So she hadn’t been reading books at all.
Previously, the original owner had brought quite a few books from her own home.
After all, it wasn’t convenient for her to buy new ones.
Now, as she picked them up, she realized they were all literary works—foreign classics.
The foreign language books were even annotated in delicate handwriting with a fountain pen, the notes meticulous.
As Si Nian read, a strange memory suddenly surfaced in her mind.
She was lost in thought for a long while until the voice of the Second Child snapped her out of it.
"Mom, what kind of book is this?"
The Second Child held his completed homework, something he had made a daily habit of lately.
Finish his homework, have Mom check it, and then receive praise.
Never before had he felt that doing homework could bring such joy.
But today, he was curious because the book in Mom’s hands looked so strange—filled with combinations of "a-b-c-d" that he couldn’t understand no matter how hard he tried.
Mom had been staring at it in a daze—was it a very important book to her?
The Second Child couldn’t help but peek a few more times, though the dense letters made his eyes ache.
So he asked curiously.
Si Nian snapped back to reality, her expression slightly dazed.
Now she finally understood why the original owner had so many foreign books.
Turns out, the original owner’s dream had been to study abroad.
She had been an outstanding student, and given her qualifications, studying overseas wouldn’t have been difficult.
In those days, going abroad was no easy feat—it required not just money but also talent and rigorous screening.
Yet the original owner had met all the criteria, only to lose her chance because of her engagement to Fu Yang.
For him, she had given up not just her academic pursuits but also her dream of studying abroad.
Who would have thought it would lead to such an outcome?
No wonder she had taken her own life.
Everyone assumed she had killed herself because she couldn’t bear to leave the Si Family, clinging desperately to stay.
But after reading the notes just now, Si Nian realized that the original owner had been utterly heartbroken—she truly hadn’t wanted to live anymore.
To abandon everything for love, only to be abandoned by love in return—who could endure that?
Si Nian sighed.
The original owner’s feelings for Fu Yang had indeed been deep enough to evoke pity.
It was just a shame she had loved the wrong person.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have met such a tragic end.
She refocused and noticed the Second Child’s curious gaze, then looked back at the book.
Only then did she remember that English wasn’t taught in rural areas yet—only in towns and cities was it given slight importance.
Not just the Second Child, but even the Eldest Child probably hadn’t been exposed to it.
They’d likely have to wait until middle school, when they attended classes in town, to start learning.
That was also why city kids found it easier—they were introduced to it much earlier.
Si Nian, having majored in linguistics herself, knew just how crucial it was.
And the best time to learn a language was during childhood.
She closed the book and asked, "Do you want to learn, Zehan?"
Zhou Zehan’s eyes immediately sparkled as he nodded vigorously. "Yes!"
If Mom could understand something so strange, she must be amazing.
Once he learned it, he’d be just as incredible as her.
"Then when I have time, I’ll teach you and your brother. For now, it’s getting late—I’ll start dinner. You go play with your sister."
Zhou Zehan nodded excitedly. "Yay! Time to play with Yaoyao!"
Si Nian went downstairs to prepare dinner. Just as she finished washing the rice, there was a knock at the door.
Zhu Yun stood at the Zhou Family’s doorstep, clutching a bamboo basket, her expression uneasy as she looked at Si Nian.
"Sister Zhu, what brings you here?"
Zhu Yun awkwardly replied, "I’m sorry, Sister Si Nian. About what happened with my family last time… I caused you trouble. This is just a few eggs I saved up—not much, but please take them for the kids."
She handed the basket to Si Nian.
Si Nian glanced at the eggs inside and raised an eyebrow.
"To be honest, I never intended to help you," she said bluntly.
Zhu Yun froze.
Then Si Nian continued, "I’m someone who avoids trouble. I didn’t plan on speaking up for you."
Zhu Yun’s face flushed with embarrassment.
"Then… why did you…?"
"Because of Zhang Qian. I was about to leave, but she dragged me into it. I couldn’t stand her disgusting attitude, so I stepped in."
"So you don’t need to thank me or give me anything. It was just mutual benefit."
Zhu Yun whispered, "Regardless… if you hadn’t spoken up for me, I… I wouldn’t have known what to do…" Her eyes reddened as she lowered her head.
"You got lucky this time—I could explain things for you. But you must realize someone is clearly targeting you. I can help once, but not forever. Some things only you can resolve."
Si Nian’s tone was calm but firm.
Zhu Yun’s lips trembled, her face pale.
Si Nian knew she understood.
But some things weren’t as simple as wanting to change.
Without walking in someone else’s shoes, she couldn’t fully grasp their struggles.
Yet if one didn’t even try to fight for themselves, they’d be trampled underfoot forever.
Si Nian didn’t accept the eggs.
Zhu Yun left, her spirit broken.
Just when Si Nian thought the matter was over, Madam Zhang showed up the next day.
She, too, carried a basket of eggs, smiling warmly at Si Nian.
"Ah, Mrs. Zhou, about that incident with my daughter-in-law and you—I misunderstood. Please don’t take it to heart. This old woman is here to sincerely apologize."
She had heard that several people had recently come to Si Nian to learn pastry-making.
When her daughter-in-law visited yesterday, Madam Zhang hadn’t stopped her, hoping she’d bring up learning the recipes.
Yet even after offering eggs, she hadn’t succeeded.
Madam Zhang assumed Si Nian still held a grudge, so she decided to come personally.
Si Nian smiled. "Auntie, you’re here to apologize? That’s really not necessary."
"Why not? No need to stand on ceremony—it’s only right!"
She pretended to offer the basket, expecting Si Nian to politely refuse in front of the onlookers.
But to her shock, Si Nian immediately took it.
Madam Zhang was stunned.
Si Nian sighed as if reluctantly giving in. "Well, since you’re so sincere, it’d be rude to refuse. I accept your apology. You’re truly kind, Auntie."
Madam Zhang: "The mung bean cakes—"
Si Nian: "Oh, let’s just forget about the mung bean cakes. Everyone knows it wasn’t intentional. Don’t worry about it."
Madam Zhang: "I meant… learning—"
Si Nian: "Ah, I know! You’re worried Sister Zhu’s pastry lessons will interfere with housework, right? Don’t fret—I’ve already told her not to trouble herself with it anymore. You can rest easy."
Madam Zhang: "…"
After the wedding, Zhou Yueshen returned to his usual busy schedule.
He came home late at night, and only in the deep hours could his presence be faintly sensed.
Si Nian found herself with some free time at home and decided to teach the two children English. She thought of making a trip to the city to buy a few basic English books for them to study.
She hopped on her bicycle, taking Yaoyao along for the ride into town. The bicycle could only take them as far as the local town, where they would then catch a bus to the city. Their destination was the primary school library.
This was one of the few foreign-language primary schools in their area. Back in her childhood, the Si Family had spent a considerable amount of money to enroll her here—mostly for the sake of appearances.
Today, the school seemed to be hosting some kind of ceremony. Banners were strung up, and the atmosphere was lively.
Just as Si Nian led the child closer, someone called out to her.
"Si Nian!"
