Chapter 18

Swings weren’t complicated.

Since he already had the materials, all he needed were the right branches and to secure the ropes tightly.

After testing it himself to ensure it was sturdy, Cao Jingliang waved to his junior. “Want to try it?”

Xu Wanchun walked over and tried reaching it on tiptoe… Yep, too high.

“I made it higher on purpose—so Auntie could use it too. Want me to lift you?”

He didn’t say the real reason: he’d deliberately raised it so she wouldn’t play unsupervised and accidentally fall.

Xu Wanchun didn’t hesitate and held her hands up.

Cao Jingliang easily lifted her onto the swing, then stood behind her to gently push.

She thought she was past the age of playing, and she sat more out of politeness than excitement.

But when the swing started swaying, with wind brushing past her ears and leaves twirling onto her lap—it was all… just right.

Seeing her close her eyes in contentment, clearly enjoying herself, Cao Jingliang felt both joy and relief.

He wouldn’t be home much in the future. His parents would be relying on Peach Blossom for company and support.

So he wanted to do everything he could for the little girl now.

If he had more time, he’d have even built her a treehouse for her climbing habit… Hmm. That wasn’t a bad idea. Maybe he could tell his parents—given how much they doted on her, they could probably hire a carpenter to make one.

With that thought, he got ready to leave.

From the kitchen, Xu Hehua peeked out. “Jingliang, what time do you leave this afternoon?”

“After lunch.”

“I made some brown sugar sponge cakes. Take them for the road. Tell your mom not to pack too much dry food, or it’ll go bad.”

“Thanks, Auntie. I’ll tell her.”

==

Twenty-four hours in a day.

It sounds long, but once the clock starts ticking, time flies.

No matter how reluctant, goodbyes always come on time.

Both families gathered to share an early lunch before seeing off the young hero heading to the battlefield.

At the village entrance, Li Gui’s big-wheeled cart was already waiting.

Su Nan’s eyes were red-rimmed but she held back her tears and even managed a smile. “…I’ve said what I needed to say. I’ve reminded you of everything. Since you’re determined to follow your path, then do it well. Don’t worry about me and your dad. We’re still young, and we have Peach Blossom with us.”

Cao Jingliang reassured her again, “Mom, don’t worry. I’m in the medical corps, just logistics. I’ll be in the rear.”

Liar! Xu Wanchun fumed internally.

Military doctor—military first. If things got bad, even logistics went to the front.

Su Nan might not know the military structure well, but she clearly didn’t believe her son either. She pinched his cheek, then ruffled his hair and scolded, “Alright, we’re only seeing you off this far. Stay alert on the road. Don’t let pickpockets steal your money.”

Though she’d said it several times, Cao Jingliang still answered patiently each time. Just as he turned to speak to Peach Blossom, the sound of hoofbeats interrupted.

Everyone turned toward the approaching rider, wondering who it was at this time.

Only the usually quiet Cao Xiu let out a breath of relief. “Just in time.”

Su Nan turned to him. “What’s just in time?”

“Didn’t we take photos in the county a few days ago? Yesterday, I asked Uncle Jingjun’s boy, Limin, to help deliver them.” Cao Xiu explained quickly, then went forward to meet the rider.

Xu Limin had been galloping hard, clearly exhausted. But the payment from Dr. Cao was generous, so even though the ride had been rough, he handed over the envelope with a broad grin. “Dr. Cao, all the photos are here.”

“Thank you. Really,” said Cao Xiu.

“No problem, no problem.” The strapping young man scratched his head shyly. Then, politely, “Take a look. If they’re all here, I’ll head back.”

“They’re all here, not a single one missing.” After seeing him off, Cao Xiu handed his son the small photo of him, his wife, and Peach Blossom. “Keep it with you—it’ll be something to remember us by.”

The photo was only two inches, a light thing usually. But today, it felt impossibly heavy. Nose stinging, Cao Jingliang placed it carefully into his wallet. “Dad, Mom—I’m going.”

Cao Xiu and Su Nan forced stiff smiles. “Safe journey.”

He bid farewell to Xu Hehua, then turned to his little junior. “Peach Blossom, I’ll be counting on you to look after my parents.”

Xu Wanchun didn’t say much—just gave a solemn promise. “A teacher for a day, a father for life. Don’t worry, Senior Brother.”

So sensible, as always. Cao Jingliang gave her a grateful smile before signaling the cart driver to set off.

The wheels creaked as they rolled away. In the sunlight, the boy in uniform wore a brilliant smile and waved with confidence, walking toward his future without hesitation.

Back in the village, once her son was truly out of sight, Su Nan finally let her tears fall, unable to hold them in any longer.

This time, Xu Wanchun didn’t try to play cute or cheer her up.

Sometimes… crying was better.

==

In the days that followed…

Xu Wanchun continued taking leave from school.

Thankfully, school discipline wasn’t strict, so she had the chance to stay longer at her teacher’s home.

Maybe thanks to her cheerful company, her teacher and his wife’s expressions gradually relaxed.

Even more surprising—she now had her own room in the Cao household.

The first two nights after her senior left, she insisted on staying over to keep the elders company.

Soon after, Su Nan organized a bedroom just for her.

The curtains and bedding were all floral prints, and the desk even had fresh flowers—it was sweet and cozy, the perfect girly room.

Not only did Xu Wanchun love it, even Xu Hehua couldn’t stop exclaiming over how charming it was. Who knew a room could be this dainty?

So, she went home and gave both their bedrooms a complete makeover.

Now, Xu Wanchun had two pretty bedrooms to herself—how could she not be delighted?

“What are you giggling about? Did you even hear what I said just now?” That afternoon, Dr. Cao was carefully explaining a medical case when he realized his little disciple was totally spacing out. He immediately frowned.

Xu Wanchun straightened up instantly. “I heard you.” She even repeated his explanation word for word.

Dr. Cao looked a bit less stern. “So, since you know the patient is miscarrying due to kidney deficiency, what treatment would you suggest?”

She’d only studied traditional medicine for under six months, and most of it had been memorizing herbs. She hadn’t encountered many cases yet.

But if Master asked, it meant he believed she could reason it out with what she knew.

So she thought hard and answered, “…There’s medicine and food therapy. Medicinally, we can use dodder, mulberry mistletoe, donkey-hide gelatin…”

Dr. Cao neither praised nor criticized, simply tapped the table with his finger. “And for food therapy?”

Xu Wanchun answered, “Black beans, walnuts, goji berries, codonopsis…”Until his little disciple finished speaking, only then did Cao Xiu reveal a satisfied smile.
“Not bad. It seems your memorization of the applicability of medicinal herbs and food is solid. But in your prescription earlier, you should’ve added xuduan (Dipsacus root). Cuscuta, mistletoe, xuduan, and ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) make up the formula for Shoutai Pills, which are best suited for miscarriage due to kidney deficiency.”

Seeing his disciple scribbling notes diligently, Cao Xiu continued,
“Miscarriages have many causes. Generally speaking, they can be categorized into types such as qi and blood deficiency, spleen deficiency, blood heat…”

Just like that, one teacher earnestly teaching and one student earnestly learning, the entire morning flew by.

As they packed up the books, Cao Xiu said,
“Go back to school tomorrow.”

Seeing his little disciple look over, Cao Xiu reached out to ruffle her hair and repeated,
“Back to school tomorrow—don’t forget you’re still an elementary school student.”

That’s true. Xu Wanchun smiled helplessly,
“Then I’ll come by again after school tomorrow.”

Cao Xiu nodded,
“Mm, off you go.”

=

Over the next few days, Xu Wanchun’s life returned to its usual rhythm:
School, studying medicine with her master, helping her adoptive mother with chores, and occasionally heading to the back mountain to gather herbs…

Her days were busy, but fulfilling.

It was Saturday, and when class ended, the teacher announced that Sunday would be a rest day.
The students, long stifled by the daily grind, immediately burst into cheers.

On the way home, Xu Wanchun, carrying her schoolbag, was still being led by the hand of her older friend.

Unlike others, Li Yulan cherished and loved going to school. Even on the road, she didn’t stop reviewing what the teacher had taught.

“…Taohua, I forgot again. What’s one plus four?”
“Five.”
“Right, right. Taohua, you’re so smart! I keep forgetting.”
Xu Wanchun: “…”

“Taohua, can I come to your house tomorrow and do homework with you?”
“Sure, I should be home in the afternoon.”
“Then… then I’ll save my boiled egg for you.”
“Great, we can trade.”
“Wow… Taohua, you’re the best! We really are best friends!”

One naive, the other indulgent.
The two little girls chatted away happily all the way back to the Xu house.

Li Yulan had originally planned to just drop her friend off, but unexpectedly saw her own mother there.
“Mom, what are you doing at Taohua’s house?”

Xu Lanca, still working on a shoe sole, didn’t even look up,
“Chatting with Aunt Hehua. I’ll head back soon.”

Li Yulan looked at her friend a bit sheepishly.
“Taohua, can I come in and wait for my mom?”

This child was way too shy. Xu Wanchun picked up Danggui, who was madly wagging its tail at her, and smiled.
“Of course! Come on, let’s go swing with the dog.”

What little kid could resist that?
Li Yulan’s big round eyes sparkled, and she ran in on her short little legs with excitement.

Seeing that her daughter finally had a friend, Xu Hehua, being a considerate and welcoming parent, immediately set aside her work.
She helped the two chubby kids onto the swing, then went to the kitchen to get them each a wild pear, before returning to her loom.

At that time, most children were loosely raised.
Xu Lanca was stunned by her good friend’s chain of thoughtful actions and muttered,
“Hehua, you really spoil your kid.”

Still weaving, Xu Hehua didn’t care.
“If I raise her, I’m giving her the best. Otherwise, why raise her at all? And besides, isn’t my Taohua a great kid?”

That… made sense.
Looking at her own daughter, red-cheeked with joy on the swing, Xu Lanca was suddenly moved.
“Girl, look at my daughter! Before, she wouldn’t say a word—like she’d choke on air if she spoke. I was really afraid she’d suffocate herself one day. But now… It’s all thanks to Taohua. You’re so lucky! I wish Taohua were my own daughter.”

Xu Hehua kept weaving without pause and casually said,
“Funny, wasn’t it you who disapproved of me adopting her? Said she looked unlucky?”

“Don’t talk nonsense, I never said that!” Xu Lanca flatly denied it, then nervously glanced at the kids to check if they’d heard, quickly changing the subject.
“I heard Uncle Jingjun said adults can go to school too?”

That was news to Xu Hehua.
“What do you mean?”

Xu Lanca curled her lip.
“Some literacy thing… all-inclusive reading or whatever. It sounded fancy, I didn’t catch the exact words.”

“Where do they study?”

“No clue, they’re still trying to get people to join. Said there’s no female teacher to teach us women… and I’m not going.”

“Is there a fee?”

“Don’t think so. Why? You planning to go?”

“I’ll decide later. But if it’s free, why wouldn’t you go?”
Xu Hehua had already learned quite a bit from her daughter—she could even do basic arithmetic now. She didn’t care much about going to class herself, but she felt it was a pity her good friend wasn’t interested.

Xu Lanca scratched her head with a needle, unimpressed.
“I’m already forty. I’ve lived just fine without reading all my life.”

Of course, she didn’t know yet—she was about to be slapped in the face by reality.

=

September 15th, a Sunday—and a market day.

Early that morning, several women close to Xu Hehua set off for the marketplace, carrying baskets and back baskets.

Xu Wanchun hadn’t originally planned to go, but her master advised her to balance work and rest—so off she went.

Li Yulan came too.

The two little girls with short legs rode a donkey together and didn’t slow down the adults.

Since many of the aunties had farm products to sell, they left extra early.

By the time they secured a good spot at the market, the sun had only just risen.

Xu Hehua wasn’t selling anything, so she took the girls to buy breakfast.

There weren’t many fancy foods in the market, but there were still sesame flatbreads and fried dough sticks.

Fresh out of the pan, the flatbreads were crispy on the outside, soft inside.
Xu Wanchun munched on one bigger than her face as they walked.

When they returned to the stalls, they found customers already gathered.

Xu Lanca had brought two trays of tofu and a basket of eggs.
Selling tofu was routine, and she handled the math easily. But when it came to selling eggs, things got bumpy.

The customer, an elderly lady with graying hair, wanted 20 eggs. But they couldn’t figure out the math.

It was 10 cents for three eggs.

Standing nearby, Xu Wanchun listened as they guessed prices—sometimes 1.4 yuan, sometimes 50 cents—and nearly burst out laughing.

In the end, Xu Hehua stepped in and persuaded the old lady to buy 21 eggs instead. That made it exactly 70 cents.

Though neither the seller nor the buyer were entirely sure it was correct, the math seemed close enough.

And so, one confused seller sent off an even more confused buyer.

When the customer left, Xu Lanca was overjoyed.
“Wow, Hehua! You can do math?”
Then she suspiciously turned to Taohua.
“Your mom didn’t miscalculate, right?”

Before Xu Wanchun could answer, Xu Hehua rolled her eyes.
“I’ve been learning from my daughter for months. You think I can’t add up some eggs?”

Xu Lanca’s eyes went wide.
“Really? Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

The other women were just as curious and impressed.

“What’s there to say?” Xu Hehua felt awkward under their stares, and shot her friend a glare.
“Didn’t you just say yesterday that literacy was pointless? Looks like you’re eating your words.”

Xu Lanca pouted,
“It’s still kind of pointless.”

Xu Hehua was speechless.
“Well… well, at least basic arithmetic is useful, right? You couldn’t even count some eggs.”

“You were here just now, weren’t you?”

“What about when I’m not? Who knows how much money you’ve lost?”

That line was a direct hit. Thinking of the money, Xu Lanca clutched her chest in pain…

=

On the way home, with only mother and daughter left, Xu Wanchun asked about the literacy program.

Xu Hehua replied,
“I’m thinking about it. But in our village, aside from Uncle Jingjun, no one else can teach. He’s on his own… not counting your master and Madam Cao.”

Her master and his wife were both very aloof.
Xu Wanchun thought for a while, then asked her adoptive mother,
“Why don’t you go?”

Xu Hehua didn’t get it at first.
“Go where?”

“To teach the aunties how to read,” Xu Wanchun replied plainly.

It took a moment for the idea to sink in.
“You mean me?” Her expression was one of disbelief, like she’d just heard nonsense.

“Mom, you already recognize over 200 characters, and you’re learning more every day. You know basic arithmetic too. That’s more than enough to teach a literacy class.”

In rural villages, people often idolized the educated.
Xu Wanchun saw this as a golden opportunity for her adoptive mother to gain true respect—not the kind that came from raising a “lucky” girl taken in by a respected doctor.

But real, earned respect.

Historically, around 1953, nationwide elections would be launched. Several villages would be merged into one administrative unit.
If her adoptive mother could read and write and had enough local prestige, it wasn’t impossible to run for positions like village women’s representative—or even village accountant.

More importantly, she hoped her mother could finally break free from the endless grind of housework.

With the earnings from gathering herbs, they could easily save 500 yuan a year even after daily expenses.
That was considered a high income in this era.

Even so, her adoptive mother still squeezed in time to weave cloth to help with household expenses.

She also had two mu of land to tend—she was practically spinning like a top with how busy she was.

Xu Wanchun truly hoped she could take a break. Helping the women in the village with literacy was the perfect opportunity. It would kill two birds with one stone…

“I can’t do it, how could I possibly do it?”

Her mother’s panicked voice pulled Xu Wanchun’s drifting thoughts back. She said helplessly,
“Mom, remember when I was first teaching you to read? You said the same thing. And now look at you—you’ve learned so much! You haven’t even tried it yet, how can you be so sure you can’t do it? You’re obviously very smart and capable!”

Her daughter really knew how to sweet-talk people. Having been dismissed most of her life, Xu Hehua couldn’t help blushing at the praise, flustered and a little embarrassed. She wanted to refuse again, but was afraid of letting her daughter down. After a long moment, she stammered,
“Mom… Mom will think about it.”

Seeing this, Xu Wanchun followed up with another question,
“If Uncle Jingjun comes looking for you, would you be willing to teach the aunties to read? No charge, of course.”

Xu Hehua replied without even thinking,
“Of course I wouldn’t charge!”

Got it! Xu Wanchun understood—this meant she was tempted, just too shy to admit it.

As the thoughtful little cotton-padded jacket that she was, she decided to give her mother a little nudge.

=

If there was one thing Xu Wanchun never lacked, it was initiative.

That very afternoon, she told her mother she was going to play with friends—but instead, she went to find Uncle Jingjun.

“You’re saying your mom learned to read and write over two hundred characters from you? And now she could help the village women become literate?” Xu Jingjun stared at the tiny girl sitting across from him, still slightly dazed.

Xu Wanchun beamed, not the least bit self-conscious about her missing front tooth.
“Yes! My mom would be really happy to help.”

Xu Jingjun was even more intrigued.
“Then why didn’t she come to me herself?”

Xu Wanchun replied smoothly,
“My mom’s tied up right now. Since I was coming to see Sister Yulan anyway, she asked me to pass along the message. If you need her help, just call on her.”
She wanted the opportunity, yes—but she didn’t want to seem overly eager. That wouldn’t sit right.

Xu Jingjun had a feeling this clever little rascal wasn’t telling the whole story. But if Hehua really was willing to take on the village women’s literacy class, it would benefit him too. That was all that mattered.
“Alright, I got it. Once we’ve finalized the classroom location, I’ll let your mom know.”

Mission accomplished, Xu Wanchun didn’t linger. She smiled and excused herself.
“Uncle, I’ll go find Sister Yulan now.”

Xu Jingjun puffed on his cigarette.
“Go on.”

“Where’s Taohua?” Xu Jingjun’s wife, Xu Lishi, came out with a plate of boiled peanuts in brine. When she didn’t see the doll-like girl, she looked a little disappointed.

Xu Jingjun turned back from watching the little girl leave and chuckled,
“She ran off. That little rascal is slippery as a loach.”

Xu Lishi: “What? What rascal?”

Xu Jingjun exhaled a puff of smoke and laughed.
“Nothing, just thinking that Hehua is blessed. The daughter she picked up is more capable than most biological ones.”

Xu Lishi placed the peanuts beside him and sat down with a smile.
“Well, that’s because Hehua has a good heart. Good things happen to good people.”

Hearing that, and thinking of how Hehua had selflessly cared for the elderly in Li Shanhai’s family for over ten years, Xu Jingjun sighed.
“She really is a good one.”

=

Xu Wanchun didn’t tell her mother about the conversation with Uncle Jingjun.

After all, nothing was confirmed yet. She didn’t want to get her hopes up only to be disappointed.

Life went on, plain but busy.

In the blink of an eye, October arrived.

Northern October was already bitterly cold.

That day, wrapped in a thin cotton jacket, Xu Wanchun came running home clutching her first exam results. As soon as she stepped through the courtyard gate, she shouted,
“Mom! My grades are out!”

“So what if they’re out, you silly girl? Why are you yelling like that?”
Though her words were grumbling, her actions were quick—before the sentence was finished, Xu Hehua had already hurried out of the kitchen.

Xu Wanchun didn’t call her out on it. With a proud shake of her test paper, she continued to deliver joy to her beloved mother.
“Look, look! Full marks on both!”

“My girl is amazing! After your master and Madam Cao see this, I’m going to pin it on the wall!” Xu Hehua was overjoyed at seeing the two big red 100s.

It was fine to make her mom happy, but pinning it on the wall was too much—too embarrassing.
Xu Wanchun quickly waved her hands.
“Please don’t post it. Just give it back to me, I’ll show it to Master and Madam Cao myself.”

At the mention of Doctor Cao and Madam Su, Xu Hehua suddenly grinned mysteriously.
“Come on, let’s go together.”

Xu Wanchun took a wary step back.
“What did you do?”

“What could I do? It’s your master and Madam Cao—they prepared a gift for you.”
Xu Hehua rolled her eyes and couldn’t be bothered to argue further. With one big step, she hoisted the girl up and marched out, with Danggui the dog happily barking along.

Xu Wanchun: …

=

A treehouse!

Xu Wanchun never would’ve guessed—her master and Madam Cao had prepared a treehouse for her!!!

Standing beneath a towering elm, she stared in shock at the newly added little house, perched about two meters off the ground—just big enough for an adult to go in and out.

“Want to go up and take a look?”
Su Nan pinched the little girl’s chubby pink cheek.

Snapping out of her daze, Xu Wanchun began climbing the wooden steps, asking as she went,
“Why did you suddenly build a treehouse?”

Doctor Cao stood with hands behind his back beneath the tree. When his little disciple made it up safely, he replied with a smile,
“It wasn’t sudden. The carpenter’s been working on it for over half a month. Your senior brother asked for it.”

Xu Wanchun poked her head out from the little window.
“Senior brother?”

Su Nan laughed.
“Yep. The day Jingliang returned to Shanghai, he said you loved climbing trees. He told us to build you a treehouse. So, what do you think? Like it?”

“I love it! Thank you, Master and Madam Cao! And thank you, Senior Brother!”
How could she not love it? It was a real treehouse—the kind she dreamed of having as a kid. Her very own secret fort. Xu Wanchun was truly thrilled.

Su Nan added,
“Tomorrow’s your birthday, so consider it a gift from your senior brother!”

“My birthday’s tomorrow?” For a second she was confused, then turned to her mother.

Xu Hehua gave her a reassuring nod.
“Yep, it’s tomorrow. I asked around specially to find out.”

“So my birthday is the lunar August 28th? I didn’t even know!”
In the treehouse, the girl’s face lit up with pure joy.

Below the tree, the three adults smiled just as brightly.
Su Nan clapped her hands.
“This is the first birthday we’ve had since Taohua came into our lives. We have to celebrate properly.”

Back then, most ordinary people didn’t celebrate birthdays—maybe just a nice meal on milestone ages.

Celebrating small birthdays was something only wealthier families did.

Su Nan’s suggestion struck a chord with Xu Hehua.
“I was thinking the same. Let’s make dumplings tomorrow!”

Su Nan: “Perfect. We’ll all come to your place for a feast!”

Xu Hehua: “It’s settled then!”

“…”

The two women quickly agreed, completely ignoring the birthday girl still crouched in the treehouse.

Of course, having someone celebrate her birthday made Xu Wanchun nothing but happy.

What she didn’t expect was another surprise that evening.

The literacy class location had been finalized!

Starting the day after tomorrow, as the literacy teacher for the women, Xu Hehua would teach for an hour every afternoon.

Long after Uncle Jingjun left, Xu Hehua finally came out of her daze and excitement.
“Wait… does this mean I’m a teacher now?”

Xu Wanchun grinned, keeping her behind-the-scenes efforts to herself.
“Yep! Uncle saw your potential right away!”

Xu Hehua narrowed her eyes at her daughter.
“You really didn’t do anything?”

Xu Wanchun put on her most innocent face.
“I’m not the only one who knows you can read.”

True enough… Xu Hehua let go of her suspicion and was quickly filled with joy again.
She started grabbing books and scribbling characters—clearly preparing already.

Just when Xu Wanchun thought she was finally calming down, her mother’s eyes suddenly lit up.
“Taohua, tomorrow morning I want to visit Tiedan. I can read now—and I’m a teacher—I want to tell him all about it!”

Xu Wanchun had expected her mom to be happy, but not this happy. Her mother’s pure, unfiltered joy made her smile too.
“I’ll go with you.”

Now it was Xu Hehua’s turn to be surprised.
“You’re going too?”

Xu Wanchun nodded with perfect composure.
“I’m the second child of the family. Isn’t it normal for the younger sister to visit her big brother?”

That one word—big brother—made Xu Hehua’s eyes immediately turn red.
She lifted her head and took several deep breaths, pushing down the lump in her throat.

“…Alright. We’ll go see Tiedan together.”

=

Since the two families had agreed to make dumplings together that morning, mother and daughter dressed in new clothes at the crack of dawn.

They prettied themselves up, mounted the donkey, and set off with offerings.

It was still dark. Except for a few homes lit with a faint yellow glow, the whole village was shrouded in a thin mist.

On their way to the green hill, they paused at the earth god’s shrine for half an hour in silent prayer.

By the time they reached the hilltop and Tiedan’s grave, the two of them were laughing and chatting as they tidied the area.

“…Right there—your mom found you right there.”

Xu Wanchun had heard the story of how she was found many times, but still played along cheerfully.
“Weren’t you scared back then?”

“What’s to be scared of? There were bodies everywhere during those war and famine years. I was just afraid some wild boar or bear would eat you. I even dug a hole more than a meter deep…”

Xu Wanchun laughed aloud.
“Guess it really was fate that brought us together!”

“Exactly! I love hearing that.”

After tidying the grave, mother and daughter laid out the offerings.

Then, taking turns, they shared every bit of good news with the departed son/brother.

From taking on a master, to earning money, to school life…
Every topic was covered. Every story was told.

By the time they were ready to descend the mountain, the sun was already high in the sky.

Xu Hehua’s face was full of relaxed smiles. “Every time I chat with your brother, it just goes on and on. I bet it’s already past 9 o’clock.”

Xu Wanchun said, “It’s fine, we’ve got so many hands—making a few dumplings is a piece of cake!”

“You always say everything’s a piece of cake. Where did you even learn that from…”

“Aiya! That’s not important.”

“How is it not important…”

The mother and daughter laughed and talked as they walked down the mountain. But when they were nearly at the foot, Xu Hehua suddenly stopped walking, and the smile on her face faded.

Sensing something was wrong, Xu Wanchun instinctively glanced at the middle-aged man about ten meters away. Her heart sank. No way… “Mom?”

Xu Hehua snorted coldly. “What bad luck!”