Chapter 126.2

Stable and mundane days passed along with the busy routine.

As Su Xiaoxiao had anticipated, after the children started school, her newly appointed boss frequently sent people to find her. If there was someone at home to take care of the kids, she was to return to the office. If not, the messenger was tasked with recording the details and conveying the message to the boss.

Su Xiaoxiao’s current work mostly involves direct reporting to her superior. The workload had indeed increased, but it was at a manageable intensity. Moreover, her understanding of the leader had grown, and sometimes unexpected positive outcomes arose from collaborative brainstorming on design concepts or unconventional approaches.

Surprisingly, despite being busier, Su Xiaoxiao found herself more adept at handling the workload. Over time, she even felt considerable growth in herself.

Han Cheng joined a project research and development team after the new year, and his work became increasingly busy. He often couldn’t come back to eat at noon, and sometimes he couldn’t even come back to eat at night. Su Xiaoxiao would save the food for him to reheat when he returned after overtime.

The cubs were becoming more and more sensible, and Fantuan and Zhuzi could handle half of the adult responsibilities. Xiao Doubao was naturally well-behaved, either studying with his two brothers or playing with his younger siblings. Although Han Cheng had less time to take care of the household, everything at home remained organized.

As the weather grew warmer each day, it was soon time for the annual day of remembrance for ancestors. This year was different, as Han Cheng took Xiao Fantuan and Xiao Doubao to the martyrs’ cemetery to visit their biological mother. Zhuzi went with Yali and Zhang Hongtu to visit his grandmother.

They all sincerely raised a toast to the elderly woman, thanking her for the love she had showered on Zhuzi over the years.

Both families took meticulous care of the tombstones of their loved ones, chatting with the departed relatives in heaven about their year, assuring them of their well-being, and letting them rest easy.

After the passing of the Qingming Festival came the Dragon Boat Festival, and not long after that was the Qixi Festival.

Life became busier, and time seemed to pass even faster. In the blink of an eye, the twins were about to turn one. The little ones’ skin was as fair as Su Xiaoxiao’s, growing livelier and more attractive with each passing day, resembling little celestial beings under the care of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Especially Xiao Tangyuan, the little girl with rosy lips, white teeth, big eyes, and long eyelashes. With a twinkle, she looked just like a moving doll. In warm weather, dressed in tiny short sleeves and shorts, revealing her tender little arms and legs, her mother would tie two small braids for her. Upon meeting people, she would flash a sweet smile, her cheeks dimpling. Speaking in a soft and sweet voice, she could melt anyone’s heart, making them want to take her home.

The three older brothers doted on her, not allowing anyone else to hold her. Even Xiao Yu and Dundun couldn’t hold her for long. It seemed that carrying her a lot, made her reluctant to walk, although she could crawl and stand.

Xiao Roubao, on the other hand, could crawl, walk, and create mischief. His chubby cheeks became plumper, and his legs became more and more sturdy. While walking with his brothers, he was stable, but without their support, he often stumbled. Fearless, he would crawl and stand up again after falling.

Xiao Roubao could already say simple words, though not very clearly. Despite this, he could express his needs clearly. Smart and lively, with a sweet mouth, he would smile mischievously and call for his parents and brothers when he got into trouble. Hugging him, one would feel helpless against his charms.

All three older brothers spoiled him, allowing him to do everything. Xiao Doubao, in particular, took special care of Xiao Roubao. He named him even before he was born, having a mysterious liking for his soon-to-be younger brother. Xiao Doubao was undoubtedly the one who spoiled him the most, helping him with anything he wanted to do. So, Xiao Roubao, at a very young age, learned to act cutely and seek help from his older brothers when he couldn’t do something on his own.

In the seventh month of the new calendar, the children began their summer vacation. Han Cheng, who promised to teach them swimming, took them to the seaside on the day he left work early. Xiao Roubao was also taken along, and the little one loved playing in the water and had a great time every time they went to the beach. He hugged his father and kissed him, causing Han Cheng’s heart to soften.
The children quickly learned to swim after a few sessions. Han Cheng always emphasized the importance of respecting the sea and nature. He warned them not to underestimate the dangers just because they could swim. People who drowned were often those who could swim, as non-swimmers tended to avoid venturing into deep waters.

The children took these lessons to heart.

When Han Cheng was busy, Zhang Hongtu took the three older kids to the beach. Occasionally, Xiao Yu joined them. By the end of the summer vacation, the children had gotten quite tan but were more energetic, with improved physical fitness and increased height. Even Xiao Doubao wasn’t the short-legged little boy he used to be; he had grown significantly.

After six months of intensive learning, the three kids excelled in both calligraphy and painting. Han Cheng taught them calligraphy, while Su Xiaoxiao guided them in painting. So, when Minister Jiang assigned tasks, the three kids were confident and were not afraid at all.

During this period, the three cubs have gone to the publicity department many times, spending most of their days there. Minister Jiang had a special fondness for them, always arranging for meals and snacks when they were brought in. The children enjoyed going to the publicity department.

Su Xiaoxiao doesn’t know what they’re busy with either. The cubs were acting so mysterious and secretive. Su Xiaoxiao asked once, and even Xiao Doubao said, “Mommy, it’s a secret between us and Uncle Jiang. You’ll know someday.”

Okay, I won’t ask anymore.

Han Cheng, who hadn’t had a break in a long time, couldn’t find time during the summer vacation to take the kids back to the Su family village. He was busy, Su Xiaoxiao was busy, and even the kids were busy. It couldn’t be helped, so he had to give up.