Chapter 1468: The Silly Girl

"Director—"

Wang Laoshi nervously knocked on the office door of the Director, greeting her timidly.

Director Liu, however, was quite polite; she nodded and said, "You have more of a future than I do. From now on, I should be the one calling you 'Director,' so I might live a few years longer."

"Director—" Seeing her anger, Wang Laoshi quickly spoke in a coquettish tone, "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? I'm about to die—"

Director Liu truly felt she was about to die, dying from rage and dying from anxiety.

She didn't even invite Wang Laoshi to sit; standing in the office herself, she pointed at the spot where Li Li Xuewu had just been sitting and asked, "Do you recognize the person who just came?"

"Li Shu's father, of course—"

Wang Laoshi cautiously observed the Director's expression, having already guessed the purpose of the visitor's trip to the kindergarten.

A person who has done wrong may stubbornly argue and deceive others, but they can absolutely never deceive themselves.

Ever since Li Shu's father coldly dodged her hand when she reached out to take Li Shu, she had been pondering this issue.

Aside from verbal slips, what wrong could she possibly have done to a child?

In these times, beating and scolding children was not unheard of, but in a kindergarten, especially an institution-run one, teachers knew the children's backgrounds; who would dare to truly strike them?

Scaring them was one thing, but if teachers couldn't control the children, the classroom would become chaotic.

Wang Laoshi was certain she had neither scolded nor punished Li Shu recently, much less laid a hand on her.

Having eliminated all impossibilities, the correct answer surfaced; she could not deceive herself.

"In the kindergarten, under your watch, you may call him 'Li Shu's father,'" Director Liu said, looking at her. "But here, and outside the kindergarten, he is the Secretary-General of the Red Star Iron and Steel Group and also a cadre of the Garrison Command."

"If you know Li Shu's father, you must surely know Li Shu's mother."

With a serious face and an urgent voice, she continued, "Comrade Gu Ning is the youngest and most promising surgeon at the General Hospital, fighting on the front lines almost year-round without rest; this is precisely why you rarely see them."

"And regarding Li Shu, whom you have been gossiping about, even I am not qualified to know her origins."

Speaking thus, Director Liu grew angrier; tapping her finger on the desk, she said, "Li Shu's father just stated that if we are curious about Li Shu's background, we should invite the Waishi Force to come with an official work letter and report—report, I say!"

"Director—" Wang Laoshi looked at her in terror, speaking weakly, "I didn't..."

"You didn't what?" Director Liu raised her voice several degrees, glaring at her. "Do you want the leaders of the Waishi Force to come give you a report on Li Shu's background? As a teacher, do you have no professional ethics?"

"Do you think I am exaggerating, or that Li Shu's father is lying?"

Seeing her childish expression, Director Liu reached back, pulled a form from her desk, and showed it to her, saying, "Have you never thought to look at Li Shu's registration materials from when she enrolled? What is there for you to be so curious about?"

With every sentence Director Liu spoke, Wang Laoshi involuntarily shivered; she had truly never seen the Director so angry.

"Do you know what it means for a household registration to bear the seal of the Waishi Force?"

Tapping the form she held for emphasis, Director Liu stressed, "What is there about a child who is so cherished and loved by her adoptive parents that deserves your behind-the-back gossip?"

"I must say one more thing to you—"

Especially upon saying this, Director Liu grew even angrier; glaring at her, she demanded, "Do you not think before you speak? Saying such things in front of the children?"

"Did you discuss Li Shu's background with the parents, or did the little ones hear it and repeat it at home?"

"I don't know—"

Tears swirling in her eyes, Wang Laoshi was on the verge of crying; pressing her lips together, she said, "That day Teacher Zhang asked me about this, so I just casually said a few words."

"You casually said a few words, yet I must offer ten thousand apologies on your behalf."

Hearing her say this, Director Liu instantly understood the situation; looking at her with frustration akin to hating iron for not becoming steel, she said, "If you feel I have taken too much care of you, just say it outright. There is no need to repay kindness with enmity and deliberately dig a huge pit to trap me."

"I didn't mean to—" Unable to hold back any longer, tears streamed down Wang Laoshi's face as she choked out an explanation, "I didn't expect the children to hear."

"Such words should never have been spoken. Is your brain not working, or do you have no gatekeeper on your mouth?"

Glaring at her for emphasis, Director Liu continued, "Let me ask you again: was emphasizing Li Shu's parents' situation to you harming you or bullying you? Was assigning Li Shu to your class not for your own benefit?"

Seeing Wang Laoshi nod, she let out a long sigh and said dissatisfiedly, "You truly are an 'A Dou' who cannot be lifted up; opportunity lies right before you, yet you do not know how to cherish it."

"That couple has no existing relationship; if you had used this opportunity to build good relations, everything would have been settled with a single word. Truly, you have no brain—"

Looking at the weeping Wang Laoshi, Director Liu felt both helpless and regretful; pointing at her, she said, "Learn a lesson. Just because you are with children all day, do you consider yourself a child too?"

"Director—I'm sorry."

Pouting her lips and looking at her with tear-filled eyes to plead for mercy, Wang Laoshi said, "I know I was wrong; I dare not do it again."

"Let there be no next time; this one incident is enough to keep me recovering for half a year."

Director Liu let out a long sigh, her tone softening as she looked at Wang Laoshi and said, "This matter could be big or small; if it truly escalates to the General Hospital, how do you think the superiors will handle it?"

"No need to guess: you will be dismissed, and I will be transferred."

Looking directly at Wang Laoshi, she stated plainly, "I won't speak of the broader implications, but on a smaller scale, you have already failed in moral conduct; you cannot even serve as a role model for teachers."

"Mm—I know I was wrong."

Wiping her tears with the back of her hand, Wang Laoshi spoke with great sincerity, "In the future, I dare not speak out of turn again."

"I just called your Uncle Zhang; guess what he said?"

Without waiting for an answer, Director Liu stated plainly, "He told me that if it can be handled today, do not wait until tomorrow; if it can be handled now, do not wait until school ends."

"Uncle Zhang he—" Wang Laoshi naturally knew who the Director was referring to: the Director's husband, a cadre in the logistics department of the General Hospital, and a colleague of her mother.

"You surely know where Li Shu's family lives; after school tonight, the two of us will go there to apologize in person."

Speaking decisively, Director Liu said, "We cannot control how parents gossip, but such bad trends must absolutely not appear in the institution-run kindergarten. Do you remember?"

"I remember; I dare not do it again."

"If there is a next time, I will deal with you first."

Steeling her heart, Director Liu glared at her and said, "There is no one as troublesome as you; do I owe you something?"

"Director—" Wang Laoshi cautiously took hold of the Director's hand and said timidly, "I know I was wrong—"

"This afternoon, find some time to go to the market and buy some fruit; it need not be expensive or plentiful, but remember, do not overdo it!"

Tapping Wang Laoshi's forehead, Director Liu sighed helplessly and said, "Even for such matters I must teach you; when will you ever grow up?"

"Has she given birth? Has she given birth?"

Ji Ji Yuxiu trotted through the corridor, and these were the first words she spoke upon seeing her second brother.

Li Li Xuewu sat on a wooden bench, looking at her with amusement as he said, "Given birth to what?"

"Yes, given birth to what?"

Ji Ji Yuxiu was simply too excited; panting heavily, she asked, "Has she given birth or not?"

"Look at you—" Liu Yin, sitting nearby, pointed at her with a smile, then glanced at her eldest son, who was pacing before the operating room door like an ant on a hot pan, and teased, "You're even more anxious than your big brother—"

"Mother means you're anxious to give birth to one yourself."

Li Li Xuewu joined in the fun from the side, saying, "When the time comes, we'll ask you what you've given birth to as well."

"What else could it be but a child? It's not going to be Nezha—" Li Xucai emerged from the doctor's office right next door, catching up with a laugh: "Sister-in-law is determined to have a daughter; I, for one, hope she gets her wish."

"Truly, it's wonderful to see you all getting along."

Liu Yin was also smiling; looking at her second son beside her, she said, "For over half a year of this pregnancy, he's been mentioning Li Shu day and night, saying how good Li Shu is at this and that."

"Don't you hope for another grandson?"

Since getting married, Ji Ji Yuxiu's personality had become increasingly cheerful; sitting down next to her mother-in-law, she was deliberately stirring up trouble.

Li Xucai stood next to his second brother, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Exactly, a grandson can carry on the family line."

"Isn't one enough?"

Liu Yin laughed at her third daughter-in-law's panic, yet she herself was incredibly nervous; as she spoke, she glanced at the operating room door light with every sentence, just waiting for the nurse to bring the baby out.

"I'm not forcing any of you to have sons or daughters; have many and gain much, have few and suffer less; either way is good."

She took her third daughter-in-law's hand, patting it gently as she said, "A daughter is a parent's little padded jacket, a son is the family's pillar; if you ask me, one son and one daughter is perfect."

"Did you hear that? Mother is talking about you."

Li Li Xuewu nudged with his elbow the little brother beside him, who was wearing a white coat and looking increasingly spirited and handsome.

Li Xucai, however, was shameless; smiling broadly, he said, "How is one son and one daughter enough? At least three are needed; I wouldn't mind four or five either—"

"Well, you won't have to work hard for it!"

Ji Ji Yuxiu glared at him, then turned her face, put her arm around her mother-in-law's hand, and laid a trap, saying, "Don't put pressure on me; Lao San and I will just let fate decide."

"If a son comes, he's a son; if a daughter comes, she's a daughter; loving one child in this lifetime is enough."

"Then let it be up to fate; however many come, that's how many there will be."

Fearing his mother might overthink it, Li Li Xuewu followed her lead with a joke: "Don't worry about no one being there to help raise them; the Old Lady has retired to the second line, and isn't Mother still here?"

"You're really throwing me under the bus."

Mother and son shared a heart; how could Liu Yin not know the deeper meaning behind her son's words? She glanced at him, then smiled and said to Ji Ji Yuxiu, "Mother still says the same thing: it's all up to you."

"Mm—with your word on it, I'm relieved." Ji Ji Yuxiu tightly hugged her mother-in-law's arm, her eyes full of joy.

Even though she was born into the prestigious Ji family, having lacked parental love since childhood, Ji Ji Yuxiu longed more for the ordinary life of a common person.

At the very least, she wanted to ensure her child could see their parents after school, and that it wouldn't be an older brother attending parent-teacher meetings.

She was already strong enough; she had never made any demands of her parents, but she had made a demand of herself regarding her own children: she must not be like her parents.

Therefore, in her work, she had no grand ambitions and did not wish to sacrifice too much of her personal life and time.

Having been promoted for over two years, she remained neither hot nor cold; in her conduct and dealings, she became increasingly Lao Cheng Chi Zhong.

Li Li Xuewu could naturally see his sister-in-law's growth; compared to his third brother, she was far superior.

Of course, this was also related to Ji Ji Yuxiu starting work early; when she was working, Li Xucai was still in school.

However, with the experience of a year-long internship at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, looking at Li Xucai, who had now been formally working for several months, one truly sensed a transformation of growth.

The college student, once introverted in character and clumsy in speech, had suddenly grown into a qualified doctor.

The heavy responsibility of inheriting the family's medical arts ultimately fell upon his shoulders; on this point, Li Li Xuewu had to say his third brother was commendable—at the very least, he would not have to bear his father's sighs and regrets.

Of the Li family's three sons and one daughter, only one studied medicine; this inevitably caused Li Shun disappointment.

However, where there is loss, there is also gain; the second daughter-in-law studied medicine, and moreover possessed the highest academic degree in the family, which comforted Li Shun considerably.

Knowing his eldest daughter-in-law was giving birth today, he pretended to be reserved and waited for quite a while before slowly making his way to the obstetrics department.

"Hasn't she come out yet?"

After all, as a father-in-law, he had to maintain the demeanor of the head of the household; standing there with his hands behind his back, he cut an imposing figure.

Before his father, Li Xucai was like a kitten, showing not a trace of temper, standing straight and obediently.

Li Li Xuewu, being a son, and Ji Ji Yuxiu, being a daughter-in-law, both stood up at this moment to answer the question.

"It's been over forty minutes since she went in; it should be soon." Li Li Xuewu checked his watch and explained to his father, "Perhaps you should persuade Big Brother; he's so anxious he wants to go in and help."

Someone in this family always had to liven up the atmosphere; Li Li Xuewu, the de facto head of the household, was capable of making such jokes.

Li Shun glared at his eldest son and frowned, saying, "Are you pulling a donkey mill? Can't you sit down for a while?"

"It's been forty minutes since she went in."

Li Li Xuewen was truly anxious; he kept checking the time on his wrist, and even when scolded by his father just now, he paid it no mind, still muttering about why she hadn't come out yet.

Li Shun couldn't bear to look at him; at his second son's gesture, he sat down beside his old partner.

"He's always like this; why scold him?"

Liu Yin gently patted Li Shun's arm and explained softly, "When have you ever seen him anxious? Let him be anxious today; otherwise, he'll truly become a slowpoke."

Clang—

Amidst the expectant gazes of the whole family, the wooden door of the delivery room was finally pushed open, and a nurse in a white coat, holding a swaddled infant, came out shouting, "Who are Zhao Zhao Yafang's relatives?!"

With that volume and that tone, it would be a pity not to go to the market to hawk goods; Li Li Xuewu estimated that even those downstairs could hear that Zhao Zhao Yafang was giving birth.

She clearly saw the whole family waiting at the door, yet she insisted on shouting like this; why?

Because she feared holding the wrong baby, and even more feared someone intentionally swapping babies; this was called deterrence.

With that single shout, even those with malicious intent would have to think twice, wondering if the real family members would hear, and where would they dare to step forward to take the child.

"Just let you take a look!"

The nurse really did only let the family take one look, then promptly picked up the baby and left.

Li Shun and Li Li Xuewu both worked at this hospital, but the nurse was long accustomed to her job and paid no attention to the two men in white coats.

Hmm, the guy who sells fried dough sticks in the morning wears a white coat too.

"Perfect—I just said your sister-in-law gave birth, so we can't go to Yangcheng now—"

Gu Ning's eyes sparkled, as if finding an excuse to refuse her mother was some great achievement.

Li Li Xuewu smiled at her and reminded: "When you call, use a tone of regret—don't let Mom hear you're happy."

"Sister-in-law got what she wanted—shouldn't we be happy?" Gu Ning internally took his advice to heart, but verbally pushed back, picking up the phone and dialing Jin Ling.

Getting Jin Ling's number at this hour was truly difficult; you really have to admit the telephone bureau keeps improving every year.

Li Li Xuewu returned home around four in the afternoon, first went to Sihe Academy to pick up Li Shu and Li Ning, and the three of them made it home in time for dinner.

There was no point thinking about Sihe Academy—the whole family was mobilized; Li Xue hadn't finished work, and even if she had, she'd have to go to the hospital.

The old lady had the duty to care for Li Tang; otherwise she'd have gone to the hospital to wait for the birth.

Now that the birth was over, they were just waiting for Li Xuecai to come and take her to see Li Tang's mother.

Li Li Xuewu and the three of them couldn't get a meal at Sihe Academy—so they had no choice but to get home early.

Sha Zhu had invited him to have a drink that night, but he dreaded He Yu Shui's gaze, so he quickly made an excuse about needing to pick up Gu Ning at the hospital and slipped away.

He Yu Shui was still the same He Yu Shui, only quieter, with an even more refined aura than before.

Li Li Xuewu understood her gaze—it was resentment, dissatisfaction, blaming him for being heartless, heartless enough to try to numb her life with work.

Yes, numbing her life.

After a long day's exhaustion, do you still have energy to think about love?

Ding-ding-ding—

The doorbell rang; Er Ya rushed out from the kitchen to open the front door.

But as she reached the dining room entrance and saw Li Li Xuewu and Xiao Ning sitting on the sofa, she remembered—they were both home—so who could be visiting at this hour?

Li Li Xuewu's house rarely had guests; only relatives or people from the recycling station ever came.

Even among recycling station workers, only a select few had the privilege to come to his home to report urgent matters.

Besides, it was nearly dinnertime—was this visitor deliberately timing it?

"You stay busy—I'll open the door."

Li Li Xuewu knew she was occupied in the kitchen; when he returned in the afternoon, he'd told Er Ya to simmer some light, nourishing porridge.

It was for the sister-in-law's recovery—though he knew she couldn't eat much yet, sending it over was still a gesture of goodwill.

Before he could stand up, Zhao Ya Ping heard the noise and hurried out from her room, saying: "Second brother, I'll open the door."

As she spoke, she was already heading for the entrance hall.

Li Li Xuewu didn't care much who it was at this hour—eighty percent sure it was Shen Shen Guodong coming to talk business.

But this time he was wrong; when he realized the visitor wasn't Shen Shen Guodong, or even a man, Director Liu and Wang Laoshi were already standing in the entrance hall.

"Wang Laoshi! Director—"

Li Shu was the first to spot the kindergarten teachers and greeted them with delight.

Children's hearts are always kind, shining, even incapable of holding grudges.

She didn't even know what hatred or resentment meant.

Yet Li Shu's delight only highlighted the two women's awkwardness and guilt.

"It's the kindergarten's Director Liu and Wang Laoshi."

Li Li Xuewu still respected the teaching profession, even though they were merely kindergarten teachers.

He stood up voluntarily and introduced the puzzled Gu Ning: "They're here to see Li Shu."

Gu Ning of course recognized them—though she'd only met them briefly and never spoken much.

But why now? Why would the director and teacher come to the house? If they wanted a home visit, they should've called ahead.

She put down the still-unconnected phone, nodded slightly at the two awkward women, and said: "Hello."

Director Liu hadn't expected Gu Ning to be so proud, even somewhat—cold.

Wang Laoshi already knew what kind of personality Li Shu's mother had, so she wasn't particularly surprised.

What surprised her was the home's environment, especially the black grand piano near the staircase.

Never mind whether the child studied piano—how many families could even fit a grand piano inside?

No wonder they hired a nanny and private tutors for the child—their means were truly impressive.

"Sorry for the sudden visit."

Director Liu awkwardly slipped on the guest slippers Zhao Ya Ping had fetched, stepped inside, and politely greeted them.

In this era, the custom of changing slippers before entering the house was still rare—was this really an ordinary family?

Wang Laoshi felt the same; the environment constrained her, and she instinctively bowed slightly to thank Zhao Ya Ping for fetching the slippers.

Zhao Ya Ping already knew about Li Shu's situation at school, but she had no voice in this household.

So out of politeness, after fetching the slippers, she returned to her room.

Second brother had said: after dinner, the whole family would go to the hospital to visit her elder sister.

Zhao Ya Ping took her elder sister as her role model in every way, especially in studies—she never let up for a moment.

Since they were going to the hospital tonight, she had to finish her homework quickly, or she'd have to stay up late when they returned.

"Don't be formal—please sit."

Li Li Xuewu still wore his distant, polite smile, gesturing toward the sofa.

Director Liu nodded to Gu Ning, then sat down on the sofa with Wang Laoshi, who carried a basket of fruit.

"Li Shu's father, I hope the events of the past few days haven't caused trouble for the child; we are truly sorry."

She came with sincerity, and that sincerity was Wang Laoshi beside her—certainly not the fruit in Wang Laoshi's hand.

The reason she reminded Wang Laoshi not to bring anything expensive or excessive was precisely because she knew Li Shu's family circumstances.

This family certainly did not lack for such trivial fruit; buying something expensive or too much would be inappropriate—what mattered was the sentiment.

Director Liu was also a remarkable person; after expressing her apologies, she lightly tapped the back of her hand against Wang Laoshi, who was sitting beside her and secretly sizing up the home's surroundings.

At a time like this, you still have the mind to think about other things?

Having you here really leaves me speechless!

I'm not just speechless; I'm utterly at a loss for words—

"Ah—sorry, Li Shu's father."

Reminded by the director, Wang Laoshi woke as if from a dream, bowed slightly, and apologized: "Today my attitude was wrong; I shouldn't have spoken to you like that..."

"Cough—cough—" Director Liu grew furious with exasperation; what was wrong with this little Wang, why was her speech so jumbled and disordered?

This was clearly the third sentence they had agreed upon; how could she say it ahead of schedule?

Prompted again by the director, Wang Laoshi, panicked, saw her previously pale face flush red in an instant.

"And—I shouldn't have discussed Li Shu's background, much less said such things in front of her..."

"She is indeed young, having worked for less than two years, and her conduct in dealing with people is still like that of a child."

Director Liu knew she had to step in at this moment; Little Wang had spoken the second agreed-upon sentence but skipped the first—was she playing reverse chronology with her now?

While she was explaining things to Wang Laoshi, Gu Ning on the other side furrowed her brows.

"Teachers, I don't understand."

Her expression clearly showed anger as she stared at the two and asked: "Did you just say you were discussing Li Shu's background?"

Interrupted, Director Liu froze in embarrassment, her gaze turning to Li Li Xuewu with expectation and pleading.

If it were only Li Li Xuewu, it would be manageable; but this Bingshan Princess, when she truly loses her temper, is someone she simply cannot withstand.

Let alone her; even her spouse feels intimidated.

If not for concerns about this Princess, would her spouse have said something like 'resolve this as soon as possible'?

Li Li Xuewu still harbored dissatisfaction over Wang Laoshi's actions, so at this moment he lifted his teacup, feigning ignorance and pretending not to see.

Li Shu, meanwhile, looked like the child who had committed a mistake, standing aside at a loss, watching the adults.

Small as she was, she could sense the stiff atmosphere between the adults, even if she couldn't articulate it clearly.

"Li Shu, help your aunt set the bowls and chopsticks."

Er Ya, hearing that people from the kindergarten had arrived, had been listening to the commotion in the living room all along.

Seeing Sister Ning grow angry, she hurried out from the kitchen and called Li Shu to go to the dining room.

Li Ning was arranging building blocks on the sofa in the dining room and was now curious about what they were doing.

With her father's nod of approval, Li Shu followed her aunt to the dining room, looking back every few steps.

She was afraid, afraid that her father and mother would quarrel with the kindergarten teachers; for her, this was a terrifying prospect.

"What is there about Li Shu's background worth discussing?"

Gu Ning maintained that icy tone, looking at Wang Laoshi as she spoke: "Wang Laoshi, are you very curious?"

"No—it's not that—"

At this moment, Wang Laoshi truly feared her; previously, when she saw Li Shu's mother, she had seemed merely indifferent, so she hadn't realized it, but today, seeing the other party lose her temper, she felt a chill that penetrated to the bones.

"It had better not be; I am tired."

When Gu Ning became serious, she truly possessed an aura called majesty; with just one sentence, she stood up and went upstairs.

Director Liu's expression nearly froze; she had not expected Gu Ning to be so angry, to the point of not giving her even a shred of face.

Wang Laoshi was even more frightened, on the verge of tears; she had already cried once this morning, so tears came easily now.

"Please be understanding; although we have Li Ning, Li Shu remains the first child for both me and her mother."

With Gu Ning playing the bad cop, Li Li Xuewu had to play the good cop; surely they couldn't arrange for Li Shu to transfer schools?

To put it this way, Li Shu lacked neither a school to attend nor access to excellent educational resources.

Given his and Gu Ning's capabilities, needless to say nationwide, even within all of Jingcheng, they could choose freely from the best schools.

If they had truly thought that way, they wouldn't have arranged for Li Shu to attend the kindergarten right at their doorstep in the first place.

Li Li Xuewu and Gu Ning shared the same idea: Li Shu's growth environment, background, and appearance were already special enough; neither of them wished for Li Shu to be even more exceptional.

Therefore, wherever other children studied, Li Shu would study there too; they wanted her to know she was simply a child who needed to grow up happily.

"I can understand the feelings of you and Doctor Gu."

Director Liu spoke with great sincerity: "Today, we too have come with sincerity."

She gestured toward the dining room and said: "If possible, we would like to apologize to Li Shu."

"Since this matter occurred within the kindergarten, it should be resolved within the kindergarten."

Knowing his daughter was in the dining room listening to their conversation, Li Li Xuewu stated firmly: "I believe Li Shu is capable of handling all of this."

"More than once, she has told us about novel stories from the kindergarten, including how kind this Wang Laoshi has been to her."

He raised his hand, gesturing toward Wang Laoshi, and said: "We are not nitpicking parents, nor are we villains who refuse to let go when in the right; but please understand the hearts of a father and mother."

"I'm sorry—"

Wang Laoshi cried again; not because she was frightened by Li Li Xuewu, but because of his words.

She simply could not restrain the guilt in her heart, hearing the student's parents speak of how their student remembered her kindness.

Yet what had she done?

She was only eighteen; after graduating from middle school, she had worked in the kindergarten—where could she have encountered the complexities of society?

When Director Liu came, she had pointed this out to her: sometimes a good friend is not necessarily a good person, and a good person does not necessarily choose to generously forgive your unintentional mistakes.

Many things fear being taken seriously; once they are, the matter itself can no longer control the outcome.

She now clearly understood the immense influence of Li Shu's parents, yet the director's words still echoed in her ears: that someone willing to come to the kindergarten to reason things out must be an upright person, too honorable to seek revenge through sinister plots behind one's back.

People like this deserve even more respect, and one must constantly remind oneself not to betray such good fortune.

But what if the other party were not as reasonable as Li Li Xuewu? Then she would just have to wait for misfortune to strike.

"I can accept your apology."

Li Li Xuewu nodded with frank sincerity and said, "Please continue to care for and help Li Shu grow; thank you for your hard work."

"Wuwu—" Wang Laoshi was truly an emotional person; hearing him say this, she cried even louder.

What schemes could a young Miss like her possibly harbor, to be reduced to tears by just a few words?

Director Liu tapped the back of her hand against Wang Laoshi's knee like a drumbeat, signaling that this was too much, far too much.

Before coming, she had indeed told Wang Laoshi that all men have a soft spot for beauty and fragility, so if Li Shu's mother became unhappy, she should shed tears to garner sympathy.

True, she had instructed Wang Laoshi to garner sympathy, but not to wail and sob like this; wasn't that acting like a silly girl?

Li Li Xuewu's speech and conduct were so seasoned that even Director Liu felt ashamed by comparison; this was precisely the demeanor and charm expected of a leader in a major corporation.

While helpless at Wang Laoshi's childishness, she also marveled inwardly: indeed, he was a corporate leader, capable of subduing others with just a few words.

Have you ever heard the phrase 'to win people over with virtue'?

You've heard of it, but do you know how to use it?

Hmm, you know how to use it, but when truly facing such situations, who can apply that phrase with such flexibility?

Seeing the small to understand the large, hearing thunder in the silence.

She had never imagined that Li Li Xuewu and Gu Ning, as a couple, would drive them out of their home over this matter, nor had she expected them to curse in the streets like ordinary commoners.

Similarly, she had never expected Li Li Xuewu to be so 'unyielding' as to reduce Wang Laoshi to tears.

Think about it: they came to apologize, and whether that apology was profound or not was merely a reflection of their inner feelings.

Now, however, they had arrived with sixty points of remorse and eighty points of expression, but after a few words from Li Li Xuewu, Wang Laoshi was nearing one hundred and twenty points of guilt, short only of killing herself to atone.

Thus, some people are so formidable they can sway your emotions and even manipulate your thoughts.

After this bout of crying, Wang Laoshi would henceforth treat Li Shu at the kindergarten with no less than one hundred and twenty points of remorse.

Even if that feeling diminished year by year, by the time Li Shu entered primary school, it would surely remain around ninety points.

As for herself, implicated by the scorched Wang Laoshi, she had admitted her fault and could forget about ever raising her voice again.

At this moment, she actually wished Li Li Xuewu and his wife would curse at them, as that would at least make them appear the weaker party.

But the man was a humble gentleman, projecting an image of magnanimity; how could one break this deadlock?

Winning people over with virtue was unsolvable; there was no way to break it.

"I ought to have invited you two to stay for dinner."

Li Li Xuewu, of course, would not let the silly girl Wang Laoshi cry her fill in his home, nor did he truly intend to keep them for a meal.

Having made a mistake and still expecting a meal? Would they next expect to reach for the heavens?

Forgiving them was to spare Li Shu's feelings and to demonstrate his family's magnanimity, but the attitude and concern that needed to be expressed had to be maintained.

So he raised his hand to check his watch and explained, "My sister-in-law is giving birth this afternoon; our whole family plans to have a simple meal before going to the hospital to visit her."

"I fear we have been inhospitable; please accept my sincere apologies."

"No, no, no, please do not be so polite."

Director Liu naturally understood they were being shown the door; she promptly pulled the big silly girl to her feet and said courteously, "Knowing that Li Shu loves fruit, this is a small token from Wang Laoshi; please do not disdain it."

"We really shouldn't accept this, but thank you."

Li Li Xuewu smiled faintly and called for Li Shu, who had long been peering out from the dining room, to come out and see their guests off.

"Director Liu and Wang Laoshi are leaving; shouldn't you see them off?"

"Daddy—" Li Shu first walked to his side, took his hand, and only then politely bid farewell to the teacher and the director.

Wang Laoshi, still immersed in overwhelming guilt, saw Li Shu approach and could not stop her tears from flowing.

"Teacher, I'm sorry—"

She squatted down and hugged Li Shu, tears and snot mingling, leaving Li Shu completely bewildered.

"We won't disturb you any longer." Director Liu, growing anxious, gave her a tug, swapped their shoes, and hurried out.

Li Li Xuewu, accompanied by his daughter, saw them all the way to the main gate, omitting not a single point of proper etiquette.

Respecting teachers and valuing education, noble in character.

Sometimes, while humans act, heaven watches; one simply cannot allow others to find fault.

Could anyone claim he was bullying others with his power?

There was no need to bully a little girl to demonstrate his ability; he was merely planting a seed in his daughter's heart, waiting for it to sprout and take root years later.

This seed would grow leaves of self-love, bloom flowers of confidence, and bear fruit of self-respect.

"You are too soft-hearted—"

In the hospital ward, having heard Gu Ning's explanation, Zhao Zhao Yafang glared dissatisfiedly at Li Li Xuewu.

She could not bear the thought of her own child being bullied at school, especially by a teacher.

Although Li Shu was not her biological child, she had grown up by her side and was already regarded as her own daughter.

It was only after Li Shu arrived at the ward, chattering about how the teacher and director had visited their home to see her, that Zhao Zhao Yafang took notice and asked Li Li Xuewu and his wife for the reason.

As a teacher herself, responsible for administrative management, how could she not know the intricacies involved?

The director and teacher visiting together—were they soliciting donations?

Gu Ning's explanation only made her angrier, furious at Li Li Xuewu's feigned magnanimity.

However, she appreciated Gu Ning's attitude; looking at the little one lying in her arms, she kept speaking of how a mother becomes strong, vowing to protect her completely.

Li Li Xuewu found it amusing; his eldest sister-in-law was so sensitive at this moment that he dared not explain too much.

Li Xuecai and Ji Ji Yuxiu had already left with the old lady and the child; Li Shun was not on duty today but stayed behind to wait for Liu Yin so they could depart together.

Li Xue was in the same situation; tonight her eldest brother was on the night shift, and tomorrow it would be Liu Yin's turn, as the family had already arranged the roster.

"Have you given the child a formal name yet?"

Li Li Xuewu changed the subject, thereby diverting his sister-in-law's attention, for he did not wish to affect Li Shu too much.

Li Shu was still young; only when she grew a bit older would it become impossible to conceal the truth, and that would be the time to let nature take its course.

Merely telling her this early would only leave psychological scars during her immature stage.

Everything was fate; even today, Li Li Xuewu believed this, and Gu Ning shared the same view.

"How about Li Ai Yue?"

Zhao Zhao Yafang, having finally obtained the daughter she had longed for, behaved like a fiercely protective mother hen; disregarding the fact that her father-in-law and mother-in-law were still present, she directly voiced her own idea.

In truth, the Li family did not maintain rigid traditions advocating the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, for this was a new society.

What did "new society" mean?

It meant that all those old practices from the former society should have long since died out.

The reason Li Li Xuewu and the others fell silent for over ten seconds after Zhao Zhao Yafang spoke was because of Li Shun.

Everyone knew that the thing Grandfather Li Shun anticipated most was naming his grandchildren.

It was just that his mind for naming was blocked; he could not think of two characters even after three days, making people truly unable to wait any longer.

Among the grandchildren in the family, the only one he had named was Li Shu; neither Li Ning nor Li Tang had been named by him.

By speaking these words, Zhao Zhao Yafang clearly had no intention of asking her father-in-law to name the child.

Liu Yin understood her husband's feelings; at this moment, she quietly patted his hand and looked at him with concern.

Li Shun did not rush to speak; he waited until Li Li Xuewu and the others had discussed the meaning and merits of the character "Ai Yue," before finally opening his mouth to say, "A good name; let us call her Li Ai Yue."

"It is always right to listen to Father."

Li Li Xuewu had been wondering how to mediate, but seeing him speak now, he quickly added this remark.

Zhao Zhao Yafang, being intelligent and perceptive, naturally understood his reminder and intention, and at this moment felt quite embarrassed in her heart.

Li Li Xuewen had previously mentioned this to her; back when naming Li Tang, the couple had neglected their father's opinion, so this time they must first strive to get their father to speak.

Even if they did not end up using his suggestion, they still had to ask for the elder's opinion, which would demonstrate their respect.

Yet she loved this daughter so dearly and was so overjoyed at having her wish fulfilled that she had momentarily forgotten this matter.

Now that Li Li Xuewu had offered her a way out, how could she fail to take it.

"Yueyue, Grandfather has given you a name—"

Instead of stating it directly, she teased the child lying beside her with closed eyes, asleep, saying, "From now on your name is Li Ai Yue; when you grow up, you must be very filial to your grandfather and grandmother."

Li Xue, standing aside, witnessed the entire shift from tension to harmony; just moments ago her palms had been sweating with anxiety, but now, seeing her father nod with satisfaction and relief, she exhaled a long breath as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

Among the three generations of the Li family, there were only two smart people: the eldest sister-in-law and the second brother; everyone else was a fool.

"Li Shu, Li Tang, Li Ning, Li Ai Yue!"

Li Shu, the most quick-witted, stood by the bed and murmured, "Little sister is named Li Ai Yue; she is the youngest little sister!"

"That is right, Li Ai Yue is the youngest little sister," Zhao Zhao Yafang said with a smile, looking at Li Shu and teasing her, "When your little sister grows up, you will take her out to play, okay?"

"Okay—" Li Shu responded eagerly, "I will teach her to sing, to dance, and I will also teach her how to paint!"

"My, what an excellent elder sister Li Shu is!"

Zhao Zhao Yafang praised her with a smile, saying, "In the future, you must absolutely not bully your little sister."

"Of course I won't—"

Li Shu glanced at her young aunt standing by the window, puckered her lips, and said, "Only Young Aunt would bully little sister."

"Li Shu—is your skin itching?"