Chapter 1467: Protected Subject

"Let's go visit the eldest sister-in-law today."

Gu Ning came out of the room combing her hair and reminded Li Li Xuewu, who was sitting in the study reading a newspaper: "She was admitted to the hospital the day before yesterday."

"Is she at her due date?" Li Li Xuewu put down the newspaper, thought for a moment, and said, "It really is."

"Since you're back, I won't go over."

Glaring at Li Shu, who was slinking away to go downstairs, Gu Ning explained: "My surgeries are fully booked today."

"Does your hospital treat you like an iron man?"

Li Li Xuewu said with feigned dissatisfaction: "I need to find time to have a good talk with your Dean Zhang. Even if they're focusing on cultivating talent, it shouldn't be this exhausting. It's too hard."

"Am I the only one being singled out?" Gu Ning could tell he was concerned about her and also knew he was doing it on purpose.

Given his personality, if he really wanted to stand up for her, he wouldn't just go talk to Dean Zhang directly; he had plenty of other methods.

Besides, if she didn't want to be "exhausted," no one would force her; it was just that the work was scheduled that way.

"The whole hospital is on high alert; even Dean Zhang has to perform surgeries. What do I have to complain about?"

Gu Ning walked back to the room, sat in front of the vanity to tidy her hair, looked at herself in the mirror, and muttered: "Should I get a short haircut?"

"It's harder to manage when it's short, and it doesn't look as good as it does now." Li Li Xuewu stood behind her and said while looking at her through the mirror: "Don't work too hard."

Feeling the warmth and gentle pressure of his hands on her shoulders, Gu Ning nodded and said: "I won't be going to Yangcheng for National Day; I really can't spare the time."

"You'll have to tell Mom that yourself. I've never refused my mother-in-law—" Li Li Xuewu said with feigned seriousness: "I won't express an opinion on this matter."

"You rascal—" Gu Ning glanced at him, stood up, went to the walk-in closet, and reminded him: "Don't spoil Li Shu; she's been very playful lately."

"There are many reasons for not wanting to go to school."

Li Li Xuewu picked up the wooden comb she had just placed on the vanity to style his own hair into a side-parted look, saying: "You don't need to worry about this."

"What are you planning to do again? —"

Gu Ning leaned out from the walk-in closet and emphasized: "You are not allowed to ask for leave for her, do you hear me?"

"I'm not her stepfather; can't you trust me?" Li Li Xuewu said dismissively: "Alright, Dr. Gu, with your benevolent heart, hurry up and change your clothes to go downstairs for breakfast, and go to work to save lives and heal the wounded. Your comrades in pain are waiting for your miraculous hands."

"Why are you so glib?"

Gu Ning glanced at him with some distrust, but the time on the wall reminded her that she needed to hurry.

If he hadn't insisted on fooling around last night, she wouldn't have woken up late. Today's surgeries were indeed fully booked, and she really didn't have time to tangle with Li Li Xuewu.

Regarding Li Shu, she wasn't being negligent or irresponsible; the little girl had grown a mind of her own and didn't want to tell her some things, instead clinging to her teacher, Xiaoxiao.

Her personality had warmed up a lot over the past two years, and after having Li Shu and Li Ning, she had learned to compromise even more.

It was just that the cold personality she had cultivated for years still carried a bit of distance that kept strangers at bay. It wasn't noticeable when the children were small, but as they grew older, one could always feel it.

Li Ning had learned early wisdom from his sister; he was small but clever. Don't look at how little he spoke; he had his own ideas.

Li Shu, on the other hand, had become increasingly spoiled and naive as she grew older, which was also due to Li Li Xuewu's pampering.

Among all the children in the kindergarten, she was the only one with a private tutor.

Even Dean Zhang's children didn't have a private tutor hired to come home to teach dance and music.

Li Shu's performance in kindergarten was also outstanding, and there were already rumors spreading, but neither Li Li Xuewu nor she cared about these things.

It was Er Ya, who often went to the kindergarten to pick up Li Shu after school, who heard them and mentioned it to the kindergarten teacher.

However, the kindergarten teacher's attitude was also complicated; she didn't seem to care, and even seemed to have an opinion.

Li Li Xuewu kept this matter in his heart and didn't tell Gu Ning, fearing she would be distracted; the pressure on doctors was too great.

As a family member of a medical worker, one should take the initiative to shoulder the necessary responsibilities and obligations.

Li Shu had already told him the reason for not wanting to go to school earlier. This kind of thing wasn't big, but it wasn't small either; it depended on how the parents handled it.

Li Li Xuewu wouldn't emphasize the special nature of his family, but he wouldn't force his daughter to submit either.

Family education would affect a child's entire life. Parents shouldn't just care about their own feelings and use their own life philosophy and attitude to demand that the child conform to the world.

If a child learns to be content with their lot and submissive from a young age, what initiative can they have when they grow up?

Li Li Xuewu and Gu Ning never compared her to other children, nor did they criticize Li Shu for not being as well-behaved as others.

Every child is different, and family conditions and environments vary; how can one demand that children be all the same?

To put it bluntly, which child isn't mischievous? Which child isn't special? It's impossible for parents to have identical children; this is a false proposition.

Arguing for one's own position is the only excellent quality a child can strive for in this world. Learning the "Golden Mean" can wait until they grow up.

Breakfast at Li Li Xuewu's house was quite simple: steamed buns, flower rolls, or cornmeal buns, paired with eggs, cold dressed vegetables, and rice porridge. The porridge was mostly white rice, millet, or corn grits.

In the summer, the dining table would be supplemented with dipping sauce vegetables from the courtyard, and in the winter, an extra hot dish would be added, such as cabbage, potatoes, or tofu.

Was Li Li Xuewu's family condition very difficult? No, both of them earned salaries and had other income, so why would they still eat cornmeal buns and such simple meals?

The quality of these meals was already considered good for this era; whose home-cooked meals were full of fish and meat?

Li Li Xuewu and Gu Ning were of the same opinion: one shouldn't eat too much refined grain; it had to be mixed with coarse grains.

Li Shu was a picky eater, but with Li Li Xuewu and Gu Ning as role models, she had also gotten used to eating coarse grains.

Children who grew up drinking milk and eating eggs from a young age developed intellectually and physically faster than their peers.

It wasn't noticeable at first, but in less than half a year, Li Ning's physical fitness surpassed Li Tang's, which was why Zhao Zhao Ya Ping continued to supplement the child with eggs and milk.

The chicken Li Li Xuewu left for her had long since been stewed into soup; the one they were raising at home was bought separately.

Bang Geng no longer raised chickens in the courtyard; it was all taken care of by his mother and the old lady.

Fish and shrimp were rare, unless the boys in the courtyard had nothing to do and went fishing by the lake, only then would the chickens get a treat; otherwise, it was just coarse bran and leftovers, but they still laid eggs.

"Are there any eggs left at home?"

At the dining table, Gu Ning asked Er Ya and then said to Li Li Xuewu: "Take them all to the hospital for the sister-in-law."

"Don't worry about it, I'll handle it."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said: "How could I let my niece go without?"

"Don't talk nonsense when you go—" Gu Ning reminded him: "Sister-in-law is quite sensitive about it."

"She's envious that we have Li Shu." Li Li Xuewu chuckled and glanced at his daughter. Today, Li Shu was exceptionally well-behaved, like a young lady.

Gu Ning, however, knew that she was only this quiet when she wanted something, and she had long been waiting for her father to come back to complain.

She had already told her daughter that she could reason if there was an issue, but she was not allowed to speak ill of her teacher.

Li Shu saw her mother's gaze but remained cautious, not daring to be too arrogant.

In fact, Gu Ning had never scolded Li Shu, let alone yelled at her, and Li Li Xuewu had achieved the same.

With such parents, Li Shu never yelled or threw tantrums at others.

Can you scold children at the dining table?

The older generation naturally didn't care about this; if you didn't educate your children during mealtime, when would you?

They were busy all day, either working or doing housework; there was no time to educate the children.

But listening to lectures while eating would cause most children to develop stomach problems; this was caused by emotions.

Seeing that his daughter was a bit concerned, Li Li Xuewu winked at her and gave her a smile.

Li Shu, having received her father's support, also secretly smiled and ate her meal earnestly.

Li Ning's big eyes darted around, looking at this and that, wondering what he was thinking.

He could eat by himself with a spoon, but he often ended up covered in food, though he managed to get full.

At the dining table, Er Ya and Zhao Zhao Ya Ping didn't speak. Even though Li Li Xuewu and Gu Ning didn't pressure them, it wasn't their own home after all, so there was always a sense of restraint.

It was fine if Li Li Xuewu wasn't home, but whenever he returned, they were a bit afraid of him.

Strangely enough, Li Li Xuewu rarely interacted with them and didn't say much when resting at home.

Yet, both of them were very afraid of him; whenever they saw him, they spoke in soft voices and didn't dare to make a loud noise.

The two were of similar age and lived in the same room. After nearly a year of getting along, they were already familiar with each other, like little sisters.

At this moment, Gu Ning asked, and Er Ya was just about to answer, but seeing Li Li Xuewu speak, she swallowed her words.

It wasn't until Gu Ning finished breakfast and hurried off to work that Li Li Xuewu called her back.

"Do you remember what Li Shu's kindergarten teacher told you that day?" After Li Li Xuewu asked and saw her nod, he continued: "Go change your clothes; we're going to the kindergarten."

"Dad—" Li Shu, who had been following her father since her mother left for work, suddenly asked.

Li Li Xuewu lowered his head to look at his daughter and said with a smile: "It's alright, we're going to visit your eldest aunt, but according to the rules, we have to ask the teacher for leave first."

"Mm—" Hearing that she didn't have to go to school, Li Shu nodded obediently.

The nod was a bit exaggerated, enough to show her resistance to school and her longing for freedom.

Li Ning followed behind his sister, and seeing his father say this, he also grabbed his sister's little hand.

The action was self-evident; he wanted to go too.

"Zhao Ya Ping, go to school. You can go to the hospital on the weekend." He looked at Zhao Zhao Ya Ping, who was waiting on the side and also wanted to go to the hospital, and said: "You're in middle school now, not elementary school; it's not easy to catch up if you miss lessons, don't you think?"

"Mm, Second Brother, I'll listen to you."

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping was obedient and sensible, understanding that her Second Brother's words made sense. At this moment, she followed Er Ya back to the room to pack her schoolbag.

Li Li Xuewu went back upstairs to change his daughter and son into outdoor clothes, and he also changed into his work suit.

Once they were ready, they didn't drive but walked out the door. Zhao Zhao Ya Ping headed to the bus stop, while Li Li Xuewu took Li Ning, Li Shu, and Er Ya toward the direction of Li Shu's kindergarten.

Li Shu and Li Ning were very happy to be able to go out with their father, hopping and skipping while holding his big hands on either side, as if they were in a hurry to grow up quickly.

"Dad, is Eldest Aunt going to have a baby?" Li Shu asked curiously: "Then what about Li Tang?"

"Why do you ask that?" Li Li Xuewu answered with a smile: "Li Tang is still Eldest Uncle and Aunt's baby."

"Then if there's a new baby, will Li Tang still be their baby?" Li Shu asked with some worry: "What if they stop being good to Li Tang?"

"Mom and Dad had you first, then your younger brother. Do you think you're still our baby?"

Li Li Xuewu answered his daughter's doubt with a rhetorical question, then continued: "Eldest Uncle and Aunt are in the same situation as our family."

"But..." Li Shu suddenly lowered her head in disappointment, kicked a small stone on the ground, let go of his hand, and whispered: "I'm not the baby born to you and Mom..."

"Who told you that nonsense?"

Li Li Xuewu's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Er Ya, who had a blank look on her face, and said to his daughter with a calm attitude: "If you weren't Mom and Dad's baby, how could you live in our house and call us Mom and Dad?"

"But—" Li Shu looked up, full of confusion, and said to him: "The teacher said I'm not your child, that I was picked up, and she also said I..."

"Then that teacher is in the wrong."

Li Li Xuewu stopped, squatted down, looked at his daughter, and emphasized earnestly: "Would you stop wanting Mom and Dad because of someone else's wrong comments?"

"No—" Li Shu pouted her little mouth and said with a crying tone: "I want Mom and Dad—"

"So you see, Mom and Dad can't leave you either." Li Li Xuewu smiled and pulled his daughter into his arms, comforting her softly: "You and your brother are Mom and Dad's good treasures."

"If the teacher was wrong, we can correct her mistake. If she knows she was wrong, we'll forgive her, okay?"

"Mm—" Li Shu's worry wasn't about what the teacher said, but that they would stop wanting her.

Just in time for Eldest Aunt Zhao Zhao Ya Ping to give birth, she, being so small, had worries about the arrival of a new family member.

To say she was small but clever was true, but she was still a child, a sensitive little spirit.

Er Ya handed him a handkerchief at a loss and explained softly: "Brother Li, I didn't..."

Before she could finish, Li Li Xuewu waved his hand, signaling that she didn't need to explain.

"It's alright, let's go to the kindergarten."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and wiped his daughter's tears and snot bubbles, then took his daughter and son to continue walking toward the kindergarten.

Actually, it wasn't far to the kindergarten; it was just that the two little ones walked slowly and couldn't speed up even if they wanted to.

Usually, Er Ya walked Li Shu to school, and there were few times when she was carried.

This was Gu Ning's requirement: if she could walk by herself, she absolutely must not be carried, and the same went for Li Ning.

Today, there was no plan for Li Shu to go to school, so Li Li Xuewu didn't care about the time.

Even when Li Ning saw small ants and bugs and stopped to observe, he would wait for them.

Li Shu calmed down, received a positive answer from her father, and returned to her innocent and lively personality.

Children's emotions are always like this, as unpredictable as the weather, clearing up after the rain.

It's just that no dark clouds can be left behind, otherwise her sky will be incomplete when she grows up.

Along the way, Li Li Xuewu answered her countless strange questions, including but not limited to the matter of her aunt having a baby.

The four of them walked leisurely to the kindergarten amidst Li Shu's "ten thousand whys" and Li Ning's "I'm curious about everything."

"Li Shu is late—"

From afar, they saw a teacher waiting anxiously at the school gate. The first thing she said upon seeing Li Li Xuewu was this.

Perhaps out of consideration for his status, this didn't seem to be directed at him, but at Er Ya.

Usually, it was Er Ya who picked up and dropped off Li Shu, so the two knew each other.

Perhaps because she had been waiting anxiously, her tone was a bit impatient and had a bit of a temper. Even if it wasn't directed at Li Li Xuewu, the attitude was expressed.

The young teacher wanted to take Li Shu's little hand, just like usual, but this time she didn't catch it.

"Sorry, you don't need to pick her up today; I'm here to ask for leave for her."

Li Li Xuewu remained polite and explained: "I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting. Is your principal in?"

"You should ask for leave in advance."

The teacher glanced at him and then at Li Shu, who clearly had nothing wrong with her, before pointing inside the courtyard.

Regarding the identity of Li Shu's parents, some knew, some didn't, and it got more confusing as it spread.

Service positions in this era were "iron rice bowls," emphasizing serving the people.

You can be one of the people, but you cannot emphasize being special, and the teachers didn't care much about who your father was.

Li Shu's performance in kindergarten was eye-catching, which made some teachers like her, but naturally, there were those who had heard too many rumors and didn't like Li Shu's mischievousness and arrogance.

Whose child has both a nanny and a private tutor? A little princess?

Li Li Xuewu didn't care much about her attitude. After confirming the direction she pointed, he took Li Shu and Li Ning into the courtyard. Er Ya glanced at the teacher and followed inside.

The teacher still looked indignant, muttering something, though it was unclear what.

Perhaps because she was young, or perhaps because Li Shu's parent's attitude made her uncomfortable.

A teacher of the people is a glorious profession and a respected one; who shouldn't respect her?

Seeing Li Shu's parent take the two children to the principal's office, the teacher didn't care and went back to her class.

"Hello, are you Principal Liu?"

Li Li Xuewu knocked on the open office door, looked at the middle-aged female comrade sitting behind the desk, and introduced himself: "I'm Li Shu's parent, my name is Li Li Xuewu."

"Oh, Li Shu's parent, hello."

Principal Liu was clearly surprised by his appearance, as if she hadn't reacted yet.

Li Li Xuewu had already walked into her office with the two children and Er Ya.

"You're a rare sight. Li Shu has been in our kindergarten, and I've only seen you three times in total, right?"

Principal Liu didn't understand the purpose of his visit, walked out from behind the desk, and greeted him with a smile.

Li Li Xuewu also nodded with a smile and explained: "Li Shu feels sorry that her mother and I are busy with work, so she doesn't need us to take her to kindergarten and asked her aunt to help."

"I've seen her, I've seen her. Sit down, sit down and talk."

Principal Liu was clearly experienced. She had an idea of Gu Ning and Li Li Xuewu's status in her heart. At this moment, she appeared neither humble nor arrogant, but was very sophisticated in social matters.

To be a principal of a government kindergarten, one had to be a well-rounded person.

When she saw Li Li Xuewu walk in, she sized up the smaller one, who wasn't old enough for school yet.

Thinking this way, she knew that Li Li Xuewu's visit to the kindergarten was definitely not for the younger one to attend school.

If it wasn't for the younger one, it was for the older one.

She had heard plenty of rumors about Li Shu and had originally thought about finding an opportunity to communicate with the parents, but she didn't expect Li Li Xuewu to come to her first.

"Thank you, I won't drink water."

Li Li Xuewu first waved his hand to decline her courtesy, asked her to sit down first, and then sat on the sofa.

Seeing him so formal, Principal Liu's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately glanced at Li Shu's state.

The little girl was quite well-behaved here, but the cleverness and quirkiness in her big eyes couldn't be hidden.

To be honest, she also likes Li Shu very much; she is multi-talented, loves to express herself, and has a very cheerful personality.

While other children might have times when they cried, she was rarely like that and was sensible.

It was just that she was truly mischievous and dared to use her hands; if someone bullied her, she would truly hit them.

Her little mouth could also talk, "ba-ba-ba," and she dared to talk back to teachers. She was the most talked-about topic in the kindergarten.

"Er Ya, you tell Principal Liu first what Wang Laoshi said when you came to pick up Li Shu that day."

Li Li Xuewu didn't start by questioning or reasoning, but signaled for Er Ya to speak first.

Er Ya glanced at him and then looked at Principal Liu, saying: "Last Friday, when I came to pick up Li Shu after school, I heard parents around discussing Li Shu's background and..."

She said this and glanced cautiously at Li Shu. At this moment, Li Shu was tightly gripping her father's hand, looking at Principal Liu.

"They said some very bad things and also mentioned Wang Laoshi, so I spoke to Wang Laoshi."

Er Ya continued: "Wang Laoshi's attitude was a bit impatient, saying that people's mouths were on them and she couldn't control it, and also saying that Li Shu was just too spoiled."

"Mm, alright, you take Li Shu and Li Ning to the courtyard to wait for me first."

Li Li Xuewu didn't let her continue, patted his daughter's back, and said softly: "You take your brother and aunt to the courtyard to wait for Dad. Dad will talk to the principal for a few words and then come find you. We'll go to the hospital to visit your eldest aunt in a while, okay?"

"Mm, okay—" Li Shu withdrew her gaze from the principal's face, looked at him, nodded, and then took her brother's hand and left the office with her aunt.

"That, Comrade Li..."

"Should I speak first?" Before Principal Liu could finish, Li Li Xuewu looked at her with a calm attitude and said: "On the way to the kindergarten, Li Shu told me that her Wang Laoshi said she wasn't the child born to Gu Ning and me."

"No... she..." Principal Liu suddenly widened her eyes and said: "Could it be a misunderstanding?"

"You can investigate this matter slowly."

Li Li Xuewu's tone remained calm: "Li Shu's situation is quite special. You can see it; she indeed isn't the child born to Gu Ning and me."

"I previously felt there was no need to 'report' her background to you, but since the kindergarten teachers and parents are so curious, shall we talk about it?"

His expression gradually became serious: "However, you might believe what I say, but other teachers and parents will definitely have doubts. I'll take Li Shu back today first, and tomorrow I'll ask the Foreign Affairs Department to arrange for a special commissioner to bring a work letter to report to you. I also ask you to notify the leaders at the level of Dean and above of the General Hospital, as well as all the teachers and parents in the kindergarten, to come and listen?"

"Comrade Li, you this—"

Principal Liu couldn't sit still. She waved her hand gently to appease him and said: "Don't be agitated yet. I will definitely investigate this matter clearly..."

"It must be investigated clearly, otherwise I can't explain to the child whether I am her father or not."

Li Li Xuewu stared into Principal Liu's eyes and said: "If you can't investigate it clearly, then I will ask the General Hospital for an explanation. Her mother is working continuously on the front-line operating table, and she is being gossiped about in kindergarten, right?"

"Li Shu mentioned to her mother that she didn't want to come to school anymore, and she mentioned it to me this morning too."

He tapped the armrest of the sofa with his finger and said: "You should have heard about my situation. I was transferred to work in the Liaodong region at the beginning of this year, and I rarely have time to come back."

"Her mother really can't take care of two children, so she asked a relative at home to come and help."

"Yes, yes, I've heard about it."

Seeing him say this, Principal Liu knew that this matter had to be taken seriously, and she kept saying good things.

But the facts were right in front of her. She didn't believe what the little girl who was clearly a nanny said, and she could choose not to believe Li Shu's childish words, but what about Li Li Xuewu's words?

Did she really want people from the General Hospital to come down and investigate?

"Our family has nothing special. When I'm at work, I'm an enterprise cadre, and her mother is a doctor at the General Hospital. Both of us serve the organization and the people."

"After work, we are all ordinary people, raising children, also dealing with daily necessities; there is nothing for teachers and parents to discuss."

"Regarding the private tutor matter, I don't want to explain too much. The fact that I have the conditions to provide the children with more educational resources is the result of my and her mother's hard work and struggle."

Li Li Xuewu restrained his tone and said lightly: "If the kindergarten has a rule that children with private tutors are not allowed to attend school, then we will definitely respect this rule. Today, I will ask you to handle the withdrawal procedures for us."

"You must have misunderstood. There is no such rule. Having conditions is a good thing."

Principal Liu accompanied him with a smile and said: "Li Shu is a little star and a little talent in our school. She receives more attention, and I didn't expect such a thing to happen."

"My attitude is just this."

Li Li Xuewu didn't want to listen to her empty words and said bluntly: "If you are willing to investigate, then Li Shu will come to school tomorrow, and I will listen to her opinion after she finishes school."

"If you and other teachers are still curious about her background, then it will be as I said."

He stood up, ignored Principal Liu's attempts to keep him and her politeness, and walked out of the office door.

"Dad—"

Li Shu, who was playing with stones with her brother, saw him come out and ran over with a smile.

"Did you wait anxiously?"

Li Li Xuewu smiled, flicked her forehead, then picked her up, carried her and Li Ning on his shoulders, and walked out of the kindergarten with big strides, leaving behind the happy laughter of the two children.

Principal Liu stood at the door watching the father and the two children, her heart pounding. Was this someone who could be provoked?

Logistics work wasn't easy to do; she also had connections in the General Hospital, and her husband worked in the Medical Affairs Section.

If she didn't have this connection, she wouldn't have become the principal of the kindergarten. How could she not know about this family?

Even if she didn't know about Gu Ning and Li Li Xuewu's background in the kindergarten, didn't her husband know?

As early as when Li Shu entered the kindergarten, her husband had warned her that this young couple was not simple.

What ordinary people? Gu Ning was a doctor at the General Hospital, but why didn't she mention Gu Ning's parents?

And Li Li Xuewu, he said he was an enterprise cadre, but there were high and low levels of cadres.

The Hongxing Steel Group, a unit that frequently appeared in newspapers, was the most powerful large enterprise in the East City.

Li Li Xuewu was a group leader. Could someone who reached this position at a young age be an ordinary character?

She didn't tell the teachers below about this because she didn't want to cause misunderstandings and discussions.

She didn't mention it, but the teachers started gossiping in private.

It would have been fine if they just talked in private, but not only did the parents find out, they didn't even avoid the child.

She really didn't know how to be angry or what to say to Wang Laoshi.

Wang Laoshi came to the kindergarten the year before last; her mother was an old head nurse in the inpatient department who had retired due to illness.

Because of this connection, she agreed to let the other party work in the kindergarten.

Government units are like this; anyone you mention is connected in a string, and you never know whose connection it is.

Class A1 was having a counting class. Wang Laoshi stood in front of the podium pointing at the numbers on the blackboard to teach everyone to read them. Some children had woken up early, and the boring reading made their upper eyelids fight with their lower eyelids, swaying back and forth.

Some children even laid their heads on the small tables and fell asleep.

Children are like this; their energy is like a battery; once it's exhausted, they get dazed, and once they're sleepy, they lay down and sleep. It's hard for them to have self-control.

Usually, Wang Laoshi was patient; which teacher in the kindergarten wasn't short-tempered?

Her mouth wasn't good, but her heart wasn't bad. But today, encountering Li Shu being late and the parent clearly coming to find trouble, she wasn't in a good mood.

She saw Li Shu's nanny taking Li Shu and her brother to play in the courtyard, and she felt even more angry.

And there were parents like this, asking for leave even when there was no illness. How spoiled did a child have to be?

It was just that she couldn't control Li Shu today, but couldn't she control the few dazed children?

She picked up the yellow wooden ruler on the podium, walked to the small table, and tapped it once on each.

Naturally, she didn't hit the children, but tapped it on the table board, shouting for the children to be more spirited.

"Teacher, I want to sleep—"

Children are the best at hiding their true thoughts. The dazed child raised his head and replied.

Wang Laoshi was anxious, thinking about what Li Shu's parent would talk to the principal about, and she blurted it out: "Are you the principal? You can sleep wherever you want!"

"Wang Laoshi, come out for a moment."

Coincidentally, Principal Liu had just walked to the door. Before she could talk to Wang Laoshi, she heard this sentence.

She was the principal, but when did she say one could sleep wherever one wanted? What was wrong with this Wang girl? How could she not control her mouth and dare to say anything?

"Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep until you're all little fools—"

Wang Laoshi was startled by the principal, especially when she saw her gaze, her heart pounding.

Seeing her leave, she turned back and glared at the few children. She wanted to scold them but couldn't bear to, leaving only this sentence before going out.

She left, and the children weren't sleepy anymore, chattering about Li Shu who hadn't come to school.

They had just seen it; Li Shu was playing in the courtyard, and they were very envious.

"Eldest Aunt, I miss you so much!"

Li Shu was very clever; before she even entered the ward, her little mouth shouted out.

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping had given birth to Li Tang in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital last time, and this time she chose it again.

With her father-in-law's connection and her brother-in-law here, what did she have to worry about?

There were better hospitals, and the General Hospital where her sister-in-law worked, as well as the United Industrial Hospital, were all convenient.

Regardless of medical conditions or equipment, the United Industrial Hospital was the best in Beijing.

The General Hospital where Gu Ning worked was even more full of talent. She could choose any hospital to give birth.

But she still wanted to be closer to home. Besides being convenient for her mother-in-law and the old lady to deliver food, she also wanted to see Li Tang every day, as he wasn't even three years old yet.

When Li Li Xuewu took Li Shu and Li Ning into the ward, only the eldest brother was there to accompany her.

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping was lying on her side on the bed. Seeing the father and children come, she responded and smiled on her face.

"Why didn't you go to school—"

She tapped Li Shu's forehead and said with a smile: "Is it because your dad is back and someone is backing you up?"

"I miss you—" Li Shu giggled, let her aunt tap her, and was about to climb onto the bed.

She really didn't care how big Zhao Zhao Ya Ping's belly was; she still thought she was on the kang in the courtyard.

"Get down, stay away from your aunt." Li Li Xuewu laughed, picked up his daughter, and placed her and Li Ning on the adjacent hospital bed.

"Your aunt is a protected subject now. Didn't you see your eldest uncle standing guard here?"

Li Li Xuewu said this because Li Shu's dangerous action just now made his eldest brother tense up and widen his eyes.

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping, however, didn't care much and smiled, saying: "It's alright, what can she do to me."

"Her little hands are quite strong." Li Li Xuewu glanced at his daughter and said: "She can even peel peanuts by herself."

"Aunt, shall I peel peanuts for you?"

Seeing her father praise her, Li Shu was about to get off the bed to show off, but was held in her eldest uncle's arms again.

"Little ancestor, just be quiet for a while."

Li Li Xuewu laughed and coaxed her: "Your aunt doesn't want to eat anything right now; she's just happy to see you."

"Eldest Uncle." Li Shu patted her eldest uncle's face with her two little hands, tilted her head, and asked: "You seem a bit unhappy to see me—"

"Hahaha—" Zhao Zhao Ya Ping couldn't help but look at Li Shu and laugh: "Why are you so good at talking?"

"Her little mouth is very capable." Li Li Xuewu laughed, looked at his sister-in-law, and asked: "Did Dad say when she's going to give birth?"

"Director Xia checked and said these two days."

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping didn't have much energy. She put her hand under her head, lay on her side, and said: "I hope she's born soon; I've had enough; it's too heavy."

"Mom provided too much nutrition; this pregnancy will be hard." Li Li Xuewu looked at his eldest brother and said: "I sent the eggs I got for my sister-in-law home. I agreed with Mom that she'll boil them and bring them over tonight."

"We can't even finish the eggs at home." Zhao Zhao Ya Ping turned over and said with a smile: "I can't eat anything right now."

"You'll be hungry after you give birth." Li Li Xuewu signaled to his eldest brother and asked: "Did you ask for leave?"

"There are no serious classes anyway." Li Li Xuewu loved Li Shu, held her in his arms, and walked around the ward, saying: "The research institute has more flexible time."

"Are you busy? If you need help, just say the word. I'll ask Qin Jingru to go home and help, and let Er Ya come over to take care of you."

Li Li Xuewu said this last sentence to his sister-in-law, sincerely; they were brothers and were the closest.

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping waved her hand and said: "Nothing is wrong. The old lady is taking care of Li Tang, and Mom and your eldest brother are enough. Besides, Dad and the third brother are here."

"I guess I can't help much."

Li Li Xuewu smiled and comforted his sister-in-law: "When my nephew or niece is born, I'll give a big red envelope."

"Don't say that; I have confidence."

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping touched her belly and said: "This time it's a sharp belly; it must be a girl."

When she said this, she looked at Li Shu with hope. The couple had been thinking about Li Shu for a long time and just wanted a little girl.

Li Li Xuewu only found it funny and reminded her: "Whether the belly is sharp or flat has nothing to do with whether it's a girl or a boy. Didn't Dad tell you that this is due to the fetus's position?"

"Do you think Dad would be as disappointing as you?"

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping glanced at him and said: "Can't you just go along with what I say? I'm a protected subject now."

It is said that the eldest sister-in-law is like a mother, and the younger brother-in-law is like a son, so one shouldn't joke easily, but it depends on the age.

Li Li Xuewu and Zhao Zhao Ya Ping were two years apart in age and got along well, so naturally, they could joke, but there had to be a limit, and they couldn't say just anything.

Li Li Xuewu didn't care about them bickering, coaxed Li Shu to take an apple from the iron cabinet, peeled it with a small knife, and gave half to Li Ning and half to Li Shu.

Li Ning only cared about eating and watching after entering the room, or playing on the hospital bed, unlike his sister who was so noisy.

"Alright, I'll go along with what you say..."

"Ouch—" Before Li Li Xuewu could finish his sentence, Zhao Zhao Ya Ping grimaced and cried out.

"What's wrong?" Li Li Xuewu was coaxing the two children, but his mind was still on her.

"Go find the doctor; my water seems to have broken." Zhao Zhao Ya Ping had experience in giving birth, so she naturally could tell the situation. She didn't panic too much and gripped the bed rail, saying: "It should be, it should be."

Li Li Xuewu stood up excitedly and walked quickly out of the ward. He could hear his shouting in the corridor.

This was the obstetrics ward, so naturally, there were doctors on duty. Li Li Xuewu had just held Li Shu and Li Ning in his arms for fear of scaring them when the doctor walked in quickly.

"It's alright, it's time to give birth."

Director Xia determined it after just one look and said to Zhao Zhao Ya Ping and Li Li Xuewu: "But it's still early; go to the observation room first."

People weren't worth much in this era, and the doctors' attitudes were very relaxed, especially toward colleagues' family members.

Li Shun's daughter-in-law; she had a bottom line in her heart.

She greeted the nurse who followed in, gave a few instructions, and then exhorted Li Li Xuewu before leaving.

"You go home first and pick up Mom."

Zhao Zhao Ya Ping had calmed down after hearing the doctor's words. She turned to the father and children standing in the ward and instructed: "No need to tell Li Ning and Ji Yuxiu; just come when you have time. Waiting outside is useless."

"It's alright, don't worry about these."

Li Li Xuewu carried Li Shu and Li Ning out, saying as he walked: "Eldest brother will send you to the observation room first. I'll talk after I pick up Mom. Dad and the third brother probably don't know yet; I'll call them on the way."

"Goodbye, Eldest Aunt." Li Shu could see the tense atmosphere, waved to her aunt, and said: "I'll come visit you again when you're better—" ===== CHAPTER 1469 =====

"Goodbye, Auntie." Li Shu could tell the atmosphere was tense, so she waved her hand to greet the aunt: "I'll come to see you again when you're better—"