Her heart sank. She knew something was wrong.

But she didn’t panic. Instead, she quietly put the candy back on the table and tiptoed over to the aunts.

"You must be tired, Aunties! Your shoulders must be sore after standing all day. Here, let Shanshan give you a massage."

With that, she reached out her chubby little hands and gently placed them on the nearest aunt’s shoulders.

Hearing this, the hearts of the several aunts who didn’t have daughters simply melted.

One of them, Aunt Yang, even felt her eyes redden as she looked down at Shanshan.

She worked away from home year-round, while her daughter lived with her in-laws. She only saw her a few times a year.

Another one, Aunt Zhang, couldn’t resist reaching out to caress Shanshan’s cheek.

"Oh, my. This child is more thoughtful than our own daughters."

They couldn’t help but wonder.

’Are we being too selfish?’

’How could such a well-behaved little girl have such a petty mind?’

’How old is Shanshan, anyway?’

’She’s always smiling and greets everyone she meets. She doesn’t seem the least bit devious, does she?’

The story of the rescue spread like wildfire.

First, a few parents who witnessed it shared their thoughts in the parent group chat.

Then, an enthusiastic person reposted it to the community forum.

In no time, the view count soared.

Some praised Shanshan as a "model youth of the new era," while others lambasted the adults who did nothing to help.

Regardless, Cao Xueshan’s name quickly became the talk of the small city.

The parents from Shanshan’s school were all well-informed. Within two days, everyone knew.

When dropping their kids off in the morning, they would stand around the school gate in small groups, all talking about Shanshan.

"Her homeroom teacher said her grades are usually in the top three of her class, and she often helps her classmates with their studies."

"The Ling family may be wealthy, but they never put on airs. During holidays, they give zongzi to the security guards and red envelopes to the sanitation workers."

These little details were repeated over and over, sounding more and more true with each retelling.

Many families with sons had their eyes light up when they heard how smart and sensible this child was.

"How old is that little girl? What’s her zodiac sign? Do you know her family situation?"

Uncle Yang went so far as to ask for the Ling family’s address, saying he wanted to "bring his son over for a visit to foster their friendship."

In their eyes, Shanshan was the perfect template for an ideal daughter-in-law.

Who wouldn’t want their son to marry such a virtuous and capable wife in the future?

In less than three days, even people from the neighboring county had heard about the Ling family’s little girl.

The television station sent someone to interview her, and the community committee nominated her for the "Courageous Youth Award" and issued a public commendation.

Not two days later, the Ling family’s doorstep was nearly worn flat from all the visitors.

Ding Qin was so busy she was practically run off her feet.

Ling Zhenkang, however, sat in the host’s seat in the living room.

"Our house isn’t a clinic. Why are so many people lining up here every day?"

These visitors were all from the older generation, well-acquainted with Ling Zhenkang and Ding Qin.

But the purpose of their visit today was an unspoken understanding among them all.

They were here to see Shanshan and to sound out the Ling family’s attitude.

"Well, well, Old Guo! What wind blew you in today? A rare guest!"

The moment Ling Zhenkang saw his visitor, he immediately stood up from the sofa and went to greet him with a smile.

Old Guo wasn’t tall, but his back was ramrod straight.

"A rare guest? I’ve been your old friend for thirty years. Don’t you think that sounds a bit distant?"

"Can’t I come see an old pal?"

Old Guo grinned.

He plopped down, picked up a teacup, blew on it, took a sip, and nodded in satisfaction.

"This tea of yours... still has the same flavor. The real deal."

"Old Ling, you’re still looking hale and hearty!"

Old Guo released his hand and looked Ling Zhenkang up and down.

He remembered when Ling Zhenkang was hospitalized ten years ago, he’d been nothing but skin and bones.

But now he was glowing with health, clearly having recuperated well.

He clapped the other man on the back and said boisterously,

"When the weather warms up, we’ll go fishing and see who can catch more!"

"You’re not doing too bad yourself. Still making your grandson do push-ups in the yard in the middle of the night?"

Ling Zhenkang shook his head with a smile and took a sip of his tea.

He knew Old Guo’s temperament.

He’d never want the younger generation to have it easy, considering all the hardships he’d endured himself.

"Aunt Zhang next door told me. At two in the morning, the sound of ’one, two, three, four’ from your yard is loud enough to shake the heavens. Your grandson is on the ground with tears in his eyes while you’re standing over him, gesturing with a stick."

"Hah, don’t even mention it."

The old man slapped his thigh.

"That kid... he’s smart, but he refuses to apply himself properly! He puts off his homework until midnight every day and finishes last on every single exam. His teacher is about to show up at my door to complain! If I don’t push him, he’s the type who will lie down if he can stand, and stay prone if he can sit!"

In his youth, Guo Yi had also been a tough character who hated to lose.

Back in the army, he was the famous "Iron-Blooded Squad Leader."

But now, his grandson was just like him as a child.

He hated school, skipped class, and played games.

Guo Yi saw it all and was frantic with worry, but he couldn’t do anything about it, so he resorted to the most primitive method.

Physical training, to force him to "get his head on straight."

The two of them chatted about this and that, covering everything under the sun, when Guo Yi’s smile suddenly vanished. He said with a serious expression,

"Old Ling, I really came here on serious business this time."

Ling Zhenkang noticed his strange demeanor, and the smile on his face also slowly faded. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"What is it? Did something happen?"

"Spit it out! We’ve known each other for decades. Are you still going to beat around the bush with me?"

Ling Zhenkang waved his hand dismissively.

He knew Guo Yi wasn’t the type to get serious for no reason. If he said it was "serious business," it had to be something big.

Ling Zhenkang poured him a cup of hot tea.

Guo Yi said with a grin,

"I want our families to become in-laws. My grandson has taken a liking to your Shanshan. How about we arrange a childhood betrothal?"

"What?!"

Ling Zhenkang’s hand trembled, and the teapot tilted sharply.

He stood frozen in place, his eyes wide as saucers.

"You... your little rascal? For my Shanshan?"

"I never mentioned that boy Guo Shangrong."

Guo Yi waved his hand.

"Don’t we have Shangyu? The boy is two years older than Shanshan, gets good grades, is handsome, has a steady personality, is polite, and has been sensible since he was little. How is he not good enough for your little princess?"

Ling Zhenkang frowned in thought, his gaze involuntarily shifting to his wife, Ding Qin, who was sitting nearby.

’Shanshan isn’t our biological granddaughter, after all. That’s always been a thorn in our side.’

’But if she could really marry into the Guo Family in the future...’

’They’re a prestigious family with strict upbringing and a powerful background.’

’Based on our families’ long-standing friendship, plus a connection through marriage... could Shanshan possibly have a bad life?’

With that one glance, the two of them came to a silent understanding.

"That idea of yours... it does sound pretty good..."

Ling Zhenkang began slowly.

Hearing this, Old Guo immediately perked up.

"Then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and call the child out so I can have a look! We’ll be one big family soon! Let me see what my future granddaughter-in-law looks like!"

"Not so fast, not so fast! I never said I’ve agreed!"

Ling Zhenkang quickly reached out to stop his old friend, pressing his palm firmly on his shoulder to push him back a bit.

Ding Qin took Shanshan’s small hand, squatted down, and gently brushed the stray hairs from her forehead.

"Grandma, what’s a ’childhood betrothal’?"

"It’s when two people agree when they’re little that they’ll get married when they grow up."

Ding Qin’s explanation was simple and clear.

Shanshan blinked her big eyes and tilted her head in thought.

"Okay! Shanshan will listen to Grandma and Grandpa!"

"Listen to Grandma and Grandpa about what?"

A voice suddenly came from behind her.