Gui Xiang did not publicize her niece's tragic experiences. Though Boss Qian had only managed to gather limited information, his life experience at his age allowed him to deduce much of it.
Boss Qian noticed that Lianxiang had a deep fondness for children and a strong thirst for knowledge. Using his daughter as a bridge to get closer, he began showcasing his own intellect, actively seeking out newspaper articles he thought might interest Lianxiang and explaining them to her in detail.
Over the course of half a year, Lianxiang gradually let down her guard. Her affection for Qian Jiabao also made it impossible for her not to feel moved.
She could never have children of her own in this lifetime, but the little girl’s dependence on her gave Lianxiang the sensation of being a mother.
Gui Xiang could see Lianxiang’s growing attachment and encouraged her to step forward and give it a try. She even took out the wages Lianxiang had saved with her over the years, adding some of her own money to prepare a dowry for Lianxiang.
"I’m free the day after tomorrow—I have three days off."
Shen Xianjun nodded.
"Good, good! The whole family should come then. Your mother already knows about it."
Gui Xiang saw Shen Xianjun off with a smile. Lianxiang was to be married in a few days, and Gui Xiang no longer let her help with chores. But Lianxiang insisted on working as usual.
"Researcher Qin, there was a call earlier—your wife asked you to come home for dinner tonight."
Qin Nian stepped out of the lab and immediately checked his watch upon hearing this. It was already eight o’clock. Without bothering to eat, he packed up and hurried home.
"Dad, can we still go to the military base this year?"
Li Wu stared at Shen Xianjun with hopeful eyes. Li Wen and Wang Xing were reading—they had already finished their homework.
As soon as they returned to Grandma Wen’s house after school, they saw Shen Xianjun waiting for them.
"That depends on your uncle’s arrangements. I only have three days off, and tomorrow I plan to take you to pick up your grandmother."
Shen Xianjun saw no reason to hide things from the children. They were already growing up, attending school—some things should be discussed openly.
"To Grandma’s orchard? That’s great!"
Though he didn’t get the answer he wanted about the military base, Li Wu was instantly cheered up at the thought of visiting the orchard.
Even though Grandma came home on weekends, they had never been to the orchard before.
Li Wen and Wang Xing were also excited. Though the compound and the youth center were fun, they had been there many times before. The orchard, unexplored, held a strong allure for them.
As soon as Qin Nian arrived home, he heard the children’s excited voices.
"You’re back. Let me get you some food—I didn’t know you’d be home so late. Even if you’ve eaten, have a little more."
Shen Xianjun stood up with a smile when he saw Qin Nian.
"Alright."
Qin Nian nodded.
"Mom, Dad said he’s taking us to Grandma’s orchard tomorrow!"
Li Wu was the first to speak, chattering excitedly about how much he wanted to go.
"Mom, I have some questions I want to ask you."
Li Wen pushed his brother aside—his older brother talked too much. With only an hour left before bedtime, he had many questions for his mother.
Li Wu didn’t mind. He just wanted to share his happiness and had no interest in his brother’s academic questions, so he happily gave up his spot.
Wang Xing checked the time and waited for Li Wen to finish his questions before pulling both Li Wen and Li Wu back to their room.
After Qin Nian finished washing up, Shen Xianjun had already tidied the house.
"There’s something I want to discuss with you."
"There’s something I need to tell you."
They spoke at the same time.
"You go first. It’s so late—let me dry your hair for you."
Shen Xianjun quickly grabbed a dry towel and began helping Qin Nian.
Qin Nian let himself be guided to sit down, surrendering to Shen Xianjun’s care.
"Here’s the thing—my advisor mentioned that Li Wen is doing very well in school and could skip a grade. Keeping him in a lower grade might hold him back. But I’m worried that if Li Wen skips a grade, it might affect Li Wu. I wanted to know what you think."
Qin Nian explained the situation while Shen Xianjun continued drying his hair.
"What’s there to think about? If Li Wen is excelling, skipping a grade is a good thing. But we should also ask the kids themselves. Hmm, your hair’s almost dry. They’re definitely still awake—I’ll call them over."
Shen Xianjun handed the towel back to Qin Nian and turned toward the door, calling out without hesitation.
"Come here—your mom and I have something to discuss with you."
Li Wen and Li Wu, who hadn’t yet fallen asleep, were puzzled but quickly came over.
Wang Xing lingered curiously at the door, and Shen Xianjun left it open.
"..."
Qin Nian was momentarily speechless at Shen Xianjun’s abruptness.
"Mom, what’s the matter?"
Li Wen looked at Qin Nian as he spoke.
"Well, your grandmother mentioned that you’re doing very well in school. Your teacher suggested you skip a grade. But since you and Li Wu have always been together, Mom wants to hear your thoughts."
Qin Nian tossed the towel back at Shen Xianjun—this man really gave her no time to prepare.
Shen Xianjun caught the towel and continued drying Qin Nian’s hair.
"At most, I can only skip one grade."
Li Wen frowned as he answered—clearly, his teacher had already discussed the possibility with him.
Li Wu reacted as if facing a crisis. "I don’t want to skip a grade! I’ll take my time. Let my brother skip ahead. Li Wen, don’t you want to be in the same class as Wang Xing? Skip ahead and join him. Then I’ll be first in my class!"
Li Wu’s words earned him a look of disdain from his younger brother. How could his brother say such a thing?
"I think my brother should skip one grade. Otherwise, he’ll just keep playing around. Or—how about this? I’ll tutor him during the break so we can skip together."
Li Wen’s suggestion made Li Wu’s eyes widen in shock.
"I’m your own brother! How could you betray me like this?"
"You are my brother. If I skip a grade and join Wang Xing’s class, I’ll be two grades ahead of you. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing for you?"
Li Wen didn’t hold back.
Li Wu rubbed his nose. "Why would I be embarrassed? I can brag to my classmates about having such a smart little brother. Who wouldn’t envy me?"
As he spoke, Li Wu suddenly felt a sense of pride—it sounded pretty cool!
Even Wang Xing, listening from outside, was taken aback.
"No. You have to skip at least one grade, or I won’t play with you."
Li Wen’s ultimatum left Shen Xianjun confused. These kids weren’t reacting the way he expected.
"You can’t do that!"
Li Wu was horrified. His little brother was threatening to cut him off—was that even allowed?
"So, are you skipping or not?"
Li Wen pressed.
"Fine, I’ll skip. But only one grade. And you can’t force me again, or... or I won’t play with you either!"
After a long pause, Li Wu could only think of the same threat in return.
"No. If I skip another grade later, what then? You can’t fall too far behind me. Otherwise... otherwise, you’ll be the little brother, and I’ll be the older one!"
Li Wen thought for a moment before delivering the decisive blow, striking right at Li Wu’s weak spot.
