"Alright, I appreciate all the effort you're putting in, dear in-law."
Yang Yufen nodded. She wasn’t much of a teacher herself—back when she was raising her own children, she’d left their education to the teachers. If they misbehaved, she’d give them a good spanking. But now that it came to her grandchildren, she couldn’t bring herself to lay a hand on them.
"That child who plays well with Dabao and Erbao—his name is Wang Xing, right? Let him join too. He seems like a bright kid, and studying is always easier when children have companions."
Professor Wen thought for a moment before speaking. Yang Yufen had been wondering how to bring it up with Wang Xing’s parents, and now the matter was settled.
"My only worry is Dabao—that boy can’t sit still. He’s got quite the strength too. That chicken today? Dabao was the one who killed it."
Yang Yufen couldn’t help but think of Dabao again.
"That’s even better. Zhenghao can’t sit still either. With the younger ones around, he’ll have to set a good example. Let’s have the brothers practice military boxing together—studying and physical training can go hand in hand."
Professor Wen didn’t see it as a problem at all.
"Sounds good!"
Yang Yufen nodded in agreement.
"Then there’s no need to cook at home. I’ll come over and prepare meals for both our families. Since you’re already helping teach the kids, it’d be a waste of time going back and forth."
Mentioning money between their families would only hurt their bond.
"Then we’re in for a treat! Old Hu and the others always rave about your cooking."
"As long as you all enjoy it. I was just worried my cooking might not suit your tastes."
The two chatted and laughed until the phone rang.
It was Hu Jun. Hu Zhenghao dashed out and gave his father the most perfunctory responses.
"Behave yourself at home. Don’t go causing trouble every day."
"Got it. I—"
Hu Zhenghao had been about to say he never caused trouble, but then he remembered the unfortunate chicken from earlier—though it had been delicious.
"Did you get into trouble again?"
Hu Jun immediately sensed something was off.
"No! Stop making things up!"
Hu Zhenghao nearly bristled.
"You’d better not have. Keep up with your daily military boxing. I’ll check your progress when I get back."
With that, Hu Jun stepped aside, and Shen Xianjun took his place.
"Mom, could you make some more pickles and chili sauce for us? Even though we can’t leave, you could always deliver them."
"No time. The noodle shop’s been busy lately. Dabao, Erbao, come talk to your dad."
Yang Yufen dropped the line and handed the phone over.
Always dreaming.
Shen Xianjun shot Hu Jun a resentful look, while Hu Jun pretended to study the ceiling.
Even after the call ended, Shen Xianjun was still sulking.
"I told you to ask, but you made me do it instead."
"Who knew you’d be so unpopular? Besides, I’m not as greedy as you. It’s only three more months anyway."
Hu Jun shrugged, unbothered.
"Three months! Three months will take us straight to the end of the year!"
As the sun set, Yang Yufen brought the twins home.
"What’s wrong, Old Hu?"
Professor Wen noticed her husband’s furrowed brows as he walked in.
"Take a look at this—the journal’s out."
Dean Hu sat down heavily.
"I was waiting with Yufen for the kids’ call earlier."
Professor Wen took the journal from him.
"Submarine special high-performance data—they’ve made another move. Right after we downsized our military, this…"
Just reading the headline made her heart sink.
"Everyone was stunned when we gathered to read this today. The gap is so vast—we hadn’t even caught up to their previous tech, and now this feels impossible."
Dean Hu’s voice was thick with frustration.
The room fell silent. Hu Zhenghao peeked in, then quickly retreated.
"Old Hu…"
Professor Wen didn’t know what to say.
Dean Hu wiped his face.
"It’s fine. We can’t let them keep us pinned forever. Steel is the foundation of everything. The more advanced the weapons and equipment, the higher the quality of steel required. If we can’t catch up in a year, we’ll take five. If not five, then ten. I’m still fit to work!"
Seeing how much thinner her husband had gotten lately, Professor Wen quietly went to the kitchen to bring out their meal.
"A man is made of iron, and rice is his steel. Eat well, and you’ll have the strength to keep researching."
Only when they were lying in bed did Professor Wen speak again.
"Old Hu, education starts with the young. I think we should expand the curriculum at the nursery in our compound. We can’t just let the children play all day."
"That’s a brilliant idea. They’re the future of our nation. The higher-ups are already planning to establish a National Defense University to cultivate top-tier talent. Our children have the opportunity to learn more—we can’t let them waste it."
Though Professor Wen worked in education and Dean Hu in research, the couple always found common ground.
"I’ll give it more thought."
Professor Wen checked the time and decided not to say more. With her lighter teaching schedule now, she could start with their own children.
Gui Xiang brought her husband and son home, and Qing was overjoyed.
"Grandpa! Dad!"
"Good girl, Qing."
"Little sister!"
Ershun called Qing "little sister," but she didn’t mind.
"Stay in the yard and soak up some sun for now. It’s almost noon—we’ll open the shop soon."
Gui Xiang settled them in. Qing busied herself fetching water and snacks, even sharing the candies she’d saved with her father.
Watching this, Gui Xiang wiped away a tear discreetly, though she was smiling.
Yang Yufen arrived soon after, carrying a basket.
"You’re back—and walking on your own. That’s wonderful."
She spotted Ershun’s father moving around the yard.
"We owe it all to you, dear sister. Without your help these past days, Gui Xiang wouldn’t have made it."
"Let’s not talk like we’re strangers. Life will keep getting better."
Yang Yufen waved him off.
"Auntie!"
Ershun bounded over excitedly. Yang Yufen instinctively pulled out some candy.
"Thank you, Auntie!"
Ershun accepted it happily but didn’t eat it. Instead, he broke it in half and gave a piece to Qing.
"You shared your candy with me, so I’ll share mine with you!"
The two children played together while Ershun’s father kept an eye on them to prevent mischief.
Having worked side by side at the shop for so long, Gui Xiang and Yang Yufen moved like a well-oiled machine. They had everything ready in no time. Once the doors opened, customers streamed in.
"Auntie, if I come late, I miss out. Can’t you make more? I just love your noodles so much."
"I’d love to, but we’re short on hands these days. With the grandchildren to look after too, it’s not easy."
Yang Yufen smiled warmly, exchanging pleasantries. Once the rush started, they barely had a moment’s rest for the next two hours.
Qing even pitched in, washing dishes at one point.
Ershun helped too—though he broke one bowl, he didn’t cause any other trouble. The noon shift passed smoothly.
Watching it all, Yang Yufen wondered if they really could keep the shop open longer.
"We finished early today, thanks to Qing and Ershun handling the dishes. Saved us some work. Actually, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you."
