It could be said that he never considered Xu Xue from the very beginning. Although he had interacted with Xu Xue and understood her somewhat—knowing she could make some pastries, had her own little thoughts, and saved some money—none of this met his requirements.

"Yes, after the sixth day of the new year, Yin Zhiqing will definitely send you an invitation." Xu Xue’s face stiffened. She didn’t want to bring up Xu Mumu’s matters in front of Huo Qingze; she just wanted to discuss private matters between the two of them.

Huo Qingze drove the car in and then looked at Xu Xue: "It’s getting late, and it’s not safe for a girl like you to be outside alone." Huo Qingze slightly frowned.

"It’s okay, this place is not far from where my cousin lives; I have some things I want to say to you." Xu Xue pursed her lips, understanding that he was implying for her to leave.

"What do you want to say?" Huo Qingze paused his action and looked at Xu Xue, feeling there was nothing worthwhile to say to her.

When Xu Xue stepped out of Huo Qingze’s yard, she felt very disappointed; rejected once again, she felt like her heart was going to shatter.

Although she felt she had the patience to pursue Huo Qingze, being told outright that she didn’t meet his criteria made her incredibly upset.

While Xu Mumu was checking some children’s homework, Xu Xue returned. Seeing Xu Xue’s low spirits, Xu Mumu silently glanced at Yin Yang, realizing he had guessed correctly; she thought there might be further developments between those two.

Even though she was a bit disappointed, Xu Mumu soon focused her attention back on her siblings at home, having guessed the outcome and known there’s nothing more to say.

She checked the children’s speech drafts, pointing out their problems one by one. Dongbao, pressed by Lin Juan to listen, was utterly confused, having no idea what they were talking about, as if they belonged to two different worlds. Only when they played together did he feel like these were his cousins.

Honestly, he didn’t envy them at all; studying was so tiring. He preferred playing at home, where his grandparents pampered him. He had snacks every day and could play with other kids at the home complex; life was so leisurely.

After solving the children’s problems, Xu Mumu suggested testing Dongbao on what he was supposed to have memorized yesterday. It wasn’t much, and with a bit of thought, he should remember those things.

Seeing Dongbao’s bewildered face, Xu Mumu fell silent.

Xu Jiaojiao wanted to mock Dongbao, but was held back by Xu Wan.

Lin Juan came over when Xu Mumu questioned Dongbao. Seeing Dongbao clueless, she felt embarrassed and had to beg Xu Mumu to teach Dongbao again.

"My sister walked a long way today, she’s tired. I also know what she taught yesterday, I’ll teach Dongbao," Xu Minglei immediately said, knowing his sister hadn’t had a proper rest yet. Wasn’t his aunt aware of facial cues?

Xu Mumu was greatly touched; indeed, he was her most beloved brother, so obedient and sensible.

Yin Yang was also very pleased, realizing his brother-in-law was understanding; he’d treat his brother-in-law better in the future.

Having no other choice, Lin Juan had to let Xu Minglei and the others teach, knowing their grades were good. Thinking about grades made Lin Juan frustrated again.

Unfortunately, once they started teaching a while, Dongbao refused to cooperate. If they taught him play things, he’d definitely be willing, but learning made him feel terrible, especially touching a language he’d never dealt with.

With Dongbao unwilling to cooperate, Lin Juan couldn’t force him even under pressure. The yard became noisy again until Madam Chen came out to settle things. As for letting Dongbao study with Xu Mumu, the matter was dropped.

As the year-end approached, the family took out the meat and other supplies, with several aunts busy in the kitchen. Xu Mumu joined Xu Hai in cleaning the entire yard, making sure everywhere was neat and tidy.

After cleaning, they pasted spring couplets and window flowers, making the place very festive.

After having lunch in the yard, Yin Yang approached Xu Mumu, "Mumu, my little yard hasn’t been tidied up yet; I still need your help." Yin Yang gazed smilingly at Xu Mumu.

"I’ll go with you to get it done in a while," Xu Mumu replied with a smile, knowing Yin Yang wanted to talk to her privately and spend alone time together.

Yin Yang was immediately satisfied. Before leaving, he handed Li Caixia the key to the new house’s yard, asking her to help paste the festive couplets and characters there.

Li Caixia gladly accepted the task, and soon led others to help, also subtly showing off to them about the new house Yin Yang had prepared. Having seen it, she knew how large the yard was and was extremely satisfied; after all, it’s going to be her daughter’s house.

Before leaving, Xu Mumu took a silent look at her mother, knowing she was about to show off again.

Xu Mumu said nothing more and followed Yin Yang to the small yard first.

Professor Song and Professor Jian were leisurely sipping tea in the yard, living a very comfortable life.

"I thought you two didn’t plan to come back," Professor Song commented cheerfully. He had no concern about his grandson frequently visiting the Old Xu family to woo them, even approved of it, wanting his grandson to marry Xu Mumu soon, as the household had long lacked a female host.

"How could we not, Grandpa? Did you eat what I left for you?" Yin Yang grinned, unfazed by his grandfather’s teasing.

"Yes, ate it all, left nothing for you," Professor Song replied calmly.

"No need to leave any for me," Xu Mumu said with a chuckle.

In the afternoon, she and Yin Yang pasted all the spring couplets and ’Fu’ characters on the small yard, making it also filled with the New Year spirit. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

The two worked together while chatting, creating a warm atmosphere.

On Li Caixia’s side, although she’d already visited the new house two or three times, she was still stunned each time. It was incredibly large and beautiful.

Those from the second, third, and fourth households were even more astonished, even Xu Xue was surprised; she didn’t expect Yin Yang’s family to be so affluent. Such a Prince Mansion wasn’t something anyone could buy, and it was used as a new house.

Compared to Xu Xue’s astonishment, Lin Juan’s eyes were burning with jealousy. Why couldn’t Xu Mumu be her daughter? If Xu Mumu were her daughter, she’d move the whole family in. Why leave such a big house empty?

The house was big and beautiful; she previously thought Xu Mumu’s house was large enough. Now, seeing this Prince Mansion, she realized what small and big really were, constantly envying the fortune of the main branch, once again acknowledging their sheer difference.