Chapter 647: Nitpicking

Li Li Xuewu nodded, understanding Wang Wang Yajuan's meaning.

At this time, it was normal for performance times and sessions to be reduced.

Things would improve after a while; in a short time, a large number of art troupes and cultural work troupes would be disbanded and merged.

Except for those within the military, everyone else would have no performances left, so there would be no need to worry.

A large number of artistic performers would be arranged in batches to go down to the fields and farmheads to work and to perform.

The suffering involved in this need not be mentioned; the key point was that various stratifications would be carried out according to one's class background.

Some could return after a few months to continue performing, or go to their units to accompany them on consolation tours.

If one's class background was bad or their reform was inadequate, they could only continue for another two or three years; those who were unmarried would be directly transferred to local posts, similar to those students.

Wang Wang Yajuan had not come to see Li Li Xuewu to discuss these matters; it was only because Li Li Xuewu asked that she mentioned it casually.

Looking at Li Li Xuewu's face, Wang Wang Yajuan asked, "And you? How have you been lately?"

"Me? Exhausted."

Li Li Xuewu helplessly spread his hands, saying, "There's a heap of matters at the factory, and the same at the sub-bureau; none of it lets up, not as simple and straightforward as your work."

"I actually envy you."

Wang Wang Yajuan said with a dejected expression, "Back then, I was single-mindedly focused on learning to dance and getting on stage; only now do I realize our future is far too narrow."

Li Li Xuewu looked at the downcast Wang Wang Yajuan and asked, "Has something happened?"

"No, I'm just lost."

Wang Wang Yajuan sighed, then said, "It's not as good as Wang Yamei, who lives happily, crying when she wants to cry and laughing when she wants to laugh."

Having said that, she turned to Li Li Xuewu and added, "Unlike you, whose work and life are both so vibrant and colorful."

"Heh, trying to mock me, are you?"

Li Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Having a colorful job is one thing, but life isn't as wonderful as you say."

Wang Wang Yajuan also smiled slightly and said, "You're married; how could life not be good?"

Li Li Xuewu smiled but didn't take up the topic; he knew she was going to bring this up.

"What about you? Don't you think about finding a partner and getting married?"

Looking into Wang Wang Yajuan's eyes, Li Li Xuewu smiled and said, "Could it be that, just like me, you're afraid of coaxing children?"

Wang Wang Yajuan smiled, pressed her lips together, but her expression remained lonely; she did not answer Li Li Xuewu's question.

I am smiling, you are making a scene; who can truly know the heart's intent?

"Sister? Why have you come?"

Just as they were talking, Wang Wang Yamei walked out from the entrance of the retail department.

Seeing her own sister standing by the main gate pier talking to Wu Ge, she couldn't help but wrinkle her nose.

"I came to see you, to ask if you've been working properly here."

Li Li Xuewu proactively helped Wang Wang Yajuan out of the awkward situation, then signaled to Wang Wang Yamei, saying, "I'll go check on Lao Lao Biaozi; he's loading the truck. You sisters chat; go inside the shop, it's cooler there than out here."

Having said that, he smiled at Wang Wang Yajuan and walked into the main gate.

Wang Wang Yajuan's gaze followed Li Li Xuewu until he disappeared at the main entrance, only then turning to look at her younger sister.

By this time, Wang Wang Yamei's cheeks were puffed out, as if her candy were about to be snatched away by her sister.

Wang Wang Yajuan, however, ignored her sister's aggrieved expression and said calmly, "Don't harbor delusions; work hard, otherwise just stay at home and wait to get married."

Having said that, without waiting for her sister to say anything, she pushed her bicycle and left.

Wang Wang Yamei stood at the main gate, watching her sister's retreating figure, biting her lip and so angry she wanted to cry.

On what grounds! If you won't eat, you won't let me eat either!

By the time Li Li Xuewu came out, the truck was already loaded; he was just smoking a cigarette and letting Lao Lao Biaozi drink some hot water.

Everything was ready now; Lao Lao Biaozi made a funny face at Li Li Xuewu, started the engine, and drove the large truck out.

Upon exiting, he only saw Wang Wang Yamei standing at the gate sulking and did not see Wang Wang Yajuan, so he asked Wang Wang Yamei a question.

Wang Wang Yamei, however, turned her head to look at Lao Lao Biaozi, pursed her lips, and in a fit of pique ran around the front of the truck back into the shop.

"What a child this is~"

Lao Lao Biaozi, not understanding the situation, shook his head and left.

The main gate here was not closed, as Li Li Xuewu was also leaving soon; it was agreed that they would return to his mother-in-law's home for dinner in the evening.

Checking the time, he drove the Jeep out, and Li Li Xuewu went into the courtyard.

Perhaps due to the noise of loading the truck, when Li Li Xuewu returned to the front courtyard, Li Shu had already woken up and was holding the little tiger, playing on the kang.

Gu Ning had already tidied herself up and was sitting by the edge of the kang, listening to the old lady and the others talk.

Seeing Li Li Xuewu walk in, she glanced at the clock on the wall and then stood up.

"Aiyo, it's already past four o'clock."

Liu Yin, who was also sitting on the kang talking with the old lady, turned her head upon hearing her son's movement, glanced at the time, and expressed surprise.

Then, seeing Gu Ning stand up, she gestured toward Li Shu, who had already climbed up on the kang and was coming toward Li Li Xuewu wanting Tell Baba to hold her, and asked, "Are you still taking her along?"

"How could we leave my daughter behind? Isn't that right, daughter~"

Li Li Xuewu smiled, took his daughter, lowered his head to bump foreheads with her making a 'moo~' sound, while his mouth was already replying to his mother.

Gu Ning took the summer sun hat handed over by the old lady, put it on Li Shu, and smiled, saying, "Last time we went back, my mother said that if we don't bring Li Shu next time, we shouldn't come back at all."

"Hehehe~"

The old lady, Liu Yin, and Zhao Zhao Yafang all laughed; they laughed at the mother-in-law's kind nature, at Gu Ning's gentleness and grace, and at Li Shu's good fortune.

For the mother-in-law to say such things meant she did not want her daughter to gain a reputation for being distant from her children, and furthermore was pressing her daughter to treat this child well.

At the same time, she was indicating her stance to the Li family: treat Li Shu just like a own grandchild, or even better.

Actually, this was quite understandable; Ding Ding Fengxia knew this child's background clearly, having investigated it long ago.

At the time, she had complained on one hand that the local case handlers were overly aggressive and the incident too scandalous, and on the other hand that the foreign affairs personnel had acted too ruthlessly, shifting all responsibility onto Li Li Xuewu and the other two just for their own convenience.

At the same time, she secretly rejoiced in her son-in-law's character and sense of responsibility, knowing that Li Li Xuewu was a soft-hearted and kind person.

After Li Shu arrived at the Li family, her life was closely observed by Ding Ding Fengxia; not to mention the meticulous care provided by Li Shun and his wife, but just looking at the attitude of the other Li children, one could see how important this child was to the Li family.

It also revealed the Li family's upbringing, family traditions, and quality, which was the most important point when choosing in-laws.

The eldest couple cherished her, while Xiao Xiao Laosan and the fourth child did not dislike her, treating her like their own niece; the whole family was warm-hearted, and if they could be so good to an adopted child, how could they possibly treat her daughter poorly?

No mother-in-law or mother of the bride was easy to deal with; judging merely by the question Liu Yin had just asked, Gu Ning knew that her mother-in-law was still very concerned about the relationship between herself and Li Shu.

What she cared about boiled down to two points: first, whether the child would suffer if Li Shu and she were incompatible, and second, whether there would be conflicts between the couple.

If the issue stemmed from Li Shu, Liu Yin and Li Shun had already explained to Gu Ning and Ding Ding Fengxia earlier that the child could be left in their care.

At that time, Gu Ning had not expressed her stance, being a young Miss after all, but Ding Ding Fengxia had spoken up, saying that Li Shu falling into the Li family and under Li Li Xuewu's name was fate.

One only sees people cherishing fate, never pushing it away or driving it out; adding people to the household is a blessing, and since Li Shu entered the Li family before their own daughter, there was no reason to dislike her.

If they were to dislike Li Shu, not to mention those above who were watching over the child looking down on them, even just the in-laws would develop a rift, something Ding Ding Fengxia would never do.

Let alone the fact that Gu Ning had no such intention; even if she did, Ding Ding Fengxia would make her abandon that thought.

One must treat Li Shu even better than one's own biological son or daughter; the more one does so, the more blessings one receives.

Not to speak of winning hearts through sincerity, but just looking at how Gu Ning treats Li Shu from childhood to adulthood, if the child grows up to be unfilial, those watching over her would not allow it.

Do not say that because the child is not biologically yours, raising them turns them into an ungrateful wolf.

Children are all children; if they grow up crooked while being raised in your home, what does that have to do with whose child it is? Is it not the parents who failed?

If one fears gossip, dares not discipline the child, dares not educate the child, and only indulges them, that is not being responsible; that is shifting the blame.

The starting point is wrong, so what is there to say about how the child will be when they grow up?

In a class of forty students, some have good grades and some have poor grades; does that mean the parents gave bad birth? Is it the child's problem?

Shouldn't one look for the teachers who nurture and educate the child? Why talk about the child?

Therefore, understanding reason and human relations is just as important as learning knowledge in school.

Due to psychological reasons, Gu Ning was unwilling to think about or engage in social niceties, but she was very clear about her values and principles.

Both the old lady and Liu Yin liked Gu Ning; just based on her attitude toward Li Shu, they had fallen for Gu Ning the moment she first visited.

Even now, Liu Yin's deep concern for the relationship between Li Shu and Gu Ning stemmed from fearing that either Li Shu or Gu Ning might be wronged.

Looking at the situation now, everything was good; seeing that the old lady returned with a smiling face made it clear that not only was Li Shu happy staying at the villa, but the old lady was also content there.

If the couple were discordant, arguing and sulking every day, no one would need to say anything; it would be visible on the faces of the old lady and the child.

At this moment, Li Li Xuewu carried Li Shu out, with Gu Ning following behind carrying a bag, while Liu Yin and the others followed to see them off.

In the courtyard, people were enjoying the cool air, and seeing the Li family making such a grand departure, they all greeted them with smiles.

Leading the way, Li Li Xuewu squeezed Li Shu's small hand while greeting the neighbors, his smiling eyes filled entirely with Li Shu.

Following behind, Liu Yin scolded Li Li Xuewu to watch the threshold and be careful not to bump or hurt Li Shu.

Wang Wang Laoqi's wife fanned herself with a palm-leaf fan, and seeing three generations of Li women seeing them off together, she smiled and said, "Look at this treatment; this is the highest standard for a daughter-in-law."

Zhao's wife, sitting beside her, curled her lips and said, "Why don't you go work as a doctor at the hospital tomorrow, find a powerful father, and then you can be like this too."

"Stop talking nonsense~"

Before Jia Jia Zhangshi could arrive, the First Aunt slapped her fan, gave a glance to the two young wives, and whispered, "Can this be spoken of so freely?"

Wang Wang Laoqi's wife realized she was wrong and gave the First Aunt a dry laugh, while Zhao's wife also fell silent.

Only Jia Jia Zhangshi clicked her tongue, feeling it was boring since she hadn't even gotten to speak yet.

The First Aunt, however, was an honest person; fanning herself, she advised in a low voice, "How can you look at things that way? Look at how every daughter-in-law of the Li family is seen off like this; it is their family tradition."

After speaking, she pointed at the two again and said, "Was the eldest Li son's wife wronged? What is her status?"

"Besides, in the middle of summer, where are we going? Going out is just like taking a stroll; how does this relate to issues of propriety?"

"That's what I say too."

Jia Jia Zhangshi was adept at trimming her sails to the wind; seeing that the current trend was to praise the Li family, she also had something to say.

"Why is their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship so good? Isn't it because of mutual respect? The elders love the juniors, and the juniors respect the elders; hey, the Li family has upright family traditions~"

"Oh! Auntie Jia, you know about this too!"

Wang Wang Laoqi's mouth was like a hen in the backyard, never idle; in the morning she clucked at her husband, at noon she clucked at her children, and in the afternoon she clucked at the women in the courtyard; it was as if it were rented and couldn't stop, making her the most talkative in the whole yard.

Her husband, Wang Wang Laoqi, was known outside as having a broken-cart mouth and liked to talk, but when he came home and heard his wife's frequency of speech, he wished he could sew her mouth shut with a needle and thread.

Since they could no longer talk about the Li family, Wang Wang Laoqi's wife turned her gun toward Jia Jia Zhangshi.

"If you ask me, Auntie Jia should teach us how to manage mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships, and how she made Qin Qin Huairu so obedient in the past."

"Hahahahaha~!"

This really stirred up a commotion; the women in the courtyard fooling around had no sense of propriety, and once they got into the swing of things, they dared to say anything.

Even Wang Wang Laoqi's wife, during winter at the gatehouse, had once spoken about how her husband Wang Wang Laoqi messed around with her at night, causing a huge scandal.

Now the scandal had grown even bigger; seeing everyone laughing their heads off, Jia Jia Zhangshi could no longer save face.

Although she used to control Qin Qin Huairu strictly and employed every possible method, she could not speak of it, as she also had her pride.

Moreover, under the current circumstances, if she spoke recklessly and Qin Qin Huairu heard about it, she would have no good fruit to eat and would surely get angry and sulk again.

So Jia Jia Zhangshi gritted her teeth, grabbed her palm-leaf fan, and angrily struck Wang Wang Laoqi's wife several times.

Seeing the two women start a fight, the crowd became even more excited, treating it like a monkey show and clapping with laughter.

"Oh, so lively~"

Just as everyone was enjoying the fun, a voice came from the third gate, and upon looking, they saw the main character had arrived; Qin Qin Huairu was standing in the entrance hall.

Well, everyone stopped laughing; they had to give Director Qin some face, didn't they?

Everyone held back their laughter until their faces turned red, dodging Qin Qin Huairu while suppressing their smiles.

Jia Jia Zhangshi also felt somewhat dejected; having come out to sit for a while due to the stifling heat this afternoon, she had not expected to become the butt of a joke.

Qin Qin Huairu, however, possessed refinement; she asked her mother-in-law where the bed sheets were kept, saying she wanted to change them.

How could Mother Jia not know that Qin Qin Huairu was finding her a way out? She quickly sat up, waved her hand, and said, "I'll go home and look; you wouldn't know."

Having spoken, she ignored the crowd secretly laughing, picked up her fan, and returned home.

Qin Qin Huairu, for her part, smiled, swept a glance over the crowd, and followed her mother-in-law into the courtyard.

When Wang Wang Laoqi's wife turned around and saw Qin Qin Huairu leave, she spoke with lingering fear: "This Qin Qin Huairu is truly frightening; I didn't even know when she arrived."

"It was exactly when you said that sentence~"

Someone, feeling the excitement wasn't enough, was adding fuel to the fire right there.

Wang Wang Laoqi's wife's expression changed slightly; she waved her palm-leaf fan vigorously and muttered, "Being a cadre really is different; even their speech and conduct carry an air of authority."

"What did you expect!"

Zhao's wife glared at her and said, "I told you to stop running your mouth recklessly every day; sooner or later, they'll make you wear tight shoes, and if they don't deal with you, they'll deal with your Wang Wang Laoqi."

"Stop talking so fast."

Wang Wang Laoqi's wife rolled her eyes and said, "Why don't we see Li Li Xuewu showing off his authority? Isn't a Division Director higher than a Section Chief? Yet he smiles at everyone daily, even more amiable than before."

"Ah! You've hit the nail on the head."

Yan Yan Fugui, who had gone fishing in the morning, slept at noon, and now came out to enjoy the cool air, pointed his folding fan at Wang Wang Laoqi's wife and began his moment of great enlightenment.

"I'll just say it: the higher a cadre's rank, the more amiable they become. Taste it for yourself; Li Li Xuewu being amiable means his rank is about to rise again."

"Is that true or false?"

Wang Wang Laoqi's wife asked skeptically, "Then why hasn't our Wang Wang Laoqi said anything about it?"

"Tsk~~~"

Yan Yan Fugui, angered by these words, closed his eyes and sucked in a cold breath; after tilting his neck and recovering for a good while, he looked at Wang Wang Laoqi's wife with contempt and asked, "He is a Deputy Division Director; is your Wang Wang Laoqi a Factory Director? Does his promotion depend on your husband saying so!"

Questioned like this, Wang Wang Laoqi's wife finally began to understand, her face turning completely red.

Yan Yan Jiefang, sitting aside watching the spectacle, bulged his eyes and asked his father, "That can't be right, Dad; isn't he only twenty years old? Still getting promoted?"

"What do you know, you idiot!"

Just looking at his son made Yan Yan Fugui annoyed; both were young men, both lived in the same courtyard, yet that fellow was already a damn Deputy Division Director, while this one was still at home listening to Yangyang!

After scolding his son, Yan Yan Fugui also felt embarrassed; he turned his head to explain to those looking over, "Do you know what award Deputy Director Li received a few days ago?"

"Model Worker, a national one."

Yan Yan Fugui paid particular attention to news in this regard; pointing his folding fan at the people in the courtyard, whom he considered uncarvable blocks of rotten wood, he said, "He's incredibly impressive; age is no longer a limitation."

"Why?"

Some people were unconvinced; did winning an award make such a difference?

"Why? You ask why?!"

Yan Yan Fugui looked at Liu Liu Guangfu, nodded, and said, "Because he already represents the most advanced worker in the Rolling Steel Factory; if he can represent them, you tell me why!"

Liu Liu Guangfu still didn't understand, but that didn't prevent him from seeing the fiery envy and jealousy in Third Master Yan's eyes.

Hey, if this award could make the courtyard's most impressive cultured person (self-proclaimed) feel envy and jealousy, then the award was truly impressive.

Over there, his close friend Yan Yan Jiefang had fallen silent; sitting on the stool, he felt all happiness vanish.

Every afternoon at this time was when he would support himself against the doorframe to come out and listen to the gossip; it was his most leisurely time of day.

But hearing the most unhappy news during the happiest moment meant that those happy times were utterly meaningless.

What he feared most was Li Li Xuewu; now that Li Li Xuewu was rising step by step like sesame flowers blooming, when would he ever be able to stand up and shout at Li Li Xuewu: "Come over here!"

"Aiyo, aiyo, who has arrived!"

Before Li Li Xuewu and the others had even parked the car steadily, Ding Ding Fengxia came out of the house, reached out to take Li Shu from Gu Ning's arms, and held the child close, doting on her immensely.

As for Li Shu, she widened her big eyes to carefully examine her grandmother; seeing her grandmother being affectionate, she also wrapped her small arms around her grandmother's neck.

This was her good point: she was extremely perceptive; whoever held her and showed affection would have their neck hugged by her small hands.

Li Shu's little appearance made Ding Ding Fengxia dote on her even more; she was already like a doll, looking beautiful, and adding this sensible demeanor meant one could never dote on her enough.

"Come, go back to the room with Grandma; let's find some delicious food."

After kissing her twice and smiling at Li Shu, she ignored Li Li Xuewu and the other two, carried the child, and went back inside.

Li Li Xuewu and Gu Ning got out of the car; seeing Xiao Hu's smile, they both smiled as well.

"Editor Ding has been mentioning it all afternoon, asking why you haven't arrived yet; she's been waiting for you eagerly."

Xiao Hu was the courtyard guard; Xiao Qi had gone to Yangcheng with Gu Gu Haitao, leaving only him here.

Since both Ding Ding Fengxia and Mu Mu Hongyan were departing, the staff here had all been arranged to return to the Service Office.

The chefs and attendants in the house were not hired by the Gu family themselves; they were uniformly assigned.

This included the drivers and guards.

Of course, the drivers, guards, chefs, and attendants could all make their own selections or be transferred from below before being assigned.

But nominally, they all belonged to the Service Office and were under its unified management.

Only the guards for the Gu family were arranged by Gu Gu Haitao himself; everything else was left to the Service Office to assign.

Therefore, during this job transfer for the Gu family, only the guards accompanied them; everyone else returned to the Service Office.

Ding Ding Fengxia calling Li Li Xuewu and the others back for dinner today also carried the meaning of giving final instructions.

Last week, Mu Mu Hongyan's transfer was completed, and Ding Ding Fengxia's was completed as well; both had decided to leave at the end of the month.

The reason for leaving at the end of the month was that their jobs required handover, and simultaneously, the household items needed to be packed.

Actually, there wasn't much to take away; clothes and such were fine, but luggage was unnecessary.

Seeing Mu Mu Hongyan come out to greet them, Li Li Xuewu signaled Gu Ning to follow Mu Mu Hongyan inside, while he himself carried the fish and mutton they had brought to the kitchen.

Chef Old Mi, seeing Li Li Xuewu enter the kitchen, smiled and greeted him: "Director Li has arrived, bringing ingredients again; hey, this fish is truly fat."

"Master Mi, these are river fish; they smell wonderful."

Chatting and laughing, he placed the two fish into the large basin the waiter had brought, gesturing as he said, "Two of them; please cook them both for us. Just serve one to us; you can taste the other one yourselves."

Having said that, he gestured toward the mutton he had brought and smiled, saying, "The mutton is the same; just prepare it as you see fit."

"Oh my, this..."

Master Mi hadn't expected Li Li Xuewu to be so polite as to bring something for them too, and was already thinking about how to reciprocate the courtesy.

The waiter and Little Hu also looked over, but Li Li Xuewu just smiled and waved his hand, saying, "We brought this for our own folks when we arrived; no need for formalities—we're all family."

These words warmed the hearts of the several people present; this Deputy Director Li looked young, but he certainly knew how to handle things with proper style.

Before he had even assumed the status of a son-in-law, the things he brought were always in double portions, yet he would deliver them to this side without saying a word.

Only after marrying Gu Ning did he finally speak up and say that he had brought something for them.

And when speaking of them, he didn't use the word "you," but rather "we."

This was a linguistic habit Li Li Xuewu had learned from the Old Lady, one that made people feel comfortable just hearing it.

Little Hu smiled at Li Li Xuewu without saying anything, while the waiter actually voiced their thanks with a smile.

Seeing that Old Mi was about to speak, Li Li Xuewu waved his hand repeatedly, smiling as he headed toward the dining room.

The kitchen and the small storage room were connected to the dining room, which in turn was connected to the living room; Li Li Xuewu had come around from this side.

Ding Ding Fengxia had long heard the voices from the kitchen; she exchanged a glance with Mu Mu Hongyan, and both saw appreciation and satisfaction in each other's eyes.

What more could be said about this son-in-law? Whether things one could think of or things one couldn't, he had thought of them all.

Since they were leaving soon, there was no need to let the people serving in the house say anything negative; it was unnecessary.

Although Ding Ding Fengxia had long prepared gifts for these people, how could that compare to the son-in-law returning and remembering to give them face?

Just wait and see; the waiter, Xiao Zhang, might not say anything, but Old Mi's mouth would definitely speak up.

"Just look at the family we serve; hey, even the son-in-law thought to bring things for us!"

This was simply Old Mi's character; he was a good person, just very concerned with saving face, and Li Li Xuewu's actions had indeed given him face.

When Li Li Xuewu entered the living room, he happened to see his daughter holding a biscuit and gnawing on it; her little mouth wasn't even as big as the biscuit, yet she was chewing with all her might whenever she couldn't bite through.

"Hehe, who gave this to you?"

Li Li Xuewu walked over to the sofa, smiling as he teased his daughter, while pretending to be craving some himself by smacking his lips, and asked again, "Is it tasty?"

Li Shu widened her big eyes to look at Baba, then used her little finger, covered in biscuit crumbs, to point at Ding Ding Fengxia, her small mouth forming the word: "Yao!"

Well! Her pronunciation of the character "yao" wasn't clear yet, but listening roughly, it was definitely something she had learned by imitation; she was calling out "Lao" 【Grandma】.

After making that sound, Li Shu turned her attention back to the biscuit, completely ignoring Baba's next question.

Then again, was there even a need to ask?

Could you not see how deliciously she was eating right here? You tell me, is it tasty or not!

Ding Ding Fengxia didn't mind the biscuit crumbs Li Shu dropped while gnawing; she watched Li Shu with a beaming smile, her eyes full of affection.

Gu Ning held a handkerchief, intending to catch the crumbs for Li Shu, but Ding Ding Fengxia waved her hand to indicate it wasn't necessary.

"When small children eat, how can they not drop anything? It's fine."

After saying this, she glanced at Li Li Xuewu and asked, "What made you think of getting fish?"

"It wasn't me; where would I find the leisure time for that?"

Li Li Xuewu nodded to Mu Mu Hongyan and sat on the sofa seat she indicated, replying to his mother-in-law, "It was my group of little brothers; they netted them from the river and said they wanted to deliver them to you. They lingered at the main gate all morning but simply didn't dare to come in."

"Hehehe~ Why didn't they call!"

Ding Ding Fengxia chided playfully, "You must give them a good talking-to; next time they come to the house, they must call ahead."

"Ai, understood."

Li Li Xuewu nodded with a smile in agreement; he understood his mother-in-law's words as a sign of closeness, with no intention of looking down on Li Li Xuewu's little brothers.

The fact that they could have called in itself made the meaning very clear.

It showed trust in Li Li Xuewu, and trust in those little brothers Li Li Xuewu had spoken of.

"They only thought of coming this far; after loitering around the entrance a few times and seeing the guards watching them, they left."

Li Li Xuewu explained with a smile, then looked around the living room and asked his mother-in-law, "Have you started packing? We don't need to bring too many things, do we?"

"Don't bring anything; it's too much trouble."

Holding Li Shu and coaxing her to avoid eating too fast, Ding Ding Fengxia said, "Just take some clothes; if anything else is needed, we can discuss it later."

"You too, don't take too much; it will be tiring."

After speaking to Li Li Xuewu, Ding Ding Fengxia added a remark of instruction to Mu Mu Hongyan.

Mu Mu Hongyan smiled slightly and said, "We won't take any; we can't wear that many anyway, so what's the point of taking them?"

"Besides, he flies over here often; we can just decide on whatever is needed at the time."

Mu Mu Hongyan tested the temperature of the prepared milk powder with her hand, then carried the bowl to sit beside her mother-in-law, feeding Li Shu little by little with a small spoon.

Li Shu certainly knew how to enjoy life; leaning back in her Grandma's embrace, holding a biscuit in her hands, being fed milk by her Aunt, her little legs swinging back and forth, she was the picture of leisure.

"That's right."

Ding Ding Fengxia lowered her head, smiling as she looked at Li Shu, and caught the little girl's swinging feet with her hand.

Seeing Li Shu lift her head and smile at her, she broke into a smile as well.

"For this side of the family, Xiao Ning and Li Xuewu will keep an eye on things, coming by occasionally to check; I've already sorted things out with the Service Office, so there's no need to worry about security, and you don't need to do any cleaning either."

"It's just Xiao Yan..."

Before the mother-in-law could finish her sentence, Li Li Xuewu smiled and interjected, "There's no need for you to worry about that; there's plenty of room at home, so he can come stay with us during the holidays."

Gu Ning also understood her mother's intention, while simultaneously feeling delighted by Li Li Xuewu's thoughtfulness.

However, she spoke aloud, saying, "Don't let him come; he's too annoying and makes too much noise."

"Hahaha~"

Seeing her daughter speak this way, Ding Ding Fengxia and Mu Mu Hongyan both burst out laughing.

In the past, Gu Ning would never have joked; ever since she got married, her personality has improved considerably.

Ding Ding Fengxia was easily satisfied; even a mere joke from Gu Ning could make her happy.

"It is indeed quite rowdy."

Mu Mu Hongyan picked up the conversation, saying, "As soon as the holiday starts, he becomes invisible, going out to make trouble every day; who knows when he'll return in the middle of the night? It's just right for you to restrain him a bit."

"He's already a grown young man; what principles doesn't he understand? What is there left to restrain?"

Li Li Xuewu naturally knew Mu Mu Hongyan was just being polite, but how could one not care about one's younger brother-in-law?

Mu Mu Hongyan said this to give Li Li Xuewu a preemptive warning, fearing he might get annoyed with him.

But what kind of person was Li Li Xuewu? What situation could he not handle? It was merely a younger brother-in-law, after all.

However, one couldn't speak recklessly in front of one's mother-in-law; glancing at Gu Ning, he said, "If you say now that he's not allowed to go, do you still want to stay for dinner? Be careful, or Mom will kick us both out."

"Exactly, we won't let you eat here."

Ding Ding Fengxia smiled, gently grabbing Li Shu's little arm, and looking down at her asked, "If we kick Daddy and Mommy out, leaving only little Li Shu at home to eat dinner, would that be good? ~"

Li Shu was busy drinking milk; seeing her maternal grandmother look down at her, she only managed a fleeting glance.

Her expression seemed to say, "Do whatever you want, just don't interrupt my milk drinking."

"How about that? Didn't I speak too soon!"

Li Li Xuewu winked at Gu Ning, teasingly uttering a remark.

Gu Ning also feigned fierceness toward her mother, saying, "If you don't let us eat here, we won't even come to visit you anymore~"

"Hahaha~"

Seeing Gu Ning's girlish demeanor, Ding Ding Fengxia laughed again, then teased Li Shu, saying, "Look how domineering and unreasonable Mommy is; when you grow up, you must not be like this."

"Hit!"

Li Shu was in the middle of eating; whether she heard what her maternal grandmother said or not, she directly blurted out this single word.

Only upon seeing her maternal grandmother burst into laughter while her mother looked at her did she realize she had misspoken.

Ding Ding Fengxia laughed until tears came to her eyes; gently patting Li Shu's little bottom, she smiled and said, "Truly Grandma's good granddaughter."

Li Li Xuewu smiled at his daughter, who was looking over, and said, "See? Now you understand the principle of watching one's words and actions, don't you? ~"

Li Shu seemed to realize she had misspoken; her big eyes looked at Gu Ning, then at Tell Baba, and she even stopped drinking the milk handed to her by her eldest aunt.

Seeing Li Shu's little expression, Ding Ding Fengxia picked her up, stood, and coaxed her, saying, "It's alright, it's alright; Grandma is here."

Li Shu, however, used her grandmother's rising motion as leverage, stretching her little hands toward Gu Ning, wanting to be held.

Gu Ning could not resist Li Shu's little display either and reached out to take her.

"Oh my, how clever is this child!"

Seeing Li Shu settle into her daughter's arms, Ding Ding Fengxia immediately hugged her daughter's neck and kissed her on the cheek.

Gu Ning, coaxed by Li Shu, lost her fierce expression and pursed her lips into a smile.

Nevertheless, she did not let go of Li Shu; her mother had already held her for a while and must be tired.

Li Shu seemed to be growing so fast for some reason; not only was she sturdy and fleshy, but she was also gaining height quickly.

Children grow so fast; one could visibly see them getting taller.

Seeing Li Shu in Gu Ning's arms eyeing the bowl in her own hands again, Mu Mu Hongyan followed and sat down beside Gu Ning.

"You are truly something; I even have to chase you around to feed you."

Li Shu paid no heed to this; seeing Mu Mu Hongyan feed her with a spoon again, she resumed drinking.

Ding Ding Fengxia brushed the biscuit crumbs off her clothes, teased Li Shu a bit, and then headed to the kitchen.

Li Li Xuewu wanted to take over feeding Li Shu from Mu Mu Hongyan, but she refused him.

"How are things going with them lately?"

Mu Mu Hongyan glanced at Gu Ning and continued, "I've been busy recently and haven't had the chance to ask you."

Gu Ning nodded and said, "Much better; actually, everything is quite fine."

Mu Mu Hongyan curled her lip and said, "How could it not be fine? With plenty of meat and wine, if they didn't get along well with you, would they be looking for a beating?"

Having said that, she emphasized to her sister-in-law, "Don't compromise yourself for the sake of office relationships; blindly currying favor with them will only make them bully and look down on you."

"Mm, things should remain as they are."

Li Li Xuewu nodded and said, "I will maintain the relationships; you just focus on your work. If anyone spreads gossip, ignore them; I will handle it later."

"Let her experience more on her own as well."

Mu Mu Hongyan glanced at Li Li Xuewu and said, "She isn't a little child anymore; do you think your daughter is about to start kindergarten? How old is she?"

Having said that, she looked at Gu Ning again and said, "You shouldn't fear them; be a bit tougher."

She was worried that after she left, those people in the department might bully Gu Ning again.

However, thinking that Li Li Xuewu and the others lived right across from the hospital, and knowing Li Li Xuewu's personality, she realized her sister-in-law would not suffer any bullying.

But she simply could not stand her sister-in-law's cold exterior, kind heart, and overly forbearing nature; with such conditions, why endure bullying?

Seeing Gu Ning nod in agreement, Li Li Xuewu also knew that Mu Mu Hongyan's words were of little use; Gu Ning's personality was not the sharp and bold type like hers, so one couldn't simply become tough just by saying so.

He used a handkerchief to wipe his daughter's mouth; seeing her wave her hand to indicate she wouldn't drink anymore, he took the bowl from Mu Mu Hongyan and placed it on the small table.

"She is just too lazy to make a fuss with those people; it doesn't matter, take it slow."

Li Li Xuewu walked back, handed a tissue to Mu Mu Hongyan, and continued, "In the future, invite them to sit at home more often; once they are more familiar, things will be fine."

"If there were even a few she could get along with, she wouldn't feel so distressed in the office."

Li Li Xuewu took Li Shu from Gu Ning's arms; seeing his daughter had finished eating, he also took the biscuit from her hand and helped brush the biscuit crumbs off her body.

Gu Ning knew her sister-in-law was concerned about her, so she replied, "I can take care of myself; don't worry."

"How can one not worry?"

Mu Mu Hongyan squeezed her sister-in-law's hand; the two sisters-in-law had been colleagues long ago, and later became family.

This bond was still very deep; especially now that Mu Mu Hongyan was about to leave, she had grown accustomed to looking after Gu Ning, fearing she might be bullied or suffer some harm.

Li Li Xuewu carried his daughter to the washroom, washed her little hands and face, and only then walked back out.

Ding Ding Fengxia returned from the kitchen, beckoned to Li Li Xuewu, and said, "Li Xuewu, let me go over a few more things with you."

Speaking thus, she pulled Li Li Xuewu upstairs to brief him on household matters and affairs, clearly intending to entrust the home to her son-in-law's care.

Downstairs, the sister-in-law and sister talked at length, mostly with Mu Mu Hongyan speaking and Gu Ning listening.

By the time Li Li Xuewu and the others came down, the kitchen staff had finished preparing the meal.

At the dining table, Chef Lao Mi personally brought the fish to the table and smiled at Li Li Xuewu, saying, "Please taste it; the river fish has a firm texture, so I specifically braised it in red sauce."

"How could your culinary skills ever be lacking?!"

Li Li Xuewu smiled and offered a compliment, inviting his mother-in-law to take the first bite; only after she nodded and declared it delicious did he take a mouthful himself.

"Mm, the craftsmanship is excellent."

"Hehe, alright then, as long as you say it tastes good, that's enough."

Lao Mi smiled, waved his hand, and gestured toward the kitchen, saying, "You eat first; I must get back to work."

Since Li Li Xuewu had to drive, he drank no alcohol; using disposable chopsticks, he picked up a piece of fish, placed it on a small dish, carefully removed the bones, and handed it to his mother-in-law.

His mother-in-law, who was holding Li Shu, saw her son-in-law's filial devotion and wore a smile on her face.

Mu Mu Hongyan glanced at Li Li Xuewu and asked, "Have you always been this adept at taking care of people?"

"Not at all~"

Li Li Xuewu smiled, picked up another piece of fish, and explained to Mu Mu Hongyan, "When I was young, I was too mischievous to understand such things; it was only after growing up and having Li Shu that I realized how hard my father and mother worked."

While speaking, he passed the deboned fish to Gu Ning.

Gu Ning accepted it with pursed lips, her face brimming with such joy that Mu Mu Hongyan stared straight at her.

Gu Ning felt somewhat embarrassed and dodged her sister-in-law's teasing gaze.

It was not that Li Li Xuewu was deliberately flaunting his affection for Gu Ning in front of the Gu family; rather, he simply did not like eating fish, whereas Gu Ning loved fish but hated picking out the bones.

That night, even when drinking fish soup with Xue Xue Zhifu, he had not eaten any of the fish meat, merely taking one spoonful before setting it down.

Today, only because Lao Mi had spoken up did he take a single bite; otherwise, he would not have eaten any at all.

"Then you matured rather quickly."

With no one to remove the fish bones for her, Mu Mu Hongyan had to do it herself; she chatted casually with Li Li Xuewu, the family banquet maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.

Li Li Xuewu's hands remained busy, removing bones for both his mother-in-law and Gu Ning, while he himself ate his rice accompanied by mutton.

Li Shu, however, had a huge appetite, eating whatever her grandmother gave her.

Having eaten half a biscuit and drunk most of a large bowl of milk during her afternoon visit, she was now able to eat the fish meat her grandmother offered as well.

Ding Ding Fengxia loved Li Shu's spirited nature; while eating herself, she also fed Li Shu, occasionally exchanging a few words with Li Li Xuewu and the others.

Perhaps feeling that the time spent with her daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter was becoming increasingly scarce, Ding Ding Fengxia cherished every moment they were together all the more.

Li Li Xuewu understood his mother-in-law's feelings, so after dinner, he stayed by the sofa, chatting with her and the others until very late.

It was already past eight o'clock when Li Shu let out a small yawn, and only then did Ding Ding Fengxia let them go.