When Chunhua returned to the Qian household, the three schoolchildren hadn’t yet come back.

Qian’s mother was cooking, and little Qingfeng was sensibly helping his grandmother stoke the fire.

“Mom,” Chunhua called out as she stepped into the kitchen.

In the countryside, it’s common to leave the courtyard gate wide open when someone’s home.

Seeing Chunhua, Qian’s mother smiled and said, “You should’ve come earlier—your stir-fried cabbage is delicious. It’s a pity I’ve already made it today.”

Chunhua leaned over and peeked into the wok: a pot of cabbage, soft and soggy, half-filled with water.

That wasn’t stir-fried cabbage at all—it was basically boiled cabbage. No wonder it didn’t taste good.

Chunhua grinned, “Alright, next time I’ll cook it.”

After washing her hands, she helped her mother clean the dishes and carry everything into the main room.

Just as Qian’s mother finished serving, the three schoolchildren returned.

White rice, boiled cabbage, and boiled radish—it was a humble meal, but everyone ate their fill.

After putting down his bowl, Qian Xingshan sighed, “I never thought there’d be a day when I’d say white rice doesn’t taste good anymore.”

Before he could finish, his mother smacked him on the head. “Look at you, getting picky now! If we had to eat dark millet porridge every day, you’d be crying!”

Qian Xingshan quickly waved his hands, “Mom, mom, don’t be mad! I didn’t mean it that way. I know our family’s situation. We’ve been able to eat white rice and meat these past few days all because of big sis and the kids. I was just saying things—I didn’t mean anything.”

He was quick to admit fault and had a good attitude, which quickly calmed Qian’s mother down.

What she feared most was that Xingshan would begin to take Chunhua’s sacrifices for granted.

If someday she gave less, or couldn’t give anymore, he might grow resentful.

Chunhua didn’t know what her mother was thinking. She herself also felt that the meal lacked flavor—rice and cabbage left her feeling empty inside.

There was so much meat in her space, but she had no good reason to bring it out. It was still easier to cook at home.

“Chunhua, is your place all set up now?” Qian’s mother asked.

Chunhua nodded, “Almost. I’m going back this afternoon to test the stove and the heated bed. Starting tonight, we won’t be coming over for meals anymore.”

Qian’s mother felt a pang of reluctance, but knowing they’d been eating so well only thanks to Chunhua, she couldn’t bear to let her daughter keep supplying white rice and flour.

“Alright, but make sure to come visit often,” she said with emotion.

Chunhua smiled, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be back all the time.”

Qian’s mother patted her son, “Go get around twenty jin (10 kg) of white rice and white flour from the cellar, and a basket each of potatoes and cabbage.”

Then she turned to Chunhua, “You don’t have a cellar over there. Keep the food here, and if you run out, I’ll have your brother deliver more.”

Chunhua quickly stopped her brother, “Wait, Xingshan.”

She turned to her mother and finally spoke her mind. “Mom, that rice and flour—I bought it for you. I only said I was storing it here because I was afraid you wouldn’t accept it.”

She paused and added, “I’ve still got plenty. Now that Xingshan is going to school, he needs good food to nourish his brain. Eating millet porridge every day just won’t do.”

Just the mention of her son was enough to melt Qian’s mother’s resolve—he was her soft spot.

She knew studying was mentally demanding, but her daughter’s kindness made her feel undeserving.

Qian Xingshan looked gratefully at Chunhua, “Sis, don’t worry. I’ll study hard and take care of you in the future.”

Listening to all this, Zhao Qingsong had no complaints—until he heard Xingshan say he’d take care of his mother in the future.

He immediately objected, “Uncle, our mom has us—how could it be your job to take care of her?”

Even Qian’s mother smacked Xingshan on the back, “What nonsense are you talking? Your sister is good to you, so you must be good to her in return.”

Xingshan nodded quickly, “Yes, yes—what I meant was that I’ll be good to you too, Sis. The whole ‘taking care’ part—that’s Qingfeng and Qingsong’s job. I misspoke!”

Chunhua laughed at her brother’s silly words. The intention was enough.

“Mom, I’ll still need your help watching Qingfeng these next few days,” Chunhua said. “Uncle Ding is going to start building the house along the main road in three days. I need to harvest all the cabbage on that land beforehand.”

“I’ll come help too,” Qian’s mother offered. “Qingfeng can just play nearby while we work.”

Chunhua quickly waved her hands. “No, no!”

If her mom came, she couldn’t sneak her harvest into her space. Carrying it all back by hand would be exhausting.

Left with no choice, Chunhua changed tactics. “Actually, Mom, I do have something else I’d like your help with.”

“What is it?”

“Could you make two sets of innerwear for each of the kids?”

Chunhua didn’t really want to trouble her mother with this many clothes—it would strain her aging eyes.

But if she didn’t give her something to do, she’d insist on tagging along to the fields.

Qian’s mother beamed, “Yes, yes, I’ll make some warm clothes for my darling grandkids!”

Once everything was settled, Chunhua took the children home.

When they opened the gate to the east courtyard, all three children gasped in unison:

“Wow…”

The tidy kitchen, the spacious heated bed, the cozy quilts—everything filled their little hearts with joy.

“Mom, is this really our home?” asked Zhao Xiaoling, eyes crinkling with joy.

Chunhua nodded, “Yes, this is our home. This is the heated kang. The four of us will sleep here. When there’s a fire burning below, it’ll be warm and cozy—not cold at all.”

As she spoke, she gave them a full tour—the study room, the kitchen, and the outhouse.

Then little Qingfeng blurted out, “I like the outhouse the most!”

Everyone turned to stare at him in shock—especially Chunhua, who gaped in disbelief.

He likes the outhouse? What kind of odd preference is that?

Qingfeng hesitated a little, then explained, “This outhouse is clean—you can’t see any poop. And also… also…”

After stammering for a while, he finally said, “Also, the pit isn’t too big. I… I’m not scared of falling in.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

So that’s it.

Chunhua scooped up her silly son and planted a big kiss on his cheek. “Silly boy, if you’re scared of anything, just tell me. I’ll take care of it for you.”

Qingfeng grinned shyly and nodded. Mom is so good to me.

Qingsong chimed in, “I like the studyroom the most. Now I can do all my homework in there.”

Not to be outdone, Xiaoling added, “I like the kang—it’s so big! I can sleep with Mom every night!”

After the kids each shared their favorite part, Chunhua smiled and said,
“What I love most is all of you. As long as we’re together, I’m happy.”

The children basked in their mother’s love, their faces radiant with joy.