The Yi Family’s three children, Yi Junya is already studying in the county town, just starting first grade, while the other two boys stay at home, taken care of by Weng Hefeng and Pan Kexia, who also wash clothes, cook, and plant some vegetables in the flower bed in the courtyard.

Watching everyone else in the family go out to work, it’s hard not to be tempted; who doesn’t like the feeling of having money in their hands. Liu Huilan is sensible; all three sons have jobs, and the two elderly in the family also work, so their salaries are managed by themselves, only needing to hand over a part for expenses. Currently, it is Weng Hefeng who is responsible for holding the money to buy vegetables, which Pan Kexia is extremely envious of, because she can surely skim a little from it.

Yi Weiliang has already become a regular employee, his salary has doubled, and he has more tickets. Since he is not yet married, the money he hands over is the least, but he occasionally buys some snacks for the three kids, and neither of the sisters-in-law has any objections.

Ever since both in-laws started working, Pan Kexia seems to have undergone a change, becoming more honest, speaking less sour words, working diligently, and not constantly seeking benefits for her son. After a few days of being unaccustomed, Weng Hefeng found herself getting along better with her sister-in-law. She could get along harmoniously with most people, and finally, Pan Kexia became a normal person.

The Yi Family has been improving, all thanks to whom? Of course, it’s thanks to Yi Roujing. The Ding Family treats the Yi Family well because of Yi Roujing, who has now changed her name to Xu Ancheng, and her biological father is in Jing City, rumored to be a big official. The Yi Family benefits more and more from this glow, so treating Yi Roujing well is definitely the right thing to do.

Since the Yi Family moved to the city, whenever the family buys some meat or makes something delicious, they always send some over for the Ding Family to enjoy together. Plus, since Yi Roujing is pregnant, it makes perfect sense, and Li Hongying often finds it hard to refuse.

Reciprocity is key to longevity, and Li Hongying regularly reciprocates with gifts, bringing the two families closer.

After enjoying the hot pot and seeing off the Yi Family, Li Hongying shared with her family the good news that Li Honghua and her family were coming to Huaixi County, which helped Ding Anmin and the others understand why Li Hongying was so happy today. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Winter in the south is damp and cold, with winds carrying a piercing chill, making it uncomfortable.

In the south, even when it snows, it doesn’t really accumulate; it’s too thin and melts quickly on the road, unlike in the north where you might step into dozens of centimeters of snow with one step. Yet, despite this, Yi Roujing is extremely happy, as she finds snow beautiful and a bit romantic, even if the weather is so cold that it makes people shiver.

As the month turned to December, Yi Roujing donned a thick cotton coat, with layers of sweaters and thermal shirts underneath. On December 8th, as the first snowfall arrived in Huaixi County, Yi Roujing went to work at the Food Factory Staff Hospital, accompanied by Xu Ancheng.

While snow is beautiful, it makes the roads more difficult to traverse than usual. If there is ice, it’s even more likely to become slippery. Xu Ancheng was not comfortable letting Yi Roujing, with her big belly, go to work by herself, so he took on the sweet responsibility of picking her up and dropping her off every day, earning envious remarks from her colleagues at the hospital.

"No one else in this hospital has a husband like yours, Roujing, fetching and carrying for you every day, truly enviable. Those men who have jobs are all busy with their own careers; even when they have pregnant wives, there aren’t many who are attentive."

"Mother-in-laws are very important; most wouldn’t allow their sons to prioritize their wives. According to old sayings, even in the countryside, there are women who give birth right in the fields. Every woman gives birth, why should you be so specially treated?"

Pan Meixin and Ye Xiangli happened to come to the inpatient department and overheard the envious remarks from the surgery room nurses about Yi Roujing, feeling a bit sour. Pan Meixin couldn’t help but speak up.

"So, marrying a good husband and entering a good in-law family is really important," Guo Xiangxiang chimed in. "Our Roujing is beautiful and kind-hearted, with sharp eyes. She chose such a good husband and in-laws. Roujing, next time you must help us screen the guys."

"Yes, yes," the unmarried nurses smiled and agreed. "Actually, marrying into a good family is also a form of one’s blessings. Roujing must have done many good things to deserve such blessings. Those who are tormented by their mother-in-laws either haven’t done right, or are too timid and can only envy others."

Pan Meixin, angered, was breathing heavily, as she was an example of a daughter-in-law tormented by her mother-in-law.

Ye Xiangli remained silent beside her, her face slightly pale, her attention elsewhere. It wasn’t until everyone dispersed that Pan Meixin called her a few times before she returned to her senses.

"Xiangli, what’s wrong with you?" Pan Meixin asked with an unhappy expression, somewhat constrained by Ye Xiangli’s current relationship with Liao Shiqi, restrained from showing a bad face.

"Ah, Meixing, I’m fine," Ye Xiangli shook her head, maintaining her usual pitiful, doe-like demeanor. But seeing this so often made Pan Meixin feel somewhat irritated; using this trick on men might work, but why act in front of women?

"How are things going with your boyfriend? You’re both not young anymore. When are you planning to get married?" Pan Meixin inquired.

"I’ve only been seeing Shiqi for a short time, and although I’ve met Shiqi’s family, they haven’t met mine. But this New Year, Shiqi will accompany me home, and it should be settled by then," Ye Xiangli replied, lowering her head with a blush, her expression shy.

However, her drooping eyes hid the struggle and fear within her. A week ago, by chance, she encountered Liao Shiqi’s father, Liao Yongzhong. She intended to greet him, but Liao Yongzhong moved too quickly. Not wanting to miss the chance to earn favor with him, she followed, unexpectedly...

Ye Xiangli’s face turned pale, doubtful about whether she should marry into the Liao Family, and whether Liao Shiqi knew about Liao Yongzhong’s matters.

No one in the hospital noticed Ye Xiangli’s unusual behavior, not even Yi Roujing, who was naturally uninterested and wouldn’t spare attention to such matters.

After work, Xu Ancheng personally came to pick up Yi Roujing. Before heading home, they went to the Department Store since the milk powder and malted milk at home were almost finished and needed replenishing; nutrition couldn’t be neglected, especially for Yi Roujing, who had a set amount of powdered milk twice a day, and had to be watched to ensure she drank it.

Upon reaching the counter, Yi Roujing paused, recognizing a familiar face standing there, as it was Liu Molin instead of the person she encountered last time when she came to buy.

"What do you want to buy?" Liu Molin asked Yi Roujing, her expression slightly haughty.

"Three bags of milk powder, two tins of malted milk," Yi Roujing replied.

Liu Molin scrutinized Xu Ancheng, finding him unfazed and showing no displeasure at Yi Roujing’s straightforward request, a flicker of jealousy passing through her mind. It was rare for ordinary families to buy milk powder; malted milk even more so. Not only are these scarce, but they’re also luxury items. Who buys in such quantity?

"Do you have sugar coupons?" Liu Molin asked, "Milk powder is three yuan fifty cents per bag, malted milk is three yuan per tin."