Chapter 52: Song Xiaoyu Takes a Liking to Qin Youran

The little girl’s long-held tears finally spilled over like rain.

Each sob revealed a world of injustice and deep hurt.

Don’t assume Song Xiaoyu is oblivious. Her parents’ favoritism extends far beyond the differences in these two rooms. The village uncles and aunts, seeing her young age yet burdened with household chores, often lend a helping hand in the fields.

Everyone is kind to her…

Everyone except her parents…

She cooks, works in the fields, feeds the chickens, yet when it’s time to eat, she’s always last in line…

She cried bitterly.

Qin Youran was the first to react. She stepped forward, gently embraced Song Xiaoyu, and softly consoled her, “Xiaoyu, don’t cry. Everyone’s just concerned about the safety of that room. It doesn’t mean your parents don’t care about you.”

**Online comments**

[Qin Youran, do you even hear what you’re saying? Living in such poor conditions, and you still say her parents care about her?]

[My worldview feels shaken…]

[Don’t misunderstand; Miss Youran means that Xiaoyu should not forget her parents’ lifelong care just because others show her temporary kindness! So heartwarming!]

[Have you heard that story about a boy who quarreled with his mother and ran away from home, only to receive a bowl of wontons from a kind old lady?]

[Yes, I’ve heard of it! The boy cried, saying his mother didn’t care for him as much as a stranger did. What did the old lady say?]

[She said: I just cooked you one meal, and you’re so grateful. Your mother has been cooking for you for over ten years!]

[Laughing to death, I think you all are quite good at self-PUA^[1]PUA is emotional or psychological manipulation, especially in relationships or social contexts.. Is Song Xiaoyu’s situation really like eating wontons? If you need to wash, don’t wash awkwardly^[2]In this context, “wash” refers to “whitewashing” or “defending” someone’s actions or reputation, often in a way that seems forced or unnatural.  The comment is … Continue reading…]

Qin Youran, though unaware of the online comments, knew her words would polarize viewers. However, she believed that once Song Xiaoyu’s parents return with Song Xiaohua tomorrow, people’s perspectives would shift dramatically.

On one side, parents worried about medical expenses for the family; on the other, Xiaohua feeling like a burden to her sister…

Wouldn’t this create the perfect setup for a heartwarming family atmosphere?

Qin Youran crouched down, pulled out a prepared handkerchief, and gently wiped away Xiaoyu’s tears. The thin, dark-skinned girl had a beauty mark beneath her eye that looked like a tiny star, making her appear quite lovely.

“No more crying, okay? Let’s go settle in our room. Later, Aunt Xu Li will make you the most delicious tomato and carp soup.”

To Song Xiaoyu, Qin Auntie felt as warm as the sun.

After allocating rooms, Yan Yueqing shared one with Tang Tang, while Qin Youran’s group stayed with Song Xiaoyu in the master bedroom.

Xu Li brought in the luggage but soon emerged with her suitcase, saying, “Even though the bed is big, it’s going to feel crowded with two adults and two children.”

Qin Youran knew exactly how cramped it would be. If Yan Yueqing weren’t around, there wouldn’t be an issue. But now, she insisted on staying.

Jun Yan and Yan Wang had already agreed to sleep in tents. If Qin Youran spoke up now, viewers would surely think she was trying to exclude Yan Yueqing!

Tang Tang enthusiastically suggested, “How about Xiaoyu comes to sleep with us? We only have two people in our room.”

Qin Youran was reluctant. Song Xiaoyu was crucial for her plan; she needed to foster a good relationship with her, not send her off to boost Yan Yueqing’s popularity.

Song Xiaoyu bit her lip, clearly fond of Qin Youran: “I… I’d like to stay with Auntie Qin.”

Tang Tang looked a little disappointed.

Quietly, Tian Tian spoke up, “I’ll go stay with Auntie Yan.”

Tang Tang considered this: “Okay! Tian Tian, you can stay with us.”

Qin Youran’s face turned a shade of green. She shot a cold glance at Yan Yueqing. “Yueqing, it might be inconvenient for you to take care of two kids alone. Plus, Tian Tian is part of our group. I’m responsible for her well-being.”

Yan Yueqing, initially indifferent about room arrangements, now felt compelled to push back: “It’s just sleeping. The children’s happiness is what matters most. Youran, you and Xu Li are single women. You might not have as much experience with children as I do. If the room’s too crowded, I’m more than happy to have Tian Tian stay with me. Rest assured, I can take good care of her!”

[Whoa, why does it feel like there’s tension in the air?

[Yan Yueqing is really going crazy for attention, even trying to take kids from other groups!]

[If you can’t speak properly, just be quiet! Isn’t it Tian Tian who wants to go? Besides, Qin Youran’s reaction is strange! Clearly, their group already has two adults and one little girl, yet they insist on bringing Song Xiaoyu to sleep in the master bedroom. If it’s crowded, should Xu Li be sent out? And can she even handle taking care of them?]

[In terms of taking care of kids, I might have stood with Qin Youran before! But after Yan Wang showed up, I think Yan Yueqing is the kind of gentle and considerate mother who understands kids’ feelings. Just because they’re little doesn’t mean they’re foolish! If Yan Yueqing was bad, why would Tang Tang, Jun Yan, and Tian Tian want to go with her?]

[That’s enough! Just like Yan Yueqing said, it’s just sleeping; as long as the kids are happy, that’s what matters! Are you all playing palace intrigue here?]

[Doesn’t anyone feel sorry for the two boys sleeping in the tent?]

[Hahaha, I feel bad for Wang Wang and Yan!]

Qin Youran felt cornered by Yan Yueqing’s words. Indeed, she couldn’t deny Yan Yueqing’s points…

If she had to choose, she’d definitely send Xu Li to stay with Yan Yueqing.

It was her own lack of experience with children that put her at a disadvantage!

Since Tian Tian wanted to go, so be it. After all, quiet Tian Tian wouldn’t help her gain popularity the way Song Xiaoyu would.

Qin Youran took a deep breath and conceded: “Alright then, please take care of Tian Tian for me, Yueqing.”

No one was happier than Tang Tang, who nearly threw herself into Tian Tian’s arms: “Yay! Tian Tian, you can sleep with me!”

Tian Tian smiled, but a fleeting shadow of disappointment crossed her eyes. So, she had been abandoned… She had hoped Auntie Qin would at least try to keep her.

Xu Li quickly moved her luggage back: “It’s getting late. We should start preparing dinner.”

Yan Yueqing grabbed her suitcase, “Alright, I’ll get settled and then come help you in the kitchen.”

Once inside the room, Yan Yueqing efficiently made the beds and then pulled out two pink plush pig toys from her suitcase, handing one to each child.

Tang Tang was thrilled. She pulled Tian Tian onto the bed and offered her one: “Look, it’s Peppa Pig! Yueqing even brought us gifts!”

While stuffing pillowcases, Yan Yueqing said, “I bought these last time I was at the mall. I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I brought a variety.”

“Anything from sister Yueqing is something I’ll love!” Tang Tang beamed. Then she had an idea. “Can I give one to Xiaoyu?”

“Of course, you can. There are more in the suitcase; take your pick.”

“Yay!” Tang Tang cheered, happily joining Tian Tian to choose a toy.

The sight of the suitcase full of colorful plush toys finally eased the slight frown on Tian Tian’s face, softening her worry a bit.