“Chen Zhou… Chen Zhou first hit Lu Haici. He said, ‘Auntie, you bullied his mother, so he came to hit Lu Haici.’

Then Ji Yang and Qin Ming teamed up with Lu Haici to beat Chen Zhou.

They took off Chen Zhou’s shoes and even pulled down his pants to hit his butt.

Qin Ming said, ‘It’s embarrassing for a kid to get his butt hit, so they want to hit Chen Zhou’s butt.” While he said this, he even rubbed his own butt, fearing his own would be hit.

Lin Qingqing understood.

It must have been something that happened at noon that Chen Zhou’s mother said when she got home.

Qin’s Family

Zhang Hongping was not surprised when the little one came to say that Qin Ming got into a fight at kindergarten.

After all, this was not the first time Qin Ming had fought.

What surprised her was that Qin Ming actually helped Lu Haici to beat someone else.

However, Zhang Hongping also managed to learn some things from the little one.

Compared to Zhang Hongping’s calmness, Chen Zhou’s mother was not so composed.

She did not expect Chen Zhou to fight with Lu Haici in kindergarten, let alone have Ji Yang and Qin Ming involved.

Chen Zhou’s mother was afraid of Zhang Hongping and didn’t know what to do.

Zhang Hongping and Chen Zhou’s mother first went to the kindergarten, while Lin Qingqing took the little one to the cafeteria to call Xu Huijuan.

After hearing what Lin Qingqing said, Xu Huijuan couldn’t help but frown: “Is it that Chen Camp Leader’s family?”

Xu Huijuan knew this person well; she had a sharp tongue and loved to gossip.

In her previous life, she even quarreled with Lin Qingqing.

This Chen Zhou’s mother liked to talk about Lin Qingqing, but back then, Lin Qingqing wasn’t someone who would back down easily, so she directly confronted Chen Zhou’s mother.

Later, Chen Zhou’s mother was taught a lesson by Chen Daliang.

Xu Huijuan didn’t expect that in this life, Chen Zhou’s mother would confront Lin Qingqing again.

Lin Qingqing said, “Ji Yang’s mother, I’m really sorry. This matter might have involved our Haici in troubling Ji Yang.”

Xu Huijuan’s mentality had changed a lot since she was reborn.

In the past, she was afraid to interact with Lin Qingqing, fearing that her rebirth would be discovered and worrying that Lin Qingqing might implicate her in the future.

However, since she started working in the cafeteria, her perspective had shifted.

She found some meaning in her busy work, so her views on people changed.

“It’s not Lu Haici’s fault,” Xu Huijuan said. “Chen Zhou’s mother is a gossip; I was also gossiped about by her when I just married Lao Ji last year.”

In her previous life, she was also talked about by her. “This Chen Zhou’s mother is most afraid of Chen Camp Leader. She needs to talk to him to keep herself in check; otherwise, she can’t calm down.”

Of course, Xu Huijuan knew this from her past life, and that knowledge came from Lin Qingqing.

In her previous life, after Lin Qingqing confronted Chen Zhou’s mother, Chen Camp Leader came to apologize.

Lin Qingqing was very grateful for Xu Huijuan’s understanding and for revealing Chen Zhou’s mother’s situation to her. “Thank you, Ji Yang’s mother.”

This Ji Yang’s mother was somewhat different from what she had imagined.

Previously, because this person did not walk the same path as her, she thought the other party might have some opinions about her.

But this time, she felt that the other party might just be slow to warm up.

When the two arrived at the kindergarten, they saw Zhang Hongping and Chen Zhou’s mother, who had already arrived.

“You finally made it,” Zhang Hongping greeted them when she saw them.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Lin Qingqing said while glancing at Lu Haici and a few other kids, relieved to see no visible injuries on their faces.

“Comrade Lin, you’re all here. Let’s talk about the matter between Lu Haici and Chen Zhou,” Teacher Qian said.

“I’ve already clarified the situation. None of the four kids denied it. The conflict started because Chen Zhou said that Lu Haici’s mother bullied his mother, so he wanted to take revenge on Lu Haici, Then Ji Yang and Qin Ming saw this and went to help Lu Haici…”

Teacher Qian recounted what she had learned. “Kids, is what the teacher said correct?”

“Yes,” Chen Zhou answered loudly with his mother present. “My mom told me that Lu Haici’s mother bullied her, and as a man, I can’t let Lu Haici’s mother bully my mom.” But as a little kid, he couldn’t actually fight Lu Haici’s mother, so he bravely went to challenge Lu Haici.

When Chen Zhou went to find Lu Haici, he probably didn’t think he would be outnumbered and beaten down.

“Yes,” Lu Haici also didn’t deny it. “My mom wouldn’t bully his mom; it must be his mom talking badly about mine.”

“I already apologized for my mom’s bad words, and we made up,” Chen Zhou hurriedly said.

“We’re not making up with you,” Qin Ming replied.

“Yes, I won’t make up with you either,” Ji Yang echoed.

The adults felt quite helpless hearing this; these kids were easily sidetracked.

“You can’t not be friends with our Chen Zhou,” Chen Zhou’s mother, feeling anxious, said. “Our Chen Zhou is a good kid; you should be friends with him.”

“I won’t be.”

“I won’t either.”

“I don’t want to be friends with him.”

Lu Haici, Ji Yang, and Qin Ming firmly replied.

Zhang Hongping said, “Teacher Qian, now that the matter is clear, what did you call us here for?”

Lin Qingqing added, “Auntie is right; the kids haven’t objected, so the matter is clear. Did Teacher Qian call us here for a reason?”

Teacher Qian said, “I called you here because of the children’s fight. I think that regardless of what happens between the adults, we shouldn’t involve the kids.

Chen Zhou said he wanted to get back at Lu Haici for what his mother said. In this matter, I believe Chen Zhou’s mother telling the children about the adult grievances is a wrong approach.

The kids are still young and can’t clearly differentiate right from wrong; when they fight, they sometimes don’t hold back. What if they accidentally hurt someone?”

“Exactly, how could this matter be known to the kids?” Zhang Hongping chimed in.

Chen Zhou’s mother was already afraid of Zhang Hongping, and after learning that Qin Ming was also involved in the children’s fight, she decided to apologize.

Now that Zhang Hongping spoke up, she immediately said, “Yes, yes, yes, it’s my fault for not being mindful. I will teach Chen Zhou well, and it won’t happen again.”

Lin Qingqing: “…”

She originally wanted to say a few words, but seeing Chen Zhou’s mother like this, what could she say?

She felt that no matter what she said, this person wouldn’t listen.

However, regardless of whether she listened or not, that was someone else’s matter.

But when it came to her own affairs, she wouldn’t back down. “Chen Zhou’s mother, your Chen Zhou has already quarreled with our Lu Haici twice; this is the second time, and each time it’s because of you.”

Chen Zhou’s mother was intimidated by Zhang Hongping but not by Lin Qingqing.

Although she was left speechless by Lin Qingqing at noon, she still felt somewhat confident against Lin Qingqing. “Comrade Lin, it’s common for kids to fight; don’t take it too seriously. Moreover, a bowl doesn’t make a sound by itself; surely your Lu Haici must have done something to provoke our Chen Zhou into fighting with him.”

Lin Qingqing couldn’t believe her ears.

What was this person saying?

Her expression darkened. “The first quarrel happened because you said in front of Chen Zhou that stepmothers won’t love their children after they have their own. As an elder and a mother, can you really say such things in front of your son?”

Xu Huijuan couldn’t help but interject: “There should be limits to gossip. If you continue to say such things in front of your son, I think the kindergarten needs to reconsider Chen Zhou’s admission. Otherwise, if Chen Zhou keeps conveying his mother’s words to the kids, what will they think?”

She treated Ji Yang like her own son and hated to hear such talk.

“I never said that,” Chen Zhou’s mother immediately denied it. “Comrade Lin, don’t wrong me.”

Lin Qingqing replied, “This was said by Chen Zhou himself in front of Lu Haici, Ji Yang, and Qin Ming. Chen Zhou’s mother, are you saying I am wronging you, or are the children wronging you? Do you want to ask them to corroborate their statements?”

Chen Zhou’s mother fell silent; she didn’t realize that her casual complaints would be passed on by her son.

Just like today, she was merely venting her frustrations, not thinking her son would go to challenge Lu Haici.

Lin Qingqing said again, “This time, you’ve spread rumors that I bullied you. May I ask how I have bullied you? Although I am young, I know that spreading rumors can lead to legal consequences. I am a military family member, and I won’t allow anyone to slander me, so I can report this to the police for justice. May I ask, Chen Zhou’s mother, how have I bullied you?”

Chen Zhou’s mother shut her mouth and couldn’t speak.

First, she was frightened by Lin Qingqing’s words; as an ordinary citizen, she had never dealt with the police and didn’t know that rumors could be reported.

Secondly, Lin Qingqing hadn’t bullied her, so in front of everyone, she didn’t know how to respond. “This… this Comrade Lin, the matter has passed; I’ve already forgotten it. Let’s just forget about it, shall we? We are all military wives, and we see each other every day, don’t you agree?”

Lin Qingqing said, “You verbally injured me the first time, and the second time you spread rumors and falsely accused me, even implicating my son who was bullied by your son.

I cannot let this matter go; either you write me an apology letter, or I will report you, or I can ask your family’s Commander Chen whether his wife can act with impunity in the family area and slander others.”

Chen Zhou’s mother often talked about people’s gossip but had never encountered someone like Lin Qingqing before, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to react.

Lin Qingqing continued, “If by this time tomorrow I don’t see your apology letter, I will report you.”

After saying this, she waved to Lu Haici, “Haici, let’s go. It’s almost dinner time; we should leave school now.”

“Okay.” Lu Haici immediately took his mother’s hand.

Lin Qingqing then thanked Zhang Hongping and Xu Huijuan, saying, “Aunt, Sister-in-law, thank you to Jiyang and Qin Ming for helping Haici. When the children are on vacation, I’ll invite them over for dinner to express my gratitude.”

She also thanked Qin Ming and Jiyang, “Thank you, kids; we’re leaving now.”

This left Zhang Hongping and Xu Huijuan reacting similarly to Chen Zhou’s mother.

“Let’s go too.” Zhang Hongping was the first to come back to her senses and left with Qin Ming.

Xu Huijuan followed suit and took Jiyang with her.

The once lively office now only had Teacher Qian, Chen Zhou’s mother, and Chen Zhou left.

Teacher Qian looked at the somewhat dazed Chen Zhou’s mother and sighed, “Chen Zhou’s mother, Chen Zhou is still a child, and parental guidance is very important. As the saying goes, example is more important than precept; your behavior is crucial for him.”

She also understood Chen Zhou’s mother’s personality, who loved to boast and gossip. “For the sake of Chen Zhou, you should restrain yourself.”

Chen Zhou’s mother was still lost in her thoughts, feeling nervous about Lin Qingqing’s words before leaving; she didn’t know what to do.

Hearing Teacher Qian’s words made her feel like she had found a lifeline, and she immediately asked, “Teacher Qian, what should I do? Comrade Lin can’t be serious, right? We are all military wives; why is she being so calculating?”

Teacher Qian was helpless; some people just couldn’t understand. “You have no choice; just write an apology letter. I think Comrade Lin is serious.”

“But I can’t write!” Chen Zhou’s mother said.

She hadn’t attended school and didn’t know how to write an apology letter.

Teacher Qian replied, “Then discuss it with Commander Chen.”

Three Company’s Kitchen

Lin Qingqing took Lu Haici back to the kitchen of the Third Company.

Lu Haici was a bit worried and cautiously looked at Lin Qingqing, not seeing his mother’s smile; he didn’t know if she was angry.

“Mom…” Lu Haici called softly.

“Hmm?” Lin Qingqing looked at him.

Lu Haici nervously asked, “Mom, I fought with Chen Zhou. Are you angry?”

Lin Qingqing didn’t answer that question but asked in return, “Why do you ask that?”

Lu Haici thought for a moment, “Mom taught me that if a child does something wrong, I should tell the teacher or a parent, but I didn’t. I just fought with Chen Zhou.”

Actually, Lin Qingqing didn’t have great principles to teach, as everyone’s thoughts were different. “Mom is very happy; you fought for me. But I still hope that next time such a thing happens, you should tell the teacher. I’m saying this not because you did something wrong, but because I worry about you.”

“You worry about me?” Lu Haici didn’t understand.

“Yes, if you fight with someone and get hurt, Mom will worry. So to prevent Mom from worrying, next time if something like this happens, you should tell the teacher and not fight on your own, okay?”

When Lu Haici heard that his mom worried about him, he felt both happy and guilty.

He was happy that his mom cared for him and treated him well, but felt guilty for making her worry.

He patted his chest and loudly promised, “Mom, I won’t fight anymore. I’ll tell the teacher, and I won’t let myself get hurt!”

Lin Qingqing patted his head and then extended her pinky, “Then let’s make a pinky promise…”

Lu Haici also extended his pinky, “Pinky promise…”

The large and small hands made a pinky promise together.

The recipes at the Third Company’s kitchen were arranged in advance, so even though Lin Qingqing left for a while, the dining hall wouldn’t be delayed.

When Lin Qingqing and Lu Haici were nearing the dining hall, they noticed that many comrades from the Third Company were already there.

Lin Qingqing was a bit surprised; had they come too early today?

Just as she was wondering, she saw Lu Cheng coming out of the dining hall.

Lu Cheng saw them and immediately walked over, “What happened?”

Lin Qingqing replied, “Nothing much; why are you all here so early today?”

Lu Cheng said, “This afternoon the team organized some sparring, so we were released early. I just heard that there was a child saying something happened at the kindergarten and asked for parents to come; is there nothing serious?”

“It’s not a big deal,” Lin Qingqing said. “You take Lu Haici to eat first; I’ll talk to you later.”

Seeing her calm expression and Lu Haici holding his small hand up high with bright eyes, Lu Cheng’s worries eased a bit. “Alright.”

In fact, Lu Cheng only said that, and when the father and son were eating, he began to ask Lu Haici about the kindergarten situation.

Little Lu Haici loved sharing this matter, especially with his father.

He felt he had found someone to share secrets with, so as soon as his father asked, he recounted the events at the kindergarten. “Dad, even though I promised Mom I wouldn’t fight anymore, when I heard Chen Zhou talking badly about Mom, I still wanted to hit him.”

Lu Cheng didn’t think it was wrong for boys to fight, but he said, “Listen to your mother.”

Lu Haici pouted, “I’ll definitely listen to Mom; I don’t want to make her worry about me.”

“Just eat your food.” Lu Cheng took a pair of chopsticks, filled them with vegetables, and put them into his mouth.

Lu Haici protested, “You asked me to talk, Dad, you’re so annoying! You’re an adult; how can you not keep your word?”

Seriously, it was Dad who asked him, and now he was complaining about what he said.

Adults could be even more childish than kids.

The Chen Family

Chen Daliang limped home, feeling as though his bones had been scattered and utterly exhausted.

When he got home and saw Chen Zhou’s mother still cooking, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you making dinner so late today?”

Hearing his question, Chen Zhou’s mother angrily replied, “Isn’t it because of that Vice-Group Leader Lu’s son?

He fought with our son, and then Teacher Qian from the kindergarten called for the parents.

I initially thought that since the kids just fought, we’d apologize and let it go, but that Vice-Group Leader Lu’s wife insisted I write an apology letter. I can’t read, how can I write it? Isn’t she bullying me?”

Upon hearing her words, Chen Daliang suddenly remembered the half-hour sparring he had with Lu Cheng today.

He was clever and hadn’t thought there was a problem with sparring for half an hour, though he didn’t understand why Vice-Group Leader Lu wanted to expend energy.

But now, hearing his wife’s words, he suddenly had an idea: “What did you do this time?”

“What do you mean, what did I do?” Chen Zhou’s mother averted her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.

Seeing her guilty expression, Chen Daliang knew something had happened.

He immediately turned serious: “You’d better tell me everything honestly; don’t lie to me, not even a single word.”

“I didn’t! I really didn’t! I…”

“Shut up.” Chen Daliang yelled, “Are you trying to drag me down with you? Do you not want to live well? If you don’t want to, just say it; I’ll send you back to your hometown.”

“No, no! I… I…”

“Dad, it was me who fought with Lu Haici; don’t blame Mom.” Chen Zhou had heard the commotion and quickly ran over, blocking his parents in the middle.

With red eyes, he said, “Dad, you can scold me, but don’t scold Mom. I fought; it was my fault.”

Seeing his son, Chen Daliang made an effort to calm down, then picked up his son, saying, “Dad just raised his voice; I didn’t scold your mom, but you tell me why you fought with Lu Haici.”

He walked outside while holding his son.

…..

As night fell, the three members of the Lu family finished cleaning up the dining hall and left.

Lin Qingqing thought about what she had said to Chen Zhou’s mother and told Lu Cheng about the kindergarten incident: “… I believe that Chen Zhou’s mother has a very bad influence, so I don’t want to back down on this apology letter. What do you think?”