Who would have thought this silly Taotao was the one to survive until the end?

No, no, Taotao loved this big family. She would never allow something like that to happen!

However, perhaps from overexerting her spiritual energy, Taotao’s mind became muddled. A sense of unease swept over her like a tidal wave—this was bad! She hadn’t controlled her spiritual energy properly this time…

Bai Taotao closed her eyes, determined to resolve the issue of her body being unable to store spiritual energy. Otherwise…

She drifted into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Bai Xingxing yawned and sat up. “Ah! Last night, I dreamed about a big, plump, tender white peach nest to my pillow. It smelled so sweet and could even talk… Ah, I really wanted to take a bite…”

Saying that, she noticed Taotao was still fast asleep?

Bai Lili, their mother’s capable helper, had already woken up early to prepare breakfast.

Hearing the noise coming from their room, she quickly brought over breakfast and instructed Xingxing, “Go wash up, then fetch some water so Taotao can wash up in the room. You and Taotao will have breakfast here too. There’s fighting outside, so don’t go out and scare Taotao!”

Sure enough, Bai Xingxing heard the commotion outside and asked, “What’s going on?”

“Li Cui’er and the old woman are arguing!” After everything that had happened with her Second Brother’s divorce and the mess with the fourth branch, Bai Lili had completely seen through Chen Juxiang’s true nature. She didn’t even want to call her ‘Grandmother’ anymore and directly referred to her as ‘the old woman.’

Bai Xingxing acknowledged it and, while fetching water, caught snippets of the argument—

Apparently, Li Cui’er was trying to trick Chen Juxiang into staying behind to go to the hospital for a check-up with the other elders in the clan, hoping to take advantage of Tang Liren’s medical expenses.

Although Tang Liren had already prepared in advance, transferring the family’s money to the savings bank in town and wasn’t afraid of Li Cui’er ransacking their home, there were still valuable items left behind. If Li Cui’er really took them, it would still be a loss.

Moreover, Tang Liren’s mindset had shifted. She no longer cared about keeping up appearances or maintaining family harmony. Right in front of Chen Juxiang, she exposed Li Cui’er’s intentions from the previous day.

Chen Juxiang was furious.

She had originally considered taking Li Cui’er’s suggestion and exploiting Tang Liren one more time.

But what if the money she cared about so much really got taken by Li Cui’er? It wasn’t as if Li Cui’er hadn’t stolen money before!

To defend herself, Li Cui’er retorted, “…As if I’d even look at Chen Juxiang’s measly five hundred yuan!”

But her words set off Chen Juxiang’s fury!

The two of them ended up fighting.

After Bai Xingxing finished washing up, she prepared the water along with toothpaste, toothbrushes, and a cup for rinsing, then hurried back to the room.

Why was Taotao still lying in bed?

She went over, shook Taotao a few times, and called out to her…

Taotao opened her eyes, but they were blank and unfocused. She responded to instructions, sat up, and let herself be washed up, but her expression was wooden, and she didn’t say a word.

Bai Xingxing immediately knew—this was bad! Taotao had turned stupid!

Still, she already had experience taking care of a silly Taotao. With the chaos outside, she didn’t go out. She first helped Taotao wash her face, brush her teeth, and then fed her breakfast…

Taotao obediently cooperated.

When the families from the second, third, and fourth branches left to catch the first bus, and Chen Juxiang and Li Cui’er also left while cursing at each other, the courtyard finally quieted down. Bai Xingxing ran outside and shouted, “Dad! Mom! Fourth Sister has gone stupid!”

Tang Liren rushed into her daughters’ room in a flash.

Bai Zhengqian was talking with Song Zhi. Upon hearing the news, he panicked and repeatedly asked, “Taotao is muddled?” He felt anxious but, because of his limited mobility, couldn’t go to the room to check.

Song Zhi instinctively headed toward the girls’ room. But as he reached the doorway, he suddenly noticed a few pieces of girls’ underwear hanging out to dry in the corridor…

He froze and immediately turned back.

Not only did he avoid the room, but he didn’t even dare lift his head.

Soon, Tang Liren brought the dazed Bai Taotao out, holding her hand. She walked up to Bai Zhengqian with a worried expression and said, “Look, Taotao is muddled…”

Taotao felt like she was wrapped from head to toe in thick gauze. Her limbs felt sluggish, and her movements were clumsy.

She couldn’t even walk properly and had to be led by someone.

But Song Zhi’s powerful spiritual energy seemed so close, as if it was within reach? She tried her best to move toward where he was standing…

Yet after using all her strength, she only managed to shuffle half the length of a green bean toward Song Zhi before Bai Zhengqian pulled her back. He held his daughter’s hand, spoke to her for a long time, and touched her forehead, letting out sighs of distress.

Tan Fenghui thought for a long while before cautiously asking, “Could it be because Nansheng went back to the regiment, and Taotao is too heartbroken?”

Bai Zhengqian and Tang Liren felt even worse.

Bai Zhengqian said, “It’s possible! Nansheng left yesterday, and your mom cried until midnight! I feel terrible too. Tell me, why can’t a good girl just take the time to understand him? If they spent a year or two with him, they’d know Nansheng is a good person.”

Tang Liren’s eyes reddened but told the family, “Maybe Taotao is sad about her brother leaving, but I also think it could be because things were too chaotic yesterday. From now on, we should be more careful when there are crowds… In fact, let’s avoid crowded places altogether! For Taotao’s sake, let’s keep things quieter.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Taotao continued to struggle toward Song Zhi.

Just then, someone knocked on the courtyard door. “Taozi’s mom? Are you home?”

Bai Xingxing ran over to open the door.

It was Aunt Guihua. “Taozi’s mom, I came to pick someone up! Didn’t you say there’s a young man here who knows three foreign languages? I’m here to take him to meet someone!”

Tang Liren turned to Song Zhi and said, “Xiao Song, please go with Aunt Guihua and have a look.”

Song Zhi stood up, glanced at Taotao, then left with Aunt Guihua.

Taotao: …

I was working so hard—where did my target go?!

QAQ

The family had no choice but to wait and hope Taotao would gradually recover.

For now, everyone went about their tasks.

Tang Liren took the elders to the hospital for check-ups. Bai Zhengqian, who had limited mobility, and Tan Fenghui, who was heavily pregnant, stayed home to watch the kids. Bai Dongsheng took Lili and Xingxing to the nearby town—they secretly sold items to make money.

At noon, Tang Liren returned with the elderly. Before they could exchange a few words, Song Zhi also came back, followed by someone.

—It was Wu Rui’an, carrying gifts in both hands.

As soon as Wu Rui’an stepped into the courtyard, he greeted the Bai family warmly. “Hello, Uncle Bai! Hello, Auntie! Uncle Bai, is your injury getting better?”

The Bai couple naturally welcomed him with enthusiasm.

After a round of pleasantries, Wu Rui’an’s gaze fell on Bai Taotao, who was quietly sitting to the side.

Wu Rui’an froze.

—Yesterday, Bai Taotao had been beautiful, adorable, and bright-eyed.

But today…

“Taotao?” Wu Rui’an called softly to the little beauty.

The little beauty sat silently, not responding or acknowledging anyone. Her dark eyes were lifeless.

(Taotao: Where’s Song Zhi? Where’s the spiritual energy!)

Bai Zhengqian looked a bit distressed. “Taotao had an episode today.”

Wu Rui’an let out a soft “ah” and asked, “How did this happen?” His tone carried deep regret.

Tang Liren sighed. “She was fine yesterday, but then her second brother left for the army last night. Taotao was probably too upset and had an episode.”

Wu Rui’an carefully said, “Uncle, Auntie, I’ll say this again—if you trust me, I can take Taotao abroad for treatment…”

Song Zhi, who had been teaching Hongdou to read, suddenly turned to stare at Wu Rui’an.

—Wu Rui’an wanted to take Taotao away?

No way!

Song Zhi opened his mouth to speak but remained silent.

After all, what qualifications did he have to make decisions for Taotao?

Bai Zhengqian had already refused. “No matter how tough things get, our family will stick together. Besides, Taotao has already improved so much. We’ll take good care of her, and one day, she’ll fully recover.”

Then he smiled at Wu Rui’an. “Thank you for always keeping Taotao in mind. We’re really grateful! But… everyone has their own fate.”

Wu Rui’an looked a little disappointed.

But he had been prepared for this—after all, the Bai couple deeply cherished Taotao. They had raised this little fool with such care, keeping her clean, well-dressed, and spotless. This wasn’t the first time he had offered to take Taotao abroad, and each time, they refused.

Thinking about it, it made sense. How could they let their precious daughter be taken away? To the Bai family, he was practically a stranger. Their only connection was that Taotao’s father had saved his younger sister…

And yet—

Wu Rui’an glanced at Taotao again.

Even he didn’t understand why he cared so much about a village girl he had only met a few times.

And she was even a little fool.

Wu Rui’an sighed. “Uncle Bai saved our Qianqian, and we owe you a great debt. We want to repay you, but you always refuse…”

Bai Zhengqian waved his hand. “It was fate! I just happened to be there that day and saw your sister in trouble… Honestly, even if it hadn’t been your sister, I still would have stepped in. So, don’t feel too burdened by this. Look at me—I may have gotten hurt, but I’m already recovering…”

Wu Rui’an smiled bitterly.

Tang Liren looked back and forth between Wu Rui’an and Song Zhi, then asked, “By the way, why did you two come back together?”

Wu Rui’an glanced at Song Zhi and grinned. “Talk about a coincidence! We’re practically family but didn’t even recognize each other!”

—It turned out that it was Wu Rui’an that had spread the word about needing someone who could speak a foreign language. After going around in circles, it was Bai Zhengqian and his wife who ended up recommending Song Zhi.

Bai Zhengqian curiously asked Wu Rui’an, “You’re the one looking for someone? Aren’t you a an overseas Chinese? Why do you need someone who knows foreign languages?”

T/N: There is finally movement from our male lead 🎉