Shen Meng looked at the two of them, her eyes welling up, her voice slightly choked with emotion.

“Thank you so much, Sister Guihua, Auntie Chen. I was too young and inexperienced before. With Zhenping away, I had no idea how to manage things on my own. I simply followed my in-laws’ lead, raising the children as I’d seen others do, and if they misbehaved, I’d take a stick to them without understanding anything about patience or reasoning. This recent experience has made me see things clearly: everyone has their own path. From now on, I’ll take care of myself, learn how to live properly, and get strong for Zhenping’s sake. Sister Guihua, Auntie Chen, I hope I can count on you both for guidance in the future.”

Auntie Chen replied kindly, “There’s no need for thanks. We’ve all been young once, so I understand what you’re going through. It’s getting late; I’ll come by to check on you tomorrow. Take care and rest well, Xiao Meng.”

“I won’t stay any longer,” said Tian Guihua. “There are many things going on at home. But do remember Auntie Chen’s words—focus on resting and regaining your strength so you can raise your children well. Your life will be good in the future.”

As the two women stood to leave, Shen Meng tried to get off the kang to see them out, but they gently stopped her.

“What are you doing? We just said you need to rest. No need to send us off—just take care of yourself. Sister Wan, we’ll be going now. You all take care.”

Shen Meng waved her hand toward her mother, Wang Guizhi, gathered the brown sugar, eggs, and dried vegetables the women had brought. “Mother, please return these to them. They’ve done enough by coming to visit; there’s no need for them to leave us so many good things. Take it back for yourselves and your families.”

But Chen Jinling protested, “Hey, Sister Wang, what are you doing? We brought these for Xiao Meng to help her recover. She needs these things right now—don’t worry about it. Just keep them.”

“Yes,” added Tian Guihua, “there’s no need to be so polite, Auntie. You keep these for Xiao Meng. If you keep insisting, I’ll be upset and won’t come back next time.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly!” Wang Guizhi said with a warm smile. “After talking to you for a while today, I know you are straightforward people. I’ll count on your support for Xiao Meng and my grandchildren in the future. I can’t collect anything anymore. Take it quickly, take it quickly.”

With that, the women shuffled out to the gate, their voices rising as they politely argued over the gifts. In the kitchen, the children peeked curiously outside.

Seeing this, Shen Fugui gave a little laugh and nudged a dish toward little Mingkai, saying, “Don’t worry about it—they’re just being polite. Your grandma will be back with everything they brought.”

Though he hadn’t wanted to explain adult interactions to the children, they looked so anxious about losing the gifts that he felt a bit of reassurance was ok. True enough, Wang Guizhi returned shortly with the supplies untouched. Mingyang gave a quick glance, noticing nothing was missing.

After putting the items away in the kang cabinet, Wang Guizhi looked around the disheveled room and shook her head. “Those two, Lu Jiaxuan and his wife, left without even tidying up. They took everything, even the floor mats from the west side room. The kitchen doesn’t even have firewood—if your father hadn’t borrowed some, we’d have had no dinner tonight. Xiao Meng, how did things get so bad? You used to be so clever before you got married. That mother-in-law of yours took all the sense out of you.”

Shen Meng stayed quiet, her head lowered, feeling an unexpected sense of warmth as Wang Guizhi fussed over her. It reminded her of how the orphanage director would fret over her, and it brought a similar comfort.

“Look at me, always rambling. You must be hungry by now, Xiao Meng. Let me get you something to eat. Have a meal, take your medicine, and then get a good night’s rest. I’ll stay here with you tonight.”

“Alright.” After her mother left, Shen Meng took in the room with a determined gaze. Lu Jiaxuan and Zhou Jiaojiao had taken everything they could, leaving only the original furniture gifted by her family when she got married. Even the paper on the walls had been stripped. Perhaps it was for the best—she’d have taken it down anyway.

There was much that needed to be done, but that could wait. Soon, she’d head into town and furnish her home as she wanted. Wang Guizhi returned shortly with a small meal for her. After eating a bit, Shen Meng lay down, hoping to ease her lingering headache. She barely registered her mother returning again later with a basin of warm water, gently wiping her face and hands, then even carefully wiping her feet with a rag.

Shen Meng awoke slightly, but stayed still, deeply moved by her mother’s care. She knew that to properly repay her parents, she needed to recover fully first.

That night, Wang Guizhi stayed by Shen Meng’s side, waking several times to check on her. Shen Meng noticed, but didn’t comment. By dawn, her mother had only managed a brief nap.

When Shen Meng got up, she found her parents had already cleaned the yard, washed clothes, and tidied the house. The children had even gathered some firewood and left it to dry in the courtyard. Seeing them so busy, she felt a deep warmth.

Wang Guizhi looked over, beaming. “Xiao Meng! How are you feeling today? Doctor Lu said if there’s no fever, you’re in the clear. Are you hungry? I boiled an egg for you—I’ll bring it over.”

“Thank you, Mother. And thank you, Father, for everything.”

“Oh, you’re our daughter! It’s only right we look after you. Now go wash up.”

“Okay!” Shen Meng smiled, and when she turned around, her eyes met those of the four children. Then she saw the four children all turned their faces away.

Shen Meng let out a soft sigh. Their disdain couldn’t be more obvious!

After breakfast, Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui prepared to leave. Though they wanted to stay, they had a lot to tend to at home. Staying meant eating their daughter’s food, and that didn’t sit well with them.

“Wait, Mother.” Shen Meng handed over some money and ration tickets. “Zhenping sends money and ration tickets each month, so I have plenty. The team provided good food, too. Take these, and I’ll visit you once I’m feeling better.”

For the way her parents had sacrificed everything for her, they deserved this from her in return.

“Oh, silly girl,” Wang Guizhi said, gently pushing the money back. “Your father and I don’t need this. We just want you to live well. And your father says to take good care of the children—each of them has a good heart, and you mustn’t be harsh with them again.” Tightening the well-worn towel around her head, Wang Guizhi turned to leave.

“Please, take it, Mother,” Shen Meng insisted, slipping the money into Wang Guizhi’s hand. “You and Father have done so much for me. If you don’t take it, I’ll feel uneasy. I’ll listen and live well, but you shouldn’t refuse good things—use it at home. No matter what, I’m still your daughter, and it’s my duty to support you. Take it, or I won’t come visit.”

She feigned a pout and turned away, secretly watching her mother’s reaction.