Chapter 30

Because Zhang Tieshan had personally said last time that she could come see the little one openly without sneaking around, this time Li Hehua entered the Zhang household openly and confidently.

Zhang Linshi was hanging clothes in the courtyard. When she saw Li Hehua come in, she was first startled, then her brows furrowed. “You…” she started to say, but didn’t finish, her expression turning unpleasant.

Li Hehua guessed that Zhang Tieshan must have given instructions, which was why Zhang Linshi had opinions but didn’t say anything outright.

Not wanting to start a conflict, Li Hehua merely nodded politely at her and headed straight into the main hall. She glanced around but didn’t see the little one anywhere, so she called out, “Baby! Where are you? I’ve come to see you!”

As soon as she called, the door to the west wing burst open with a “bang,” and a small figure ran out with little footsteps, crashing straight into her and hugging her leg tightly with both hands.

Li Hehua quickly put down what she was carrying, bent down, and scooped the little one into her arms. She planted two big kisses on his cheeks. “There you are, my good baby, hiding in the room!”

The little one blinked his eyes, which sparkled brightly—clearly delighted.

Sitting down on a chair, Li Hehua settled the child on her lap and reached for her basket. She uncovered the cloth on top and took out a soup jar. “Baby, I made you some soup today. It’s really tasty—come try some.” She poured out a bowl and used the spoon she brought to feed him. The little one opened his mouth and drank it down eagerly.

Just then, Zhang Linshi came in after finishing with the laundry. She glanced at the two of them and snorted through her nose.

Li Hehua pretended not to hear and continued feeding the child. “Here, baby, eat some meat too. You need to finish all the meat so you can grow up strong and tall.”

The little one opened his mouth even wider at her words and bit into half a piece of meat, chewing diligently.

Watching from the side, Zhang Linshi felt even more stifled. The child never gave her food a second glance no matter how she coaxed him, yet now he was eating like it was the tastiest thing in the world. She was furious. She took care of this child every day and never once saw him be so affectionate. Now this woman shows up and he runs straight into her arms. Ungrateful little cub!

If Li Hehua knew what Zhang Linshi was thinking, she’d probably be overjoyed.

After feeding the child two bowls of soup, Li Hehua gently patted his round little belly and said, “Alright, baby, your tummy’s full. We can’t eat any more now.”

He pursed his lips and glanced longingly at the soup jar, clearly reluctant.

Li Hehua was nearly melted by that look. For the first time, she truly felt the joy of having a child. She couldn’t help but kiss his forehead again.

“Don’t worry, we still have other yummy things.” She pulled out some pastries from the basket to show him. “See, I brought pastries too. But you can’t eat them at night, okay? Eating sweets at night will give you cavities.”

He blinked again, which Li Hehua took as agreement.

Oh right—she hadn’t given him the clothes yet.

Thinking of the clothes she made, she gently placed him down and pulled out the new outfit, holding it up to him. “Baby, I made you some new clothes. Let’s try them on, okay?”

Shulin looked at the clothes, then up at Li Hehua, his big dark eyes shining.

She was sure he was happy about getting new clothes. “So baby, can I take off your old clothes and help you put on the new ones?”

He looked at her for a moment, then reached out his little arms—clearly agreeing.

Li Hehua was overjoyed. She gently undressed him, but as soon as she saw his little body, her heart clenched.

His ribs were painfully visible from how thin he was, but what shocked her most wasn’t his frailness—it was his skin. It wasn’t the fair, smooth skin of a child, but was covered in countless scars, both deep and shallow, blotchy and linear. These were the marks of long-term abuse.

Who in this house could’ve done this? No one but the original owner!

Li Hehua choked, a lump forming in her throat. Her heart felt like it was burning. She couldn’t understand how a mother could do such things to her own flesh and blood. Shouldn’t a mother love her child with everything she had?

No wonder the child had been so scared of her. No wonder the Zhang family hated her so much. A woman like that deserved every bit of it.

Li Hehua’s eyes burned. She pulled the frail little boy into her arms and hugged him tightly. She silently vowed that from now on, he was her child, and she was his mother. She would raise him well and love him as a real mother should. This was her responsibility—not just as a woman, but because she had taken over the original owner’s body.

The little one, not understanding why she was hugging him so tightly, wrapped his small arms around her neck and nuzzled into her shoulder, silently seeking comfort.

Li Hehua took a breath to steady herself, then kissed his forehead. “I’m okay. I just wanted to hug my baby a little longer. Now let’s put on your new clothes.”

She dressed him in the new outfit, pants and all, and immediately, he looked like a different child—spirited and adorable.

Li Hehua was very pleased with her handiwork. She patted his shoulder with a smile. “Baby, you look so handsome!”

The little one’s eyes widened and sparkled as he looked down at his clothes, clearly delighted.

Although Zhang Linshi was picking vegetables by the door, her eyes kept darting over. Seeing the child in new clothes, her gaze flickered. The clothes were good-looking and well-fitted, but children grow fast. This outfit would be too small in no time. Such a waste of money! But since Li Hehua was no longer her daughter-in-law, she had no right to speak.

Just then, noise came from the front gate. Zhang Tieshan and Zhang Qingshan were back from hunting.

Zhang Tieshan immediately noticed Li Hehua in the main room. His gaze lingered on Shulin’s new clothes for a while before looking away. He said nothing, simply placed the prey down in the yard and walked into the house with his bow and arrows.

Zhang Qingshan followed behind him, head down, unusually quiet.

Li Hehua breathed a sigh of relief. As expected, Zhang Tieshan kept his word and had clearly managed the other two in the family so she could visit the little one without trouble. He really wasn’t a bad man. It was just unfortunate the original owner had wasted him.

Seeing it was nearly lunchtime, she decided it was time to leave. She couldn’t bring the soup jar back full, though—there was still more than half left. She’d just leave it here.

Thinking this, she called out to Zhang Tieshan as he was about to handle the game. “Zhang Tieshan.”

He paused and turned to look at her.

Li Hehua pointed at the soup jar. “I made this for Shulin. He’s already had two bowls. There’s still a lot left. Can you put it in something else? I need to take the jar back.”

He glanced at the jar, nodded, and went into the kitchen. Soon he returned with a large soup bowl and set it on the table.

Li Hehua was about to pour the soup into the bowl when Zhang Tieshan stopped her and took the jar from her hands, pouring the soup himself.

She bit her lip in confusion. What does he mean by this? Could he possibly be… softhearted? But whatever—less work for her.

Once the soup was poured, she took the empty jar, placed it back in her basket, and said, “Heat this up at noon and drink it. It was made this morning, so it won’t keep until night. It’ll spoil and won’t be good for your health.”

Zhang Tieshan paused for a moment, then replied with a quiet “Mm.”

……

Li Hehua packed up and knelt down to gently stroke Shulin’s head. “Baby, I have to go now. I’ll come see you again next time, okay?”

The little boy had been watching her intently since she started tidying up. Now, hearing her say she was leaving, the light in his eyes dimmed, and he gripped her sleeve tightly, not wanting to let go.

Every time this happened, Li Hehua’s heart ached. She truly felt the pain of being separated from one’s child. If only she could stay with him always.

“Oh, baby…” She kissed his forehead. “You have to let me go, remember? I need to go back and make yummy food for you. What would I bring you next time if I don’t go?”

The little one pouted unhappily, still clinging tightly to her.

Li Hehua hugged him tightly. Maybe I should ask Zhang Tieshan if I can take him with me for a few days... She glanced at Zhang Tieshan, who was still in the courtyard, then steeled herself. She picked up the child and crouched down a short distance from him, watching as he skillfully handled the game.

After a while, he looked at her. “What is it?”

Li Hehua smiled. “I want to ask you something.”

“Speak.” He didn’t stop his work.

“I wanted to ask… Can I take Shulin to stay with me for a few days? I’ve rented a place in town. He can play there and I’ll bring him back after. Is that okay?”

Zhang Tieshan stopped and looked at her, his gaze heavy.

Li Hehua felt a bit nervous but still spoke up, “Don’t worry—I’ll take good care of him. You can come check anytime. If I treat him badly, you can come settle it with me however you like.”

He didn’t say a word, making it hard to read his thoughts.

Suddenly, a shrill voice interrupted, “No! Don’t even think about taking Shulin away!”

Startled, both Li Hehua and the child turned to see Zhang Linshi rushing over, abandoning her vegetables. She pointed at Li Hehua and yelled, “You’re already divorced from our family. Letting you see the child is mercy enough. Don’t push your luck, or you won’t be allowed in next time!”

Li Hehua sighed. She knew it was a long shot. She could only give up—for now. Poor little one had just gotten his hopes up.

Not wanting to argue, she stood silently and kissed the child’s forehead. “Baby, I can’t take you with me this time. But I’ll come see you again soon, okay?”

Sure enough, the little one’s eyes lost their light and his brows furrowed. He was clearly upset.

Li Hehua reluctantly tried to put him down.

At that moment, Zhang Tieshan finally spoke. “Three days. I’ll come fetch him then.”

“What…?” Li Hehua was stunned.

“Tieshan, are you crazy? What are you saying?!” Zhang Linshi screamed, wide-eyed.

Zhang Tieshan turned to her. “Mother, enough. I’ll handle this.”

His tone left no room for argument. Zhang Linshi knew him well. Realizing she couldn’t change his mind, she burst into tears and stormed into her room, slamming the door.

Li Hehua was still stunned, looking to Zhang Tieshan for confirmation.

Expressionless, he said, “Wait here. I’ll pack Shulin’s things.” He returned shortly with a small bundle and handed it to her.

She quickly took it, deeply grateful. “Thank you. I promise I’ll take good care of him.”

He said nothing, returning to his task.

……

Li Hehua, heart full of joy, scooped up the little boy and quickly left the Zhang household, afraid they might change their minds. Only when she exited Shangshui Village did she fully believe it was real.

She kissed the little one on the cheek. “Baby, we’re going home together! Are you happy?”

His eyes lit up, full of laughter.

Brimming with energy, Li Hehua carried him without feeling tired. “We’re heading to Lianhua Village to get tables and chairs. Mama’s going to open a food stall. Then we’ll go into town—I’ve rented us a house there.”

This was the first time she called herself Mama, and surprisingly, it felt really nice.

From now on, she was his mother.

The boy clung to her neck and nuzzled against it sweetly.

……

They arrived at Master Qian the carpenter’s house. The cart driver she had hired was already waiting.

She hurried to greet him. “You’re already here? Thank you for coming.”

The driver nodded, clearly not a man of many words.

Li Hehua brought him inside. In the courtyard were several new tables and chairs—hers, obviously.

“Uncle Qian, are you home?” she called toward the main room.

“Yes! Coming!” he answered, stepping out. Seeing her, he pointed to the furniture. “Here to pick up the tables and chairs? They’re ready to go. The cart will be finished the day after tomorrow.”

“Thank you so much, Uncle Qian.” She set the little one down and took out 780 wen from her pouch. “Here’s the payment in full. When the cart’s done, I won’t come pick it up—please let Sister Cao collect it for me.”

Master Qian accepted the money. “Alright. Let me know if anything comes up.”

They quickly loaded the tables and chairs onto the donkey cart. After bidding farewell, Li Hehua got on the cart with Shulin and headed toward town.