Chapter 124.2

In the evening, Su Xiaoxiao made a seafood dish that both Da Bao and Xiao Bao loved. In the afternoon, Old Hu delivered a large bone. Su Xiaoxiao used shrimp heads and the bone to make broth. After removing the sediment, she added shrimp, crab, squid, and various shellfish. Then, she added ginger slices and a few peppercorns to remove any fishy smell, seasoned it with a moderate amount of salt, and sprinkled a lot of coriander before serving, creating an authentic seafood medley.

The cleaned mixed vegetables were set aside for later. After finishing the seafood, they heated some greens on the charcoal stove. This way of eating in winter ensured they had warm food from start to finish and could enjoy a hot soup.

Xiao Zhuzi and Xiao Yu stayed for dinner, but all the children ate relatively quietly. At night, they squeezed onto one bed, and Xiao Doubao went to sleep with his younger brother and sister.

Su Xiaoxiao heard several cubs whispering in the middle of the night and was unsure when they finally slept.

The next morning, as usual, the children woke up early to wash and tidy up. Su Xiaoxiao also made dried vegetable and meat cakes that the children loved. This time she made a lot, enough for the family and Zhao Xianfeng, who also received a bag full of them, taking many back to Su’s village.

For convenience in driving back, Su Xiaoxiao had Han Cheng move the bags prepared early in the morning into Zhao Xianfeng’s car. The entire trunk was almost stuffed full. It contained many clothes, shoes, and hats that Xiao Roubao and Xiao Tangyuan had worn when they were younger, perfectly suitable for the youngest Bao.

The whole family had breakfast together, and Su Xiaoxiao asked Xiao Bao to bring the red envelope she and Han Cheng prepared to give to Yaobao.

Da Bao and Xiao Bao were particularly reluctant to let go of the twins, taking turns holding them for a long time.

Ya Li and Zhang Hongtu also stuffed a lot of things into Zhao Xianfeng’s car, asking Da Bao and Xiao Bao to take them back to Li Yufeng.

Their families were especially close, sharing whatever good things they had, and Su Xiaoxiao didn’t hold back from them either.

Before getting into the car, the older children hugged each other for a long time before reluctantly parting ways. Xiao Yu, thinking that he had nothing to do during the holidays, insisted on going with his father. He had been hearing about Su’s village from Da Bao and Xiao Bao every day and had long wanted to see it, refusing to get out of the car once he was there.

Although Zhao Xianfeng and his wife often complain about their son’s disdain for him, in reality, they doted on him. When Xiao Yu was stubborn, there was nothing they could do.

In the end, Zhao Xianfeng had no choice. Since Xiao Du was going too, he would let Xiao Yu go with him when he went to handle some matters. Alternatively, he could leave Xiao Yu at Da Bao and Xiao Bao’s house for a couple of days and pick him up on the way back. Zhao Xianfeng then drove back home to pack Xiao Yu’s things.

Su Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and asked Xiao Fantuan and Xiao Zhuzi, “Do you want to go to Grandma’s house? You can also stay there for a couple of days, anyway, it’s a free ride. You can come back with your Uncle Zhao’s car.”

Xiao Fantuan and Xiao Zhuzi shook their heads and said, “No, we won’t go. We’ll stay at home and take care of our younger siblings.”

Han Cheng had to go to work, and Su Xiaoxiao was alone at home, taking care of the three children. The two older children, who already had a sense of responsibility as young men, were really worried.

Xiao Yu, who usually didn’t cling to his father, unexpectedly wanted to accompany him on this business trip. If it weren’t for knowing that he wanted to play with Da Bao and Xiao Bao, Zhou Yuhua would almost think the sun was rising from the west. She gathered some fruits and snacks from home for the children. Moreover, she even sent the only preserved duck they had at home with Xiao Yu to give to Li Yufeng.

Da Bao and Xiao Bao are very shy.

Zhou Yuhua said, “You don’t have to feel shy. When your grandmother was here, I got a lot of good things she made. Have a good journey, and come back after vacation.”

Da Bao and Xiao Bao bid farewell to Aunt Zhou and officially embarked on the road back to Sujia Village.

Such reunions and farewells had become normal events for them. They weren’t sure if they had grown accustomed to it or if it was because Xiao Yu kept chattering away incessantly. This time, Da Bao and Xiao Bao only felt reluctance; they no longer felt sad.

Su Xiaoxiao’s family was also used to this. They don’t live in the same place and can only adapt to it on their own.

Han Cheng kissed Su Xiaoxiao before going to work and said, I’ve saved up my vacation days. Even if it’s not possible during summer vacation, we can always go back for Chinese New Year. Don’t be sad.”

Snuggling against him, Su Xiaoxiao replied, “I’m not upset. I’m sad about it. When I’m busy, I don’t have time to think about other things. Oh, Han Cheng, you also need to make good use of your time for studying. From what I’ve heard from the new minister, they seem to be emphasizing education more.”

Han Cheng hugged Su Xiaoxiao and said, “Don’t worry, I’m always prepared.”

Han Cheng was very disciplined, and Su Xiaoxiao had no reason to worry. These past two to three years had passed by so quickly. Su Xiaoxiao wished she could split herself into two to manage everything. She hadn’t fallen behind in her studies, but she was undeniably busy.

After Han Cheng started working, Su Xiaoxiao relayed yesterday’s message from Minister Jiang to the cubs.

Xiao Fantuan and Xiao Doubao exchanged a glance. Xiao Fantuan never expected that the unfamiliar, bespectacled uncle would actually be his mother’s new boss. “Mom, are you saying that your new boss is interested in our calligraphy and drawings and wants to print them in a promotional brochure?”

Su Xiaoxiao often brings back some promotional brochures and designs them at home. The kids knew what it was all about.

Su Xiaoxiao nodded and said, “That’s what they want. If you’re interested…”

Before Su Xiaoxiao could finish speaking, Xiao Fantuan nodded frantically and said, “I’m interested. We want to do the same job as Mom. Of course, we’re interested, right, Xiao Zhuzi, Xiao Doubao?”

Xiao Doubao doesn’t know much about designing promotional brochures, but he also wants to do the same job as his mother. Anyway, he does whatever his brother asks him to do. He nodded in confusion and said, “Hmm, brother’s right~~”

Xiao Zhuzi felt a little unconfident and said, “But Xiao Fantuan, our calligraphy is too ugly.”

Xiao Fantuan didn’t worry at all. He waved his hand and said, “There are still several months until the summer vacation. What can’t be improved after practicing for a few months? Not only do I want to improve my calligraphy, but I also want to enhance my painting skills. In the evening, I will ask my dad to write a copybook for us to imitate. We must impress Mom’s boss and not let Mom down!”

Xiao Zhuzi felt a bit disheartened. What Xiao Fantuan can do in a month might take a year to accomplish for other people. Why wasn’t he as smart as Xiao Fantuan?

Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but pinch Xiao Fantuan’s cheeks and say, “There’s nothing for me to be embarrassed about. You are great, so Mom’s face won’t be affected. You both have always been Mom’s proudest treasures.”

Xiao Fantuan confidently said, “But I still want to do better!”

Su Xiaoxiao once again marveled at herself, probably the luckiest and most worry-free stepmother. It goes without saying that Xiao Fantuan is self-disciplined and focused. Whatever he set his mind to, he could achieve it. Which parent wouldn’t want such a “prodigy” in their family?
Su Xiaoxiao rubbed the baby’s head and said, “Okay, Mom believes Fantuan can do his best.”

She then patted Xiao Zhuzi’s head. “Xiao Zhuzi, remember, just do your best in everything. The result is often not the most important thing; enjoying the process is.”

Xiao Zhuzi thought for a moment and nodded with a smile. “Auntie Su, I remember.”

Though he said this, Xiao Zhuzi added practicing calligraphy and drawing to his daily activities. He believed practice makes perfect. Moreover, he knew he wasn’t dumb; he simply wasn’t as smart as Xiao Fantuan. How many geniuses like Xiao Fantuan were born in the world? So, Xiao Zhuzi quickly adjusted his mindset and moved at his own pace.