Yang Yufen didn’t say anything more and turned to fetch the eggs.
"Grandma needs to carry things, so hold your mother’s hand and let her take you to Grandma Wen’s place."
"I’ll just walk you over. Since you’re back, I still need to till the field for spring peanuts—I’ll get to it today."
Yang Yufen was also trying to create opportunities for Qin Nian to bond with the children. Even though they were mother and child, having been separated since birth and never spending time together, they needed time to adjust.
After Yang Yufen dropped them off, Professor Wen was indeed home. After exchanging a few words, Yang Yufen left.
"Come sit, Nian. Dabao, Erbao, come have some snacks."
"Grandma, Auntie."
The two children greeted them familiarly, having seen them often before.
"Sister, come sit. Your elder brother has been transferred back, but the military district is busy, so he won’t be home early."
"Sister-in-law, it’s been so long. It’s great that Brother’s back. How far along are you? You look quite far into your pregnancy."
"Two more months. The due date is in May. I’ve also been transferred to the military hospital here, so work is convenient now. We should get together more often."
There was no tension between Qin Nian and Sister-in-law Hu, Zhou Ang. Sister-in-law Hu was a military doctor—strong-willed and generous. She was aware of the Hu family’s original plans, but there was nothing wrong with that.
Qin Nian also maintained a respectful distance from her husband, Hu Jun, never crossing any boundaries.
"Alright."
Professor Wen watched the harmonious interaction between her daughter-in-law and Qin Nian with relief.
"You’ve lost weight. How did you get so thin?"
Professor Wen’s heart ached for her.
"Teacher’s wife, it’s alright. Even though I look thinner, I’ve actually gotten stronger. And I’ve learned so much this time. Seeing our country grow stronger fills me with immense pride and honor."
"Good!"
Dean Hu, who had just come in from outside, loudly praised Qin Nian’s words.
She was his proudest student!
"Teacher, I’m back."
Qin Nian stood up and gave Dean Hu a formal salute.
"Welcome back. Our research institute is about to get busy. I’ll give you three days to rest, but we need to finish before this year’s National Day. Do you have the confidence?"
"Yes!"
Qin Nian responded firmly.
"Good, good!"
Dean Hu laughed heartily.
"Alright, alright, don’t scare the children," Professor Wen chuckled, causing Dean Hu’s stern expression to soften into warmth.
"Oh, Dabao, Erbao, come here. Let Grandpa hold you."
"Grandpa hug! Hehehe~"
Dabao giggled, clearly unafraid, and Erbao followed suit, both nestled in Dean Hu’s arms.
"If three days isn’t enough, I’ll give you one more. Your mother-in-law has worked hard taking care of the children and managing the household. Spend some time bonding with them."
Dean Hu’s tone softened.
"It’s enough. Now that I’m at the institute, I can come home every day to see them."
Qin Nian knew exactly how demanding the task ahead would be.
"Teacher’s wife, my mother-in-law asked me to give you this."
Qin Nian handed over an envelope.
"Take it back. I wasn’t even planning to accept the money—I’ve already taken 1,500. Both houses are under your name, and she’s been tirelessly raising your children while finding ways to earn extra. She never rests."
Professor Wen refused.
"Sister, you keep it. We couldn’t attend your wedding—your brother and I were away. Mom told us about it, and we share the same sentiment as our parents."
Zhou Ang took the money from Professor Wen and pressed it back into Qin Nian’s hand. This time, Qin Nian didn’t dare refuse.
Professor Wen and Dean Hu were pleased with their daughter-in-law’s attitude. A thousand yuan meant little to them, but for an ordinary family, it was significant. Having a daughter-in-law who was both sensible and generous was a blessing.
"Besides, Aunt Yang brings eggs twice a month, and the cured fish and chicken hanging in our kitchen are from your mother-in-law. Between relatives, we shouldn’t calculate everything so precisely."
In the end, Qin Nian had no choice but to keep the money.
Dabao and Erbao were familiar with the Hu household and adored their Aunt Zhou Ang. The atmosphere was warm and joyful.
"Come over for dinner tomorrow and bring your mother-in-law. We won’t keep you tonight."
Dean Hu, reluctant to part with the children, even helped escort them back.
"Dean Hu, perfect timing—take this back with you. It’s all ready."
Yang Yufen packed up the prepared dishes, including stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured chicken—just the thing to tempt Dean Hu’s appetite. He couldn’t refuse.
"Come for dinner tomorrow," Dean Hu said before leaving with the food.
After an afternoon together, the children had fully accepted Qin Nian.
She helped them wash their hands and faces, and they obeyed without fuss.
"So good!"
Qin Nian praised them.
"Wow, Grandma! Grandma! Yummy food!"
Dabao, the first to finish washing, spotted the table full of dishes and couldn’t contain his excitement.
"Slow down. Wait for Mommy."
Yang Yufen had prepared a softer, more watery rice for the children.
Each got a chicken wing—easy to hold and gnaw on. With their bibs on, they could eat without worry.
Qin Nian looked at the spread: steamed cured fish, stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured chicken, steamed egg custard, stir-fried yam with wood ear mushrooms, sautéed greens, and the leftover chicken soup from lunch.
This was even better than their New Year’s feast—and all tailored to her tastes.
"Try this. I learned it from Aunt Wang. The yam and wood ear stir-fry is delicious—have more."
Yang Yufen served herself a portion before eating.
Qin Nian followed suit, picking up some mushrooms and then pressing into the rice—firm and compact, just like her mother-in-law’s personality.
Qin Nian couldn’t help but smile. Yang Yufen noticed but acted as if she hadn’t, casually placing a cured chicken drumstick in Qin Nian’s bowl before continuing her meal.
By the end, everyone was stuffed—especially the children, who had eaten heartily.
"Mom, take the kids out for a walk. I’ll clean up."
Qin Nian took charge of the dishes.
"Alright. If you come looking for us later, we’ll be by the big banyan tree."
Yang Yufen didn’t argue, leading the little ones outside. Once past the courtyard, the children didn’t need guidance—they knew the way to the banyan tree.
After washing the dishes, sweeping, and tidying up, Qin Nian returned to her room and opened the two property deeds her mother-in-law had given her. Sure enough, both were under her name.
Two houses for 8,500 yuan—no small sum.
Her mother-in-law had provided so much—even slipping her 300 yuan—leaving little of her late husband’s pension.
Even if Yang Yufen had savings before, they couldn’t have been much. In Qin Nian’s absence, her mother-in-law must have worked tirelessly to earn money while raising the children.
