Wang Yulan left the family courtyard in a huff and went home feeling very distressed.

She collapsed on the sofa, clutching her chest and sighing, which frightened Luo Dafu and Luo Dage, who thought she might be having a heart problem and wanted to take her to the hospital.

Luo Xiaomei and Luo Chuming also hurried out of the house, while Luo Dage’s wife simply rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, “Pretending to be ill again.”

“No need to go to the hospital, I’m just upset because of Chuxia. I’ll be fine after resting,” Wang Yulan said.

Seeing her children so concerned for her, she felt comforted again, despite her frustration with Chuxia.

Her education wasn’t at fault; her children listened to her.

She reassured herself that Chuxia must have been influenced by someone else, most likely her mother-in-law, given that Chuxia spoke well of her in-laws after going to the northwest.

“Husband,” Wang Yulan looked at Luo Dafu with a sigh and a pained expression, “The Cen family is no good. You really saved the wrong person back then.”

Wang Yulan showed regret in her eyes. “Marrying Chuxia to their family was a mistake. We sent a good daughter to them for nothing, and you didn’t get any reward. People who get ahead are often heartless.”

Luo Dafu hadn’t thought much of it before, but the more he considered it, the more he felt she was right.

After Chuxia married into the Cen family, she no longer acknowledged her maternal family and even angered him and Yulan.

She had never been like this before.

Wang Yulan continued, tears streaming down her face, “Just now, when I went to find Chuxia, you don’t know what she said. She actually thinks her in-laws are better than us. Chuxia’s attitude toward the family must be related to the Cen family.”

She believed she had found the reason for Chuxia’s change and deeply regretted marrying her off to the Cen family.

In the eyes of selfish people, they never see their own faults; it’s always others who are at fault, and they never reflect on themselves.

Luo Dafu was completely influenced by Wang Yulan’s words.

He was both angry and regretful, pounding the table and saying, “You’re right. I shouldn’t have saved Cen Haicheng back then!”

Cen Haicheng was Cen’s father’s name.

Because the Cen family didn’t always meet his expectations, Luo Dafu regretted his actions, forgetting that he had already gained many benefits from the Cen family.

The more Luo Dafu thought, the more distressed he felt.

He couldn’t help but call Cen’s father again, still reaching only the guard.

Hearing the guard’s usual evasive responses, he lost his temper and demanded, “Have Cen Haicheng answer the phone. Does he forget that I saved his life? Is he really going to be an ungrateful person?”

Xiao Liu, having received Cen’s father’s orders, was determined to follow them and continued to calm Luo Dafu without passing the call to Cen Haicheng.

Luo Dafu was furious and still couldn’t get through to Cen’s father.

After hanging up, Xiao Liu reported to Cen’s father, repeating Luo Dafu’s words.

After hearing this, Cen’s father pondered for a moment and said, “If he calls again asking for me, let me take the call.”

Luo Dafu, unwilling to give up, and with Wang Yulan constantly lamenting about Chuxia’s job and criticizing the Cen family, called Cen’s father again.

“I’m looking for Cen Haicheng. Is he still unavailable?” Luo Dafu spoke to Xiao Liu with evident impatience.

Xiao Liu replied as instructed by Cen’s father, “The Chief is available now; please hold on.”

Luo Dafu initially thought the guard was making excuses again, but to his surprise, Cen’s father actually answered the call.

Hearing the authoritative voice of Cen’s father on the line, Luo Dafu was momentarily stunned, then recalled the reason for his call and started to curse, accusing the Cen family of being unfair, corrupting his daughter, and causing her to neglect her maternal family.

“Dafu,” Cen’s father suddenly sighed and called his name, “Do you remember how you were before, when you were a soldier?”

Time changes many things, including past flaws, but at least he was once an upright person.

Luo Dafu stood there stunned, as if struck on the head.

But he was no longer the straightforward soldier; he had fully absorbed Wang Yulan’s mindset.

When you trust someone and share your life with them for decades, their thoughts inevitably seep into your own, gradually changing you into someone like them.

Moreover, Luo Dafu was not a person of high moral standards to begin with, so it was no surprise that he had become more selfish.

“Don’t talk to me about the past. What I regret most is how I foolishly saved someone as ungrateful as you.”

Upon hearing this, Cen’s father realized Luo Dafu’s current mindset and that he had developed a grudge against the Cen family that could not be changed.

“Dafu, the past cannot be altered. I will always be grateful for your saving my life. Whether I am truly ungrateful, we both know in our hearts. You just feel I haven’t given enough to repay you for saving my life.”

Luo Dafu was not one to hide his thoughts.

He usually spoke his mind, and hearing Cen’s father’s response, he snorted, “So what? Life is precious. Without life, you’re nothing. I saved you, and it’s only natural that you repay me!”

Cen’s father had his own principles. “I have given you a lot. When you wanted to transfer from the army, I helped. When you wanted to move to the provincial capital, I quietly assisted. When you needed money to marry, I provided it. Whenever your family faced difficulties, I never refused to help.

You wanted your daughter to marry into my family, so I arranged a match between Zhengnian and Chuxia. Dafu, I have done everything I could, but how have you and your wife treated Chuxia and An’an?”

Luo Dafu felt no wrongdoing and saw no fault in Wang Yulan. “Chuxia is our daughter. We raised her, and it’s natural for her to be filial to us! We gave her to your family, and you gained an advantage! Yet the Cen family has taken advantage and now stirs up trouble between Chuxia and us. Cen Haicheng, you leaders have truly cold hearts, always bullying us common folks.”

Cen’s father realized he could not convince Luo Dafu.

He no longer tried to explain and directly asked, “What else do you want?”

Luo Dafu repeated Wang Yulan’s demand, “Get Chuxia’s job back for Chuming.”

Cen’s father answered without hesitation, “I cannot do that.”

Luo Dafu began cursing again about ungratefulness, and Cen’s father hung up the phone.

He turned to Xiao Liu and instructed, “Tell the operator not to answer any more calls from the Luo family.”

Had it not been for Luo Dafu’s treatment of Chuxia and An’an, Cen’s father wouldn’t have been so resolute.

He had hoped Luo Dafu still had some conscience, but from the phone call, it was clear he had none.

He even thought Chuxia wasn’t filial enough?

There was no saving him.

Cen’s father would no longer indulge their desires.

As he told Luo Dafu, he had done all he could for the Luo family and had no regrets.

Luo Dafu didn’t get what he wanted from the Cen family, and Wang Yulan’s disappointment in him was uncontrollable. She felt he was useless.

Had she been the one to save Cen’s father, her anger would have been ignited. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Chuxia’s job was not something Wang Yulan would give up so easily.

She told Luo Chuming, who had not fully recovered from his injuries, “Chuming, your second sister used to care for you the most. Even though you have a bandage on your head, go ask her for help. She might soften up. Don’t confront her head-on; get the job first.”

She gently touched Luo Chuming’s head with a look of affection.

Not only did Wang Yulan think of Luo Chuming, but she also spoke to her eldest daughter, asking her to go with Luo Xiaodi to find Chuxia when she was free.

Chuxia was unaware of the Luo family’s plans.

At the moment, she was at the school paying for and registering Cen Huai’an.

The school was bustling with people, adults bringing children, and Chuxia ran into Chen Chen’s mother.

She hadn’t seen Chen Chen’s mother since they last talked about losing weight.

They weren’t from the same workplace, and Chuxia had been away in the northwest for many days.

Today was a coincidence.

Just as Chuxia finished paying and was about to take Cen Huai’an home, Chen Chen’s mother saw her and called out in surprise.

“An’an’s mom, do you think I’ve lost weight?”

Chen Chen’s mother raised her hands and spun around, looking at Chuxia with anticipation.

Winter clothes were too thick to show much weight loss, but Chuxia noticed that Chen Chen’s mother’s face had indeed slimmed down a bit; it looked noticeably smaller than before.

She told Chen Chen’s mother just that, and Chen Chen’s mother immediately beamed with happiness. “I knew I had lost weight. Chen Chen and his dad said they didn’t notice it. It’s just that their eyes aren’t good.”

Chen Chen had already joined Cen Huai’an and whispered to him with a frown, “My mom, during the New Year, asked everyone if she looked thinner, and she kept asking me and dad every day.”

He sighed with a look of frustration, “I think my ears have become thinner from hearing it so much.”

Cen Huai’an glanced at his ears and said, “You’re mistaken. Your ears haven’t become thinner.”

Not only had they not thinned, they had actually become a bit plumper.

During the New Year, Chen Chen had eaten so well that his face had rounded out like a fluffy steamed bun.

Chen Chen’s mother told Chuxia how she had been losing weight recently: “I followed your advice. At first, I didn’t feel much change, but after a few days, I weighed myself and saw I had lost a few pounds. I was so thrilled! I tell you, I lost the most weight before the New Year, but after the New Year, I couldn’t control myself and ate a bit more meat, so I gained a little back. Otherwise, you would have seen an even slimmer me today.”

Chen Chen’s mother grew more excited as she spoke, and Chuxia responded positively, praising her efforts.

Chen Chen’s mother was very pleased with her weight loss, thanks to Chuxia’s advice. She insisted on treating Chuxia and An’an to a meal.

“Let’s go to that famous state-owned restaurant. Their carp noodles are simply amazing.”

When it came to food, no one understood it better than Chen Chen’s mother.

If she weren’t such a food lover, she wouldn’t have ended up so overweight.

Carp noodles are a renowned local dish with a long history.

This famous state-owned restaurant wasn’t the one Chuxia frequently visited; it was far from the Textile Factory No. 3, requiring an hour’s bus ride to reach.

Chen Chen’s mother told Chuxia, “If this place weren’t so far from where we live, I would definitely come here every day.”

Chuxia smiled and replied, “Well, I’ll have to enjoy it properly today.”

Both Chuxia and Cen Huai’an loved good food, but they didn’t have the same concerns about gaining weight as Chen Chen’s mother did.

Chuxia even wanted to plump Cen Huai’an up a bit, thinking a chubby little bun would be healthier and cuter.

Cen Huai’an, who had traveled with anticipation, was excited.

He sat next to Chen Chen, who chattered endlessly about the restaurant’s famous dishes without being asked.

“An’an, let me tell you, the dishes at my mom’s favorite restaurant are so delicious! My mom used to bring me here often, but after she started dieting, she hasn’t brought me for a long time.”

Chen Chen’s face was full of excitement, and he was practically drooling as he talked about the dishes he had eaten.

Cen Huai’an’s anticipation grew even more.

Chen Chen’s mother clearly was a regular at this restaurant. Not only did the staff recognize her, but even the chefs knew her.

“Sister, the usual this time?”

Chen Chen’s mother confidently said, “We have more people this time, so add a few more signature dishes.”

Her tone was assertive, quite different from the friendly demeanor she had with Chuxia.

It was clear she was knowledgeable and came from a good background.

Chuxia glanced at her and took a sip of tea. The tea was clear and fragrant, indicating it was high-quality.

Chen Chen’s mother, seeing Chuxia drinking tea, smiled and said, “The tea here is also good. I can’t tell what kind it is, but it tastes nice. Chen Chen’s dad loves the tea here.”

Her smile was the same as when Chuxia saw her among friends.

Chuxia didn’t think much about Chen Chen’s family.

Regardless of their positions, her friendship with Chen Chen’s mother was because their children got along well, and they had similar personalities.

“I also think it tastes great,” Chuxia said with a smile. “I’m looking forward to trying it with you. I had no idea there was such a restaurant.”

Chen Chen’s mother explained the restaurant’s background.

It was normal for Chuxia not to know about it due to the distance from the Textile Factory.

Dishes started coming out, and the first one was the highly recommended carp noodles.

The carp was sweet and sour, and the noodles were hand-pulled dragon beard noodles that were deep-fried.

The noodles were like thin strands of hair, golden and slightly red.

Chen Chen’s mother’s eyes lit up as she looked at the dish and said, “Try it quickly.”

Chuxia first served Cen Huai’an and Chen Chen each a portion of noodles with the serving chopsticks before helping herself.

The dragon beard noodles, crispy and fluffy from frying, were coated in a sweet and sour sauce.

They were slightly soft on the outside but still crunchy inside, with a taste that was sweet with a hint of sourness and a bit of saltiness—an incredibly rich flavor.

“It’s delicious!” Chuxia’s eyes brightened.

Chen Chen’s mother smiled.

She loved seeing others enjoy the food she recommended and said to Chuxia, “Actually, there’s a saying about eating carp noodles: ‘First eat the dragon meat, then eat the dragon beard.’ Dragon meat refers to the fish meat, and dragon beard is the noodles. But since we’re just eating for ourselves, we don’t need to be so particular. Eat however you like.”

As she spoke, she took a bite of the noodles herself, savoring the taste. “This is exactly the flavor I’ve missed!”

The fish in the carp noodles was also delicious.

According to Chen Chen’s mother, it was fresh Yellow River carp, carefully selected, with tender and firm meat, perfectly complemented by the sweet and sour sauce.

Chuxia and Cen Huai’an both enjoyed the dish, especially Cen Huai’an, who loved sweet flavors.

The dish was perfect for him, and he ate so eagerly that he didn’t even notice when some of the sauce spilled on his cheek.

Chuxia pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his face and advised him not to eat too quickly, “The fish has bones, so be careful.”

Chenchen, similarly, had made himself into a little panda with food.

He wasn’t as skilled with chopsticks as An’an, so he placed the food into a small bowl and ate quickly, getting a lot of soup around his mouth. He didn’t mind and enjoyed the meal.

The dishes that followed were all famous restaurant specialties—braised lamb, spicy and sour pork belly, each dish made exceptionally well.

Of course, Chuxia and An’an thought the best dish was still the carp with baked noodles, a classic and deservedly famous.

As they neared the end of the meal, Chenchen’s mother began to control herself.

Watching Chuxia and the others eat, she sat there sipping tea, mumbling, “No, no, I can’t eat any more or I’ll gain weight again.”

Chuxia felt a bit sorry for her, watching her enjoy the food only to be forced to abstain. It was quite cruel for someone who loves food.

After the meal, Chenchen’s mother asked Chuxia about some weight loss tips.

Chuxia wasn’t an expert but could offer some advice from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective.

“And you must stick with it. You did well today, just keep controlling your diet,” Chuxia advised.

Chenchen’s mother nodded in agreement. She had lost weight and now took Chuxia’s advice to heart, planning to follow it.

When they parted ways, Chenchen was very reluctant to leave An’an: “An’an, make sure to get to school early tomorrow! And don’t forget to bring your picture books!”

The picture books were the most important.

Chenchen and An’an took turns reading them, and he had read the Journey to the West over the winter vacation.

Chenchen’s mother didn’t like violent stories, so she bought him harmonious picture books, but he preferred An’an’s.

The next day, the weather turned suddenly cold.

The climate in Liangzhou was warmer than before the New Year, but now it had suddenly dropped again—a typical “spring cold,” sometimes even bringing snow.

However, there was no snow today, just a heavily overcast sky.

Chuxia added thicker clothes to An’an, wrapping him up warmly, and put a raincoat in his backpack before sending him to school.

Since it was the first day back at school and she wasn’t working, she used the short walk as morning exercise.

As soon as she stepped outside, the cold wind made her face feel instantly numb. She regretted asking An’an, “Can you manage going to school by yourself today?”

Cen Huai’an looked disappointed, “But Mom, you promised you’d take me to school today.”

He looked at her as if questioning if she was going back on her word.

Feeling embarrassed, Chuxia waved her hand and said, “I was just asking. Let’s go.”

With a determined expression, she followed An’an into the biting spring cold.

It was really cold, the wind felt even more bone-chilling than before the New Year.

She quickly wrapped her scarf around her face.

At that moment, Chuxia was grateful that An’an’s school was close to the family compound, so they didn’t have to walk for too long.

After walking a bit, her body warmed up, and besides the discomfort in her exposed eyes, the rest of her wasn’t too cold.

Chuxia dropped An’an off at the school gate, adjusted his scarf, and said, “It’s the New Year, so make sure to wish your classmates a Happy New Year. And no playing with firecrackers at school.”

Cen Huai’an replied, “Mom, that was a long time ago. I don’t play with firecrackers at school anymore.”

Chuxia patted his hat-clad head and said, “Good. Just a reminder. Make sure your gloves are on properly and don’t get your hands cold. Hurry inside.”

“Mm.” An’an waved goodbye and adjusted his backpack strap, heading into the school.