Their son had been a handful even in the womb, and after he was born, he became even more of a troublemaker. In the military compound, he was practically a little tyrant, daring to do anything under the sun.
The problem was, both parents were busy, and the boy would come home covered in dirt every day, too restless to even sit still during meals. Hu Jun had to discipline him often to correct his behavior, even taking him along for drills since he was four.
Now seven years old, he might appear well-behaved at home, but the moment he stepped outside, he reverted to his old ways.
Seven years had passed without another pregnancy, and they had given up hope—until they were transferred back and suddenly found out they were expecting again.
Both husband and wife prayed this child would be a daughter, but it seemed that wish wouldn’t come true.
Zhou Ang, being a doctor herself, could tell during the check-up.
"Tomorrow is the twins' birthday, but we’re both busy with work. Here are the gifts Hu Jun and I prepared for them."
Professor Wen took out two small golden locks.
Since they were for the children, Yang Yufen couldn’t refuse, though it suddenly reminded her of something she’d forgotten.
"Big Bao, Little Bao, hurry up and thank Grandma and Grandpa," Yang Yufen prompted the children.
"Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!"
The golden locks were hung around their necks, and the twins were fascinated, fiddling with them excitedly.
Yang Yufen tensed for a moment, afraid they might break, only to realize the locks were solid gold.
"Your uncle and I also prepared red envelopes—one for each of you."
Zhou Ang took out two red packets and handed one to each child.
Since she and her husband were too busy to pick out gifts, cash was the most practical option.
"Thank you, Auntie and Uncle!"
This time, without being prompted, Little Bao spoke up first, and Big Bao followed suit.
"Wow! Why didn’t anyone tell me it was my brothers’ birthday?!"
Hu Zhenghao widened his eyes in protest, then jumped up and dashed into his room. After a loud commotion of rummaging, he ran back out holding something.
"Here, little brothers! These are my treasured possessions—tanks made from bullet casings! Heh, good thing I had two. I’m giving them to you as birthday presents! These are my trophies!"
Hu Zhenghao grinned triumphantly as his little brothers excitedly accepted his gifts, even abandoning their red envelopes. Clearly, his presents were the best!
Zhou Ang couldn’t help but laugh at her son’s smug expression.
"Mom, what’s so funny? My gifts are way better than yours! Look how much they love them!"
"Have you finished your homework?"
Hu Jun’s single sentence instantly wiped the smugness off Hu Zhenghao’s face, his lips drooping into a pout.
His dad really knew how to ruin the moment. Why bring up that cursed homework at a time like this?
Worst of all, he hadn’t even started. Grumbling, he reluctantly pulled out his homework, casting longing glances as his brothers left.
The twins played with their new tank toys in bed after their bath, while Yang Yufen dug something out from a chest.
"Nian, I found these while cleaning out the old house. They must belong to your family—keep them safe. They look like heirlooms."
Qin Nian took the items and opened them, tears welling up instantly.
"Mom, where did you find these?"
Inside were a string of deep green beads, a jade ring, and two bracelets.
"These were my grandmother’s, passed down to my mother. I’d seen them once, but Mom never wore them. After the turmoil, I thought they were lost forever."
"Then you should keep them carefully."
The string of beads had 108 pieces, each a rich green and sizable enough to loop around the neck several times.
"Mom, this bracelet is for you. It’ll suit you."
Qin Nian took out one of the round bracelets.
"How could I wear something like this? I’m always working—if it got chipped, I’d be heartbroken. You keep it. Wear it yourself, and when you’re done, pass it on to your daughter-in-law someday."
Yang Yufen refused outright.
Seeing her mother-in-law wouldn’t accept it, Qin Nian could only put it away.
The family heirlooms hadn’t been lost after all. Through all the years and countless occupants, they’d remained hidden—only to be found by her mother-in-law and returned to her.
The next day
With the recent move, there was a lot to organize, especially the vegetable garden—it wouldn’t wait.
The children now slept with Qin Nian, who could handle their nighttime needs without Yang Yufen’s help.
"You don’t need to plant grapes here. Our homes are so close now—just come pick from ours when you want some. Why not plant some honeysuckle instead? It’s good for tea, looks nice, and provides shade. I’ve got extra vegetable seedlings—I’ll dig some up for you."
"Sounds good. Honeysuckle is useful. I’ll plant mint around here too—it repels mosquitoes. The kids will need that in summer."
"Perfect. I’ll bring some over. That stuff grows like weeds—stick it anywhere, and it’ll spread fast."
In the yard, Yang Yufen and Aunt Wang chatted cheerfully as they planned the garden layout.
"Mom, Aunt Wang, I’m heading out for a bit. I’ll be back soon."
Qin Nian stepped out of the house.
"Alright, take care."
Yang Yufen didn’t ask where she was going. It was Sunday, and Yaoyao had no classes. Her homework was already done, and she was happily playing with the twins.
At the Hu household, Hu Zhenghao was in despair. Why? Why did teachers assign so much homework?! His hand was cramping, and all he wanted was to go play with his little brothers!
A truck pulled up at the compound’s main gate.
"Over here."
Qin Nian signaled, and the driver followed her into the compound on her bicycle.
The sight of a bicycle leading a truck drew quite a crowd, with curious onlookers trailing behind.
"Mom!"
Big Bao looked up at the noise and spotted Qin Nian immediately, running toward her with a shout.
Qin Nian stopped, propped her bike against the side, and guided the child to safety.
"Big truck!"
Both twins pointed excitedly, while Yaoyao watched curiously from the sidelines.
"Yes, a big truck. Play with your sister for now, okay? Here’s a candy for each of you—Yaoyao too. Yaoyao, can you help watch them for me?"
"Sure! Thanks, Auntie Qin."
Yaoyao pocketed her candy and led the twins into their yard.
"Mom!"
Qin Nian called out. Yang Yufen and Aunt Wang, who had been in the backyard, hurried over.
"Right here—unload everything here."
Once they arrived, Qin Nian directed the movers.
The driver and his assistant hopped down and started unloading.
"What’s going on, Nian?"
Yang Yufen stepped out to see the truck parked at the gate.
"Mom, I bought a TV and a washing machine. I had the vouchers from my bonus, and with the money saved up, I thought it was time. Now you can just toss the laundry in the machine—no more hard labor."
