

"He's still young; he hasn't even started junior high school yet." Seeing his mother grab his hand, Qin Yizhou gently removed her hand, "I'll accompany him and come back soon."

Mother Qin felt upset—how could they treat her like this?

Soon after, Qin Yizhou caught up with Qin Zuhang. "Was that intentional?"

"Yeah, I did it on purpose. If they can intentionally treat me badly, why shouldn't I do the same?" Qin Zuhang replied. "Mom never taught me any of this."

"I know. Your mom wouldn't teach you things like that." Qin Yizhou understood his wife's thinking—she had avoided talking much about the Qin family out of concern for negatively influencing the child. Yet the boy could sense by himself that the Qin family was unfriendly, though Qin Yizhou didn't blame his wife for that. "Your mom is a very good person."

"Good people get bullied easily," said Qin Zuhang.

"So you want to be a bad person?" Qin Yizhou asked.

"No," Qin Zuhang shook his head. "I can't be a bad person, or Mom will be angry. Of course, I am a good person."

When Qin Yizhou delivered Qin Zuhang to the Song family and returned, about fifteen or sixteen minutes had passed. He didn't hurry back but walked slowly, arriving slightly late.

"Qin Yizhou, what exactly are you trying to say with this?" Mother Qin said coldly. "Do you still consider me your real mother?"