At the beginning of December, she paid half a year’s rent in one go, which means the rent will last until the end of June next year, totaling six thousand yuan.

After deducting the rent, living expenses, heating fees, and other miscellaneous costs, her spending from November to early December was ten thousand yuan. She earned 16,000 yuan in November, so after expenses, she saved a total of 31,000 yuan.

In December, due to the end of the year, the programmers had to work overtime with a lot of work, so her salary for December, including part-time jobs and video income, exceeded twenty thousand yuan for the first time.

After New Year’s Day, she had already saved fifty thousand yuan in savings, and there were only a little over twenty days left until the New Year.

The New Year has to be celebrated, and even though she wouldn’t be going home, she considered this a rare opportunity, so she decided to take the opportunity to go out and see some sights with her child.

After "Xiao Nian" on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Cai Yuan was embarrassed to have Qi Qi continue staying at their house, so she gave Qi Qi a big red envelope of twenty thousand yuan all at once.

Qi Qi was stunned: "No, Sister Cai, this is too much, how could I possibly accept this?"

"This is what you deserve. You’ve been busy taking care of our family for more than half a year. Look at how well you have taken care of everything inside and out, so many people praise you. You’ve worked hard. You never ask for overtime pay during the usual days, so I’ll package it all for you at the end of the year. Of course, it also includes your salary for this month. I know your home is out of town, so I’m giving you a few days off early. Take your child and go wherever you’d like, and don’t be stingy with spending money. I wish you a happy New Year in advance."

Honestly, finding a good employer wasn’t easy, and it also wasn’t easy for them to find such a loyal and reliable nanny like her. They accommodated each other and achieved mutual success. Twenty thousand is indeed a lot, especially when her monthly salary was eight thousand yuan. At a time of underestimation, encountering such a good household was truly not easy.

This was much better than working at a hotel, restaurant, or company.

In January, over twenty days, her year-end bonus and salary added up to twenty thousand. She also earned six thousand part-time, and although the food delivery this month was relatively little, only several hundred yuan, her video platform had gained over one hundred fifty thousand followers, generating over one thousand yuan per month in income. All combined, it was nearly 28,000 yuan; subtract the daily expenses, there was 26,700 yuan left. Adding the previous 50,000 yuan, it totaled 77,000 yuan.

Before the New Year, she transferred 15,000 yuan to her father [ten thousand was to repay the debt, five thousand was for interest and the New Year’s fee. I wish you and your family a happy New Year.]

Without much sentimentality, Qi Qi saved sixty thousand yuan in financial management, keeping the remaining two thousand for her and her son’s New Year expenses.

Looking back on the past six months, despite the busyness, it was fulfilling. Although taking care of her child was challenging, she exchanged sincerity for sincerity. Not everyone around was kind, but at least no one made things difficult for them. She was grateful to have met them and also thankful for her own relentless efforts.

She hadn’t calculated exactly how much money she earned this year, but saving sixty thousand yuan was already unimaginable. In June next year, she would take the college entrance examination. If things went smoothly, she hoped to save one hundred thousand yuan in the first half of the year to cover both her and her son’s tuition and living expenses. Once enrolled in the second half of the year, she could only rely on holidays, winter and summer vacations to save money.

She had already completed her first goal; her father’s debt was repaid. Her next goal, getting into college, was imminent.

Two thousand yuan for the New Year, where could she go? She couldn’t travel far, so she chose a few nearby attractions. Anyway, as long as the mother and son were together, where they went wasn’t important. What mattered was they could eat, drink, and wander around together, improving their mood and naturally making everything better.

She started preparing New Year goods right after New Year’s Day. With more space, they didn’t even need a fridge at home; not only keeping things fresh but also saving on costs.

Ever since becoming a nanny, she remembered all the places that had cheap vegetables and which supermarkets offered discounts.

Sister Cai used to buy groceries herself initially, but after discovering the better quality and cheaper produce Qi Qi occasionally brought home, she decisively handed over the household grocery purchases to her.

By combining their usual eating and drinking, regularly visiting the market, it was easy to guess whether Qi Qi was embezzling any money.

In fact, Qi Qi’s character was well established, and they trusted her as a person, naturally learning to let go.

The mother and son traveled for three days within the province, spending seven or eight hundred yuan, playing from the 24th day of Lunar December to the 27th day. Once they returned home, they didn’t feel like going anywhere.

Wen Han walked so much that his legs hurt, despite often accompanying Qi Qi on walks. Still, it seemed he lacked exercise.

Unlike Qi Qi, who ran around every day, she not only slimmed down to 100 pounds but also became much stronger physically. The effects of sun and wind were good; she got a bit tanned after summer, but wearing thicker clothes in winter made her pale again.

They say fair-skinned people tan easily and quickly turn pale again afterward, and now it seems that’s absolutely right.

She transferred 15,000 yuan to her dad, and while the money was immediately received, the message only came two days later.

"Are you coming back for the New Year?"

"Don’t randomly post videos."

"Where are you working as a nanny now? Are you and your child okay?"

"It’s not easy for you, so don’t send money to us anymore. We’ll take the money; otherwise, your sister-in-law won’t be happy."

The words conveyed her parent’s concern, though it was directed at the original character. She, not being the original character, felt nothing.

Each year she would give three to five thousand yuan as filial piety, and beyond that, she had nothing more to say.

Her reply was just a single line: [I’m fine, no need to worry. Parents, please take care of yourselves, and I’ll visit when I have time.]

The elderly thought for a while and still sent a voice message: "Why don’t you want the compensation and child support? Are you silly? Don’t you know he’s remarried? I heard her family has some money, and they met business. Qi Qi, that’s money he should pay; don’t be foolish."

After that voice message, Qi Qi didn’t reply, knowing there was no way to explain this matter. Elaborating would only make it worse and pointless.

Those who understand her need not say anything, for they already know her thoughts. Those who don’t would think she was unappreciative, not knowing how to leave graciously, and ignorant of how belittling a man’s pride could lead to future regrets.

Her parents, being traditional rural folks, weren’t far or close by marriage, and as long as rumors spread, some people would bring them to their ears. Qi Qi knew it was human nature to gossip, and since she couldn’t change it, she wouldn’t try to. After all, the sky is high and the Emperor is far, she won’t hear or see it, and they won’t stand before her for personal attacks. As for in-laws, her son prospering was her priority, and whatever criticism and sayings about her wouldn’t scare her.

No, Qi Qi believed the day would come when she turned the tables and stood as a landlord, and then who mocked whom was still uncertain!