Chapter 385

In Xi Gong Hongxin Residential Area, Li Xin was strolling around with Wenwen.

A kid with a watermelon-head haircut came jogging up to them.

First he greeted Li Xin, saying, "Uncle Xin, when did you get back?"

Li Xin ruffled his watermelon head, smiling as he replied, "Just got back—have you been getting beaten these days?"

Xiao Song heard this and, like a little adult, sighed: "Ah! This is a long story; I don't know what my mom is thinking—she beats me at the drop of a hat, making life tough!"

Hehe… haha.

Li Xin laughed upon hearing Xiao Song say that, rather unkindly.

Xiao Song saw Li Xin laughing heartily, furrowed his little face, and said, "Uncle Xin, you're not like that—you said our relationship is second to none in the world, so how can you gloat over my misfortune?"

Li Xin, with the two kids in tow, walked and chatted idly with Xiao Song: "Xiao Song, have you heard the saying 'When it rains, beat the kids—idle hands are idle hands'?"

"I have!"

Xiao Song looked up at Li Xin and asked seriously, "Uncle Xin, do you think those ancients were pretty clueless?"

"Don't spout nonsense! My mom even treats this saying as a parenting guide!"

Li Xin then explained to Xiao Song: "Xiao Song, the phrase 'When it rains, beat the kids—idle hands are idle hands' doesn't mean adults beat kids just because they're idle."

"The original meaning of this proverb is that in ancient times, when rain prevented outdoor work, people would educate their kids while idle—but it's also often misunderstood as actually beating them."

"Think about it—does Aunt Juan hit you only after you've been mischievous?"

"It's telling you what you can and cannot do; if you don't listen, a beating is used to reinforce the lesson and help you remember."

Wenwen, nestled in Li Xin's arms, asked, "Uncle Xin, why haven't my mom and dad ever hit me?"

Li Xin's expression changed instantly; he first gave Wenwen a smile, his tone softening.

"Wenwen, you're so well‑behaved!"

"A good child deserves candy, not bitter fruit."

Xiao Song glanced at the favor‑showing Uncle Xin and muttered under his breath, "This is just what the old folks say—favoring girls over boys, right?"

"Ah! Being a boy nowadays is really tough—dad doesn't dote, mom doesn't love, and you still get beaten for no reason; when will this ever end?"

In Hongxin Residential Area, Li Xin, Xiao Song, and Wenwen were engaged in a childish Q&A.

Their laughter and cheers echoed through the estate, drawing many glances, yet everyone's look at Li Xin was full of amusement—who would have thought the boss had this side to him!

"Why is the sky blue?"

Wenwen asked curiously.

"Because gas molecules in the atmosphere scatter sunlight, making blue light more visible to us."

Li Xin explained patiently.

Xiao Song also asked, "Then why does the sun set?"

Li Xin explained, "Because the Earth rotates; when our location turns away from the sun, the sun sets."

"Wow, so that's how it works!"

Xiao Song had an epiphany, thinking, "Uncle Xin really is knowledgeable!"

Unlike those old grandpas who only tell him tales of fighting and killing.

Well, if Li Xin knew what Xiao Song was thinking, he'd immediately understand why Xiao Song gets beaten!

He certainly doesn't deserve the beatings—Aunt Juan's fiery temper means sparing him would be surprising; he doesn't learn the good stuff, just listens to old geezers' nonsense—how could he avoid a beating?

Their Q&A lasted until evening, until the sky grew dark.

In that wonderful afternoon, their laughter and cheers became the most melodious sound in Hongxin Residential Area.

Jian Guo and five others followed behind Li Xin, watching him chat idly with the two kids for an afternoon—the boss normally has no such patience for others.

Line: Qiuti returned to Hongxin Residential Area with her left and right guardians.

The left guardian is Xiao En, the right guardian is the fiery fiancée Xiao Yu.

These two now follow Line: Qiuti everywhere—practically inseparable.

Seeing Line: Qiuti return, Xiao Song, who was by Li Xin's side, realized that Uncle Xin's role as a mere tool was no longer important, so he hurried over to Line: Qiuti.

Beaming, he said, "Aunt Line: Qiuti, you're back?"

Line: Qiuti scooped Xiao Song up in one go, feeling his weight in her hands.

She asked smilingly, "Xiao Song, have you been putting on weight lately? I feel you've gotten noticeably heavier than before."

"Yeah! Lately I've been getting beaten more often, so I need to eat something good to bulk up—plus Uncle Qiang's cooking is delicious, so I've been eating a lot."

After listening all afternoon, Jian Guo could hold back no longer; looking at Xiao Song he laughed and scolded, "You little brat, you're just asking for a beating—I'll tell your dad to give you a few more."

"Every beating you've taken—have any of them been unjust?"

Xiao Song, nestled in Line: Qiuti's arms with someone backing him up, made a face at Jian Guo.

"Uncle Jian Guo, Aunt Line: Qiuti is back—my dad definitely won't beat me now."

Chen Chao and Jianjun returned just then, hearing Xiao Song say that.

Jianjun, rare for him, teased: "Xiao Song, does your dad need to pick a time and place to beat you?"

Chen Chao glared at Xiao Song and said, "Get down—Aunt Line: Qiuti's been busy all day; you're still making her hold you?"

Line: Qiuti waved at Chen Chao, chuckling, "It's fine—I like Xiao Song's lively spirit, and besides, how heavy can a little kid get?"

Wenwen thought for a moment and told Line: Qiuti, "Aunt Line: Qiuti, you'd better hold me—I'm lighter than Xiao Song."

"Hehe!"

This bunch of rough‑hewn men, hearing Wenwen's childish prattle, all burst out laughing!

Not long after, Da Sha, Hua She, Tian Hong, Jimi Huo Jian Ning and the others came running back.

These people now return to Xi Gong to live whenever they have nothing else to do.

Tian Hong had Wang Shiya beside him; from the look of it, you could tell what was going on.

Li Xin saw everyone gathered so neatly, he told Jianguo: "Call the restaurant, tell them to get ready, we'll go over for a meal soon."

"Understood, boss."

Jianguo went to arrange matters, Li Xin handed Wenwen over to Xiao En, then he went inside with Chen Chao and Jianjun.

Li Xin took off his jacket and threw it on the sofa, took out a Hua Zi cigarette, put it in his mouth, lit it, took a puff, then asked.

"Ah Chao, tell me about the Jun Du Hotel security contract."

"When did our security company start taking on jobs like this?"

Chen Chao organized his words, then explained: "Boss, since our security company opened up the high-end market, we've gotten quite a few large security contracts."

"After all, those rich people have businesses, they recognize our professional attitude, so they've given us quite a few employment contracts."

"I discussed it with Jianjun; although large security contracts are troublesome, the profits are really good, so we took them."

"As for the manpower issue, boss, you don't need to worry; we may lack everything else, but we never lack people—we can provide as many as you need."