"The household registrations for me and the two kids are all under my name."
Qin Nian spoke, and Shen Xianjun felt as if the sky had collapsed. So, the entire family had their own registrations, leaving him as the only one alone—when had he become a solitary figure? All these years, not a single person had told him!
Shen Xianjun shot an accusatory look at his mother.
"You never asked. Besides, it’s all your own fault. You should reflect on yourself. Alright, I need to go sort through some clothes—tomorrow, I’m going to the Summer Palace with your mother-in-law."
Yang Yufen left the couple behind and went inside.
"Xianjun, Mom misses home. Let’s accompany her back to visit the graves. Can you check if we’re allowed to leave?"
Qin Nian wasn’t thinking about anything else now. She hoped her mother-in-law would stay, but if it was just a trip to pay respects, it wouldn’t affect her much. However, she knew the authorities took such matters seriously—they couldn’t act without permission and needed to apply.
"Alright, I’ll submit a report later."
Shen Xianjun didn’t think much of his mother missing home or wanting to visit his father’s grave.
"Xianjun, does Mom have any other family?"
Qin Nian suddenly realized how little she knew about her mother-in-law’s past.
"No. The closest relatives we have are Aunt Guixiang’s family and the village chief’s household."
"So, Mom raised you all by herself?"
"Yeah. Ever since I can remember, I’ve never met any of her side of the family. They say a snowstorm collapsed their house, and everyone was gone."
After saying this, Shen Xianjun fell silent.
Something he had never paid attention to before, now brought up by his wife, made him realize just how hard his mother had worked to raise him. His grandmother had been harsh on his mother, but because he was a son, his grandmother doted on him. Back then, he’d only felt annoyance and confusion.
Instinctively, he had avoided trouble, while his mother had always stood tall, bearing everything without ever complaining to him.
The couple remained silent for a long time, until the children returned.
Qin Nian tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Shen Xianjun sat up and turned on the light.
"What’s wrong?"
Perhaps because he also had something on his mind, Shen Xianjun hadn’t been sleeping deeply either. Sensing Qin Nian’s restlessness, he decided to sit up.
Qin Nian sat up as well, looking at Shen Xianjun for a long moment before suddenly speaking.
"Where’s all your military allowance over the years?"
"Huh? My allowance? I gave it to Mom. Do you need money? I’ll go ask her for it."
During the day, Shen Xianjun was only responsible for Qin Nian’s safety and hadn’t inquired about what she and Fan Juan had been up to.
"You don’t have any on you?"
Qin Nian frowned slightly.
Shen Xianjun hesitated, then got up and rummaged through the wardrobe. After a moment, he turned and handed her the money.
"This is all I have—106 yuan and 50 cents. This month’s allowance is already with Mom. If you need it, take this. I’ll keep the 6 yuan and 50 cents."
This was all he had managed to save over time.
Qin Nian stared at the scattered bills and change in surprise.
"Actually… you can keep it."
She pushed the money back.
"You asked, and I don’t really have any expenses. If I’m short, I’ll just ask Mom. Ever since I came back, I’ve given all my allowance to her—I haven’t hidden any. She’s been taking care of the kids for us, after all. I understand that."
Shen Xianjun only took the 6 yuan and 50 cents.
After a moment’s thought, Qin Nian took an extra 10 yuan from the pile.
"I’ll take these 90 yuan. Don’t mention the money to Mom."
She had initially decided not to take any, but Yang Yufen’s words came back to her, so she ended up keeping the 90 yuan.
After taking the money, Qin Nian lay down and soon fell asleep. Shen Xianjun, however, was left dumbfounded—now he couldn’t sleep. The remaining 16 yuan and 50 cents had to last him until next month, and his mother hadn’t given him any grocery money!
He hadn’t thought of that earlier.
But he’d already given the money to his wife. What kind of man would he be if he asked for it back now? He’d lose face! And he even had to be grateful she’d left him an extra 10 yuan.
The next morning, Professor Wen arrived. Yang Yufen was dressed in the clothes Qin Nian had bought her earlier, carrying a basket, and the two set off together.
"Everyone here? The garden tour today is quite crowded—not just our school organized it, other workplaces did too."
"It’s so lively. Let me check… everyone’s here."
Professor Wen looked around. Those who had said they’d come were all present, some carrying bags, others baskets like Yang Yufen.
Meanwhile, Qin Nian and Shen Xianjun were at home with the kids, who were heading to the children’s palace later, though not so early.
"Dad, money."
Dabao blinked his big eyes and held out his hand to Shen Xianjun.
"What money?"
Shen Xianjun was momentarily confused.
"We’re not coming back for lunch—we’ll eat out. Plus, bus fare, and it’s hot, so money for popsicles."
Dabao counted on his fingers. Shen Xianjun reached into his pocket, checked his remaining cash, and pulled out two yuan.
"50 cents each. Zhenghao, you hold onto it."
His 16 yuan and 50 cents became 14 yuan and 50 cents.
"I’ll pack some snacks for you."
Seeing Dabao about to say more, Shen Xianjun quickly pocketed the rest of his money, went to the backyard to pick tomatoes and cucumbers, and filled his military canteen with water.
"Alright, kids shouldn’t be wasteful. Be frugal. Go on now, or you’ll miss the bus."
Shen Xianjun went to submit his report, while Qin Nian stayed home, continuing to jot down the ideas in her head. But it was still too slow, so she headed to the research institute to see her teacher.
"Professor, I’ve arranged for someone to bring me a computer from overseas. Can I apply for an internet connection at home? It’ll speed things up."
"Of course. But we have our own computers—why get one from overseas? That’ll take at least half a month, and it’ll cost a lot. Do you have enough money?"
Dean Hu handed her an application form.
"Don’t worry, Professor. I have the funds. Our own computers are behind in technology, so when the new one arrives, you and the team can take a look at it too."
Qin Nian explained.
The computer wasn’t cheap—getting it through customs and pulling strings would cost as much as a house. But she really needed it. Between this and the other lab equipment, half the money in her account was already gone. Even someone as dedicated to research as Qin Nian had to admit—money mattered. A lot.
"Professor, Xianjun and I are planning to visit his hometown. Since we got married, my mother-in-law came from the countryside to take care of me and the kids—it’s been six years, and she hasn’t gone back. But don’t worry, I won’t delay my work for too long."
Meanwhile, Shen Xianjun had also reported the situation. After Hu Jun submitted the request up the chain, approval was granted. Hu Jun arranged for a car and assigned Liao Yuanjie to accompany Shen Xianjun—both of them knew how to drive.
