In truth, Shen Xiaoya had been afraid of her very ill-tempered nephew for years. He seemed calm now, but she could still remember that time he’d had a crazy fit and dared to smash an ashtray over Shen Zhengfeng’s head.

Shen Xiaoya, worried he might turn on her, didn’t dare say another word. Meanwhile, Shen Yi paid no mind to the old woman on the floor, who was still putting on a show of twitching now and then. He bypassed the children from his second and third uncles’ families and helped his mother into the house.

"Mom, are you okay?"

"I’m fine." Du Liya took a sip of warm water and patted her chest to calm down. "I’ve truly had enough of the Shen family," she said. "Let’s just get the divorce. I can’t take another day of them!"

"Okay."

Shen Yi picked up the phone and called Shen Zhengfeng. "If you’re going to keep hiding and not come back to divorce my mom, then we’ll see you in court."

Shen Zhengfeng had been hiding out, using trouble at the factory as an excuse. Shen Yi had given him three days. Since he hadn’t taken the opportunity, it was time to file a lawsuit.

The mention of court finally got Shen Zhengfeng to stop playing dead. "As it happens, I just finished up here," he said in a low voice. "I’ll be home tomorrow. Tell your mother to wait for me."

"Fine," Shen Yi replied. "Remember to bring all the paperwork. As soon as we’ve settled things, we’re going to the Civil Affairs Bureau."

Shen Zhengfeng, trembling with rage, hung up immediately.

’He’d always hated this son of his!’

After comforting his mom and giving Shen Zhengfeng his ultimatum, Shen Yi stood looking out the window. The sounds of Old Mrs. Shen’s fake sobs and Shen Xiaoya’s attempts to console her still echoed from outside.

’Sigh... I miss Jiao Jiao...’ 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

**

Qin Jiao’s home was bustling with activity. They had originally planned for Sun Jianhua to visit after the New Year, but he had proactively asked to come sooner.

Plus, Qin Jiao had asked Jin Lan Hua about him and learned that Sun Jianhua was a decent man. Still, you couldn’t just go by hearsay. It would be good to have her parents help her aunt size him up when the time came.

So, on the twenty-second day of the lunar month, the family prepared a meal to welcome Sun Jianhua.

Kids weren’t supposed to be involved in adults’ matchmaking affairs, so Qin Jiao planned to take her sister upstairs to study. But as it turned out, Jin Lan Hua had come along with Sun Jianhua.

The two were cousins and were very familiar with each other in Ping’an Town. When Sun Jianhua lost money on a business venture back in the day, Jin Lan Hua had lent him some money to stay afloat. If not for her, he would have been in a much worse situation.

Sun Jianhua’s son had come too. He was a dark, thin little boy of about four or five. He didn’t seem close to Sun Jianhua at all, but was quite affectionate with Jin Lan Hua.

Perhaps to help the boy feel more at ease, Jin Lan Hua had also brought her own son, Little Fatty.

Little Fatty and Xiao Shi already knew each other, and he called out from a distance, "Xiao Shi, I brought you some yummy treats!"

With that, Qin Jiao couldn’t very well take Xiao Shi upstairs to hide away for some peace and quiet. The three children, all around the same age, started playing together. Jin Lan Hua was quite surprised by Qin Jiao’s house. After greeting Su Yun and the others, she looked around and asked Qin Jiao, "Xiao Qin, where’s your family’s vegetable greenhouse?"

Qin Jiao immediately went to her side and whispered, "That’s a trade secret. My parents don’t even know I’m the one selling you vegetables. If you still want to buy from me, don’t bring it up in front of them!"

’The vegetables grown in the space are incredibly fresh, and their flavor is better than any other.’

’The growth cycle is short, too. Little by little, I’ve already made a few hundred from Jin Lan Hua.’

Jin Lan Hua loved the vegetables Qin Jiao supplied. At her words, she immediately clammed up. Just then, Su Yun looked their way, and Jin Lan Hua beamed. "Ah, you must be Su Yun! You’re really incredible, raising two daughters who are both so exceptional and sweet!"