Looking around at all the little additions to the house, Qin Nian felt a warmth in her heart.
"Mom, let the kids sleep with me tonight," Qin Nian said to Yang Yufen after bathing the two children.
"Sure. They can bring their little pillows—they’ve been wanting to sleep in that room for a while now."
Qin Nian had thought the children would only need their pillows, but when she saw her mother-in-law laying out small blankets and preparing water, she was puzzled at first.
In the middle of the night, one of the children suddenly began fussing. Qin Nian groggily opened her eyes, thinking the child was uncomfortable, and reached out to soothe them. Just then, there was a soft knock at the door.
"Nian, they probably need to pee. Let me take them," Yang Yufen said.
"Okay, Mom, come in."
Qin Nian sat up quickly and turned on the light.
Yang Yufen came in, swiftly picked up the younger child, and took them out to relieve themselves. After bringing them back, she gave them a little water to drink, and the child settled down immediately.
Qin Nian sighed in relief, then noticed the older child had kicked off the blanket. She reached out to cover them again.
"Wait—this little one’s wet again. Let me change him. The kids are still young, so they often need to go at night. The younger one fusses, while the older one sleeps like a log. If I don’t act fast, he’ll wet himself. But if the younger one doesn’t fuss, the older one usually stays dry."
As she spoke, Yang Yufen deftly removed the damp bedding and put fresh pants on the child.
"Go back to sleep."
Yang Yufen tiptoed out, and Qin Nian turned off the light.
She gently stroked the children’s heads, lost in thought.
The next morning, Qin Nian woke to find the children still asleep. Remembering the wet bedding from the night before, she got up.
"You’re awake. The porridge is still simmering—it’ll be ready once you’ve washed up," Yang Yufen said as she hung the freshly washed bedding on the bamboo pole to dry.
"Mom, I need to go out today. I’ll be back by noon," Qin Nian suddenly announced.
"Alright. I’ve covered the bicycle, and I bought that tricycle from Aunt Wang—it’s been useful lately."
"Got it, Mom."
After washing up and eating, the children woke up. Yang Yufen set out bowls of cooled porridge on the small table, and the kids began eating eagerly.
A bowl of vegetable porridge and half a bottle of warm milk—everything was just the right temperature. Yang Yufen handled it all effortlessly, as if it were second nature.
Qin Nian kissed the children goodbye and rode off on the bicycle.
"Professor."
"Nian? What brings you here? I thought you were resting at home."
Dean Hu looked surprised to see Qin Nian.
"Professor, since I’ve been promoted, can I apply for a bigger place? My mother-in-law shouldn’t have to keep sleeping in the main room without her own space. And as the kids grow, they’ll need more room too. It’d be more convenient in the residential compound."
"Oh, of course! I hadn’t even thought of that. It’s not right for your mother-in-law to stay in the living area. I’ll stamp this for you—just fill out the application and take it to the logistics office."
"Thank you, Professor."
Qin Nian sat in Dean Hu’s office to complete the form, then took it to logistics.
"There are only two standalone courtyards left to choose from. Most people prefer the apartment buildings, so you’re lucky there are any available at all," said Yi Aiguo, who personally assisted her.
Qin Nian reviewed the options and picked the one near Aunt Wang’s place. Though it was in the corner, she knew her mother-in-law would love it.
"All set. Let the security team know if you need help moving."
"Thank you, Director Yi."
Qin Nian was thrilled. The courtyard had three rooms, a main hall, and a kitchen, with both front and back yards. Being in the corner, it even had more open space than Aunt Wang’s—perfect for planting.
Instead of heading straight home, Qin Nian rode to the department store.
She had some special reward coupons to spend.
After picking out what she wanted, she realized she didn’t have enough cash, so she stopped by the credit union with her savings book. Rushing back, she made it home just in time for lunch.
"Mom, we’re moving!" Qin Nian announced the moment she stepped inside.
"Moving? Where?" Yang Yufen had just finished cooking.
"I got a promotion, and with two kids now, we qualified for a bigger place. The paperwork’s approved—we’re moving next to Aunt Wang. You two can chat even more easily, just by calling out."
Qin Nian handed the approval slip to Yang Yufen with a smile.
Yang Yufen wiped her hands before taking it.
She couldn’t read much, but she recognized the official stamp.
"I know that place! It’s much bigger than here. Oh, Nian, you’re amazing! I’m so lucky to have you—now I get to live in a grand house!"
She showered Qin Nian with praise until Qin Nian blushed.
"Mom, after lunch, let’s take the kids to clean up the new place. I’ll ask security to help move the furniture this afternoon."
"Of course, of course! You eat first. I’ll go tell Aunt Liu—I’ll miss her when we move."
Yang Yufen was so excited she skipped lunch and went straight to share the news.
"Sister Liu, eating already? My, your boys have grown so tall!"
"Sister Yang, have you eaten? Come join us. Where are the little ones? With Nian back, you’ve got more free time—rare to see you drop by just to chat!"
Aunt Liu quickly invited her in.
"No, no, I’ve got food at home. It’s just—Nian’s back, and they’ve given us a bigger place next to Sister Wang. We’re moving this afternoon, and I realized how much I’ll miss you."
"That’s wonderful! It’s not far at all. Once the kids are at school, I’ll come help."
"Perfect! We’re having dinner at Nian’s professor’s place tonight, but once we’re settled, we’ll all eat together."
"Deal!"
Yang Yufen only shared the news with her closest friend, avoiding the usual gossip spot under the banyan tree. But once the move started, everyone would know anyway.
She loaded the cleaning supplies onto the tricycle while Qin Nian brought out the children’s stroller, settling the kids inside. The family of four made their leisurely way to the new home.
"Sister Wang!"
One shout was all it took.
"Nian’s back? How wonderful—the family’s together again! My little darlings, did you miss Granny Wang?"
"Granny Wang!"
The children, already out of the stroller, ran straight to her.
"Aunt Wang, we’re neighbors now," Qin Nian said warmly.
