[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte":3,"chapter-reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-80":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Reborn as a 1960s Mother: I’ll Shield My Forgotten Children!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2327775,4552,"Chapter 80: Matchmaking","reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-80",80,"\u003Cp>Mother’s father…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>San Zai blinked his thick, curled eyelashes, thought for two seconds, then took his sister’s hand and walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grandpa.” His voice was soft and sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Heling pulled out candy and gave some to both children. “Good kids.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Grandpa.” San Zai had been well taught by Lin Zhao; at barely two years old, the child knew proper manners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Zai imitated her brother and also thanked him: “Thank you, Grandpa~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a little girl, her voice sweet and soft, like a cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Heling stroked his little granddaughter’s head, his fondness unmistakable in his eyes, then turned to Song Xi and smiled: “Xiwei, look at Si Zai—doesn’t she look exactly like Zhao Zhao when she was little?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looking at her, I thought I saw Zhao Zhao herself. So adorable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, Mother.” Gu Chenghuai called out, set down his things, and sat down with his wife. Hearing his father-in-law’s words, his stern features softened into a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He loved hearing stories about Zhao Zhao’s childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu’s aura had nothing to do with warmth; she knew children didn’t like her, and feared her presence would make her grandchildren uncomfortable, so she kept her distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded. “She looks like her, but her temperament is different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Si Zai seems soft, but Zhao Zhao was stubborn and domineering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother.” Lin Zhao feigned annoyance, her tone dripping with wounded plaintiveness. “Your son-in-law is right here—give me some dignity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Mu chuckled. “Fine, fine, I won’t say any more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Zhao’s nature—her son-in-law already knew it well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chenghuai, how long are you staying this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Heling looked over too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More than a month,” Gu Chenghuai said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Spend more time with the four kids.” No sooner had Lin Mu finished speaking than a tall, thin, dark-skinned young woman entered through the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She carried a wooden basin filled with damp clothes, as if she’d just finished washing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unprepared for unexpected guests, she froze in place, unsure how to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Zhao, this is your cousin Yuan Xiang, from your aunt’s side.” Lin Mu didn’t ask if her daughter remembered her cousin—she feared Lin Zhao might say she didn’t, causing mutual awkwardness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiang Xiang-jie.” Lin Zhao greeted politely, her gaze lingering on the woman for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her aunt’s eldest cousin, one year older than her, now twenty-four.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d heard the girl was about to marry—why was she here?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Xiang opened her mouth, about to speak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Qiu Lian stepped out, arms crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at Yuan Xiang with a smirk, her tone laced with malicious glee: “Little sister-in-law doesn’t know what’s going on, does she? Your cousin’s engagement was broken off. Now she’s an old maid no one wants.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Lian sized up Yuan Xiang with disdain, speaking cruelly, deliberately stoking discord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re twenty-four already? Zhao Zhao’s younger than you, and she’s already had four children. You haven’t even married—what a gap, really.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You embarrassed yourself in your own village, yet you dare come to our brigade? Don’t you know? In these past few days, countless people have come asking about you. Now everyone outside is laughing at our family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke rapidly, spewing venom in under half a minute before anyone could react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao clearly felt Yuan Xiang’s body stiffen slightly, a flush of shame rising on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it comfortable staying at your natal home, Second Sister-in-law?” Lin Zhao changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes grew cold, radiating unmistakable mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve grown darker and thinner. So sensitive—you think everyone’s whispering behind your back? Did they gossip about you at your parents’ place too? No wonder you came back after just a few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She despised those who used others’ suffering to cruelly wound them—she’d tear one apart the moment she saw one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Lian’s face turned black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hadn’t every word hit the mark?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of her fearsome mother-in-law, she dared not curse, yet feared missing out on whatever Lin Zhao had brought back, so she gritted her teeth and stayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What thick skin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao ignored her, turned to Yuan Xiang, her expression softening. “Xiang Xiang-jie, my parents run this household. My brothers and I all welcome you. Don’t mind those unpleasant words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu patted her sister-in-law’s arm affectionately and scolded gently: “Zhao Zhao, I’ve got nothing to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, Big Sister—I forgot about you, hahaha.” Lin Zhao laughed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes flicked to Chen Yu’s belly. “Big Sister, how are you feeling lately? I brought you red dates and brown sugar. Take some every other day—it’ll ensure you deliver safely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shichang smiled. “Zhao Zhao, you’re thoughtful. Your big sister felt dizzy a few days ago, so we saw a physician—he said she needed nourishment. Your gifts are perfectly timed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lin Zhao glared at her eldest brother, scolding sharply: “Big Brother, why didn’t you come to me? Are you being distant? Don’t you see me as your real little sister?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu, seeing her husband stunned by his little sister’s outburst, quickly defended him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Zhao, you misunderstand your big brother. We were planning to visit you in a couple days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao’s anger vanished instantly, her expression shifting faster than flipping a page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. I work at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative. Things hard for you to get are easy for me. If you need anything, just send word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Er Zai mimicked like a parrot, raising his tiny hand. “Easy as pie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Er Zai, you’re imitating adults again.” Lin Zhao flicked his nose with her finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clingy child pressed against his mother, grinning sweetly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Qiu Lian waited, hearing nothing about gifts for her, her face twisting with rage as she slinked into the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Lin Zhao’s just as mercenary!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since she didn’t give birth to a boy, she didn’t even bring her a single candy—so stingy!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one cared about the troublemaker’s emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Xiang’s embarrassment slowly faded; she looked at her cousin with gratitude, warmth returning to her stiff, cold limbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Zhao, thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t wanted to come to her aunt’s home—but the villagers’ words had been too cruel. Her mother feared she’d break down, so she begged Yuan Xiang to come and rest. Reluctantly, she’d brought her rations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in her aunt’s house was kind—except her second cousin-in-law, whose tongue was sharp. But it was fine; she could endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing,” Lin Zhao waved her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Xiang smiled sincerely, carrying the basin to the backyard to hang the clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, what happened?” Lin Zhao pulled her chair closer to Lin Mu, lowering her voice. “Didn’t you say before that Xiang Xiang-jie was about to get married?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, Lin Mu shifted, and Er Zai slid his small stool over beside her. Da Zai followed close behind, offering a shy, timid smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chenghuai sighed, amused, lifted Si Zai—who was trying to copy her brothers—and placed her on his lap. “What are you joining in for? Do you even understand?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Si Zai tilted her pink, cherubic face up, beaming with an innocent, pure smile that melted hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t fuss—her little head rested against her father’s chest, eyes curled into crescent moons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had Lin Zhao asked than Xi Bao dragged over a stool and sat before her. “Auntie, I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xibao spoke like a little wild boar sneaking into a melon patch—stealthy, excited. “Xiang Gu’s short, ugly fiancé fell for another girl and demanded to break the engagement. He didn’t want to be blamed, so he spread rumors that Xiang Gu was too old and immoral, ruining her reputation. She couldn’t stay in her village, so she came here to hide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu’s vision darkened; she nearly fainted. The gentle woman clenched her teeth. “Lin Xibao!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where did you hear this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re barely a child—why are you so gossipy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Short and ugly fiancé”? She was almost laughing in fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Bao shrank her neck, hiding behind her aunt, pleadingly looking at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao stroked the girl’s messy hair, soothingly defusing the tension: “Big Sister, Xi Bao knows her limits. She only says these things among family—she won’t spread them outside, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right, right!” Xi Bao nodded vigorously, then glanced at her mother’s swollen belly, worried: “Mom, don’t get angry, don’t shout loud—otherwise, the baby girl you give birth to will have a bad temper and a loud voice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu inhaled sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao covered Xi Bao’s mouth. “Xi Bao, stop talking—you’re upsetting your mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then to Chen Yu: “Big Sister, don’t get angry—watch your belly. I’ll discipline Xi Bao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, I listen to Auntie,” Xi Bao propped her chin up, eyes shining as she gazed at her aunt. Her aunt was beautiful—everything she said was right, everything she said, Xi Bao obeyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl’s expression was transparent, readable at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin Xibao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shichang, fearing his wife might collapse from anger, quickly helped Chen Yu back to their room, separating mother and daughter for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they were gone, Lin Zhao pinched Xi Bao’s thin cheeks. “Where did you hear those words?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Bao blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zheng exposed her: “Xi Bao-jie hid inside a basket and eavesdropped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Bao covered her face with her hands, leaving only her bright, clear eyes peeking out at her aunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Basket?” Lin Zhao frowned. “What basket?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The big bamboo basket in the corner of the kitchen. She hid inside it,” Lin Zheng said, smiling faintly but not stopping. “Xi Bao-jie made a noise and nearly got knocked out by Grandma’s broomstick.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When she was first dragged out, she couldn’t move at all—it was Big Uncle who carried her back to the room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan also smiled, lips curled in quiet amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xibao, why are you hiding in the basket?” Lin Zhao asked, amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re playing hide-and-seek—I hid inside and fell asleep by accident.” Xibao felt embarrassed, her voice muffled in her palms, no longer bright as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned close to Lin Zhao’s ear and whispered, “Auntie, I hid in here—no one can find me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...” So you fell asleep waiting for someone to find you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re something else,” Lin Zhao said, torn between laughter and exasperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xibao grinned like a blooming flower. “Of course—I’m the best at playing. All the girls in the brigade love to play with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was lively and cheerful, loyal and warm—a little sunbeam everyone, young and old, adored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao pulled out a feathered shuttlecock and held it out to the girl. “Here—for the best player, little Xibao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xibao’s eyes lit up. “Wow, such a beautiful feathered shuttlecock—thank you, Auntie!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll play with Xuanxuan and Zhengzheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she called her two little friends and began playing in the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sending the children off, Lin Zhao finally had time to show her parents what Gu Chenghuai had prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dad, Mom, all these are from your son-in-law. I checked them—they’re all useful. Mom, put them away. You and Dad use them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother ran her fingers over the animal pelt—rarely had she seen one so large. Was it a bear?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where did you get a pelt this big?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chenghuai sat upright, expression solemn. “It was given to me by a comrade—obtained through proper channels. Don’t worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have no reason not to trust your judgment,” Lin’s mother said. “This pelt will be perfect for your father in winter. You’ve thought of everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s more than just the pelt—there’s also a wild ginseng,” Lin Zhao added softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at her father with concern, eyes pleading. “Dad, will the wild ginseng help your health?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Heling’s eyes crinkled with a smile; the fine lines around them didn’t mar his refined gentleness—they only deepened his elegance and poise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” he replied, his voice slow and unhurried, as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Chenghuai.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chenghuai replied steadily, “No need to thank me, Father. It’s what I should do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao continued, “Mom, the fabric is for you. The tobacco and alcohol are for my older and younger brothers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chuckling voice came from behind: “Filter tips? For me and Brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Lin Shisheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao turned and met her brother’s smile. “Yes—Gu Chenghuai said so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shisheng walked over and clapped his brother-in-law on the shoulder. “Thanks, Chenghuai. I knew I didn’t misjudge you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t wasted effort, him casting his vote for you from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother didn’t want to bother dividing it between the two brothers, shoving the bag at the younger one: “You two figure it out yourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it,” Lin Shisheng replied cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Put it aside for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning to his sister, he said, “Zhaozhao, has your family’s house construction started? I was just planning to go take a look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chenghuai answered, “Everything that needed to be torn down has been demolished; construction starts tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shisheng said, “Then good, my brother and I will come over tomorrow morning to help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was getting late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother and Chen Yu went into the kitchen to cook, and Lin Zhao followed them in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom, let me help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother glanced at her, her eyes calm and perceptive: “You’re just dying to ask about Xiangxiang, aren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao didn’t deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See? I told you Xi Bao takes after her aunt,” Lin’s mother said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xi Bao clung to the doorframe, poking her little head in: “It’s great to look like my aunt—I love looking like my aunt! If I could look just like her, that’d be perfect!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she pulled her head back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And darted off quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom, why did Xiangxiang’s engagement suddenly fall through?” Lin Zhao pressed, her face full of confusion. “Wasn’t the wedding being planned? She waited years for that guy—just like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother efficiently washed the cucumbers and handed them to her daughter-in-law to chop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The groom’s family paid two hundred yuan in compensation; both sides settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao frowned. “That’s it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s a lot! A typical family would need to go two full years without eating or spending to save two hundred,” Lin’s mother said, annoyed by her daughter’s slow pace, shooing her away and sitting down to tend the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She kept talking as she worked, explaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your aunt says it’s better to know the truth about that family before marriage—it saves Xiangxiang from suffering after she’s married.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She means the two hundred yuan should go to your sister as her dowry. Once this blows over, we’ll find someone else to arrange a new match for Xiangxiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eldest boy brought over a small wooden stool; the second boy came with a bamboo fan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom, sit down,” the eldest said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second boy eagerly added, “Mom, let me fan you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao sat down comfortably and took the fan. “Thanks, little ones—go play now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom, call us if you need anything,” the eldest said, pulling his brother away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu chopped vegetables noisily, unable to resist saying, “Zhaozhao, your eldest and second boys are so well-behaved—how did you raise them?” Her tone was unmistakably envious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t really teach them—they’re just naturally good,” Lin Zhao replied without modesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh, well-behaved kids are born that way,” Chen Yu sighed with deep emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She patted her slightly protruding belly, hoping the baby inside would be sensible too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao remembered Fen’s request and said, “Mom, a sister at the supply and marketing cooperative told me she wants to find a match for her younger brother—even a rural household registration is fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother paused briefly, then became attentive. “Tell me more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her niece was diligent and sensible, never taking advantage, helping with the vegetable garden, hauling water, doing laundry, braiding Xi Bao’s hair—she did everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a good girl—Lin’s mother truly hoped her niece would find a good match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The groom has some leg problems,” Lin Zhao said bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother frowned slightly but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s a veteran—his leg injury was sustained in battle. He’s twenty-eight, has a steady job with good pay, owns a private courtyard, his parents are deceased, he has one older sister and one younger sister. His sister married well—she’s my colleague Fen—and his younger sister is still unmarried and currently being courted. That’s the whole story,” Lin Zhao rattled off all the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These are great conditions—why look for someone in the countryside?” Lin’s mother asked, concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s been introduced to several women, but none worked out. With his leg condition and no mother-in-law to help, it’s just harder to find someone,” Lin Zhao understood—why would anyone settle when they could do better?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, I understand. Your aunt is coming tomorrow—I’ll ask her opinion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great, I’ll ask Fen tomorrow too. If everyone agrees, we can arrange a meeting,” Lin Zhao said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She saw her role as simply the one who introduced them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond that, she wouldn’t interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin’s mother and Chen Yu went into the kitchen to cook, but Qiu Lian immediately turned and went back to her room without even saying hello or offering to help—she hadn’t shown her face since.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After asking about Yuan Xiang, Lin Zhao quietly inquired about the second family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom, about my second brother and...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded toward the direction of the second house. “What’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows? I didn’t ask,” Lin’s mother thought her son was an adult now, with two children—he should know what’s right and wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu glanced out the window, seeing no sign of the second brother, and whispered low, “One day I saw your uncle coming home from outside—his face looked terrible, like something had happened.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao’s clear, bright black eyes suddenly flashed with interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be... that her second brother...?!\u003C\u002Fp>",2945,"2026-06-20T18:59:15.907Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f20a8cff40d06446dd2cf0af093621807c25055c19e0a9dbc2018e3bd2f84870","reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-81","reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-79",480,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Freborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-cover.jpg"]